The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 19: The 13th Floor

"We are just Nobodies who have no one to be, yet we still "are." But now you can be nothing instead of just being a Nobody. You're off the hook."

Destiny Islands: Mainland ( Kairi )

"Kairi are you okay? Did you get into a fight with somebody?"

Zidane was looking over at the scars I had on my skin. Shaking my head I told him a lie that I got into an accident on my way to our date. In truth it was from my current training. Leon and Yuffie were giving me a hard time during battle not letting up an inch. In the end I knew this pain would only make me stronger. Still I was trying to juggle my school work, being a new keyblade warrior, and hanging out with my friends both new and old. All of these goals were beginning to take a toll on my mind. I needed to get my head out of this funk so I felt what better way than hanging out with Zidane.

"Yeah I'm fine just trying to remember that I'm not in school now." Looking at his concerned face I calmed him down with a smile. He seemed to always want to care for me when I was down. Yet again when I saw his face just for a moment I thought it was Sora sitting next to me. A female's voice ringed in my ears asking for my order. I did not know what I should even get from the menu in front of me. Zidane picked one of the more expensive items while I just went with light-food to eat.

"So Kairi are you planning on heading home after our little date?" He said poking my shoulder in a teasing way. I knew he would sometimes play with other girls, but I was not expecting this behavior today. My cheeks grew hot as I was pondering how to respond to him.

"In a way I'm glad the real Zidane was not here, but that means I can't let you go after messing with me like that!" I yelled pointing a finger at her face.

"W-ell actually I need to get to work on my homework. Science has given me some trouble lately." I rubbed the back of my head being sincere with my reason. Something about his face didn't seem to agree with that answer. Before I could think about it further our drinks arrived giving me a moment to think about things. As my lips went around the straw I wondered if ordinary people like Zidane could get involved with this kind of activity.

"Do you have any other reason for avoiding me Kairi?" He whispered into my ear in a low tone. My skin was suddenly shivering by this action, but I thought he was just trying to extend our time together. I had left him alone so I guess this was only natural...right? Shaking my head I looked at the other people here mostly other students from school. I did not see any of my comrades in this place so they likely went home without me. Then again they could also be with people they've met in school.

"Here you go hope you enjoy the meals!" The friendly waiter commented as I used the food to fill my mouth avoiding more of Zidane's questions. While my mouth was chewing down the food for my stomach my friend's eyes were looking at me enjoy my meal. I was starting to get the creeps from his attention. I knew he enjoyed being around me so this kind of action was very different from what I knew about him.

Finally with the date almost done I knew he wanted to ask me some more questions so I pushed down my concerns and gave him my undivided attention. He seemed to not ask me questions was inspecting my hair with his fingers. Moving some strands through his fingers that smirk on his face looked unnatural.

"Such a beautiful strand of red locks no wonder guys would be interested in you." His voice seemed much deeper than usual. He also began to reach closer to my face with his and now I was getting worried. Moving out of my seat I was staring to think all of this was not a good idea. I never had Zidane act like this before so did something change when I last saw him? Zidane pulled him and took hold of my hand beginning to rub it gently.

"Such soft and pale skin you truly are pure of heart." My anger was building as I glared at him trying to break his sudden grip on my arm. I stormed off refusing to call him as he began to yell at me. I did not know my feet were beginning to run away as my mind was just focusing on getting away from Zidane. Managing to lose him in the crowd I ran into a corner away from people and I felt water came from my eyes. I was crying seeing that kind of behavior displayed by my "friend" was something I could not accept. Sure he could act like a tease, but to touch me like that I could not accept.

"Hey there Kairi you move pretty fast." Impossible he could not have come to find me that fast? Turning around I did not see any sight of him. Did I just imagine his voice echoing in my head. Closing my eyes I suddenly felt a stranger's fingers along my back. Turning my head there was Zidane playing with my hair once more. That grin of twisted pleasure was still plastered on his face. I was unable to stop the swing of my keyblade until it was too late. The weapon knocked him on the floor which caused an aura of light to cover his body...revealing Yuffie?!

"Man Leon was right about that keyblade. It does pack one hell of a punch." Was she pretending to act as Zidane all this time? D-did I just go on a date with her in disguise?! Her cheeky grin confirmed my thinking as I felt concerned people might have seen what we just did now.

"Oh relax I didn't see anyone peeking over at us when that happened. It's not like you won't get popular once the world knows about your new role as the next keyblade warrior." Yeah I knew people would know of my name once I was past the training. Much like how Sora was well-known through the many worlds he visited during his first days on his adventure.

"Just consider the fact your weapon could show who I was under my disguise. You must become more ready for stuff like this in the future. I could have done much worse to you if I wanted..."

"You wouldn't because you know that you would have to deal with me!" My eyes lit up with determination and I knew she was also surprised by this. While I might still be new at this Yuffie was not going to pull one over me again without any kind of payback. That of course did not mean I was going to be more cold than usual, and even with everything that just happened I held out a hand to help Yuffie back up. She accepted the gesture rising back on her two feet.

"I'm surprised I was expecting a slap, but I guess your kindness is more painful to bear with instead. Leon would be proud though you might be maturing after all." So this was just another test of my skills. I still didn't appreciate the trick of having Zidane's image being used for this. Suddenly Yuffie pulled out a bag full of munny. Tilting my head I was wondering her intentions with all that kind of payment.

"Now then for the next test a huge shopping spree!" While I wondered how she got all that munny she took hold of my arm taking me off to buy some expensive clothing most likely. My mind figured by the end of the day I would be carrying several bags of new clothing for both me and her. At least this would give me a change to get over the fact my date never really happened. Then again this could be that date an odd one to say the least...

Castle Oblivion ( Aqua )

- Day 25: Two Keys -

Waking up I was expecting the greeting sight of the bleak view of the Castle That Never Was. I had gotten so used to being there I felt surprised to stare at the white room that I was sharing with Larxene. The blank emptiness of this castle felt more hollow which fit housing nobodies like myself. Something about this place however was giving off a horrible feeling like tragedy could be found here. Still I suppose that was just a feeling I could be remembering from my past.

As I moved through the hallway of this place I began to hear small voices from no one around the area. The sounds were happy and full of joy about something or someone being celebrated. Walking towards a wall I placed my ear on it to see if I could find the source of this noise. Wait a minute that voice it was Ventus!

"Don't worry about me. You two focus on the exam!"
"Xehanort wants me and Vanitas to fight, and make some kind of "χ-blade." But the Master said we can't let that happen...and he tried to destroy me for it."

Xehanort? X-Blade? Why did this stuff continue to come up around me...I know the reports made by the Superior along with Xigbar mention these subjects. So then how come Ventus knew about these things as well? Why is this place affecting me like this there were so many questions running in my head! My mouth was starting to pant as my arm slumps on the wall I was standing next to while I was having this fit. No one else was around to help me, but I guess I would need to get used to that. In order to find this room I would have to rely on myself since everyone who tried to find it was never found again.

I would not-could not risk their safety when the Superior himself tasked me with this goal. If I can't finish this mission there was part of me that considered not returning to Xemnas with that failure. Opening my eyes I noticed the wall looked different in its design from the other walls almost like I knew about this. From what the others told me this I was now on the 12th floor of this castle. Most of the pathways seemed very straight-forward yet some areas were bigger and filled with different decorations.

"This place it feels wrong." For some reason my mind was coming to the conclusion this castle was not originally meant to look like this. I needed my memories back if I was going to solve this...

"Are you well?" Turning my head I saw the newest comrade of ours the little girl called Namine. I was not expecting her to come to me without anyone else around her. The other nobodies were busy asking details about her powers and the nature of this place. Vexen seemed like he was more invested in learning about her than even Marluxia. Personally I was just glad the poor girl did not have to be afraid of loneliness anymore not with me or my comrades.

"Yeah I'm just trying to look for something in this castle. I don't know where this room could be of course, but I have t-no I must find this room." The small blonde titled her head when I explained my situation to her. Then she nodded her head pointing at the doorway to the next floor. I had explored most of the other floors finding nothing that caught my eye as they all looked the same.

"Have you tried the 13th Floor? I know there are lots of rooms in that part of the castle. I even found some rooms that houses a device for restoration." Restoration? How could a device do that exactly and why was it here? Still I suppose she was giving me some helpful information. Walking towards the door Namine spoke out to me once more.

"You won't find that place without your memories. Larxene told me that you lost your memories when you became a nobody. Without your knowledge of this place you would end up lost in the castle's rooms forever. The heartless that roam that floor will seek you out and submerge your body to darkness." Then why did Namine tell me about the device if it was a lost cause. That's when I noticed the small smile grace her lips.

"I believe you can reclaim those memories on your own. In this place, to find is to lose and to lose is to find. That is the way of Castle Oblivion." The phrase sounded very odd almost like it was a contradiction in my opinion. Then again I did lose my memories, and yet I was seeking out someone I knew from my past. The girl pointed at her notebook which had a picture on it.

"It's a line from a poem I created about this place. I also made this for you to see..." That's when I noticed the details of the picture. It was mostly white with a person with orange hair being in a room. Judging by the outfit I could say that was Ventus. There was also a person in black with blue hair most likely that is myself in the artwork. Was Namine trying to show me what I wanted most out of this place? It was a kind gesture despite her also lacking the ability to feel emotion. With a happy nod I took in this gift with sincerity happy Namine was able to express herself.

A portal of darkness came into the room revealing the imposing figure of Lexaeus. Despite him not being that menacing in personality Namine clearly felt threatened by him standing close by my side. I didn't blame the girl for being frightened by this however I wanted her to feel safe being around others besides me.

"Namine Vexen has been looking for you. Apparently he needs you for some more testing." Vexen was trying to study her? What the heck is that scientist up to now? I knew he loved research, but that did not mean he can just pick apart Namine like a lab rat! Lexeaus seemed to notice the tension in my face.

"I do not believe he would try anything to harm her Auxaq. I don't always support Vexen's actions, but they have brought good fortune to the Organization. I trust he not betray that sentiment for his sake."

Despite his strength his true power lies in his thinking, and not many would believe he was bright considering the usual line of thinking about powerful men like Lexaeus. Namine was not so willing to go along with that line of thinking so I took hold of her shoulders trying to easy the fear she thought she was feeling now.

"A-re you sure?" Namine's weak voice spoke out as she began to shutter again like when I first met her. Lexaeus never had met someone like her before who was certain he was going to eat her like a monster in a fairy tale. Reality is much different from fiction and the gentle giant tried to offer out his hand to ease her worries. She was very hesitant to grab that hand so I decided to step in.

"You're will be fine Namine if Vexen gives you trouble just look for me okay? Then again with someone like Lexaeus by your side you won't have to worry about any kind of abuse!" The comment once again managed to win her over as she agreed with my support walking slowly over to Lexaeus' side. It seemed like Namine was always looking at me for support in these kinds of situations. Still I could only hope she can regain her own heart one day just like the other nobodies in the world.

"It's good to see fellow nobodies getting along with one another." Another one of my allies had located me, but I would not be the first to consider him a real ally. Marluxia the reaper of the organization and the current "lord of the castle" was looking at me with that smug look on his face. I always had my issues with the "Graceful Assassin" so the fact I needed to work alongside him during our stay in this castle was not going to be easy.

"Don't feel alarmed I've not come to put you down again rather I wish to make things up between us both. I know your duty is to find this certain room in this castle, but I feel like we can use this opportunity to start a new with nothing between us." Looking at the peace-offering flower he was providing I did not accept it so quickly. He could be trying another trick or he's trying to get on my good side for a reason of some kind. He then made the flower vanish and got more serious with his expression.

"There is more to us being here than you might think. Do you really believe each one of us got picked to live in this castle for no reason? The fact us there is more to this place than you believe Auxaq, and not just that one room you must find for us all." Just like with Axel those comments were beginning to get under my skin. What was going on with everyone here aren't we all striving to the same goal.

"You're just trying to mess with my head again! I don't know what's with you and Axel, but I'm going to focus on finding Ventus. If you need me for anything else then fine, but don't try to confuse me Marluxia." I began to walk away going near the stairway to the 13th floor. despite Namine's words I just wanted to see for myself what the level is really like in person. Marluxia came to my side and took hold of my arm trying to convince me to stop for a minute.

"Look you can't just barge up there by yourself. I've heard the reports about the heartless activity on that level you might get into serious trouble. You might not believe me, but I do care about your safety as a nobody." Somehow I really doubted that was true. I was considering just breaking his hold on me yet I decided to listen to more of his comments. Perhaps he will get to the point and stop messing around with his words. He looked over at the wall possibly considering what to say next.

"I don't believe Xemnas has what's best for us all in his mind. I doubt his claim to bring back our hearts is the truth." What? Did he just imply the Superior is lying...

"How do you know Marluxia?! If he really was manipulating us why did he give you command of this castle? Is everything about this mission a lie then? What's next the room I'm looking for is not real and Xemnas just wanted me to end up lost in the castle's walls!" I didn't believe anything else he said and ran up to the next floor not turning back. As my feet moved up the stairs that looked endless my thoughts began to ring out in my head. Part of my mind was considering everything Marluxia about with wondering who Xemnas really was, and my loyalty towards the Superior was fighting back against that side.

Arriving on the next floor I realized how huge the size of the room really compared to the rest of the castle. The flowers in the room had a reddish glow to them. The minute I stepped on the floor something felt very sinister in this area. Almost like the darkness had awoken from its slumber. Black goo rose up from the white black floor revealing yellow eyes of the heartless. With Monsoon draw I saw the enemy shape into black balls with tendrils on its sides. They didn't have the emblems of the heartless which meant they were pure of blood. The most rare and strongest of the heartless roaming in the worlds. Knowing this would be tough I must push forward with all of my strength.

They did feel stronger than regular heartless as with only a few of them knocked away I could already feel my strength dwindling from this battle. Still I would need to explore this floor along with the other members eventually, and so I can't let these monsters beat me! The sides of the fans slice at the skins of the monsters while they tried grabbing my limbs to throw me at the walls of the room. Jumping up in the air I knocked some of the monsters into each other trying to break through the crowd of heartless. With my back to the wall I was beginning to regret charging up here due to my anger with Marluxia's comments.

"I bet you would be enjoying this reaper of the organization." I bitterly replied when I noticed my arms were unable to move themselves. My eyes looked at the heartless grabbing hold of my arms. They looked very different from the normal shadows I've seen before in the worlds. The round heartless inched closer as I knew my place was helpless to stop them. I hoped my nobodies could seek me out, but then I remember how most of the lesser nobodies got lost in the different pathways of this castle.

"Alone with no one to help me out..." That was how I was in the realm of darkness. Then again I had a heart to feel a fear. A feeling of dread likely was running through my body yet now I truly felt nothing. If this was the moment I would fade into nothingness I really did not care about it. Before my eyes closed I saw the image of someone observing my situation. At first the boy seemed to look like Roxas, but I noticed he was not wearing that black cloak over his body. He had worn the outfit Ventus had on with a keyblade in his hand just like Roxas. He moved his hand out and spoke my name.

"Aqua..."

Was he actually speaking out to me now? My mind was unsure what to believe meanwhile my body seemed to know how to react. I could feel my limbs regaining the power needed to break out of the shadow's hold on my body. Looking at the heartless behind me I placed blue auras around their bodies sending them into the round heartless to keep them busy. I ran towards the flower devices which began to start a sound effect. Blue and red heartless spawned into the room added more forces to deal with now...

"More to the party then well let's have some fun!" Not allowing the dread to consume me again I sliced down the flower device holding it in my arms. As the shadows launched at me I swung the flower-turned weapon at them knocking the forces back to the ground. Taking advantage of the room's design I lured the swarm of heartless into a corner allowing me to hit the waves with the flower, but then some of the heartless dissolved into the ground. Seeing the heartless spin around in the air I flung the flower at the ground trying to avoid being hurt again. I didn't have time to block the magical attacks from the fire mage heartless.

There was just too many heartless to deal with plus Roxas was not here to remove them as they all looked ready to swarm my body. At least I didn't give up until the end I could only hope Ventus and Roxas are proud...

"How annoying you just really had to drag me up here didn't you XV!" Pink petals floating in the air as my savior came in the form of Marluxia himself. I also took notice of two flowery nobodies hovering besides their commander. The huge scythe moved around as he waved a finger at all the enemy heartless looking at the both of us.

"Now go my Botanists put these heartless in their proper places." The the huge waves of heartless were suddenly pushed by as the pink-flower nobodies launched several petals at them cutting them down with easy. Despite the amount of numbers in the room the nobodies were much stronger. I took notice of the fire heartless trying to land hits on the lesser nobodies to burn them down. Marluxia blocked the magical blasts with his weapon sending out slashes at them in return.

Taking the chance to rest I stepped in providing help for Marluxia which he seemed to appreciate. While I still don't buy into his words he did help me out, and I guess he's a fellow nobody at the end of the day. Slowly we managed to overwhelm the heartless here forcing them to draw back into the darkness. The whole ordeal left me very tired as Marluxia simply observed the now empty floor we managed to claim for ourselves.

"My this area is bigger than most of the other castle levels. We might need all of our forces to take this castle fully into our grip. Still the first room felt secure for the moment. I suppose you're looking for a thank you, and to that I suggest you get your head in check. If I was not here you would likely would have ended up being a causality." He was right I should have come here with support. Namine could have been around about this floor being the place I would no longer exist.

"Well the fact you did come means you're aren't untrustworthy." Well on this occasion anyway. I was not going to get back into another debate my body was much too weak for that now. Still I could see there was a lot of ground to cover in this place so I guess my work was going to very long. That's when I began to hear some ringing in my ears. Marluxia's voice drowned out from the noise as I began to walk over towards another wall. I touched the cold surface with my hand as I felt another vision enter my head. It was then I got the image of a huge wasteland, and I was standing in the middle of several kinds of keyblades stuck in the ground. I could see myself being in a blueish armor also there were two other people in armor as well.

"Behold. These lifeless keys used to be full of power—united with the hearts of their masters. On this barren soil, Keyblades of light and darkness were locked in combat... as a great Keyblade War raged. Countless Keyblade wielders gave up their lives, all in search of one, ultimate key. And it will soon belong to me... χ-blade."

The voice was from an older figure who had someone dressed in black at his side. Suddenly everyone began to charge into battle as the sight ending my newly found memory. Then I could remember the name of the person from that moment he was...

"Xehanort." While Marluxia heard about someone else with that name I knew this person had the full name "Master" Xehanort. Then why did I engage into battle with him? His goal the χ-blade what was he trying to do with that? It was too much to take in all at once so I would leave it in my journal to ponder over at the end of the night. At the very least I knew this castle was allowing me to remember much more from my past. Yet I began to wonder if I should regain what I've lost...

Castle Oblivion: Basement ( Vexen )

The young nobody that was staying in the castle the organization now controlled had been on a cold table. She was under study by Vexen and Zexion. Many other nobodies considered them two of the brightest nobodies enlisted in their group. The two researchers looked at the girl's potential while Lexaeus was standing guard of the room from any heartless. While the nobodies could tame most of the regular heartless the ones roaming the castle did not seem to accept submission that easily.

"Incredible Namine's readings seem much different from nobodies like ourselves. Could she be made in a unique way unlike the rest of us Vexen?"

"It would be a very good assumption that is the case. I also wonder about the ability she must have like the rest of us. I doubt the girl can do much fighting however her potential seemingly was very intriguing." The scientist was looking at the monitors displaying the girl's condition and body structure. While they were not registering anything special the magical levels were very high for Namine.

"I wonder how Xemnas will take this news about Namine and the heartless lying in the castle. We should also report on the nobodies lost to the mazes this place has structured in the levels. I believe we are down to a low amount of lesser brands to use for our exploration." Zexion knew things were not exactly going well for their group. Vexen however wanted to try something out with the girl on his table. He brought out a blank card from the notebooks he had with him to write all the data on his trip here. Holding out the card to the girl he decided to experiment with her untapped power.

"Now then Namine try to manipulate this card the best you can." The blonde was unsure how to respond, but the glares she was receiving forced her into following his command. At first nothing seemed to happen which made Zexion chuckle in amusement. Vexen felt annoyed she was not giving enough push with her willpower. Grabbing hold of her arm he tried pushing her on with negative comments about her behavior. Lexaeus moved to intervene when there was a sudden bright flash in the dark room. Vexen's eyes widened as the card suddenly looked much different from before.

"Impossible that's the World That Never Was!" Zexion looked shocked Namine created the image of the home world of all nobodies on that card. Namine began to shiver as she knew attention was now towards her abilities.

"I saw your memories, and I drew them out..." She replied before closing her eyes hoping Vexen would not yell at her once more. Vexen took hold of the card with interest. He could not believe she was able to use those memories on this card so what could this card do now. Looking at the door Vexen walked towards the door.

"Do you believe she can manipulate memories in a way?" Lexaeus also was now invested in the powers the young nobody held. The "Chilly Academic" did not say anything towards that comment just yet. Holding up the card the door suddenly flashed in a bright light just like before and something changed. This time however when Vexen opened the door he suddenly was back in the city nothingness. While it was just one room the place looked very similar to the Memory's Skyscraper area of their home. Vexen grew a delighted smile at this fact as Namine proved to have a very interesting power.

"I believe Namine will be quite useful to us gentlemen yes."

[ Alright another chapter down the drain. I want to go over the nobodies each member has in the organization really quick. Xemnas - Sorcerer, Xigbar - Sniper, Xaldin - Dragoon, Vexen - Chemist, Lexaeus- Beastmaster, Zexion - Scholar, Saix - Beserker, Axel - Assassin, Demyx - Dancer, Luxord - Gambler, Marluxia - Botanist, Larxene - Ravager, Roxas - Samurai, Auxaq - Oracle. I will be introducing the remainder of my nobodies for the others in the next chapter. Also expect the plot to pick up since I don't know the amount of days Chain of Memories takes place in 358/2 Days. Stay turned and thanks for reading. ]