The Sapphire Sorceress

Disclaimer: The rights to Kingdom Hearts belong to Disney and Square Enix.

Act 13: Thirteenth Discretion

"The fun is in not knowing, isn't it? What is the point of betting on something when you already know the outcome?"

- Day 13: Deeds to Be Done - Aqua

The World That Never Was: Grey Area

As I was looking out at the castle area awaiting my newest mission I began to think about my time here in this place. The assignments and goals I want to complete, and the people who I would be working with to make those goals. So many new faces and places that I know about along with the information I've gained from those experiences. Each day I've become stronger than I was since I first arrived here. It was not easy of course I've been through a lot in my time as a nobody. My mind began to wonder how much longer it would take to gain back what was mine. It seemed like it would take a long time, but such a thing like time means nothing to me now.

I only noticed two members in the room now Zexion and someone I've yet to meet. Looking at them it seemed to be playing in a game. The cards seemed to have different kinds of logos on them, but they all had the logo of the organization on the back. It seemed like the game was going in the favor of the man with the blonde hair as Zexion didn't seem like he was winning the game.

"If I didn't know any better I would say you were cheating Luxord."

"Hardly Zexion. The cards are even in this game it's the player that determines if they will be the key to victory."

Despite not knowing the rules of the game I could tell Luxord was close to winning this round. His calm expression compared to Zexion told the story for me. Soon enough the last cards were placed out and it seemed Zexion was the loser. He simply stormed off curing Luxord's luck stating he must cheating at this game. Luxord simply began picking up the cards tossed around during Zexion's fit of anger. As I noticed how many cards there were on the ground I decided to help him. Luxord actually looked surprised to see me here, and he did not expect me to help him out with the clean up.

"I certainly didn't bet on meeting our personal wild card today. Fortune is granting me a reward." He said talking about me, but I didn't understand the wild card remark. As I looked at the different pictures some had the image of a clock with the hand symbols being the emblem of the organization. Other cards actually had the images of some of the other members like Larxene and Marluxia. Luxord must have noticed my curious eyes gazing at the cards so gave an explanation.

"It's the cards for my Fair Game. Sadly most of the members tend to lose when challenge me. Perhaps I need to find a new hobby soon." He said taking the cards I helped gather up for him. The cards moved around his deck being rearranged. Considering how people usually don't like to lose that didn't seem like a bad idea. Surprisingly I didn't understand how members could actually be upset about losing even if they were just pretending to have that emotion. Still the fact nobodies can act must mean we were closer to regaining our feelings.

"Sorry I should have introduced myself first I'm Auq-Auxaq." I said hoping he didn't notice that slip of the tongue. He nodded and shook my gloved hand in return.

"Yes I believe I've heard about you from the other members. Still I'm pleased about your manners XV. They can decide how well you do in the organization." So far Luxord seemed like a gentlemen so his comment about my manners made sense. Then again he could just be trying to test me to see if I would make a mistake. For now I would trust him, and if wait if he has another motive or reason for being friendly with me. As I sat down to continue our conversation Luxord reshuffled his deck of cards. He seemed like playing a game of his own now as he pulled out another clock card.

"Time is such a valuable thing for a somebody it determines how long their day was, their remaining years in the world, and if they need to do anything important. For a nobody of course time is practically worthless since we can never age or change in appearance." Yes his comment were correct in this regard. Despite the amount of days that passed I could not really feel like anything was different or changed. It seemed like being a nobody also meant you could no longer really enjoy things like birthdays or anniversaries. So many things I used to take for granted, but it was just all the more reason to regain my heart.

"Did you enjoy these kinds of game when you had a heart?" My question seemed to have caused Luxord to think for a while. As he tossed out another card he must have considered his answer.

"That depends on how you consider these kinds of games. The last think I remember before all of this was losing a bet. Funny enough it would have cost me a lot of value to back up my dept so in a way I did lose everything."

I didn't think he would put things in that way. Considering his talent at cards I would have guessed he must have done this as a profession. Still I didn't know so I decided to stay quiet as he continued speaking to me.

"I won't go into details, but to make a long story short I was swimming with the sharks. The deep waters for a gambler like myself and I ended up going under the water."

His statement certainly sounded interesting to me. I was even more curious about what could have happened to him in the past. That said I knew it was best not to push further so I would not come off rude to him. With a nod I turned over a card that now was face down to show the image of the Superior. Luxord grew a smirk on his lips at the sight of this.

"Ahh I wondered where that card would be in this deck. Out of all of my cards this one is the one I must protect the most. In a way it's a sign of my loyalty to the man who will give us back what was lost."

"I hope so the other members might not want their hearts back like I do however I won't give up to reclaim my past." My voice was full of determination along with my eyes giving a look of confidence. I did not plan on giving up on this dream no matter how long it takes. Not just for my own desires, but so people like Luxord can return to their normal lives before all of this.

"Well now it seems you could be a valuable piece on this board then Auxaq." His calm voice spoke out as it seemed Saix indeed was looking for me. His usual lack of emotion on his face didn't phase me anymore as it seemed like he had another mission lined up for me.

"So you're here then Number XV. Since the Organization will soon split apart our forces you should take care of your remaining mission. It's fortune you're here as well Luxord since you will be joining her on this goal. There are rumors of a certain person who's been stirring up the heartless lately. The person named Pete also appears to be a follower of that witch Maleficent. You two must head to Traverse Town to learn about this man's possible activity."

Maleficent? That person was a witch? Holding my head I could hear the voice of someone now echoing through my head.

"A source of power... A key that opens the hearts of men, of entire worlds...and allows one to get anything and everything. Such a power I find most fascinating."

Seeing the both of them look at me I just shook my head before nodding my head trying to assure them it was nothing unusual. Then again they might already know I've had odd dreams or thoughts lately.

"This Pete fellow does not seem that much of a concern besides that witch is dead so I don't see why Pete could be a problem."

"It seems he's gained the power to influence the heartless. He might be looking for a way to revive Maleficent, and it's become clear she along with the others that worked with her might see us as a threat. We can't afford making any more enemies than we already have so it's important to remove this person as soon as possible."

I was about to suggest he can say thank you for doing all that for him, but like usual he left the room as quickly as he entered. I swear all Saix does is boss us around like he was in charge that's the Superior's duty not his, but that's rude of me to say when in the end getting the mission done is what matters the most. With a sigh I rose up from the chair knowing I would not be able to relax until this job was over. Looking over at my partner for the day perhaps it can't be all that bad.

Traverse Town: First District

As I passed through the dark pathway to our destination I asked Luxord if he was scared the first time he came through this place. He actually confirmed he was afraid about passing through without his black cloak. He's heard stories about people ending up in this place and they were lost to the darkness. Apparently most of the members do not explore this place very long for that same reason. A few dusks that stayed in this place for too long become so degraded they could be useful to the organization anymore. The idea of losing your mind becoming a truly empty shell. That is a horrifying prospect that even some members fear more than completely being erased from existence.

"Luxord have you ever consider what will you do when you regain your heart?" I asked him as we came to the portal to Traverse Town. I didn't plan to await the grim fate of lingering here for too long, but this was something I wanted to know. Considering how he ended up losing his I wondered his life after all of this organization business. He put his hand to his chin thinking of his answer before opening his blue eyes.

"To be honest I would still bet away my life dear Auxaq. Somebodies don't last forever and since time has dealt its hand why not enjoy life while you're a player. Then again it was my lack of caution that could have led me here to begin with, but I don't regret my decisions. I don't know how you ended up here or your past however you should not hold that against yourself. Right now you are a worth member of Organization XIII, and that is all that matters now."

Accepting his reply the dark atmosphere suddenly was filled with bright lights all around us. As we came through I noticed the unique kinds of building surrounding our place. There were also several people walking past us not concerned about where we just came from. I began to wonder who could know anything about this Pete person, but then again we don't know what he even looks like besides some minor details.

"The best place to begin gathering information would be the pub Number XV. Considering the looks of this place we are bound to find one soon enough." I imagine he was just interested in the drinks they would offer at this pub he called it. Taking the initiative I asked one of the people wandering around near us. Some were actually scared just by the sight of our black cloaks so I removed my hood trying to ease the tension. Others simply thought we were just like the heartless and did not want to be near us as well.

"Ugh it's like they know I don't really have a heart why are people avoiding me?" I said with a fake sigh of disappointment. Usually this stuff goes smoother for me, but now I seemily was running into a brick wall. Deciding not to just give up I looked over three ducks with red, green, and blue colored shirts. Clasping my hands together I gave them an explanation about Pete hoping they would at least know something helpful.

"Pete? Sure I know about him but why do you want to know?"

"Louie that girl she looks like her doesn't she?"

"That might not be right Huey that other girl didn't wear something like that!"

"Besides Dewey she would not be here now. She would be hanging around that Terra guy or Ven instead of being here."

They also knew about me? That's not right I don't remember these guys from the images in my head. Before I could press the issue Luxord interrupted our conversation.

"Excuse me fine err animals, but can you point us to the direction your pub or I guess you would call it a bar." What is he doing? I finally meet people who could explain about my past or help us find this Pete character, and you're trying to get drunk instead! The ducks quickly answered his question pointing out a tavern in the Second District. Apparently the trio remembered they had to return to their shop and quickly left, and with them went my questions about how they knew Terra and Ventus. Planting my hand on my face I was so angry with Luxord now. He also seemed to have went to look for the tavern he would be told about forcing me to follow him.

"Why do these missions end up getting complicated?" I asked as I seemed to have entered a new section of Traverse Town. I saw some kids run by with different bags in their hands. Looking at their happy faces part of me wondered if my childhood was like that. Hanging out with friends and not having to worry about life's challenges. Shaking my head I looked around at the different stores in this place. Some of them had very beautiful dresses in their windows for everyone to see. There also seemed to be a couple giggling and enjoying being with each other. My hand went over my heart feeling envy about their happiness. I could not deny I wanted these things back, but would it cost these people their own hearts? I began to ponder this fact knowing losing yourself was a horrifying experience. Before I could continue this thought I noticed someone was carrying a huge bag of things and suddenly I found myself on the ground. This guy actually knocked me over!

"Gotta hurry everyone will be looking for me soon!" The jerk in question had a huge bag and he seemed to actually be an animal. He turned his head clearly seeing me, and he actually began to run away from me. Growling I opened a portal of darkness to get in front of him. This person was not expecting to see me walk in front of him as I was not happy with him.

"So you're just going to hit and run? Like I would let you get away with that!" I yelled pulling out my weapon ready to teach this guy an important lesson don't mess with me.

"Great just when I'm about to get what I need to find Maleficent here comes someone to ruin everything."

That witch! So he's trying to look for her then but for what reason? As I began to ponder his intention this person tried to hit me with that bad of stuff so I moved out of the way and cut the bag open with my weapon. A large amount of different items and tools fell out of the bag. Suddenly he was on the ground trying to fix the bag and take all the stuff on the ground.

"Ahh! Look at this you just had to go and mess with the great Pete didn't you!" Hmm well that's what you get for messing with me in the first place. Wait did he say his name was Pete? As in the Pete I as supposed to be looking for with Luxord, but until he decided to ditch me for a tavern. Realizing he might run away I decided to stall him with some questions. Hopefully he would not get wise to what I was planning to do with him.

"That's a lot of things you have, and I doubt they all belong to you." Seeing the kinds of gears and paper gave me that impression. Besides the look on his face when I said this suggested he looked like a thief to me.

"So what if I did take this stuff? It's not like they will miss or need it like I do! Can't you see how much I have to do to find her." His tone was rather loud, and he did seem pretty sincere. Still he was just a common criminal for taking so many things. I doubt he would ever regret taking these items from the people he stole from. Pointing my weapon at him I would not let him get away from me.

"You will not be doing much of anything Pete. You're coming with me back to my world." I said in a low tone glaring at his eyes. He seemed to have gotten a better look at me, and he actually looked surprised when he saw my face in a better way. He began to open his mouth wide and seemed surprised at me.

"It's you! That brat from Disney Town you're here?" He also knew me from somewhere else? Now I had to capture this guy before he could run away. He seemed to be reading my mind since he tried to run away so I threw my weapon at him stopping him in his tracks. Running at him I had to think of a way to knock him out. His hands went up in the air as he seemed to be calling out to something in the air.

"Let's see you deal with this come down heartless!" As my eyes blinked I could see a few small shadows appear from the ground along with some flying soldiers. These guys might be hard to deal with on my own, but thankfully I'm not alone these days. Even without my partner I knew there were the lesser nobodies I could rely on for help. Growing a smile I snapped my finger drawing out a call to the realm of darkness. Out came a few nobodies mainly dusks however one of them looked just like Banon.

"Is that really you?" For a moment I had forgotten what the superior told me about his fate. He was gone now and this was just a duplicate nothing more. Looking at the copy I could see it was not the same as him which brought some pain to me, but it was just a fake feeling nothing more. Shaking my head I gave the order to attack the heartless surrounding me.

"We obey your command your highness." While they deal with the heartless I thought of a way to wrap up Pete. Taking the bag I decided to use this against him as he once more tried to run away from me. As he opened a portal of darkness I went through one of my own and confronted him as he was about to escape from here. He waved his hands up trying to get me to stop, but I threw the bag over him which was not easy with his movements. Holding on as tightly as possible I decided to question him about the information he knew about me.

"Disney Town how do you know about me being there Pete?" I hissed squeezing the bad hoping it would pressure him into talking. Surprisingly he didn't give up so easily, and I knew the battle between nobodies and heartless was going on in front of me. Deciding to up the ante saw one of the heartless not attacking me. On a whim I gave an order to come over here not expecting it to follow me. To my shock it actually took in my command and the little shadow was now looking at me. I could not understand why it was following my command, but I decided to take advantage of this development.

"Pete I'm giving you one more chance before I let this heartless go free on you!" I yelled removing part of the bag so he could see what I was talking about which scared him. I didn't really plan to let him suffer like I did however it made a good bluff. Unlike me he did have a heart to lose and never regain so Pete must be willing to answer me now.

"No wait I can't lose my heart now alright I'll talk! You were at Disney Town with Terra and Ventus. You three won that stupid award so I complained about it. Then that Queen Minnie banished me to the realm of darkness! How could they do that to me Captain Justice!" Frowning at this I did not know the name of this Queen Minnie, but Pete did indeed know about my past. Could he possibly know what happened with Terra and Ven? Pressing the question to him the follower of Maleficent didn't give me a real answer.

"Ehh so what if I did know about them? You want to go back to your goodie too shoes friends? That would be the last thing I would want before Maleficent's return." So he's gonna play hardball then...alright I guess I better show him fear. I began to push Pete towards the smaller heartless letting him see how my nobody comrades have outmatched his heartless. He was sweating up and down now showing he was even more scared, but still unwilling to comply. I didn't even realize how close I was putting him until I saw him begging me to let him free. My hand went loose and I moved him away from the monster bringing him to safety. Pete was unsure how to respond to my sudden action, and I didn't know how to reply as well.

"You're on notice Pete the Organization won't have you ruin their plans. I don't care what you might think about this Queen, but I just want my heart back so don't interfere!" I tried to reason with him instead of subjecting him to what I've become hoping he might see how serious I was about this. Instead he just saw another reason to mock me.

"Hahaha you call yourself a keyblade master! Please you're better off working for Maleficent. At least then your heartless self would be useful to someone instead of being a useless shell of a woman!" His laughing taunted me as he was pointing at my chest reminding me of my current state of being. I tried to stay composed despite of this hoping to just leave him be with that warning. Suddenly I felt a hand take hold of my arm as my eyes saw Pete was smirking at my growing anger.

"I was actually serious about that offer you know! Since you're no longer a warrior of the light you should consider working for the proper ruler of the dark. Those Org loses are nothing to what Maleficent has planned a whole world filled with heartless. You can be on the winner side for once in your life."

Was he actually serious? My face was blank for a moment as I tried to comprehend what he just told me about his offer. What would possess me to actually consider that kind of deal? I just wanted to regain everyone's hearts that were stolen I had no desire of conquest like this Pete had in mind. There was also the fact it was because of those heartless I've ended up in this state. He had to be a fool to suggest I would want anything to do with him or the witch. With a hiss I just shook my head and tried to break free of his hold on me.

"Hold on a second what makes you think Maleficent can't give you that heart of yours? You would have a better benefit in serving the Mistress of Evil in the long run!" I highly doubted that would be the case. Shaking my head I opened a portal to leave here, but I decided to take a certain item from the pile of junk on the ground. Grabbing the dish object along with the other items in the ruined bag I decided to explain myself to this man.

"I'm not a being of darkness or evil's servant like you are no I'm just what's left of the girl called Aqua. Despite this I still have a form and body even without a heart. One day I will regain everything I've lost so you better hope I don't come after you and the witch then..." Walking into the darkness I let Pete get away with the message clear don't mess with Organization XIII. Even a simple-minded guy like Pete should understand this.

Traverse Town: Seventh Heaven

Stepping out of the void I managed to find that tavern Luxord was likely in now. I could hear the sounds of joy and happiness just from outside of the building. Looking through the window I saw Luxord sitting next to someone, and they both looked like they were buying another round of drinks. They seemed to be having a good time well I better crash their party.

Stepping inside I could see all kinds of people cheering on something that was going on with Luxord and guy he seemed to be making friends with at the bar. Looking at their drinks it was likely they both were not in their clear state of mind.

"Ahh I'm loving this brew you've recommended to me Cid. Still I'm not sure if you want to take me on in that game you suggested." Cid must have gotten my partner drunk then again he was not much of a partner with me today. I wanted to burst in fuming, but I wanted to know what these two were doing so I decided to watch them thanking the superior for my uniform. Hiding under the hood I began to listen in on their conversation.

"I'd tell ya this business of mine it not easy! Having to build, build, and build can take a lot out of a man. Thankfully Tifa had the bright idea of making this place for guys like me."

"I can only imagine what struggle you've been through. Going to this place with my mate for the day was one thing, but at least I got to meet a pal like you! Anyways I had to look for this guy named Peter no Penny no that's a girl name hmm do you happen to know?"

"I think you're looking for Pete LUXORD!" I cut into their conversation giving my "ally" the best fake angry glare I could now. It was one thing he ditched me, but here is my partner not even bothering to help me out with our goal for the day. Just like Demyx except he didn't even care about helping me oh no I was not going through this all over again. Tapping my fingers on my arms I gave Luxord a moment to explain himself before dragging him back to The World That Never Was.

"Now hold on a minute dear I was actually learning about our allusive Pete from my new friend Cid. Apparently he's been stealing all sorts of items from the people here to find Maleficent. No one knows where he is however I do know his intentions so..." I threw the dish I took from that very Pete proving I had done the task without his help. Cid and Luxord's jaws were open wide as I was still pissed about this whole thing. At least now I could have a reason to get a drink.

"Oh bugger..."

"Yeah met Pete, confronted Pete, and warned Pete so now I want a drink" I would have refused this kind of stuff, but right now I needed to relax myself from my current mood. With a nod Cid decided to give me a round on his top apparently he was happy I took care of Pete's thieving issue. I also explained that those stolen goods were outside waiting to be returned to their proper owners.

"I appreciate the help miss I've tried to fix up some new Gummi Ships and now that you got back everything that jerk stole I can return to work. Consider your drink a personal reward. So Luxord you still want to continue with our little game? That idea you have of winning against me! Hoo, that's rich!" I didn't understand what they were talking about until I saw a person setting up some bottles on a table. The man also had some rings in his hands. I didn't really get their game, but it sounded like they invested in it somehow which Luxord explained for me.

"Essentially Cid believes this man can't perform well at this game while I believe he will do just fine. So I bet some Munny on the man's performance a gentleman's bet if you will." I guess Luxord really does not like to keep money. It's one thing to be a gambler yet he's confident in a man he's never seen before playing a game he's never bet on before as well. Cid was going to clean up him easily then again he deserves it for just leaving me high and dry. The bartender provided me with my free root beer which confused me. Looking at Cid and Luxord's drinks they looked different from mine so when I asked they actually had real beer. Giving the bartender a false smile I poured the "gift" down my mouth hiding my increasing anger towards both men. I was not an idiot so if they continue to treat me like one...

"Prepare to cough up that mummy pal that boy can't hit the broad side of a barn!" Cid cheered on the man to do horribly at this while Luxord remained calm and drank some more. As the man began to throw I could see a few misses which seemed obvious however the rings began to actually land on the bottles. With a few more tosses some rings actually sunk down on the bottles which impressed me. Cid looked worried things were not going his way as Luxord was grinning from ear to ear.

"Damn it now you're gonna be dancin' in the streets with my bet munny aren't ya?" Cid yelled asking for another drink. When the game was completed all the rings it seemed like a few ended up on the floor with the rest going on the bottles. The person Cid and Luxord bet on didn't seem that happy with the results.

"Luxord I don't think you or Cid won this game. Why did you even bet on this if the result could end up like this?" I was trying to figure out his reasoning for this action. Looking at his face I expected disappointment yet he didn't seem unhappy rather he pleased about this. Cid also didn't get his reaction about this game.

"Number XV what would be the point of the bet if things went the way I expected them to go. Life is one giant gamble which anyone can win or lose. While the both of us might have lost a hand or two we both are still in the game, and even if we continue to receive a bad hand we shall simply deal with the cards dealt to us and press forward."

"You didn't win this game Luxord. Despite the bet not going as I expected you still were not the winner."

"Quite true yet I did not really lose the game. A draw made this outcome interesting than your usual victor and lose results don't you think?"

That was a strange comment coming from the Number X of our organization. It made some sense as well, but I'm not the kind of person to have that motto be my standards in life. With that I decided to enjoy myself after all the work I did for today. It seems like everywhere I go friends and enemies could be found in each world me and my partners visit. Knowing the time of the split was drawing near I would enjoy these "simple" days while they last. Eventually nothing will ever be the same again.

The World That Never Was: The Alley to Between - Larxene & Marluxia

The blonde didn't enjoy having to go out in the Dark City of the world of nobodies. Not only did the place look rather dreary there was the fact a bunch of wild heartless would spawn in this area. While nobodies had dominance over them some still desired their destruction which posed an issue well until Roxas came along. His efforts not only drew attention off them his keyblade helped provided the hearts needed to fill their moon. Soon it would grow and power until the artificial Kingdom Hearts was born. Naturally she wanted nothing to do with Xemnas' scheme along with the man she was looking to meet right now. It was not until recently did the Savage Nymph learned the possible origins of her "superior" from Marluxia.

"Come on Marluxia I made sure no one was following me! I'm not that much of a screw-up." Her sigh came after her response as she looked at her nails hidden under her black gloves. She didn't know why he wanted to meet outside of the castle besides to keep their conversation a secret. She was able to give the excuse to Saix about needing some fresh air. Even if he didn't believe her she knew he was nowhere in sight now. Her eyes did catch the pink hair of her soon to be king Number XI. He was holding a flower in his hand enjoying the scent despite the fact nobodies could not really enjoy such a smell.

"Good you're right on time my queen. I've felt now was the best time for our discussion. We might need to add some new allies into our coup d'état. Naturally we've discussed bringing in Axel however I felt we could use a new weapon in our hands. It was someone who was recently added, and better yet it's another keyblade user should Sora not fall under Namine's control." The blonde looked shocked at this suggestion by her partner in crime. While Axel seemed like a good choice it was risky to even suggest bringing in one more conspirator. With a nod she awaited his choice which made him smirk.

"I believe Auxaq's bloom will be the ace in our hole as Luxord would say..."

[ Quite a wait for this part, but life came first for me. Anyways it seems like Aqua has warmed up to some of the members how will this affect her future? Stay turned and thanks for reading everyone! ]