The Sapphire Sorceress
Disclaimer: The rights to Kingdom Hearts belong to Disney and Square Enix.
Act 51: Fragments of Sorrow
"You really think the truth is going to make you feel better? It won't."
The World That Never Was: Twilight's View( Aqua's POV )
- Day 299 - Sora
I came...too late as usual when it came to matters like this. I'd hoped that things would turn out much better, the basic viewpoint is that Xion has returned to this organization. Therefore I should be thrilled over this, but when I saw that Roxas glared at Axel not even bothering to hear what happened from his friend-I knew something had changed within him. There was a crack withing the bond that formed with these three, and I wasn't sure it there was a way to stop it from getting bigger. Just by seeing Roxas leave the Round Room, his eyes simply looking at Axel with a lack of care while he walked away seemed unnatural.
"I had to bring her back here just as you needed to return here, Auxaq." I didn't respond since I knew he was correct about that, which is why I was next in line for a meeting with the-no our superior of the in-between. There were many questions running through my head along with things I should be saying to Axel and Roxas at this moment, but I simply wanted to know how Xion was doing which I asked from the flame-head.
"She's resting at the moment. The HNIC wants no one disturbing her for the rest of the day. Either way looks like she's going to have it easy compared to the rest of us working nobodies." That would be good for her considering what she must be going through, the situation with myself, however, has evolved. This time I was dead-certain punishment would be coming down in one form or another from Xemnas, a willingness to send a message to those nobodies would have the same thoughts as I did about leaving this group even for a short period of time.
"You want me to go with you, galpal? I know that bossman will be upset with you."
"No, but thank you for suggesting to help me out with this. I am glad it will only be the two of us in that room." That is because I have to know why Xion was created by Vexen under the direct orders of Xemnas himself, so without Saix and Xigbar around the truth is what I would be demanding to get instead of the pretense of learning what is actually going on behind the scenes. Casting aside my fears and concerns about how this could go my shell of a body entered the white room sitting in a chair lower to the ground while starting at Xemnas, his chair matching his level of authority in being the highest in the air.
Lounging in this seat I wondered how to break the ice so to speak, the tension in the room could be cut with a keyblade. Well, if I was able to use mine again...
"Auxaq, the "vacation" you had taken without providing notice seems to be over. While Xigbar suggested I cast you into the "stockade" it would be unfair if I didn't get your reasoning behind this act of a possible betrayal." He didn't sound mad, but I knew he usually put on quite a strong poker face when dealing with subordinates like me. How exactly should I put this to Xemnas? First I wanted to get to Ventus, then I tried unlocking the power needed to use my true weapon again, and then the stuff with Xion happened.
'No I should be direct this time, and not beat around the bush to get my concerns off my chest.'
Looking at Xemnas my voice was filled with conviction in my desire to express the opinions I have on what happened in Castle Oblivion.
"My goal was anything but going against this organization, Superior," My hesitation came up as I knew these next words had to be picked with caution. "The goal was simply to regain my true strength as I've come to see the limitations of Monsoon since I don't have that weapon in my possession." All the more reason I needed to reclaim my right to be considered a master of the keyblade. He didn't reply to that, so I figured that he wanted to hear what my thing is with Xion.
"She came into the castle in order to find shelter from you all while hiding from this group. You see, hidden in the basement is tons of research from Vexen's abandoned work when he was part of Marluxia's team, and there were lots of files on the computers about the Replica Program that began with that copy of Riku." The second in that line of production was, in fact, one of my friends in this smaller organization. Regardless she was still a person I cared about hence why I'm sitting in this chair ready to face whatever punishment Xemnas has in store.
"I wanted to uncover more, but Xion destroyed the computers in a fit of rage. I wouldn't be lying to you since I admitted all of this, however, I do want to understand why you ordered Vexen to create her in the first place?" Was she only meant to be a replacement or was there something else going on that I didn't know behind the scenes of this group.
"I see, the truth is something that is difficult to obtain as you can attest to yourself. Xion was indeed made under my orders along with other replicas that would have been created if Vexen had not met an untimely demise. I had a specific reason in giving life to beings like Xion, the idea being to create my own keyblade wielder that would help in gathering hearts for my greater plan of building Kingdoms Hearts to go unhindered." Isn't that why Roxas is part of this cause then? What could Xion do that made her different from Roxas besides not being a real nobody...
"Sora has become a problem for us, and from your experience in Castle Oblivion, you should realize how important it is that we keep him trapped in the world of slumber to never awaken," Much like what Ven is doing right now. "Xion has taken in not only Sora's ability to wield the keyblade but his memories as well. It would seem that the opposition is trying to restore those memories Namine took out of Sora's mind while under Marluxia's control." Namine? That must mean whoever lives in that mansion is trying to bring back Sora from his sleep...to fight us?
"I fear the worse thing to consider would be Kairi coming across this man who's lurking in the shadows along with the impostor. If she meets with this man, then we would be likely up against two keyblade wielders in the future." Sora and Kairi joining forces to fight us? That...would be very bad I had to admit. Still...
"Why didn't you come out and say this at first?"
"The project had to proceed with Xion learning and studying without anyone interfering with her development over the next few months. The project has also undergone an unexpected development, the replica has begun to take in the memories of Sora as her very own. Even I am unsure how this will play out since you're only of the only few nobodies who knows this truth besides Roxas and Axel whom you've chosen to reveal the truth about Xion, which leads us to your punishment..."
I wanted to object about suffering consequences, but I wasn't powerful enough in both strength and leadership with the other nobodies here meaning I had to remain complacent under Xemnas. He placed his hand out to point at the symbol of our group on the floor below us, his gesture made me confused for a second until he revealed my fate.
"You are...to remain in this castle until you can regain your keyblade." That is his decision-the punishment is being stuck in this place? I certainly was expecting much worse, but on the other hand, this meant I wouldn't be allowed to leave this castle and I likely would be put under supervision like I was a helpless being who couldn't defend myself.
"Superior, I might not have a weapon but that doesn't mean I'm going to get into more trouble!"
"This isn't about that although you will need to find a way to prove your worth in the eyes of the other members. I need you to figure out who you care about more between Roxas and Xion, the nobody of Sora who has a resemblance to your precious friend from your past, and Xion the Replica of Sora who's slowly becoming something different from the person she has been crafted from." A choice between them? Is Xemnas serious about that suggestion, and if so he must know that I refused to choose between either of them.
"If you fail to make a decision, then both of your friends might suffer from whatever happens in the coming days. That looming question is something that would also be asked to Axel since he also has a stake in the lives of both of our keyblade users, as soon the other members will be told the truth when the time is right."
"You can't keep me here while these events play out, sir! I am needed on the battlefield if something more happens in the following days!"
"That is why you will reclaim your true power...while you are within these walls. Consider this a chance for reflection on your decisions that you've made up until this point. Be grateful I'm not sticking you inside of the Soundless Prison for your unapproved leave of this castle." This isn't good. I couldn't move if Xemnas kept his word on forcing me to stay within this world. I realized that coming back here might not have been the best choice, but I knew that things could be much worse for myself since this was the "punishment" for my actions.
"I expect you to remain in your personal quarters for the rest of the day, since Saix and Xigbar will expect me to enforce my order on you, Auxaq." I knew defying this order would be a death sentence. As long as I am a nobody, I will remain a prisoner of this non-existence until the day that my shell can regain the warmth of a true heart...
"I understand. Thank you, Superior." With a respectful nod to my leader, I made leave through a portal of darkness. Only when no one was watching could I vent out my true feelings or rather what I believed where emotions about this designation on my status. Howling out my voice was loud, strong, and full of what I believed was anger despite only being capable of projecting and not feeling such an emotion because of my lack of a soul.
Twilight Town: Market Street ( Kairi's POV )
- Day 301 - Vacant Place
I certainly never thought that I would be traveling to this world with the Gummi Ship once again, but here I was with Squall who wanted me to speak with someone important. This guy in red apparently had something that he wanted me to see, so I was now running around this place because Squall wanted to pick up a few supplies first before we looked for that old mansion I visited during my first trip here, which so happened to be when I ran into that nobody of Aqua once again along with that girl with the blonde hair.
'I wonder if she has a connection with that man in red that Squall keeps talking about...' While I was waiting outside of a shop I could see a few kids riding down a slope with a strange board they were using like a bike, the catch was they didn't sit on a seat rather they were standing on this white board with a few wheels.
"Hey this is so much fun and plus we don't have to worry about being home late since we still have a few weeks before summer vacation is over with."
Lucky kids. Our vacation only begins after the final S.E.E.D exams, and even then we only have one month of freedom before the school begins another year of sessions. Rufus feels that our minds shouldn't spend too much time wasting our "minds" with a vacation, why our president even suggested once that he would the vacation only two weeks instead of a month until several parents, teachers. and students voiced their disagreement with such an idea.
"Woah. I've never seen that redhead around here before!" Oh, one of the boys in a gray hoodie must have seen me along with the rest of his pals. The taller one looked over at a girl and boy as he stepped up in front of me.
"You must be new here, red. I know that I haven't seen your face around here before now." Well, that is why you're looking at me like this mister...
"The name is Seifer, so why don't you tell us more about yourself?" He leaned over to my face, but I felt uncomfortable at how he was looking at me.
"Kairi. Are you going to explain what you and your pals are doing with that board over there?" He looked at me like I just asked if there was underwear on his head.
"Haven't you ever seen kids rolling on a skateboard? What kind of place do you come from, red?" I should answer that since they might get suspicious about my intentions being here; a lie would be better off than simply telling them who I really am which might end up making things worse for me.
'Don't tell anyone here the truth about who you are. They might not be so happy and willing to accept you for being a keybearer, Kairi.' Taking Squall's advice to hear I suggested that I am a new traveler here, and I would be going to this place's school in a couple of weeks like they said in order to cover my true purpose.
"Fresh meat? Well, that would make sense considering how you don't know about me. Still, you feel like proving yourself by riding with us?"
Their eyes were giving me a look that suggested that I should accept this offer, but I didn't know the first about riding one of these things or how to avoid getting hurt. As my feet were planted on the surface of this board Seifer told me all I had to worry about is propelling myself around by stepping on the ground to push myself forward.
"After you get enough speed the rest is pretty easy," He put his hands on my shoulders in a rather unsettling fashion while the others whistled at me. "Unlike like the black-haired girl you shouldn't have much trouble." Wait did he mention a black-haired girl?!
"AHHH!" He pushed me down the slope while I had to focus on keeping myself balanced to avoid getting hurt by agreeing to this "riding" Seifer wanted me to do for his amusement. Kicking my right leg I felt the wind blow past me, the air giving me a sense of peace as I followed Seifer's instruction to let the board take me around and for a moment he was right about that. Then, reality hit me in the face as I almost crashed into a wall unable to stop this board from hitting the wall forcing me to leap off before that happened.
"Ahh, and you were doing so well with that! Guess you are like that clueless girl, another chicken wuss."
"Did that girl happened to wear a black cloak by any chance?" It had to be Xion considering the way he said that. Glaring at him and his pals I needed to know if Xion also came here, since that kind of information could be important to know.
"I don't see why you have the right to know that, I might have to school you in on the rules around here..." Wait. Does he think that he can take me on? That is it you...wait I can't use my keyblade or my cover will be blown. Damn it I guess this won't be easy to get out of with all of these guys crowding around me.
"Why don't you just leave me along with you jerks!"
"Not without getting some munny for what you did to that board you might have scratched. It only seems fair you pay up for the things you break just like that black hoodie from some time ago..."
"How about you leave the girl alone before I break something besides your skateboard..." Squall! I saw him push his way through the crowd while I ran over to the skateboard, the shape of it looked rather good with only a small dent in the front from where it crashed into the wall. Seifer and Squall were giving each other glares, and something about these two felt like they could be rivals to one another in a different world...
"Why does looking at you tick me off? What?! Wanna help out red despite the fact she ruined my ride!"
"I'm not the one who took advantage of a naive girl and her curiosity. Now, how do you feel about answering her question about that other girl you all messed with from before..." Seifer actually tried to knock him out with a punch, but Squall easily took hold of his fist without any trouble.
"Easy, easy dude! I was just feeling ya out! I want no problems with ya or this muscle you got underneath that outfit." Somehow I doubt that failed attack was going to be seen as not wanting trouble Seifer...
"Okay! Alright, the girl called herself Xion. My crew was trying to make her ride this thing in order to look cool when some other chick with blue hair got involved. I think those black hoodies are all part of the same gang." It is Organization XIII. Then, this world is a place they come too often since they were here during my first visit. Looking at Squall, the both of us knew we needed to get to this mansion before we run into any nobody that could be around here.
"Listen between two and me I have a feeling those black hoodies are up to something, and those white gimpy things that have been showing up lately also are involved with it."
"I'll take your advice, now why don't you all do something productive with your day rather than waste time picking on someone who doesn't know better." Hey! Walking next to my teacher he tossed Seifer a bag of munny, and that allowed us to leave without being in trouble with this guy. With that issue over with, we made our way into the wooded area of this town so that we could retrace my steps where I found that huge mansion when I came here a couple of months ago.
"Today you will need to meet the man who holds the key to your future. This man only recently told me about matters, but he seems to know a lot about the current events involving the organization, your training, and most importantly...where Sora is." He-that can't be possible? Riku only told me that Sora was somewhere in the many worlds, but if this person knew where my best-best friend was...
"What are we waiting for, Squall?! Let's go find him them!" I began to run off into the area, the man behind me called out for me to slow down but my focus was set on getting to this mansion as soon as possible. When I turned around I was not able to see Squall anymore, the forest was all I could see around me as my ears could hear the sounds of the trees moving due to the wind. I was grateful there was not a somebody around this place right now; I realized when I looked at a bush that I might be alone with a nobody instead...
"At least I don't need to worry about exposure out here..." Pulling out my keyblade I saw the blobs of white that showed the enemy was indeed nobodies, a stronger threat than ordinary heartless. These ones had strange heads with a weird jewel on the front, the other brand had weird-looking zippers for mouths who began to dangle around in an erratic pattern, but I wasn't exactly used to fighting these kinds of enemies.
'Maybe I should consider retreating from this fight...' As I looked back the nobodies were quickly blocking the exit showing their intellect that made them different from ordinary heartless. Gritting my teeth I charged at the creatures, these beings won't hold me back from getting to that mansion today! Oh, no that isn't on the agenda you creepy-looking gimps!
Charging at the pack I sent out a few ice-based spells on some of the nobodies, which they actually were able to dodge by extending their slim bodies around the blast. Using fire next I tried going after one of these guys instead of hitting them all at once, it didn't work either since they were suddenly being protected by a blue light that deflected my magic. Was the creature being protected by some kind of barrier that could stop my magic, the beings without a soul were actually in a praying stance that symbolizes faith?
"This is not good..." I decided to go into pure physical offensive attacks so that any kind of barrier won't stop the attack coming from my keyblade. Much like before these creatures evaded my attacks this time because of their speed being faster than my own movement. All this time I thought my training had improved my skills; in truth, there is much I've yet to learn about...
"Kairi!" That voice! Squall, sure enough, jumped out of the darkness to fend off a nobody that was about to swipe at me, his gun blade fire off a couple of rounds that didn't actually harm these creatures.
"What could you possibly have been thinking running off like that!"
"We have to get to the mansion because-"
"I know these nobodies are lurking around to seek us out. They must know what you are, so that also means the organization could be aware of your presence here." Indeed, the beings here would keep following us to the mansion, which means we need to lose them in this forest.
"Okay. I'll create some cover fire, and you run right to the mansion no looking on turning back to help me."
"But Squall-"
"Shut up and run! You can't handle these guys, but neither can I! That is why getting you to safety is more important than my own life." He can't just give himself up like this. Like with Zidane...and his own friend Zell. These fragments of sorrow would only continue to build up in my life, and I don't know if I can burden any more tragedy...
"You are the future, so don't forget that many are counting on you to get stronger, Kairi."
"I-I won't..." Gulping, these eyes that were close to weeping blinked in determination as I turned around while Squall gave me a distraction by seemingly sacrificing himself. Here I was fleeing away while someone was likely suffering because of their need to protect me, I will continue to have this happen until I can become strong enough to save more lives. Getting to the huge gate I was thankful that it wasn't locked up like before allowing me to get to the doors without much issue, then I noticed the door was actually opening up on its own?
"Get inside! Your friend will be fine, but you must come into this place quickly!"
"Namine?" I wanted to ask more when I saw the nobodies appear in the yard behind me so I took her advice to head into shelter although we weren't exactly safe in this place.
"We need to get into the basement, the room where even those beings won't be able to enter because of him..." Him? Was she talking about the man in red that Squall kept mentioning, but for now I followed Namine into a room that had a walkway that led further downstairs? Then, I saw a ray of light that changed the open hole in the room we just entered creating a roof over our heads. Namine quickly told me to keep following her through this mansion, which took us through a room with a strange computer system near by us.
"He's been studying things about you ever since you left this world last time, and he's become invested in helping you out in dealing with the future threat that Organization XIII presents for all worlds..." I can see that if their influence can reach out here when I only came to visit someone. Still, I wonder what she believes considering when we last met with each other.
"Why do you want to stop your own kind, Namine? I know that DiZ guy might not think much of you but I think you seem like a girl who can't be that bad."
"Yes, but they are being pulled into a dangerous goal that could spell disaster for the entire universe. Their plight is understandable; their methods, however, are unacceptable..." Whatever their true goal was Namine didn't seem willing to approve it, so that meant I would need to discover their agenda besides merely wanting their hearts back into their bodies.
"Wouldn't you want to have your own heart back, Namine," While we walked through a white hallway I wanted to ease the tension I was feeling. "I mean you were born from someone who lost their heart." She looked at me with a pained expression and simply turned her back not answering my question.
"The man in red is waiting for you here..." She clicked on a panel that opened the door in front of us revealing a huge room. Looking back I could see a few egg-shaped containers being lined-up on some kind of assembly line that leads into this huge area. In the center was a red figure standing next to a huge egg in the center of the vacant place in the mansion.
"It seems that fate continues to bring together everyone despite the walls blocking the worlds around us..."
DiZ! I should have known he would be here considering Namine was here as well, but I felt a strange surge of darkness come around me. Looking around I saw a black hood of the organization!
"Relax girl. He is merely bringing the man who's been trying to help you progress in training." Squall! He's beat-up certainly yet he still has a heart that was beating in his chest.
"This Kairi is the impostor running in the ranks of those dreadful nobodies. To be honest, I didn't think the idea of blending in with the enemy could succeed however we're already contacted with one of those creatures into helping restore a lost warrior of light. That was until a sudden development has nearly put a stop to that plan..." What did he mean by that? I know Squall told me about Sora's involvement with this man, but I wanted to learn why that is...
"Without Xion and Roxas there is no way we can restore Sora's memories, which is why you're here Kairi. To ensure that our plan will not fail despite Organization XIII's attempts to interfere with us. The gloves must come off now."
"But-"
"Nobodies should have never existed-as I'm sure you understand, Namine."
Why is he being so cruel to her simply because she doesn't have a heart! I wanted to say more until Squall told me to remain quiet.
"You two were nearly wiped out from those lesser nobodies while coming here, so it seems that I will need to step in to make you good enough to be a secondary keyblade warrior."
"Secondary?!" I certainly knew I wasn't on Sora's level in strength but that doesn't mean I weak.
"Now, we should begin your "true" training at once in order to destroy those disgusting creatures once and for all!"
The World That Never Was: Naught's Approach ( Aqua's POV )
- Day 321 - Waning Power
Ever since Xion has come back into the fold nothing has been the same.
Roxas has been feeling weaker and has been needing more rest and bedtime.
Meanwhile, Xion has become strong enough to handle mission on her own without anyone to be her partner.
Then, the bond with Axel and Roxas has been getting strained more lately due to their conflicting opinions on Xion's development and their own relationship.
All of that and here I was stuck in this world being unable to leave, so I killed time by doing less-than-fulfilling assignments like computer work and dealing with paperwork. Demyx showed up a few times to play music to help me out of "boredom" despite not feeling such an emotion while I was doing such minor tasks. Talking with Xaldin about his past life he mentioned that the idea of Replicas was something Vexen was up to even when he was a somebody, so this kind of research isn't anything new to him when he was called Even.
"I wonder if that man's work was intended to become what is is now, the friend that I care about alongside Roxas and Axel." That is why I ask requested to come to this part of the castle, the idea came from Xigbar of all the nobodies in this group. Only when I arrived he quickly pulled me near a wall, his hand being put up to his lips to suggest that I remain quiet while I wanted to punch him for grabbing hold of my arm like the unfriendly jerk he is...
Xion and Axel?! They were beginning a conversation with each other, and I think neither of them noticed we were listening to them in secret. They were speaking about Roxas and his weakening state, and Xion apparently was trying to act more independently than with Axel pushing that desire to think for herself as well. I wanted to agree with this, but I remained silent as their conversation changed to being about...me?
"I'm not sure if Aqua understands that she was involved in my creation, yet..."
"What do you mean by that, Xion?"
"Vexen's research involving using Aqua's DNA in the blueprints for my creation, which means she is also connected to my birth. I destroyed those monitors so she wouldn't have to learn of such an ugly truth. If this continues I fear that she will also fall ill..." Would I suffer the same problems as Roxas? Looking on I could see that the replica that was my friend looked pained to admit this.
"Roxas is indeed Sora's nobody, but his face and appearance...there has to be a reason he resembles Ventus. Perhaps Sora's past created a fake image in the form of his nobody or maybe-"
"You should let these thoughts rest for a while. Xion please just listen to me about this. It won't do you any good to stress over things for a long time, so get some rest and consider things more tomorrow." As I watched them end their conversation Xigbar pulled me into a portal so that we wouldn't be seen.
"You see, dollface? Little poppet has gotten bold as of late, but she also might be right about some things. Do you really believe Roxas is your dear Ven reborn?"
"Why does that matter? Roxas is precious to me unlike you who tried using him in Xehanort's mad scheme!" I wondered what Xigbar was talking about right now, the idea of this talk simply being another trick on his part crossed my mind.
"Tsk, tsk. Your time is running out, and eventually, there will be a choice that needs to be made with who you really care about. The waning power will only get worse from here on out..." Before I could demand answers he waved me bye bye while leaving through a portal of darkness. Why would I ever choose between Roxas and Xion?
[ Alright we are near the end of the current arc involving Xion, but know that the ending won't play out like the main canon story like in 358/2 Days. As for what is to come the Kingdom Hearts 2 arc will be next, and the finale will mainly be some parts of Dream Drop Distance. Sorry, there won't be Re: Coded stuff or the 2.8 lore since I want to finish this story sometime this year or the next. What did you think of Squall meeting Seifer btw? :P ]