The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 9: Riunione Xion

"Who am I? What am I... here for?"

The blonde hair, the blue eyes, and his confident smile. Was this boy in front of me really Roxas or perhaps Ventus? I did not know who this Ventus was besides hearing his name in the images that flash in my head. Even the way he wields his blade is similar to him so how come I got this connection with someone I don't know about? Shaking my head I could only watch on as Roxas our newest ally faced off with Setzer. Looking over I noticed Seifer coming towards the both of us for some reason.

"I knew this would be a mistake." Zexion once more was rubbing in the fact nothing was going as expected today. While we didn't show our faces these black cloaks made us stand out very easily in the crowd. The defeated struggle fighter was now staring right at my face with a glare.

"Tch I don't remember seeing your faces around here. Hoodies are not exactly a friendly thing so why don't you explain your deal here?" He said with his comrades backing him up. He must think of himself as some kind of protector for this town. Not surprising that I would come across another person like this, and from what I remember with my encounter with Hercules and the Queen of Hearts somebodies would not be trusting of nobodies like myself.

"We...I...umm..." What could I really say right now? Hi we're hollow shells of somebodies, and our comrade just got chosen to be in a match for some reason. Lie about who and what the three of us really are, and risk being caught in a lie? I could even ignore them acting like they don't even see us right now. The thoughts in my head were going at such a pace I didn't notice Zexion had answered the question for me.

"We're nobody and you won't remember us being here." So cold and uncaring just like I could be at times. Still it's not a complete lie I doubt people would remember what we are right now. They could consider us like specters haunting people in our cloaks of darkness. Would it be the case for everyone I meet in the future. The time spent with new people will just before forgotten once I'm gone...it's unnerving to say the least.

"Yeah right guys in black cloaks are easy to forget about not buying it!" Seifer replied grabbing for the cloak on Zexion's head to remove it. In a matter of seconds he took hold of the blonde's arm pulling out his book to use in combat.

"Insolent somebody your scent fits your actions filthy!" He said turning Seifer around and slinging him back into his friend's arms. I knew starting a fight would be a bad thing so I decided to defend Seifer, and I also felt like he deserved some kind of real answer.

"That's enough they are just curious that's no crime. As for who we are exactly call my partner Zexion, and I'm Auxaq we are just here to enjoy the sights here nothing more." I replied giving them not only the truth, but our identities as I took off the hood on my black cloak. Zexion simply sighed and did the same as everyone would now see us for who we actually are now. Yes this was not according to plan however I'm not exactly the kind of person to follow the rules. Then again I might as well be a different person than what I used to be previously.

"You guys are really low y'know! You could have been honest, and shown us who you really are y'know!"

"Strangers!"

"Meanies you guys are really rude to us!"

"Wait a second! We should not treat them like slackers just yet. They did introduce themselves even if her 'pal' is not that friendly we should do the same. The name's Seifer and this is my gang." With some effort they eventually introduced themselves to us.

"...Rai y'know?"

"Fuu."

"Vivi that's me!"

"Hmm that's quite a crew you have Seifer." I spoke placing my hand on my cloak. Back in the castle after seeing the lines I decided to add some more clothing under my uniform. It was a good idea to keep this new aspect about my body secret until it became a problem. Besides it did not seem like something the others would care about. During my conversation with these guys I took a peak at my skin, and even now these lines began to glow blue. Could it be a sign of something more than my powers?

The conversation went to a stop as we took notice of the battle. Not much changed from what we looked away as Setzer and Roxas continued their fight. Both looked ready to claim victory, and to my surprise Roxas was keeping up with this guy. Still it seemed like this Setzer was not worried about this battle in the least. His confidence could be justified, but I won't give up on Roxas so easily.

"Not back Rucksack then again I've been holding back for you." He said with a smug smile appearing on his face. I faked a look of disgust knowing I could not truly feel anger. Zexion now bored about this just went into his book reading some pages. As I looked back at Seifer and his gang they were still very invested into the action. The swings of their bats could be heard as the crowd was supporting Setzer mostly. It seemed like no one was taking Roxas seriously, but I didn't care about that.

"You can take him Roxas!" I yelled trying to remember this is Roxas and not that person I was thinking about earlier. Zexion was surprised by the tone of my voice I guess I was pretending to be excited about this battle. Suddenly Roxas jumped up over Setzer and placed his bat behind Setzer's head. The entire crowd gasped at this action not expecting Setzer to be outmatched. The champion's face had a look of anger while Seifer was smirking.

"Well now blonde hoodie seems to have game after all." It seemed like the match was pretty much over now. Then Setzer's face changed into a calm smile. He turned around having his hands in their air. It actually seemed like he was about to surrender. My eyes noticed his left hand was moving around a bit now.

"Well I guess you are quite the struggle fighter, and to think I believed you were new to this kind of battle. I suppose you've won so let's shake like gentlemen Roxas." He said now bringing his hand down for Roxas to shake. I could not shake up this feeling it was not over with yet, but Roxas did bring out his hand to shake his hand. That's when it happened Roxas stumbled back in shock caught by surprise. I could not even figure out what happened, but Setzer knocked Roxas to the ground pointing out his bat in Roxas' face. The crowd was cheering as it seemed Setzer had taken the match...but I doubt it was because of his skills. Looking over at Seifer he did not seem impressed by this victory.

"Damn rookie you should have noticed the dice in his hand." Wait a minute dice? What could dice have to do with what just happened. Asking Seifer's crew they explained how his dice could shake around and it's likely he had on in his hand. So that's what happened Roxas did not expect the dice to rock him allowing Setzer to gain the upper hand. That's dirty and to think I thought this guy would play by the rules.

"Don't expect this guy to always play by the rules. Besides this is not a real fight so he would take these kinds of methods to protect his image." Seifer replied now walking away. With a frown I walked towards Roxas seeing his defeated look on his face. Setzer went over to his crowd of fans enjoying his "fair" victory. Taking hold of my comrade's gloved hand I could head the empty tone in his voice.

"I guess I'm not strong enough." With a sigh I knew this was not the case, but then again we didn't have to prove anything against these somebodies. They can keep their pride we will get back what was lost someday. This was not Roxas' fault if anything I'm proud of him today.

"Well that was a complete waste of time thank you for showing me how much you have to learn Auxaq." I grit my teeth in annoyance not wanting to deal with Zexion right now. As I turned around I noticed someone was observing us. He seemed to be covered in a lot of red, and it seemed like Roxas and Zexion didn't notice him. As I tried to point him out he was gone just like that. Blinking my eyes I could see him again as he was now moving towards another part of town. Shaking my head I decided to take off looking for this guy as Roxas and Zexion were trying to follow me. As I managed to catch up with him I noticed the area around me had many kinds of tram tracks. Observing my surroundings I was able to notice a hole in the wall. It seemed big enough to enter so I continued my pursuit of this person.

"Where is this person trying to lead me?" I spoke as then I began to enter a huge forest area. The trees looked to cover most of the area, and if I was not careful I could easily get lost. Moving around the area most of those dark creatures began to lurch after me. These kinds of heartless were actually flying in the air which was pretty annoying. Then again I had some feelings of anger I wanted to vent out. It was a good thing I had become more prepared in combat as I was able to slow down these flying heartless and toss my weapon right in their face. Knowing they could not be destroyed so easily I just used my weapons to let me get past them. As I tried avoiding other heartless roaming the forest I finally arrived at a new location. The place looked rather odd and huge compared to the forest it was in the middle of, and I looked at the locked gate in front of me.

Before I could do anything else I noticed those flying heartless had caught up which made me panic. It seemed there was also more of them than when I first ran into them. I can't take them all down by myself, but then again I'm not alone. Alright Banon just come here because I really need you right now. With a snap of my finger I expected my friend to come to my aid once more. As I looked around I could not see that nobody around which made me worried.

"Alright Banon no need to be dramatic you can help me now please..." I quickly realized my nobody was not coming as these heartless were now just a short distance away from me. Damn it why is this happening to me? Talking hold of my weapons I prepared to battle when suddenly the heartless began to disappear into nothing. Then I noticed that keyblade being thrown around swiping at the heartless. It seemed the keyblade wielder has come to my rescue. Zexion not bothering to help and was just observing Roxas do all the work. As the final one was defeated I could see the hearts held inside them fade into the air.

"Roxas thank you!" I replied walking over and hugging him with a smile. I felt very lucky to have a new comrade like him. The others might not appreciate your company, but I'm growing to really like you. As I let go of Roxas he seemed to have a small smile on his face. Looking over at Zexion he was not so friendly and kind to my actions. Oh well I'm not going to make friends with every in the organization. After I got back on my feet I went over to the gate that seemed to be locked up. Roxas and Zexion were also curious about this place as well.

"Well now this seems to be promising. I guess your antics might provide something valuable for the day." Ignoring that comment I took my eyes at the windows trying to see if anyone happened to be inside. As I observed the windows I could not see if that red man was in this place. Still it would seem like the place where he would be hiding. That's when I noticed the lock on the chain. I tried to remove the lock, but it seemed to be holding the gate in place.

"Roxas I think your keyblade could open this lock." I said looking over at the keyblade Roxas uses. It not only seemed like a big enough key I figured it was worth a shot. Zexion shook his head in annoyance not offering to help me of course. Still Roxas was pretty willing to help me out with this gate. As he pointed his blade in the lock's location I began to wonder if there was anything strange about this place. That's when I noticed the man in red looking at us through the window.

"Guys look up there it's that person I was following earlier!" I pointed towards the direction where I saw him. Roxas and Zexion followed my hand towards that window, but there seemed to be no one there now. I had a frown on my face as I tried to figure out what's going on with me? I could have sworn there was someone there at least I thought there was...

"Don't tell me you brought us out here because you've been seeing this 'man' around this town. I'm not sure you're aware of this, but I'm capable of using illusions so you might have been falling for one of my tricks." That's it I'm not going to put up with this nonsense anymore today. At least Larxene was capable of helping me this guy has done nothing for Roxas or me!

"Yeah right considering the way you've been acting I doubt you would care enough to actually fool me Zexion. I would have figured you would pretend to be asleep during the struggle matches!" I went back at him refusing to lose in a argument today. As we continued our little battle of words I did not even see Roxas opening the gate to the mansion. He walked over to the both of us trying to break up our little contest when something else caught our attention.

As I turned around I saw a portal of darkness appear behind us all. Out of the darkness arrived another member of the Organization. He was the tallest member by far as he walked over I thought I was shrinking in size. It also seemed like Zexion had a good relationship with Lexaeus.

"Zexion I've gotten a request from Saix. It seems all of the members must prepare to greet a new member into the organization tomorrow." Another member? It seemed like there were quite enough nobodies, but I guess we did need to gather any new ones left alone like I was before all this. Still I could not help feeling like there was more to this. As I looked at the gate I also wanted to explore this manor a while longer. Zexion seemed to actually agree with my curious nature for once.

"Are you sure we can't stick around a while longer. I did just uncover this mansion with Roxas' help after all." Forget it he's still a jerk. Not to mention he's trying to keep all the credit to himself about finding this place. Sure Roxas got a mention and all but...

"The dusks will take care of the rest. This matter requires all of the members to report back to the castle." With a nod Zexion seemed to fall in line with the order as Lexaeus went back into the portal. Guess this means our time in this place is over I was disappointed. There was so much you can do in this town, but all I was able to see was some fighting and this forest area. I was also thinking about taking Roxas to that clock tower for some more of that ice cream. I mean he was the hero for today so why not reward him. As Zexion shrugged his shoulders and left us both to return to our home.

"Roxas wait a minute." I called out to the newest member looking at his face as he turned around. I didn't know what I wanted to say right now, but my reasoning was to thank him for helping me out today. That's when I remembered I had brought that stick with me from the first sea-salt ice cream bar Axel got for me. It seemed like an empty gesture, but I felt like it was something he could keep around something from me. Giving him the gift I had a smile on my lips trying to seem happy at the moment.

"Thank you for what you did today I hope we can have some ice cream one day." I decided to fulfill on my promise to myself. I will take him to the tower and we could see the town one day. Observing the endless sunset together, and taking in the world around us both knowing we would be at peace for a moment. In our existences as shells without emotion for one moment we could possibly become friends...at least that was my wish.

...

Meanwhile in the empty mansion a man in red was observing the nobodies he's grown to despise sniffing him out. He knew he would have to retreat from his new home for a while, but today he learned something important about his enemy. Closing his uncovered eye he knew the path he would have to take in order to get his revenge. Erase every since member of Organization XIII...

"To think one of Eraqus' students would fall into darkness. There is nothing else I can do but destroy her along with the rest."

- Day 7: Number XIV -

Twilight's View

Today was the day for another nobody to be inducted into the organization. Naturally everyone was curious about what this new person was going to be like, and I heard Demyx worried that the organization would have to be called XV instead of XIII. While everyone else was just waiting for the meeting I was looking out the huge symbol of our group in this room. I decided to visit a new area of the castle for today wanting to explore more of this huge place. It would be to my benefit if I didn't get lost in this castle. Sighing as I continued to lean on the rail for the stairway I could hear footsteps coming in my direction.

"Auxaq I didn't expect you to be here." Looking over my should I saw it was that member I saw from yesterday. The guy who reported to Zexion, and the one who made me look small in comparison Lexaeus. My eyes noticed he was actually playing with some kind of toy in his hands yet I just nodded in response to him. I was not really sure if he expected me to join the others yet, but it seemed like he had another reason for coming here.

"I've been hearing about your status and mission reports. I've become curious about you Number XV." Really for what reason then? Was he like Zexion or Vexen just looking for a chance to pick me apart. Was it to torment me like Larxene and Marluxia love to do when I'm around. As I looked at him he brought over that thing he was messing around with, and it turned out to be some kind of a puzzle. Watching him try and figure it out left me intrigued as it did not seem easy to solve. While he continued playing with his puzzle he continued to speak to me.

"Out of most of the members I can tell part of you still contains your identity as a somebody." What? How I don't even remember all that much about my existence from before. Sure I've been getting images and names, but I still can't figure out how I possibly have been a keyblade wielder. Roxas despite being a nobody could use that weapon so easily, and I still can't even properly hold it in my hand. It seemed like I would never regain those memories until I got back what was taken from me.

"Heh I guess these lines were not from my past life then." Deciding it would be a good idea to show this to someone else I moved part of my cloak to reveal the blue lines on my left arm. Lexaeus was surprised by this sight putting his activity away for the moment to study my limb. I was somewhat worried he might have to explain this to everyone else. I didn't want to seem like I was not capable of being able to go on missions. The sooner I can help complete our goal the better off everyone will be after all.

"When did you first notice these lines?" I explained it was when I took off my clothing after my mission with Larxene. To be honest with myself I could see faint lines even before then, but I figured it was nothing to worry about so when they glowed that's when my opinion changed. He seemed upset with me about the fact I didn't show this to anyone else sooner. I was kind of touched he was somewhat caring about my well being. Then again he could just not want to lose a member of this organization giving him more work to do around here.

"Hmm this could be a result of the loss of your heart. As nobodies we've gained certain abilities not to mention changes in our appearances." That's a good explanation about this fact. The information I learned from the others about their own looks could be proof of this suggestion. Still my mind could not shake this feeling there was more to this. Telling him about the creation of my own special nobody made him even more curious about my powers. For a huge guy he seemed pretty wise and talkative with me. I figured he would not have much to say around just another nobody like me.

"You're growing used to your powers as a nobody. Creating a unique brand of nobody is a trait we can't perform so early in our existences. The fact you've adjusted so easily is rather confounding." That's when he pulled out that puzzle again trying to move that crown piece out of the maze. The many attempts to pull it out left me impressed as despite his failures he continued to push onward.

"Do you think my changes will force me out of action? To be honest I can't even imagine being unable to continue working to take back what was ours." I replied hoping my true feelings would let him keep this between us. Granted if this condition would effect me in a negative way I would not be surprised if he told The Superior.

"I can't be certain Auxaq, but I will suggest you don't strain yourself. Your efforts have been a great service to the organization it would be unwise to surrender anything more than required." With a smile I took his advice to heart. He's not exactly a friendly kind of guy however he didn't push me away. I guess this is another person I can talk to here besides my own little nobody. I was unaware there was someone else who had arrived here as Lexaeus finished his puzzle removing the crown from it's maze. Saix didn't seem all that different from his usual self however he seemed much more serious than usual today.

"There you two are the meeting is about to begin." So it's about time then for our newest comrade to arrive. As Lexaeus waved me off before walking away Saix actually called me to stop leaving. Turning around I gave him a look of confusion as I was just following orders.

"You won't be arriving just yet XV. In fact you will be the one to bring our newest member into the room now follow me." With a nod along a sigh in my head I went behind Saix like an obedient dog. Back to the grind of being a nobody it seemed like for me. As I continued to follow Saix I could imagine a leash being on my neck right now. Granted I wanted to help out the organization, but I still don't approve of everything it does. It doesn't help things when some of the members still give me trouble even after being here for quite a while. I almost forget it's been just about a full year since my rebirth as a hollow shell.

"I do expect you will treat her as well as you've been treated since your arrival." Of course this new member was the focus of today's activity. I began to wonder if she would be like the other members in some way. Then again she is new here so if anything she would be like a blank slate. The pages would be filled with how she performed in the daily missions soon enough. Still I would be lying to myself if I didn't want to get along with her own some level. It would be easier to work here if I made just as many friends as possible. Finally we both arrived at the destiny where the newest comrade was now waiting for us. I could not get a good look at her with the hood covering her face, but she looked shorter than both me and Saix.

"I'll leave her in your care for now Auxaq." Saix replied in that cold tone before drifting away into a portal of darkness. I knew we had to go to the other members now, but we did have a short amount of time to ourselves. Seeing that she did not seem that talkative I decided to make the first move to spark a conversation with the newcomer.

"So how are you liking this place so far?" I asked trying to get a good look at her eyes, but she did not seem to give me any kind of answer. Unlike Roxas she didn't seem that interested in conversation. Then again she could be somewhat shy right now. I realized this would not be as easy as I hoped it would so I asked something else.

"Are you nervous about this? To be honest I was feeling kind of worried being around others who were like me. Some treat me like I'm nothing but a tool however I do know others who don't care if I seem different. In the end we all just want the same thing, and I'm sure we might get along someday." I replied giving off a little smile. I expected something to come out this time around, but it was not the response I was expecting.

"Do you know if that is want everyone wants?" A question that I was about to answer yet I could not. While it seemed we all just wanted our hearts I could not possibly know the desires of everyone else. This actual made me question the feelings or rather projections everyone else desired in this organization. Shaking my head I decided to turn the conversation to some other subject. I can think about my own ambitions later on right now I had to try greeting her into the group. A first impression was an important one after all.

"I'm sorry I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Auxaq and I welcome you to Organization XIII." I said holding out my black gloved hand to her. It might seem like an empty gesture, but I hoped this would be a sign of us being more than just partners in the future. I did not expect a shake considering how she's been acting so when she gave a gentle nod I took this is a compromise. Walking next to me she returned the gesture of giving me her own name.

"Xion that's my name..." Well it's a start at least. Knowing I wasted some time I finally took her into the round room where everyone else would be waiting. Another day with a new member added to the organization. It seems like we shall be getting our hearts back soon with so many members, and this will be quite the interesting addition into my journal.

Where Nothing Gathers

...

It was only a short while after the meeting when two members of the organization sat in their chairs for a private meeting. Xemnas knew Vexen wanted to tell him something important for a while now, and with some spare time he decided to grant the chilly academic's request. The IV member had brought some documents with him as he finally got his audience with the leader of Organization XIII.

"It's a pleasure to finally obtain a moment of your time superior." Vexen replied showing his respect for the numbers each member had for themselves. While Marluxia and other young members would not respect their elders in the group Vexen easily treated the top three with much honor. He also wondered why now would Xemnas give him this time for his reports. That's when he remembered his recent work in the Replica programs.

"Anyway I would like to start with the current status of Castle Oblivion. With the help of my Scholar nobodies we have found a strange nobody residing in the castle. She called herself Namine and we are trying to learn the nature of her abilities. It seems according to some she refers to herself as some kind of witch." Xemnas seemed pleased about this news curious if her potential would make her another asset to the organization in their grander plans. She already helped Vexen in making the creation of their newest member.

"Continue on Vexen." His deep voice started Vexen who took out some more of his documents to explain further details about the Castle Oblivion exploration details to the superior. He hoped Xemnas would not be upset with this new detail he added into his report about the development with Xion.

"There were some complications with our activity as it appears there are certain areas we cannot enter no matter how much we try, and it seems that a few of the nobodies got lost while seeking out secret paths in the castle walls. Anyways I have finished the construction of the Replica program and Xion is the first subject born from it. She was crafted from Sora's memories with the help of Namine as you know, and now I will began work on the Riku Replica. There is something I thought you should know about her Xemnas." He said closing his eyes for a moment knowing this might be a bad idea to admit what he's done with her without his supervision. Still he felt Xemnas would learn about it sooner or later so why not tell him and get it over with.

"While Xion is indeed crafted from the memories of Sora some of her abilities were implanted from someone else. In other words I borrowed addatinal data from Subject Au-err I mean Number XV." Xemnas' eyes widen by this news. Vexen was taking some time out with Auxaq during some few moments however he did not expect this to be the reason for that. He naturally wanted to hear more about Vexen's agenda so with a glare Vexan gave a hasty explanation.

"I believe Xion needed combat data to match up well enough because as she is right now she's a blank slate. In order to fully grasp the worth of her existence I decided to work in the data of both a keyblade wielder and master. Granted Auxaq cannot use that keyblade she brought with her, but she has proven to be strong enough without it then it would only benefit an incomplete copy." He said before getting worried Xemnas might not take this well. He acted without the superior's guidance after all so that usually would put a nobody in a bad position. As he opened his eyes trying to prepare for the worst Xemnas did not seem that concerned about this news.

"Indeed...Xion is an imperfect copy of Sora. So if you felt the need to give her the power to become stronger than I trust you knew what you were doing Vexen." If Vexen didn't know any better he would have thought Xemnas knew all along he would perform this action. No matter everything was now falling into place and his work could only get more advanced now as he continued his work in Castle Oblivion. A home where memories could be lost and remembered at the same time. It was then Xemnas brought up an important detail for the coming days.

"The day to split our forces draws near Vexen. In order to further our dreams we must divide our power in half. It's only because of your work that I'm providing you with this information Vexen. Along with other members Auxaq shall be joining you in Castle Oblivion." Vexen was shocking by this notion made by his leader. He didn't understand what good would bringing along her to the castle would do, but then he remembered something about Xemnas. He often made visits to his Chamber of Repose. Xigbar overhead some of his conversations while in his private area, but he did not truly know everything about what had been said. The Chamber of Repose had another room linked called the Chamber of Waking. That's when the realization came on Vexen's face. The location of the Chamber of Waking had to be somewhere in oblivion.

"It's time my friend remembers everything she's lost..."

[ Well now it seems things are coming into focus. More changes will be coming with the newer chapters, but I do want to know if you guys want to have me write out some more humor or entries from Auqa's journal. Thank you for reading stay turned for more updates in the future. ]