Intro

Welcome to the sequel of Dark Flame. We would like to thank the creators of Kingdom Hearts for supplying us with wonderful characters to write fanfiction about. As a disclaimer, we do not own any of the characters from Kingdom Hearts or Final Fantasy. The only character we own is our OC.

Recap

The story began with a young woman named Thorn who lost her world, and her friends to the darkness. With the help of a man named Diz, she alone managed to escape her world's fate. Thorn aspired to become a mage and was trained in the ways of magic. She also had a very rare gift, the ability to see into others hearts. For a time, she trained under the sorcerer Yensid until Diz took her to live with him and assist him in protecting worlds against heartless. During her time with him, she came across a person who perplexed her because she could not see his heart. Curious, she began actively seeking this unknown being, and as a result, they began searching for her. Axel was sent by Organization 13 to discover more about this odd girl and bring her into their fold. He approached her and managed to further pique her interest in him and the others like him. In hopes of finding her friends and restoring them, Thorn went with Axel.

During her stay in The World That Never Was, Thorn got to know the Nobodies who lived there. Much of her time was spent with Vexen who tirelessly sought to discover the source of her abilities as well as their maximum potential. She also began assisting the Nobodies on missions. She grew close to a select few of the members, Axel in particular. The Flurry of the Dancing Flames developed a sense of caring towards the mage which Thorn readily accepted and reciprocated. Eventually, Saix discovered the magnitude of their relationship and grew to disdain the heartseer. In an attempt to be rid of her, Saix had Thorn sent to Castle Oblivion where Vexen would remove her heart so that he may harness her ability over hearts. Axel had other ideas and let Thorn go after all of the people in Castle Oblivion were eliminated. The two parted ways at Yensid's castle in the hopes that one day they could be together again.

And now, beloved readers, we give you….

COLD MOON

Chapter 1: Old Promise, New Journey

"The person you once were no longer exists. You are a Nobody. An empty shell with no heart. Identity, feelings, and connections, all of these no longer exist for you. Anything you believe to be feeling is merely a pretense brought on by your memories. However, there is a way to restore to you what is lost. Come with me, and we shall seek it, together."

The man with yellow eyes and silver hair smiled as he extended his hand.

"From this point forward, your name will be..."

Organization member number seven, Saix, stared out from a balcony of the Castle That Never Was overlooking the World That Never Was. There were no trees, no houses, nor people milling about their daily lives. There was only a city, empty, barren, and lifeless. No sound could be heard anywhere amongst the many giants of steel and glass poking out through the dark mist hovering like a shroud over the vacant streets. The sky was just as dark and empty, with no sun, no moon, and no stars in sight. Everything about this world was dark and bleak. Even the castle, while it stood monolithic above the city, its grandeur was as equally empty and lifeless.

"Not the same, is it?"

Lea appeared from behind, coming to stand beside the blue haired male. Saix turned his head to look at him. Lea hadn't changed much after losing his heart. At least not physically. He had marks under his eyes, but that was the only visible change.

"How are you feeling?" Saix asked him.

"Better now that I know you're alright," the red head answered with a smile. He looked out at the scenery, or lack thereof, leaning against the balcony edge as he did so. "This place sure is gloomy. Nothing to do and not an ice cream shop in sight."

"Is ice cream the only thing that would make this place not gloomy?" Saix asked glancing over at his old friend.

Lea laughed at this and shook his head. "Nah, it'd take a lot more to spruce this place up, but I doubt the big wigs would be too happy about it," he replied looking out over the city. "Well, I'll bet Braig...sorry Xigbar would be okay with a bit of redecorating."

"He'd be the only one," Saix pointed out. "You know Vexen would destroy everything while Xemnas simply wouldn't allow it."

"Yeah...but I'll bet it'd make Ienzo smile."

"I doubt it. And it's Zexion, remember Lea?"

"Right, yeah," the red head muttered, scratching his head as though he had a terrible itch. "While we're on that, it's not Lea anymore."

Saix had gathered as much. Every person who had donned the black cloak and become a member had been given a new name. A constant reminder they were no longer the people they once were. "What is it then?"

"Axel." The name came hesitantly from his lips, as though he were testing it out for the first time.

Saix released a breath, the closest he'd come to chuckling after becoming a Nobody.

"What's so funny?" the other demanded, making an indignant face.

"It's appropriate," Saix answered. "The way you used always to spin those toys of yours around."

"Oh yeah?" Axel held out his hand, his face tightening with focus. Flames erupted from his hand and a chakram burst into existence, his fingers grasping it at the middle. "How's this for a toy?"

Saix looked the weapon over carefully before answering. "It is an improvement," he admitted. "But still more of a toy."

"Oh yeah, what have you got?" Axel demanded putting his weapon away and folding his arms. He stared at the blue haired Nobody waiting to see his weapon.

After a time, the more serious member sighed and turned towards the redhead, holding out his hand. In it appeared a very large claymore. "This is a weapon," he murmured. As he showed off the weapon, his lips turned up slightly in an almost smirk.

Axel rolled his eyes. "Bigger isn't always better," he said, though it was easy to tell he was just the slightest bit envious.

"Perhaps we should settle it with a match then," Saix suggested mildly.

"Eh, maybe later," the other said with a shrug. "I'm still getting used to this whole… well, everything."

The number seven understood what he meant. Ever since becoming a Nobody, he felt… well, empty. To fill the void, he would frequently recall his past memories, using them to draw some sort of reference. It helped, but it never even came close to what he knew he should feel. On the plus side, he'd become stronger than he could ever remember being in his old life. He'd thought about asking Xemnas on many occasions, but he didn't want to seem too reliant on him. Saix did not and would not allow himself to trust him.

He put his weapon away and returned to looking out at the empty world. Their new home. No… not even that. If home is where the heart is, then by default, they had no home. They had nothing.

Axel placed a hand on Saix's shoulder. "So what do you wanna do?" When Saix didn't answer, the number eight added, "Oh, come on, you gotta have something planned, right?"

Saix was silent for a few moments before nodding. "Of course." He slowly turned his head towards the red head and looked him seriously in the eye. "The two of us will work together to regain our hearts. Once we have that, we'll go home."

"You really think we can?" Axel asked curiously. "I mean the castle was taken over right?"

"Yes, but with our new abilities it'll be easy to retake it," he replied confidently. "We just have to play our roles here until then." He held his hand out towards Axel and smiled slightly. "No matter what we run into and no matter what we're asked, when push comes to shove, we look out for each other."

The red head's mouth stretched into a wide grin, much like the one he often used to wear, though it didn't quite fully reach his eyes. Without even a second to think it over, he took hold of Saix's hand. "You got it, partner."

It was a promise between friends. As far as the two were concerned, getting their hearts back was the main goal. Nothing and no one else mattered. Once they were whole again, they could leave this prison and go back home.

Together.

Axel didn't care much for monotony. That's exactly what his current task was. Monotonous. Every day it was the same routine: scour Castle Oblivion to try and find one room out of hundreds, possibly thousands. As if the countless doors to walk through made things difficult, but Axel got the sense that nothing ever stayed in the same place. Especially if it didn't want to be found.

Oh, look at that, now he was becoming paranoid. Well, he'd been at this a straight month, so why shouldn't he be?

He stopped in a nondescript room and sat against the wall to rest his legs for a bit. If he'd known things were going to be THIS mundane and boring he would've kept Thorn with him a little longer.

When he thought about it a little more, he knew it was better he'd let her go when he did. Still he… well, he was pretty sure he missed her. The thought of not seeing her again gave him the uncomfortable sensation of his blood running thin, chilling him from skin to bone. He'd been having a hard time sleeping knowing that he was the only one in the bed, and that when he reached across the mattress, the only thing his hand would grab is empty air.

Man… is this what longing felt like?

Now that she was gone, Axel wondered how long it would take for the numbness to fully settle back in. He'd started to feel it slowing creeping back over him the way a snake slowly wraps itself around its next potential meal. It was the sense of emptiness and uncertainty of knowing that something critically important was missing. Except now Axel wasn't sure whether that something was the organ which supposedly would have made him a complete person, or the girl who had made him feel like he was whole.

Axel knew there was no sense dwelling on it. He still had things to take care of within the organization. Saix was still counting on him, though admittedly Axel had other reasons of greater interest. There was his new friend Roxas. It just wouldn't sit right to let the kid fend for himself in that rough cut group.

The red head stood back up. No sense sitting around waiting for the room to come to him, as nice as that would be. In a few more days he would have to return and report his findings, or lack thereof as it were. He would of course report that unfortunately due to the intruders, all the other members were regrettably slain. Namine, whom Marluxia was supposed to be watching, ran off and disappeared during the fiasco. And Thorn… before Vexen could complete his experiment she managed to get loose and ended up getting caught in the crossfire. Which was more or less true anyway.

Now maybe things would be able to calm back down. He and Saix could get back to their plan. Most of the obstacles had been erased so there was very little getting in their way now.

Of course… if Thorn found Saix's heart first, then maybe there wouldn't be a need for the plan after all. They'd finally be free.

"Mage in training, Thorn. No...Evangeline. Having only just completed the final test, how would you evaluate your performance?"

Thorn closed her eyes for a moment blocking out the dark haired woman before her as she pondered the question. As had been stated, she'd just finished the final exam for her high school, which consisted of battling against the largest creature she'd ever seen in her world. It was a test that at one point had brought her much concern and worry, but as it had been weaker than anything she'd faced since leaving, it was simple. During the fight she'd even shown off her more powerful spells even though there was no need to in order to win. Now with the fight over, she stood before her teacher, Madam Lulu ready to hear the results of this long awaited exam.

"I believe I performed to the best of my abilities," she answered after a time. "I understood this test was used to determine my skill in battle as well as my level of control with my magic. I was able to defeat my foe without being touched and have demonstrated my growth since my departure."

She had of course told Madam Lulu everything that had happened to her in those three months of absence...but no one else in their world knew the truth. It really made her smile with pleasure seeing the shocked and jealous looks on the other mages' faces as she easily defeated the monster. It took the rest a lot of time and effort to complete.

"I do however, feel as though I still have much to learn," she admitted. "Whether I pass or fail, I will continue to further myself and my abilities."

Lulu inclined her head slowly, the placid expression a show that she found Thorn's answer a passable one. "And if given the rank of a mage, do you swear to uphold all rules and responsibilities of the magical arts?"

There was no hesitation. "I do."

"Then I hereby grant you the title of Mage," the elder female declared. "From this point forward, you are free to learn and use any spells of your choosing, so long as they are for the right reasons. You are also free to unlock your limiters at your own discretion. Do you have any questions?"

Thorn opened her mouth, but before she could ask, a ball of light suddenly flew into the room through the window. In a bright burst, an elderly man with a pointed hat and a long white beard appeared.

"Ah, sorry I'm late… traffic you know," he said adjusting his glass.

"Uh...Merlin," Thorn gasped in surprise. He was one of the last people she ever expected to see there. "What are you doing here?"

"Ah, it's a pleasure to see you again...what was your name?" Merlin greeted finding it difficult to remember.

"Thorn," she told him with a smile. Somehow his easy forgetfulness was endearing. "So what brings you here?"

"I came to speak with you and Miss...Lulu," he answered turning back towards the elder sorceress. "You see, we are having problems back in Hollow Bastion. I would like to request Thorn's help in keeping the heartless at bay and in the restoration of the world."

"I think that would be acceptable," Lulu answered. "However, as she is no longer my student, the decision to go is ultimately hers."

"Of course I'll go." Thorn was brimming with excitement.

As much as she loved being home with her friends, Thorn had come to realize how dull staying in one place was. She wanted to be able to visit more worlds, learn new things and meet new people. After her adventure, she found it was no longer possible to return to the ways things used to be and pretend it all never happened. She couldn't stay in one place and she knew in her heart her future wasn't here. It was out there. Granted, she would miss the guys, but she could always come back and visit from time to time.

"Well then, if you are ready we should be off," he said easily pulling back his sleeves and preparing to transport them both right then and there.

"Wait!" The shout startled everyone in the room as three boys burst through the door tripping over each other's feet as they entered and falling face first to the floor.

"What are you guys doing here?" Thorn asked with a sigh. She wasn't too surprised to see they'd been eaves dropping but it was slightly irritating.

"I'd like to know as well. Why were you three eavesdropping on our private conversation?" Lulu demanded in her cool calm voice.

"After what happened before? There's no way we're leaving her alone," Zell exclaimed hurriedly shoving himself back onto his feet.

"She is our friend and our family, there is nothing we are not willing to do to keep her safe," Irvine added also returning to his feet.

"In other words, she's not going anywhere without us," Zidane summed up from his spot on the floor. He'd been on the bottom of the pile and was now rubbing his sore head.

"You guys…" Thorn couldn't fight the smile that was forcing its way onto her lips. She shook her head. "It's going to be dangerous. There are heartless in this world." Even though she knew each of them were terrific fighters in their own right. However, all it would take is one slip up, one mishap, and they would be gone. She didn't want to go through that again.

"Exactly, which is why you'll need us," Zell said as though she'd just proven their point rather than hers.

"Travel between worlds is a privilege, one which is only bestowed upon those who have a great need for it," Lulu told the three of them severely.

"Now, now, Miss Lulu," Merlin said, waving his hands with a chuckle. "We could always use a few extra helping hands. Though I suppose I'll leave the decision up to Thorn as to whether or not they should be allowed into our company."

The three boys immediately began staring up at her with their big eyes, silently pleading with her not to leave them behind. After a few moments she sighed. She couldn't just leave them, despite what she thought was best.

"Alright, as long as you guys do what you're supposed to and don't cause trouble...I guess you can come," she sighed after a lapse of silent contemplation. The three cheered with joy before starting a group hug with her in the center. "Okay, okay. Let go so we can get moving."

They did as they were told all grinning ear to ear in their own way. "If that's the answer then let us all be off," Merlin exclaimed preparing to head out.

"A moment." Lulu stepped forward until she stood in front of Thorn. Looking at the pair standing together, it wasn't hard for a bystander to guess their relationship was a deep one filled with mutual respect. The older woman held out a small object for Thorn to take. "This bell has a powerful charm on it. It can guard against even the most deadly of assaults or become the source of one. However, the magic in it is limited to a single use. Be careful when deciding to employ it's power."

Thorn took the small, silver bell, unable to verbally state how grateful she was for the gift. "Thank you, Madam Lulu," she said, fisting it for a moment before placing it into her pocket. "I promise I won't waste it."

"Hey, old man," Zidane said to Merlin. "Is it alright if we stop by our place to pick up some stuff for the road?"

"Old man?" Merlin cleared his throat indignantly. "Young man, I am the great wizard Merlin, and you'll do well to remember that."

"I apologize for our friend's lack of manners," Irvine said, giving the monkey tailed boy a swift smack on the back of the head. "We do however have things we simply cannot leave without and would like to retrieve them."

"Hmm...I believe that is acceptable," Merlin agreed. "But make it quick, we do not have time to dawdle."

"Thanks, Master Merlin," Thorn expressed with the smallest of bows. Then she ushered the three boys out of the room, all headed to their pad to collect their things for the long journey ahead. Before she followed after them, she turned and addressed the two once more. "Thank you, for everything, Madam Lulu. I doubt I would have made it back without your lessons. I'll make you proud."

With that she too left the room planning on bringing everything she owned that was important. She would not leave anything behind.

CM: So there it is! After months of waiting, the first chapter of the sequel. We're debating on whether or not to continue, so its all up to you. Let us know your opinions of the chapter. If we get enough reviews, we will happily continue posting for this.

Also, if you're interested, check out my deviantart page. My pen name is the same: CopperMoon. You can find pictures of Thorn as well as other KH characters there. Enjoy!