The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 17: The White Witch

"He's far away. But I know we'll see him again."

Destiny Islands ( Kairi )

I can safely say that I've been able to enjoy myself over the past month being in this school. Learning new things about the world, being with new and old friends of mine, and most of all learning about what my future could hold. The thoughts I still have missing Sora never went away yet they were not as painful as before coming here. Selphie, Wakka, and Tidus were still themselves even if we didn't get to spend as much time together. As for Zidane I really don't know how to feel about him. He had good traits about him, but then he would attempt to get a look at me. Apparently from what he told me about his life it was not a pretty one. He never got to know or being around his folks before ending up alone on the streets.

"Let's just say I've been considered a street rat for a while before this school uniform came on me." As he puts it about his life of crime. He would need to steal often just to enjoy a meal for the day. He would also never get to enjoy staying in just once place since the authorities were looking for him. Eventually he did get captured and put into a prison. For his age he was one of the younger prisoners locked away so they went somewhat easy on him. He did say they still treated him like dirt, but some of the officers felt he could change his ways and reform into society.

His salvation came from a schoolgirl named Garnet Til Alexandros or Dagger as he called her instead. She was actually an older student who learned about his situation and felt she could help him out. With that support he was able to undergo a change for the better. Now he's entered this school wanting to repay the favor Garnet did for him. I believe she's actually part of the student council now in her last years here at this school. I doubt I could ever think about joining such a group as they were the best of the students here; I'm still trying to catch up for my earliest mistakes in classes. Zidane on the other hand believed I could reach that level one day. In all he's not a bad guy well that's how I feel about him anyway.

"Kairi I've been wondering when I would see you again." Almost like that ninja Yuffie her friend Leon managed to sneak up on me while I was enjoying lunch. I knew he might be looking for me to speak about what happened when Sora left, but to just come up to me now? I was hoping he would not find me until later so I could be more prepared. I did not know how to respond to him so he decided to speak first.

"I know you've focused on your school life which is a good thing. I know you haven't been able to live a normal life for some time. Still destiny can't wait for you anymore meet me after school in the gym." He then just left me to accept his demand without being able to argue him. Leon did have that kind of personality to him. and yet I knew he was right. I can't ignore the fact I'm indeed a keyblade wielder in training. So if I can't become good enough like Sora I since I would be unable to defend myself or face him and Riku. Zidane wanted me to see him again when the day was over, but I can't go through on that "date" today.

After dealing with the "ice queen" Quistis as Zidane quips her I followed Leon's order to see him in the gym alone. Opening the door I actually did not see anyone here now. For a moment I considered I was here too early so I decided to sit down and relax for a while. Closing my eyes I suddenly heard something moving near my direction. Opening my eyes I moved out of the way of the ninja star being launched near my head.

"Wow for someone not that experienced you have some quick moves!" The slender image of Yuffie Kisaragi came into my eyesight. She also had more of those stars in her hand ready to send them right at me. To think Sora was friends with this woman is shocking.

"Why are you trying to hit me? I don't even know you that well so why do you feel the need to hurt me!" Another star came at me so I tried to move away from her, but suddenly she took hold of my arm slinging me to the hard floor. My body felt a jolt of pain go through me as I saw her smile grow as I was now trying to get back up. This was the last thing I was expecting to deal with today.

"Hmm you're not giving up I suppose that is what being a keyblade wielder is like." Gritting my teeth in pain I tried to grab her shirt to convince her to stop, but suddenly she had locked her arms around me. My eyes looked at her taking out a kunai to move it right next to my next. I didn't believe she would use it on me, but then again I was not ready to fight her now.

"How disappointing to think Sora would be ashamed of how weak you are." That was it! She's pushed my button no one tells me how to feel about Sora or the other way around. With newly found strength I was able to escape her clutch and suddenly my keyblade was in my hand. It felt as light as a feather despite it's look and size. Charging at her I let out my anger into every single move with this weapon. She was able to block several of the attacks with her kunai however my fury managed to overwhelm her as she was left without anything to defend herself. As I was about to strike her something forced me to stop in mid-swing. It was not Leon or Yuffie that forced me back it was the image of Sora.

"Even if you insulted me or Sora I can't let my feelings overwhelm me." There was more to being a keyblade user than just power and strength people like Sora and Aqua taught me that lesson. It might be considered weak to have pacifism yet to me it was a sign of real power. Yuffie also looked shocked by this action I made or lack of action. Once again I was not expecting Leon to catch me from behind and it seemed like Yuffie did not give me a signal he was behind me.

"You need to control yourself Kairi." Opening my eyes I turned around nearly knocking my weapon at Leon who managed to block the blade. Yuffie was cheering on Leon while I realized what almost happened and take my blade out of my right hand. The brown-haired warrior began to inspect me with his eyes which made me feel uncomfortable as my face went to the floor. It took a while before I decided to face Leon's eyes no longer shying away from his expression.

"I'm sure you already know the reason I wanted you here, but I see Yuffie wanted to move ahead without me. The fact is you need to decide what you want to be in life Kairi. This role of being a school student won't end, and yet you must change to become a true keyblade wielder. Your road likely is not an easy one so I expect an answer from you. Do you want to leave everything in Sora and Riku's hands or..."

"They won't be alone I will stand next to them! I know I've avoided this for a while however it's like you said. I want-no I need to become a real keyblade user. Only with your help and training will that be possible. I won't my friends down having to come to my rescue anymore!" Leon and Yuffie nodded with each other as I knew the upcoming months would be a challenge. That's the life of a keyblade warrior so I would need to get used to it.

Castle Oblivion: White Room ( Aqua )

- Day 23 Silent Companion -

Our move into the castle to my surprise actually went through without a hitch. The castle's doors moved open as everyone looked at our new home for a while. The white color of the place matched The Castle That Never Was very well, and it didn't seem like we were far away from that place. Still there was something about this place that made me feel uneasy. I could swear that I've been here before despite that fact I can't remember a place like this in my memories.

"Here we are at last the first day of our reign in the castle even if you've already made a home for yourself here Vexen." Said our "Lord" of this castle as we all took in that face. Vexen from what I knew was the researcher of our organization so that made me wonder the kind of stuff he was doing here.

"Speaking of which I believe we should look for our guest here. Namine is likely busy drawing in one of the rooms in this castle don't you think Vexen?" Namine? I heard nothing about this person in the reports about the castle were they keeping that from me? Larxene just waved her hand over her mouth giving off the acting of a bored woman. Lexaeus was more concerned about the security measures of this place, Zexion wondered if there was a library here like at the castle, Axel seemed rather uninterested, and of course Vexen was nervous about this Namine person. As the lesser nobodies we had assigned here scouted ahead I looked around at the castle trying to get a read of this place.

"I'm certain the girl won't take long to find Marluxia. The bigger issue is trying to set up who gets the higher and lower floors to this castle. There is too much ground to cover as a full team so we will need to separate." While Vexen was trying to explain the situation my head began to have a tingle as a new image came into my head. I was actually looking up at the castle without my black cloak on my body. Then another image came of that person who looked like Roxas. Ventus was in some room looking like he was asleep. My hand came over my head as the new memory came to an end. Why did I get this now was this castle where Ventus was being kept or not...

"Why am I remembering you Ventus?" The other members noticed my sudden pain as Marluxia and Axel came over to see if I needed help. After a while I waved at them showing that I was okay just shaken by that sight I had seen. After that little moment Marluxia began to speak with Larxene as I decided to talk with Axel about this Namine person.

"From what Vexen told me she's been in this castle for a while before we found her. Apparently no one else has been in this place besides her so she was thankful she knows we are staying here now. Also she has a special kind of power that makes her a special kind of nobody." She was a nobody like myself and everyone else here! We have to find her then the idea she was left alone here was shocking, and now that I was here she will not alone without people like her anymore.

"What are we waiting for then let's go find Namine!" I took the charge deciding to head into the door of the room not bothering with my portal of darkness. The others can either stay or follow my lead I let them decide for themselves. The stairway leading into the next floor looked rather tall which made me question if I could be lazy and use a portal after all. Then again she might be on this level so I would need to cover as much ground as possible. The next floor didn't seem all that different from the first one almost like I never left the first floor. I did take notice of the white flower theme of this place.

"What a surprise the little brat went into hiding. I can't wait to find her and teach her some manners." Larxene placed her shoulder over mine while holding out her knives in glee. I figured she has a right to be afraid of someone like the Savage Nymph. While I managed to cool her down along with Xion she still had that sadist mentality that I knew would never go away.

"With that kind of taunt I doubt she will ever want to come out Larxy." Her eyes blinked at that nickname I gave her. I mention the several kinds of names I started to give the other members yet I never said those names while the members were around me.

"What the hell blue bird? I never knew you even did that weird nickname thing!" Rubbing the back of my head I did not know how to respond to that. The rare moments of Larxene acting friendly were a blessing to see. While she does still give me insults there were not that bad as the first days of being a nobody.

"Well I can safely say we managed to find her in one piece go ahead and thank me now." Axel's teasing voice came as he appeared through his own portal. Larxene just threw up a knife almost chopping off part of his red hair making a seductive motion. Suddenly I felt like the third wheel in the room as this action continued on. Eventually I felt like stepping in to get back to the subject of the mysterious girl in this castle.

"Oh right Namine is doing fine just shocked we finally arrived here come on I'll take you to meet her." So I finally got the chance to see this new nobody. The first impression I got of her was not good in terms of her state. She was hiding under a table with some drawings all over the floor. She was shivering at the sight of everyone else in the room with her white color in complete contrast to our black uniforms.

"I would have never imagined such a young nobody being in this state she looks so small." Zexion replied as he looked at her face with curiosity in his mind most likely about her. Vexen simply walked over to the table and tried to make her get up. Axel just shook his head as the girl refused to move from her spot.

"Oh come now I told you I would return with others like yourself. Didn't you wish to not be alone anymore Namine?" The light-haired blonde continued to look frightened as she refused to accept Vexen's peace making hand gesture. It seemed like all they were doing was making things worse. Lexaeus has the same thoughts just he also looked unimpressed, and naturally Larxene was rolling up her sleeves to do something rotten. With a hiss I walked over and bumped Vexen out of my way.

"Hey listen I know we all look kind of scary, but we are not so different from what you are Namine. You have nothing to fear though we will not bring you harm." I spoke with a sincere look on my face hoping to win her over. She blinked and gazed into my eyes. For a moment she was no longer shivering as slowly her hand began to reach out towards my own.

"W-hat is your name?" Her shaky voice asked as I knew at least she was willing to trust me somewhat. I would need to build up this bond to get her to understand she does not need to be afraid even if she really was not scared. With a smile I took her hand gently stating my name.

"I'm Auxaq of the Organization and we are here to help you." Finally the girl was out from under the table revealing herself to all the other members in the room. She was rather young for a recently created nobody. While she was still rather nervous looking at the different nobodies in the room she was more calm standing next to me. Marluxia came in front of her looking down at her.

"I'm pleased to see you are doing well here despite being alone in this castle. You may call me Marluxia, the other female is Larxene, Axel is the man in red, Lexaeus is the tallest one, Zexion is the youngest of us all, and of course you've already met Vexen." Namine managed to get all the information in as she nodded her head in replying to his introductions. Waving his hand in the air he produced a pink flower giving it to the girl.

"Consider me the lord of the castle, and I will assure your safety and protection. That is so long as you're willing to offer us your gift." His offer came with a rather creepy smile on his face. I knew there was more to this guy's "kindness" yet I could not step out of line now. She looked hesitant to accept his request.

"I...just don't like being alone anymore." My frown grew deeper as I could not imagine what she had to go through being here all by herself, and with no one else around you just like how I was in that dark realm before all of this. Well at least we would be here for her now. Namine finally agreed with Marluxia's terms and we could rest easy knowing she would not be scared around us hopefully.

So with that solved the last agenda for the day was deciding where half of the group would stay in the higher and lower sections of the castle. Vexen and Marluxia could not get along with each other so keeping them apart was a good plan. Besides we still need to explore more of the castle in the upcoming days. It seemed like Vexen would take Zexion and Lexaeus to the basement while Marluxia along with; Axel, Larxene, and myself stay on the higher levels.

"Wait a minute that's not wait how come you have more people on the higher levels! As No.4 I demand you allow me to study Namine then."

"Are you questioning my wisdom? I suppose Auxaq can stay in the basement as she looks for that "secret area" of this castle." Ah of course one of the main reasons for my enlistment into this place. Before I entered this place I was given a special audience in the White Room with the Superior himself. He wanted me to understand this certain room in this castle I must find.

The World That Never Was: White Room ( Flashback )

"I don't believe I ever told you how I was able to find you old friend of mine. It was with the help of the Chamber of Repose hidden away in Hollow Bastion." I was literally on the edge of my seat high up off the ground listening to Xemnas. It seemed very strange he only now was explaining this to me when I was about to leave this place. Nodding to him my leader continued with his speech.

"In that room I was able to reach out with the help of your armor and keyblade. Once I located you in the realm of darkness it was only a matter of sending Axel to find you. It's unfortunate you lost your heart in that process, but I believe things can still work out for us." Indeed then can even with the lack of a heart I knew this man wanted me to regain my heart along with the others here. I thought it was ironic that I learned the true value of having a heart by living without one that beats in my chest.

"Yes I'm glad to be around so many others like myself well pretending my gratitude. Still I "feel" by this connection I've had with Roxas and this Ventus from my memories. Could it be possible they are..."

"No they are not the same. While they bear the same face and characteristics their flesh and...heart is much different. The Ventus is you know might be surprised when you see him once you find the Chamber Of Waking. Both of the rooms much like Roxas and Ventus share a connection, but not in the ways you may think Auxaq."

So they did have something in common after all. It's just not the reason I thought it was, but then how come they both could use the keyblade. Is there more to this story than Xemnas was telling me now? Looking back up at the leader of us nobodies he was pondering something holding his hand over his chin.

"There is a reason both of them can wield the keyblade just as you can, but only you can discover this fact on your own. Regain those memories in Castle Oblivion and the room to Ventus along with your past will be found. Now then I believe you will be going on a with Xion today. While I wanted you both to leave for Agrabah something else has come to our attention. The finding of a new world to explore one called The Bridge To Marvels. Apparently many beings residing in this world claim themselves as "superheroes" which means there will be heartless roaming there. A perfect place for Xion and Roxas to grow in strength don't you think my sorceress?"

Yes the major reason Roxas hunts down the heartless to feed our artificial Kingdom Hearts. Much like in The Land Of Dragons Roxas' attack on the heartless made him an invaluable member of our organization. I was happy Xemnas would grant me and Axel one last mission together. The fact we would get to meet these so-called superheroes also was rather intriguing to see.

"Yes I know Roxas, Xion, and Axel will enjoy this trip. Thank you for allowing me this audience, and the chance to go with them we will not fail you Superior." With a respectful bow I made my leave through a portal seeing Xemnas have a smile on his lips.

"You are truly a gem indeed friend."

Castle Oblivion

The venture to that bridge was a mixed bag for all four of us. While Roxas got more heartless to send back home we ran into trouble with a youthful boy named Hiro Hamada which lead us to dealing with another person named Tony Stark. Him along with other heroes tried to ruin our operation, but we managed to complete the assignment. Larxene was begging me to explain in full what happened so I decided to tell the gruesome details in our room later. For now I just wanted to sit down and relax for a moment. The move here along with finding our new guest was pretty tiring even without having those emotions.

"I've got to wonder Maruxia who created this castle? If we didn't have the Dusks check out this place we have gotten lost in the maze here."

"Good question Axel the founder of this place must have designed this place to trap those seeking out this person hidden in one of these rooms. There is also the unique security system built into a few of these floors. I have to admit this place is perfect for us nobodies."

The person who made this place was protecting something. Why else would this fortress be considered oblivion after all. The many levels and area felt different yet somehow familiar at the same time. Axel waved his hand off suddenly calling me over to a hallway for a meeting. Marluxia and Larxene were in a conversation so I followed the flaming assassin.

"I'm rather amazed you could get that young nobody to calm down. Most of the others were just making her even more nervous. Still I wonder how are you going to find this certain room for the boss." Narrowing my eyes I began to wonder why he was asking me this in private.

"I'll have to commit it to memory like you would say. Besides if I can regain my past along with the ability to use a keyblade I'm willing to stay here especially with that new nobody. She looked so afraid of everyone here I was in that place of being helplessness until you came along and saved me." I never did get a chance to properly thank him for make sure this empty shell of mine remained intact. Even without sounding sincere I was really thankful to Axel.

"Aww it was nothing I was just doing my job. Much like yourself I can't leave a fellow nobody hanging without helping them out. By the way thanks for looking out for Roxas. I've not had much time to hang out with him so when he told me about your time with him I was well "happy" for you both." So he really does care about him. When Saix told me about their relationship I thought it was just out of the care of being a soulless being like the rest of us. As the days passed by I began to think it could be something deeper, but only now I realize he was genuine.

"Don't worry we can both see him again I-no we will complete my duty here." My voice was now full of confidence and I felt assured nothing would keep me away from everyone back home. Axel suddenly had a frown on his lips as his green eyes looked down.

"I wonder do you really want that to happen? Do you know what my mission is XV..." With that he simply walked away leaving me with no answer to that remark. Was he telling me something that I should know or was it a warning. Eventually I knew it was time to call it a night as I got into my new digs. Since the castle was still very unexplored I would be sharing a room with Larxene. Thankfully we were on better terms than before so not only can I stand being in the same room I could actually get some decent rest. Before that I decided to add today's events into my journal. I gave particular detail about Axel beginning to wonder if there was more to this splitting of our forces than just gaining a new castle.

"Enough with the boring stuff it's time to do something more exciting!" My mind groaned as I knew "Larxy" was up to no good now. Turning around I saw that damned book of Marquis de Sade my fears got confirmed. Worse yet I knew there was no excuse I could use to squeeze my way out of this torture of the brain knowing the preview she gave me of this fiction. With none of the others here to save me I was "gently" tossed on the bed as she threw me on the body opening up the weapon of my despair for the night.

"It's time for Female Nobody Party II this time with a lot more...fun." When I closed my eyes for the night all I could think about was how much the human body could be inflicted with pain or pleasure.

[ Bet you were not expecting Marvel were you? I know Civil War is popular so this seems like I'm going off that film's popularity. Now I won't go into all of the actual details of the world since well it will be Big Hero 6 mixed with major Marvel superheroes. Also I know the name of the world is pretty cliche, but I felt it was simple enough so check out the filler new world next chapter thank you for reading. ]