[when Marluxia speaks, his voice sounds a little more emotionless than usual, as though he's trying to keep what memory of unease he has from leaking through. This information troubles him greatly--enough, obviously, to eschew his typical cloak of anonymity] While taking a look through documents in my possession, I've come across something... curious. Secrets are being kept from us all, it seems--more than we could have possibly imagined.

As there are more than a few of you who are unlikely to take me at my word, allow me to provide you with an image of the document itself. There are pieces missing, but I assume you can understand the gist of it, as well as the insight into our dilemma it provides.


( ((cut for image)) )

It has been awhile since we've last spoken, Paixao. I hope you will accept this gift to make up for my absence. Read closely, and think on this knowledge well.


To understand how the heart works, one must comprehend its balance and what happens when that balance is lost. How does it function with an abundance of darkness? Of Light?

How much until it is thrown over the edge, to a point of no return?

Each heart reacts differently - should they not all operate the same? How are we able to understand anything if our subjects are not on the same controlled level? I wonder, is it possible to reshape a person's heart, so that then we will be able to do our testing properly?

---

PROJECT F - EXPERIMENT NO. 1
SPECIMEN DESIGNATION: Laharl

PROCEDURE: Injections of darkness, followed by a single injection of pure light.
RESULTS: As a creature of darkness, the subject was able to accept large amounts of darkness, during which he began to take on the physical traits of a common Heartless (glowing eyes, visible and palpable aura of darkness). He reacted poorly to the injection of light, however, and rather forcefully escaped from the laboratory.
CONCLUSIONS: Like accepts like. Creature of darkness may not be able to handle light and vice-versa.
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS: Whether the light acted as a catalyst against darkness injected or against natural darkness.
POSSIBLE FUTURE EXPERIMENTS: Injections either entirely of light or darkness.

---

PROJECT E - EXPERIMENT NO. 6
SPECIMEN DESIGNATION: Zidane Tribal

PROCEDURE: Injections of darkness.
RESULTS: Subject entered injured and was revived with potion before injections, which may have affected results. Subject was completely unable to assimilate any darkness and instead gained powers not unlike those of the Heartless.
CONCLUSIONS: Creatures of light do not react well to darkness. Weaker hearts may not stand up to darkness well.
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS: To what extent the injury and potion affected results (if at all), Strength of subject's heart to begin with, Amount of darkness needed to make subject lose his heart completely.
POSSIBLE FUTURE EXPERIMENTS: Further injections of darkness.

Hello everyone! It's the Doctor here. ...the one that doesn't eat fish custard or wears a bow-tie. The one that was here first.

Right, so, just to get this out of the way now-- No, I'm not sure where my future self has gotten to, but I doubt there's any reason to be alarmed, well, not too much anyways. Not yet. You see, if I--he is in some kind of trouble, well, he's rather good at getting out of trouble. So there's no reason to panic. [Though he's saying this, there is a faint concern hidden in there.]

So, yes, where was I? Ah, right. Me, being here first.

You see, when I arrived here I was in my TARDIS. It's been sitting at low power for some time now, but there was a reason for that. Now that we've been here so long, I was able to use the power she's managed to store up, along with some modifications, to get the scanners, well, scanning. Scanning beyond the castle, to be exact.

And, well, that's the good news I'm afraid. Bad news from here on out.

[The Doctor's tone shifts at this point. He's serious... very serious, and obviously a bit bothered at what he learned.]

There's nothing out there.

No, it's not that they aren't working, believe me, they're working. There just was nothing to scan--no planets, stars or even strange anomalies. Just... emptiness.

Now, I wasn't able to boost the scanners enough to determine just how large the dimension we're in IS. It's possible we could be in some sort of pocket universe. Or there could be some sort of barrier, but the scanners should have picked up anything like that. Or, well, it's hard to say until we find out more about where and what this place we're in is.

I really do wish I'd had good news. We're about due for some at this point, I'd say.

I wonder. How long have some of you been in this place? What are your homes like? Do you miss them?

Hey, this is pretty cool…

Alright, where the hell am I?! If you bastards know anything, you better tell me and get me back to where I was! Al, Winry? You guys aren’t here too, are you? HEY!! SOMEONE ANSWER ME!!

Attention, citizens! Or, since our new Mayor has insisted on segregating us...attention, fellow Paixao visitors! As you've no doubt noticed by this point, many fine shops in the city are turning our perfectly good business away. And why? Because we're different. Because we haven't conformed. In an effort to mold you into a bland, one dimensional shadow of your former selves, Marcus Praetoris has put into effect a new law, forcing you to either be what he wants you to be or suffer the consequences.

Lucky for you, not every shop and citizen in Paixao fears change. The gypsies are more than happy to take your money for whatever goods they might have, as well as a few other shops in what no doubt our dear Mayor might call "the poor district."

You have a goddess on your side, friends. I've struck a deal with our gypsy neighbors -- until the powers that be overturn this archaic law and accept us for who we are, I'll provide you with anything you need, for a discounted price. And I do mean anything.

You'll find my temporary shop across the street from the Cheap Prayer. I think I'll call it "New Hope."

[ clears his throat ]

FORCED CITIZENS OF PAIXAO! This is THE GREAT JECHT, comin' to ya, live!

I'm sure, by now, all of you have no doubt come across just a few of the snazzy posters hanging around town! The purpose'uv 'em is to raise awareness about the RESISTANCE we're all thinkin' is around here! But I tell ya, we sure ain't done much yet! So I got to thinkin' -- If a leader's what you're lookin' for, then LOOK NO MORE!

I'm offerin' my services to get a handle on this here situation, an' make sure that each an' every single one'uv us gets outta here in one piece, and wind up back where we belong! It's time we RAISED UP to get COUNTED AROUND HERE!

If yer WITH ME, LET ME KNOW!

I'll be holdin' a get-together for the lot'uv us at PAIXAO CENTRAL STATION, y'know the one, smack dab in the middle'uv the city!

Fighter, healer, mage, machina expert, demi-humans ALL WELCOME!

( POSTER )

This is crazy. I can't believe I'm actually doing this...

Marluxia,

I... Really hate to say this but... Ugh.

I need your help.

Greetings, Paixao.

As I'm sure you've noticed, there are some of you who have come into possession of certain documents found around the city. Doubtless you all are wondering what they mean. Sadly, I'm incapable of providing you every answer, especially on an insecure line such as this.

But that isn't to say I can't tell you anything at all. You all have questions, especially in regards to your entrapment.

There is a castle in between the realms of light and darkness, a place where memories can influence its very structure. It is where the group you know as the Organization has chosen to perform its research.

Welcome to Castle Oblivion.

You've already begun your ascension with the find of the islands beyond the door. Within those islands, if you wish to find it, there is another door leading to the next floor, and more beyond each world of memories you explore.

At the top of this castle, you will find all of your answers and a way home. Can you make it?

So. ♥

I was talking to Timon~. He's so helpful. I have a list. What sort of list? Here's part of it.

Sephiroth
Rosette
Laharl
Karst
Flonne

Can anyone guess what this list is? ♥

Dear Paixaoans,

Yeah missed me, hu? I thought you might. I'm a pretty lovable character, you know. Not to fear, I ain't got any plans on going anywhere any time soon. I know my adoring public needs me and as long as they do I will continue to-- What? No, Pumbaa, not now. I'm in the middle of somethin'... No, I didn't. He did it himself... Hey, that's not my fault. If he... Look, we're not having this conversation right now. I'm busy.

Eh... You'll have to excuse my associate. He has a terrible habit of INTERRUPTING ME WHEN I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMETHING IMPORTANT.

Ahem! Anywho... It's come to my attention that a lot of you have been makin' contact with certain members of the known threat that is Organization XIII. Allow me to remind you that these people are extremely dangerous, and should by no means be trusted n' any way. We're talkin' 'bout the same guys who kidnapped many citizens just like you n' me and conducted all those nasty experiments on 'em; tortured 'em!

Recent attempts by The Organization at kidnapping have also been noted. This forces me to also remind you all ta be on the look out for suspicious activity and travel in numbers. It's safer that way. Organization members have taken on a change of wardrobe now that their black coats are so recognizable so they may not be as easy to spot unless you're familiar with 'em. If there are any artists out there willin' to sketch 'em out to help others familiarize themselves with them, that'd be real helpful.

Organization XIII itself consists of thirteen members, each goin' by a particular number (example: Larxene is also known number XII). All members are also known ta have at least one 'X' in their names. Though, when they approach you they'll probably introduce themselves by a different name. Their greatest known interest is collecting hearts, although their experiments involvin' two elements called 'Light' n' 'Darkness' have shown others.

Some of the creatures seen running around the city, at one time attacking it, are known as 'Heartless' and 'Nobodies'. These creatures supposedly created when a heart is lost to darkness. They are controlled by The Organization and are considered just as dangerous as members themselves.

Keepin' this n' all new details in mind, be careful. We don't need any more casualties than we already have. New information involving anything you think could be important will always be accepted at any time. Exchanges in information are also negotiable.

Any further questions, comments, et cetera, et cetera I'll, eh, take 'em up the best I can.

Sincerely,

The Future Mayor of Paixao

... Whew, that was a long one!

Hellooooo~ adoring public! It's me: your amazing, spectacular, absolutely extraordinary king moderator here. Givin' a shout out to all my fellow 'kats out there and you citizens.

As you know, I've been keeping track of the recent events involving kidnapped citizens. Victims endured... Many means of torture while locked up in separate small cells by the organization.

After several days, however, we are beginning to see members of those kidnapped appear back in the city. Some look to suffer from some form of amnesia (not as strong as the one that was going around awhile ago) that prevents them from remembering anything from the events that took place while they were imprisoned. Others (who may or may not remember) physical, mental, and/or emotional damage.

If you see any one of our kidnapped eight, don't hesitate to lend a paw n' help 'em out if needed. Be sure to approach with caution, however. We're not completely sure about everything the organization has done to them.

Speakin' of which, known members of the organization seem to be growing. Another just arrived here a few days ago. Unfortunately another rather 'friendly' one. -They also all have an 'x' in their name for some reason. Am I the only one who noticed that?

The upgrades are in place and functioning within acceptable parameters. Now let me alone and stop bothering me with upgrading things for fools that can't understand them anyways. No one appreciates my technology. Have you seen some of the things they've done with them? That Ed person alone makes me want to smite him for daring to exist.

((OOC: Had to repost this in the right place because I'm a moron))