The Sapphire Sorceress
Disclaimer: The rights to Kingdom Hearts belong to Disney and Square Enix.
Act 38: Xemnas
"Leave it be. How can you not see how perfect this is? In truth, this is more than perfect. Xion is marching right into the arms of destiny, but to destiny's own time. We need not take any more steps. All we must do is watch with caution and patience."
The World That Never Was: Personal Quarters ( Aqua's POV )
-Day 118 - Vacation
My day was not filled with anything spectacular rather me training by myself to kill the boredom of doing a simple scout mission with Demyx. We got the order to investigate a place I went to before as a Keyblade Master, the world being Olympus Coliseum. I remember fondly seeing Zack take part in those games, but I also remembered Hades trying to manipulate him until me and my friends stopped him. Yesterday that was up to Xigbar and Roxas to finish up since Demyx was annoying me with his mood music during the mission.
Now? I'm talking to myself because everyone else is enjoying a rare day off from active duty by orders of the Superior, but I had my own agenda for the day to help Xion out with her training.
"Why did you decide to help me?"
She asked me earlier, and my answer was simple because the role of a keyblade warrior is to never have time off even if they wanted a vacation. There always seems to be a new threat, problem, and or issue plaguing the worlds around us. In that aspect Xion and Roxas would need to be prepared to battle at their full strength, so while Roxas was off in Twilight Town I decided to help Xion out with her skills with the keyblade. This also would allow myself to get familiar with the old techniques I used to wield in combat with my own keyblade.
"Perhaps I can finally regain the power I once used through her..."
Something about that sentence that I said to no one, in particular, didn't sit right with me. It could just be nothing since there was no one around the place today besides a few lesser nobodies and a few members with nothing to do around the castle. Getting up from my bed I looked at the journal, the pages were almost full with only so little I could add to the book at this point. Already my new life has been filled with high and low points that will only continue to grow by each day, month, and year.
The convenience of a lack of aging is my training with Xion can take as long as we need without worrying about time or age. It also meant I wouldn't know how well she was doing since I couldn't feel how she would react to my training course that was planned out for her style. It would also involve help from my own personal nobodies who don't mind getting hurt if it meant serving me...weird.
Nevertheless, I was looking toward making Xion stronger than she already had become over the first 100 days since her and Roxas have come into the Organization. It reminded me of how far we've all come since we were a complete number of 13 nobodies, each of us working for the same goal, and dreaming of a day where everything was set back to normal for us.
As I opened my door I found Xion was waiting for me instead of meeting me in the lower section of the castle like we planned. The look on her face had the sign of a nervous girl, inexperienced, and hoping to improve with my support.
"A-Auxaq...no Aqua I'm...not sure if I will be ready for this kind of training..."
"You remind me of when I first began my own training. Even the greatest warriors known across the world began in your footsteps, the path of training will help you bloom into a fine keybearer, Xion." She wasn't too convinced meaning I need to help boost her confidence, which I decided would be done with the help of my journal along with some of the entries.
"I know Larxnene told everyone some of my secrets, but there are important details you should read out of this book." Pointing out the page about Ventus and Terra I explained about some of the trials we went through before reaching the level of entering the Mark of Mastery. There were several times I failed in doing basic things like magic, but my friends supported me through hardship as I did for them.
"How come you were the only one to become a master?"
"That...that is a long story to tell, and I'm not sure you would want to hear it if you still desire my help in training."
"I know why your friends aren't here but I wish to know why they couldn't become masters like you, Aqua!"
"Circumstances didn't work out for them...now if you want my help then follow me downstairs." I opened a portal for her to follow since I didn't want to answer that question at the moment.
The World That Never Was: Verge of Chaos
I didn't want to possibly damage the castle, so I asked Axel the best place for practice which led me to find this part of my home. It was still connected to the Castle That Never Was, and yet, it was us just enough fresh air to train without being cramped up in a tight room. Looking downward I could see the moving sections of our castle turning around in a cycle, the metal pipes that cover most of the lower sections of this place, and I saw the empty sky of nothing surrounding this world.
"Such an isolated realm, and I doubt somebodies would enjoy the stillness this world provides to us nobodies." Turning myself around Xion was also observing this place having never been outside of this castle much besides on certain occasions. Asking her to draw out her weapon I saw the determination on her face with the blade clutched in her grasp.
"Good now strike me with all that you can muster."
"I don't want to hurt you, Aqua."
"It's Auxaq, and trust me you won't hurt or even hit me."
She went with a basic slash that I easily dodged, but I slowed down trying to get her more willing to fight against me. Her face and speed were showing hesitation in her mind. That must be removed otherwise she will fail to become stronger as a keyblade warrior. She continued to aim in my direction with each attack getting closer to my face. I moved out my hand to block the weapon finding it much harder than expected, and I almost hurt my arm in the process.
"Why did you do that?"
"To see what am I doing wrong...with my body and why I can't use that weapon." Shaking my arm to wave off the "pain" I knew she was concerned about hurting me after that hit, the gesture I made with my hand didn't convince her about my well being.
"If you want to get better then you will learn how to trust someone. Xion, if I tell you that did not hurt me then why can't you believe my words? Besides, I was only imagining the pain in my hand you couldn't really cause me suffering since we can't really feel emotions."
"Do you really believe we lack real feelings...because I think that...forget it."
Damn it Xion! You can't let your shy nature defeat you this easily, you know that kind of mentality will make it impossible to progress in training. Frowning up I pulled out my weapons moving to hit her, the idea being to make her get out of this shell she was hiding in to take fighting me seriously. Xion managed to block my attack rather quickly, but I knew she had to be much tougher than this so I increased the pressure of my blows. Holding Monsoon out I threw my weapons around her when she tried striking me letting the weapon come back around to her her; rather than me continuing to attack by the front.
"Ugh!" Xion was almost hit by my attack however she was able to deflect my weapons back with a spin move by using her keyblade. Grinning with joy I summoned my Oracle nobodies hoping she would be prepared for these kinds of situations.
"There will be moments where you will not have the numbers advantage or supporting by nobodies like me." So, I expect you to handle yourself in combat like now. I watched my subordinates cast out magical attacks at Xion who was able to avoid the first blasts with ease. I noticed she was feeling tired at this point, her body seemed to be heaving slowly, and she was barely able to keep herself up. Suddenly the Oracles were being held up by the Samurai nobodies which surprised me.
"I...did not summon them Aqua..."
"We serve her highness despite what she is truly is just as we serve his highness..."
Watching the unsheathed blades hold back the Oracles I wondered what they meant by the comment made about Xion, she wasn't different from the rest of us nobodies...isn't she?
"How do you make them go away? I can handle this by myself like you want me to..." Not with the Samurai, the nobodies that follow Roxas have a code of honor similar to a keyblade warrior's rules of conduct. Being a former keybearer myself it would be dishonorable to break that code during this training. Calling off my subordinates the samurais bowed as they left us alone on this platform.
"Why do they follow me if I'm not Roxas?"
"It likely has to do with the fact both of you use that keyblade." Pointing at her weapon I figured those lesser nobodies respected Xion like they do Roxas. Much like how my Oracles following me and use certain abilities I have the samurai obey the power and respect keyblade warriors like Roxas and Xion possess.
"I suppose it would be a good time to change things up, so how about we try out using magic then? I know you only know a few spells, but with enough work perhaps you can unlock new ones, Xion." With a nod my black haired student brought out her hands together, her eyes closing as she concentrated on casting a magical attack while I observe in silence. After time passed a fireball was projected out toward me which I easily dodged.
"Not bad Xion, the gift of having magic can help you when you can't rely on a keyblade in combat, well done in keeping it locked onto me. Still, I know you can do much more than that." I told her to try out a new kind of spell, but she only knew how to use Cura and Fira which left me disappointed. Then again we both are nobodies who've lost a sense of what we once were; regardless of how strong or weak, we both might be compared to everyone else.
"There might be a way you can find out new skills with some books. I know Zexion had plenty of books that can teach someone how to use different spells, but I know Xemnas moved his stuff into his personal quarters recently with him no longer being in our group." That went with everyone else's belongings involving the group sent out to Castle Oblivion which could have included me.
"How will you retrieve those books then?"
"Easy! I'll just ask him if we can use it for your benefit."
"Ask the Superior?! He might say no, and you don't have to go through all this trouble just to help me..." Nonsense Xion.
"It is nothing to worry about I will just request a meeting tomorrow, but if you're feeling worried then perhaps you can come along with me." Perhaps she could help out her case by explaining her desire to learn and mature as a keyblade's chosen. It would also help build her determination if she stood up against our leader on this subject. With a smile, I gave Xion a pat on her shoulder deciding we should finish up with some normal physical exercises.
Before our time was up Xion wondered why I decided to spend my vacation day with her instead of anyone else. The answer was simple, the wisdom I had from my past life could be useful to a future keyblade master like Xion with enough guidance and support, which reminded me of how I first started off down this similar path. That could also be another reason why I've gotten so attached to Xion and Roxas.
The World That Never Was: Where Nothing Gathers
- Day 119 - Work To Do
To my shock, Xemnas agreed to a meeting once I explained to Saix my intentions with Xion, but apparently, he didn't believe our leader would grant such a demand so easily. It would have to come early since we both would be heading out on a mission today, the other members who would attend this meeting would be Xaldin and Saix who learn about Xion's development. They would be harder to convince since they were usually skeptical about me and Xion compared to every other nobody for some reason or another.
"Whatever happens I just want you to know that I believe you and Roxas are the rays of hope for all nobodies." The bright shining beacons in our dark world of naught, and with their strength they will make fine keyblade warriors under the right guidance. Xion wasn't thrilled about this as we both made our way into the center of the white room. Xion was concealing her face under her hood while I looked right at the supreme head of all nobodies in non-existence: Xemnas.
"It is such a wonderful occasion to see both my beloved friend and our second keyblade hero at the same time. I've heard about your request to obtain Zexion's library of books, the purpose being to help Xion learn more spells with the intention of increasing her magical abilities." Indeed, the looks on Saix and Xaldin were clearly disapproval about this suggestion along with their usual septic nature about me.
"Unlike Lord Xemnas we don't believe she is ready for that kind of power, and the fact you've been pushing this training onto her makes us believe she is rather fragile." She's not some helpless doll like you, Xaldin, and Xigbar believes Saix...
"Worse yet she might not be able to match the strength Roxas has proven since he's arrived in Organization XIII."
"Then give her time to prove herself, Xaldin. I'm sure each one of us was in her shoes, unaware of what we've become, trying to find something to maintain our sanity and to find others who share our lack of humanity." That's why Xemnas made this society of nobodies, and I had faith he would fulfill that promise of hearts for each one of us...it was the only hope I had left after all.
"That does not mean Xion is on Roxas' level of experience. If she can't reach his current power then why do we need a useless keybearer like our 14th." Just as uncaring as ever Saix.
"Tough talk from someone who rarely goes out on missions, so what exactly do you contribute for Organization XIII?!"
"That is enough...I can see why both sides have a good argument on this subject." Xemnas simply spoke in a calm tone, but the power and influence made us both remain quiet as he was pondering our cases. Xaldin moved his hand down at Xion still mocking her and her "weakness" as a nobody.
"Perhaps we should provide a test to weed out the weak link; if she is truly deserving to achieve power then wouldn't it make sense to pit her against Roxas? Find out which keyblade wielder has the right to be our precious key."
"Xaldin, don't suggest that idea again."
"Lord Xemnas, that would be the perfect opportunity to-"
"I said drop that idea now!"
The room was filled with tension as we never heard Xemnas raise his voice that high before to anyone, and even Saix looked surprised by this anger. I could feel my hands begin to shake in fear as the mere glare in his eyes brought out terror to every one of us. Xion was now hiding her face under her hood clearly afraid of Xemnas wrath for good reason.
"The last thing I wish for this organization would be more infighting, the group has already lost a few members because of that Xaldin."
"Of course! How could I speak recklessly Lord Xemnas forgive me..." He didn't sound all that forgiving in tone, but I figured he was hiding his true feelings. As he sunk back into his chair I noticed Saix was looking at Xion's expression likely thinking she was still a shy girl wrapped in her shell not seeing what I saw in our second keybearer.
"While your words might be excessive they do make a solid point about Xion not being strong enough to handle more...difficult tasks currently. With that said however it would be foolish not to remember over a period of time a keyblade user's real strength can be drawn out with enough experience and training."
"S-Superior...if I can s-speak for a mom-ment..."
Xion removed her hood, her shyness while still evident in tone seemed to be replaced by a small amount of determination. I hoped it would be enough to convince Xemnas to see why she is worth the risk. I was silently cheering her on as she gathered up the courage within to defend herself from her critics.
"It is true that I haven't been here as long as Roxas, but I feel like I could be strong like him. Whenever I'm around him my body and mind feel at ease, my power seems to get stronger, and I can perform better by learning from people like him, Axel and Aqua...sorry Auxaq. This doesn't mean I'm not as powerful as you Lord Xemnas, but the only way I can improve is through action and learning about my weaknesses."
Nodding in approval I knew that was the best anyone could say in their defense while being judged in this sort of courtroom we were in now, the "judge" started down at the both of us with an emotionless face.
"I believe you can convince me to grant you access to Zexion's library by completing your next assignments. Xion you will team up with Axel to visit Beast's Castle, and Auxaq you will travel with Roxas to Hollow Bastion. These missions will determine if Xion is worth investing more of our resources into, so I hope you both perform your next tasks well." He just wants us to succeed with our next missions? I was expecting something more complicated, but I guess the other details will be explained by Saix.
"Sir, you can't possibly expect us to let them get away with making you give into their requests. They are merely your subordinates and-"
"Are you saying that you're not also one of my followers, Saix? I expect each one of you to drop these issues you have with one another for the sake of our true goal. It couldn't hurt our wish if two keyblade warriors were strong enough to harvest more hearts during a mission. Xion, Auxaq I hope you won't disappoint my expectations. Dismissed."
"Yes, sir!"
We already had another goal to accomplish today in Twilight Town together, but I knew the next day or two could help me out with making Xion become more confident in herself along with the natural talents she has as a keybearer. Then, the others would not look down on her like they used and still do to me...failure would not be an option for the both of us. The road ahead would be full of challenges that must be overcome, and for me and Xion this was just another bump in the road to defeat.
Hollow Bastion: Bailey
After we were shipped out to our destinations I knew completing today's mission would mean a lot to Xion, and the bonus was getting to spend more time with Roxas. Apparently, we had to confirm the rumors swirling around the castle about a group of Mushroom-branded heartless: Mushroom XIII.
Yeah, we've gotten that well know there is a group of monsters modeling themselves after our society...I don't know what to think about that.
"Do they also have our cloaks, castle, and heartless styled followers as well?" Roxas said in a joking manner which almost made me laugh...then I remembered that it would be a hollow victory to "enjoy" that funny comment. As for our location, it certainly reminded me of a place I've been before, but it felt too different from what I thought my mind was remembering.
"Where do you think we should look first?" My guess would be where these heartless last popped up, the information that could be provided by citizens can help. Although it seemed like they were invested in fixing up this place as we looked at the huge cranes pulling up pieces of metal into the air. I've never witnessed such a design in tools like this before in the other worlds I've visited; unlike the more advanced castle, this place seemed more like a steampunk fortress that seems more like Traverse Town in style.
"Do you know what they are trying to build in this place?"
"From the look of things, it could be a remodeling of the whole area..."
What this place would become is something I don't know, but everyone certainly was putting in lots of effort in the construction taking place. I noticed there were little children pointing at us saying we were like those black coated heartless...wait did they know where the 13 had been? I couldn't ask since their reactions implied they were afraid of us.
"It's them those heartless things are back!"
"No they don't look like those mushrooms, but they are wearing similar outfits. They might be in league with them!"
The must think we are like those heartless meaning they've never seen nobodies before now. I warned Roxas to be ready if someone starts anything, but I told him we should move out of sight to a building. At least we might not get into conflict in the eyes of a public audience unless they all are hostile. Walking into the small building I smelled the stench of drinks and the unmistakable odor belonging to a certain beverage.
"Damn heartless they've been causing so much trouble lately!"
"Yeah why can't we just enjoy the chance to rebuild this place now that Maleficent is gone."
"She was such a witch, but now we're being protected by a pretty little girl with a keyblade. You know if she really friends with Sora then she ought to be as strong as he is right?"
"Keyblade!?" I and Roxas couldn't believe that statement was just said by one of the workers who was swishing down some Chocobo wine. I figured that could just be the drink talking, but we remained silent as we overheard more of their conversation.
"Do you really think Leon can train her to become the next chosen one?"
"I dunno, but if means we don't have to worry about those monsters lurking around the place I hope she passes with flying colors."
"Hey, I'll drink to that! I would drink to just about anything really...BURP!"
I put my hand over my chin pondering if they were genuine with their statement, the fact about there being another keyblade wielder in this world was surprising not to mention the identity of this user still being unknown besides her gender. Well, there is also a "Leon" character we can find to learn more from, but we also had a priority of taking down of finding one of the Mushroom XIII.
"Our assignment is to defeat one of these mushrooms, no matter what happens next the Superior will want to know about this possible development."
"Do you think she's like me and Xion?" Roxas asked me considering the fact they were supposed to be the only active keyblade wielders since Sora went into hibernation. If this person knew Sora then it was clear the girl was related to him, the relationship in question was still up in the air to the both of us.
"We won't know until we meet her, Roxas." I began to notice some of the civilians were giving us those same expressions of distrust, which we didn't help considering we both sat near the back with our black outfits concealing our faces from the crowd in this bar. Don't tell me they think we're like those mushroom heartless as well? Looking at my partner I knew now was the best time to leave before-
"Who are you two?!"
Wonderful...
"We ain't seen guys like you around these parts before today, and those outfits of yours look pretty familiar."
This has to be one of the worst missions I've gotten to take part in since becoming a nobody. Glancing at Roxas we both knew things might get bad quickly, so we were prepared to fight if they started any trouble with us.
"Do we look like heartless gentlemen?"
"No, but it does seem awfully convenient you show up wearing the exact same outfits like those mushroom creeps."
"That does not mean anything! Do you even know who we are?" Roxas said exactly what I was thinking as I gazed at their faces, their cheeks were tinted with pink, a half-empty glass of wine was in their hands, and their scowls reminded me of the looks Xaldin might give to me sometimes.
"Yeah, we do actually, the both of ya are strangers who didn't even buy a drink while thinking you can just waltz in here to take a seat in the back."
"Fine, what do you have to drink here besides that wine you're all drunk on." I crossed my arms knowing they were going to judge us no matter what we said or did here, the nature of people can be kind or cruel such is the idea of free will.
"Who says we're gonna sell anything to a bunch of strangers? The hell makes you think we let that fly in here! Now, why don't you two start explaining yourselves?"
"Why don't you explain yourselves? After all, we're also talking with a group of strangers..." With a smirk, I decided to play around with the angry bar crowd not caring how they felt anymore.
"Auxaq, why are you trying to anger them?" They began to yell, point their fingers, and slam their hands on the table hoping to make me docile. That only fueled my desire to defy their expectations about me.
"That's it, lady, you and blonde are getting the hell out of here!"
"Sure, just tell me who this new "hero" is first," I said with a stare filled with venom refusing to back down to their demand until we learned some information. They had to know something that would be helpful; while they might label us no different from the heartless at least we could leave once we understand what's been going on here should they explain things.
"You can meet her yourself when you bring more of those heartless beasts here!"
I quickly jumped over the man who attempted to grab my arm, my feet quickly knocked the guy into the wall as I knew we couldn't do anything besides fight back against the hostile citizens. Roxas was holding back the others who tried smashing their beer jugs into our heads, and I knocked their heads together knocking them out. Yup, another mission gone downhill, to be honest, this was something I've gotten used to dealing with these days. The different was I didn't need to rely on "lethal force" since they still had souls inside them.
"Now, let us restart that conversation shall we?" I held the last remaining bar attendant's arm in a tight grip trying to remain understandable given all of these people attacked us first.
"That girl you all mentioned, carrying on the legacy of the keyblade warriors who is she?"
"I've got nothing to say to you monst-"
"Monsters? Please, we actually have sanity unlike your average heartless!" Despite the reasonable idea of us being related to the mushroom heartless I felt insulted by that remark. Gripping his shoulder more tightly I forget the kind of pain someone could go through with emotions running inside them.
"Auxaq! Don't hurt him!" Sorry Roxas, but I needed to know more about this girl.
"Alright, I'll tell ya Kairi is here with that ninja girl! They've been training lately and-"
"Kairi?!"
That name...it couldn't be that Kairi...but if she is her that can only mean is she's the new keyblade wielder?
"Did she have a keyblade like this?" Roxas summoned his weapon to the man who quickly nodded his head, but he described the color and shape being much different from his and Xion's weapons. My mind still could not accept this was the truth, I had only more question to ask him about this girl.
"Was her hair red?" He looked at me for a moment before slowly nodding his head, the image was clear to me now, and I came to accept his words at reality.
"Roxas, there is work to do here."
Hollow Bastion: Bailey ( Kairi's POV )
"Come on Kairi gives me some more push-ups!"
"W-hat does this have to do with using a keyblade?!"
"Nothing, but I wanted to see how long you could do this before passing out."
"Thank you, Yuffie!"
Huffing out the air from my lungs I finally did the last of my exercises before falling on the floor in defeat. Tossing me some water on the floor, her legs simply kicked in the air as she was relaxing on the chair belonging to Cid. After learning more about Rufus and the plans he had set up for me back at the academy Squall wanted me to come back to Hollow Bastion, the idea being to get away from him while he did more investigating.
'Once again he didn't explain anything besides just wanting me to stay here to do more training.' I wanted to bash him in the head to make him understand how I was feeling, but Aerith and Yuffie managed to cool me down. Not much else happened besides the sighting of strange black mushrooms in coats, which managed to convince everyone that I was meant to protect this land from the heartless.
"Although with the increasing heartless activity you should be prepared for battle at any given moment. Be glad you've got a coach like me, The Great Yuffie!"
"Yeah I'm so glad you've been pushing me to wear my body out..." I was chugging down the liquid in the bottle now that I could actually sit upward.
"Love hurts my friend and I do love you Kairi; completely and totally!"
With a friend like her, I wouldn't need to deal with heartless. Sighing I began to wonder how Zidane is doing back at school, he might be a lone wolf who refused to work with Squall under the idea his reasons for working against Rufus were because of his issues. I don't know what his story was with him, but I only wished he didn't get into too much trouble. I only wished that I could spend more time there, which compared to my first day at the academy was quite the change in opinions I had about the place.
"Don't worry about your homework by the way. I'm not the brightest bulb around, but I do know where I can find some to help out..." Suddenly there was knocking at our door revealing a very concerned Aerith, her face was dripping with sweat likely from running here.
"Those black coats are back...they aren't like the heartless mushrooms..." What? More heartless have come here? Yuffie pulled out a huge ninja-star while I knew that another fight was coming today. Charging outside I looked for the source of this new conflict only to find a crowd of people looking at two people walk around in black outfits, the uniforms resembled those mushroom heartless.
'Could they be stronger forms of those guys?" Judging by their human-looking shapes they certainly seemed different from the mushrooms I saw earlier. Everyone was looking at them in fear, and when I looked at them something about their bodies feel strange to me...for a moment I felt like my heart was swallowed by nothingness.
"We are looking for the girl named Kairi..." I saw the first hooded figure point at the crowd before demanding something with a voice that I heard from my distant past.
"If you wish to not make things worse then you will help us locate this girl."
That voice...it couldn't be that same person...Aqua?
[ DUN DUN DUNNNNN! Now is that a cliffhanger or what, but yes the first meeting between Aqua and Kairi since their departure will happen next time. I know this story has been going slow, but to my wonderful readers and followers things will pick up starting with the next update. Happy Holidays everyone. ]