The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 15: Sacred Moon

"You and that Keyblade are invaluable to the Organization. With your job, however, comes risk. Each mission will pit you against more and more Heartless."

The Castle That Never Was: Hall of Empty Melodies ( Aqua )

- Day 19 Days Gone Bye -

The empty rooms of this castle used to give me concern when I would walk to my destination. I would act out the emotion of fear waiting for another heartless to come out and finish me off. I would try and make sure there were others around, but that was during the first days. I felt vulnerable and weak as I started out my new role as a member of this organization. Everyone considered me the weakest link in this group of hollow bodies. With the time now passing by they moved their concerns on Roxas and Xion. Our keyblade user since I could not hold that destiny in my hands. The boy who seemed to have a major resemblance to Ventus. I could not figure out why I had this connection with him, but perhaps the upcoming days will change this. Xion however was a completely different enigma to me.

"Show your strength newcomer don't falter yet!" Apparently Axel wanted me to witness some training Xion had to go under today with our Taciturn Stalwart. Naturally Xion was having a tough time having to use her magic in battle. One thing I recently learned is each member not only has their own weapon and title every nobody also has their own attributes. The Superior controls Nothingness itself while others like Larxene, Axel, Demyx, Vexen, and Xaldin control different brands of the elements. Mine was actually Lore which seems to allow me to learn new powers along with activating unique abilities into battle. Others found it rather fitting my rank had been the Sapphire Sorceress. It also explains the blue veins that had been on my body since I discovered it back in the past days.

"Show your stuff Xion!" Axel cheered out to the new member as I didn't see her reaction under her hood. She was actually wearing it during a training battle despite the fact it would make it hard to see...I don't get that. Xion placed up her hands trying to use some magic as Leaxus had his axe weapon up to defend himself from the attack. He didn't have to worry as she could not produce any form of attack. The 5th didn't give the 14th any rest as he continued to go after her with his huge weapon. She knew he was too strong to take down in a physical bout so she continued trying to gather magic.

"About time you showed up Auxaq didn't you get my information memorized?"

"Well geez you only said the both of you would be in the empty room it's not like this castle has many of those. I had to ask Marluxia where this training would take place."

"Oh I guess I should have mentioned the roof of this place showing off the sky. Well it's not like you missed a lot with these two."

Yes looking up I could see the moon that was small yet easy to see with the light. The orb in the sky actually had grown into the shape of the heart. The tool which shall grant every member what they dream about will soon grow big enough to complete that wish. Until they we would have to endure our lives in this state of the in-between. My thoughts got interrupted by a scream of pain as Xion had been hit in the chest with the axe weapon sending her on the floor of the hall. She was trying to get up slowly not giving up this battle as Lexaeus moved toward her location.

"You can hardly produce magic, your defense is weak, and yet you continue to get up why?" His voice sounded harsh like he was trying to break more than just her body at the moment. It seemed like Xion's training was done so then why is she refusing to admit defeat. Suddenly she held out her hands gripping her gloved fingers tightly as the Stalwart observed this movement. Suddenly a green aura came over her body and she quickly rose up to her feet. Did she just regain her stamina despite being hurt by that weapon. As I was pondering this I felt slightly weaker than before as my body started to move over to the ground. Axel had noticed this and took hold of me before I fell down.

"Hey are you alright you almost had a face plant there!" My eyes widened as suddenly I realized how my body had gone limp for a second. Shaking my head I just shrugged it off as now as I noticed Xion had gotten her second wind of sorts. Suddenly her speed had grown as she was able to appear behind Lexaeus with him not being able to notice the movement. She moved out her hands to conquer some magic as her hands glowed blue for a moment. That color and form it looked just like my abilities how is that possible?

"That won't work haven't you learned any-" Before the giant could finish a huge beam of light hit the nobody's backside. The stronger nobody actually showing a face of pain despite not having emotion. He tried to hit her back yet she was faster than him striking him with a few more blasts of light. It seemed like it was getting him more angry as there was a sudden rise of energy rising from the man. Suddenly he let out a huge roar that actually moved everyone in the room back a few inches.

Xion didn't have time to move as he took hold of her body sending the female into the air and swinging his blade at her forcing her back on the ground with force. Deciding he was not finished he picked ups his weapon and moved it under Xion's body sending her up into the air once more and knocking her back into the ground slamming his foot on her back for good measure.

"If I didn't know better I would say he was enjoying this." Axel seemed to agree with my line of thinking. It seemed like under his gentle nature was a true monster of strength so it was good he was fighting with us. Despite not doing well I did feel like Xion had shown off her worth being able to last this long. The elder member looked down at the newest recruit seeing her fight continuing as her body was struggling to get back up once more.

"That's enough you earn nothing by risking yourself for respect. I admire your willpower to continue fighting, but sacrificing so much to gain so little is unwise. You still have much to learn XIV so take this defeat into later reflection." The older member spoke out trying to offer Zion advice. I didn't know her long from the first day she arrived here, but I didn't expect this personality to come out replicated or not. Still it seemed like her session was over as Lexaeus simply walked away knowing she was not strong enough to handle this kind of pressure. Axel and myself went over to see if she needed help; I began to wonder if she wanted us to help her. Her reaction confirmed my thoughts as she brushed us off wanting to rise up on her own power.

"I'm fine just let me get some rest." Her reply came with defense in her voice despite the face it sounded very weak. Despite the fact we can only copy our emotions her sense of pride was showing itself in front of us. Axel did not know what to think as I once more looked up at the sky. The moon glowing in the darkness reminded me of the hope I had in the future, and with enough work and action we can be whole once more.

"The sacred moon it seems beautiful now." I spoke closing my eyes as I tried to imagine myself with a beating organ inside this shell of mine. My black glove reached out to the moon as I attempted to grasp the heart for my own. Axel was pretty amused by my actions as he chuckled enough creating a small echo through my ears.

"If I didn't know better sweetcheeks I'd say you wanted me to give you that moon. I hear somebodies love to make wishes on a moon as well. Perhaps you might have one wish; but dear old Axel, has two dreams." I was certain all the members wanted something to do with their lives once they could return to normal. Well mostly everyone who desired their hearts back that is.

"Do you think Xion will be okay? I know Lexaeus only want that far to deter her from hurting that body more, but I wonder if there was something else going on." Then again I'm sure Axel was more concerned about what happened during my momentary lapse of thought. I wondered if I should check myself into the care of the only real doctor in our castle. Hopefully he won't freeze me so he can do any kind of studying while I'm being checked out.

"Oh there you are I've been looking for you two." Turning around I saw the emotionless look of Saix. Fitting a man whom uses the power of the moon is now standing in that very light. If the VII was here that could only mean it was time for a mission for one of us. His notes came out as it seemed like this report was going to be a long one. Sometime I wish I could act like Demyx and sleep through the speaking.

"Roxas got assigned with a new mission today to visit The Land of Dragons so he will be needing a senior partner. Since our forces will be dividing up soon we should be working to get along with each other. It's because of this I felt only one of you two would behave well with the keyblade wielder." Axel had a huge grin on his face as he seemed to want this paring with him and I also wanted to spend more time with the blonde nobody. Still Saix had to remind us that only one member could be with him. With that he looked at the both of us seemingly judging our expressions, and closed his blonde eyes as he delivered his verdict.

"Axel perhaps you can see Roxas afterwards because Auxaq will be going on this mission." The red-haired pyro man looked very disappointed at this and I felt guilty about Saix choosing me over him. Part of me wanted to just suggest Axel while another side didn't want to give up this chance to hang out with the number XIII. Saix continued with his briefing of our mission for the day.

"There has been a recent rise in heartless activity in the land. We believe there are gather in that area. Most likely due to the feuds happening by the somebodies. Naturally this would be a perfect chance to harvest more hearts to collect into the artificial Kingdom Hearts."

It does make sense if that statement is true. Heartless while being mindless creatures have some form of instinct to seek out a mass collection of hearts. Perhaps the idea of a possible war makes the perfect lure for those beasts to appear. Still the idea we could be walking into the start of a huge battle was pretty risky. Saix naturally didn't care about myself only suggesting we complete our goal as quickly as possible. With a sigh I knew there was no way out of this as I went to the Grey Area to meet up with Roxas. On the one hand getting to spend more time with the teenager who reminds me of Ventus is very pleasing, but I have a bad feeling about what could happen today.

( Axel and Saix )

As the XV member left to find her partner Saix and Axel decided to confirm the plans heading into the upcoming days. Long after Xemnas recruited them both each had their own plans for themselves. Axel and Saix knew taking over the Organization would not be easy so they would have to wipe out the competition. Marluxia's plans could succeed which the Luna Diviner didn't want to happen, and he also had to stop Xemnas' goal whatever is truly was. For that he would need to rely on Axel to be the perfect agent. Wiping out the entire party going to Castle Oblivion was the first step for his rise up the ranks.

"Axel I'm sure you don't have to hear me say this again, but no one on the Castle Oblivion unit must come back. Let no one return not even Auxaq." While Axel was easy to wipe out those guys when her name was brought up hesitation formed on his face. He didn't want to admit it yet he could not bring himself to simply erase her from existence. Like Vexen, Zexion, and Lexaeus she was not involved with the plot to take over the Organization.

"Come on Saix I know you don't like her along with most of the other members, but she really has nothing to do with Marluxia and Larxene. Sure I knew she gets along with blonde savage yet that does not make her a traitor as well."

"It does not matter it's better to remove her as well. Xemnas considers her a useful pawn so removing her from the game works out for us both."

"Tch don't you think we could benefit having her on our side instead? Besides if Marluxia is putting his eyes on a user why not have one as well?" Axel hoped Saix would at least consider that point. Despite not caring about Auxaq at first much like with Roxas he was becoming attached. He was not thinking of staying here without him or her to hang out with. The idea of having one less Sea-Salt ice cream bar to buy is rather unusual for him.

"You can't have them both Axel you're just being childish. You knew when this idea started sacrifices would have to be made. I'm willing to obey the whims of those two manipulators Xemnas and Xigbar. The least you can do is get rid of the useless and the problematic members. I'm counting on you...friend." Friend it's been a while since Axel had been called that by Saix. The promise made back then with the ice cream to regain their hearts in their own way. To break free of the chains Xemnas had on them both, and to enjoy having their bond untainted. Axel knew Saix was being sincere with that statement.

"Very well in the name of the organ-noo our friendship I will be the mercenary." Their conversation ended just as quickly with Axel entering a portal of darkness. Saix looked up at the sky looking at that "moon" knowing everything would begin and end there. To piece that heart of lies so they could relish in their truth. Saix's coup d'état can't fail they must overthrow the Superior. He left pondering the next move in this chess match of their unaware of the fly in the room.

A lone sniper managed to gather the information on Saix's conversation and reported back to his master. While still in the Soundless Prison Xigbar was able to act through his nobody minions. After the report the elder member laughed to himself.

"Man on man Saix you're not a good boy at all! Still that's why you make such a good shell for the old coot. Still I wonder if that hothead would actually take her down. I wouldn't miss her that's for sure." The one good eye of his shines as the Freeshooter knew things were about to get very interesting. He also knew in the end they were all pawns in Xehanort's game of chess. Now the next move would be made...

The Land of Dragons: Bamboo Grove ( Aqua )

Our destiny certainly looked much different from the other lands I had visited in my days in the organization. Around us was lots of exotic looking trees if they were that. Roxas also didn't know much about this place making our assignment rather difficult. Then again the last times I want into this issue things worked out for myself. The sounds of birds flying into the sky was something I would never get used to seeing. Even such small creatures like those contain something a nobody lacks. I had forgotten how lively the world outside of my home was as did Roxas.

"What do you think our first action should be Auxaq?" Roxas looked at me for advice which I didn't have at the moment. Since I was the senior nobody for this operation it would make sense the young would look at the older for wisdom. Sadly I did not know how we should move foward at the moment. Seeing a huge mountain in the distance gave me a good idea of where to start.

"Well if the heartless are going near people then we should look for a village. I don't think there would be one here so why don't we look around for one?" I suggested to Roxas who simply shrugged. It didn't seem like he would disagree with my idea or even go against it. I had not wanted him to just follow me like a mindless soldier he was so more than that. The both of us went higher up the road eventually finding ourselves at the bottom of a huge mountain. We did not come across any kind of heartless which was odd.

"Auxaq are you certain there could be people living in this place?" Roxas seemed concerned we could be walking around for nothing. My frown could not be hidden as I began to wonder if this was just a waste of time. As I looked around I noticed some people far away in distance with different colored armor on them. Perhaps they were just the kind of people we need to find a village full of somebodies.

Roxas seemed to go along with my thinking as we got closer to them and listened to their conversation using our hoods to hide our faces. It seemed like these men were part of some army force judging by the discussion they were having.

"Do you think it will really come to war? I know Shan-Yu has also been a violent guy, but to actually pull through with his plans..." The yellow colored man spoke to his comrades as the smaller guy had a frown on his face.

"It does not matter Ling we have to worry about Ping I swear the new guys cause so much trouble." The red color warrior seemed to be the grumpy one of the bunch. It seemed like they were all part of the same military force. I wondered if they could lead us to their home without us being noticed if we simply stay out of their sight.

"He's not bad with the cooking at least. Speaking of which I'm feeling kind of hungry." The tallest man in blue complained about looking at the ground. Before they looked in our direction we vanished through a portal going behind a tree to stay in the shadows. As they went up the mountain we would need to lurk behind them. Part of me wanted to know why this "war" could be happening, but in the end somebodies will always look for reasons for war. It's something I would not long for when I could regain my heart. The negative feelings that stir conflict and hatred, and those kinds of thoughts which spiral into causes for violence, death, and misery.

"Do you think all somebodies have to be in conflict?" Quickly I told my comrade that was not the case. From my visits there were several people who just lived a peaceful life. While others might not be so innocent I knew not all somebodies deserved to suffer like I have or even have to be involved with war. I knew however this conflict was not my concern since our only goal was to find the heartless nothing more.

Eventually we had been able to venture up the mountain as the snow began to pick up. While the warriors began complaining about the cold the both of us were just find. I was unsure if it was our cloaks or the fact we could not feel the chill in the air. Roxas seemed interested in this village we were going to find which I was happy about, and then I realized we might be found if we entered it. In order to not draw attention we would need to move at nighttime to avoid being detected by anyone. So we decided to wait until the sky became dark to finish our journey.

"I wonder how Axel would feel being out in the cold like this." Roxas decided to drift his thoughts off as we were in a small camp made out in the snowy region. We had been close enough to this village we did not have to worry about getting lost in this huge wave of snow falling down. While I was looking at the sky turning dim I had not even heard his question.

"I suppose he would rather have Vexen get stuck in his element or just make a small fire." He said having a small smile form on his lips. I turned around hearing this comment giving him a nod to reply to his comment. With that our wait finally was over so we could check out this village. Naturally due to the time of the day hardly no one was around to see us in the darkness. With our covert operation underway we both looked at the tents trying to see if there was anything unusual. So far nothing really was standing out to us both right now. Suddenly there was a loud commotion as there seemed to be a gathering of people near a part of the village.

"It's those monsters again why do they continue to come here?!" My eyes looked at weird heartless lurching towards the villagers. As they continued to head for the village Roxas knew what he needed to do with these guys. I would have to keep the people away from the battle to avoid their hearts being taken. The keyblade began it's dance with those it's destined to destroy as I warned everyone to stand back and not get involved.

"These guys won't stay down!" Roxas continued to whack them with his blade however they would slowly rise back up. I never saw this kind of breed of heartless before and they behaved rather differently. While Roxas continued his battle someone had tapped my shoulder getting my attention. The male seemed different from those guys on the mountain as he was not wearing any kind of armor on his body.

"What's going on and what are you doing here?" I knew the risk of being taken in for questioning was high so I didn't give him a real answer just basic details.

"This is nothing that you need to worry about. My partner is simply doing what he does best." I looked back at Roxas using light abilities instead of his weapon trying to change his tactics against these monsters. He could not have distractions during his battle so I needed to hold everyone off with no force hopefully. As I saw the villagers become more anxious the man tried to get a look at the fight going on in front than me.

"There's more to think so just be honest and explain why he's fighting those monsters?" His dark eyes were staring at my face even with the hood over my head. Tch why do things always have to get more complicated during these operations? With a sigh I was completely honest in order to keep the peace.

"Look those heartless can only be harmed by the keyblade. My ally there is one of the only people capable of using on right now." This was not working as he looked concerned about all of this, but suddenly an explosion changed that concern. Roxas had finally been capable of releasing the hearts from those dark creatures. With a smile I knew he was getting into his grove and it did not seem like he needed my help besides keep the bystanders safe.

"That's my Ven...no no Roxas!" My eyes blinked as I had seen an image of someone else fighting these beasts instead of the blonde nobody. He was wearing a different kind of attire than the black cloak, and suddenly the whole area looked different from the snowy mountain we had been on. He just looked in my direction with a genuine smile as I waved back no longer in my own cloak uniform.

"Auqa...Aqua? AUXAQ?!" My head was rimming with "pain" as I opened my eyes to see Roxas looking concerned about my well being. It seemed like I was once more out of it as the heartless were all wiped out. I also heard loud cheers coming from behind us as the villagers were cheering us on. It seemed like we had become rather popular for helping them out, but really I'm just grateful no one got hurt. I don't believe I never the kind of person who cared about what people thought of me well until all of this nobody business. Then again whoever I was in the past does not matter the current me is still a blank slate.

"What's going on out here!" The red cape moved in the air as someone came in front of us both expecting some kind of explanation for me and Roxas being here. All of the soldiers were not coming around us which had made me nervous. Before I could say anything the man in front of me actually came to our defense.

"Wait Captain they were helping us. I don't know who they are, but they did save us from those monsters." The superior of his took in this as Roxas came next to my side obviously trying to stay near me if something happens now.

"So they helped us that does not mean they aren't the enemy Ping. Look at their clothing they could be spies of Shan-Yu. We can't trust them." Some of the other soldiers agreed with his line of thought while others sided with Ping. I frowned as I was unsure how to respond to this. Roxas looked at me for some help yet I could not come up with any kind of plan for this.

"Listen we just need to spend the night here. You saw how easily those monsters came into this place right? So would it not make sense if you have someone who can defeat them so easily? We will be gone when the sun rises in the morning how does that sound?" A compromise for the both of us. We can still gather some hearts, and the villagers can rest easy not having to worry about us or the heartless. Ping and his captain were pondering over this deal.

"Can you tell us who you both are?" The captain requested to know about our identities. I knew there was no choice as I had to finish our mission even if they will know of our names and perhaps our reason for being here. Moving my gloved hand over to my friend I pulled down my hood to show my pale face.

"This is Roxas, and I'm Auxaq we are nobody special really."

"I see...Well then this is Ping and I'm Li Shang of the Imperial Army. I hope Ping's feelings about you are right for your sakes." So our uneasy alliance was forged and I knew the night for us both was only beginning. I was yet unaware of the melding of tension we would soon create in these lands.

[ Kind of short, but I've not had the chance to work on a new chapter since my laptop went bust. I'm hoping to fix it soon plus the fact I need to get a line of work in the future. Still I'm glad to see new followers of this story thank you all for the support it makes me keep going on this. ]