Axel's conversation with Naminé had been a relaxing one, melting away the stress that caked on him by the layers after Xigbar's note through a note. Truthfully enough he had more important matters to deal with in Landel's, but old habits die hard. Still, a scalding hot shower was surely to do him soon, obediently following his nurse to the Showers.
"C'mon, it's been a week. Don't you think there'd be some stubble?" The Nobody groaned to the woman, pulling off his shirt and tossing it in the hamper. Truth be told that Nobodies didn't grow, and if Axel had the sudden urge to massacre his hair it'd only grow back the next day. His nurse only sighed, offering him a washing towel before pushing him into the showers.
Even now the steam against his skin felt luxurious, the redhead blindly stepping into one of the stalls and sighed when the scalding water hit him, matting his hair over his head. Taking the moment to completely soak his body, Axel gave a cheeky grin before reaching for the shampoo.
"You'd think they'd trust their patients enough to let them shave by themselves. Quite frankly it's a wonder they'd let us wipe our own ass, huh?" He said to whoever was next to him, turning to get a better look at the person in question.
And that was when green eyes widened, his grip slackening and the bottle of shampoo clattering on the shower floor.
"..."
Almost immediately Axel retrieved the object, suddenly finding the drain very interesting.
"Good morning, Superior. I wasn't aware you'd be here as well." The redhead murmured, hiding a grimace.
It seemed his subordinates liked to drop objects when he was around. Of course, Xemnas had already noticed Axel when he took the shower head next to him. Judging by the Nobody's reaction he hadn't realized he had been talking to his Superior.
Xemnas hadn't forgotten, however, about VIII's little betrayal. And of course, such a thing usually could not go unpunished. But considering the current situation he was in, there were more pressing matters at hand. Not to mention the means for a (suitable) punishment were quite lacking.
It seemed such things had to wait, for now...
"Good morning, VIII." Xemnas spoke slowly, not even sparing the Nobody in question a glance. "How...delightful to see you're here."
"This is a mental institute after all, giving supposedly unstable patients a razor wouldn't be a wise to do. I have yet to discover how one could cause injuries with toilet paper."
It was then when he finally rested his gaze on Axel, slightly smirking. He just couldn't resist pointing out what should be common sense.
The redhead held back a shudder as the man spoke, shifting his body as far away from the latter as he could without making it too obvious. This was the least of all places he wanted to be, thoughts of traversing to the other side very tempting at the moment. But Axel chose to brace it for now, or at least until the showers grew more crowded.
"Yeah, I guess." It was only supposed to be a conversation starter, really, but Axel didn't feel like pointing it out to his leader. Frowning, the redhead decided it was best to go back to what he'd been doing. Shampoo bottle still in his hand, he squirted a good amount into his palms before lathering it into his hair, using his fingers to massage the suds into his scalp. Every few seconds Axel couldn't help but glance over at the Superior, chewing at the corner of his lip before forcing himself to keep his gaze forward.
He wondered if he'd get any mercy if he pointed out that he hadn't actually betrayed the Organization from the time he'd been plucked from. But if the latter was anything like Luxord, the chances were slim to none.
Xemnas returned his attention to what he'd been previously doing, reaching for the bar of soap and beginning to scrub himself. While he was busy, he noticed the other Nobody's glances in his direction.
He took note of the other man's discomfort. Of course, VIII had all reason to be uncomfortable.
"Why so nervous, VIII?" Xemnas asked. Of course, he knew perfectly well why Axel was so uncomfortable. But that didn't mean that he shouldn't make things a little more interesting.
Forcing himself to calm down, Axel finally let his eyes glance over to his Superior, gaze lingering for several seconds while he searched his mind for an answer suitable enough for the man. Xemnas was certainly a person to be feared, even for someone who had been responsible to conduct several of the assassinations for the Organization. The redhead had to be... careful with his words.
"Well think about it, my Superior." He spoke out, satisfied with the suds that suffocated his hair before running it under the scalding water. By then he gave up with thinking something practical, saying whatever came to mind.
"I'm hot, you're hot. We're two hot men sharing a shower, can you blame me for being on the cautious side?" Axel asked with a click of his tongue, running his fingers through those crimson strands to make sure there was no shampoo left before letting it all fall passed his shoulders in a sopping wet messs. It was only then that he actually noticed what he said, letting out a nervous laugh.
Green eyes stole a quick glance around the room by then, a grin tugging from the corner of his mouth when he spotted a few friendly faces he could escape to mingle with.
"I'll leave you to your shower." The redhead quipped in before stepping out of the stall and meandering his way over to his other acquantinces.
"Flattery does not get you anywhere, Axel." Xemnas merely commented, mildly amused at the neophyte's discomfort. "I thought you would've known that by now. How disappointing."
He ran a hand through his silver hair, smirking to himself as the other Nobody left. Xemnas was fairly certain VIII did this to escape, his discomfort was the only hint the Superior needed.
After breakfast, Saïx found himself being ushered back to the showers to be cleaned again. Frustrating as he was beginning to find being herded like sheep back and forth between pastures, the Nobody was thankfully able to continue to keep his emotions in check. Upon hearing that their Superior was indeed here with them, he put all of his energy into surpressing the urges that were becoming more and more difficult to ignore. The orderlies. It would've been so easy to just rip them to-
And there he was. Saïx was capable of refraining from looking surprised or effected at all by the Superior's presence given he'd had sufficient warning from II and X. Finally. Something could be done. He would have some direction aside from obliterating whoever had imprisoned him here and finding a way out. He nearly smirked as he approached to see VIII essentially run for his life. Nearly.
"I was just informed that you were here, sir," the blue-haired Nobody spoke up, tone as flat and emotionless as ever. "I would have reported to you sooner had I known."
It seemed the news of his presence had spread like a wildfire. Either II or X had most likely taken it upon themselves to spread the word. Not to say, however, that Xemnas had the intention of keeping his presence a secret.
Regardless, he was pleased (as far as a Nobody could be pleased) to see his most loyal subordinate approaching him.
"Ah, VII, good morning." Xemnas spoke on a calm tone, resting his gaze on the Nobody in question. "I have been meaning to have a word with you, but I did not have the opportunity thus far."
There wasn't a doubt about it. This was no copy, no replica. He highly doubted it was a trick perpetrated by the people who were keeping them here. While some of their brothers and sisters (in the loosest sense of the words) might've been put off by his coming, Saïx himself welcomed the Superior's presence. It had been difficult, partially due to the nature of the institution and partially due to other complications, to form any sort of unified effort amongst them. He wondered if they would have such difficulties now?
VII allowed himself a half bow out of respect for the Superior, the only one of the lot he could truly say deserved respect for his insight and leadership. He was not falling to one knee as usual, but it would go without saying that the circumstances were very different in a shower amongst quite a few, other men and in this mental facility.
It wasn't in his nature to speak much when it wasn't necessary, so Saïx simply straightened himself and said simply, "Of course."
Indeed, the circumstances were different than usual. Considering the nature of this place, Xemnas had no doubt The Luna Diviner, too, must've been weakened.
However, to form any sort of plan he would need more information about the situation. He was aware of the weakening effect this place had on its patients, the little facade the staff held up during the day and the monsters lurking in the darkness during the night, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by. But running aimlessly through the hallways in the slight hope to find something useful wasn't the Superior's ideal way to deal with the matter. A sense of direction would surely be more fruitful. However, because the Nobody hadn't even been here a day, his own sense of direction wasn't worth mentioning just yet.
His gaze lingered on VII for a moment before he finally spoke.
"I'd like to know what kind of information you have gathered about our current...situation thus far."
He'd been hoping Saïx, who most likely had been longer here than himself, could provide him with useful information. At the very least more useful than any of the other Nobodies had provided thus far.
Information... He hadn't managed to collect a lot of it, but perhaps his own insights would prove useful to the Superior. He had little doubt that the others had perhaps given him enough of the basics, but it would be best not to assume and cover all the bases.
"The others have probably mentioned the creatures at night and the changes if you've not experience them for yourself. We are all in a weakened state, though I've found lately that my own condition extends further beyond simple restriction." His yellow eyes flashed angrily for a moment at the willingness to admit such a thing, possibly helping to prove the point despite the fact that he kept his voice monotone. "I have managed to remain in check however. I would not break unless given... permission." And it had been a trying task with VIII, XII, XIII, and the Keyblade Master present. Not that he would admit such a thing.
"I assume you've been made aware that XIII is here as well as the Keyblade Master. His princess and the Witch as well. XII seems to have conveniently lost all memories of her betrayal. It should be noted that her amnesia could possibly be genuine given the nature of this place." Saïx continued evenly. "Most of the other patients seem to be a collection from numerous, other worlds and quite surprised to find that there happens to be more than one from what I've observed. Many of them are remarkable in some manner. You'll also be assigned a doctor to monitor your mental status." Eyes refrained from narrowing at that. He almost added that it was growing aggravating, but the basics were covered as briefly as possible, and he would wait for further instruction to elaborate or continue.
Xemnas remained silent while Saïx spoke, taking in the information the Nobody provided him. It was significantly more than any of the others had given him so far. He could imagine the circumstances were quite frustrating for Saïx. The Superior had to admit that being herded around like common sheep didn't suit his own fancy either.
"We are clearly having a disadvantage." Xemnas said stating the obvious. "Because of this, making a scene wouldn't gain us anything, as tempting as it might be. It'd be in our best interest to play their game along, for now."
The amnesia was certainly interesting. Regardless if it were true for XII or not, it was something he'd have to make sure to remember. Of the Keyblade Masted he'd already known, but of his princess or the Witch he didn't. Interesting indeed. However, a doctor could've been expected. Perhaps a meeting with whoever decided to monitor his 'mental status' would prove to be useful. Though Xemnas couldn't afford to get his hopes up, as the nurses didn't prove to be too reliable either. They seemed almost ignorant to what this mental institute was hiding. The doctors were most likely the same.
"I see." Xemnas commented. "Please continue."
[ooc; Want to backlog or move the thread to the cafeteria or something else? :3]
Saïx only nodded stiffly, acknowledging that he was aware of the reprecussions an outburst would have. It was hard to ignore the urges, considering the fact that it seemed almost as though his inner beast were being drawn out little by little thanks to the very spirit of Landels.
He glanced around the showers, noticing that most of the other patients seemed to be moving on and being herded somewhere else for the time being. The intercom spoke of lunch, so he would have to be brief.
"The one speaking over the intercom. The Head Doctor, Martin Landel. Apparently he made an appearance a few days ago. I did not attend as I was not made aware that he would be there. From what the other patients say, he was very well protected. I'd imagine a talented actor as well." Saïx added. "Everything here is a lie. Perhaps it's easy to tell because we've grown accustomed to such things, living with only shadows of what it was like to feel." He was rarely so verbose or frank, but that hardly meant that he didn't have it in him. The others simply rarely deserved more than a curt nod or a few, choice words.
[OOC: If you want to move along to lunch, that's cool. Saïx is like a happy feral puppy right now, waiting for orders and direction, so. XD]
Axel's conversation with Naminé had been a relaxing one, melting away the stress that caked on him by the layers after Xigbar's note through a note. Truthfully enough he had more important matters to deal with in Landel's, but old habits die hard. Still, a scalding hot shower was surely to do him soon, obediently following his nurse to the Showers.
"C'mon, it's been a week. Don't you think there'd be some stubble?" The Nobody groaned to the woman, pulling off his shirt and tossing it in the hamper. Truth be told that Nobodies didn't grow, and if Axel had the sudden urge to massacre his hair it'd only grow back the next day. His nurse only sighed, offering him a washing towel before pushing him into the showers.
Even now the steam against his skin felt luxurious, the redhead blindly stepping into one of the stalls and sighed when the scalding water hit him, matting his hair over his head. Taking the moment to completely soak his body, Axel gave a cheeky grin before reaching for the shampoo.
"You'd think they'd trust their patients enough to let them shave by themselves. Quite frankly it's a wonder they'd let us wipe our own ass, huh?" He said to whoever was next to him, turning to get a better look at the person in question.
And that was when green eyes widened, his grip slackening and the bottle of shampoo clattering on the shower floor.
"..."
Almost immediately Axel retrieved the object, suddenly finding the drain very interesting.
"Good morning, Superior. I wasn't aware you'd be here as well." The redhead murmured, hiding a grimace.
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Xemnas hadn't forgotten, however, about VIII's little betrayal. And of course, such a thing usually could not go unpunished. But considering the current situation he was in, there were more pressing matters at hand. Not to mention the means for a (suitable) punishment were quite lacking.
It seemed such things had to wait, for now...
"Good morning, VIII." Xemnas spoke slowly, not even sparing the Nobody in question a glance. "How...delightful to see you're here."
"This is a mental institute after all, giving supposedly unstable patients a razor wouldn't be a wise to do. I have yet to discover how one could cause injuries with toilet paper."
It was then when he finally rested his gaze on Axel, slightly smirking. He just couldn't resist pointing out what should be common sense.
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The redhead held back a shudder as the man spoke, shifting his body as far away from the latter as he could without making it too obvious. This was the least of all places he wanted to be, thoughts of traversing to the other side very tempting at the moment. But Axel chose to brace it for now, or at least until the showers grew more crowded.
"Yeah, I guess." It was only supposed to be a conversation starter, really, but Axel didn't feel like pointing it out to his leader. Frowning, the redhead decided it was best to go back to what he'd been doing. Shampoo bottle still in his hand, he squirted a good amount into his palms before lathering it into his hair, using his fingers to massage the suds into his scalp. Every few seconds Axel couldn't help but glance over at the Superior, chewing at the corner of his lip before forcing himself to keep his gaze forward.
He wondered if he'd get any mercy if he pointed out that he hadn't actually betrayed the Organization from the time he'd been plucked from. But if the latter was anything like Luxord, the chances were slim to none.
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He took note of the other man's discomfort. Of course, VIII had all reason to be uncomfortable.
"Why so nervous, VIII?" Xemnas asked. Of course, he knew perfectly well why Axel was so uncomfortable. But that didn't mean that he shouldn't make things a little more interesting.
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"Well think about it, my Superior." He spoke out, satisfied with the suds that suffocated his hair before running it under the scalding water. By then he gave up with thinking something practical, saying whatever came to mind.
"I'm hot, you're hot. We're two hot men sharing a shower, can you blame me for being on the cautious side?" Axel asked with a click of his tongue, running his fingers through those crimson strands to make sure there was no shampoo left before letting it all fall passed his shoulders in a sopping wet messs. It was only then that he actually noticed what he said, letting out a nervous laugh.
Green eyes stole a quick glance around the room by then, a grin tugging from the corner of his mouth when he spotted a few friendly faces he could escape to mingle with.
"I'll leave you to your shower." The redhead quipped in before stepping out of the stall and meandering his way over to his other acquantinces.
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He ran a hand through his silver hair, smirking to himself as the other Nobody left. Xemnas was fairly certain VIII did this to escape, his discomfort was the only hint the Superior needed.
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And there he was. Saïx was capable of refraining from looking surprised or effected at all by the Superior's presence given he'd had sufficient warning from II and X. Finally. Something could be done. He would have some direction aside from obliterating whoever had imprisoned him here and finding a way out. He nearly smirked as he approached to see VIII essentially run for his life. Nearly.
"I was just informed that you were here, sir," the blue-haired Nobody spoke up, tone as flat and emotionless as ever. "I would have reported to you sooner had I known."
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Regardless, he was pleased (as far as a Nobody could be pleased) to see his most loyal subordinate approaching him.
"Ah, VII, good morning." Xemnas spoke on a calm tone, resting his gaze on the Nobody in question. "I have been meaning to have a word with you, but I did not have the opportunity thus far."
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VII allowed himself a half bow out of respect for the Superior, the only one of the lot he could truly say deserved respect for his insight and leadership. He was not falling to one knee as usual, but it would go without saying that the circumstances were very different in a shower amongst quite a few, other men and in this mental facility.
It wasn't in his nature to speak much when it wasn't necessary, so Saïx simply straightened himself and said simply, "Of course."
Reply
However, to form any sort of plan he would need more information about the situation. He was aware of the weakening effect this place had on its patients, the little facade the staff held up during the day and the monsters lurking in the darkness during the night, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by. But running aimlessly through the hallways in the slight hope to find something useful wasn't the Superior's ideal way to deal with the matter. A sense of direction would surely be more fruitful. However, because the Nobody hadn't even been here a day, his own sense of direction wasn't worth mentioning just yet.
His gaze lingered on VII for a moment before he finally spoke.
"I'd like to know what kind of information you have gathered about our current...situation thus far."
He'd been hoping Saïx, who most likely had been longer here than himself, could provide him with useful information. At the very least more useful than any of the other Nobodies had provided thus far.
Reply
"The others have probably mentioned the creatures at night and the changes if you've not experience them for yourself. We are all in a weakened state, though I've found lately that my own condition extends further beyond simple restriction." His yellow eyes flashed angrily for a moment at the willingness to admit such a thing, possibly helping to prove the point despite the fact that he kept his voice monotone. "I have managed to remain in check however. I would not break unless given... permission." And it had been a trying task with VIII, XII, XIII, and the Keyblade Master present. Not that he would admit such a thing.
"I assume you've been made aware that XIII is here as well as the Keyblade Master. His princess and the Witch as well. XII seems to have conveniently lost all memories of her betrayal. It should be noted that her amnesia could possibly be genuine given the nature of this place." Saïx continued evenly. "Most of the other patients seem to be a collection from numerous, other worlds and quite surprised to find that there happens to be more than one from what I've observed. Many of them are remarkable in some manner. You'll also be assigned a doctor to monitor your mental status." Eyes refrained from narrowing at that. He almost added that it was growing aggravating, but the basics were covered as briefly as possible, and he would wait for further instruction to elaborate or continue.
Reply
"We are clearly having a disadvantage." Xemnas said stating the obvious. "Because of this, making a scene wouldn't gain us anything, as tempting as it might be. It'd be in our best interest to play their game along, for now."
The amnesia was certainly interesting. Regardless if it were true for XII or not, it was something he'd have to make sure to remember. Of the Keyblade Masted he'd already known, but of his princess or the Witch he didn't. Interesting indeed. However, a doctor could've been expected. Perhaps a meeting with whoever decided to monitor his 'mental status' would prove to be useful. Though Xemnas couldn't afford to get his hopes up, as the nurses didn't prove to be too reliable either. They seemed almost ignorant to what this mental institute was hiding. The doctors were most likely the same.
"I see." Xemnas commented. "Please continue."
[ooc; Want to backlog or move the thread to the cafeteria or something else? :3]
Reply
He glanced around the showers, noticing that most of the other patients seemed to be moving on and being herded somewhere else for the time being. The intercom spoke of lunch, so he would have to be brief.
"The one speaking over the intercom. The Head Doctor, Martin Landel. Apparently he made an appearance a few days ago. I did not attend as I was not made aware that he would be there. From what the other patients say, he was very well protected. I'd imagine a talented actor as well." Saïx added. "Everything here is a lie. Perhaps it's easy to tell because we've grown accustomed to such things, living with only shadows of what it was like to feel." He was rarely so verbose or frank, but that hardly meant that he didn't have it in him. The others simply rarely deserved more than a curt nod or a few, choice words.
[OOC: If you want to move along to lunch, that's cool. Saïx is like a happy feral puppy right now, waiting for orders and direction, so. XD]
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