The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 25: The Chilly Academic

"The memory's wiles can be cruel. In its silence, we forget. In its obsession, it binds our hearts."

Castle Oblivion: ( Aqua's POV )

I got to witness Sora go through that place I visited with Luxord during my early days in the Organization. Apparently he's met other people in that town that I did not know. It really did seem like he lost his memories, skills, and the history that he knew before entering this castle. I was not observing this from the higher levels as I went back into the basement levels. I had to think Larxene for being honest for once, and now I knew exactly what I wanted to look for down here.

"Alright mister "Chilly Academic" what have you been up to lately?" My "besty pal" explained to me that Vexen's being studying the data of creating new forms of life recently. She didn't tell me everyone, and that was because according to her that would be "too boring" as she wanted me to see for myself. The files I was looking through were actually about Sora and someone named Riku. Vexen's actually been interested in Riku more with so much information about his falling into darkness, the power he gained from this person named "Ansem", and finally his untapped strength as a potential keyblade warrior.

"Riku, and he was actually Sora's friend before they split apart?" From what I read I did not believe they were really the best of pals more like rivals. There were some more details about a girl named Kairi which made me remember that day in Radiant Garden. Yes that's when I met her, and saved her life during my time as a Keyblade Master. I wonder how she is doing and hopefully she did not end up lost to the darkness of that place, but I guess its still around even if it's been warped into Castle Oblivion.

My eyes suddenly took notice of some filed named after Xion which surprised me. What does she have to do with Vexen? Opening the folder I began to peel through the pages looking for some explanation for these files. I noticed a few names in the pages Xemnas, Sora, Roxas, and my name however I could not understand what this meant.

"The subject has managed to remain stable with the elements introduced, but eventually the replica can't remain as long as the original exists. The replica must absorb the original to become a full being or in this case a true nobody."

A replica? Why is there details about this stuff in Xion's folder? I was starting to have bad vibes about what this could mean however my curious nature won over my concerns as my hands were peeling through more folders. There was details about the keyblade, it's connection between Sora and Roxas, but then I noticed a comment on Xion's potential in becoming a wielder of that weapon.

"How can she possibly use the keyblade?" I knew that a person can train into become a warrior, they learn from a master, and or they became chosen by fate yet Xion didn't have any of these circumstances for her sake. Now I knew that I would need to ask Xion, Roxas, and Axel about this. There was no way Vexen can know without knowing I found out this stuff, and while I knew the Superior no Xemnas cared this was something I wanted to figure out for my own.

Still I was not exactly the most intelligent member of the organization so I could not piece together the rest of the data in this desk area so I looked around for other stuff. That's when I saw the computer monitor being lit up which meant it was still on. The files on the desktop seemed to mainly be about the life or Vexen meaning this could be a digital version of my journal.

"Today's developments were nothing special as once more Subject Auxaq has proven to become a most troublesome member. Like with many of the other younger nobodies she does not treat me with the respect I deserve as Number IV. Still her combat data suggests that she is worthy enough to inherit the keyblade. Still with such warriors being pure of heart how did she fall into darkness."

I did not understand the details myself, but I was able to remember the image of that monster I faced in the Realm of Darkness. Perhaps my heart got stolen quickly after that battle, and yet I don't know how I was able to produce this hollow body from my remains. Then again from what I've studied perhaps my sheer will gave me the strength to produce my nobody self. Clicking on another log I watched Vexen's body shift in the chair uncomfortable at the moment.

"I've recently had a meeting with the Superior. He's given the approval to start the Replica Program in Castle Oblivion. I've already built my first production of this new system, but now I've been given the approval to mass-produce others. While Lord Xemnas is content with the first creation of this system I wonder if he desires something more from the Replicas. In any case the first model has entered its "training environment", then it will study the people around it learning from them, and finally it will begin to complete the last phase of its development."

What is Xemnas up do wanting these replicas being made like this. While I knew he desired Ventus, the building of Kingdom Hearts, and for me to regain the power of my keyblade I did not understand his motives with this research. Vexen also had no idea what Xemnas' true motives were considering how he's been acting in this video log.

"On a more personal note I've also gotten wind of Marluxia's wish to lure the next one chosen to wield the keyblade Sora. I don't find that child interesting to study unlike his friend Riku so hopefully the heir of "Ansem" and his darkness will come following him into this that boy would make a fine specimen to do some research on yes..."

"Always managing to make science creepy aren't you Vexen." His methods for the sake of science usually brought some annoyance to the other members of Organization XIII. That's when I remember his comments about a second guest coming into the castle. Looking at the monitors I did not find anyone besides Sora walking up through the castle's halls, but that was only on the upstairs monitor.

"Could Riku be in the basement levels?" Changing the monitor's view my eyes scanned the rooms for any sign of life. For a while I only saw the empty locations that made up this place, but suddenly I took notice of a boy with white hair walking through a hallway. The yellow outfit didn't ring a bell however who else could it possible be roaming down in this area of the castle.

"I wonder if he will get involved in this mess as well..." That's the last thing I want to deal with in the middle of a loop of decisions, a hidden plot involving manipulating a keyblade master in the making, and now his friend arriving here as well.

Deciding it was about time to leave I rose up to walk away, but my foot knocked into the desk causing a few items to fall on the ground. Damn it! Vexen can't know I was in his lab area again so I need to make it look like nothing is out of place. While my hands were picking up the various materials I came across one more files with the label... Xehanort!

Since I've already been in hot water my hands opened the folder looking for any information on this man; the last thing I was expecting to uncover in this room was details about Xehnaort's actions. Reading through the notes I began to realize something disturbing about a certain detail made in this file.

"Apparently from what Xigbar's been going on about when Xemnas visits the Chamber of Repose in Hollow Bastion he tends to talk with himself in that room, but the number II actually thinks he's been communicating with the armor in that room. I can't say for certain this is a face, but if Xemnas is speaking with the owner of that keyblade and armor then I wonder if he's manipulating them in some way."

Manipulate...me? Then what does that have to do with Xehanort unless he...no! I can't accept the fact Xemnas and that monster who used all of us warriors is in fact-

"What a busy day." That voice belongs to Vexen! I rushed to place the reading material making sure everything was in the proper place before shifting through the darkness out of the room before I got discovered by him. For a moment I fooled myself into thinking that I was afraid of being caught by the researcher. In the void of darkness that allows us nobodies to connect, explore, and visit other worlds I began to ponder everything I learned.

Who could I really trust in these times? Even the Superior might not actually be the person I can look to for help with this problem. Those eyes, hair, and skin remind me of my former master, but he also looks like Terra. Was he actually Xehanort, perhaps he had a relationship to Terra instead, and the middle in-between both men in some way. At the very least Larxene didn't lie to me about this information; my expression returning to an empty state feeling relaxed, the façade of emotions ended for now as I made my return into the higher levels.

Returning to the white halls I took in the small nobody standing behind me. The lone remaining Oracle out of the nobodies wiped out by the now dormant heartless of this place. It wondered if I needed something at the moment, and suddenly an idea pops into my head.

"Your highness?"

"Do you think you can watch Riku's progress through the castle?" I figured why not use my nobody as a personal surveillance system for that other intruder. At the very least I didn't have to worry about that issue until it pops up later. The subordinate slowly nodded accept my request to keep track on Riku fading away to find him. In the meantime I would need to follow up on this news, and hopefully our gossip-girl can keep on talking for me.

"So how was the old coot doing in his dank place?" Larxene's comment was the first thing I heard as the pathway of darkness closed behind me. Namine gave me a stare before looking back down at the books, Axel gave me his usual wave of hello, and Larxene well her smile would actually be charming to someone else, but I knew she was not giving me one out of the kindness of her empty body.

"Well come on and spill the beans already!" For a moment I suggest ignorance considering Axel was in the room along with Namine. If Marluxia knew I went behind his back to learn more, and if he got the idea of betrayal from me that would be very bad.

"Oh, you're worried about the boss learning about finding out it's not problem. Besides he's mainly concerned about that keyblade warrior instead." Axel's comment made me feel less nervous about explaining what I've uncovered, but then I began to think more about Sora. If Marluxia is so invested in him why not understand why he wanted him.

"Besides the fact he's one of the chosen bearers much like yourself Auxaq I believe it's because of how much he's overcome. There was a time he became a heartless, and if one becomes a heartless-"

"They lose their minds and their feelings...they're consumed by the darkness."

"Right, but not Sora. He held onto his feelings, even as a heartless, and there's only one other man who's been able to do just that."

One other person? I remained silent while the both of them continued their conversation.

"It's the strength of his heart...that's what interests you. Why the keyblade chose Sora's heart."

"To unlock the mysteries of the heart. Isn't that the Organization's mission?"

That would explain it then why Sora could regain his body even in such darkness, but then how could he reform with his heart and not become a nobody? I knew there was some connection with Sora and Roxas yet now I did not know what that link was between them.

"I see the many secrets that within one's heart. Perhaps that is why his friend is here as well." That's when I spoke about the monitors finding Riku roaming around the lower parts of the castle's basement. Lucky for me they didn't want to discuss the other things I learned about mainly wondering why he was here.

"Now this is very surprising, and to think he managed to escape from the Realm of Darkness just like you did XV."

"How funny both of them are in the same place, but neither one of them know that's hilarious!" Namine moved her head at my direction, and the look on her face had fear with a mix of curiosity about the other intruder of this castle. I told the other members about the lesser nobody I send to see his movements in case something happens. Larxene suddenly placed her arm over my shoulder which surprised me, and I expected some form of violence to follow.

"My you're finally learned how to play the same as Luxord would put it I'm impressed. Using your own subordinates to your own ends, taking advantage of the situation to suit your needs, and even learning how to fake being happy about yourself. Why I think you've actually become a genuine nobody my friend!" That comment felt more painful than any punch she could through. I began to realize in a way she was right about how much I've changed.

"That only means you know what you need to do to regain your heart. After all you're halfway there with those memories restored." Axel's comment sounded like he was trying to ease the words that entered my mind. It somewhat eased myself however I knew Larxene still made a good point. My mind needed something to get my mind off this troubling realization, and that's when I looked at the sphere projecting Sora's progress.

"I will confront him at the beginning of the next floor."

"Woah there sweetcheeks! What makes you think that you can battle the keyblade boy like that."

"Exactly I deserve dibs on him next not you, and that's even with the fact you've gotten chummy with me!"

"I don't suppose you're aware of Vexen's current progress on the Replica program, the information about Xion, and what he knows about Xehanort. There is also the matter of the lack of my keyblade, so why not fix that starting with meeting the current one chosen by fate. Don't worry our "Lord" will still get to have Sora to himself along with you Larxene." I didn't let my tone give an inch of doubt about my decision.

"Xehanort?"

They both knew that name, but neither one of them understood which Xehanort I was speaking about. They would thinking about this researcher student of Ansem the Wise, but I knew that name as a source of genuine evil. I would have to explain myself soon yet that can wait until I got done "greeting" our guest.

"I'm sure Sora will love to meet you then just make things entertaining." Axel salutes me with a wink, and I knew he wanted to talk with me sooner than later about what I just said. Larxene had the same idea also hiding her questions behind a mask.

"Don't break him too quickly now!" Sighing at her teasing reply I stepped through the portal to go and greet him on the next floor. The innocent girl looked at me before I exited the room having a pleading expression on her face. Did she want me to do this or not I couldn't say for sure.

"Sora please hurry..." Namine. Don't worry I'll bring him here for your sake.

Castle Oblivion: The 5th Floor

The empty vast space in front of me gave me time to think about the people I would soon face, and then I remembered something important about Sora's friends. While their clothing looked different they looked just like the royal friends of the King. I could remember them protecting their liege from harm while he usually fought on the front line with his own keyblade.

'Would they recognize me from back then?' Despite my lack of a soul this body has not changed from the moment I lost my heart to darkness. The face, body, hair, and eyes all look just like the girl they knew as Aqua however what lies in my hollow shell is nothing familiar to anyone besides the other members of Organization XIII. Then again perhaps when everything gets returned to normal I can reunite with mostly everyone from my past. Terra, and of course Ven will be there so I could invite them to sit on at the "Usual Spot" in Twilight Town, so that we could all have some of that ice cream I've grown to appreciate.

'Just like old times I wonder if you're proud of what I've done so far Master Eraqus...' I was so lost in my own thoughts I'd forgotten that I was no longer alone in the room. Sure enough Sora's managed to reach this level of the castle, but in the process lose 5 floors worth of his precious memories as did his companions. The young warrior of the keyblade really did remind me that being who took control of my friend.

"Huh? Someone else is blocking the way." Sora quickly drew out his fabled weapon to defend himself, and I noticed the shape along with the design of the blade. My hood covered my head so I could see how they would react once they looked my face, so they likely thought I Marluxia for a moment.

"Hey! What's with the hood why don't you show us who you are."

"Do ya think it's the person we met on the first floor Sora?"

"I doubt it then again Axel and that figure both wore the same outfits."

"Such is the way of our "group". To share ideals, tools, and powers to meet our goals." I smirked as each of them deciding to play with them a while longer. I thought that my shell was enjoying this, but quickly I returned to my empty self and continued explaining myself.

"I'm truly honored to meet the keyblade's chosen one of destiny. I suppose introductions are in order then..."

My black gloves removed the hood covering my face allowing them to see my blue hair, eyes, and face for the first time. My smile was full of lies as I could not really express the happiness on my face to each of them.

"My name is Auxaq, and I'm one of the members residing in this castle." Their reactions did not disappoint each clearly each one of the trio knew about me to some degree. Donald and Goofy looked each other unsure what to say, but Sora seemed very determined regardless to find Namine.

"You must work with Axel then, so that means you know about her too. Please just let us by so we can find her..."

"Gee Donald don't ya think she reminds you of someone's we used to know?"

"Yeah, but I can't remember her name. I don't think she wore a black cloak either." Sora was just trying to reach the real area of the castle, but I knew that it could not be that easy. With a fake frown I tried to seem understanding toward his plight.

"It's not that I can't tell you where she is, but that's not what the life a keybearer has in store. Nothing ever comes easy towards those blessed with that power, and you aren't different from that fact Sora." No they must endure suffering in order grow stronger, learn from pain to deal with in the future, and for the sake of the other worlds they must give up their normal lives. I knew all too well that responsibility of being a keyblade warrior.

"Just let me see her already!" The boy threw a fit not happy that I didn't let him by which was odd, and for the moment I assumed he was simply acting his age. He charged at me with his keyblade which I easily dodged, then another swing, and another which didn't seem like smart moves on his part. He was not striking with real attention to detail just hoping his blade would strike me, and so I took hold of his arm gripping it hard.

"For a keyblade warrior you don't have much combat experience. Did you even have a master to learn from?"

He simply glared at me trying to hit me with the keyblade once more without a reply. Having enough I moved to the side, next grabbing his arm to move him around to his friends, and gave him one hard kick with my black boots sending him back to his pals. I didn't think Sora was very impressive, but he seemed to have gained some amount of stress likely affecting his mind.

"Your technique does lack something..." My advice came with a sigh knowing Sora would not listen at best, and try hitting again at the worst. Thankfully Donald and Goofy was able to hold him back for the moment allowing me time continuing my speech to help Sora understand the suggestion. Moving my hand on my chin I gazed into his eyes which lit up with more fury.

"You must have some skill if you managed to save the worlds from the darkness, overcome the void which changed you when you lost your heart, and when you overcome "Ansem" with the help of your friends and the King. So then what has changed since then? Is it the loss of certain memories in your head, but you can still remember the promise you made to someone who you've spoken about isn't that right?"

"That's right I remember speaking to someone important, to protect them no matter what, and that we would see each other again. So that means I can't let you stand in my way anymore!" Naive boy still just a student nowhere near the level of a master. Well the only way he can truly learn is through experience so why not give him some.

My hands drew out the weapons crafted by Vexen, and I could feel the area start to shift into the battle area used by Axel to fight Sora. My fans became visible as Sora looked ready to battle me with those eyes of his glaring in my direction. Naturally the power of the cards would decide who would emerge the victor here, but I decided to rely on my nobody power. Pointing my fan weapons at Sora they quickly went after him forcing him to block the projectiles.

"Not bad." Still this was only the beginning as I began to use my Lore abilities, so my fans grew blue in color making them move faster as I began to use them more quickly trying to get Sora off his guard. To his credit he took the strikes well enough managing to stand his ground, but I decided to move in with high level cards to execute a spinning hit in the air.

"Ahh!"

Sora was going off his balance giving me the opening to do serious damage as I threw both fans right into his chest knocking him to the floor. He isn't done already that's not what I expected from the keyblade warrior's strength so I decided to press him further by stepping on his prone body, however, he was not responding to my action.

"Come on hero! Don't you care that she's depending on you!" This gave Sora his second wind allowing him to try hitting me with his blade forcing me to defend against the hits. That's when I noticed him using a different attack as my body was hit by fire magic. Of course as a keyblade user he has abilities extending beyond just the weapon itself. While not powerful enough to really injure me I could tell he was getting stronger.

He spammed that spell more at me, but I was able to cartwheel around those attacks not bothering to use my fans to block his attacks. He would likely need to change his strategy now, but I knew what my next move would be against the boy. With a smirk I began to spin around as my body glowed blue. The Lore ability allowed me to enhance my body's power now increasing my magical strength.

"Now you will see my true power as the Sapphire Sorceress!" Several spheres of blue began to fly at Sora some managing to actually hit their target hurting him. The enhanced level of power also lets me skills become strong enough to use Slow making Sora move not as fast. He was being hurt more by the effects of my Sapphire Rain spell crumbling down to a knee. I charged at him ready to knock him back down, but he was able to recover and call one of his friends to help himself.

'Donald can heal Sora that's interesting, but what about Goofy?'

Before I could ask the mage sent out an ice spell at me which I easily evaded with another roll. That's when I took notice of Sora being hidden from attack by Goofy using his shield. I threw my blade fans at him, but suddenly he began to spin around trying to hit me so I forced back into doing cartwheels to avoid being harmed. Unfortunate that I could not stop myself from being caught in Sora's next attack which really hurt. That keyblade hit two times only for Sora to jump up and send it down hard for the third blow.

"Just let me see her!"

"You whiny child!" Even though I was not meant to take this seriously he was starting to get under my skin in this battle. I changed up my plan of attack now spinning around my Monsoon weapons causing them to curve around at Sora, but I also charged in while he was trying to guard the fans. To make sure of my protection I used Barrier Surge to defend against the boy, but suddenly the shield was gone surprising me.

'He must have broken my card.' He also managed to avoid my blade fans suddenly doing something to his keyblade. Before I could think about what to do next Donald appeared now using lighting-based magic stunning me for a moment. The blade was now burning red with fire, and due to the magic used on me I didn't have time to avoid the impact. The heat was so hot I was projecting the memory of being scolded by the fire.

I was now reeling from the pain which gave Sora the opening he needed to go in for some more pain; I wonder if my comments earlier gave him the will to fight harder against me. He swapped out his fire in place of ice and even with another hit from my Monsoon he still was able to land a blow in my chest with the frozen keyblade instead. My body could not take anymore of this, and yet I still refused to go down so easily.

"Now show me your real strength hero of the keyblade!"

I smirked as my body charge with my real power, and I began to move around Sora creating beams of light around him. The strength of my Ghost Dive allowed me to attack while Sora got distracted with my after images. When he removed them I used the surge of Magnet-based magic combined with my Lore to send out a powerful shockwave to test Sora's real durability. He proved himself as he used his keyblade to keep his body from crumbling down to the ground.

"No...I won't give up, not to you, not to Axel, and not to any of you guys!" Despite the serious pain Sora was going through he still refused to surrender to me. He really did remind me of my friend Ventus, and yet that face belonged to his darker side Vanitas. I had to charge my cards up, but I could not block Donald, Goofy, and Sora who attacked in a way that left me unable to protect myself as the fire spells, Goofy's spins, and Sora's attack managed to end the battle. I was not holding much back in those last moments, but he still managed to defeat me...perhaps he is a worthy enough to inherit the fabled weapon.

"Impressive young one." The area revered back into the layout of Castle Oblivion as I was holding my hands over my knees. Sora also looked pretty banged up, but I gave a smile of genuine praise for his skills. Marluxia has the keyblade warrior he wanted after all, but I also knew he could help me find my friend here. Should I explain to him about Ven now, and then again he didn't look like he was in good shape from our fight. For now I had to rest as did he so I would wait until later for that.

"Sora!" His two friends looked worried about their friend showing me what I envied about somebodies, and why I needed to push forward to take back my heart. With a glare I stood back up looking down at the victor of our battle who didn't seem like much of a winner.

"You gave a choice warrior. You can leave this place, and keep hold of the remaining memories in your heart. You can also continue on into oblivion, but you might find the person you've been looking for in this place. Two roads, one choice, but the decision is in your hands Sora." Granted the answer was obvious yet I wondered if he would simply run away while he can before he's in too deep.

"Never! No one will keep me away from her I made a promise!"

"Yeah we're going to keep going up with Sora and Goofy!"

"There's no way I'm leaving Sora's side!"

"Very well then it's your choice to find and lose in this castle. Don't say you were not warned..." The portal of darkness allowed me the exit for rest, recollection, and understand everything I've learned about the boy named Sora."

Castle Oblivion: Basement ( Vexen 3rd Person )

The researcher of Organization XIII was enjoying the battle between a master and newly chosen warrior of the keyblade. While Sora was still not very interesting Vexen felt pleased with the strength Auxaq had gained since her life as a nobody. It would only made his work even better, and speaking of which he was going to create his second Replica body with the help of the second intruder in the castle. He smirked looking down at the image of Xion on a monitor. She was the product of both Sora and Aqua so naturally she had the potential to gain either body for her own. While Xemnas was willing to let Roxas get fused into her Vexen had other ideas for the sacrifice.

"You will soon be thrilled Replica XIV. Once you absorb her power instead you will become just as powerful as a Keyblade Master!" His experiment would soon play out between each of the nobodies with the power to wield that weapon, and only one would remain in his mind his Replica creation not Auxaq or Roxas as they would become a part of her being instead.

[ The plot thinks dun dun dunnn! Anyway the Chain of Memories arc is heading to its climax how will things turn out keep reading and find out! ]