edge_of_nothing | And It Seems Ugly, But It Can Get Worse

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And It Seems Ugly, But It Can Get Worse

Who: Xemnas and Master Xehanort
When: Earlier this whole week, honest ~~because MK fails at TIMING~~
Where: The Basement
Summary: Talking. Sort of like...catching up.
Warnings: Beware, mateys! There be KH spoilers abound.

= = = = =
The unexpected should have been expected.

He should have known the moment the Second dropped his usual facade to report his findings. Vanitas was a case they could handle easily; Xigbar already had a strong connection with the teenager, memories in tact. All they needed to do was keep tabs on him.

Master Xehanort, on the other hand, was...a different matter.

There wre no lies found within Xigbar's observation of the master. True, he had returned to Siren's Port. But knowing the man had no memory of what took place the year before was advantageous. Maybe a bit...discouraging. Although Master Xehanort did not remember anything further than his own history, he found out what happened through the Second. That alone made the conversation worse. And it eventually came down to stating the obvious: the Superior and the old man were going to have to speak to each other in-person – just as they did once before.

- - -
At this point in time, it was inevitable.

Without warning, the shadows parted, swirling madly as the portal formed itself out of thin air. Warped space let a dark figure step out into the confines of the basement, unrelenting in his style of arrival. Civil as it might have been, he was there uninvited.

Gold eyes narrowed under the brim of the black hood, their indifference marked with a bitterness that could not be felt.

"Xehanort. I know you're there."

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The smaller NV whined out in a subaural call, although it did not expect a response as it simply waited for its next missive, whenever that came.

"Not until we have a proper foothold. Not until the plan is far more in motion. Unless we are subtle enough that they do not notice the true movement..." His hand stilled, the fingers stiffening as seemingly a thought crossed his mind. "A distraction may be necessary. Something to keep their focus while the true heart of the trick occurs, akin to a stage magician flying doves from his sleeve."

Xehanort shifted, his hands resting on his knees, fingers slightly spread as he considered the meaning and form of Xemnas' response. "I should hope not. You may not consider it, but we are part and parcel the same being. Such a slight against you is a slight against me. I will not tolerate such a thing."

The chance to respond was available, but the risk was too great. Julian's red-lit lens just zoomed in on the other NV, wistfully sighing to himself. While that took place in the background, Xemnas wore a more thoughtful expression.

The same being.

Those words stood out the most. They had meaning. One that was strong. It was right in its foundation. ~~There was nothing wrong with it.~~

A hand rose as he barely arched a brow. "What kind of distraction? How big does it have to be to hold their attention long enough?"

His hands raised from their perches, reaching up and out the sides in an open gesture. "The question is, do they still jump at shadows? Something superficial enough to get them agitated and headed in the wrong direction. It doesn't have to be anything particularly potent. Just enough to have them barking up the wrong tree for a bit."

An amused grin at his vaguely-connected pun. He would have to find out more about Saix in order to take care of that particular bit of work... but that wasn't an immediate concern. It was something that needed doing, but Saix, outside of that moment of betrayal, had seemed almost laughably harmless in the memories presented.

"I know of Xigbar's attempts to track down other vessels. What else is afoot in this city that would be of note, of worth? What machinations have you been working?"

The play on the subject was met with another empty look. To be honest, Xemnas' sense of humor did need some work, but he understood what Xehanort was saying. After all, minor distractions did wonders to buy them time.

"Several worthwhile topics are ones you may already have heard of," he said, gesturing lightly. "The Core – the very thing that brings everyone from their known world into the island – has been mentioned many times over. A consistent subject whenever it's brought into question. And then there is the Darkness that settles over the city each and every night." He let a hand brush the air back with little care. "Many creatures lurk within the shadows cast. Many people, brave or undeniably insane, venture out after hours. Each have their reasons, but that doesn't help their case. Other than that, they are of little interest unless they hold information that can assist you in any way possible.

"Speaking of which..."

He spread both hands to either side of him, palms facing upward.

"We built this corporation to reestablish ourselves. Being linked to AGI, we take full advantage of our connections and resources for our own purpose. At the same time, we are also...contributing to society and its communities." Xemnas gave a low chuckle, adding onto the thought. "I suppose it adds enough of a distraction for those who walk among the Light."

The little NV stirred, mentally prodded into activity, starting to take down all of the information that Xemnas provided, recording the conversation for future reference. It was essential to keep organized after all, and being provided with such a tool made it quite easy.

"With the greater resources at our disposal thanks to your efforts, we can begin to probe into these topics in greater detail. While time is of the essence, we can afford to take some in order to explore avenues that we would not have had available to us otherwise. Perhaps another way will present itself, although in the meantime our course is clear..."

A though came to mind, though he put it down lower for the moment as it wasn't immediately pressing. "The creatures of darkness here are not of the darkness that you or I recognize. They do not come when summoned. Here, there is a lack of connection to the greater Realm from whence those lesser darknesses can be brought. Perhaps bolstering the numbers of the darknesses we can manipulate would be a wise plan as well... and as always, a more easy diversion could not be engineered."

Considering there were two very important people in this room, everything was worth noting. Julian also made the effort to record what was being discussed, multitasking between the words exchanged and curiously glancing in the direction of the other NV.

Xemnas nodded solemnly. "Indeed." There was much to do, much to analyze, manipulate. It was more difficult with these strains of darkness lurking during the late hours. "Being different, they do not yield to anyone. But there is one exception...

"Those who walk the path of Light still fall prey to the Darkness. This one – a lion – he embodies the Light."

This was something he'd both heard Xigbar mention and caught glimpses, snatches of the Nobody's memories as well. It was strange to think of such a thing, but with the variety of lifeforms that were drawn to this place, why too not what could easily pass for a Princess of Heart in its own way?

"I have had words with this lion on the network. From our conversation, it is easy to note that he does not act directly, and prefers to let things fall as they may unless provoked himself. For the time being, we have little to fear."

A nod, polite in its own way. It seemed that things were wrapping up of their own accord. He inclined his head to Xemnas politely.

"For now it seems that we are on the same page, if I may be so bold as to say. I can only hope that I will be able to make up for the poor choices and actions of my predecessor... his lack of success most likely stemmed from lack of counsel of those who also play intricate parts. Would I be able to count on your assistance in the future?"

"Yes. That is how he thrives," Xemnas confirmed. "I, too, have spent enough time in his Light. It would be best to leave it as it is."

His intention was not to stay as long as he had already done. They did reach a point of understanding; besides the fact their relationship was tense as it was, that was their goal.

When the master spoke again, the Nobody's gaze fell away. Being informed, Xehanort was willing to remedy what had happen between them. The previous power trip did damage. Their previous experiences &dnash; especially in Xemnas' case – had the ability to change them. But this was another opportunity, another chance to return to the path that had been strayed from.

"...Yes." A pause. "Only if there are no further complications."

"For now, the only concern I have is in dealing with Saix. The plan itself..." He gave Xemnas a careful but thoughtful look, fingers drumming lightly on the surface of the armrest. "Perhaps it is amiss of me to think in this line, but as a Nobody is a cast-away body it only makes sense to consider you to be as integral to these efforts as I myself. Just as how Xigbar's heart sits in equal shares..." Those moving fingers tightened, gripping into a fist as he raised himself up straight once more, determination written on his face. "No, the three of us all have equal stakes in what is to come. I propose a truce of sorts... an attempt to mend what has already come to pass... a triumvirate."

"A way to bear the burden of our effort...and to unite as one..."

No feeling arose. This was fact. This was what they were striving for. Their roles were still important in all of it. But there was something that nearly bothered him. Each gesture stirred faint memories, strong memories, subtle notes of emotion that were not fully formed – things that were to be left alone, and forgotten.

To leave it as it was...and form a truce.

Another truce.

Bygones were to be bygones and nothing more.

He looked directly at Xehanort once more, his expression nearly echoing the old master's. A mask of solid solemnity.

"...Agreed."

Good. For the moment, at least, there was little doubt of the Nobody's loyalty. So long as they walked the same path, that relationship would no doubt hold. As he had little intention to stray from it, he wasn't concerned about increasing tensions. Keeping communication open would be essential, but not difficult. After all... if one could not trust himself, then who could he trust?

"You are no doubt quite busy. Let us adjourn for the moment. I will contact you should something change, but for the moment let us simply get our bearings with this new direction. I am open to your concerns as well... do not ever consider that door closed."

That was the most important factor. His predecessor's seeming lack of communication with those who should have been pivotal. Pushing the point of being willing to keep those lines open would no doubt help smooth over ruffled feathers and put balm on those wounds re-opened.

No relief was felt, but the tension in the air did slowly dissipate. The objective of their meeting had been met, and now he was given permission to leave. The matter of pride was held aloft; it would continue to stay that way if they were to work with each other.

There was nothing more to say. Xemnas stepped back, one hand resting upon his chest as the other stayed at his side, leading to a slight bow. Gold eyes fell away from Master Xehanort in the process, staring at the ground beneath him.

Once that was done, the dark corridor rippled and swirled open as the Nobody straightened. After Julian floated through, a fluid turn and a purposeful stride maintained his exit well.

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And It Seems Ugly, But It Can Get Worse

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