The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 11: This Is Halloween

"The hearts remain. And then those hearts gather together to form the great Kingdom Hearts."

The World That Never Was: Library Area

- Day 11: Keyblade -

To my surprise Larxene told me something about her relationship with Marluxia. Apparently they meet other in the library room in the castle. They were simply studying about the darkness in people's hearts and their possible fate as a nobody of a heartless. She also suggested I take a visit to learn some things about the world outside of here, and if there were any books made by Marquis de Sade. I doubted those kinds of books would be in the library, but it would not hurt to read some of the books since once again I was not one a misison today which means a day off for me. Not seeing Saix look for me about that was a refreshing change of pace from yesterday's antics with Vexen. Apparently he wanted to explore Twilight Town during our hunt for this DiZ person. I didn't really understand what he was looking for until he found that sea-salt ice cream.

"My word this treat seems to have made with odd materials that give off a salty yet sweet taste. Do you happen to know the contents that created this odd delicacy Auxaq?" I gave him a blank look trying to wonder if he was serious about this, but after he whined at me I explained it was just ice cream. When I suggested he could just check it at our home the scientist actually took my comment to heart. Seeing someone take sea-salt ice cream so seriously made me miss Axel. It had been a while since I last saw him around the castle. From what I heard he was actually hanging out with Roxas so perhaps one day we can see each other again. With my mental recap done I decided to explore this library.

Looking around the room it seemed empty with no one actually nobody around here. Finding some of the treasure of this place I noticed the many kinds of books on the shelves. There was subjects about the darkness in the worlds, the heartless creatures and the different types, the information on the different worlds members explore, and literature from certain worlds. There was not a lot that piqued my curiosity here so I continued to explore the room. It was then I came across a certain book which peaked my interest as the book's name caught my attention.

"Castle Oblivion?" I didn't know what was important this book, but I happened to hear from some of the new members about a new base of operations being constructed. They also talked about the only inhabitant there being a "witch" person. Deciding to learn more I sat down and began to read some of the notes. Apparently the writers of this book were Vexen, Marluxia, and the Superior himself. The castle was just as empty and void as this stronghold. Apparently no one else lived in this newly discovered building besides the witch Namine.

"Are they going to be moving some members there?" I said to myself knowing that would be a likely step. If the details in this book were correct then Organization XIII would be diving its forces in half. I didn't get the strategy of this plan at all. We are stronger as a complete group then in two pairs. Granted I don't get along with everyone here, but I would be lying to myself if I didn't see their strength and value. I began to wonder if there was some other reason for this possible separation. Then again I began to reconsider the events with Xigbar. Xemnas told me Banon was no more and that Xigbar would be punished, and yet I had this feelings that I could not ignore. Perhaps not everything is as it seems so why would the superior possibly lie?

"Finally an audience here the place looked like a ghost town today!" Jumping out I saw the mullet-styled nobody waving at me with a cheerful smile. I was actually surprised he managed to catch me like that. That's when things got even weirder with this guy. Before I could blink he was starting to inspect me with his eyes. Then he was actually trying to look at my face like there was something on it. I had gotten ticked off with this so I glared at him along with making an annoyed gesture. He seemed to have gotten the hint which caused him to take out...a piece of paper?

"Let's see, here... "When introducing yourself to a new person always offer a good introduction." Well that's another thing I screwed up today." He said with a sigh putting the paper back into his cloak. With Marluxia and Xigbar I could not stand them, Vexen and Zexion were not my favorites of the group, Larxene I've started to warm up with, but this guy is-something else to say the least.

"I think you're supposed to be more friendly. Try something like this hello my name is Auxaq now what is your name?" I said with a smile hoping we could get off to a better start than whatever just happened. He seemed to understand what I meant so he actually nodded and pulled out his hand to shake mine with along with providing his own name.

"Right then so my name is Demyx Number IX also called the Melodious Nocturne! Personally I'm not big on the names or numbers so you can just call me by my name." He said with a more friendly tone so I rewarded him by shaking his hand. He seemed to have noticed the book in my other hand and realized what I had read.

"Oh that's right you must have read about that castle like Zexion. To be honest I hope that bookworm gets sent there it would make things more peaceful around here. Anyways did you happen to see any musical books around here? I wanted to see if some of the other members can learn to play an instrument. How else can I hope to start up my little band." He said with a grin suddenly pulling out a giant musical tool. It looked blue and rather big yet there were strings you can use to make sounds with so it had to be an instrument.

"Like it? This is Arpeggio my pride and joy. Ohh you have to hear some of my work just a little preview of my talent!" I tried to tell him no, but he quickly began to string along some music that echoed in the room. My ears were actually enjoying the music even if I could not feel excitement. I could see on Demyx's face he also really enjoyed to play music. He seemed like a natural at this stuff as the wonderful sounds made me feel at peace. A sudden increase in volume caught me off-guard as he began to move around the room apparently rocking out. I didn't know what to think about this as Demyx was now making a concert out of his little request.

"Come on Auxaq give me a beat!" Was he trying to urge me into this performance. I didn't know much about even playing an instrument, but his face looked like a sad cat staring at me for some food. Looking at the book I improvised a tool and began to knock the cover making a sound. He seemed happy with this as he began to play in rhythm with my knocking. We actually were getting into a good sync with each other as the made up song got into motion. I had lost track of my reason for being here as we both we playing our empty bodies out to no one in the room, and yet I could not care. Like with Larxene my mind was actually enjoying this stunt. I didn't feel so hollow or empty like I usually would around the castle. Finally the private concert was over as Demyx gave an overly long exit which caused some water to splash out. Looking down I just realized the book was open when I was waving it around after the performance was over. In a span of seconds I went from happiness, to sadness, and ending with anger.

"Demyx! Why, why did you have to do that you just ruined some of the pages!" I yelled at him which made him just sigh and sink to the floor. Despite still being upset I still got sucked in just by looking at his face of disappointment. That sight of seeing Demyx so defeated I just can't hate that!

"Great another screw-up for the day guess I can only blame myself for this one. Hey mind covering this little accident up for me?" D-id he just? He was trying to pin the blame on me for his mistake? Oh that's it his face can only get him so far! Picking him up I let him have it no longer feeling like holding back on him even if we just had some fun.

"Listen to me I was just trying to read that book in private! You're the one who made up a sudden musical act, and it was your fault the pages got wet. I'm not going to cover up for this mess and-"

"Yet you two were wasting valuable time acting like you have hearts to have fun with." That cold tone could only belong to Saix. Sure enough one of the superior's trusted two as looking at the both of us from the door. His yellow eyes were slowly judging us as Demyx rose to his feet and tried to brush things off like nothing happened. I figured Saix was not going to fall for his words.

"Hey there Saix look me and Auxaq were just testing out my Sitar which clearly works. So uh how's about I return to the Grey Area and relax for a while?" He said with a pleading gesture to Saix. His face was clearly enough to let Demyx know he was not getting off the hook. Sadly I knew this would also lead me into some trouble as well.

"Since you two made this issue it's only fitting you both fix it. In Halloween Town we've learned about a man called Santa Claus. His workshop seems to hold all sorts of gifts and items of value. Since we now need to make a new book you both will fetch the paper required to write the notes down. I expect you to execute this mission as quickly as possible." Once again without a simple goodbye he went off leaving us to do the dirty work. As I began to worried Demyx suddenly put his hand on my shoulder with a confident look.

"This will be easy! All you have to do need to do is Halloween Town and get that paper. I will just be sitting here playing my sitar until you get back sound like a plan?"

I quickly responded by grabbing the ruined back and knocking him upside his head.

Halloween Town: Guillotine Plaza

Escaping the clutches of the dark walkway of darkness. Now we had arrived at our destiny which seemed pretty grim compared to the other worlds I had visited in my time in the organization. As we both entered the middle of this place I could see a pond full of green muck. There also was quite a lot of creepy looking buildings around us both. I could easily say this place gives off a creepy vibe. I could pretend I was being starled by this town. Demyx didn't seem phased by this place looking bored right now. He should be more concerned about finding this paper since this was partly his fault.

"I don't see why we can't just leave and get some paper from somewhere else? Besides yaaawn I need to catch some zzz pretty soon." With a hiss I turned around to glare at him. He was not going to bail on me, and I quickly reminded him of why that would be the case.

"Do you really think Saix won't have some dusks to spy on the both of us? Not to mention the fact you clearly wanted to come here for a reason Demyx." I said with a huff trying to find someone we could ask about where this "Santa Claus" person could be located. From what Saix told us he was in red, with a huge belly, and a white beard. The description sounded like Santa would stick out in a dark town like this.

"Well I thought there was someone I could play music for or even better snag some new instruments for that band." With a growl I knew he would not stop talking about that during this mission so I decided to get that out of his system. Besides if he did seem invested in that project it might help improve my relationship with some of the members.

"What exactly did you plan on calling this group of yours again? Demyx and his wacky players?" With a unimpressed face I awaited for his response not aware there was someone who had seen us arrive here. Demyx waved his finger at me not happy with my attitude, but I didn't really care what he thought. I was still upset he managed to get me into this mess in the first place.

"Come on not even I would make a lame name like that! It's going to be called The Final Fantasy Band!" He said with an excited look on his face. It seemed like he had really been giving this idea serious thought. I decided to humor him about this project wondering who he would consider having for members.

"Final Fantasy? Wouldn't that imply it would be the last song being played for a tale or something?" I didn't get the reason for that name, and yet part of me was happy Demyx had a goal of his own. Perhaps once we regain our hearts he would be able to go back to doing what he enjoys in playing music. It was then our unseen watcher made himself knowing, but not before he nearly made us deaf with his voice.

"What are you two doing here?" Jumping by the loud noise behind us we could see a man with a tall hat along with a megaphone in his hand. While Demyx was sticking a finger in his eye I took notice of the bow on his suit which had the name mayor. So this guy is in charge of this town? He's an odd sort of mayor to say the least. Things once again took an odd turn as his FACE TURNED AROUND. Yup I had to blink to confirm his body just did this action like it was normal. The mayor walked up to see trying to get a good look at our faces before continue to hurt my ears with that damn megaphone.

"You can't be here you both hardly look scary enough! Jack where are you? I am only an elected official, I can't handle this by myself! He replied walking around and yelling for this Jack person so I decided to shut him up by taking the megaphone. With that horrible device not hurting my eyes I took hold of the mayor trying to calm him down for interrogation. Hopefully he could lead us to this Santa person so we can get out of here.

"Look calm down ! Now listen we are here looking for someone called Santa Claus, but we don't know where he is so do you know anything about him?" I said in a gentle way trying to make him more willing to answer me. Well that was my intention anyway however it didn't go the way I planned. Suddenly he looked more worried and snatched the megaphone screaming now.

"Jack come here and help me! These people are looking for Santa I don't know who that person is!" His shrieks were now even more loud forcing my hands over my ears, I never realized how irritating a loudspeaker could be until now. Demyx finally "stepped" in and began to play his sitar. I was about to smack him however suddenly the mayor finally stopped yelling as the music began to sooth the pain in my ears. The mayor was also under the spell of Demyx's music. This seemed to cause another reaction as the pool began to bubble up. My eyes looked at the pond and widen at the sight of someone coming out of the water. The man or what seemed like a man was taller than most of us here. Looking closely I saw that he was nothing but a skeleton in a suit.

"Spooky!" Demyx replied.

"Scary." I commented as well.

"Jack Skellington! Where have you been? I can't deal with new people asking about this Santa Claus! I am only an elected official, I can't handle this by myself!" Despite the creepy image Jack had he was actually a friendly person. He walked over to the mayor and was calming him down. I had to wonder if this guy really meant to be frightening in the first place. Afterwards the mayor walked away leaving us alone with Jack. He seemed interested in us moving around to inspect the both of us.

"Well you guys seem to not be from here. I can't even tell if you're supposed to be scary!" Jack said tilting his eyeless skull to the side. Demyx decided to introduce himself along with me.

"Well it's not like you're scary to begin with Jack. What you're just a walking set of bones. That is supposed to frighten me? Please Larxene catching me in the shower is more horrifying than you!" I took notice of Jack's face at this comment. He might be confused by who Larxene was yet he was also disappointed. He must have felt insulted by this comment and moved his face to the ground. That's when he came back up with a creepy looking face on now. His mouth was extended out with his hands on his lips making a huge void of nothingness. I was clearly startled while Demyx just yawned.

"Not scared yet?" Jack asked which Demyx replied with another yawn of boredom. I actually believed he didn't seem frighted by anything, but I also noticed there was something crawling on his hair. From the size of the thing it looked like a spider. Jack also saw the bug and had on a smirk knowing Demyx was completely unaware.

"Well I guess you won't get scared by anything after all. It's not like a spider crawling in your hair would frighten you in the least." Naturally Demyx's face changed into fear as he began to mess up that hair which I guessed needed lots of work to perfect. Seeing his long hair get turned into a bush of blonde color was very amusing. With that I took on the introductions with Jack hoping he would be easier to deal with than that mayor. As I told him about our current goal he seemed confused by my request.

"Santa Claus? Well I'm sorry, but I don't know who that person is. Then again I have been curious about something I found in the forest. It's this group of trees in the forest. Each one seemed to have a different symbol on them. I don't think anyone in this town will fit the description of this Santa fellow, but he might be in the forest." It was something I figured to myself. So if no one else knew about this Santa how did Saix know? I had a theory he was just punishing us for messing up that book which would explain this whole mission. As Demyx was trying to fix up his hair Jack made a whistling sound to call out for someone. Instead of a person it was actually a ghost! As Jack began to play with the phantom I noticed it actually had a red dot on it's nose. My normal self was overwritten by my girly nature gushing over how cute it looked with that dot.

"Good boy Zero! Now do you remember that place we visited a few days ago? Do you think you can take us there?" Jack said to the ghost dog as Demyx was actually scared of the ghostly pet. I could not help but grin at this sight of a frightened Demyx. He deserved a good scare like this for what happened today. The dog barked and began to float off to this place Jack was talking about. The dog was actually rather fast so we had to run just to follow along him. I was dragged into another small adventure it seemed like. Just like with the other missions so far the companions I have were just as weird as the rest. Still I don't mind these visits to new worlds and learning new things. These times I felt like there was a soul inside this hollow shell, and fake or not I realized I did not regret becoming a nobody. It made me remember the value of things like enjoyment and other emotions I took for granted as a somebody. Perhaps that girl people knew as Aqua was not fully now.

Soundless Prison

In the silent yet secluded dungeon of The Castle That Never Was one inhabitant was enjoying himself. The Number II of Organization XIII thought of his prison time as a nice vacation. He could be alone with his thoughts while everything else seemed to be going to plan. He actually was happy he got into "trouble" with the boss of the group. It just so happened the leader of nobodies had come to make a visit with him. Taking a moment to enjoy the irony he began to rattle the jail bars of his current room.

"Oh Warden I believe it's time for my phone call." Xigbar joked with a smirk on his face. Xemnas clearly didn't find his humor all that funny. As two of the founding members began to have their conversation it was clear they knew more about the current situation than anyone else. Xemnas opened up with the current information about Number XV's status.

"It seems like everything is working out for my friend. She's become much stronger now, and it seems like she's getting more familiar with the other members of this group. In fact she's gotten a mission with Demyx in Halloween Town." Xigbar just chuckled at this info clearly enjoying the current condition of the "bluebird" he's grown fond with recently.

"So it looks like the birdy is now in some hot water with good old Demyx. Well at least she's not too broken up about what I did to her and her "friendly" pawn. Speaking of which how is he doing now boss?" Xemnas had on a sinister smile on his face. Indeed Banon was alive and well, but he didn't let Auxaq in on that face. No she would need to remove such emotions of attachment to progress into fully being a nobody. While he knew Aqua might get curious he will just have missions and more members to keep her distracted.

"He's doing just fine as expected. If Auxaq's abilities allowed a nobody to evolve into a stronger form it would be a waste to let it fade. With enough work we can improve the powers of the other lesser dusks as well. It was fortunate I was able to rescue him in time. Still when the process is over he won't Banon anymore. To think she continues to gift us with valuable gifts that benefits the organization such a friend I have." Xemnas chuckled knowing their relationship was still just business. Perhaps he would need to change that soon.

"As if! You mean Terra's friend Xemnas. I don't see you two being together anyways it would seem pretty disgusting if you think about it. Anyway I'm guessing you will be mass producing her pawn soon. Man I would love to see the face on that puppet knowing the pain it's going to experience!" Xigbar was very amused at this thought. Xemnas didn't seem that pleased about this face and corrected one of his best nobodies.

"Remember Xigbar we are just nobodies we can't really feel anything to begin with."

"Right we don't have hearts I know we have to stay in-character for the new guys. Still I think we need to weed out some of the crafty ones soon. Not quite the organization if we loss some of our members don't you think Xemnas." Xigbar knew there were seeds of rebellion being planted. If action was not taken civil war could break out between the group. Xemnas had to agree with this line of thinking. It would seem not all of the candidates would be good enough. Still he always looked at the silver lining of things.

"With your help my friend is getting closer to regaining what she has lost. I will have to move her along with the selected members to Castle Oblivion soon. There if we can restore enough of her memories we will finally get our last friend back." Xemnas' yellow eyes gleam at this statement. In the very castle their fifteenth member had built lie a very valuable secret. Xigbar knew only she could be the one to track him down. Still the irony of his face looking just like their first of two keyblade users was strange.

"Still we can't exactly have so many keyblade users. One of them might get a little heroic so the less traitors the better." Xemnas had to agree with Xigbar's line of thought. While the idea of four keyblade weapons sounded like a perfect dream it would be impossible. In the end it would be likely only two users would be required to build Kingdom Hearts. Just like with the traitors only the essential ones could survive, and the weaker ones would be destroyed.

"There is another problem to worry about Xigbar my dear teacher Ansem the Wise might be standing in our way. Even with a new image and name he's such a fool. Lucky for us Auxaq has given us another gift by providing his current base in Twilight Town. Still for now he does not seem to be interfering with our operations." Xigbar laughed as he began to remember about his time with him. Him along with his six apprentices from the Radiant Garden were something else.

"That old coot is still around? Ehh guess I'm not one to talk, but I think we need to nip our current issues in the bud then. I'm sure he will make his move as for now he's outnumbered, outmatched, and with time out of luck." Xemnas smirked wanting to see the face of his old mentor. To think he provided so much to him, and yet he was the one who was being outdone by his own student. He must have felt ashamed he ever met the man known as "Xehanort".

"Students do take after their teacher Xigbar. Soon enough I will be the master and it will be Ansem the Wise that learns from me!"

[ I know this is a shorter part than usual, but I wanted to get it out faster. Antex The Legendary Zoroark and Taeniaea thanks for your reviews by the way. Next time we shall return to Kairi and learn how Auxaq's quest for the holy paper is going. ]