The Sapphire Sorceress

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

Act 45: Night of Tragedy

"You don't need a reason to help people."

Destiny Islands: Mainland (Kairi's POV )

- Day 174- Action, Reaction

"You're going to be fine, Kairi. I know we've been through a lot these past few weeks, but tonight is going to be the night."

"I...I don't know if this is such a great idea, Yuffie." Standing outside of the academy my hesitation was obvious on my face, the situation was making me unsure if I should even be here right now. Yuffie put her hands on my chest while giving off a bright smile that was not meant to tease or mock me.

"Don't worry about this big event! I and the brooding guy will be here on watch if things go south, but tonight shouldn't be about your duty as a keyblade warrior." That is easy to say when both she and Squall brought along their weapons to this huge night for this school. While not many people were aware of the possible danger they were in some of the staff that were close friends of Squall had been on high alert. There wasn't much else that could be done since not everyone could live in fear or be aware of this impending danger of a heartless attack.

"Still, I can't believe that everyone won't be laughing at this dress..." Yeah considering the looming threat of the darkness to my own surprise my bigger concern was this red, flowery dress that I would be wearing for this dance tonight. Rufus suggested this as a way of "keeping my life normal" rather than remain focused on my training. I simply found it has a way to keep away in the same area in case heartless do show up tonight, which could either be a good or bad idea.

"Come on and relax. That dress looks pretty tame compared to when you see what some of the kids brought to waltz around in. You won't be the only one who gets embarrassed tonight so have fun, kiddo."

"That's reassuring, Yuffie." Sighing I was looking at all the students walk up the steps to head inside for the huge event put together by the school staff, and everyone looked to be in suits or fancy dresses like mine. To everyone else tonight was going to be filled with lots of excitement, but mine would be that way likely for the wrong reasons if that heartless makes good on its threat against the people living here. Looking inside of the building I couldn't be sure if it was okay to pretend that everything was okay.

"Hey! I'm so happy you decided to come, Kairi!" That voice could only be Selphie, her dress was yellow with a few dandelions covering the outfit. She certainly felt thrilled that we were taking part in tonight's festivities.

"Yeah, honestly I think with you being here it will be easier to have some fun with the dance." Yuffie encouraged me to head to the school with a wave; the smile on my face was hiding the dread building withing my soul about tonight. That feeling was replaced once I got inside of the place, which was filled with music, party decorations, and plenty of people dancing around the hallways. From teachers to the students and other staff members everyone just wanted to have a great time tonight.

"Oh, yeah this is one heck of a dance party! I have to get Warden Rufus some credit! Underneath these rules and uniforms, he can be human ever once in a while!"

"Exactly! Between this and the free sea-salt ice cream, I think someone has replaced Rufus with a real person." I knew the students were simply joking around, but I figured the real reason was to give a small break for everyone before the next S.E.E.D exams begin later this month. A momentary night of relaxation before the big push into an academic series of practice tests in preparation for what is to come. Knowing that I decided to put down my guard so that it would be easier to enjoy things rather than remain on high alert.

"Oh geez! Who can I possible ask to dance with me? None of the other girls wouldn't even spend time speaking with me, the chances of me finding a date tonight are 99.999999989%!" That would be Hope Estheim, the only real friend Lighting or Claire has in this school. Contrary to his name he certainly is filled with much hope tonight, and I knew it was a matter of time before he would come asking me to dance with him. The eyes of his were darting around, his desperation was obvious, but I couldn't accept no matter how much I felt bad for him.

"Well, I can see how tragic this must be for you Hope." Oh, dear...it had to be her that confronted me right now. Lightning waltz up in her link-pink outfit that matched her hair color. Standing next to her, locking arms with her is none other than one of the most popular students in school: Snow Villiers. One of the best Blitzball players in the academy. In fact many expected him to head into the professional league once he graduated from the academy here. Smirking at me my "friend" was likely ready to begin messing with me again.

"Missing a dancing buddy? I'm not surprised to see you among the poor saps who can't find a warm body to move around the room with tonight."

"How ya doing, kiddo? Name's Snow, but you can call me Captain Snow of the Blitzball team. The best damn Blitzball team on these islands as a matter of fact!" Yes, the famous head of the team that I've never heard about except for when you constantly brag about it nearly ever day of the week. Rolling my eyes in the back of my head I knew they were going to tear me apart if I couldn't prove them wrong by the end of the night.

"H-Hello Light, and M-Mister Snow. U-Umm I was gonna a-ask Kairi out for a d-dance on the main floor."

"Expecting to get disappointed, Hope? Chances are you would fall on the floor if you played around with this fire starter, which perfectly describes your personality." Now, what is that supposed to mean exactly? I caused trouble for others or was it being with me will get you into problems. In any case, I shook my head to walk away before this sparked an argument, the feeling of a hand grasp my arm revealed Lightning who suddenly looked like she was about to yell at me.

"Don't walk away from me like that! You're one of the most liked students here for whatever reason, and I expect you to prove that popularity to not only myself but Rufus Shinra."

"Like I need to prove anything to anyone including you! Why can't you just back off for once so I can actually enjoy myself!" The last thing I planned to deal with tonight was this annoying crap, so I would be the bigger man...or woman in the case and walk away. Then, Snow actually stood in my way while Hope was hiding behind Lighting.

"M-Maybe you shouldn't be r-rude to her...L-Lightning."

"No way I'm going to let her get away with that kind of remark!"

"Hold on a second, Claire. Perhaps we should let out this anger when it matters so that kiddo can feel the embarrassment of being without a dance partner." Whatever if that means you're all leave me in peace then fine. Hearing a loud "smooch" the duo simply left me to my "bad luck" with Hope nipping at their heels. Part of me felt bad that he was stuck with those two, but that was his decision, in the end, to stick with them.

'You can't save everyone...' It was something I needed to remember as I finally arrived in the main room where everyone had gathered. Quistis, Yuffie, Rufus, and even "Leon" were in fancy dresses and suits for the special occasion. All the lights helped brighten my mood, the disco ball while a little tacky to me looked neat, but I wondered if "he" was going to show up or not; since even with a more friendly atmosphere he might not even take part in tonight's event considering his feelings on Rufus.

"How ya doing, hero?" AHHH! How on earth did Zidane sneak up behind me like that?! Surprisingly, he also looked ready for the occasion, but there was a huge yellow bow-tie around his neck and his hair also looked combed to the back of his head. Scratching the back of his head for a second Zidane also brought out a bunch of roses...that were for me?

"I know that I'm not the romantic type, so umm can you pretend that I am kind of a lady-killer tonight?"

"What about Garnet?" I knew she might feel a little upset if she got wind about this, his face blushed for a moment before he explained himself.

"Bah! This is just for one night. Besides I know how it feels to be the one person at a dance with no one to move around the floor with, which leads to one embarrassing night that will be remembered by everyone." This is certainly very gentlemen-like for such a thief like Zidane, and I didn't want to be rude to his request so I shook his hand in agreement. With that, both of us began to walk in the center of the room as the D.J of tonight's dance our History teacher Barrett played a new track.

"Alright, folks! Here is an oldie but goody for the big dance fray! Give it up for one of your favorite tracks: The Bomb Mission!" The speakers began to play the rocking music, our bodies began to move around in rhythm with the song, and our minds began to think and act as one. Lightning and Snow were glaring at us, which I responded by sticking out my tongue in a childish manner.

"Guessing those two are your rivals?"

"More like a bunch of pets really..." That didn't mean they would ruin this moment for me, the chance to hang out with Zidane like this was something that I was grateful to have. As the music picked up the pace our bodies began to move around faster, sweat began to pour down my forehead as I tried keeping up with the seemingly more experienced form of Zidane's movement. Everyone was now focusing on me and Zidane, which admittedly I was kinda happy about while at the same time I felt worried that my body would mess up this waltz.

"Mmmmmm, you certainly know how to move you way around with a guy, Kairi. I don't see how Light and her pals can make fun of you." Believe me, after tonight they will only pick on me, even more, knowing how they feel about me. Looking at Zidane I could see that he wanted to know if I was okay, his thoughts were about my well-being.

"I heard about Rufus putting you through the ringer lately. Don't let him push you away from being who you are, Kairi. Standing in the face of authority, she was kind of like you back when she went to this school. Garnet would be honored to have met you Kairi trust me on that."

"In your heart, you know that...umm you seem to like me to some degree?" I couldn't help blushing when I said that last part, turning my face away to hide the shame I felt for even suggesting that...he might like me. Little did I expect him to gently take hold of my chin, his eyes connected with mine as we both couldn't find words to come out of our mouths.

"You would be surprised about that, Kairi," Time stood still as I could imagine his lips coming down onto my own, the both of us beginning to kiss each other with our eyes closing to savor the moment. I wondered if this was some dream that we both were experiencing at the same time or not. Opening my eyes I could see that his lips were near mine, but they weren't on my face like I had imagined for that split-second. "There is someone you're waiting for, so it would be a shame to steal you away from him. Trust me you will be able to enjoy this with Sora eventually..."

"I know but...he isn't here tonight. If he was then I would-would likely be dancing with him, but not that you're bad at this kind of stuff." Was it selfish of me to want Zidane to be in Sora's place? I don't know the right answer to that question so I began to think - hard - about what this feeling my chest is, and if I really should act on it or try my best to ignore this sensation. While the crowd was cheering me on I couldn't hear their voices only Zidane's wonderful tone.

"How about you can figure that out after we're done impressing the crowd?" Nodding, the both of us decided to lay our hands on each other's waist as we kicked things up a notch. We began to spin each other around, our bodies tilted up and down, and we both circled around just as the track was finishing up. We both moved back and pulled forward in another kissing tease leaving the crowd speechless as they believed we would actually connect this time. Ending the music and dance we both held each other's hands outward, our bodies span around in a circle, and the lights all came down on the both of us.

"Alright, boys and girls! Give some love to Kairi and Zidane for putting on a heck of a dance maneuver just now!" To my surprise the spotlight was on us in both the figurative and literal meaning, the positive reaction made me feel happy about doing this and coming out here tonight. Yuffie and Quistis were part of the crowd giving me support, which made me appreciate them helping me out over these last few months. Even Snow and Lighting were clapping although they likely wanted to save face, the fact was I didn't care about how they felt about me right now.

'Everything is perfect tonight...' I sighed in joy as it seemed like nothing could possibly go wrong for me at this moment. Then, I could feel it...a spike of power that could only belong to one being. I knew from my training what this sensation could be, and I wished that it wasn't the case...

"Ahhh! Run for your lives!" I dreaded that scream filling the gym where everyone was standing in, so I could barely see who was yelling out in fear until Hope ran out in the middle of everyone looking like he was about to pass out. He certainly looked like a man who saw something frightening, but I hoped that it wasn't what I expected to hear from his mouth.

"Hu-uge...mons-sters! Outside of the school! Everyone iiiiss in dan-nger!"

Damn it! Why did Hope have to confirmed what I didn't want to hear at this moment; he wasn't giving me any optimism about what I needed to do right now. Zidane's voice called out to me as I ran up to Yuffie and Leon who immediately knew what was on my mind.

"Okay, we need to keep everyone here so they don't become prey for the heartless. I'll try and have Quistis distract everyone and calm Hope down." Not a moment too late as I could already feel the tension rising among the people looking around at the fallen Hope. Even Lighting and Snow had no idea how their lives were at stake right now.

"I and Kairi will take care of the heartless outside, but please make sure none of these kids will do something stupid!" Yuffie nodded as Zidane was trying to call out to me. He had all the right to know, but that would put him in mortal danger and I would not be able to live with myself if he got hurt because of me. Looking at Squall we both ran out letting the teachers and our allies keep everyone here safe. As we opened the door I could see quite a few large heartless looking around for food to devour, the meal wouldn't be hearts if I had anything to say about it...

"Here's some tasty hearts you monsters! Come and get some!" I didn't listen to Squall's orders since I knew that time was of the essence, then when the threat was gone he could critique me about charging into combat. Despite their large girth the size of these monsters also slowed them down making it easy to dodge their fists when they swung at me. What I wasn't expecting is my fire spells not affecting them much, so I changed it up with ice-based attacks instead. Nothing was phasing this guy, and even striking him in the belly wasn't making this monster flinch in the least.

"Go for the head! Trust me Sora has fought this large fry before you, Kairi." Nodding in agreement I jumped into the air, the hand moved down to deliver a powerful strike on their noggin. Looking over at Squall he was able to easily dispatch a few of these heartless with gruesome head shots with his Gunblade: Lionheart. Despite the odds, we actually were handling these guys pretty easily. Something told me this was only the beginning and my instinct was right when I saw the flying-type heartless swarming the air above our heads.

"A second wave, of course, there would be more!" Sighing I knew that we might be in over our heads in this situation by taking on this threat by ourselves. Squall cursed a few words that I wanted to say as well, but then gave the order to keep fighting them off no matter what. Biting my lips I toughened through the increasing pain in my arms from having to keep swinging my keyblade around, the legs were starting to feel sluggish, and I knew there would be more of the enemy to come down after us.

"Don't let a single one of these monsters pass us! Remember your training, Kairi!"

"That's easy for you to say, Leon!"

He was also in danger of getting his heart sucked out by these beasts, so I felt even more concerned about this situation. Thankfully these big guys were unable to move around much besides tossing their weight at us like a cannonball. My keyblade was holding back the larger heartless, Squall's weapon fired off some projectiles against the flying heartless. It was a long, difficult process however if this meant no one would suffer Zell's fate then I would endure this pain. Jumping around I could see a few enemies cast magical spells that meant they were magic-user heartless.

"They just won't stop, will they? Somehow they knew about everyone being here tonight, and until these beasts hunt down the hearts they won't stop coming!" Such animals thrive on sheer instinct, which means they won't give up until they are completely destroyed by my keyblade." Er, that means we might have to consider evacuating the academy before things get much worse. Of course, there were so many people here not to mention how resistance these beasts can be at times.

"Need some help with these pests?" Yuffie?! I saw her toss out a huge throwing star weapon when a heartless came down near my head. She began to cheer while Squall was hassling her for not sticking around with the others in the academy.

"Don't worry, Leon! Quistis took them all inside of the school to a safer room. It seems like there are some more heartless sticking around at the exits of the academy." Somehow I figured that would only work for so long, and we need to do our part to keep anyone from getting hurt by these monsters. I struck the last of these giant heartless, but suddenly my arm was grabbed by it keeping me from landing the finishing blow. Surprisingly, the larger heartless was still powerful enough to keep my left arm in its grip like this.

"Kairi!" They shouted out to me knowing that I was stuck in a tight squeeze, so I tried blasting it back with a spell when the air-borne heartless began to strike my back making me gasp out in pain. They can't rip out my soul or at least that is what I hoped wouldn't happen to me. Looking back I put all of my strength into sending a fist into the larger heartless, the punch connecting with its own arm. It did free my hand from pain; only a slight amount of red coloring was on my arm from the strain of the pressure applied to it.

"Enough!" Placing all of my strength into my keyblade I gave the enemy one huge blast of my light erasing it into nothing whilst the heart floated into the air leaving only the flying heartless to deal with here.

"Good work, but there are still heartless in the front. I'll come with you there and Squall can handle the flies buzzing around us."

"Just keep her safe, Yuffie. We can't afford to lose her no matter what!" Trust me, Squall. Her words and mine as well considering how much this pain was hurting me in my keyblade wielding hand. Still, this wouldn't stop me from fulfilling my duty so we both ran off towards the entrance of the academy. Unlike at the backside of this school were a bunch of enemies that were kinda hard to see due to it being nighttime. Their yellow eyes were visible however plus I could see they were carrying bows and torches in their hands.

"Archer and pyro-users huh? Well, at least they look more interesting than those bozos in the backside of the school. Let's have some fun!" Nodding to her enjoyment I fired off some more of my spells to hit the long-range heartless while Yuffie went closer to the fire-brandishing looking jester enemies. Their attacks were difficult to see mainly due to the lack of light to see, but at least the fire throwing heartless unwilling helped out when they swung around their torches that lit things up for me.

"Not so tough for a bunch of spawns from darkness, the nobodies looked more threatening even if they looked a bit silly with their black uniforms." Yuffie was hiding back fear with confidence, however, I knew that one wrong move could change that opinion very quickly. Avoiding the fire and arrows got tiresome for the both of us with seemingly no end in sight for the enemy forces.

'Can't surrender not until everyone inside is safe and protected...'

'Are you sure that it's everyone inside that is being targeted, dear?'

Aqua? What is she doing here? Turning my head around I could not find whoever just spoke now. Then, far off in the distance, I could see a figure jumping around in the trees. Was it that heartless I encountered a few days ago, but why was it here at this moment?

'I will save you, Kairi!' It is using Aqua's voice...the Aqua I knew from before to taunt me during this battle. My fear was indeed true; this heartless could think and plan out a scheme.

'Have you figured it out yet! This whole party was only for one person, and that would be you, keyblade hero!' No...then all of this time I was simply playing into these creature's ploy to draw me out! Before I could jump out to take it down some of the heartless began to grab me, so they could keep me away from the mastermind behind these events tonight.

"Kairi!" I know Yuffie, but there was no way this thing was going to play with us anymore...

No one is going to lose their heart...even if I had to give up mine to protect everyone. Looking up I could hear someone calling out to me, but I couldn't hear their voice from the swarm of heartless screaming out as once. I saw Yuffie trying to reach someone, so it couldn't be her that I was hearing right now. Glancing at the boy I could see him stare at me, but the darkness made it very difficult to see him.

'He's not close to Kairi...sick em!' NOOO! I tried my best to push my body up from the ground, but these heartless were too strong to knock off my back. As I watched on in horror this man was actually able to punch back a few of these beasts, so he wasn't someone who didn't know how to fight. That said it would not be enough to protect him from the darkness for a long period of time...only I can help him at this point.

"This is what being a hero is like you pricks! Sure I might not be strong like that lady, but all heroes come in many shapes and sizes!" Wait a minute those poses he was making in front of the heartless...I knew this stance from someone in the school. It couldn't be him trying to help me at this moment...please no!

"Zidane! What in haven's name are you thinking? There is no way you can possibly understand what you're up against!"

"What does that matter? Someone is in trouble, and I can't stand by while they're in suffering!"

Zidane. Please get out of here-I could not accept it if something were to happen to you because of ME. There must be some way that I can prevent...

'How boring! All humans think fancy words can solve all their problems. Well, if he wants to be a hero let him die like one!'

This can't be happening! No-No I can't let him get taken away, the man who is risking everything just to save my butt! I would never be able to forgive myself if...if...

"Kairi, he's waiting for you. Garnet will understand why I'm doing this. Did you know I was once called the "angel of death" with how many people died who got close to me? From mom to dad, and then my friends on the islands who drowned. Garnet and you were the only two who I could really get close to...perhaps those were all signs. Oh, I shouldn't be boring you right now you have a job to do as a hero yourself. Now, go get them Kairi!"

His heart was plucked out by the swarm of heartless, the eyes in his skull grew hollow and empty like his body, and the soul that was Zidane was quickly gobbled up like a piece of candy. His lifeless corpse fell to the ground; a smile graced his ruined form. My eyes couldn't stop the tears from pouring down my face.

"You bastards! You freaking monsters are going to pay for this!" They are simply beings of instinct...no the one at fault would be the one ordering them around.

'Some hero you are, Kairi! The heart contained within would have been able to save that poor boy. Tell me did you actually fall in love with him? Such a useless concept, the feeling of love or happiness. WE ARE BEINGS WHO CONSUME ALL LIFE! NONE WILL BE SPARED FROM OUR HUNGER'

Then, you will consume my light...the light of a keyblade's chosen warrior! My body got a sudden burst of power, a second-wind I suppose but I don't really give a damn what this feeling was! All I knew was there is now a target for my anger...this rage and this wrath! My hands were slashing at the enemies surrounding my position, each heartless fell under the might of my weapon until all were gone. I gave myself a few moments of rest even when the remaining heartless fired at once. Hearing Yuffie calls out to me I held out my weapon to cast a new spell to create a barrier of light to protect me from the projectiles.

"Incredible..." Yuffie's complement didn't matter to me since the enemy was still around us. Until every source of suffering is gone my duty is not complete! Charging in I let out all of my power remaining to send wave after wave of magical and physical attacks on the jesters and archer heartless. My body would pay the consequences for sure, but it would be worth it.

"Get out of my sight!" Sending out a huge burst of light my target was finally in sight, the little bastard suddenly wasn't acting so high and mighty now. How does it feel to know the fury of a woman scorned because of you! This pain I would inflict on you simply because you decided to make a foolish mistake! I tried blasting the monster away, the abomination just moved around like a monkey making it impossible to hit, and all I could see around me was pure red.

'Foolish failure of a keyblade hero!' Couldn't even save your boyfriend with this power!'

"SHUT UP!" I actually cut down a tree with the power in my keybade watching it fall over while my eyes were focused on my target. It actually stuck out its tongue while I tried frying it with my light of purity.

'I told you, Kairi. This is what awaits all people in the end. Don't worry we will put an end to our little dance next time, but I wanted you to get a sample of what's coming for your pals in that academy!' Oh, no you are not getting away! Not after what you just did to Zidane! Rushing at the creature I tried jumping to where it was standing in the trees only to fall over on the ground while it pointed at me while laughing.

'See ya later, my successor!' Like a vile bastard, it ran away into a cloud of darkness while I tried to get back up despite the red bruise growing on my legs when I fell down on the tree limb. Gritting my teeth I began to slash at the ground with my keyblade yelling out despite the pain shooting through my body.

"Kairi..." I didn't even hear Yuffie that well with the state of mind I was in right now. All I wanted was a decent night where I could be normal...instead, it will be remembered as a night of a sad tragedy.

"W-Why...why did it have to be Zidane?" I couldn't understand why this had to happen to him. He was just trying to be a hero and a good person.

Castle Oblivion: ( Aqua's POV )

- Day 193 - Xion Awakens

Finally! I've been looking through this castle for so long...

"At last I can see you again, Ven." The pathway was hidden in the last place I expected to look, the very entrance of this castle hidden in the very first floor. I must admit that stumped even myself, but none of that matters by now. He is behind this wall that is blocked by a keyhole, which means only someone like myself can open it.

"Wait for me...Ven?" Why am I feeling so exhausted all of a sudden? My legs began to slump over almost like something was sapping the life out of my body, my legs, feet, and hands were all beginning to move around slowly. No, after so long please don't tell me this was my end when I finally found my precious friend again...

[ Special shout-out to Riku Uzumaki for the last few reviews that is much appreciated. Poor Zidane, but like with all heroes Kairi needed something to boost her resolve when she was beginning to question if she should even be a hero in this chapter. Next time I will catch you all up on how Auxaq found Ven's hiding spot along with what she learned from Vexen's lab area. ]