The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 14: The Divine Rose

"Do my eyes deceive me? Does he really have the power to wield the Keyblade? He is nothing but a boy."

Destiny Islands: Mainland - Kairi

I have to say Zidane is an interesting guy and I'm glad I was able to meet him in school. While I still wish it was under better circumstances we got along well enough. After getting home from school I began to tell my closest friend Selphie about him. She felt disappointed I had gotten into so much trouble however she was happy about me getting to meet someone new. She also wanted me to make new friends instead of having to always be around the people from the islands. I didn't understand why she felt like this at first, but eventually I understood what she meant. I had to grow as a person so only hanging out with people I know won't help me mature into an adult. I didn't want to grow up of course since I still felt like a child, but my body disagreed with me. Eventually I had to acknowledge this fact and knew Selphie was right I had to make new friends at this school.

There was also the matter of my work and classes which had not gone so well on the first day. During my next few days I was trying to stay on the good side of the teachers, but it seemed like Quistis would not change her mind about me. She does admire my friendly nature with other students telling me I was naive, but an adventurous girl. It was better than our first day meeting with each other so I did not cause any trouble during her lesson as thanks for the compliment. Zidane was also helpful when I got stuck on some portions of the class. He did seem like kind of pervish when he by "accident" got a look at my rear end. He didn't mean to do it, but I still felt like giving him a kick on his leg for it.

After a couple more days I was able to get to meet my friends during lunch again. I wanted to know how they were doing in their classes as well as if they met some new friends. Selphie had told me about this guy in her math class named Irvine, while Tidus spoke about Yuna, and Wakka was going on about Lulu.

"You guys have gotta meet Lulu, ya! She might be a loner in her looks, but I can tell she has a good heart inside her, man."

"Wakka she's been called the Goth Queen of this school. I doubt you could appeal to her that well. Now Yuna one of the student council she could be someone for you. Actually now that I think about she might want someone like me instead."

"Ugh you guys can think about the girls when we are not around. Besides compared to someone like...ahhh Irvine you would be lucky to even speak with another girl."

I could only slump into the table we were all sitting at during this conversation. While I had someone I could speak about it was kind of embarrassing for me to even tell everyone about his name. As their all were looking at me I tried to evade the question they would ask me eventually.

"So how are you guys doing in class. Besides getting off on the wrong foot with Quistis I'm actually doing well in history and math, but science is really giving me a hard time. Perhaps if we can meet each other after school we can help each other with our homework." Despite changing the subject they began to ask about my "personal teacher" in detention. Sighing in defeat I knew they would never leave me alone until I said the name of my new friend.

"Alright no need to keep staring at me his name is Zidane. He's really a good guy, and he's been helping me with my work lately. I can't really given a real opinion on what I think about him yet..." I tried to hide a blush that grew on my cheeks planting my face on the table. Selphie tried to cheer me up as Tidus and Wakka got into another argument going on about those girls they met in class. Why was I beginning to feel like this around guys. Zidane manages to make me feel good and happy kind of like how Sora does perhaps that's the reason.

"Well since we're all talking about these guys won't don't we all meet each other! I could find a place where everyone can meet afterschool and-"

"No way Selphie! We don't know each other enough to even suggest an idea like that. Besides I'm not going to have everyone just crowd around at my place. The folks would not be happy to see the mess everyone would make when it's done." I said hoping she would not seriously consider that idea. Sure I would love to meet these people and have more time with Zidaine, but that's not something I can want now. Then again it would let me see other students I was going to school with, and that's not a completely bad idea. I was unsure how to feel about this plan Selphie thought about for us.

"Well you do have a point perhaps we can do it later in the year! Hopefully I can become closer to Irvine. Then again he tends to hang out with Leon one of the substitute teachers here."

"Wait did you say Leon Sora talked to me about him and other people who helped him." He along with Aerith, Yuiife, and Cid supported my friend out during his journey. The fact he was currently working in this school was surprising. I wonder if he might know more about Sora. Pushing this issue I asked my girlfriend where he might be right now. He seems to go to the gym often with Leon. Apparently he's the best marksmen in the school having some awards under his belt. After school was over for more I went into the gym. Looking around the empty place I began to wonder where he could be now. My eyes turned to the different balls on the floor of the room. There were dodgeballs along with basketballs likely for the sport teams. I didn't take part in it rather I ended up in the track group of the school. Compared to running around often I wondered how students did in this sport.

"So you found any signs of that Sora kid so far? Man it seems like he's disappeared from the universe." I heard a voice echo through the gym. Finding the room where the voices were coming from I moved behind a door to remain unseen as I heard more of this conversation.

"It's likely he's searching for Riku and the King. I'm certain we will only see him again when he can find his friends Irvine." Leon or Squall was looking over some papers on the table with Irvine looking on with his hat on.

"I've visited Hollow Bastion with the others and we've decided on something. In order to settle down we've started the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee. We can't go back to the world we once knew, but perhaps with the new Hollow Bastion it might become a decent place to live for the rest of our lives."

Hollow Bastion it's where I woke up, learned about my destiny as a Princess and keyblade wielder, and that man Ansem...

"Well that sounds like an interesting project Leon, but I just hope that witch or that follower she has won't ruin it."

"We'll keep an eye out for anything, but speaking about her I've been thinking about the name of the place. I don't think the name Hollow Bastion should stay with the place anymore. So what do you think about this name Radiant Garden?"

Radiant Garden? That's the name of my home? How could they know about that place unless it could just be a coincidence. I think I should visit this place when I get the chance when I'm not at school. Shaking my head I continued to listen to their conversation.

"So how about Kairi? You know she's a keyblade wielder like Sora before her and she's a princess as well. Do you think you should train her since she has no one who can teach her about the role of a keyblade user."

"That's up to her, and besides she seems to only want a normal life even if she will have to learn sooner or later. With less heartless activity now would be the best time to master her skills. Still I don't know if she will end up like Sora or perhaps become something else after her training is complete."

Wait something else is he implying I might turn into a warrior? I mean I would love to have the strength to protect the innocent, but I could match up to the skills of someone like Aqua. From what I saw of her she was on a different level of skill than I am now. It could be everyone expects me being a normal school student unlike Sora. While I could never be so brave like he is or strong I didn't want to just be "normal" anymore. For now I will just need to focus on fighting the darkness even if I would do it on my own.

"There you are Kairi!" Nearly dying on the gym floor I saw Zidaine waving his hand at me. My face had grown whiter than usual as I began to get a panic tone in my voice. Why is he now here speaking to me like this? I can't let Squall and Leon know I'm here listening to them. Moving my eyes around I quickly had a clever plan to get away from this place while not freaking out Zidaine it was a perfect scheme.

"Let's go and eat somewhere!" I said rather suddenly grasping his hand and quickly tried to move out of the gym as fast as I could. Zidaine did not seem to understand my rushed state, but I'm sure he won't mind the sudden date with me even if it was just a way to get out of the room. Then again we could speak with each other more and learn more about one another so that would be fun. Deciding to hang out at some food place we both out to a restaurant. He actually treated me to a good meal and he seemed to be enjoying my company. So now as I write all of this in my journal I wonder if me and Zidaine will become closer in the future. There was also the fact of me caring about him and perhaps he shares that feeling about me.

"Oh Sora I wish you could meet him heck I wish you were just here period." I can't let his absence bring me however I will press forward. Meeting new people like that class monkey will brighten the hole in my heart where Sora was before all of this. As a last note I've decided to begin my training with the keyblade. Of course I will need someone to help me out, and the fact I still have to go to school really hurts my options. It seems like I will need to visit Squall or Leon after all. In order to defend myself from the darkness I must rely on others like before...

Beast's Castle: Entrance Hall - Aqua

- Day 17: Missions -

So another day brings another mission for myself in this organization. Saix or as Demyx calls him the Moon Robot wanted me to visit this world to find what could be the signs of a new form of heartless. Apparently this kind of heartless was very unique to others because this creature still had a heart. That fact was rather shocking since well heartless feast on those with a heart. This job would need me to work with Xaldin "The Whirlwind Lancer" of our group. He didn't seem like much of a friendly guy from what Luxord told me still he's part of the organization so I have to work beside him.

"Are you just going to stand there and ponder at the castle XV?" Well guess he's going to fall on the side of very annoying to partner with oh that's just wonderful. Turning to face the black-haired man he funny enough was looking at the style of this castle which looked rather appealing to myself. It didn't have the otherworldly nature of my new home, and something about it felt more welcoming to others in the many kinds of worlds. Walking next to the Number III of XIII my concern about this mission was not made clear to him. I didn't know where this heartless could be not to mention the fact I didn't think I would have much luck of running into the target like in Traverse Town.

"Not much we can really do right now. We don't know where this heartless could be plus the fact the locals here might not help us. I would love to hear a good suggestion for a plan to deal with this mission Xaldin." I knew he was one of the founders of this group which made him an elder for me to respect which I did to a degree. Other elder members like Marluxia and Zexion didn't leave a good first impression with me so I had a grain of salt over my shoulder today with this man.

"You call yourself a member of Organization XIII? You still have a lot to learn sorceress." With his snarky tone he snapped his fingers summoning two dragon-looking nobodies to his side. They also had lancers in their arms which made them very different from the lower Dusks that were more common in our group. I know about different lesser nobodies being stronger than others and of course my brand of nobody thanks to the sacrifice of Banon.

"You know what to do seek out the creature of darkness. I will explore the castle with my partner to seek out the ruler if they decide to interfere with the mission now go!" Compared to my friendly nature he was more cold and unfeeling about his allies. I know since we are nobodies we can't really care about things, but I really did want to pretend I could care which is why the loss of my first nobody is still affecting me even today. Deciding not to go into an argument now I walked with Xaldin into a new room of this castle. As we both walked through the hallway I looked at the different paintings on the walls seeing the people drawn into the pictures.

"Hmm I wonder how wealth the people living here could be they have so much from what I've seen." I spoke about the architecture surrounding us both as we continued on our way. My eyes also noticed the unique carpet we had walked on which also looked rather fancy.

"What makes you think they bought it? They could own servants that do such works or brings them into the castle. It does not really matter though all they money they have means nothing compared to the hearts they have in them." Xaldin was correct munny was nothing compared to the wealth of a beating heart. The things I would do to regain that priceless object were nearly endless. Finally we had come to a door which I decided to open for Xaldin revealing a very fancy room. Suddenly we could hear an argument taking place with...furniture?

"Whatever shall we do? That man has come back for Belle and he's turned into a monstre!"

"We have to do something Lumiere! We can't have Belle remain a prisoner in the Dungeon."

"That's not much we can really do Cogworth. The Prince said to stay out of his way, but I fear for his safety along with princess."

Even with the many strange people I've seen during my trips this was a bizarre sight to see. A talking lantern, clock, pot, and teacup were in a discussion unaware we had come into the room. Xaldin didn't look impressed but I was happy to listen since they were likely talking about this heartless we needed to find in this place. Why not let them give away more details so we can take care of this assignment.

"I can't believe Gaston would come back like this. Sure he did seem obsessed with Belle, but I never thought things would turn out like this we are in a dire situation."

"What's going to happen to us?"

"We'll be okay Chip the prince will take care of this don't worry."

"Ahh the prince is quite brave after all Mademoiselle! We can put our faith in him and...Que qui êtes-vous?

"What are you talking about Lumi-ahh more intruders what are we going to do!"

"Hey relax we're not going to hurt anyone here. Here's the thing we came here to look for a heartless that might be related to this Gaston you've spoken about so if you can tell us where he is we can help you out and leave the castle." I said holding my hands up to calm the tension in the room. I didn't want them to believe we would pose a problem depending on Xaldin helping me out with these helpers of this castle.

"Amusing you're treating the furniture like it deserves more respect than you." Trying not to roll my eyes I simply introduced myself to the umm figures in the room. Apparently they were actually cursed into their current state, and like the prince they can't go back to being normal. More people losing what made them human such a cruel thing to live with, and I know this pain very well. I have to help them out even if all we can do is help remove this heartless threat from their home.

"You see Gaston was also looking to win over the princess, but she never did return his advances. We believe he had left her alone, but yesterday something happened to him. Now he's trying to hunt her down and take her heart completely!" The clock servant looked worried about Belle's situation and the way he say that must mean he wants to consume her heart. That same fate I had suffered it won't happen to her as well!

"We believe the monster is trying to seek out the Beast since he's the only thing that stands in his way. The prince is likely in his room in the West Wing area."

"Alright then you can count on us Gaston won't hurt anyone tonight!"

"Not really we are heading back to our own castle so let's go Auxaq." Xaldin actually just blurted this out towards the people I was trying to calm down. Looking back at his face he seemed to have a serious look about this statement which scared the servants. Pulling him back away from that I wanted to understand what reason he would possibly suggest retreating from this situation.

"It's simple our mission was to find this heartless we did not get an order to destroy it. Besides this heartless sounds like a problem I'm not about to get involved with Auxaq."

"Don't you think it would be wise to deal with this issue now before it turns into a problem later as you said yourself Xaldin? Besides just because we don't have hearts does not mean we can't protect somebodies from losing theirs!" I argued looking right into his face refusing to let this argument go in his favor.

"They don't care about us if anything they would be glad to see us fade into nothingness. If you want to lose what you have left for people who won't even remember you be my guest." Just like with Saix he disappeared into a portal of darkness without a single goodbye. Gritting my teeth I knew I could not leave them to a nasty fate so protecting them became a mission for myself. Even without Xaldin I will not let them be harmed by this Gaston not tonight. So I explained my battle plan to the servants of this place. They just needed to lock the door and stay out of the way so they would not get hurt. I would find the beast and help him deal with this heartless. He might be even more troublesome than my "partner" but he should understand the concept of strength in numbers.

Wondering through the halls I had summoned two Oracle nobodies to help me for when Gaston shows up. While I might not have a heart he can snack on he might still consider me as a threat. There was also the fact while heartless seem to want to work with our organization other versions simply refuse to seek reason. They destruction was nesseary otherwise a heart would be lost. While I hate the fact my shell is hollow I still have my sanity and intelligence.

"Hello is anyone here?" Opening the door to Beast's room I could not see anyone was around here. Stepping into the empty room I saw a rose being held in a container. The way it shined in the light of the moon looked heavenly to gaze it. It seemed like it was still blooming despite being removed from the ground. As I got closer I began to wonder who this rose belonged since it didn't seem like the servants would need something like this. Reaching out my hand I was inches from touching the orb when a loud voice echoed through the room.

"GET OUT!"

A huge claw went into my direction as there was a hulking figure trying to grab my neck. The beast seemed pretty pissed off now and I'm guessing this guy might be that heartless. Then again he did just say some words which no heartless can do, and there was the fact it didn't look like the usual brand of those monsters. Holding out my hands I was trying to keep my lesser nobodies from attacking him. There was no need to make things worse considering he might be that prince they were talking about since he could be cursed like they were.

"Okay calm down. I am not going to hurt you I just thought no one was here, and I didn't mean to touch that rose." I said in a slow way hoping he would not get more angry than he was already.

"I don't care just leave this place!" Great he's still ready to fight I need to make him relax or focus on not trying to hurt me. Deciding to press the issue at hand I explained my purpose in being here.

"Alright I think you might know why I'm here. This guy called Gaston has been causing trouble here I'm looking for him as well."

"Gaston? He's back, but I thought he was gone...tell me what do you know about this!" He suddenly took hold of my neck putting a tight squeeze. My nobodies looked ready to attack him, but I was actually waving them off not easy when your throat is being held by this beast. As my eyes began to weaken I tried to tell him what I knew just to escape from this hold.

"Your servants told me about him. You...you're that prince right? I'm he-re to help you and Belle now...let me go damn it!" This beast was taking my words to heart before finally letting me out of his grip. Even with a lack of emotion having my throat being held like this was rather painful. As I began to catch my breath my next words to him would have to be carefully thought out.

"Look I know you don't trust me, but we don't have much time. I didn't mean to touch your rose so please help me find this guy before he goes after Belle." As I pleased with him the beast turned around looking back at they very rose. I didn't know what was so important about it, but from the way he treated it the object could be divine to him. He turned around then to look at my face seemingly wondering if I could be telling him the truth.

"AHHHH!"

"Belle? BELLE!" We are out of time after all. Beast must have known where Belle was since he quickly rushed past me almost knocking me over. Calling out to my allies I quickly followed after him trusting the prince to lead me to his princess. While running I noticed how fast he was moving which made it very difficult for me to follow behind him. He looked in my direction and gave a snarl of anger.

"Leave me alone this is none of your business!"

"Actually it is my business! Just let me help you out and I will leave here in peace."

"You don't understand this person does not concern you it's between me and him!"

"It does not matter why you're involved with this guy. The fact is he's causing trouble and I'm going to help you stop it that's just the way I do things."

He didn't respond either because he went back to locating Belle or perhaps he was giving my words some thought. We could hear the screams and panic of a woman louder now as the beast moved down some steps and I was still following him closely. Finally we had gotten to the source of the panic which involved Belle hiding in a corner with a man with a shadow covering most of his body. I didn't understand what was going on, but thankfully she didn't seem to be harmed so far.

"S-tay away Gaston!"

"Belle don't you remember me? It's Gaston the one and only Gaston! I told you there was only one man in this world for you, and you're looking at him."

The darkness and shadows grew stronger around Gaston and I noticed his eyes were beginning to flicker yellow. It seems like he's not a complete heartless yet, but he was not that far from losing his humanity now. The beast growled and yelled at Gaston likely trying to scare off the man.

"That's enough leave us alone now!"

"Oh right it's you that miserable beast who took away MY WOMAN! Funny how I'm becoming more like a beast these days perhaps I will be the one whom she loves no she will love me!" He suddenly began to shake violently as the shadows completely consumed the man. Where Gaston was now resided a giant heartless instead. It also had similar clothing to him, but there was now a weird mask with horns on it with the symbol of the heartless. His yellow eyes replaced his blue color and his mouth had sharper teeth. The creature did not have legs and it's arms were huge now with a sword in one of its hands.

I knew this monster was stronger than the average heartless yet the beast didn't care and charged at the monster. Despite his bravery he got knocked into the wall by the back of this monster's sword. I knew fighting this thing would be pointless without a keyblade so my duty was to get Belle to safety. Using my Oracles as a distraction I went over to Belle who was shaking in fear. I knew she couldn't able to understand what I was saying so my hands told hold of her shoulders.

"Belle we have to get you out of here this heartless might try to hurt you. Don't worry about the beast he might be stubborn, but from what I've seen his heart is strong."

"No Gaston came after me this should not have to concern him..."

"He chooses to fight him for you and now the best thing you can do is stay out of danger. Go and find the servants they need to know about this as well. Don't worry I will be here to help him out with this fight." I replied with a smile despite my lack of emotions. She looked grateful and run out of the room leaving me along with this problem. My nobodies were having a difficult as the heartless continued to swing around breaking a lot of things in this room. The beast continued trying to harm this former man, but his attempts didn't leave a scratch on him. The oracles began to heal up the beast while I decided to distract the monster with my attacks. The fans were easily knocked back with his sword and I was nearly sliced up by it.

"Why are you here this is my fight now leave!" Beast even while getting knocked around by this heartless was more concerned about my efforts to help him out in this battle. While dodging more of the monster's swings I knew he was demanding me to leave here but I'm not going to run away like some coward. This emotion I could not feel which was bravery a trait somebodies love to show off to others.

"Trust me Beast you can't stop this thing on your own not without..."

"A keyblade perhaps?" My eyes widened to see a black cloaked figured appear and strike at the heartless. In one gloved hand lie the keyblade weapon designed to harm a heartless. Turning around I saw another figure looking on as the warrior likely was Roxas which made sense. While nobodies can defend themselves against these monsters only a keyblade user free the heart swallowed up in the darkness.

"As you can see you still have a lot to learn about being a nobody Auxaq." Suddenly some lances appear next to my partner as he joined Roxas in the battle with the former Gaston. Beast looked confused at this sight not expecting so many people to help him out with this. I was now focused on keeping the beast from getting involved any further with this fight to keep him from losing his own heart. The tide quickly turned as Roxas proved to be the element which would put an end to this situation. While the heartless tried to finish off Roxas Xaldin's lancers kept him from hurting him as the keyblade made one slash at the chest going through it. The monster roared in pain as Gaston's face could be seen writing in pain.

"Belle...you don't love me after all." With the last words said the heart drifted away as the darkness faded into the air. With a smile I did not believe how easily Roxas could take care of the monster, but I remembered he did have some help in this battle. If Xaldin didn't help the battle would have been more difficult for our keyblade wielder. Something about this moment reminded me of my previous memories that were coming back more and more lately. Seeing Roxas look at me reminded me a lot of this Ventus I continued to see often. Shaking my head I gave Roxas a smile at his help in completing this mission.

"As you can see I managed to secure the tool needed to put an end to that nuisance. Such a pathetic thing to lose one's self over the love of a woman. I must say however the fact you were capable to using a tool of your own is excellent progress. Manipulating the beast to your whims is rather impressive XV."

"I was not manipulating him we simply had a common problem to deal with so I helped him out. Besides now his Belle and our mission is complete a win-win if you ask me Xaldin." He simply gave a chuckle and waved his hand at me. Looking back at Roxas I could see he wanted to know what was going on here. Even with that blank look I could tell he was curious about my day. When I told him about the people here and the castle he seemed interested in exploring this place, but Xaldin told him they had to report back to the castle. Sighing in defeat I knew the elder member was correct since Saix would get impatient with three members out of our homeworld.

"Just a minute miss." Looking back I could see Belle returned with the other servants giving us thanks for our help. Belle in particular walked up to me and gave me a rose that looked kind of similar to the rose in the beast's room. He looked very worried when I took hold of the rose, but Belle calmed him down explaining what this gift was for me.

"Don't worry this is just a rose I had growing outside. I felt like you should have it for everything you did for us today. Gaston was someone I had a long history with, but it seems like he's gone for good now. Still if he was willing to hurt any of us then perhaps it's better he can no longer bring others suffering. For this I'm grateful for your help along with your other friends. You're all welcome to come back and visit anytime you wish." I didn't know what to say at this comment. She was giving me such praise for our work which managed to warm my hollow body. To have fruits of my labor was very shocking so I gave a smile and thanked her in return. The beast also seemed grateful for our help in dealing with that heartless. Finally our mission was complete and we began our trip back home as I looked at the rose given to me by that woman.

"Funny a princess of heart giving a gift to a heartless woman like yourself." Xaldin was still finding ways to get under my skin even after coming to my aid so I decided to face him while we had been in the pathway to other worlds.

"What the hell is your problem? We managed to complete the mission and she looked sincere with her comments. We managed to do something good so why do you feel like we are not...good people?"

"Simple Auxaq that rose in your hand will simply wilt and die with enough time. Somebodies go on about their lives being so short while not understanding the beauty of their hearts. Unlike that rose you can't ever age or wilt in the ticks of time now. Becoming immortal has its benefits since it allows us to see how easy beings with a heart controlled so easily. The beast with such power and strength was following your commands and words like he was your puppet. To take hold of such anger and use it for your benefits it the real talent of a true nobody. You're growing each day, and yet you still cling to those useless ideals of yours."

I was so angry at this forgetting my venom was not real to begin with so I had to let it go. Besides we can't stay in this realm for a long period, but I would let my thoughts known in my journal tonight. Xaldin quickly was proving to be someone I can't stand being around him while Roxas was proving the opposite. Realizing this gift could be used to further my relationship with him I decided to give him my rose.

"You can't give me this Belle gave this to you as a gift."

"Exactly so now I'm giving it to you as a gift. Besides if we go back there I can just look at the roses there one in particular looked rather divine." With a day's work done I could rest easy with another night in my hollow existence starting. The words Xaldin told me would stick in my head was I really a nobody or could I still be pretending there was a heart in my chest...

[ Another part now complete. I know some of this could seem like filler, but I'm trying to flesh out as much of the organization as I can before the split which is coming very soon. Also notice how Aqua is wonder who she is despite being in the organization so stay turned and thanks for reading. ]