The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 5: The Underworld Games

"Predictable response. Forget it. Men without hearts are so boring."

Unknown Place

"So it would seem the 7 maidens of heart are now all captured." Spoke a person in black cloak to his part who was currently called "Ansem" The Seeker of Darkness. He seemed to be pleased about what the other man had spoken about as he was close to completing the goal. Yes everything seemed to be coming together for him with nothing to stop things now.

"Indeed and with their hearts the pathway to Kingdom Hearts shall open. There everything will come together for us." At this the mysterious figure did not seem to believe everything would go as expected. He was aware of the anomaly now existing in time that could change everything. While it could just be a minor difference the fact remained it could become something more troublesome.

"Have you learn about the demise of the Keyblade Wielder Aqua? You might have been unaware of her activity due to her being trapped in the realm of darkness however I've become aware she has lost her heart." This gave a look of confusion on the face of Xehanort's Heartless. He did not expect one of the seven warriors of light to be removed from existence. She was much stronger than that so the fact she could fall must mean she was not worthy of such a honor. Still the surprises would continue as the figure explained more.

"How pathetic and she was picked to be a Master no wonder she felt into darkness so easily." Despite his tone the mysterious figure did not seem that harsh about Aqua's defeat. He knew the girl was resourceful enough to hide away Ventus in the ruins of The Land of Departure or as it's known now as Castle Oblivion. She also was able to survive for so long in that realm of darkness by herself she was by no means weak he thought to himself.

"There is more while her heart was taken the body of a Nobody was created from her remains. It just so happens Axel of the Organization came across her bringing her to their world. Xemnas seems to have brought her into his care." This was a very interesting development. Aqua was now a possible ally and vessel of Xehanort's very soul. The fake Ansem smirked at this news more confident about his greater self's goal of the second Keyblade War coming into focus more easily now. Still he must finish his duty to open the door of Kingdom Hearts. Xemnas might not even be needed if "Ansem" could open Kingdom Hearts. The figure moved his hand toward a portal of darkness opening for the Heartless.

"I worry this might lead to an uncertain change in the steam of time. My duty is to preserve the goals of the other seekers and this might get in the way. I must return now as should you, but keep an eye on Kairi. She was chosen by Aqua to be a keyblade wielder and most likely will serve as Aqua's replacement with the change." With a nod Ansem returned to his time prepared to take hold of Riku the former choice as the keyblade wielder. The figure looked out into the expense left alone with his thoughts for a moment.

"Eraqus perhaps these warriors are not so interesting after all then again..."

The World That Never Was

It seemed like I was getting used to being here now and now longer afraid of the empty black void that surrounds my new home. My black gloved hand was on the window of the Grey Area room as I looked out at The Castle That Never Was. My days grew longer with my attempts at a conversation with the resident Moogle ending with disappointment every time. He did not seem to care about nothing else besides providing me with any kind of supply I needed. My "comrades" treated me like dirt or believed I should never even be here. Even among my own kind I feel alone and isolated in this place. Worse I am becoming more hollow in my feelings and actions. The way I treated that Rabbit even if he was loyal to that heartless queen was not like how I used to be or was it? Great I feel like my head is in pain despite my so called lack of emotions. Perhaps the Superior has a point about what I've become now.

"Hey now it's the drama queen herself. Oh I don't want to be here leave me alone there's no way I could possibly be a Nobody!" Why her of all people? That female from before who tried to kill me for being a "fake" Nobody. It seems like fate wants to make me suffer even more with this day. Still I'm not the girl from before in that first meeting. I have grown stronger and more determined so I can stand up for myself again. She won't get the better of me this time I will take this bit-

"Are you having a pep talk for yourself? Oh wow just when I thought you could not sink any lower!" Larxene laughed throwing her head back with her amusement. Nothing changed between me and her still Larxene is not trying to kill me again so that's something.

"Let me guess your mission for today is to finish what you started earlier. I'm not surprised you pick a time when no one else is around to save me." I muttered with a sigh looking at the ground knowing she would tease me a lot more before our second duel. A hand went on my shoulder to reveal Larxene giving me a pout on her face.

"Aww don't feel like that we can be good friends here!" Somehow I knew that was quite a lie coming out from Larxene's mouth. Before we could enrage in another fight Axel was the one to break up the tension. It's been a while since I have seen him in my new life as a Nobody. Still his cocky nature was something I did not miss as he seemed pleased by our little interaction.

"Well now it seems like the female nobodies are having a little scuffle mind if I spectate so you don't hurt each other too much." As I gave him a glare of annoyance Larxene responded with a smirk. I noticed she looked like she was trying to hide some kind of irritation behind that face she had on right now. Also it appears these two have some history with each other judging by their reactions to each other.

"As usual Axel you tend to have the most predictable thoughts about me. Honestly you guys are so boring to me." Larxene said examining her hands trying to flush out Axel's voice most likely. I felt like I should just ease myself out of the room right now. Honestly I doubt the both of them would even notice me. My body seemed to be taking my mental idea as my feet were moving out of the room before Axel and Larxene noticed me during their face-off with each other. My mind sighed knowing I could have gotten out of here as well.

"You stay right where you are Auxaq!" Their reply came in perfect sync which widened my eyes in shock. Did they really hate each other or perhaps they were letting their anger out on me. With a frown I watched their debate continue with escalated insults and taunts.

"I must say you're in a foul mood today did someone throw water on you Larxene?" "Hmm yeah right still trying to get at me with your attempts at humor. I would never considering going on that damn tower of yours. Well perhaps I would only push you off that tower!" Having my hands in the air to calm everyone down Saix walked into the Grey Area with his usual scowl on his face. It seemed like he had some kind of file in his hand this time. As we noticed Number VII enter the room he looked like he wanted to speak with us all.

"I will ignore what was being said here as I was looking for all of you to report some important developments. The Superior will be out of the castle to recruit the latest Nobody in existence. In the meantime command of the Organization was given to me for this short period as Xigbar will take over my duties. With that said I will still be giving your assignment for the day Auxaq." With a nod I waited to learn who might partner will be for this mission. I figured it might be with Axel considering we had gotten along somewhat in the first few days of my arrival here. Well that's what I hoped for when reality crushed my dream.

"Your partner will be Larxene as the both for you will heading towards Olympus Coliseum seeking out any sign of Heartless activity." I could have been told to work with anyone else and I would be fine with it; so of course out of everyone else I get stuck with this blonde who seems to like hurting people. Larxene had the same reaction as mine, as she moved her hand in the air pointing it at my direction while voicing her irritation about this news.

"This is insanity how can we possibly work together on a mission?! How could Xemnas allow this to happen to me, where did he go I will let hi-" Saix interrupted her with a sign of emotion I have not seem from the stoic man. So the most lifeless member does know how to feel angry, or pretend to act out this emotion as a Nobody.

"You will comply with the Superior's orders Number XII! Any sign of insubordination will result in punishment. With Xemnas out for the moment you will have to answer to me Larxene, and be aware I'm not as lenient as the Superior." Her sudden rant came to an end as she kept herself calm and collected under that threat. I was not thrilled about this either, but orders are orders plus things might work out for me if I push onward. Saix noticed me and gave me a folder with the name of the file being called "Hades" wait a minute. That name I could have sworn this name was from someone I met before...I think.

"Number XIV You shall be looking for this man in the world you shall be visiting today. It seems he has been gathering Heartless in his realm, but we do not know what his purpose for this action is for right now. You along with Larxene will be on a scout mission to uncover his intention and the purpose for the gathering of the heartless. Do you understand?" I did not process what he just said as the first thing he said put me into shock. Ever since I've been here I was nothing but a soldier no real member just a lower subordinate. How could I possibly be promoted into this Organization? As Saix's voice woke me from this line of thought I felt confused.

"Sir I don't understand how could I become a member now? Also why am I Number XIV should it not be XIII?" There was only 12 members to my understanding before I arrived here. So why did I become the next ranked number in this society? Saix went back to his uncaring look however he did explain what was happening with my position.

"There has been a development in a certain world hence Xemnas' disappearance for the moment. Before he left his last order was to promote you to Number XIV The Sapphire Sorceress; as such you are now a full member of the Organization. As for you rank Number XIII has already been chosen by the Superior whom will be arriving soon. Now then I'm certain you two have a mission to complete do not fail." With that Saix left as this bombshell has just been dropped in my lap to say the least. Axel's mouth was widen open as Larxene did not speak not wanting Saix to hear anything that would get her into more trouble. Looking at the file in my hand I did not know how to feel, or actually should I feel anything right now. A hand took hold on my should revealing Axel giving off a gentle smile on his face which surprised me. He seemed like the cocky, arrogant type who would not show much form of companionship towards his allies yet he seemed to be happy for me.

"This is great so you're number 14 now darling! Oh we have got to celebrate how about we all meet up in Twilight Town later Sea Salt Ice Cream will be on me!" He said with a fist pump showing his joy for my promotion. I did not know what to say when Larxene decided to cut in for the both of us. It seemed like she wanted to leave quickly as she took me by the hand which almost made my skin crawl. It felt like she was trying to shock me with her lighting, thankfully being a Nobody dulled out the pain of this feeling.

"Sorry Axel we need to have girl time now why don't you play with the boys while the girls do the actual work around here later!" She said with a wave dragging me off with a small amount of force.

"Au revoir! La-reine!" Axel said with a teasing salute as I just sighed going along with my companion for the mission of today.

Meanwhile...

The sounds of cards could be heard in a different room of the castle as two other Nobodies were currently interacting. The first man had short blonde hair with the symbol of the Organization on his playing cards. He seemed pleased to be winning the game being played. The other individual had long hair sticking up in the air as his sitar was sitting on the ground for the moment. He looked unhappy about the current state of this game. He was not the type to be playing such a game, and the fact he was going up against the Gambler of Fate. The Melodious Nocturne just wanted to get back to playing with his Arpeggio.

"It seems there is a new player in our deck and she seems to be a wild card." Luxord said while preparing to win another around with Demyx. He was not the best partner for this game, and he lost a lot more compared to the other members who had a round with Luxord. As Demyx looked at his hand with a sigh he decided to change the subject as well.

"Yeah but she can't be worse than that witch! Man it's like she was like this even with a heart." Demyx said throwing the cards on the table just giving up on the game, and picked up his Arpeggio to play some tunes. Lurxord just shrugged his shoulders accepting the win and taking his cards back from the table. There was something else on Number X's mind besides the newest members of course.

"So who do you think will be sent to explore this Castle Oblivion? It seems like our home will become more empty when almost half of our group splits up." He said showing his feelings about the Organization. True not all the members got along well yet they still all desired the same goal. To regain what was lost no matter the stakes that would be raised that was their objective. Demyx just gave a smile at this question having his answer ready now.

"As long as it's not me then I don't really care to be honest. Besides we could use a break from each other once in a while. It would give me some time to practice on my songs, and speaking of which what do you think about this one?" Suddenly Number IX jumped on the table and begin to get into the beat of his music rocking out with a one man audience. Luxord began to consider turning the musician into one of his cards at that very moment.

'Perhaps I should consider leaving for Castle Oblivion myself.'

Olympus Coliseum: The Underworld

The longer I speak in this Organization the easier the darkness feels around me. Before I used to fear what lurked inside, but as a Nobody everyone should fear me as I escape from the black void. As expected we managed to arrive at our destination in one piece, mainly because we did not speak to each other once during the trip. As the both of us observed our surroundings we could smell the dank environment we have arrived in. The air felt like poison to the both of us and the rocky look of the place seemed to give up an uneasy feeling. Even if she did not like me I bet she wanted to get this over with just like I do right now.

"Just my luck I pushed around the Superior's newest pet and this would be my punishment." Larxene already going on her rant it's like she waiting the whole way just to go off on my again! What did I ever do to deserve such a fate oh right losing my heart. Still as I rolled my eyes I noticed some strange creatures observing the both of us with fear in their faces. One was red while the other was light blue, and both seemed to have tipped tails coming from their backs. Ignoring my oh so friendly companion I went over to these guys hoping to learn where exactly we were right now.

"Um hello? We just wanted to know where we are right now an-" The impish creatures seemed shocked by my gentle voice as they quickly wanted to know about how we could just arrive here through the portal of darkness.

"Intruders! They must be working for Zeus we have to tell Lord Hades about this Pain!" The blue one said to his ally who also seemed worried.

"Nonsense Zeus' forces never used that kind of darkness! If anything they would be working for Lord Hades Panic." So that was their names Pain and Panic. Before I could learn more Larxene butted into the conversation clearly annoyed like that was different from before. I just sighed knowing she would want the last word about anything so why fight her.

"Look I know you're frighted and well you both should be actually, but the thing is we have someone to met this Hades guy you just said to my "friend" here. So then why don't you take us to him and I won't have to jam these down your throats." Larxene said pulling out her kunai charging them up for maximum voltage. Well she might be cruel, but she has intimidating people down with ease. The impish creatures nodded their heads deciding it was best to bring us to their "lord" Hades. As our steps made echos in the path to our target I decided to make small talk with my comrade for this operation. I would soon regret that decision.

"So Larxene I know we don't know a lot about each other, but what made you decide to join the Organization." My question did not seem to anger her and she gave my a response. It's just the content I learned from her was shocking to say the least.

"I do my choosing without hesitation, and as I am always sure to find pleasure in the choice I make, never does regret arise to dull its charm." I did not understand what she met to which she pulled out a book from her cloak.

"Marquis de Sade's The 120 Days of Sodom. An excellent book on the exploration of the body and the pleasure that can be gained from it. I know you seem horrified I was like you at first, so perhaps we can read some of the content when we make our return!" It was one thing when she was being rude to me for no real reason, but the fact she was actually being nice about reading a book about a subject that...I felt like I should stay on this mission longer than I intended now. As she got into further details my "feeling" only got stronger from there.

To my relief we finally arrived in the room where Hades would be right now. Looking by his face I really felt like the both of us have seen each other before, and yet I don't understand how I could know he from my past. Reading the files and looking at the God currently smoking something I knew this was our target. His sharp teeth made a sharp grin as he noticed the both of us. Then he gave off a look of confusion at me.

"Whoa whoa whoa bluebird! This is a shock last time we met you were trying to ruin my plan, and now you show up in black are you going through some kind of phase?" Bluebird? Tilting my head I tried to piece together the suggestion of our "meeting" from before, yet I could not get anything from my mind or memories. As I became lost in my thoughts Hades continued to speak like we met before.

"You know bluebird you were helping Zacky and decided to well nearly beat me up. Naturally being a god you never really defeated me, but you did ruin my scheme which still burns me up you know!" He said as his blue flame lit up in color for a moment. Larxene began to laugh at this seeming amused by Hades and his comments. I personally did not find him that funny, but then again she gets joy from anyone's suffering.

"Oh this is rich you mean to tell me that you a "god" lost to her what kind of a lame deity are you?" She said throwing her head back into another fit of laughter. Hades looked pretty upset so much his cigar burned up as he throwing his arms up with fire coming around him. Well this is great I still don't know how I would have met or fought this guy, and now Larxene might force me to fight him again what a wonderful start to this mission.

"Who do you think you're talking to missy? I'm Hades Lord of the Underworld, ruler of the dead, and the coolest deity you can meet so you better treat me with some respect!" I waved my hands at Larxene trying to calm her down and save our skin. We did not have to fight during this assignment and she was trying to do the opposite. She then drew out her kunai pointing them in my direction charging them up with a nasty glare in her eyes.

"Stay out of this Number XIV I'm going to have some fun to hell with orders!" She hissed and I knew it would be pointless to change her mindset about this action. She was The Savage Nymph after all so with that she now plans to live up to her namesake why me? Hades grew a twisted smile and I realized he must have been plotting something, so against my health I decided to explain our reason for being here.

"Very well Larxene, but Hades should know we have come here seeking out the heartless he was gathering as we do have to report to Saix when this is over." I hoped this would make her see reason so her black glove landing over her face was not the reaction I hoped to see. Hades had on a smirk on his face. It seemed he caught onto the reason we had been sent here.

"Is that all you ladies wanted to know old Hades is doing with the heartless? Well I suppose it won't hurt to let you in on my little secret, but you have to promise not to tell anyone mainly Hercules..." He said with a growl showing his concept for this "Hercules" person. The way he was staring at my face was very odd almost like I met this person before or something. I should know more about him, but it's like that part of my memories is gone with mostly everything else. Seeing my confused look sent Hades back into his normal persona.

"I'm creating my own tournament! You know fight some baddies, overcome the competition, and hold up a shiny trophy for people to cheer for and most likely forget about with the next one." Is that really all this is about? Just a battle with heartless for some kind of reward that really seems like a lot to gather heartless from other worlds. Larxene did not seem that impressed by his plans and I had the same reaction. Still it does not seem like Hades is doing much that could be a problem for the organization.

"Well then I suppose that does seem like a reasonable idea so we will just leave you be now! Have fun with your tournament and don't look for us!" Larxene grabbing my hand trying to leave here as quickly as possible. Before we could even walk ten steps Hades was in front of us with a flame barrier keeping us from escaping so easily. Great it seems like I never get lucky these days.

"Not so fast ladies you see I was trying to gather interest in this tournament, and well who better than two gals like you to be in the games. Not that you really have much of a choice just pretend you said yes and we can move on to the fun!" He said with so much boredom he seemed like a male version of my partner. Even I was sick of this god so I drew out my weapons as Larxene entered her battle position as well. To my surprise Hades did not seem angry or threatened by this in the last.

"Tsk tsk you ladies should learn more about entering dark places by yourselves. You see in the underworld I'm the hero and people like you are zeroes." Then Hades was lit up as sparks were popping out as I threw my fans at the Lord of the Underworld. We actually made a decent team with Larxene being so quick and fast, while I was the magic user of the both of us.

"What?! This is wrong when I say that line you're supposed to be weak and powerless. Ladies you aren't following the script here!" He yelled burning up with rage as fire poured out from his body. He seemed to be increasing in power and rage as I used magic deflect to keep the fire from harming the both of us. I knew engaging in a long battle would not bode well for the both of us.

"I know this hurts your pride Larxene, but we should get out of this place now!" Her yellow haired head moved in agreement which caused my mouth to be left wide open. She was actually being reasonable here which really let me know we had to get out of here. I tried to create a portal of darkness, but it was only a small window instead of a full portal. Larxene tried to make one as well however the results were the same. Hades suddenly floated towards us with a grin on his face.

"I see the old art of run technique good idea, but you seem to forget I'm the one in charge here. Besides trying to leave from someone who controls this particular space is pretty rude don't you know! Still I know how you can make it up to old Hades sparky and frosty! You both can take part in the Underworld Games. So what do you say group hug or do you both want to be thrown in the River Styx?"

Cliffhanger again, but at least you guys know what's coming next time. Anyway I wanted to post this earlier, but it was the holidays and I added more to this chapter with the Luxord and Demyx bit. Rest assured Kairi will get more of a focus next time thanks for sticking with me during the wait for this installment.