The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 28: The Savage Nymph

"Oh, so cute...but behind this little face, you do awful things."

Castle Oblivion: ( Aqua's POV )

"Cloak your intentions. Don't answer questions.

Nobody...Remembers our names.

Fear, pride, or sorrow, none of them shall grow.

Kindness, hatred, hope, we wish we could know.

But our hearts are as empty as these white thorns, we smile to hide that our past is far gone.

Cloaked dark intentions. Gave up our questions.

No one here...will give up until we're whole.

Only our moon shines. It's light fills our lies.

In darkness we're trapped, twilight we command.

All of us share the same desire and goal.

Complete the lost kingdom and take back our hearts..."

Those words were spoken to us by the Superior, and to this day I remember this quote defining as what it truly means existing as a nobody. I wrote this saying in my journal, spoke it to myself or with the others, and often think about it during the day. I believed that Xemnas' words kept the group very supporting of each other, and despite our issues with each other in the end we all have the same thing in common.

'Why is it then our group has now come apart like this?' Seeing all of my fellow members ready to fight each other like this was nothing I expected to see. Now instead of being comfortable around these guys I got ready to attack anyone who goes after me first, but I didn't want that to happen.

"Not a very organized Organization we have here!" Axel mocked our "Lord" who was ready to slice off his head with that massive scythe, and I knew the red-haired nobody was just having fun with the situation. No one however was ready to make the first attack, and I hoped that was because there was still a trust of some kind between the nobodies here.

"Come on Axel, the words you've said got me thinking you want nothing more than to erase us ever since we came here, but the numbers would suggest the odds aren't in your favor traitor!" The huff came from the blonde who wanted nothing more than to carve up Axel's face, and perhaps mine as well considering how she was acting.

"Larxene, are you sure the numbers are really that balanced instead of 3-on-1 it could be 2-on-2 if you think about who else is with us "traitor" got it memorized?" Great I just knew he was going to point that out, and now everyone's attention was towards me. Like it was so easy to pick a side when everyone thought they were going to get betrayed. Time didn't seem to move as we all were ready for something to happen, but it seemed like there was fear of what could happen so no one wanted to start anything.

"Enough! It's clear we don't want to start anything so I want all of you to remove your weapons, and if anyone refuses to stand down they will get considered a traitor!" Marluxia removed his way from play, and I have to say it's odd when this guy is acting as the voice of reason. Still he did seem genuine in his approach to calm all of us down. Larxene also relaxed removing her knives from the possible battlefield, then Axel regained his composure, and finally I decided to trust the man despite what he's done to me before all of this.

"Good we're not ready to do something stupid like picking a fight when we don't know all the details, but I would like to know why you all were ready to start a brawl to begin with." His pink-colored locks moved around as he waited for that answer, and I knew exactly what I should tell him.

"That damned ingrate Zexion tried to fool us that's what happened, but don't worry I'll make sure he never can use that little book of his again when I rip those pages out and push them down his mouth!" Larxene's temper lit up with sparks of electricity going through her body. Axel frowned at the gesture, Marluxia did the same gesture while I just looked away.

"I don't think violence should become the solution here. While there are several questions running in my head, the fact is I can't just answer them with simple force. Something is going on down there, and up here so I want to understand who I'm talking with here." My tone was calm and controlled as I looked at the faces of everyone around me in the room.

"Indeed Auxaq, and whatever Vexen is up to could threaten our Organization's future, so for now we should work together to stand against the others." Axel's words seemed strange to me considering what he just said moments ago about traitors being involved here, and who was he speaking to with that comment?

"It would seem Vexen's men will trying using Riku's power to eliminate us, but it's only fitting we use Sora's power against him just as I planned for the keybearer."

"So let's say they get erased then what?" My question was clear since Marluxia never really explained what he would do with Sora, and by association everyone else like myself. If he really intended to cut out the basement members would he then go after me?

"Auxaq, that can wait until later we should focus on our current problems."

Avoiding the question are we fine! You're only proving why Vexen and the others should not trust you to begin with, and now I'm going to not blindly follow you as well. Still I began to wonder who I can really trust now besides Xemnas and mostly everyone back home. As for the other members I'm not certain Axel or Larxene would not trying removing my existence.

"So, what's the plan for the "current" problems then Lord Marluxia?" Axel said with his usual grin of confidence.

"For now we continue with our goal of gathering Sora here, but we need to remain careful from here on. That means we should stick together, remain as a team, and protect Namine along with Sora until the time is ripe." That could actually be a bad idea if we don't already get along with each other. I suppose I could not run down and pal up with the other members, so I might not have a choice besides helping Marluxia's team.

"There's also the matter of the second Riku, the fake version being made from the real one lurking in the basement levels. He can't get stuck alone without someone to "play with" right Number XI?" Number XII's twisted grin matched her sadistic suggestion for what to do with the real Riku. I didn't want to get into another fight with Riku or Sora, but like my idea to just leave here there seems like there is no way out.

"So, what all of us are just going to pretend none of this happened then?"

"Not exactly Axel, but we don't want the others catching on to our issues. Let me state for the record everything about my actions will come into focus soon enough, and for now I can't explain all the details just yet."

"You're keeping a leash on us withholding information like that, and in the process avoiding making new enemies to deal with in the future."

"Very good Auxaq. It seems you have learned something from my actions, the knowledge should benefit you once everything gets done with."

This is just perfect hanging out with people I can't say for certain won't stab me in the back, the fact I still haven't found the Chamber of Waking, and now dealing with two intruders with a possible duplicate as well. I have to suck it up since there was no way to communicate with Xemnas from this castle, and that also made me wonder about what we are doing here without help from everyone else in The World That Never Was.

"For now we observe the situation, and see how far Vexen's creation goes against our precious key."

No one spoke a word as we just continued monitoring Sora's progress through the castle's floors. Apparently he's managed to get quite far since the last time I saw him, but that meant he's lost so many memories from his mind. Namine was taking away everyone he ever knew. Those somebodies he cared about; Donald and Goofy were now the only ones closest to him going through this place but losing their own memories as well, Riku was another person friend who didn't even know he was in the same place as him, and then Namine who seems to really be the one person he cares about more than anything else now.

"Just like me he's trying to gain something important, and yet losing everything else that also matters.'

Finally Sora left another floor rising ever closer to Namine, but he didn't come across Riku this time, but then again the copy of Riku didn't use a portal of darkness so...Vexen! What was he doing there unless he wants to study Sora as well, the man did love playing with other people and considering everyone "mere test subjects" of science. Hearing the audio the both of them were speaking about a dept being paid, and the Number IV brought up the name of Sora's friend Riku, is that right?

"Indeed, I do. I'm the one who brought Riku to you."

"Then...you're the one...You're the one who's been controlling him! What have you done with him?"

'You truly have no idea...' The reality was something that could shatter his increasingly fragile mind, and I'm certain even for someone as cold as Vexen he would enjoy that. Another battle was now taking place as Vexen's shield got summoned to defend against Sora's keyblade. The fight was more of a duel of brains versus brawn, and Vexen knew exactly how to use his ice abilities effectively in combat.

"He's just toying with the boy, the real kind of power Vexen's holding back would freeze him solid in seconds."

"Like you were any different when you faced off against our keyblade warrior Larxene..."

"Axel, don't tell me you actually went all out on Sora and lost during the first fight!"

Does it really matter in the end? I thought the idea was simply gauging his power, seeing how strong he is, and how powerful he could become in the future. Starting at Marluxia for the moment he seemed to have the same thought as mine, and frowned when he looked back at the sphere. Our "Chilly Academic" had the upper hand with his ice needles, but Sora was not a person who gave up easily.

"You're just an experiment!" He was clearly pushing him to fight back, and I knew first hand what Sora can really down when the odds were against him. Sora began to fight back, and he also took advantage of the element the academic used in combat. Suddenly with the help of fire magic Vexen was now completely on the defensive. While the strength of the keyblade didn't break the "Frozen Pride" Sora was landing more damage on the researcher nobody, but this fight was not yet finished.

"He's becoming such a keyblade warrior don't you think so Auxaq?"

"There is still much he must learn before he would even be considered ready for the Mark of Mastery." Despite the fact I no longer could really be considered a Keyblade Master, the fact is Sora was nowhere close to obtaining that rank, duty, and responsibility no matter how much he might want it. The fight was in the climax with Vexen relying on Diamond Dust, and Sora using his strongest cards to overcome the decreasing temperatures before it was too late.

"Any last minute bets for Sora or Vexen?"

Axel's joke didn't bring any laughs, but the real punch-line was the idea of Vexen winning this battle considering how it seemed just about finished. Vexen expressed his anger now simply throwing his mighty shield around to hit the chosen keybearer with no real plan of attack. This gave Sora the opening needed to call for help, and someone with spiky-yellow hair appeared on the field.

"Cloud Strife, that somebody was detailed in Hades' files. He must have been one of the people in Sora's memories, and he's become manifested in a card." Of course that self-proclaimed God of the Underworld that myself and Larxene met. So was Cloud one of the gladiators forced to complete in his games? Cloud's weapon of choice was a huge sword that might rival Lexaeus' own blade, and yet the man could swing it very easily.

"I-Impossible! That man just cut my glaciers in half so easily!" Even I felt impressed how sharp that blade was considering how dense ice really was, but Cloud was able to chip it away letting Sora land several more hits with the keyblade turning the battle tide in his favor. Vexen's screams later were the confirmation about who was the "victor" in this contest.

"Did you even notice? I was delving deep into your memory as we fought, and...here look what I found."

"That card it's...damn you Vexen!" Larxene's hiss came with the image of that card, the world looked just like...Twilght Town?

"A card crafted from all the memories that are locked away in the other side of your heart." As Sora took hold of that card my mind finally understand what Vexen meant by the "other side" and who they belonged it. This should have been clear to me already, but Roxas looked so much like Ven yet he's really the Nobody of Sora. The pieces finally came into place, and it all made complete sense.

"If Sora disappears, that would mess up the Organization's plans."

"...I trust that you know what you need to do."

The tone of voice sounded very much like Marluxia was holding in his anger, the calm nature of Axel also seemed like a mask as well. Both of them were hiding what they really felt about each other, and what they both wanted to actually say.

"Haven't a clue, really. Maybe you can spell it out for me."

"Vexen has clearly committed a treasonous act against the Organization. You must eliminate the traitor."

Traitor? Then is Marluxia trying to destroy Vexen before he does something to Sora?

"No taking that back later."

The atmosphere changed once Axel left, and I knew there was something very wrong about this. My eyes looked right at his face which held no expression. Larxene also seemed more quiet than usual, but that looked very disturbing considering how expressive she usually acted.

"It's time for you to understand the truth about our mission here Number XV."

"...The truth? What are you talking about I thought the idea was having Sora help us out here in the castle, and perhaps find Ven's resting body."

"Oh right, so you still believe we need to find your "friend" in this place yet we are going to have a genuine keyblade warrior fall into our hands. You really shouldn't act so selfishly bluebird!" What is she implying that I don't need Ventus? Does she really think I'm going to abandon my friend for Sora! She is the "Savage Nymph" indeed.

"What Larxene means is Sora can open up multiple routes with the kind of power he wields. So, why should the "Superior" be the one to benefit from having the chosen one under his control?" Marluxia what exactly does he mean? Is he trying to say he's actually the traitor of the Organization? All of this time I should have expected something like this from him!

"This castle has freed us from his power, influence, and control so why not take advantage of this place and our guest of honor."

"The strength of the keyblade is truly amazing; the mind of this certain wielder is still weak enough however to mold into a mindless, but powerful weapon."

"Larxene what are you saying? Marluxia just what exactly are you trying to imply?" The room almost felt like it was spinning around me, the words entering my mind didn't register yet as my mouth began to quiver in suspense.

"The time is just ripe for the spark of rebellion, and now all we need is the right match. Sora without any of those other members will be the perfect tool for this plan, but we need to make sure we can entrust everything with the right people. Axel has been given his test, and now it's your turn."

Don't tell me...they want me to remove someone as well!? No there was no way I would do that, and even if I don't get along with everyone here what would make Marluxia believe I was some type of assassin. No there is not way I would harm anyone who did nothing to me, and I would refuse that order no matter what! That's when I felt two hands grab hold of my shoulders.

Larxene's face was now very close to mine as she moved her lips to form a sentence that surprised me.

"Do you really love Ventus and Terra?"

"Of course I do, though I find it odd you of all people would ask me this..."

"I see, but then if you honestly care about them why do you need to have your heart?"

Was that a joke, her tone of voice sounded pretty serious for a funny line, and her "emotion" seemed very genuine as well.

"Why do you think Larxene, without my heart I can't express my joy and happiness. They would be reunited with me, but I could not show them a real smile, true laughter, and the love inside of a beating heart." Yes I knew both of them would not understand Auxaq The Sapphire Sorceress. To really bring everything back to normal I must become Aqua the Keyblade Master...

"Do you really think having a real heart would matter to them? Don't you think both of them would appreciate you for what you are nobody or not?"

Did I just enter some alternate universe, come across one of Vexen's replica creations, and or Larxene gained her heart back when I didn't see it. Hearing these words that sounded very kind from the kind of woman I've gotten to know over my time in this group was hard to accept. Suddenly she began trembling when she realized the doubt I had about her speech.

"Your friends...from how you talk about them don't seem like the kind of people who don't take friendship for granted, and maybe even true love. Honesty Auxaq don't know how good it feels to have a man who really cares about you..."

It's more likely she's speaking from experience than just talking about Ven and Terra. She never did tell me who this guys ways, but it seems like she never wants to go over the details about it so I can't say for sure what happened between them.

"What are you suggesting I do then? Just hope they can get over the fact their friend lost her heart, becoming both ageless and emotionless? No I want to find them sure, but I can't face them like this not without the soul of the person they knew from so long ago..."

"Are you sure that you need your heart back for that? Can you be certain Xemnas' words are the truth?"

Xemnas was lying about the need to regain our hearts? Marluxia didn't believe in the goal of this group, but that means he's been plotting this plan for a while now. Looking at his smile I knew he was relishing this moment for all it's worth.

"To obtain control of this Organization I don't need my heart for the coup d'état!" A plot to take over the Organization?

"That's why we need Axel on our side, and you too my...friend" She was in on this scheme as well! They were just leading me on, so I could side with their scheme to overthrow Xemnas. What could I possibly gain from betraying the person who gave me this existence, and the only hope I had of regaining a normal life again. Wait then this means Vexen, Lexaeus, and Zexion were not involved with this plot.

"We can't trust that man with what I've learned about this person you know as Xehanort. With Vexen's help I've gotten a chance to learn more about this man; the name of Xemnas is not really his, the details about his research, both of their appearances, and finally the fact Ansem the Wise took in someone with that name leads me to one conclusion."

"Xemnas..." Larxene began to speak before Marluxia cut her off.

"Is related to Xehanort...or perhaps they are the same person."

That's...that can't be true! Just because they look similar does not mean...Xemnas...Ansem those names do sound like they could be the same, but then I've been lied too all this time. No this was not real it had to really be some trick by Marluxia just to make me side with him.

"Where is your proof of this claim, Marluxia! If anyone can say that surely they must have some evidence right?" The lack of a response was making me angry, so if they were just leading me on then I nearly fell for that trick! Marluxia pulled out a two pictures; one contained the image of the Superior, and the other looked like him, but much younger along with a different outfit looking like a scientist.

"The resemblance is awfully similar don't you think?" Isn't it strange how Xemnas knew about the Chamber of Waking being in this castle, and surely he's told you about his Chamber of Repose by now." Of course he told me about that place, so the reason was he wanted to find Ven just like I do there is nothing wrong with that.

"Don't you think it's also convenient Xemnas is looking for keyblade warriors like you once were, and to have them seek out hearts for his artificial Kingdom Hearts. That power when filled is capable of so much more than just returning us to normal Auxaq. Hell the man might want to become a "God" instead of help any of us!" Larxene...you aren't wrong about that, the person I knew as Xehanort manipulated me and the other students of Master Eraqus for that reason.

"That's reasonable information, but how do you know that's what Xemnas intends to do with Kingdom Hearts!"

"Are you serious bluebird? What more proof do you need that Xemnas is an asshole!"

Larxene's next line was promptly cut off, but I knew they wanted me to accept this glass half-full theory with no real proof in their claims about our Superior. There is no way I can just turn my back on everything I knew...

"It seems Vexen intends to reveal the truth about Sora's connection to Roxas after all. That will ruin everything, won't it Namine."

"No, it won't change a thing if anything it makes it even more in common with each other. Me and Roxas...are the shadow of Sora and...Kairi."

I was grateful the focus turned to Sora wandering through the fake Twilight Town, and it gave me the chance to think about everything I've just learned from both co-conspirators. For now I could not help to confront or attack them by myself, but if Axel returns soon then perhaps the both of us...

"He's become so lost in his forgotten memories he won't even remember Goofy or Donald soon." Namine's whisper came with her concern for his well-being; such a loss of his mind could result in him truly becoming an empty shell with only one purpose, that was to protect Namine and nothing else. Marluxia's plan was almost complete with nothing standing in his way now besides Sora's friends, Vexen's agenda, and perhaps the false Riku.

"Perfect once the last parts of those useless memories are gone he will be the greatest weapon against Xemnas."

My hands grasped my covered arms at Marluxia's comment knowing I could not do anything to stop him for the moment. Now that I knew what he was planning, not just taking advantage of a chosen one, but to remove all of what makes him Sora was something I found completely vile. Still that could not be the case, the reality was I was just protecting my disgust through acting.

Taking my mind off that I looked at the bustling town Sora was traveling through, but it lacked anyone besides the heartless created from Sora's memories. It was somewhere I wanted to visit after this business was over with, somehow getting to spend some time off performing missions to hang out with Roxas, Xion, and perhaps others from the Organization. Enjoying the sunset with sea-salt ice cream in my hand...

"That mansion I've seen it before!" Looking at Sora head near that place reminded me of when I saw that man in red, and I believe his name was DiZ by the reports filed on him. While Larxene, Marluxia, or Namine had no idea what I meant I knew that I would need to find him as well once I return to that world. Sora's voiced interrupted my train of thought.

"With Namine-my memories...sort of came drifting back to me, a little piece at a time. But not now. It's not just memories-just this idea that I must have been here before."

"Sora...this is my fault." Namine moved her head down as I knew what she was thinking while Marluxia and Larxene taunted her despair.

"So, feeling nostalgic?"

The man who lured Sora into this world appeared, but something didn't feel right about this. Unlike with Marluxia's game he just wanted Sora to lose more of himself through the floors of the castle, but Vexen brought him into this world deliberately for a different reason. Sora clearly was sick of the games, and just yelled at the Number IV to get to the point already.

"I told you before-This place was created solely from another side of your memory. Is is on the other side of your heart that the memory of this place exists. It is your heart the remembers."

"Vexen, are you trying to spoil everything?" Marluxia's disapproving glare was interesting to watch since for once not everything was "going accordingly" to his plans.

"If your remain bound by the chain of memories and refuse to believe what is truly found inside your heart...then throw it away. You are not a Keyblade Master-just a slave to twisted memories. Yes...exactly like my Riku."

"Like YOUR Riku? Worth nothing? That's enough! YOU'RE the one who's changed Riku! Every word you've said is a lie! I'd never throw away my heart! I'm going to take you down and save Riku and Namine. THAT'S what inside my heart!"

"But Sora! That's not what's inside MY heart!"

"RIKU!"

Everyone said the same thing, the image of Riku appearing behind Riku was nothing any of us expected to witness on the screen. Why is the replica here now, and not confronting him at the exit of a floor! Sora was at a loss of words, but Vexen was just smirking.

"Riku, don't worry I'll save you from Vexen! Then he can fix you, and we can both find Namine."

"You still don't get it nothing's wrong with me, but you are the one who can't remember anything. The promise was made with me and Namine! This is my story, and you're not a part of it!" Riku's smile looked off to me considering how the replica, and the real thing usually acted.

"Riku, that's not true..." Suddenly Sora was frozen in ice by Vexen's element unable to move his body. Then the image of Riku began to shift into someone else that I knew very well.

"You're right about that hero of the fabled weapon! None of what you know is the truth, and we'll prove it to you shortly..."

"Zexion, the nobody with that kind of power to mask himself. Vexen lured him into that world, and used that image to trap him!" My voice shouted as suddenly everything made complete sense, and why he wanted Sora away from everyone else. Sora was strong certainly, but against two members of the Organization there was little he could do to stop them as was being held captive.

"Now relax going through the a portal of darkness is tricky for a somebody like yourself, but lucky for you we both are excellent guides for your tour into the basement." Vexen's mocking laughter seemed directed at for us to hear as they disappeared from view. Looking around the king and queen of this plot to take over didn't speak a word, but Namine look was full of concern about what might happen to Sora.

"That bastard ruined everything! I'll kill him, that emo little prick, and that giant oaf! This is the last time we last that brat pull this crap on us!" Larxene's hair began to spike up, the electric volts poured from her body nearly coming in our direction as she clearly was beyond pissed off about this. I was somewhat happy their scheme was failing, but it's not I was rooting for Vexen. Marluxia didn't speak a word, so he moved his hand over his face thinking about something.

"Larxene, do you really think you can just face three nobodies by yourself? If you just rush in they might even try to harm Sora which could ruin your plan forever." I knew she was going to end up destroying herself if she went down there, and part of me didn't want to say that to her willing to let her fade into nothingness.

"We can't let them get away with this insult! Those sons of bitches are-"

"ENOUGH LARXENE!"

For someone like Marluxia, the idea of him raising his voice was not something you would expect so the both of us kept our lips shut after that shout. Namine hid herself behind her book trying not to look at the "Lord" face that was now filled with malice.

"We will capture our precious key, but it just so happens we need to manipulate someone else. The replica is something Vexen can control, but the real Riku would easily be willing to save his friend. Auxaq, you and Larxene have to find the real Riku down below. I'll wait for Axel so we can go over the plan to break Sora free once you both return with him."

"Riku? You're kidding right? Why do we need another brat to help our-"

"You want to control someone else Marluxia! Haven't you failed already with Sora?"

"We don't have a choice! Now suck it up and do as I command! Failure of this assignment will mean severe consequences for the both of you..."

Marluxia suddenly grasped Namine's shoulder tightly knowing that I cared about her safety. He could do much worse than play with her mind with the mood he is having, and I knew that I have to stay stuck in this place for the moment. Everything was going to hell, but it can't get worse than it already has for myself right? Me and Larxene gave a slow nod as both myself and my partner went away for another mission...one that I might regret later.

"P-please save Sora...I have to meet him." Still if this could bring Namine happiness no matter how fake then I will comply.

"As you wish..."

Protecting the weak, defending the innocent, and bringing a smile on the face of those who need it.

Perhaps in some odd way I am still a Keyblade Master just without her weapon.

[ Credit goes to youtuber user LexioLTG for that quote in the beginning, and I knew that it should get used in this kind of story thank you. Anyway I promise things will not remain this dark or cramped in one place soon. While I appreciate Chain of Memories' plot the fact it takes place in one area might become somewhat boring. Hopefully things won't get too out of character since this is new territory, but thank you all for sticking through it with me. ]