Marluxia held up a hand, as if to settle a brewing argument with a conciliatory gesture. "You're no fool, Vexen; you know the choices our presence represents without us spelling them out."

He dropped his hand, and steeled himself to bite down on his pride as he continued, "The fact is, the second of those options is a last resort. We want you on our side, and as a result, Khamja wants you. If this was a simple choice to join or die, it would have been a different party sent to present to you those options. As it stands," he trailed off, frowned, and caught his breath before he continued, "Khamja values scientists more highly than it values muscle, and I value your intelligence more than I value any grudge. Whatever personal differences there may be between us, Vexen, you are one of the most intelligent people I have ever met, and I would rather have you on my side."

He scowled, and looked every bit as though saying that made him uncomfortable, because it did, but letting that fact be visible was for Vexen's benefit. Marluxia knew that the man's pride would be helped by seeing Marluxia swallow his own.

This was yet another reason not to allow the Arrancar, or Lumi, entry during this stage.