If We Had Hearts: After Sora had selflessly sacrificed herself for Kairi and became a heartless, a nobody was created. Solitary, wandering, not sure how she became or where to go her Nobody walked the streets of Twilight Town only to be found by the Leader of Organization XIII. He gave her a purpose, he gave her a name: Roxas.

Author's Note: This story centers on Roxas and her life with Organization XIII and while Xion will make an appearance I'm focusing more on our two favorite nobodies Roxas and Axel.

Chapter 1: The Name

Wonk uoy naht noitceffa erom deen I...

I need more affection than you know…

Emptiness… that's the best way she could describe herself. She was just empty. She had no memories, no connections, and no emotions. She wasn't sure what all those thing even were. Eyes clouded over blue, blonde hair that rivered down her back in curly spikes the empty girl watched the people walk around her, full of life and light and she in essence became their shadow, lingering in the dark, observing, and staying distant.

She saw merchants selling stock, saw workers hefting items over shoulders or onto carts. She saw kids her own age running through the wide open streets of the square, dodging the lil trolly that circled around. Her feet felt heavy as she began to walk, aimlessly with no real direction in mind she just walked and walked. Something was stirring in the air, something was pulling at her but she didn't know what.

She heard the buzz of the square die as she walked through the hole in the wall and into a forest of green trees. The scent of air was fresher here… sweet with nature, and flowers. The wind felt cool and calm against her cheeks. Still she walked not really knowing where to go. She found herself standing in front of a large mansion, eyes wide and dazed she took in the grand structure. It seemed abandoned, and yet so well preserved.

She felt the darkness, felt the presence of them pile up around her. She turned and saw the dark creatures surround her. What were these shadows? One leapt up, and her body reacted before she could comprehend what to do. Her hand flew up and a shimmer of silvery light blocked the attack.

The presence of the keyblade was so familiar to her. The weight, the power, the grip of the handle. She could see herself using it… could see how to destroy the dark. She slice and beat back the dark creatures, calculating and almost cold. Fatigue waned her body and she slumped to the ground once the foes had disappeared.

She lay on the ground a moment, wondering what this fluttering sensation in her chest was. She didn't recognize it as surprise or fear. She wasn't sure how to respond to it. The keyblade had vanished from her grip the moment the threat was gone, but she knew she could call upon it again when the need arose.

Images flashed in her mind. Images of many battles like the one she'd just been in. Images of the shadows in various shapes and sizes. Images of a figure much like her own wielding the keyblade and vanquishing them, sending free the light. Was she remembering who she was? Who was she? Where had she come from? What was she doing here?

"You seek answers." A voice disturbed her thoughts. Her eyes wandered and she stood to watch a portal of darkness open in front of her and a figure stepped out. He was neither human nor shadow, but a disturbing mix of both. He was tall and cloaked, but had the same scent of darkness the shadows had.

"You Seek Answers…" He repeated to her. His face shrouded by the dark cloak. She stared at him blankly. Her body reacted before she could understand. Her head nodded forward in an agreeing motion. He flashed his hand out, the name Sora spreading across and she narrowed her eyes on it. Was this who she was?

"You feel nothing. Nothing is real… but I can give you purpose."

Was that true? She wondered and watched the letters spiral now. They spun and they spun mixing their order til the stranger thrust his hand out again. A large X speared in the middle now creating her identity.

"Roxas…"

"That is right… the new you."

Roxas… finally something she could cling onto. Something she could comprehend. Her name was Roxas. The dark man turned his head as another stepped through the dark portal.

"Ah, Axel… good timing. I'd like you to meet our newest member. Number 13 Roxas, the Key of Destiny."

"Nice to meetcha," Axel offered casually his hood discarded and his hand waving friendly like. When he got no response he let out a low whistle. "Not much of a talker is she?"

"She's still new, not yet established in the world. We'll have to guide her carefully."

"If she's so new then why did you bring her aboard?"

"Because she is the nobody of the keyblade's chosen one."

"Are you serious?" His eyes whirled onto the girl again. She didn't seem to be paying much attention to their conversation and was just staring at her own hands as if wondering what they were capable of.

"I got a preview of her power just moments ago. She's just what we need to help us collect the hearts. Make her feel welcomed. Show her around, and bring her back so we can introduce her to the rest of the council." Xemnas turned around and Roxas stepped behind him as if to follow but Axel rest a hand on her shoulder.

"Easy there, shortie. You're coming with me for now." He wraps an arm around her and guided her back towards town. "Let me show you the ropes. I'm Axel, by the way."

"Axel…" She murmured it softly her big blue eyes staring soft and somber. The look had something in Axel's stomach tightening and he fidgeted a bit beside her at the discomfort.

"That's right… got it memorized?"

Her face remained soft and puzzled. Axel gave a sigh and ruffled her hair trying to get her expression to change some. Man the newbies were always like this, fresh from the cut of their heart, and numb to all emotions. Eventually memories slip in, and the form takes on the personality… but Axel knew that these first few days were gonna be rough.

"Okay so Xemnas wants me to show you the ropes, but I imagine that'll take only about ten minutes. So why don't I show you something even better?" He took her by the hand and guided her through the town. Roxas paused momentarily to glance back at some kids eating blue ice cream.

Axel caught the look, smiled. "Sorry I don't have any munny to pay for Sea Salt ice cream… next time, I promise." He pulled her closer in by the shoulder. Roxas made a little sound of surprise by the motion and tensed up. His brow raised and he glanced down to see the slightest of blushes on her cheeks. Ah, so there WAS something in there… he'd have to poke at it more later.

He took her up to the clock tower, those lifeless blue eyes suddenly filling with light and staring out into the setting sun. He watched her rub a hand over her chest as if to steady the heart that wasn't there.

"Pretty, isn't it?"

She nodded and walked forward. Axel had to yank her back from the edge as she almost toppled forward.

"Easy, you can't walk on air, Roxas. Here, sit." He moved himself to sit on the edge then sat her down beside him. "Enjoy the view. It's best from afar like this anyway. The closer you get to it the less beautiful it becomes."

Those eyes turn up towards him again. What did it say about a nobody that felt stirring emotions from such doll eyes?

"Um… After we sit for a bit, I'll tell you about the organization. We'll go back to headquarters so you can get your coat and room. Okay Roxas?"

"Roxas… Number 13…"

"That's right." He leaned in and flicked a finger down her nose causing those cheeks to flush again. "Roxas."

~Day 7~

For those first few days the name Roxas, and the number thirteen were all she had to hold onto. With no real memories of who she was or where she'd come from she was left at the mercy of Organization 13. She became acquainted to the names and faces of all her counterparts, but as to who they really were or what they were trying to do she had no idea.

Axel was the only one who really gave her any notice outside of missions. He'd ruffle her hair, send her thumbs up and winks before going out on missions. He came back once to take her back to the tower and give her the ice cream she'd been promised… but that had been her second day and she couldn't even remember the taste or color of the ice cream.

She did her best acquainting herself with everything. The castle she lived in was big and she often got lost. While others went on missions she made herself walk the castle to memorize where everything was. As she walked, in her head she went over and over the names and faces of the other organization members.

Number 1, The Superior, Xemnas

Number 2, Xigbar

Number 3, Xaldin

Number 4, Vexen

Number 5, Lexaeus

Number 6, Zexion

Number 7, Saix

Number 8… Axel.

She lingered over that name a bit wondering why her face got warm every time she thought of him or was close by him. She'd have to ask the next chance she got. Shaking her heart she continued her steps down the hall murmuring the names now.

Number 9, Demyx

Number 10, Luxord

Number 11, Luxiana

Number 12, Larxene

Number 13…

"Roxas!"

Her feet stopped in the hall and her eyes lifted up to see Axel running up and waving a hand in greeting.

"Glad I found you. We've got a meeting. Apparently there's yet another member joining the ranks. Come on." He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and had her cheeks going hot again.

Today, on her seventh day, she was no longer the newest member. As Roxas sat on her perch in the audience chamber, she found herself staring down at yet another person that would join the organization... Number XIV, Xion. A new number a new name, and a new face for her to memorize.

The hood was pulled up so Roxas couldn't see the kid's face, but just below the shroud she could see lips that smiled in her direction. Surprise came over her face as something clicked in her mind… a brief flash of another smile, another person… but it was gone before could register who it was or where she'd seen it before.

~Day 8~

After the meeting had adjourned Roxas had gone straight back to her room to sleep. It was made aware that she would be starting her first mission come morning and it left her a bit shaken. She wasn't entirely sure what to do or what was going on inside her, something just felt dislodged. Thankfully sleep overtook her and she forgot to be nervous when morning came.

She was grateful it was Axel who'd be leading her through the first mission. Out of all the organization members he was the most patient with her, teaching her, helping her understand everything that was going on.

Saix was in charge of handing out missions, so the two of them stood in front of Saix. The basics of the mission was to get her feet wet with a little treasure hunt mission. She was to get out on the town, learn to search and use her body to scout out treasure and valuables. An easy task, but one that she had to go through.

"Teach her well, Axel." Saix told him with his calm and unamused expression.

"Don't worry, I'll be sure she makes the grade." Axel assured and glanced over to see Roxas staring at the newcomer. The kid was silently staring, just watching what all was taking place. "What is it?" Axel asked leaning down beside her ear. "You worried about the new kid?"

"Mmm" Roxas gave a nod. She wasn't sure what she felt about the newcomer… but worried seemed to fit. She'd been in their shoes only days before, and wondered if they were having the same thoughts as she.

"What was that name again?" Axel asked Saix.

"Number 14, Xion."

"Xion…" Roxas spoke quietly. The eyes were blue under the hood… she noted. Eyes that stared straight into her.

"You have it memorized, ROxas?"

"Yeah."

"Yeah? How about my name?" Axel continued to poke. It surprised her a lil that she had an urge to smile.

"Axel."

"And what about our boss' name?"

"Xemnas."

"No way you can forget that, right?" Axel assured and pat her shoulder. He stroked it and pulled her close to him so they could step through the dark portal together.

It didn't take long for her to get the hang of wandering. She enjoyed looking at the town, slipping in and out like a shadow to just watch what all was going on, and finding little hidden treasures. She jumped and climbed and felt an ease with it… and when they finally found the treasure box she opened it and admired what was inside.

"Mission Complete." Axel said with a smile and helped her back to her feet. "Time for a reward."

"A reward?" Roxas blinked in confusion. "Aren't we supposed to go back?"

"Nah, our job's done. Let's go enjoy our little victory. I'll buy you some ice cream."

"Ice Cream…" Yes, she wanted that. She wanted to remember the sight, the smell, the flavor of it and hoped he would buy it more often so she could memorize all those things. So he took her up onto the clock tower, she sat in her normal spot admiring the view and took the blue bar he handed her.

"The icing on the cake." Axel said grinning at her. "You remember what this ice cream is called?"

No, she didn't… and why that made her feel bad she didn't understand.

"It's um…"

"Sea Salt Ice Cream. I already told you before. Get it memorized." Axel pointed to his temple with a smirk.

Roxas nodded and bit into it. Her eyes widened at the chill and salty sweet flavor.

"It's salty… but sweet."

Axel couldn't help himself. He laughed.

"Roxas, you said the exact same thing the other day."

"I did…" Her eyes looked at him wide and confused. "I don't remember."

"So what has it been, a week since you joined the organization?" Axel asked taking a bite out of his own ice cream.

"I guess it has." She nibbled on the ice cream then let it rest in her hands as she stared down at the town her mind trying to collect all the wandering thoughts.

"You guess, c'mon you got to remember that much at least." He pat her shoulder. "Look at you now, here in the field working for the organization, right?"

"For the organization?" That distinction triggered something and she turned her eyes to his face. He was still looking out at the sun his bar gripped in one hand over his lap.

"You might even say..." He said turning to use his free hand to brush back a strand of blonde hair that fell in her face. "...that this is where it all really begins for you."

"Where it all begins…" She repeated slowly and letting those words sink in. She still wasn't sure what he meant by her working for the organization, or what these missions and field work was for… but what she did know is that this place he'd shared with her, the ice cream he bought her… she'd memorize every piece of it, and treasure it

In you and I, there's a new land… My Sanctuary, My Sanctuary.

Yay! First chapter of "If We Had Hearts." What do you guys think? Tell me your honest opinions and I'll get you the next chapter as soon as I can.

Next Chapter: The Heartless Mission