IX. [Video]

[edge_of_nothing]

I'll go along, no such sight to be shown,
But to rejoice in splendor of mine own.

[The feed continues as Xemnas closes the book he has in hand, glancing up at the NV after a moment of pause.]

...There is never a dull moment.

[In the background, across a desk full of paperwork, a cat stalks elegantly until she decides to settle right in the middle of it all. Apparently it doesn't take much to keep her content. For now.]

Perhaps one can even call it 'eventful' - a fitting pace for a city such as Siren's Port. It is typical considering the demographic of the populace. [Of course, he then considers what he has recently heard/seen on the Network.] Then again, I suppose it varies from person to person.

And, like most, I still find myself busy with all that has been happening. And I do not expect anything less.

Comments

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

[This is about the only point of seniority Roxas will have over him.

The pause lengthens as he considers the Thirteenth's poignant curiosity. He then smiles, an empty expression telling of nothing.]

Well, Roxas. Sometimes there are changes that cannot be helped. Why should one waste time ignoring what is happening around them? At some point in time, everyone does what they want to do.

And no matter what it is, it gets the attention of those who are still wary of their activities.

video;

[pullsheavendown]

[At least he can still use a Keyblade or two.]

Are you talking about me or you? There's not a lot to be wary of in making coffee.

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

[Ah, yes. The keyblades. The wonders of duel-wielding.]

Who do you think? Running a coffee shop is different from overseeing a whole corporation.

video;

[pullsheavendown]

[You better believe it. Forever cooler than you.]

Like you even need to do anything with Xigbar and Saix around to do your dirty work.

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

[Psh. Nothing wrong with lightsabers blades of energy.]

[These names darken that smile. A wry smirk.]

...That also can change at any given moment.

[Surely he means that in the past tense, but there is no need to correct that.]

video;

[pullsheavendown]

Wouldn't be much of an Organization if it did.

[Because seriously, do you really want Demyx as your #3?]

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

[A terrible thought. Very terrible. And yet what Roxas says is ironically amusing on some nonexistent level.]

True. Very true.

I do not intend for our number to go down that path again.

video;

[pullsheavendown]

[Do you even remember amusement, creepy man?]

You could avoid it by turning over a new leaf.

But I guess people like us aren't real good at change.

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

[Barely.]

No. Not always.

Personally, it has been far too long a time to turn away from what has already been set. Your existence in comparison has made the transition easier.

video;

[pullsheavendown]

Don't talk to me about my life being easier. You have no idea. And I don't believe it's been so hard for you. At least you've always known what you want.

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

You were once content with what you had. That much is certain. But even you haven't the slightest in what I had experienced within the extent of two years away from our world.

video;

[pullsheavendown]

Because I was ignorant.

[Oh, boss please.]

Am I supposed to feel sorry for you?

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

Can you?

[The sharpness of the tone fades back into cold neutrality.]

...That is your choice. It will not matter to me if you do or do not. I know I do not need your sympathy.

video;

[pullsheavendown]

You tell me. I shouldn't, should I? Nothing to feel with.

[But he wonders sometimes. He really does.]

What do you need?

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

...I need...

[Respect. Control. Power.]

Cooperation. It has been one full year since I arrived.

video;

[pullsheavendown]

Happy anniversary.

[Can you feel the sincerity of his well-wishes?]

It's not real cooperation if you're just giving orders, you know.

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

[Yes. It is the most profound.

There's a faint smile, vague in its meaning.]

Of course.

video;

[pullsheavendown]

Whatever.

[He doesn't expect you to ever understand. He's not even sure you're capable.]

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

[To be honest, the boy's probably right. Mostly. But there is still much Xemnas has retained from recent experiences. Still, the chances of that ever happening is slim.

If ever a normal conversation was to happen between them, it would be surprising.]

I believe there has been enough talk about me for the time being. I want to know what has been going on with you of late.

video;

[pullsheavendown]

[Normal? What's that?]

Awfully thoughtful of you. But there's not much to tell.

[Sure there is.]

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

Is that so?

[Details. He knows you have them.]

video;

[pullsheavendown]

Nothing big. Working. Making ice cream. Hanging out with Sora.

[How do you like that, boss?]

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

[Oh snap. If that's how it's gonna be.]

Nothing out of the ordinary, then.

video;

[pullsheavendown]

[What's wrong, Nobody Dad? Shouldn't I be hanging out with my other half?]

Nothing at all.

video;

[edge_of_nothing]

[No. I forbid it.]

Very well then. It will have to do.