The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 20: Dearly Beloved

"The Chamber of Repose, and it's antipode, the Chamber of Waking...Xemnas isn't telling us something. And the missing chamber, the Chamber of Waking-it holds all the answers. We need those answers to gain the upper hand-for our own reasons."

Destiny Islands: Mainland ( Kairi )

Today would end up being rather eventful for everyone at the school. All of the students gathered in front of the building with everyone wearing black colors. I did not know who passed away yet the mood everyone felt was very somber. Looking at my friends each one even Wakka had frowns on their faces. The principal Rufus Shinra looked around at the crowd as he began the speech.

"Dearly beloved students, we have come here to celebrate the memory and life of Zell Dincht. We don't know all the details about his untimely death, yet he shall be remembered as the wonderful Gym Teacher from our staff. He loved everyone he worked with during his classes, and everyone loved him in return. I now will let Leon speak a few words as he was his closest friend." The head of the school moved out of the way allowing my current mentor to stand up at the podium to speak his mind. Squall seemed like his usual self, but I could tell from his tone of voice he was not having an easy time.

"Thank you President Rufus for this moment. I won't take long with my words since I know Zell would not want me to cry in front of everyone here. Zell if I could describe him in just one word would be special. He was able to inspire many of the students here into fulfilling their dreams in athletics along with their daily lives. I'm sure he would love being here giving this kind of speech instead, but sadly his life got stolen by the heartless. I know the teachers don't want you to know this however I disagree! These monsters will seek people like you and take what's most important to you all. The heart which has your feelings, hopes, desires, and love for those you care the most about. Without knowing this or having someone to protect you no one stands a chance against them!"

The way Leon ended his comment with his eyes looking in my direction let me know that comment was about me. I didn't even know about this loss until today so what was he really trying to say to me now. Leon simply left the podium after that speech not speaking another word. All of the teens around me started to gossip about the event.

"Is what that guy said true about those heartless?"

"That could happen to any of us?!"

"I don't wanna lose my heart to some freak I want it to go to a handsome boy!"

Rufus quickly ran back to the microphone to ease the obvious tension in the room. It was too late to control the damage, and I got the message loud and clear from Leon. In order to control the chaos being stirred by the darkness I would need to step in becoming a true keyblade warrior. To stop people from losing themselves in the shadows along with finding my friends again. The weight of the world's issues was slowing being mounted on my back, and I'm still just a schoolgirl in her first year.

"Alright Leon I'm going to take this seriously..." So after the announcements classes began with a more depressing atmosphere in the air. The sky also fit the mood looking very clouded with rain possibly arriving in the afternoon. I was once more dealing with lessons from Quistis. While she was able to hide the sadness in her tone she also did not look to really be in her normal mood. She acted more angry with students who began playing around during the class.

"Miss Quistis? Do you really think we are safe here like Rufus said?" The violet-female classmate asked clearly unsure if she should believe in the president's words. A lot of the other students also felt the same way just by seeing their faces when the question asked to her.

"Honestly if you're going to let the loss of one person doubt yourself and everything you care about you might as well stop living. The departed would want the living to move forward not stay in the past. I'm s-ure Zell would have the same feelings about this..." She moved her hands up to her glasses covering her face which made me wonder if she was trying to avoid crying. She could be acting like Leon remaining strong even when their emotions suggest otherwise.

"Now then I believe today's homework will keep your minds off today's events. I made sure you all study the details of the lesson with the upcoming S.E.E.D exams. I don't want any of you fail them, but that would be lying to all of you. Even if you don't make I will make sure you make up for it with extra assignments, and if needed after school teachings. So with that I believe you all may take you leave." My eyes did not believe the clock showing the time of our leave for today. The day managed to pass by despite the horrible news we all heard about Zell. I did not really know him, but Wakka really looked up to him almost like he was a father-figure. He also brought him close to Lulu, one of the outsiders in the school. Many believe she would make a good cheerleader, but she also refused to take up the role instead focusing on other crafts.

"Miss Kairi might I borrow some of your time?" Quistis informed me while the others began to take their leave. She in her hands a few papers so I figured she might be giving me extra work or bad news about my behavior. I didn't believe I was making things worse in our relationship so I waited for her response. I was not expecting the tears she held in to finally come out from her cheeks.

"I just wanted my students to feel safe and protected. Now with Zell gone I don't know if peace can stay here. Even so I will never forget him, and the kind of person he was to this school." She fingers began to grip on the paper she was holding in her hands along with her body shaking more violently. Eventually she managed to calm herself yet the somber tone remained in her voice.

"Leon-no I shall call him as Squall has reported your "special nature" to me. Apparently he feels like some of the staff needs to have awareness of who you are now, and the kind of power you have keyblade user." My eyes widen and I nearly fell out of the chair my rear was in. There were only a few people who knew about this secret so if Leon told her about this who else knows? She walked over to my desk and placed her hands on the top looking right into my face. The glare she has on her face could frighten wolves in the wild.

"Don't expect me to let you out of classes or gain special rewards. You won't get out of being graded for your work in this class just like the rest of the class. It's just your after-school activities will be very different from everyone else." She came back up giving me one piece of paper signed by Squall. Walking away towards the door she looked back at me with a sad expression on her face.

"I don't want to lose people like Zell to the darkness. If you can save people like him then I think you have the potential to become a wonderful person in this world." Then she quickly left me alone with this note from my mentor. Taking a look at the paper I began to read the note realizing this was not some request but an order for myself.

"We need to meet outside of the school. It's time to advance your training. Failure is not an option Kairi the world is depending on you now."

Did he plan to make my work harder? This loss really has effected Squall for him to go this far now. What will my friends think now that I can't spend more time with them. Zidane will likely really miss being around me. I guess this is the sacrifice of being a hero of worlds. Saving worlds in return losing the time spent with those you care about in return. I also knew my school time would also need priority. S.E.E.D exams were coming up after all. Yet I felt confident about all of this even with the stress affecting me. I was ready to take on this challenge to advance towards the next level. Sora...Riku just you guys wait.

"I will reach you both soon enough!"

Castle Oblivion: Outer Area ( Aqua )

As today began I was giving a different goal instead of looking inside of the castle for the Room of Waking. My black cloak moved around in the outside area of this castle we now occupied. Apparently Marluxia wanted to see what else lied in this area of this place besides the new fortress of nobodies. Going along with me were some of the lesser nobodies under the command of the others. Two giant nobodies belonging to Lexaeus were holding a leash over two smaller nobody animals. These brand of nobodies not only could attack for their masters the wolf-like shells could also detect any heartless nearby. Marluxia's nobodies were floating above my head seeking out anything in the distance.

"This area feels so gloomy and empty. It's almost like I'm back in the realm of darkness." While I might be stronger than back then I still knew it was just like in a place like there were I lost my heart and the ability to feel. If I could not protect myself then I will lose all that's left of the woman called Aqua. The Ravager nobodies along with the Scholars began to detect something approaching our place. I came prepared this time so there was no way I could be knocked back and rendered helpless once again.

"The air it feels thicker..." I was having trouble breathing as it seemed like there was a spike in the air like something was polluting it. It didn't feel like a heartless it was something else instead. Closing my eyes for a minute I could see there was someone looking at me through the darkness. His skin and face reminded me of someone from my memories. My feet ran toward the direct place of that man who was...was Terra! The hair, face, smile, and shape all belonged to him. Those arms came open for up for me to walk into them. Suddenly I was no longer even in my black cloak, and I thought for a moment my heart was beating again.

"Terra is it you?" I whispered being taken into his arms as part of myself knew this was right. I can remember the both of us having a wonderful time with each other. Then I noticed our other friends was not around...Ventus! He would always be with the two of us when we had been together. Looking up at Terra I saw the hair begin to change color, and then his eyes were becoming more light as well. This is just like that other dream-no it's him!

"T-erra? He no longer exists..." My fears became reality as his brown-haired became silver along with his eyes turning yellow. The similar image of Xehanort the man who was like a teacher to us all. I finally realized what happened to Terra. He's become possessed by Xehanort...no it can't be him! Why did this have to happen to Terra?! Opening my eyes I suddenly felt the hand grip of a giant heartless on my throat, and Terra's eyes looked so empty. It was like he didn't care about what might happen to me.

"Terra wake up its me Aqua you friend!" My voice cried out trying to make him see reason despite it becoming harder to breathe. My vision was becoming more dark as I tried to grab hold of Terra's arm. My hands were shaking as my body was growing more limp. While Terra did seem to change his expression I felt like it was too late to save him. Once more I was drowning in the darkness unable to swim back to the surface. My last thoughts were completely sad knowing I could never see my friends again...

"I remember now!" My voice suddenly broke the vision I had seen which startled the lesser nobodies. One of my Oracles walked up to me wanting to understand what was going on.

"Your highness are you well?"

"Yes I finally have some of my memory back!" It was not enough to fill in all the blanks of course, but I did know why I wanted to find Terra and Ventus. They were my closest friends, and we all got split apart from each other. Xehnaort it was all because of that man...actually more like a monster he ruined all of our lives. Still now that I knew who I was looking for I could piece together the rest of my mind starting with this castle. One of the images had me right outside of this place, and that can only mean I was here before. If Ventus could be here then he would likely be in the very room I was looking for then. I need to get the rest back if I am to find this place, but things were finally looking up for me. The only thing is I wonder is why it was a dark place like this caused me to remember so much.

"So you're just wasting your time now XV?" Zexion's tone of voice came from behind me as I saw him looking very annoyed. Oh well it's not like that can really bring down my mood today is turning out as a wonderful one for myself. I still was unsure where the room could be however I was getting closer to finding it now.

"Well if you call regaining my memories a waste then you are right Zexion." A smile graced my lips as I saw his face turn into momentary shock. While I did not find anything new in this space I did uncover something new from my lost days.

"I see then you met this Xehanort, and had to face your friend while he became possessed by this man. Furthermore according to that vision you've been at this castle before not to mention that it was not originally in this shape." I explained everything that I've come to remember so far hoping he might believe part of my story at least. We might not get along much yet I knew he was still just like me someone who lost something important to him.

"I think you need to see Namine she might be able to help you out with this." Namine I knew she was nobody with a power like myself, but how could she help me regain more of my past? It was then Zexion explained how Namine compiled memories from Vexen's mind.

"So you're saying Namine can protect memories into these cards?"

"Not exactly, but I believe she knows how to tamper with them in other ways. If we are to find the Chamber of Waking you must learn the route very soon."

"Hmm to think you doubted in me when we first met each other Zexion."

"You've proven that you belong in this group. I still don't think you're as strong as the Superior believes, yet I no longer believe that you are just some weak nobody."

I might be earning the respect of everyone after all. To think just some time ago everyone thought I was a useless member. The road must continue for me as I walked back into the castle to look for Namine. Despite not knowing all the details if she could bring out my remaining lost memories then I was willing to take that chance. I was closer to finding them now I just needed to push forward to fulfill my dream.

The goal of my departure here in this castle was to reunite with my comrades. Ventus...Terra just you guys wait I will bring you back in no time.

"I will find you both that is a promise!"

Castle Oblivion: ( Marluxia )

Things had been going well for the newly appointed "Lord of the Castle" Number XI. His forces managed to uncover most of the layout of this castle with little trouble. He's also been able to start to understand Namine's powers from what Vexen explained to him. While she could not directly affect the memories of the Organization she apparently knew about Sora. The way she was able to form the room based off the Castle That Never Was is the effect of the castle. Any memories poured into cards could make an entire floor of rooms based around said memories. The cards also seemed to dictate the flow of battle which Marluxia learned about recently.

"It's a shame Luxord was not chosen as part of our team. He would have loved to have been in this place." Axel playfully retorted as Namine seemed frightened in the face of the new leader of Castle Oblivion. The pink hair moved over his neck while Marluxia began to wonder if the young nobody could manipulate Sora's memories. If she could remove and place new ones into his mind controlling the keyblade's chosen one would be very easy. Of course things were now much more complicated with the anomaly made by the 15th member.

"Axel do you believe it's possible Auxaq can regain her memories and seek out the one called Ventus? Even if she could I doubt he would be of much use, I mean after all he's been locked up in this place for a long time. Even if he once had been a keyblade warrior I doubt he would be of much use now." Yes that boy likely was unaware of the current state of the world so he won't have much use compared to someone like Sora. Much like Roxas he had a rare gift that would be needed if Marluxia was to take over the Organization.

"It's funny the Superior wants someone like him when we have Roxas around. Then again Auxaq seems to miss this Ventus guy so perhaps we can all get what we want once everything gets completed." His hand wave made the plotting traitor narrow his eyes. While Marluxia knew Larxene was fully on his side he could not say the same for Axel. While he did not doubt the red-haired nobody was catching on to his scheme he could not trust him to join his cause yet. Lexaeus was always at the reaper's neck giving him words for trying to manipulate her so much.

"Don't you think you need to behave more gently with her? Why else does she respond so easily to Auxaq, and not when you push her around Marluxia!" The lord knew he was going to have loyal to Xemnas along with Vexen and Zexion. If he wanted his plan to come into being the loyal members would need removing by the time Sora arrives in the castle proper. He was unsure if Auxaq would also be destroyed since he had been able to speak with her more often.

Sora was the main goal of Marluxia's coup, but if he could gain two more allies the odds might work out for him better. Sora might be strong however Roxas might end up becoming better than his somebody. Not to mention Xemnas and Saix were two powerful threats with the enigmatic Xigbar being an unknown problem. Marluxia would need to strike soon if he wanted to claim the throne all to himself and his queen.

"Finally I can get away from that brat for a while." The right-hand of Marluxia appeared before him in a huff very much done with having to deal with Namine today. It was her turn to look after the girl while Vexen continued his exploration of her abilities which seemed to bring nothing but good news. Auxaq was now speaking with the young nobody. Apparently she was trying to form a room or level which contained some of her memories. The idea being that if she walked through a place she knew then the rest of the lost thoughts would return to her.

"Hmm it sounds like Auxaq feels determined to seek out her comrades if she's going that far. Still if she can create that room with those partial memories then I know how we will rope in Sora." With Axel out of the room for the moment to check up with the basement crew he could speak with his co-conspirator freely.

"Manipulate his memories by removing them with Namine's power, and then replace them with ones that will bind him to following our demands. That sounds rather perfect, but I doubt we can pull it off with just the both of us. Axel still might be a wildcard, and I don't think our other choice is ready to enter our fold." Larxene might have gotten along much better with the other female nobody besides Xion however she has not earned her complete trust.

"I agree with that worry my queen, but we might be running out of time. The mistrust will only grow the longer we stay here even if we stay on different floors. With Vexen's continuing experiments, Auxaq's personal mission, and Axel being something to win over our coup must happen before word can get back to Xemnas." If Xemnas or Saix realized this plan had gone through the remaining nobodies would seek them out for their elimination.

"So what's our next move dear king of mine?"

"For now we see the situation around us. If the Chamber of Waking is found we might need to adjust things, but for now we continue as expected. Since I've gotten some words from XV why don't you try to warm up to her instead. I'm sure she would get along much better with you anyways." Larxene objected to whatever Marluxia was implying with that statement.

"What you saying that we're friends?! Please I don't find her annoying compared to Namine, but she's not exactly my favorite. We have managed to tolerate each other that's all."

"That might be the case, but if she does go along with our scheme you will need to accept her being around you often. Just like I'm sure you will need to appreciate Axel as well." Marluxia's teasing smirk brought up a hiss out of the blonde shell of a somebody. While she might have enjoyed flirting with Axel she could not say he really piqued her interests. Besides to her Axel was more invested in Roxas than anyone else in the Organization before they split up.

"Whatever I'm sure we can become one big happy family when Xemnas and his followers are gone. The only issue would be dealing with those friends of his. Donald and Goofy was it I'm certain you don't want those weaklings as your puppet as well?" Marluxia nodded his head knowing Sora would likely not enter the castle alone. The court of the famed king Mickey. The Organization knew they would get involved with them in time along with DiZ.

"They will likely have to be removed when everything is over. I'm sure once Sora forgets about them he won't miss any of his old friends." The smile on the manipulator's face brought out some laughter from Larxene. XII and XI wanted to remove the rest of the numbers leaving them the last nobodies standing. That's when Marluxia remembered something Auxaq told him before. He didn't pretend like he was happy as he began to wonder about that man she knew from her past.

"Larxene how much do you know about Xehanort?"

Unknown Location: ( ? )

How long has it been since I've been here? The darkness that surrounds me does not seem to end. No matter where I go it keeps sucking me back into this void. I don't know if I will ever get out of this place, but I know that I must escape. Sora, Kairi, and his majesty! They all are counting on me to leave this place. Opening my eyes I began to notice a light in the pitch-black area my body was swimming in. With no other place to go I began to follow the light to wherever it might lead.

This terrible smell of darkness began to fade from my nose as I continued after the lead of this source of light. Remembering the last moments I spent with the king I began to wonder if he was the one leading me out of this area. Then again Mickey left to look for some way out and I remember telling him to not come back for me. If it meant he could return to Sora and his friends I didn't mind staying here. It's what I deserved after giving into Ansem.

It's really quite simple. Open yourself to the darkness. That is all. Let your heart, your being, become darkness itself."

I couldn't believe the person I was even considering that offer. Being helpless while that man tried hurting my friends was my greatest failure. Why did I even accept such a request in the first place? To become better than Sora? The chance to explore different worlds? To keep Kairi safe from any harm? I'd forgotten how easily I allowed myself to slip further into the void of depression and hatred. I lost my very soul becoming consumed by the darkness of my heart.

"It's all my fault, but I have to chance to atone for my sins." To get the ability to make up for my actions was something I had to take now. My determination forced my body to continue pressing on until the light flashed around me. For a while I was unable to see where I ended up. Then a voice ringed out through my ear.

"You have found your "safe haven" boy. To escape from the realm of darkness is no easy task. Still you still are a creature of darkness even while in a land of light. For now you should rest and not worry about the troubles of the world around you." Was this a place outside of the realm of darkness? From the look of it I could see things more easily and the darkness was less in color, but I did not see anything that looked like civilization. I did feel tired so I began to close my eyes taking the advice given to me.

"That's it rest your worries and never concern yourself with the outside world again."

"What are you saying I need to get out of here and find my friends!"

"Are you sure you want to meet them like this? Besides you have only escape the darkness you still hold it inside you Riku."

What did he mean by that? Was something from Ansem still left inside me?

"Relish in this relief if you should leave this area of zero darkness you will only feel more anguish. Why not rest your body and mind while you still can..." I didn't feel like arguing with this voice until I got some well-needed strength. Before closing my eyes I wondered why his voice reminded me of someone I knew.

"Are y-ou the king?"

"I am whoever you think I am Riku." Thanks a lot mysterious voice. I suppose some rest won't hurt me so I retreated into my dreams. Where Sora and Kairi were waiting for me.

[ Shorter chapter, but yes everything is coming together. I felt like focusing on Riku at the end since he was also involved with the events of Chain of Memories. Spoiler Alert: I figured DiZ helped him escape from the realm of darkness hence why he spoke with him at the beginning of the game. So now we are at the start of the next arc hope you all enjoy the changes I will add with the next installment thanks for reading and reviewing. ]