The Sapphire Sorceress
Disclaimer: The rights to Kingdom Hearts belong to Disney and Square Enix.
Act 31: At Dusk, I Will Think Of You...
"I used to watch the sun set with somebody else. Or when I'm by the sea... When I look at the water and hear the waves lapping against the shore... it's almost like I can hear another voice."
Destiny Islands: Mainland ( Kairi's POV )
- Day 71 Reunion -
It has been one hard week for everyone at this school with the S.E.E.D exams now completed. The results would not come out anytime soon, but at least I can rest easy for a while. The dread will return once I find out if I passed or failed from my scores along with my other friends. Funny once the major tests are complete all the other tests don't seem as tense or stress-inducing. In the meantime I was having a rare day off from school due to a holiday.
"Just relax with Zidane," The suggestion about how I should sped my free day from school came from Selphie. "And just enjoy life. You've still got a long life ahead for yourself Kairi." If I didn't know better I could have guessed she wanted me to get closer to him that I already was over these weeks since coming here. While that support was certainly appreciated my school life can't consume my other duty.
"Maybe I should go check on Leon or Yuffie."
My mind was being split into two ways, but I can't do both at the same time unless by some miracle there is enough time for both Leon and Zidane. There was actually a third option which I haven't considered until this very moment, the chance to explore more of this island. The civilians that don't go to this academy usually have such positive comments about this place, and I haven't gotten the chance to explore this land much.
'Why don't I bring one of my friends?' Perfect! This will accomplish two things at once, but the question became who should that person be exactly or why should I take this person with me. Now I have the list down in my head: Zidane while being a huge favorite is something I can't bug all the time, Selphie is something I connect with good enough, Tidus is something I haven't been around in a while, I've also been drifting away from Wakka, and Yuffie is just bizarre in general.
Looking up at the ceiling in my room I pondered all of my choices , my mind now in deep thought about who would be the perfect companion for the day. Then a realization came into my head with the answer now clear in my mind. The only issue was finding out which place did this certain teacher lived in...
Getting some help from the students who knew Quistis well enough, and despite their shock of a student wanting to meet a teacher during non-school hours, I expressed my determination to find her today. It was not surprising to see students act hostile or uncaring towards teachers, the age old rivalry was like cats against dogs or even boys against girls. personally, I didn't bear much of a grudge against the people trying to help us through the school's tests.
The house seemed rather pretty with the different flowers growing near it, the cats roaming around also added to her nice place which had a simple color design red and white. As I walked up to the door I only hoped she was at home since I didn't want to have put all this effort into finding no one here. I gave the wooden door three knocks and let time pass by for a response.
'Not a good sign maybe I should knock again.' Giving three more taps on the door I could only hope she was coming to the door, and if not perhaps I should leave some kind of note. Taking out some paper from my bag I didn't notice the blonde woman opening the door until I put the paper on her chest.
"Kairi, if you're trying to earn some extra credit you didn't need to track me down today." Realizing that I almost wrote something on Quistis my hand went over the back of my head trying to ease the embarrassment I was feeling.
"No, actually I wanted to ask you something. You see I've been wanting to learn more about this place, and I felt like you would be the best person to teach me."
"Strange, but I guess you have gotten rather invested in the history of these islands for the sake of your training, and speaking of which how have you been doing Kairi?"
"I've been well yet I needed some time off to focus on myself and the exams. I plan to return to magic exercise soon, but I figured with today being free from school I should take advantage of this opportunity." I hoped my explanation would convince her to say yes. Honestly, I didn't know anyone else who knew as much about this place than my own schoolroom teacher.
"I don't know what to say about this? Why haven't you considering asking one of your friends instead of like Zidane or "monkey boy" as some of those uncivilized students call him."
"He's not a monkey! He's someone who I like to hang out with along with Selphie and Tidus, but I don't think they know certain things like you do Quistis." She was surprised at that comment yet I was genuine with my words about her knowledge. She turned around looking at her clock before moving her face back at me.
"I have to get myself ready to meet one of the faculty members, but if you really wish to have me as a travel guide of sorts then I suppose it wouldn't hurt." Calling me into her home she gave me the order to sit down on her couch and not to move from this spot. Looking at the pictures I saw a few with Zell which made me frown knowing he was gone from her life because of the darkness around the worlds.
'Does she have some resentment about the fact I could not save him or maybe she wants me to get stronger to keep tragedy like that from happening.' My mind asked the questions however I could not say for certain that was the case. Everyone else also felt uneasy in the following days, and despite Rufus' new security system everyone was afraid of losing their hearts.
'I can't let such a thing happen again not when I'm supposed to defend my friends here.' Seeing that Quistis was still upstairs I began to look around out of curiosity. The notes on her desk were actually about...fans of her? While I knew she was popular with the guys I never expected these kinds of note about her beauty, looks, and why they have a crush on her. It kind of made me feel like I was nothing special when compared to Quistis Trepe who's gotten the attention of almost everyone.
"So, where did you want to go exactly? There are several different locations on this island, the many ocean locations you can visit, several kinds of shops you can check out, but my personal favorite is the main square of the island." Tilting my head as I realized there were many options I could take for this tour. With a smile, I wanted to say all of the places, but my teacher shook her head almost reading my thoughts.
"The best way to grasp the knowledge of this place would be the Historia Building. I was planning to visit there sometime this week anyways." Sighing I knew that was the best answer I would get from Quistis which meant that would be my destination. Firstly we had to go back the school, and who should be there but Zidane speaking with Rufus Shinra? The both of them were having a pretty quiet conversation which we could only see and not hear that well.
( Here is a small part of their conversation for the reader. )
"I thought you said we have a deal in place!"
"We do alright, but if you continue playing the hero I might have to reconsider the offer. I'm sure you don't want your friend's future getting changed by your decision to not play nice right?"
"What kind of person in your position would use a college girl's reputation to suit his own needs?!"
"The successful kind of President. Now then I suggest you think about what's at stake before you consider blabbing your mouth all over the school."
Quistis looked worried as did I since from my past experiences with Zidane he's never acted this concerned or worried like he acted with Rufus. This was completely out of his normal laid-back character which made both Quistis and Kairi very concerned for him. Rufus and Zidane quickly ended their talk once they noticed who was observing them as the current head of Shinra Academy whispered into Kairi's teacher.
"Zidane, are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine, but don't talk to me right now!" I reached out my hand to grasp his shoulder, and he simply knocked it away gently like he didn't want me around him. I called out to him hoping that maybe I could run up and catch him however he was moving so fast on his own feet. I never expected to see this happen between me and Zidane which made me wonder what Rufus said to him earlier.
Quistis asked me to wait outside as she deals with Rufus which meant I had to stick by this doorway bored out of my mind. While I was waiting I noticed someone was looking at me, the person was still there even after I rubbed my eyes. Either my mind was off in dreamland or that white hair looked just like...Riku? My legs moved as quickly as possible to look at his face.
"Kairi..."
"Riku, you're really here." Even with his strange new black attire, he was standing right in front of me. My eyes began to tear up since this meant Sora was also okay too, but he's not here as well. My emotions began to overwhelm myself yet I smiled at my friend happy about this reunion.
"I had to see you before... it's good to see your face again." He was hiding something from me just like Zidane treating me like I was still that little girl from before; they didn't want me to know out of fear or concern for my safety was that the reason? Still, my tears pouring down my cheeks were happy ones since Riku might have seen how Sora's been doing without us.
"Where's Sora? He should be with you or at least look to find you and the King."
"Kairi, it's just...a lot has changed since I last saw Sora. Believe me, I want to tell you everything..."
"Then tell me already! What do you think will happen if I don't know because it can't be any worse than remaining in the dark!" It was the truth despite having the future duty of a keyblade's chosen my friends still wanted to protect me from the world. Well, that can't be the case anymore! I have to face my fate with nothing holding me back not even the people I love. Riku was taken aback from the defiant glare in my eyes.
"You...I guess you've also changed as well. Listen I don't have much time to explain, but we managed to find each other again. In this weird castle, Sora was being lured into some trap, so I didn't expect to find him there..." As he went on with his explanation I certainly was not prepared for the story he was trying to explain to me.
"Is he okay?" That was my main concern about Sora ignoring most of the other details told to me by Riku. He gave a gentle nod confirming he was well at least.
"I can assure you he will be fine, though he's not going to wake up due to Namine messing around in his head."
"Namine?" I never heard that name before, and yet something felt very familiar to me.
"She was held captive by The Organization. Their leader Marluxia wanted to get his hands on Sora, but with my help sort of he was able to stop them all except for one of them. This nobody with blue hair, the name she called herself was Auxaq."
Auxaq? I've never heard of that name before either or whatever a nobody was in fact. Looking at Riku he knew I wanted more answers even if he didn't want to tell me them.
"They wanted all of us to complete some kind of plan, but when I fought them off that darkness inside me took over. I overcame "Ansem" however his power still is overtaking me. There is someone who can help me fight off this power, but in order to do so, I can't be around you. As for Sora, he was forced into sleep until he regains all of his lost memories."
Sleep? Memories? What happened to Sora over there, and why did he lose all of his memories. Oh no, don't tell me he doesn't even remember me...
"That means Donald and Goofy also lost their memories." He nods again with a frown confirming my worry about what might happen now. Without Sora to find the king that means I was the only active keyblade user in the worlds.
"Unfortunately however like Sora they will get them back with Namine's help. Listen these nobodies are gonna come after me, but they don't know about you or your own keyblade. Whatever happens, don't let them uncover you or your power." Might these people come here? That's a horrible thought so I can't let anyone else find out about who I am...
"Don't worry Riku I am not going to become a burden for you and Sora." I knew Riku just wanted me to stay well however I would be fine without him around or Sora. I was more worried about where Riku was about to go, and whoever was trying to help him deal with the remaining strength of Ansem.
"Good...I want to back to our home when this is all done with, the three of us back where it began and all of us can look at the sky. At dusk, I will think of you Kairi along with Sora."
He wrapped his arms around my figure, the embrace was going to end soon however I milked this moment for all it was worth. Just knowing both of my friends were doing okay put my heart at ease. Riku slowly turned around giving me one last wave before he disappeared with one last look in my direction, and there was a happy smile was on his face. I simply waved him off wishing him the best.
That warning he left me about this Organization did bring up some fear about the future since they sounded much different than the Heartless I've gotten to learn about through my training. Then the fact I want to learn more about the people Riku told me about Namine and Auxaq. Maybe Quistis knows more on such subjects or Leon can enlighten me about these things, but for now, I should enjoy my day off. I couldn't wake up from this reality, and yet I wanted to be there when Sora will wake from his slumber.
"Sora, please have a gentle dream and remember who you are..."
The World That Never Was: White Room ( Aqua's POV )
While the surroundings felt like home part of myself didn't feel safe being in the hollowness of this castle, the irony fitting a being who can never change is not used to the world that refuses to change. No one knew that I would be returning here with Axel or the fact I failed in locating the Chamber of Waking. There was also the report I would need to give to Lord Xemnas...Terra? No, he was my boss and nothing more!
Before I stepped in front of the audience today Axel gave me some advice on how to ease the disappointment that my Superior would have about my lack of success. The key was to just...
"Try and don't let the conversation be about your failure."
Okay, I will ignore that and only he won't be that upset or rather project that feeling on me. That jerk had the easy assignment of simply meeting Roxas and Saix while I had the face the music by myself. Shaking my head I brushed my gloved hand through my blue hair with the replacement uniform presenting myself at my best, the dark clothing reminding me of my duty to serve this organization.
'There is no backing away from this now I can only move forward in this non-existence of mine.'
My eyes looked at the circles forming a circle in this white room, the seats were mainly empty besides just one, and I happened to know who was looking down at me. I made my way into the center of the area closing my eyes in preparation for my report to the Superior of all nobodies.
"Lord Xemnas, I regret to inform you of my failure in Castle Oblivion. The plot to cause a Coup d'etat was something I was in the dark on, and I barely managed to avoid sharing the same fate as the traitors of this group. Any punishment you deem would be understandable, but I just wish to express my regret in being unable to locate my friend our friend...Ventus."
I bowed my head trying to seem both humble and confident that I gave it my best shot. Even with such much of my past back I still count rescue who matters to me all because of that man Xehanort or Ansem. That boy Riku and his friend Sora they ruined everything, and because of their actions, I lost Larxene...
"You seem troubled my dear sorceress. From what Axel has told me you were forced into removing Larxene with your own hands."
"I don't deny this is the truth. I believed there could have been a way to win her over, but Riku's power would have turned her into a mindless beast. His darkness is dangerous just as Vexen speculated it could be, and with the aid of the hero of light there was no way I and Axel could overcome them both."
"So, you and Axel decided to let Sora handle Marluxia instead of taking care of him yourselves. Xaldin would consider that weakness, but it ensured both of you could return here in one piece. I'm impressed with your progress even if you couldn't find the Chamber of Waking."
It won't happen again should the opportunity to return in Castle Oblivion presents itself. That won't be for quite a while however due to the damage inflicted on the place during the recent events.
"It is good to see you have also regained your memories, but you do no have the ability to reclaim your keyblade." A keybearer without her weapon some master I've turned out to be Eraqus...
"I am unsure as to why that is the case Lord Xemnas; this body knows how to wield it yet the weapon can't stay within my hands." I could summon it simply with my mind, but as the object was placed into my hands it grew very heavy. My determination managed to allow me to hold it with both hands, and yet I was unable to fight with this weight holding me down in combat.
"Strange, the weapon still holds you down, but your hands don't seem to feel that burning sensation like before..."
"Something else besides my past is holding back my full strength. When I was in the castle there was a moment when my body felt like it was being sapped of its strength." A deep booming laughter echoed across the room as I felt unsure why that comment was funny or amusing to Xemnas.
"Now I understand what is going on with you dear friend. That power will be yours again in time, the details as to how you will reclaim your weapon I will look into later. You can enjoy the rest of the day, get reacquainted with your fellow nobodies, and prepare for your return to active duty here Auxaq." Something didn't add up here, but I didn't want to question him when he actually took the failure of my mission pretty well.
"Thank you, Superior." With a respectful bow, I made my leave hoping to find Roxas, Xion, or Axel for a much-needed ice-cream visit to Twilight Town. A much needed break after the long trip to and back to this realm of naught.
The World That Never Was: Grey Area
Nothing about this place looked different besides the decrease in nobodies around the place. Nearly half of the 13 was destroyed because of three people no actually it was two heroes and one nobody. Today there was only a few people around the place: Demyx who was tuning his sitar, Xigbar who grinned at my scowl once I saw him, and Xaldin who was in deep thought.
"Look who's managed to come back our precious sorceress, so how was being around those traitors like bluebird?" Even as a nobody you love to cause me some amount of pain don't you Braig? He should understand what mood I was in, I bet he also knew that I didn't bring back Ven or find the secret room in that castle.
"Lay off her Ziggy I mean she was one of the only two survivors from that place, and I would rather deal with her problems than that "witch" Larxene. Thankfully she's ding-dong-dead like Maleficent!" Oh, Demyx you...you are something else. I certainly did not miss hearing those off-note sounds from that musical weapon of his that was for sure.
"To think our organization allowed such weak fools like those in Castle Oblivion. They did not deserve to regain what was lost, the fate each one of them received was worthy of their heinous actions."
"In translation, they got what they deserved. Seriously Xaldy you don't have to always put things in such complicated manners of speech." Demyx actually was in the direct line with my current thoughts how frightening...
"Wow I never believed you could say a complicated statement like that Demyx, and yet you've only managed to state what was already said by Xaldin."
Tuning out Xigbar and Demyx's argument I wondered where that cold emotionless being even for a nobody Saix was right now, the man usually enjoyed giving out assignments for everyone like they were candy. Turning my head around I only saw that Moogle in our black coat uniform looking at me.
"Do any of you guys happen to know where Roxas is?" Since getting into a conversation with any of these men would cause nothing but trouble, and simply put I wanted to see how he's been since I left this place. There also the issue of his face reminding me of Ventus. They couldn't be similar to each other...at least that's what I thought for the moment.
"You mean that boy! I think he's off doing some mission, but I think we should talk about what new song I can use for everyone, the goal being to give all of us some cool theme song!" Are you serious? Why do we need some kind of music to play when we enter a room?! What could a musical piece even do for the sake of our cause anyway? My head was ringing with the sound of Demyx practicing how to bust an eardrum or as he calls it playing music.
"See I think you need a theme like this Auxaq, and I'll call it drinking from an ocean of sadness while swimming through sorrow."
"As if! The fact is water torture would be in your field of expertise Demyx."
Wonderful I just knew this conversation would lead to this kind of talk, so I quickly turned to look for Xion instead of sticking around for this comedy. I would need to ask Saix about her since talking with the others would force me back into an unneeded discussion about random subjects like how to manage your room, keeping a good look with your hair, and or more sitar noise for my poor ears.
I did ask for Saix's location which they knew about the area being called "Addled Impasse" which apparently was a higher section of the castle, and that place could only be reached through the Proof of Existence. After touching the stone belonging to Saix I was warped into the next room. Roaming in the white halls and floor I never felt so isolated even when during my first days in this place; while I've adjusted to being a nobody I felt like this was still not my home even if I called it that.
I could hear the sounds of someone being attacked or possibly attacking something which put me into a defensive mode while my legs moved to find the source of this disturbance. The figure was dressed in the uniform of our Organization, but it seemed to be attacking some random heartless soldiers.
"Hold on let me assist you!"
"Move aside!"
Saix? I've never saw him in this kind of state before acting like he could feel rage or any real emotion. His weapon easily dispatched while I stood back not wanting to get hit by that thing, and dealing with another person going on a rampage. The creatures of shadow quickly dispersed while Saix was glaring at me panting like he was also a wild beast. Again that color yellow instilled fear into my very being.
"I trust...you've come alone then?" The light from the moon was bounding over Saix's body which I didn't understand at first, but I remember Xigbar telling me about Saix's particular element. Under the moonlight, this nature would come out, but not many of the members have gotten the chance to see this on display.
"You risk putting yourself in danger just to seek an audience with me I should remove you from this false existence of ours, but I feel that you have a reason for being here besides plain stupidity."
That's the Saix I knew just as cruel as ever like nothing's changed between us. In a way, I was happy to hear this cold tone like I was back to a feeling of normality.
"Do you know if Xion is on a mission currently?"
"Strange, the idea of you looking to find that nobody is rather odd considering how everyone else feels about Number XIV. As far as seeing her that will not be possible today for personal reasons. I might be able to put you two on a mission together, but I think you should return to your room for the day."
"Well, can't I just see her then?"
"No...you can't just like everyone else your superior's word is absolute which shall be obeyed. I suggest you focus on the new mission you will take tomorrow instead of wasting time with her."
Why does everyone seem to do this when I ask for certain things, the only thing I want to do is hang around Roxas or Xion. Seeing that I was getting nowhere I took a look at the only source of light in the dark sky that heart-shaped moon. Each day with the hearts gathering it becomes more full. With the bloom of the full moon our greatest wish shall come true.
'How much longer until it becomes complete like us?'
Retreating into my old room I was grateful the bed looked just as crisp as the first night I laid on it, and like everything else in this world, nothing has changed. The window also gave me a few at the lifeless city that was near our base of operations. Getting back into my causal outfit that was my old keybearer clothing I took out my belongings that I brought back from my stay at Castle Oblivion or rather the Land of Departure.
Pulling out my journal I took hold of the one souvenir that I had to get from that place, the book Larxene loved more than most things "The 120 Days of Sodom" by Marquis de Sade. I told her that I would push through and finish this book so she could hear about my feelings on the book, and even if she's no longer around there was no way I would break my word on that.
While I still found the subject matter rather horrifying to digest my investment in the book grew as my fingers flipped through the pages, my eyes reading the written in black ink, and my imagination filling in the blanks. November and December were the hardest to read through because of the nature of the abuse given out, and if my soul was intact I would've stopped reading at that point.
"Without the emotion to feel disgusted at the subject matter this is surprisingly easy to read through..."
January and February were easier to get through reading over these last few weeks, and now only March reminded before I can fulfill my promise to Larxene on finishing this book. Opening up my journal I could say more pages were filled out, and I almost got to the halfway point with the amount of stuff I've written down so far, but then something came up.
"What's this?!"
I didn't write this portion of the book which was made a few days ago by...Larxene?
"So, if you're reading this you've figured out I've been reading your notes. I know you deserved to be peeved at the lack of privacy, but I won't tell a soul about the really personal stuff." I couldn't help but smile knowing how close we've gotten over the months.
"Anyway I just wanted to say that you've given me a lot to think about with the whole maybe hearts aren't so bad to have back, and in general that for as bitchy as I've been you still hung out with me. I...guess that would make us friends after all. Perhaps I would not mind seeing Terra and your Ven someday, but that's for another day." Larxene...
"By the way please don't let that dumbass Demyx push you around when we get back home...or rather when you get home. Don't act like a sobbing baby if we're not together when you get the time to read this because I've made my choice like you have Auxaq. You better stick to what you believe in even if that makes us enemies. Still, you've made these last few months entertaining for me and for that...thank you!"
Placing my hand over the final words left to me by Larxene I felt like she was still with me here and now. I will not let her down either, so that means fulfilling my ambitions and goals. This also means I will become closer to other possible friends left here in Axel, Roxas, and Xion but that can wait for another day or two. For now, my eyes closed as the mind was thinking about a better time with other friends I cared about and deeply dreaming that I still contained a heart.
[ Alright we've gotten back with Kairi who is still juggling living two lives at once. Auxaq now plans to get closer to the Clocktower Trio, and Xemnas is scheming as usual. Anyway, I will try making this arc shorter than the COM plot since a few of the mission are kind of filler, but speaking about filler you might be in for a surprise soon... ]