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Raven trudged along the dark, gloomy shore, her boots sinking into the black sand with each step. An icy chill ran down her spine as she glanced around at the hazy, purple-black mist swirling over the dark waters. She couldn't shake the feeling that hidden eyes were watching her every move.
The Realm of Darkness was a bleak, eerie place. Shadows danced at the edge of her vision, retreating when she turned to look. The air felt heavy and oppressive, as if the curtain of night would never lift from this forsaken land. In the distance, she could see the faint lapping of inky waves along the beach. Raven shuddered, quickening her pace. She had to find a way out of this place, and fast. The darkness was playing tricks on her mind, dredging up old fears and doubts.
She finally understood Aqua’s suffering in the game, when she too got stuck in the Realm of Darkness. Raven shivered, wishing she had a coat to block the chill wind cutting through her. She rubbed her bare arms, eyes darting around nervously.
"Get a grip," she muttered to herself. "It's just your imagination...just a dream…"
"This is not a figment of your imagination...it is undeniably tangible and true." a voice echoed in the darkness, sending a chill down Raven's spine. It was both alluring and terrifying, and she spun around, searching for the source, yet she couldn't help but recognize the voice…It couldn't be…could it?
Raven's head whipped around, peering blindly into the dark. "Who's there?"
"Your instincts serve you well," said the deep and resonant voice again, as a figure stepped from a corridor of darkness, materializing before her. Xemnas stood tall, his silver hair cascading over broad shoulders, eyes glinting like molten gold. His presence was overwhelming, yet he held a composure that seemed at ease with the wild chaos of his surroundings.
Her eyes widened at the sight of the tall, imposing figure approaching her. He looked exactly like...
"Xehanort's Nobody," she breathed in disbelief. "Xemnas."
Xemnas stopped a few feet away, gazing down at her impassively, yet a slight amusement is present in his amber eyes. "You know of me," he said, voice deep and resonant. "Then you must understand why I am here. But first, what would your name be?"
Raven's eyes are still a bit widened in disbelief and excitement as she looks at the imposing figure before her. His striking appearance matched every detail she remembered - the long silver hair, piercing golden eyes, and black coat that marked his command over nothingness.
"My name is Raven," she managed to respond, her voice slightly breathless with awe. She gripped her Keyblade tightly, unsure whether to raise it in defense, since she still didn’t know his intentions. Xemnas's gaze flickered with subtle acknowledgement as she gave her name. He took a step closer, his presence dominating the space between them.
"Raven...you have been chosen," Xemnas stated, his normally impassive tone tinged with conviction. "Your power over light and dark is unparalleled.” Xemnas held out his gloved hand, before speaking once more. “Join us, and fulfill your destiny.”
Raven stared up at him, spellbound by his words. She had always felt a connection to the mysteries of this world, even knowing it was fictional. Was this her chance to discover the truths barely glimpsed between game levels and cutscenes? Xemnas’ gloved hand is extended, an invitation and a challenge. Raven hesitated only a moment before reaching out to take it.
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With a wave of his hand, Xemnas summoned a corridor of darkness, and gestured for Raven to follow him. She stepped through the portal after Xemnas, darkness swallowing them both.When they emerged on the other side, she found herself standing before a massive white castle overlooking a dark city. The World That Never Was.
"Welcome to The World That Never Was," Xemnas intoned, spreading his arms.
Raven gazed up at the imposing castle, her eyes wide. This was really happening. The world of Kingdom Hearts, which she had loved and dreamed about, was now her reality.
As she followed Xemnas inside, her emotions churned within her - disbelief, excitement, uncertainty. She was venturing into the unknown, but also fulfilling her destiny. Xemnas led her through stark white halls. His presence was commanding yet somehow reassuring as he glanced back at her.
"The others are eager to meet you," he said. "Our chosen one. Your arrival has been long awaited."
Raven nodded, words failing her. Her mind was spinning. She was about to meet the Organization, characters she had connected with so deeply in the game. How would they receive her?
As they entered the grey area, twelve black-coated figures turned to face her. Raven recognized them instantly - Xigbar, Xaldin, Vexen, Lexaeus, Zexion, Saïx, Axel, Demyx, Luxord, Marluxia, Larxene. Expressions ranged from curiosity to skepticism to intrigue.
"My comrades," Xemnas announced, "I present to you our final member and the key to achieving our goal."
He swept his arm towards Raven. "Number XIII, Raven."
Murmurs rippled through the group as they studied Raven intently. She lifted her chin, refusing to show weakness.
One of the members, Xaldin, tilted his head and asked in a deep, gravelly voice, "Is she truly worthy to bear our coat?"
"Her potential is great," Xemnas replied. "With time and training, she will ascend to our ranks."
Xigbar grinned, his one eye glinting as he scanned Raven, his eye lingering on certain parts of her body. "Look who's got a Keyblade! Nice to have ya on board, doll!"
Xemnas glanced at Xigbar for a second, before telling Raven to follow him to her new room.
Xemnas led her up a winding staircase to a hallway lined with white doors marked with Roman numerals. "This will be your room," he said, stopping before the door numbered XIII, and opening it. "I hope you find it...satisfactory."
Raven stepped inside. The room was sparse, with little decoration save for the Nobody emblem etched above the plain white bed. On the bed lay a neatly folded black coat, pants and boots - the standard Organization attire. She ran a hand over the material. It felt light yet durable, and she couldn't deny the coat had a certain dramatic flair. She turned back to Xemnas with a small smile.
"It's perfect, thank you."
He gave a single nod, his golden eyes glinting in the dim light.
"Rest. Your training begins at dawn. Meet me in my chambers and I’ll lead you to the training room. Don't be late.”
With that, he left and closed the door, his coat swirling behind him. Raven watched him go, a flutter in her chest. She couldn't deny that the powerful and mysterious leader intrigued her, made her feel...something. She took a deep breath, emotions swirling within her. There was fear and uncertainty to be sure. This was all so new, so strange. But stronger than that was a sense of excitement, of standing on the precipice of something incredible.
She changed into the sleepwear left for her - a silky black tank top and shorts. As she slid under the cool sheets, exhilaration warred with uncertainty inside her.
She was really here, in The World That Never Was, ready to take her place among the Organization's elite members. This was the adventure she'd always dreamed of.
Yet a small voice of doubt lingered. Were the others already judging her, finding her unworthy? And the training Xemnas mentioned - would she prove strong enough? What if she failed them?
She thought about her first encounter with Xemnas, replaying every detail in her mind. The way he'd emerged from the darkness, his commanding presence and intense golden gaze. She'd been awestruck, and if she was being honest, a little intimidated. But she also sensed there was more to him underneath that stoic exterior. Raven wondered what Xemnas had meant when he said she was the 'chosen one' they needed. What was so special about her?
Her thoughts drifted back to Xemnas. She felt an unexpected flutter in her chest thinking about him. There was an undeniable magnetism to the Organization's leader that intrigued her. Raven shook her head, trying to push those thoughts away for now. There were more pressing matters, like figuring out her role here and what the Organization wanted from her.
She thought about the other members she'd briefly met, an eccentric cast of characters. Would they accept her into their ranks? Or did they resent this outsider in their midst?
Raven stifled a yawn, the day's events catching up with her. As she drifted off to sleep, her last thoughts were of the uncertain path ahead, and of piercing golden eyes…