The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 7: Chain of Memories

"Yes. Just because you can't remember something doesn't mean it's gone."

Olympus Coliseum Underdrome

I knew one thing from coming on this mission with Laxerene. I would never ask to enter a tournament of any kind ever again. Seeing Hades eating popcorn knowing we could not just break free of his hold on his through a portal of darkness made me sick. Even Larxene did not enjoy being his slave for this event. The "crowd of supporters" wanted to see us get broken beyond repair. Monsters in every since of the word, and they somehow acting more frighting than even the heartless. Those creatures only operated on pure instinct. These things knew what was going on was very wrong holding people hostage for amusement and pleasure; then again perhaps some of them were also just slaves of Hades.

"There you go show off for the crowd ladies. The fans love some shameless pandering, and hell I do too so strike a pose, take off those cloaks, or hey pucker up those lips for someone." His vile grin came afterwards which made me scowl. He was just toying with us at this point knowing we could not just overwhelm him with these many numbers. Suddenly some heartless came at us with lances in their hands. More opponents to deal with I thought to myself. Larxene already dashed in using her agility to make quick work of some of them. Some of the heartless tried to launch their lances at me, but I used my power to block their attacks. I had been getting more used to my abilities learning new ways to use them in my training. These kinds of attack would have taken me down several days ago however now they were just a minor problem. I was becoming stronger and more confident in my nobody abilities, and yet I was still nothing compared to the likes of Saix, Marluxia, and of course the Superior.

"Is this the best you can offer I assure you all the fun and games will be over for you all!" I swore at them all seeing their laughing and pleasure from our predicament here. Larxene in sign of actually support gave me a small smile on her lips. She was actually not taunting me with that so I guess there was another thing I learned from this mission. It's true the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Suddenly the gates opened revealing more heartless that looked like cannons, and there is some that dogs and bats. I clenched my Monsoon blades as Larxene drew out her kunai.

"Nothing special I just pretend these guys are Demyx. Hearing that voice makes me want to hurt these guys more!" I guess she's trying to make conversation with me. I'm not sure if I would agree with her statement, but it's something to motivate her so that's not all bad. I moved my attention towards the cannon balls now being shot in my direction. I dodged a few, but some were just a distraction for the dogs to come at me from behind my back. So many heartless to deal with, and even Larxene was having trouble with amount of bats and cannon balls. I had to level the playing field with my strength and help her.

My body had went into full attack mode as I spun at the cannon balls sending more back at the heartless. I also used my fans to launch them at the bats flying above us both. The crowd did not seem to like the fact we had been doing well. Larxene began to cast Thundara around the area taking out most of the heartless still fighting us leaving the arena quiet. Hades who had been smoking a cigar looked rather upset by all of this. Well at least we had put on a good show for everyone.

"This is an insult here I am trying to have some enjoyment before my Underworld Games start and here you girls go and ruin it! You're just like that Sora kid except much more irritating!" His heat getting so hot it burned away his own cigar. Wait-did he just mention someone called Sora? That name I felt like I knew him from somewhere, but I can't remember when that was or how we met. Perhaps it was just someone else?

"This boy looks so sincere—just like Terra. And this one—he's the spitting image of Ven. One of you might be special enough. Hey, you two mind telling me your names?"

"One Keyblade is enough... for any friendship. I learned it the hard way. I wouldn't wish our lives on those children. Terra, please tell me—what's to become of us?"

"That name where do I know it from?" I said holding my head in pain. There was a fuzzy image of an island with a sun in the background. I could see the image of two kids, but I could not get a clear sight of them. Was this something I forget or a new kind of memory? Larxene seemed pissed that I was screwing up here and Hades looked happy about my current state. He likely wanted to siege the moment I had just given him and so he snapped his fingers.

"Well now it seems like frosty had a brain-freeze. Perfect for someone as cool as me because I think you deserve to enter the final round ladies. So then give a nice warm welcome for my favorite pet and pal Cerberus!" A gate near our location began to open and loud barking could be heard in the darkness. The crowd actually seemed concerned about this and even Hades did not have a smile on his face. This had to be a bad thing as I gathered myself and returned into my battle stance. Suddenly thumping could be heard as from the darkness appeared a giant monster. It was a three-headed dog, and each head came with sharp teeth and red eyes. Damn it Hades is really trying to destroy us if he was using this kind of beast against us. Before we could even attack it spit out giant fireballs at our direction forcing us to move out of the way. The giant animal followed up with a ground wave attack send us back to the floor with the emotion of pain on our faces.

"There you go now be a good boy and you can keep these two as chew toys well that is if you don't eat them like the others from before now finish them off!" Hades cheered his pet along knowing he wanted to put an end to us now. I knew we were in a bad spot, but it was then I had an interesting idea. Looking at Larxene I knew how we can get back on the offensive in this battle.

"Larxene I know you don't like me, but I need your help on this one so trust me." I told her looking into her eyes. She did not seem to understand my way of thinking however she would figure it out soon. Looking at the beast I knew how to deal with him now, but I needed to get him to try and eat me. In my line of thought some more heartless-looking cannons appeared. I had a smile on my face and pointed my weapon at them having that blue aura come around them. Running at it I took hold of the heartless pointing the weapon at Cerberus hitting it right in the face. Now irritated it jumped up and down causing me to fall over as it leaned down biting on my arm causing me to scream. I did not understand how I could feel pain from this, but I would have to endure this suffering.

Larxene wiped out the cannon heartless with her knives throwing them to wipe out the rest. She saw that I was in pain and was actually coming to help me out which shocked me. I figured it could be she did not want to report back to the Superior about my demise, but maybe it was something else. Still I knew how to get her to help me out now.

"Why are you such a bitch Larxene?" Her mouth came right open by my statement. Hades even was surprised about what I just said. That however was only just the beginning of what I wanted to say to her. After what she had put me through ever since my arrival she will hear it from me now!

"Why the hell do you like picking on people? Does it make you feel good despite not really having any emotion. Does you second-best attitude towards others please your soul-less mind somehow? Perhaps the real reason is you never had a heart even when you were a somebody!" I said before crying out in fake anguish as the dog started biting me even more planning to eat me up for dinner. I had to get her really upset for my plan to work so time was of the importance.

"Who the hell do you think you are you bitch! Why the hell do you think you can just analyze me, and then just assume you know anything about me! You never saw who I was before the Organization, before the cloak, before I lost my heart. I never want it back it's just the past I want to forget!" Wait she didn't want it back yet she was still working for the Organization. Why was she telling me this now could it be something happened to her before all of this. I couldn't focus on it right now, but I wanted to learn more all this was over.

"You know I guess the rumors about you were true in the end you are just a witch from hell always making others suffer for your own amusement. I don't think you deserve a heart in fact I don't believe you have a right to exist!" These words were so spiteful and it was something I never wanted to say about anything, but right now I did not have a choice. Larxene was rightfully furious about my speech, but Cerberus was tired of this and dragging me up in the air to devour my body out of hunger. I hoped that last bit would be the trigger for Larxene as Hades gave me some final words.

"Man frosty I never thought you had it in you to be such cruel you know if your soul ends up here perhaps we can hang out sometime on a date my treat of course. Well I mean you would be doing the heavy-lifting, but I would step in to tell you what we should do or eat of course. For now however Cerberus it's chow time!" With a clap Hades gave the go-ahead for my demise, but finally Larxene stepped in for my rescue.

"You don't know anything about me you bitch!" Her lighting was charged up due to her anger and rage about what I said which would increase her power. Also with myself being a target she would not hold back as she sent out a huge volt of lighting shocking the entire arena. Cerberus felt so much pain it let me out as I fell on the ground also being affected by the sparks. Hades was stunned by this as the huge giant dog whimpered in pain before falling back into the crowd breaking part of the arena. Larxene was surprised by this as I just gave out a weak chuckle of support.

"I knew you would make me pay for those comments allowing me to escape from Cerberus. So how about we head home and you don't have to see me again today after we meet up with Axel in Twilight Town." I said in a weak town due to my condition. The sparks were still around my body as I tried to get up off my feet, and that's when Larxene took hold of my hand and put me over her shoulder. I gave her quite the reaction of shock about this. Even after what I said ruse or not she was still helping me out not leaving me to be destroyed here.

"We are not friends, and I sure as hell don't like you but you are not a bad partner Auxaq." She replied as well ran as far as we could out of the underworld. It was quite a trek as some heartless tried catching us, but Larxene's speed was too much for them. Before long we had found the doorway out of the underworld leading us outside to a huge place full of light. It had giant pillars and there was two people speaking with each other. Before we could just teleport away they had seen the both of us.

"Wonderboy did they just get out of the underworld?" The female spoke out towards us wearing a light-pink outfit with purple-colored hair. The other person was a male with brown armor and a blue cape behind his clothing. "Wait a minute Megara I've seen that hair and face before I think!" Great did he know about my possible time in this world before like with Hades. I don't have the time to explain myself and Larxene agreed trying to open a portal of darkness to escape from.

"Oh don't mind us I'm sure you guys are on some kind of date just ignore us, and we will be out of your hair in a second!" Larxene said with her usual "delightful" nature which caused a frown to appear on their faces. I felt a bump from behind us and there seemed to be a small guy looking at us with a unhappy look.

"Hey if you two aren't comin' here for the Games I'd suggest you beat it. We've been havin' some trouble-makers around here we can't trust anybody these days." The goat said giving us the approval to leave here. Good I was not exactly feeling like having a conversation right now. Plus it's possible Hades could be following us so leaving here might be a good idea. Sadly the others did not agree with the goat's train of thought.

"Now hold on Phil Herc seems to know her, and I don't think these guys would be working for Hades if they looked like they just ran out of the underworld." Surprisingly she was defending us from this accusation despite not knowing who we were and I felt a small smile form at this. Despite feeling hated about that Lord of the Underworld it seemed like there is some reasonable people here.

"Hold on that blue hair, her face, and those eyes. That cloak threw me off but you have to be Aqua!" How did he know my name? Like Hades seemed to know about me so did that mean I had come across these people before in my past. My eyes closed in pain as another image came into my mind as a boy suddenly appeared in my vision. His black hair and blue eyes stuck out along with his sword. I could see this guy and Hades in my mind once more. So it was true I had come across these people before, but why can't I remember any of them?

"Don't you remember Aqua it's me Hercules, Zack the guy who took part in the tournament and Hades. You came here before along with Terra and Ventus. I know it's been a while, but I would never forget a face like yours." Wait Terra and Ventus? Could they also be from my past I had somehow forgotten. There was so much to learn and understand about all of this.

"Oh I'm sure you wouldn't forget her Wonderboy." The girl called Megara had said with a sigh feeling somewhat annoyed now. Do they have a thing going on with each other? Considering how they acted it would make sense if I had to guess, but Hercules seemed interesting in me rather than her at the moment. He walked over observing me in my current condition and looked shocked by my state.

"You don't look like your okay Aqua were you guys dealing with Hades?" His guess with correct and I could only nod in agreement. Still the fact he seemed to know so much about me was quite a blessing. Perhaps I could just ask him about what I was doing here during my visit. I would be able to finally piece together my life before turning into a nobody. Suddenly I could feel the area get more hot, and I knew it was that god who kept us locked in the underworld. Damn our conversation allowed him to catch up to us.

"How nice the ladies are having a little chat with my nemesis that's so lovely. So Herc do you mind if I CUT IN!" This is bad! I can't gather my strength and Larxene has to get me back in one piece. Not to mention Hades might not even be possible to actually stop. There was part of me that wanted to stay in order to learn more about myself, but I knew that would be a mistake. Damn what can I do we have to escape from here now.

"Hades so you were behind this you never learn!" Hercules said now engaging in battle with the Lord of the Dead. Larxene took this as a chance to escape as a portal of darkness finally opened. Megara called out to the both of us trying to make us stay instead of leaving. Before Larxene gave off some kind of insult more of those lancer heartless appeared before us all. As if things could not get any worse for us. Come on Aqua-no Auxaq think of something Dusk no they are weak compared to these kinds of guys. Still they are better than nothing so...

"Your highness how can I serve you?" A single Dusk came before us following my direct command it seemed. Larxene simply laughed at the sight of my call bringing just one lesser nobody. I knew the other members could bring out larger numbers, but it's not like I had the strength for that at the moment.

"That's the best you can do newbie? Why don't I should you what a nobody should really look like!" With a snap of her fingers some unique nobodies came before us. It seemed being out of the Underworld gave us the abilities we had when any of us come into another world. Looking at her nobodies they seemed to have some weird kind of look as they were covered in very tight bonds holding them together. They also looked slim and long in size with the symbol of our organization on their arms. They also had similar kunai or knives stuck in their hands along with their chest area. Considering how they looked I wonder if they were supposed to look like these "gimps" Larxene told me about in the stories she read.

"Ravagers reduce those pathetic heartless into nothing!" Before long there was a full blown battle as Phil and Megara fled for cover behind a pillar as Hades and Hercules continued their struggle. While Larxene's ravagers had the upper hand Hades' flames began to burn the nobodies taking them out which caught her off guard. I grit my teeth feeling worthless just having this one dusk on my side. Suddenly it sprang into the battle trying to fight off the lancer heartless, and yet it could not do a lot against them. I felt horrible despite it being a lowly soldier it seemed to be loyal to me. It was like a knight serving a princess and protecting her.

"No you are just trying to protect me I can't let you be destroyed like this.." I said in a weak tone trying to reach out for the Dusk who was in pain being hit by the lances. Larxene did not understand how to take this all in as I was trying to do something for the Dusk. It can't give itself up for me when I'm the one who brought it here in the first place.

"Don't tell me she's trying to actually evolve a single Dusk?" She must have known what I was trying to accomplish as I opened my eyes with determination looking directly at the Dusk before a blinding light came over us. A moment passed as I reopened my eyes to find a different being in front of us. The symbol of the organization was on it's head with dark blue jewels over the plate the logo was placed. There was more blue jewels over it as the nobody looked more human in shape now. It had white robes and sashes over it's body. It seemed to be in mostly a blue color as it's eyeless face looked at me.

"You have my thanks your highness. I am your Oracle now what do you command of me?" Oracle? So that's what it was called now? Did I just evolve a Dusk like Larxene just said? Even in my weaken state I could achieve something like that? Shaking my head I gave the order without saying it to which the oracle nobody gave a nod. Suddenly the lancers had been covered in a blue form just like when I used my powers. How could it do something like that did it learn from my powers? As the lancer heartless moved at a slower pace the faster Ravagers threw out lighting shocking them into nothing like Larxene commanded. Hades realized what was going on and must have decided to call a retreat.

"Don't think this is over frosty and sparky, because of the fact you made me hate Hercules less today I will ensure you two will never see daylight again. I'm talking 24/7 enslavement with no time-off and no holidays either!" Hades fumes out as he left in a swirl of fire. Good riddance! Hercules and Megara came over to see if we needed aid plus to give us praise for "helping them" out with Hades.

"You girls did pretty good considering you were dealing with a flaming 'hot' god." Megara said with a smile on her face. It seemed like she was sincere with her praise, and not being sarcastic like my partner would with the other nobodies. Hercules took me off Larxene and was able to help me stand on my feet. I still was "feeling" weak, but at least I did not have to rely Larxene's support and complaining.

"Wow Aqua that was amazing. I don't know who these guys are or who your friend is over there, but you seemed like a real hero during that battle." Hero I'm not sure what he meant by that statement, but he also looked to be genuine about his comments. It had been a while since I came across somebodies who were more friendly towards us even if they don't know what I had become now. With a weak smile I shook his hand which felt rather strong in contrast to mine. Larxene was trying to urge me to get back to the portal, and yet I waved her to hold on just for a moment. I can't stay and speak with him about my past like I wanted however I can still ask him about something else.

"Hercules have you heard what happened with Terra and Ventus? I know it's been a while, but if I knew about them why is it I can't remember anything. I did not even remember my name ever since becoming a Nobody." Hercules' blue eyes widened as I explained my situation. Megara had a frown once she learned the details about the loss of my heart. I did not tell them everything, but they did know about who I was working for now. Hercules then told me an important detail about a new hero called Sora.

"I don't know what's happened with Terra and Ventus, but I do know about Sora. He was able to win the major cups and Phil told me he even overcame the Platinum cup. He also seemed to be quite the keyblade wielder like you are or umm were Aqua." Wait a minute there was new keyblade wielders in the world? Then again I suppose that would make sense. Still this Sora looked to be quite the users if he could achieve so much already. As I waved Herc and Megara goodbye I began to think about my own future what will become of this shell of what I once was after everything is said and done.

Twilight Town Clock Tower

Larxene actually suggested to give the report about the mission on her own most likely just to get away from me for a while. I also remembered Axel wanted to meet me up here when the assignment was done for this sea-salt ice cream he wanted me to try out. So for the moment I enjoyed the peaceful sight I was able to observe from up here. The town looked quite nice and unlike the last time I was here there was lots of things I was able to see. The different kinds of buildings and trams that were currently going around the town. The sunset gave the town a strange image like it was never too bright or never too dark. Despite not having the ability to feel emotions I was quite calm at the moment. This was also a good time for me to digested everything I learned from today. The promotion, learning more about who I was before all of this, and this boy named Sora. The world really has changed from my time in the Dark Realm.

"Sora I wonder will we ever see each other?" I spoke out to no one and a gentle breeze hit my face. Swinging my legs on the edge of my seat on this tower I could hear the bickering of my partner and Axel who had just come back from the castle. It seemed like Larxene was back to her usual self while Axel was teasing her about something. Still it seemed like she was not being as vicious as she usually was around me or everyone else.

"Aww there she is sweetcheeks herself you're actually here before me you must have memorized the meeting time well. In any case here it is the fabled Sea-Salt ice cream here is your treat." Taking the cold dessert in my black-gloved hand I noticed how the color was light blue. I'm not even sure if I could enjoy it considering nobodies don't really have emotions. Then again I could act like it would taste wonderful to my mouth so I could not make Axel feel bad. As they sat down next to me I began to try out the ice cream, and it was not bad actually. The food seemed to have a bitter taste at first, but with a few more licks it felt like the food was melting in my mouth. Larxene was lazily taking small bites while Axel fully went into his bar. Deciding to be the progressive one I wanted to have a small conversation.

"So do you do this with every new member or did you just want an excuse to have some more of this food?" I asked to Axel who gave off a smirk in reply. He did not seem insulted by my question at all which was good. Larxene just seemed bored of this and just went back to her food actually eating more now as if she's ignoring me.

"Well this is a special day you just completed your first assignment as a member of Organization XIII. I even heard about your newly created Nobody that's quite a trick for a new member like yourself. I figured you were something special when I found you in the Realm of Darkness; then again you still have a lot to learn before you can really be a veteran like Xaldin and the Superior of course." He said with a wave giving me some praise for my talents. Larxene decided to speak about what happened now exactly being supportive of me.

"She would have been destroyed if I was not there Axel. Besides considering the state she was in surviving against Hades was expected for a member of Organization XIII. She should be lucky I was assigned with her if it was Xigbar or ugh Demyx she would have not come back at all." Well she could have said worse things about me right now. The fact she's not trying to push me off this tower could be considered progress. Perhaps the longer I spend time with her the more she would mellow out with me.

"So how long do you think we will have to be a Nobody? I know we can't gather heartless currently, but perhaps I can regain my memories. If that happens I want to give everyone the hearts and existence we deserve." Axel looked pretty surprise by my statement. I must have sounded more confident in myself than usual which would explain his reaction. Still this is how I felt because I was tired of being so helpless. I was a member of this Organization, and if I really was a keyblade user then I should be more helpfully than I currently am. If I could just regain those memories then it would be possible...

"Hmm like being somebodies would make us special. Ohh look at us we have hearts again now we can go back to being boring like people with a soul usually are. Seeing that zero Hercules acting all macho just pisses me off." Larxene said clearly not wanting to go back to being her old self. She did not sound like she was insulting me again more like she really did not want to regain her heart. She could be more cruel than I thought if that was the case, and yet I had come to know there was more than that to her. Perhaps there was a personal reason she did not want it back. What could make a nobody refuse to have back the thing that makes a person truly exist?

"I suppose you might have a point Larxene. Even without a heart we still are here so that means we do belong in the world. Despite being nobodies we still matter and none of us will fade away." I said with a false smile of hope eating more of this sea-salt ice cream. It was actually not bad at all, and before like the whole bar was now in my stomach. Axel was happy to see me devour the entire bar without wasting any of the food.

"Auxqa you are simply amazing with that optimism!" Axel said before laughing at his comment. Larxene also began to chuckle in amusement so I decided to join in this moment of enjoyment. This bonding with others like myself was familiar faces was something I did not want to forget like mostly everything else. I plan to hold on to memories like this and never let the go.

"Today is the start of a chain to keep hold of my memories. I might not regain everything that was lost from me, but I will never lose what's precious to me ever again." I said to myself not caring what Larxene and Axel would say to me in return. Gripping my hand I knew what must be done to take back my power become stronger and more powerful. With enough strength I can overcome things that I could not face before, and in a way I'm grateful to have become a nobody. It was like being reborn with a new life I can shape it to how I see fit now. So then to begin linking together my chain of memories...

[ Well this was easily the longest chapter yet however since it's the start of a new arc it should be long. I will focus more on Kairi next chapter, but I need to dive into Aqua's new goal as well. By the way do you guys want some omake content so you can have some laughs. I know this story can be serious a lot of the time, and a break from the plot might be healthy for you readers so just let me know! ]