A Joker For A King

[seraph]

[ Open to Akito Only ]

Why was he here? For one who lacked a heart, it was impossible to be driven by emotion. Simple logic didn't make his fingers call forth the darkness to whisk him off his feet to this place. If the Gambler wished to encounter one of the Organization, if any of them still lived, would be to head to their quarters. Then again here would count as a secondary base, or at least it was intended to be before that 'incident'. Whatever had happened in these crystal white halls had yet to be discovered by Luxord. He did know that the events here set this drama into motion, the opening scene of you would.

Arriving in the foyer, he felt no particular presence around. The bronze and jade castle stood perplexed as a silent guardian amongst this in between realm. Five. Five comrades in arms had met their supposed ends here, all at the hands of the hero of light and dawn. Or so the official story was. Summoning a card in front of him, he was a little confused at its shape. Instead of being perfectly rectangular it was pointed at one end, like a crown. However in response to this he conveyed a sinister smirk. "For that is the way in Castle Oblivion" he muttered to himself as he repeated what a former comrade had mentioned to him.

After learning from the only survivor of the 'incident' revealed that this place was governed by cards, Luxord felt a little cheated. He should have been the lord, not that fancy man who loved the mirror more than his garden. If he could feel anything right now it would be frustration, but it was not meant to be. Dissipating the card in a cloud of grey, accompanied by white and black jagged swirls it disappeared from sight. Folding his arms his thoughts returned to the reasons as to why he had come to this eerie place. After several moments of pondering he came to the conclusion that fate had pulled him to this place, a move in its greatest of games.

If this moment was a game of poker, Luxord would indeed be playing the Joker card. Something that had been bugging him within the few minutes he had loitered in this place, was the design. White floral spreads were everywhere, a constant reminder to the man who most of the elder members of the Organization despised simply because they mistrusted him. The Gambler knew after learning of his demise that the Superior had ordered the weaker members that he didn't need in order to expose the rebellious nature of the Assassin and his Nymph. Being a more intellectual than a combatant, it didn't take long until he had pieced together than Axel was a fundamental part of this incident, and held the truth behind its meaning and methods. Then again, none of this mattered anymore. Luxord simply needed to find his stolen hand so he could embrace the game fully once more. How an interruption would serve right about now.

[Akito]

"To lose and claim anew, or to claim anew only to lose...”

Approaching steps from the door way, slowly revealed the presence of the Dread Lord of this castle. Adorned on his figure was the old Organization cloak, his face without a hood nor any signs of expression as he repeated the same lines he had to Sora. His last and most troublesome of guests.

They called him Marluxia, the Graceful Assassin; Number XI. They called him the Neophyte, they called him the traitor. They can call him whatever they wished. There was only one thing he would never betray, one thing he could never turn aside. His dream of utopia, it haunted him and it drove him forward.

Standing but a few feet before Luxord, the Graceful Assassin bowed slightly and gave a benevolent smile.

"Welcome to my castle, Luxord, it is good to see you alive,"

[seraph]

No sign of shock or simple awe spread upon his chiseled features. He simply didn't have the capacity to feel these labeled emotions. Perhaps it was the pair of them hadn't conversed multiple times in their former lives. Or maybe Luxord like most of the order of nothing didn't trust the man, why he ignored his words at first. As his first sentence reached his ears, the Gambler did nothing but stand still, not in rigid form but more of a casual daze. A devious smirk spread on his face for a second time as the Assassin continued his words, each letter flowing from his tongue as graceful as his sweeping of his hair. Oh how he loved that lavish tone of follicles.

Bowing his head in a similar way to Marluxia, the blonde Nobody took a few steps forward folding his arms in a comfortable manner as he took a few strides. "Alive is only a matter of perspective, Marluxia" he replied in a cold manner, his smirk deepening its menace facade. "I too, am delighted to see that you survived our...untimely demise" he continued with each word hiding a deeper, sinister tone. Luxord was incapable of feeling such things, but this kind of talk was norm for a Nobody of his stature and intellect.

Taking a few steps to the side of the Assassin, his gaze seemed to pierce the azure walls, staring blankly into nothingness. Soon thereafter however his focus was interrupted by himself and he turned rather slowly toward the comrade in arms. "Considering that this is your castle, one can only surmise that you have a hand or two concerning the knowledge of such a disastrous ordeal?" he finished in a questioning manner. If his stature and abilities allowed, this is where the card wielder would be adopting a threatening tone. Yet his heart shaped void failed him in this respect spewing forth a cold and soulless sentence.

[Akito]

The Castle lord chuckled, for a man so often thought a gentleman do break courtesy by speaking in that tone when he is a guest in another's abode? Unthinkable. But to their roots, Nobodies were contradictory beings. In truth, Marluxia did not mind Luxord's threatening demeanor, feigned as it was. It wasn't merely because he was incapable of emotions himself, but rather a level of pride was always needed in a man. It made him easier to use.

In that case, one might consider Marluxia the easiest prey indeed - one would be deathly wrong. Contradictory beings indeed, these nobodies.

"The events transpired are irrelevant; we are already at the conclusion of it. What is important is why and what can be learned from it. You do not need me to tell you why we were defeated, do you?" Marluxia almost waved the question aside. It was obvious why they had been defeated, one after another, by Sora. Not just Marluxia, but Luxord himself, but Saix and even the previous Superior. A moment's passing and Marluxia reevaluated, as if surprised Luxord did not know the answer to such an easy question (though he barely gave the man enough time to answer).

"Arrogance," That was all it was. The power of Sora's heart? His faith in his friends? They were all undeniably contributing powers, but what it came down to was the Organization's underestimation of Sora and his friends. Had they broken the lad together, overwhelming with numbers, had they been more brutal with his loved ones, had Marluxia's confidence not been betrayed by that red-haired deviant...

All useless 'what ifs'. Marluxia had no need for regrets, he would simply learn from the past. He would simply evolve.

"And what have you learned from the defeat? Were the stakes too high? The odds too low, Gambler?"

[seraph]

The Gambler could only smile in a somewhat mischievous manner with each passing word escaping the Assassins lips. He was right. Partly. Shifting a few paces around Marluxia, the Nobody simply stared straight ahead as he began his reply. "Neither" he responded in a cool manner. A wicked smirk etched into his chiseled face. Casually stroking his beard no more than three times he turned around to face the self proclaimed lord of oblivion. That title should of been Luxords.

"We were defeated by that boy by no mere coincidence. It was meant to happen. Fate if you would" he said in a somewhat pompous tone present in his voice. By answering the question, he had already learned what he had come here to find. The reason as to why five members fell. Now it was obvious. Luxord's estimate had been perfectly accurate. He just needed to proof. This only furthered his own hypothesis on what had, and will happen in the future.

Grunting in an entertained manner, he took a few steps toward Marluxia so he was about five meters in front of him. "To further this claim, he was able to defeat all five of you here with only half of his strength, correct?" he added. No sort of expression appeared on his face. It was obvious as to what he was referring to at the moment. Roxas had been born from Sora and held half of his power. Therefore this was no mere coincidence they all fell to his power, one way or another. Surely Marluxia, deemed fairly high up there with the most powerful of the Organization's combatants, would not have yielded to a heart with only half of its strength. Then that menacing smile appeared on his face again as he crossed his arms over his chest. "To answer your question...I have learned there is indeed a third option to the dilemma concerning the keyblade...". Finishing with an added sense of allure and mystery, the Nobody stood still locking eyes with the Superior, unbeknown to him of course awaiting a reply.

[Akito]

"There is no such thing as a predetermined fate. Such musings are the banter of those unable to face their failures," This was a point the Graceful Assassin and the Gambler of Fate contended fiercely. Marluxia did not believe in fate, but nor did he believe in coincidences - he believed only in himself. He carved his path, he made his downfalls and he accepted his errors. His defeat was not 'decided' - it was so because he had not been careful enough against the heart of a hero.

"I did not know you to be a fool. Would you really measure the heart in numbers and fractions?" Marluxia returned, no less wry a smirk on his sculpted features. Luxord's reasoning was sound...for a follower, for a grunt, for a man who understood so little of what he saw. He claimed Sora was at 'half' power, but was Roxas not created before Sora fought Xehanort's Heartless? A being at least on equal level with the previous Superior. Even with Roxas and Riku, Xemnas was a formidable enemy and to fell him was beyond the scope of one who had been but a normal boy a few years ago.

Even in his fight against Marluxia and his living darkness, the Graceful Assassin knew the facts - he was more powerful than Sora. However, he was the one defeated. No, the Gambler spent too much time with numbers - the heart of a hero was not something that can be weighed. This was why Marluxia had desired Sora to begin with; this undefeatable power.

Marluxia raised an eyebrow at Luxord's 'third option'. "Then speak it," With neither enthusiasm nor impatience, but rather a cool interest. It was folly to disregard an idea before hearing it, so Marluxia would pay heed to what the Gambler had to say and decide then what steps needed to be taken. He had not yet seen fit to inform the Gambler of the shfit in power, not yet - all in due time.

[seraph]

Another amused smile appeared on his somewhat pale face. Azure eyes gazed upon the Assassin. Luxord would have conveyed a look of disappointment if it weren't for the lack of a certain...something. So to Marluxia it would just look as if he was simply staring, his eyes glazing over. "The odds are already set, there is no changing them for anyone. Hero of light or not" he murmured just loud enough for XI to hear. There was no sort of emotion in his voice, or the pathetic attempt at one anyway. Turning away from his comrade he began a few paces toward the pristine door, leading to the first floor of the castle. However he stopped after no more than four paces.

"You are correct in one aspect. The heart is immeasurable in numbers. That mistake we all made, including one who deems himself above the Superior" he let out a small snigger. Little did he know of recent events. Marluxia was the first member he had come across as of yet, and it wouldn't be his last by far. Turning to face him again his face appeared with content. This was not his particular 'feeling' at the time, in fact he didn't really have any boned to pick with the Assassin what so ever. Luxord had yet to test his luck. Something all had to undergo when in his presence. Another irritating trait the Gambler held so tightly too after his heart left his hollow carcass.

He grunted in amusement before letting his arms fall to his sides. "Unfortunately, I only wish to share that information with the Superior..." he replied to Marluxia's last comment. One would expect the Gambler to be in quite a shock if the Assassin chose to reveal events that had transpired, along with a certain reshuffling of the pecking order. Indeed, XI held all the cards with Luxord at the other end of the downplay.

[Akito]

"I see, then it must be information worthwhile," Marluxia's facial expressions did not change, showing no hint of the change in power. The Graceful Assassin merely momentarily closed his eyes and smiled. There was an eeriness in that smile that should not have been possible for a loveless being.

"Are you so sure you're giving it to the right person? Xemnas failed you before," He spoke with calm assurance, bringing his charisma to bear. It was clear who Luxord referred to as 'Superior', for he knew not the...reshuffling of places. However. Marluxia had something else in mind apart from simply stating the development. "Why not hand the information to me, Luxord? Why not...swear allegiances to me, I will make both your dreams and mine true,"

A hand outstretched towards Luxord, tempting him to take it - much alike the snake of Eden.

[seraph]

[ Apologies for the late-ness, Assassins Creed 2 has robbed me of time xD ]

There it was. Revealing the hand. Luxord had planned for this, though perhaps he was in a little over his head. With another coy smile spread on his face the Gambler turned to face the Assassin with his expression also fading. "So you reveal your intentions..." he calmly stated. Nothing but suspicion had blighted his mind until this moment. Everything that had happened concerning the Organization was set into motion here. This accursed flower power castle that Marluxia so loved to flaunt. If Luxord had been the master, it would have a much less flamboyant design with something that would instill fear upon intruders. However now was not the time.

"One can only suspect you had always wanted to Superior's power. Unless..." he began. Folding his arms whilst raising his right hand, he carefully touched his trimmer beard. Now his azure eyes glared upon the floor as his brow tightened with his thoughts whirring. Only a few seconds had passed before he let his arms fall to his side staring straight back at his comrade. "...you have already won the game?" he finished no emotion present in his voice. If this was true, then Luxord was set on what he would do.

[Akito]

"Yes, I won," Marluxia said without a second's pause, "Now what will you do?" The Gambler had no way yet of determining whether the assassin spoke true or not. If he tried to read him, then Luxord would find only a steady gaze and a callous smile in reply. Was Marluxia merely seeking to squeeze the information out of him, or was he actually being truthful? It was hard to tell with his deceptive record. It all depended on Luxord's reaction whether they were capable of cooperating or not.

[Sorry >.>]

[seraph]

"Excellent"

The first words that came upon his mind as Marluxia finished his sentence. This was what he had wanted. Someone with an ambition to move on and not cowardly seek something they had lost. Luxord did see it as both a blessing and a cruse not having a heart. Possessing one made you a slave to your emotions, whilst it also allows you to experience life in the fullest, in his case the game.

With a coy smile he took a few steps to the left of Marluxia keeping his face fixed on his. "I'll play the game..." he replied to the question. There was a few seconds of silence that ensued after. Luxord loved to put on a dramatic effect with his conversation. He would find his efforts lost however. "...but I shall play to your rules." he finished. His smile had left his face with a more serious look upon his face.

Then he did something a little unexpected. Something he hadn't even graced the former Superior with. The Gamblers left knee collapsed in a graceful manner. Slowly it fell before embracing the floor. Now kneeling before Marluxia his right hand swirled with a purple jagged light accompanied by the usual black light as well. In his hand was a card. One side emblazoned with the Nobody crest, five in total in its normal grey colour scheme. Raising it above his head he held it toward the Assassin. "Every King must have a Joker in his court" he mentioned in a quiet tone. Now all Marluxia would have to do was turn the card over to complete his little ritual. Luxord was far to melodramatic to contend with at times. If he did turn the card over he would find a Joker of hearts. However its colour scheme was monochrome with a faint Nobody crest in the background

[Akito]

Marluxia was not so easy to trust, especially after having been betrayed once. Betrayer and betrayed, the Nobody always struck a powerful dichotomy with both. In any case, when Luxord fell to his knees and offered his servitude - Marluxia was taken back. Though he did not show it. It would be a lie to say that this situation had been predicted, even by a strategist of the assassin's calibre.

So this was to be his wild card. Before, it was Axel and now...this man. The Joker in his deck, the card with an unknown value and an unknown intention. The others were more easily read; Saix held a grudge at both him and the former Superior, Vexen detested Marluxia but would obey with a show of power and even scheming Zexion's intent could be read. But, this gambler, who would bet his life on a paltry coin toss, who knelt despite not knowing whether Marluxia would cut him down or not, whether Marluxia was lying or not - Marluxia could not see deep in this man's pitiless eyes.

So Marluxia would play the game of Luxord's challenge, but his own design. If there was one thing this gambler was - he was fair. He would not break the rules of the game. Perhaps that was the only thing Marluxia knew of him. Extending out a cautious hand, the Graceful Assassin took the card and flipped it over. The Joker of hearts, how fitting. In some games, a Joker could take the role of any other card; a lowly numeral, the ace or even the King of hearts. How daring.

Marluxia raised the card over his head, only to have it overtaken by a flush of petals. When the petals dispersed, the card was no longer in Marluxia's hand - in its place was a single red rose. Deftly, this rose was flung at Luxord, for him to catch it or let it fall to the ground before him.


Marluxia smiled haughtily and with eyes of clear blue, mirroring the gambler's own, he stated, "You must have felt slighted when you, the master of cards, was turned aside for mastery of this Castle," A Castle of cards belongs to he who wields it, does it not? Perhaps Luxord would be able to tap into powers within this keep that Marluxia had not been able to - even though it was he who knew it best. "Castle Oblivion will not forget its Lord, but it will learn to accept a new Steward. I charge you with its keep," One could recognize the similarity with Xemnas' own assignment of Marluxia, however there was a difference. Marluxia had been given Castle Oblivion on suspicion - Luxord had been given Castle Oblivion on trust. Of course, Marluxia did not allay his own suspicions, that would be foolhardy, but he would give the gambler the benefit of the doubt. It was something that Xemnas lacked and something that had ruined his plans before - trust. Yet. He was willing to do it again.

"Do not make me regret..." Marluxia took a light step around, turning away from Luxord as he spoke, "...Showing you my back, Luxord," He walked away, his back literally turned - only a few steps were taken before the Graceful Assassin disappeared in a flurry of petals. This left Luxord to his new gained responsibility.

[seraph]

If he had a heart, a sense of relief would overwhelm him the moment Marluxia took the card from his grasp. Upon doing so his eyes lightened up slightly. This was only from habit of his former 'existing' days. After the would-be tense moment, the Assassin formed words. It was true. Naturally the Gambler did feel cheated on, something he despised about people who played the game. All that Marluxia was saying was true in some aspects. Xemnas had deprived him of this castle. It was a truly marvelous and seemingly important castle. For reasons unknown the former Superior had not sent a second recon team to this place, that the Gambler knew of anyway.

In response to the first question he gave a sly smirk whilst rising to his feet. At the same time he caught the rose that was glowing in an ominous manner. There were no words to be said to that. In fact it was blatantly obvious. As Marluxia bestowed him with the new title of 'Steward of Castle Oblivion' the Gambler could not pull any sort of emotion on his face. Perhaps a coy smile may have presented itself. However he didn't want to insult the flowery tyrant. All that had been said by Luxord was true. There would be no betrayal on the agenda unless the game changed. That was unlikely to happen any time soon. Besides, Luxord hated to cheat and betrayal was much like cheating, if not identical.

"I thank you...Superior" he said almost sarcastically toward the end. It was a mere emphasis on the fact he now recognized him as the leader of the Organization. Not having a heart was the cause of this confusing tone in which he had used. Something all Nobodies were victim too, sooner or later. As Marluxia walked away, talking as he went the glimmering rose in #10's hand burst into a flurry of petals in the same manner as the Assassin promptly left the room. Folding his arms to his chest, he was now left alone with his castle.

Gazing upon the spot where Marluxia had disappeared from he uttered the words softly from his pursed lips. "I shall not fail you...I swear on time itself". His facade had returned to its serious look with a furrowed brow. Soon after however it disappeared leaving a bored look on his face. Turning to his left he willed for the flower motif to disappear. However it didn't fade away to be replaced by clocks of a grand design. "How unfortunate..." he muttered sighing beforehand. So Marluxia hadn't given him control over the castle...merely made him the watch dog.

Willing his deck to form in his right hand, the same swirls of purple and black coiled around his fingers from a central spherical light in his palm. Not a moment later there was another card, with the crown shape at the top. Turning it over a smile crept on his face of a sinister intent. The usual nobody crest was present in the background with what appeared to be a golden palace, glistening in sunlight in a desert world. Agrabah. He had only been there a few times. Luxord wasn't a big fan of the heat anyway but regardless this is where the game willed him. With a similar way the card was born into this plane, it vanished and upon its dismissal a portal of darkness enveloped the Gambler from beneath his feet. As he was whisked off he muttered something to himself. "Let the game begin" and with that he was gone.

[ EXIT ]