Spread The Darkness

[black-masamune.livejournal.com]

Who: Sephiroth, Xion, and whichever villains want to pop in.
Where: Sephiroth's base in the Northern Crater
When: 4 days after Besaid Sands and Kadaj's arrival
Rating: PG-13ish

Sephiroth looked down at the stack of papers littering his desk with no small amount of disdain. He hated having to rife through endless pages to find the one passage he was looking for. It certainly wasn't helpful even a little. At least the reports strewn across his desk were an interesting read. Truly, could a report on the Heartless and their ilk ever truly be uninteresting in the slightest? Xehanort certainly enjoyed them, but then writers tended to enjoy their own works, didn't they? As for the former ShinRa general, he merely saw them as interesting as long as they yielded the information he sought. So far, they were not providing him with the specific information he needed. Well, Report 13, which detailed the soul, body and heart, was at least somewhat helpful. Other than that, the Ansem Reports told Sephiroth what he basically already knew.

His catlike eyes drifted to the red, Materia-like orb he had proliferated from the Replica brought to his base. Fenrir was a useful summon, that was for sure. A smirk stretched his lips as he recalled the other GF orb sitting beside it. He had plans for that marionette soon. All too soon, actually. Once it was completed, and that would only take several minutes at the least and perhaps a few weeks at the longest, he would have at least one more capable ally in his non-sequential plans. Those already by his side were good for some of the tasks he had in mind, but this one...he knew this one would think along his same train of thought.

Idly he wondered what Vincent would think if he knew what he was up to. A chuckle slipped out as he imagined the reaction. Vincent would be so disappointed in him, or perhaps he would expect it? He certainly wouldn't approve of the method, even if the subject was little more than a mockery of human life. Sephiroth certainly didn't see the problem in causing harm, physical or mental, to something that wasn't supposed to exist anyway. As it stood, the creature in his holding cell was something even the Nobodies considered an anomaly. Shame he couldn't have gotten ahold of the other Replica from that Castle Oblivion place. No matter. As long as it served his purpose, it would continue "living."

When the Ansem Reports yielded nothing of further use, the silver-haired man pushed his chair back to stand. Sephiroth pocketed the orb he needed, then looked about his study. Nothing seemed amiss for the time being. With a 'hmph,' he left the study and instead made his way to the medical wing of his lair. If luck went his way, there would be no interruptions and he could loose the Replica to the wild in only a few minutes. But knowing the nature of his "allies," interruptions would abound if they happened to visit him while he was working. God forbid Kefka took time away from his tormenting others to direct his attentions on him.

-------------

Fear is truly the most overwhelming sensation mankind can ever feel during a lifetime. At times, it is a helpful feeling, as it gives the thought of flight to the mind of one who wishes not to fight. Other times, it drives one to sheer ruin whether or not there is something truly worth being terrified of. The fear prisoners are no stranger to is the latter.

Xion sat huddled in a corner of the dimly lit holding cell. Several times before she had banged on the door to try and force it open, but to no avail. It was electronically locked and nothing short of a tank or train could force it open. After finding the effort useless, the girl took to staying in the corner. Nothing much to do now except wait. That itself was the worst part. No...the worst part was imagining the door finally opening.

The worst sound in the world would be the sound that steel door made when opened.

Comments

OOC: Hope you don't mind me jumping in. >>;

[immoralkuja.livejournal.com]

The most inconvenient event is inevitably the one that will happen.

Well, perhaps not the most inconvenient, in this case, but when one wants to be left alone he is virtually guaranteed to have at least half a dozen visitors come calling. For Kuja this interruption was mere coincidence; he hadn't expected to find anyone in such a remote, inhospitable corner of the world. (Come to that, he hadn't expected it to be so cold either--but that is a story for another time, one that he, used to deserts and the tepid atmosphere of Terra, could relate at great length and agitation.)

He was a man on a mission.

That mission was sidetracked when the wall he'd leant against opened and spilled him arse over elbow to the floor behind it. He swore loudly and inelegantly, pushing himself up on one hand, and fixed the door-wall-rock with a glare that had sent many a lesser mortal fleeing in terror but which was not, unfortunately, so effective on inanimate objects.

Why did it have to be north?!

Kuja stood, dusting himself off, and swore again as the wall slid shut. He was sorely tempted to kick it, but that would do nothing and blasting it open might bring the whole structure down on top of him.

Whatever. Secret passage in a crater out in the middle of nowhere? It might lead to what he was looking for, actually.

He stalked down the hall, nursing his wounded pride, to investigate.

OOC: Me either, (I'm going to assume this is after Kefka's meeting with Laguna

[psychokefk.livejournal.com]

The jester skipped his way through the winding hallways of the base, his face in a wide grin as he shook his hands, fried brain matter still on them. He had gone "hunting", one would say, and decided to use his weapon that he had found. Kefka tapped the morning star at his waist as he turned the corner to find his favorite silver-haired bishie, granted that didn't mean he liked Sephiroth, he just liked him more than his bitchy brothers.

"What's up, Sephiroth? Kidnap any ill-proportioned girls again? Oh, wait! I know, an infantryman put you in suspended animation again!" he said, cackling. Of course he had read Lynx's files, the feline knew his playing field, he'll give him that. But in the end, it doesn't really matter.

ooc: I don't mind. C'mon in guys~ :D

[black-masamune.livejournal.com]

Sephiroth stiffened as he stood in front of the door leading to the medical wing and the many labs and cells below it. Of course the devil would appear when thought of. Instead of grimacing outwardly, Sephiroth gave the jester a small smirk.

"Next time you come here, knock. In any case, Miss Lockhart is no longer here, if that's what you mean. And if you bring up that swordsman one more time, I'll run you through." he said with a pleasant smile. He cleared his throat and gestured toward the door. "Hmmm...you have a penchant for enjoying screams of pain. Perhaps I shall invite you to come with me, provided you behave."

Just the fact that he was being cordial to Kefka would send up red flags. He must be in a great mood to not just grunt at the clown and continue along his way.

OOC: Woot. :D

[immoralkuja.livejournal.com]

Was somebody living here? Kuja stopped to pick up a book, staring at it, and leafed through it perfunctorily before moving on. He hadn't gone far before he heard voices. Good. Maybe he could find out just what this place was for and if it would be of any significance to him.

He couldn't find it in himself to be particularly surprised when following them led him to Sephiroth and--

That clown from the ball?

"Gentlemen." Kuja stood with his arms folded, looking like nothing so much as a ruffled and very cold bird. Even his winter clothing wasn't suited for this climate, a fact which he had been cheerfully ignorant of until an hour ago. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

ooc: ^^

[black-masamune.livejournal.com]

If he had believed in a higher power like a god, Sephiroth certainly would have been thanking the high heavens for sending Kuja. As friendly as he seemed to Kefka, dealing with the clown on his own was not one of his preferred tasks.

"Ah, Kuja. It's nice to see you again." he smirked a bit. "You're not interrupting at all really. Actually, you're just in time. Will you be coming along as well?"

[psychokefk.livejournal.com]

Kefka glanced at the new guy as he tried to remember Kuja's profile. Ah right, now he remembered. "Hello Kuja, see Garland lately?" Kefka said, grinning as he waited to follow Sephiroth. He had seen Kuja in battle using the videos Lynx had. He was a decent mage, with a flair for the overdramatic. Reminded Kefka of himself when he was younger, yet that was the problem. Kuja was young, a well-placed Firaga would end him, and if he tried a back attack. Well Kefka had a few surprises. "Ah, we have a new torture victim? Perhaps this one you'll let me get a go at" Kefka said to Sephiroth, a bit peeved. He had been forbidden to mess with Xehanort's plans, which happened to involve the half-esper

[black-masamune.livejournal.com]

At the mention of the Replica, Sephiroth's smile immediately faded and he gave the jester a cold stare. Weaker men, which Kefka was not, would have shriveled under the gaze or at least been a bit cowed.

"It is not to be killed. If you want to play with that doll, you have to keep from destroying it. Is that clear?" he asked. "I told my brother he could do whatever he wanted with it after I finished what needs to be done, and I know he won't hesitate to fight you if you break this toy."

[immoralkuja.livejournal.com]

What had he stumbled upon? Kuja lifted an eyebrow curiously, but before he could speak the clown butted in.

Kefka was given a flat, considering stare. Kuja sized him up, his gaze icy, and snorted. His mouth quirked into a humorless smile. "Not since I killed him. You do think you're a clever one, don't you?" His voice was honey-sweet, but it didn't hide the knife's edge that lurked below the surface.

Then he dismissed the mention of Garland entirely, waving it away with a flick of his hand. "I'd be delighted to accompany you, of course, Sephiroth."

The operative word perhaps being Sephiroth, if Kefka insisted on talking about that insufferable man.

[psychokefk.livejournal.com]

"Ooh! The cross-dresser called me clever, how nice" Kefka spat as he turned to Sephiroth. "Personally I don't give two shits what your whiny mother-obessed brothers want, I want to have fun, and I'm going to have it. Deal?" Kefka said, his eyes reflecting his power

[psychokefk.livejournal.com]

Kefka shrugged, his finger writing something on the wall where noone would see it. "It's because you're so popular, Sephy!" he said as Xehanort rolled his eyes.

The dark keyblader glanced at Sephiroth. "I had only come here to report on the capture of the keyblader" he said as he left through a portal

[dark-platinum.livejournal.com]

Upon hearing Sephiroth Kadaj nodded and flipped open his phone deciding it would be best to text quietly rather than have his talk disrupt the meeting any further. Suppressing the want to laugh at the remark made by the colorful character, Kadaj's fingers flew across the number pad on his phone.

His eyes flicked to the bearded bald man, wondering what a keyblader was as the portal closed, leaving the party one short.

[black-masamune.livejournal.com]

Sephiroth gave a slight shrug as Xehanort made his exit. Well, at least there were less people to clog up the place now. That certainly brought a smile to his face...or a smirk, rather.

"I suppose I am. I wonder what I did to become so famous." he chuckled. He looked over at Kadaj, eyebrow raised as his texting, and coughed to gather his attention for the moment. "Oh yes, before I forget, there are extra rooms for guests here. Though technically they're only for you and guests I...approve of, Kadaj."

That last bit was directed toward Kefka, whom Sephiroth noticed was doing something off in the corner. He was already a bit irritated from the jester getting blood and brain fragments all over the carpet. Brain matter tended to leave an awful smell unless cleaned up swiftly. The general moved his attention instead to Kuja.

"The kitchen has wine if you're interested."

[psychokefk.livejournal.com]

Kefka finished his message as he turned to Sephiroth before coming up to Kadaj as he ran his hand through the remnant's hair. "You look a lot like Sephy, perhaps a son?" he said, grining

My tagging's kinda bad right now, been busy with company. Sorry guys. D:

[immoralkuja.livejournal.com]

Kuja stared in disbelief as Kefka went over to Kadaj and petted him.

"He said they were brothers, you painted buffoon. Or weren't you listening?"

He rose to his feet, giving Sephiroth a nod. "Wine sounds excellent, thank you. Shall I decant some for you and Kadaj as well?"

Something told him they could all use a glass.

S'okay~

[black-masamune.livejournal.com]

Sephiroth gave a nod to Kuja, requesting two glasses for himself and Kadaj. Whether or not the Remnant was technically old enough, he didn't care. The general himself was well over the drinking age, so by proxy his Remnants were as well. Though...letting Loz or Yazoo near alcohol didn't seem a particularly good idea.

He watched the exchange between Kadaj and Kefka with a raised eyebrow. That the clown had the gall to actually touch his younger brother without permission was shocking in itself, and the fact that he had touched him at all only added to that.

Oh how he wished Kadaj would run Souba's blades through the jester's hand, or arm...or his face. That would be the highlight of his evening.

Okay, Kefka made me LOL XD

[dark-platinum.livejournal.com]

Giving a small smile as his eyes read what was on his phone, Kadaj's attention was grabbed when he heard Sephiroth clear his throat with a light cough. Kadaj looked up to listen in, his thumb still typing quietly even though he was looking elsewhere. Upon mention of the rooms, Kadaj saw Sephiroth's eyes shift towards Kefka. He nodded, getting the idea. "I'll be sure to lock the door to keep out the unwanted." he said with a curved smile.

That's when something happened that made Kadaj completely stop texting Loz (http://community.livejournal.com/mognetmail/7209.html).

The hand of the colorful jester that had amused him earlier had been in his hair, causing it to briefly lift from his face. The stillness and line that was his mouth visible for that split second. He blinked, glancing to his big brother, unsure of what he could, and could not do. This was an ally of Sephiroth after all, but.....but.....

Kuja's voice broke the awkward moment, giving a blunt answer to Kefka's teasing question. The offer he had posed to Kadaj calmed him down a bit. He smiled to Kuja when Sephiroth nodded his approval. "Perfect timing." he said as his thumb began texting quietly once more.

[immoralkuja.livejournal.com]

Kuja didn't leave immediately; he simply stayed as he was, his fingers brushing the back of his chair, and watched the shift of expressions on the Remnant's face. His elegant eyebrows had shot up again. Would Kadaj retaliate?

He didn't, which was perhaps disappointing but likely best for the continued integrity of the room.

When Kadaj smiled at him Kuja tipped his head, his mouth quirking in turn, and shrugged. "I do try," he said demurely, and left.

He hadn't had any compunctions about looking at Sephiroth's books, and he certainly didn't have any about rummaging through the kitchen. Let's see...

ooc: The party man is here! XD

[loz-pwnage.livejournal.com]

A sudden wind swept through the small area, caused by none other than the man Kadaj had texted but a moment ago. He yawned, still a tad bit sleepy, but it was nothing some coffee wouldn't fix. Waving at the group, he said a brief, "Hello" before opening the boxes of donuts, the ones Kadaj had specifically ordered. "Here. You know, it's hard to shop nowadays, so I kinda blew up a store on my way over here. My bad. They didn't get a good look at me though."

He stared at the hand placed on his brother's hand, and after placing the donuts down, he zoomed over to his location, Dual Hound staring Kefka in the face, a spark of lightning going off. "Get your hands off of him, clown." he warned, slowly. Like his brothers, he didn't care what Lynx said, but he knew the feline hated Kefka the most, and odds are he would be doing him a favor.

OOC: Kefka would love to do that Sephy

[masterheartless.livejournal.com]

Xehanort waited calmly for Lynx to finish. "Actually Lynx, you aren't the only one who knows something about my comrades. As a Keyblade Master, I travel to other worlds alot, and I like to research the worlds" He glanced at Grobyc as he spoke. "Including El Nido." Xehanort stood as he foled his arms behind his back, facing away from Lynx.

"and you have no room to talk about people resembling fathers, after all you used to be the father of your nemesis" Xehanort then turned back to Lynx. "Not only that, but you're weak. You work for a computer, plus you been using us like pawns so we won't know that you haven't been at full power." Xehanort smiled as he pulled out some papers from his coat pocket, digital readouts of Lynx on them. " The clown comes in handy sometimes. Nevertheless, I don't particually care for your plan, and I highly doubt my colleagues do either." Xehanort summoned his keyblade as he pointed it at Lynx.

"Consider this my resignation"

Kuja is disappoint. He just wanted some wine and a donut! XD

[immoralkuja.livejournal.com]

Kuja drained the last of his wine and stared regretfully at the empty glass. Why was it that he hadn't been able to really enjoy one of these since he clawed his way back from the dead? He thought briefly of refilling it, but when Xehanort's keyblade appeared out of thin air he gave up on the idea.

"Gentlemen." His voice wasn't overly loud, but it was a growl, short. "If you feel such an overwhelming need to whip it out and start comparing down to the centimeter, I would suggest that the two of you find a more appropriate stage for the occasion. I have no wish to spend the next hour digging myself out of a pile of rubble after you've brought the ceiling down, and I doubt that Sephiroth or his brothers would be especially pleased either.

"In light of that--with all due respect, take it outside."

This had grown from mildly interesting to tiresome.

WTF? Can Xehanort travel through impenetrable barriers and giant waterfall pyramids?

[dark-lord-lynx.livejournal.com]

Lynx shook his head in disappointment, sighing heavily. Part of him was impressed by the amount of knowledge the old man had obtained, but he still knew nothing the remnants, Sephiroth, or even Kuja and Kefka for that matter, have not already figured out. His form shifted back into the infamous feline, glaring at Xehanort. Humans were always so frail and stupid, but to think on this level!? It made him sigh again, and almost forced him to slap his palm to his face.

"You truly are an idiot. I never in a million years thought I would ever say this to anyone, but you are indeed dumber than Kefka." Lynx nearly spat out those words, nearly forgetting whose home this was. "First of all, Wazuki no longer exists the moment I took over his form. You think I hold any attachment to the boy? Wazuki was practically the same as Serge, and I am nothing like either. Serge is nothing more than a tool and a liability to me. Second, if you had made managed to get inside Chronopolis, an impossible task for someone of your caliber unless you were among Serge or I, then you would known that I AM FATE."

"And me not at full power you say?" He chuckled dryly, his fangs flashing. This pathetic being knew nothing of true strength. "On the contrary, thanks to the darkness in this world, and my own GF, I am can handle all of you at once if need be." He turned away, knocking the keyblade away from him with a slap. "Leave if you wish. You will not be missed."

Staring at Kuja, he frowned. "And I'll have you know if I truly wanted a fight, I would have set Grobyc to self destruct, killing or badly wounding all of you. Knowing my luck, you would all just rise from the beyond, again."

All of this nonsense, all of this stupidity...he couldn't take it anymore. Destroying the place seemed even more tempting, and he just might, though mainly out of self-defense. After all, he had wanted to see how far Sephiroth's creation would go.

"But let me ask this from all of you..." His glare was still persistent at everyone as he walked around the room, his tolerance of their annoyance reaching its peak. "Do you even know why you imbeciles always suffer the wrath of death and defeat at the hands of these pathetic warriors!? It's because pretty much everyone here, with the exception of Kadaj's group, has no idea how to fight as a team. We have minions and fiends yes, but they are mindless creatures, disposable. I shall admit that I did use you, but for the greater purpose! When I leave this world, all I hope is that you can actually work together to achieve your goals easier, rather than do it solo and get yourselves killed, again. True, Kadaj had failed, but nearly succeeded had Sephiroth not let down his guard during Cloud's assault. That is why need to stand together!"

He then shrugged, waiting for someone to speak up. "Well then, what shall you all do now? As it stands at the moment, we are stronger together. But tell me this, whose side are you on? I will guarantee no destruction of this base, mainly because I am interested to see the end result of Chaos inside the Nobody. But I warn you, that is my only reason."

Maybe he has a senior citizen access card.

[black-masamune.livejournal.com]

Finally someone had said it. There was no end to his relief that someone had actually managed to call the rest of the villains out on their lack of cooperation. Sephiroth would have mentioned it, but it always seemed whomever he spoke to would rather fight him or just not listen at all. There wasn't a guarantee the same thing wouldn't happen to Lynx, but at least the gigantic elephant in the room had been noticed.

"Feline, calm yourself. This is actually a matter I've been meaning to address. As you can imagine, things have...gotten in the way," he shrugged slightly, "I'm not used to working with others, but if we can actually accomplish something I'm sure I can forgo my aversion to it."

Sephiroth turned his gaze to Kuja without moving his head. That one was proud, but certainly not stupid. He was actually one of the more tolerable allies he had, and brought a bit of sophistication to the entire group. Sephiroth's green eyes flicked back toward Lynx.

"I want the same proposition when we first met, Lynx. I trust that won't be a problem?" he smirked. "Oh, and I propose we kill the ones who might cause infighting, and I'm sure you all know who I might be referencing with that."

OOC: Corridors of Darkness, guys.

[masterheartless.livejournal.com]

Xehanort grinned as Lynx and Sephiroth spoke. "Good, it hurts me that I had to do that to point out the major problem." he glanced at Lynx. "I never made a propostion with you, and I don't want much, all I want is a claim on the keybladers, not the remnant or nobody, but the ones who should exist." Xehanort disspated his keyblade as he glanced at the smouldering wall where Kefka had left his message. "I also agree with Sephiroth that something should be done about the jester. Also, I will work as an ally to you, not a pawn, understand"

[dark-platinum.livejournal.com]

Kadaj watched the exchanges feeling a mixture of delight and exasperation. To Kadaj this had all been a huge waste of time. It was quite simple, Sephiroth plan was sound and even had safety measures should it backfire. Naturally though, Kadaj trusted his big brother implicitly so he had no qualms on what was going on. The underlying lack of trust from the rest of his allies were abundant. They had separate goals and had the constant possibility that they would be backstabbed.

What else could be expected though?

Taking the glass of wine for another sip, he raised it lightly in a toast to Lynx when he and his brothers were mentioned. Drinking deeply from his glass, Kadaj's throat began to burn slightly.

"As long as everyone follows my brother's plans and can stop bickering over the details, everything should be fine." Kadaj said simply as his eyes scanned the box of donuts, noticing that the chocolate filled one had suddenly disappeared since he grabbed his first one. As he looked, he noticed the graffiti left by Kefka. "Loz and I will handle the joker if you want." he offered with a wink as he leaned back into his chair, a plain donut on the tip of his finger.

[immoralkuja.livejournal.com]

As he might have expected, the voice of reason went entirely unnoticed in favor of more posturing: You're all idiots, I could kill every one of you right now but I shan't, now won't you work for me? Kuja propped his head against his hand and sighed, staring at Lynx as the man-turned-cat went on. What was he trying to do? Threaten everyone into serving him? How dull.

"Given the incredibly divisive front you've presented so far, I don't believe you have any room to talk about unity," he said blandly, setting his glass on the table, and nodded in wordless agreement when Sephiroth suggested that Lynx calm down. "As the saying goes, it's a two-way street. However, I'm amenable to mutual cooperation. You'll find me a reasonable man when approached reasonably in turn."

And that, as far as Kuja was concerned, was the end of it. He cocked an eye at the defaced wall instead, shook his head, and leaned over to snag another donut.