The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 23: Memories In Pieces

"Of course I like him, he's my best friend!"

Forest Area: ( Sora 3rd Person POV )

Another day had gone by for the trio of heroes as their search for Riku and the king continued. While they got further into this huge open area they were no closer to their friends, but that would not stop them. The night had fallen over the land, the moon rising up in the dark sky, and so our heroes decided to make their rest for the day. The gang wonder if they would ever another trace of their goal besides the letter having the symbol of Mickey.

Sora was laying on the grassy hill along with Donald and Goofy. They were remembering the times spent together with their friends, the journeys into new places along with the funny antics, but most of all the good moments they had with everyone. In those moments of the past they could push their fears and concerns of the present away, yet they would always wake up in reality afterwards.

"Riku...I know you're waiting for me to reach you just like before on the island." Yes that time which defined the roads both of them would take in life. As he slept he wondered what would happen if he decided to reach out to Riku's hand, and possible help him avoid falling into the darkness. The sound of the ocean waves continued to haunt Sora's mind during these moments as the sky was dark, stormy, and full of dread.

"So much water Riku come back." The waves pushed against them making it hard for Sora to even see Riku through the liquid, the rush of the ocean was pulling them apart, and yet he continued to seek out his friend through the currents. It was becoming too much and Sora began to see nothing but darkness, his eyes closing slowly from exhausting his body.

"Riku!" The nightmare was over however his friend was nowhere in sight. His forehead dripping in sweat as the dream took hold of his mind. The sight of the night which changed the course of all their lives still woke up from his slumber, but lately he was able to avoid such nights like this one. With the support and bonds he's gained this has not happened to him for a while.

"Donald? Goofy?" His friends were all passed out still able to slumber in their deep dreams. Sora was alone for the moment having to deal with the anguish himself. He knew the future is what he has to become worried about not the past, but yet now and then the flashes of his loved one comes into focus for him. Sora's thoughts suddenly went to Kairi's current situation.

"I wonder if she's looking out for us back on the islands." He just put back his usual smile on his face knowing she can handle things on her own. Still the fact she knew about keyblades, and the fact she could use one might be something he would have to deal with in time. Would she wonder through the worlds like he does now? It was then he could feel something change in the area, almost like the air grew more thin and empty. His eyes looked around to see nothing unusual in the distance.

"Just my imagination..." He wanted to believe that was the case, but then the silhouette clad in black changed that. He rubbed his eyes making sure this was not a dream, the figure was still just standing in the middle of the road. It was just staring at him not moving from its location.

"Who are you?" Sora drew his keyblade ready for a battle. The being in black did not while Sora charged up to swing at the figure out of fear, but it seemed like this was not just another heartless. The figure disappeared when the blade came down to hit it. Turning around the mysterious person ended up appearing behind him now, it's arm extending out to point at him.

"This is like before in Hollow Bastion." Sora did face someone like this back during his first adventure. Someone who wanted to "test him" for some reason, but this unknown seemed different from that person.

"You've lost something." Sora knew he must have referred about Riku. How did this stranger know that was something Sora wanted to learn.

"You are searching to gain what you've lost." The teeth of the boy began to grind as this person was talking very weirdly, the way he was speaking implied he knew a lot about Sora and his life so far.

"You will come to find a castle soon, and there you will lose and gain something. Your memories cherish them while you can..."

Shaking his head Sora did not want to hear any more of these riddles. If this person wanted Sora to come there he wanted to know exactly why. Trying to hit the man against Sora began to act differently from his usual care-free self.

"Explain yourself! What do you mean I'll lose something! Why should I listen to you anyway?" The cloak revealed a few pink-petals coming out, but the face could not be seen. There was a chuckle of amusement breaking the silence as the figure began to disappear into the air.

"Who is most important to you Sora? They will be waiting for you in the castle." Sora tilted his head as the man spoke one last time before fading away. Sora began to wonder if this person was Riku or Kairi? He doubted she would be there, and so he figured Riku was the one that could be in the castle. Donald and Goofy they need to know about this! He quickly ran back over to his friends letting them know about this development.

"Sora who was that guy?" Donald was very suspicious about whoever this person was, and why he was trying to bring Sora into this castle.

"Do you think he knows anything about the king?" While Sora wanted to find his friend so badly Goofy and Donald had their own kind of promise. To find their king, and return to their home where the others were waiting.

"I don't know, but we can't let this chance slip by us. Even if this might be some trick we have no other way to find Riku or the king. I'm willing to follow this lead only if you guys will come along." Even while he might be selfish in finding his friend Sora would consider what his other friends might think before acting on his instinct.

"Yeah! No matter what all three of us all be together!"

"Nothing is gonna rip us apart again Sora."

"You guys..."

Sora knew their journey will still be filled with smiles. For now they would rest and think about what is to come tomorrow. Their destination seems to have a place to head towards now, but whatever awaits them is unknown. Still Sora was ready with his comrades supporting him the keybearer of the present was ready for the next trial of his life.

Castle Oblivion: ( Aqua 1st Person POV )

The world around me was now white once more instead of the dark, vast space that I was in before my trip through my past. The memories once broken in pieces, and now they are complete once more. This key of mine became repaired in more ways that one. Soon enough I will navigate through the maze that was born out of the Land of Departure. Ventus, he is somewhere within these walls helpless without me or Terra.

"Welcome back sleepy head." Turning my neck I could see Axel giving me a teasing hand wave motion. My body was having a difficult time rising up off the cold floor of the castle. Namine was gone from the room as Vexen seemed to have taken her place in the area. His grin on his face gave me the creeps, but I was glad to return to the normal world.

"I see you've come back from your forgotten memories XV? This means you no longer doubt who you are then right?" Tch of course he would love to do some more tests on me like I was some mindless doll.

"I know who I am Vexen, and so the question is who are you?" Even while Vexen might have given me weapons to use I always figured there was something else to that gesture. Vexen had on a smile almost like I was figuring something out.

"Why I thought we all were on the same side as nobodies, and consider the fact you would have never gotten here without my help."

He was right of course my current weapons made by his hands in place of my lost keyblade. I would not consider us as nothing more than allies however so he should respect my thoughts about him.

"Well you always had a curious mind Even, so I'm not surprised about your want to study me." I could not help smirking when he looked surprised that I knew his true name. Yes he was one of Ansem the Wise's apprentices back when I was still a Keyblade Master. There was him, Dilan, Aeleus, Ienzo, and Braig. I learned about them all from Ventus and Terra.

"It's not like that really matters we aren't really the same people anymore without our hearts. To pretend that we really exist in a world full of others with real feelings that is what us nobodies are, and that is our place in this world." I knew despite having my past back that would not grant me happiness. My body was still just as lifeless as the first day I became part of this organization, but now things will begin to change for myself.

"Yes that is what a nobody is Auxaq. Now then do you mind if I start my examination of your body?" Just the way he spoke that line could make someone have the chills. It's fitting then that his powers revolve around his element of ice. Axel didn't look thrilled about my "check-up" likely moving in to save me. Sometimes I really love his hot-headed personality.

"What are you doing Axel? With her memories now returned she's become a valuable test subject!"

"It's called manners doc, and besides I'm sure you want your test subject in top condition not just recovering from a trip down memory lane right?"

"Hmph well I suppose you bring up a point. Still I will get to research you Auxaq, and while it's not going to happen today you won't get away from this appointment." With that our "mad" scientist walked off upset his study became cancelled thanks to Axel. He looked very happy to send Vexen away, but I could tell he wanted to speak with me alone.

"So you found what you've lost in that room?" Ahh that is what Namine told me about this place earlier. It was such a different-looking place from what used to have been known as the Land of Departure.

"In a way of speaking Axel," My eyes looked around the area for a moment before I continued talking. "The memories were never lost to begin with only buried in my mind."

Just like the path which leads to Ven was never lost in this ever-changing castle. The design would usually warp depending on the level, but certain places would never change its place. The trick was easy to overcome with the knowledge about the layout of the rooms. Still it was not going to become easier, and thanks to the heartless running around I might need to regain my keyblade.

"Simply put Axel, I'm still the person you think I am."

"That's what I expected to hear from you sweetcheeks." Axel's chuckle of happiness brought a smile to my lips no matter how fleeting this moment was in our existence.

"I don't know if I'm strong enough to venture through the castle for Ven by myself. Without the keyblade I can't fend off the heartless, and I might need it to get to him. This castle likely has defensive measures in place to protect the Chamber of Waking from intruders." That's what Master Eraqus wanted after all no one besides me finding Ven.

"Take it one day Auxaq, it's not like you need to overwork yourself for the sake of Marluxia. This is your friend I'm sure he does not mind waiting just a bit longer." I hope so it's been so long since I've seen him, so I wonder if he still could be sleeping in that room where I left him.

"Anyway our "lord" has departed to bring another guest into our lovely abode Sora I believe is his name." My eyes narrowed as I remembered where that name from before. On Destiny Islands, he was there along with Kairi and Riku. I didn't get that connection the other members speaking about him, and the fact there is a connection between Roxas and Sora. It was only when I learned about Sora's activity as a keybearer that I put the pieces together.

"Hmm luring a keyblade user here Marluxia was up to something..." While I didn't know his motive if the man was desperate enough to go out of his way to find Sora he must want him for an important reason.

"Indeed, the other members in the lower levels of the castle are starting to wonder if there is a possible divide among us. Still nothing seems to have been proven that is the case now. I'm just letting you know time is running short to find your friend, and even if you aren't ready you won't have any free time once our guest arrives." Is he warning me again? Looking at his face he didn't seem like he wanted to tell me any of this.

"What are you trying to say then?" That's when I felt his hands grasp my shoulders as he stared right in my face. Our faces were so close to each other as he confessed.

"I don't want you to get hurt that's why I'm here, but you need to tell me who do you trust?" Trust? I just want to find my friends and regain a heart. That's why I follow the Superi-Xemnas' orders. Gritting my teeth my gut was telling me to learn more about Axel's words.

"What about you Axel? Don't you trust your allies here like Roxas? Even though you can't really feel the emotions of friendship you still treat him like he is your friend. I might care about Roxas, but at the end of the day we lack the tool which allows us to really have a friend." Yes this was a fact, and while I knew this sounded harsh Axel needed to understand it.

"No that's not true! I was just leading Roxas alone at the start, but just before we left our home I began to feel our bond change. We might not have the hearts to feel and experience joy yet I was actually happy to hang out with him!" The expression on his face didn't seem like this was just a lie. Even without a heart did he really care about him that much? I guess that I really can't complain, the reason I'm here is to find my friend.

"Roxas, Sora, and Ventus do you think there could be a connection between them all?" The fact each one used a keyblade was one thing, but the way each one had a similar face to people from my past was something I could not ignore.

"It's not impossible to believe that is the case Auxaq. Listen I need to meet up with Marluxia shortly just know that you will need to decide who you should place your faith in..."

"That is something I will consider Lea." Lea and Isa two guys that I also knew about from my comrades. His face was surprised hearing about his old name.

"Lea? How do you know about that Aqua?"

"I've heard about you and you're friend Isa. From what Terra and Ventus told me about you guys you both look very different from back then. Listen do what you need to do I will not ignore your advice Axel."

With that he once more left me with more questions and not answers. I quickly began to gather my thoughts having some time all to myself once more. In order to get to my friend first I would need to find the center of this castle.

'Enter the center of the fortress lost to oblivion, move through the walls of a forgotten world, and on the 13th floor hidden in the walls the room of waking shall be revealed.' This was the notice I had remembered to find Ventus in this place. Honestly I didn't intend to find this room until Ventus could be awakened, but Xemnas could be the answer to bringing him back. Still I had the issue of being attacked by the rogue heartless.

"Perhaps the aid of a certain keyblade user might solve this..." Of course if Marluxia is planning on drawing him here for his purpose it's only fair I get to do the same. With a smile at this plan I knew for now I would simple focus on getting stronger, and when that boy comes try to get the details of my plan figured out. That's when I felt the shove of my body looking at one of my allies Larxene.

"Ahh I was beginning to wonder if I would stumble across you again, after all you've ignored me for a while now and that really hurts!" I knew she was just pretending to care, but yet compared to some of the others she was very good in her acting. Axel's words might be more than just that if Larxene could act this way without a heart.

"Did you miss my company or the pranks you liked to pull on the boys with me?" Indeed quite a few times we sneaked into the lower levels, put glue on the pillows sticking Vexen's hair to the bed, spying on Axel during a shower, or writing some rather naughty things in Zexion's books. While part of me felt bad for doing this I actually had some fun playing around with Larxene. Something about our relationship has changed since we've been put into this place.

"Both actually believe it not you're one of the few nobodies I can actually stand being around, it helps that you're not boring like most of the boys." It's rare that such a nice complement would be delivered from the "Savage Nymph" however I knew she was not this vile witch of the Organization. Like myself she one contained a heart that was likely filled with sadness. Why else would she not want back such a precious thing as a heart.

"Well I don't know how much time we have left together it seems like we might get some visitors here shortly." I wanted to get her reaction to this development. She glared at me or rather what I just told her which let me know she was not happy about this.

"Yeah, I know we're gonna have one of the "famous" keyblade warriors in our wonderful abode. Still I'm certain you're not impressed being a former master right?" Former? I'm not going to keep using these weapons forever Larxy I'm going to regain everything!

"I guess we will see when here gets here, but do you mind explaining why Marluxia wants him here so badly?" She's been very dodgy about this subject like Axel who never gave a real answer for his questions about my loyalty. Her eyes looked at my face reading me for a moment.

"Well, why do you want to know XV? Aren't you the one who can't stand being around him in the first place, the idea that you want to know about his goals is very strange." Frowning I realized she was becoming suspicious about me so I needed to ease the tension for my sake. Perhaps appeasing to Marluxia's ego was the answer, and yet that would seem hypocritical coming from me.

"Look I don't know what's going on here, but I'm living in this castle so whatever is going to happen will affect me. If there is some other reason for Sora's arrival then I want preparation for what's to come that's all." She didn't reply for a moment just turning around likely pondering my words. I hoped that my comments were not enough to get her upset.

"I'll put it to you like this Marluxia is the Lord of this castle, and so that would make me the lady right? So that means both XI and XII are in charge of this place now. We answer to the Superior of our Organization, so that means we obey his commands however he is not here which means..."

"...That he does not control what is going on here right now?" I was starting to get a bad feeling about where this could be going and Larxene's smile only made it worse.

"Exactly! We contain the ability to decide whatever we want to do here, unlike a mere Dusk this makes us unique, and no one like Saix, Xemnas, or Xigbar can interfere. I would not be telling you this if I had no trust in you, but that does not mean I won't make you regret spilling this to the boys downstairs. You will understand very soon so for now just focus on looking for that "friend" of yours in this castle kay!" Her hand moved to slap mine showing our bond which I held up. This revelation was a lot to take in could...Larxene and Marluxia be plotting to take over leadership of our group?

"Larxene just one more thing, I was wondering do you still want your heart back or have you given up on ever being normal again?" I quickly regretted that remark as she took hold of my chest with her hands looking very upset by my remark.

"Normal? Are you saying that I'm not normal at this moment? It's laughable, really. You still believe that have some heart makes you special or important that's not really the case at all." Suddenly the anger died down from her voice as she was looking off away from me for a while.

"What's so special about having something that makes you feel pain, that causes you to suffer, makes you experience love only to lose it in the end, and something that causes you to cry like some weakling!" She began to look down at the floor her hands no longer clutching my shoulders as her body was shivering. I never had seen Larxene open up to me like this before as usually she would change the subject. I was uncertain what to think about this rare chance to learn more about her.

"My real name is Aqua well before I lost my heart, and I knew what it was like to have a heart become stabbed by pain, loss, fear, anger, but that's not all the things a heart has. There are other kinds of feelings you can have inside you with it. I know that I might regret asking you this, but can you tell me your name please?" She didn't answer me turning around likely ignoring what I said, and so I didn't press her further. Turning around I decided to make my way back to our room when...

"Arlene...my name was Arlene." So that was her name its beautiful to hear. Looking back I could see why she might get the attraction both men and women. Her face was hidden under her face, casting my eyes on the other female nobody I could not read her expression. I guessed she wants to have some alone time so I made my leave.

Looking through my window sky didn't show the sun or moon only an empty void where this castle was now sitting in. I missed the light of the artificial moon of The World That Never Was, my hands moved to open my journal for a new update from today's events. Reading through the pages I didn't realize how much I'd written about my time with the other nobodies, from the good days full of adventure, the bad days where I got into trouble or argued with some of the ones I did not like, and then just simple moments of existing even without a soul.

"I wonder what Terra and Ven would think of me? Would they do what I'm doing to regain their souls..." While some of the methods of the Organization were questionable, after being without emotions for such a long time I knew this was the only way to truly be myself again. The pen in my hands was feather-light as the ink marked down my thoughts from my current life or rather lack of life. The book closed up once more as I decided to make my way on the bed staring up at the room, the designs of the ceiling reminded me of the Land of Departure yet it felt more hollow like me.

"Still venting through that little book of your XV?" That voice it was Zexion. Sure enough him and Lexaeus were now in the middle of the split room of mine and Larxene. They likely wanted something important if they were coming up topside like this. Usually they would be around Vexen in a research project, and that reminded me of what happened to that girl who helped me regain my past.

"Namine, she's the only who helped me out and I have not seen around is she-"

"Safe? I never expected you to care for that helpless child, but yes she is just resting for the moment." After Zexion's comment the tallest member of our group suddenly made his presence felt by suddenly increasing the pressure in the room from his mere willpower, I'd forgotten how strong he really could be until this moment. The weight in the room grew so much I could not even move my hand without it feeling so heavy, and suddenly everything returned to normal.

"We've learned that you've been in contact with...Larxene along with Axel and Marluxia. We have not anything from those three ever since we split ourselves through the castle. Vexen, myself, and Zexion wanted to know if you could tell us about them." No one tell any of them about what was happening up here? Sure they must know some of the details unless...they were not in the loop about everything.

"What are you guys saying exactly? I'm sure you know about Namine already, and I'm certain you are aware of Sora's arrival in the castle." The expressions on their faces told me otherwise like they didn't know anything about that. Well that certainly explains why they wanted to speak with me.

"Sora? You mean the chosen wielder of the keyblade! Why is Marluxia trying to lure him into this castle?" Zexion and Lexaeus both started at me like I knew all the answers when I was in the dark about that as well. Something was going on here, and I would need to figure out what before it's too late.

"I doubt you have the answers we seek, but if you do learn what Marluxia is planning please do contact us. The Organization should have knowledge of any kind of activity that could threaten it." Zexion's words made me frown up at the thought of what that could mean.

"If we find out that you're involved in this don't expect us to give you mercy consider this a warning to remember your loyalty XV." Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty, and loyalty that word has popped up more than once today. I don't know what everyone expected from me however I knew where my faith lied in the end. I wanted everyone to regain their happiness, to get everything they lost, and I put my personal feelings about the members aside because in the end we are all the same.

"Look aren't we all just nobodies wanting to become somebodies once more. I've known you both once had hearts and desires as people right Aeleus, Ienzo?" Yes two more of Ansem the Wise's students that also were in this group. From what I knew Aeleus or now Lexaeus was the guard of the researcher, and Ienzo or Zexion was the youngest apprentice and was actually just an orphan.

"Wait you know about us Aqua from all the way back then?" I gave the "Cloaked Schemer" a nod in reply to his shock about that statement.

"We've underestimated your determination Aqua or Auxaq. In any case please do contact us if you have any update from our "Lord" or Axel." So the basement dwellers went back into the lower section of the castle. With a sigh of apathy I finished up my report of the day with one last sentence written out in the page of the book. The ink dried up as the next part of my book now filled, I removed my cloaked uniform running the water for my shower, and finally I took my rest for the day on the bed.

"What should I decide to do?" That seemed like my current situation in my time here, but the answer would come another day...

[ So Aqua is back to normal...kinda! Yet she's now faced with a decision to make for the upcoming days. I plan to update my Hunter X Hunter story now, but I will not add new stuff since I need to work on this story plus work on two other fanfics in the future. Thanks for reading guys! ]