image [https://img.wattpad.com/story_parts/1411324005/images/17a735f67a0a0eba129285629536.png]

Raven's eyes fluttered open to the pale moonlight streaming in through the tall, arched windows of her new quarters. She slowly sat up in the large canopy bed, the black satin sheets cool against her skin. For a moment she didn't know where she was, her mind foggy with sleep.

Then it came back to her. The Castle That Never Was. Her new home, if she could even call this dull, empty place that. She shivered, despite the warmth of the room, feeling utterly alone. Raven slid from the bed and padded silently across the dark marble floor to the ornate mirror mounted on the wall. She studied her reflection in the moonlit glass. Her dark, wavy hair was tousled from sleep, her green-blue eyes still heavy with exhaustion.

She bit her lip, frowning at the curves of her body barely hidden beneath the thin silk of her nightgown. She wrapped her arms around herself tightly. What was she even doing here? She didn't belong in this place, with these people...with him...

Xemnas.

Just the thought of his name sent a nervous flutter through her stomach. She remembered the way his golden eyes had studied her so intensely when they first met, as if he could see right through to her core. He confused her, intrigued her...and yes, even scared her a little.

"Don't be stupid, Raven," she muttered to herself. "Like he would ever see you as anything more than a means to an end."

She turned away from the mirror in frustration, pushing down the unwelcome feelings of insecurity rising within her. This was her life now, for better or worse. She just had to make the best of it. Raven dressed quickly, pulling on her black pants, coat and boots with sharp, efficient movements. She ran her fingers through her hair, smoothing it into some semblance of order. Her nerves thrummed with anticipation of seeing Xemnas again.

She knew she shouldn't let herself get attached. He was the Superior after all, cold and calculating. Still, she couldn't deny the subtle shift in his usually impassive gaze when he looked at her, as if he wasn't entirely immune to her either.

Shaking her head, Raven pushed such fanciful thoughts away. She had to focus on proving her worth to the Organization. With a deep breath, she left her room and made her way silently through the halls of the castle. The clicking of her boots echoed off the high ceilings. When she arrived at Xemnas' door, she hesitated only a moment before lifting her hand to knock firmly. The sound seemed to resonate in the stillness. After a few seconds, the door opened.

Xemnas stood before her, as imposing as ever. His face was its usual emotionless mask, but Raven noticed the barest flicker in his golden eyes as he looked at her.

"Raven," he said simply. His deep voice sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. "Come with me. It is time for your training to begin."

Without another word, he turned and strode down the hall. Raven hurried to follow, her heart racing with nerves and that ever persistent, troublesome hope.

Xemnas led Raven through the twisting corridors of the Castle That Never Was, his black coat billowing behind him. They passed several other Organization members along the way, their footsteps echoing off the white walls. Xemnas acknowledged no one, his gaze fixed straight ahead. Raven couldn't help but feel self-conscious as they walked, intensely aware of the Superior beside her.

She had always been insecure about her body, about the way she looked. But Xemnas seemed not to notice, or perhaps not to care, about such things. Still, she found herself sucking in her stomach as they went, keeping her back straight and shoulders back. At last they came to a set of tall double doors. Xemnas pushed them open with an easy wave of his hand, striding into the room beyond. Raven followed uncertainly. Her eyes widened as she took in the training room.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

It was a huge chamber, at least two stories high, with a polished white floor and tall pillars along the walls. Strange white creatures milled about, humanoid with long zippered mouths. Dusk Nobodies, Raven realized. Xemnas must control them for training purposes.

There were also a number of target dummies set up at intervals across the floor, perfect for practicing attacks. Some looked singed, others slashed through, evidence of heavy use. Xemnas turned to face Raven, his expression unreadable.

"Show me what you can do," he said simply.

Raven swallowed hard, summoning her Keyblade in a flash of light. This was her chance to prove herself. She wouldn't waste it. Gripping her weapon, she launched herself at the nearest target.

Raven swung her Keyblade in a wide arc, slicing cleanly through the target dummy. It fell to the floor in two neat halves. She pivoted on her heel, narrowly dodging a spell from one of the Dusk Nobodies.

"Good," Xemnas said from where he observed several yards away. His voice echoed through the cavernous room.

Spurred on by the subtle praise, Raven continued her assault. She darted between opponents, Keyblade flashing as she attacked. With each destroyed target or defeated Nobody, she could feel Xemnas' eyes on her. She told herself to focus, ignore the self-consciousness creeping up her spine. This was about proving her skills, not impressing him. Still, Raven found herself putting extra force behind each blow, moving with additional grace between each opponent.

Soon she stood alone amidst a field of debris, chest heaving from exertion. She chanced a glance at Xemnas. His expression was as neutral as ever, but there was a considering look in his golden eyes.

"That's enough," he said, stepping forward. "You have adequate skills for a novice. With training, you may prove a valuable asset."

Raven blinked, unsure if that stoic compliment was the highest praise she could expect from him. Either way, she had completed the first test. Now for her next trial...

"You are ready for your first mission," Xemnas continued. "Xigbar will accompany you."

Raven took a deep breath as she and Xemnas exited the training room, steadying her nerves after the intense session. Despite her attempts to remain calm, she could feel a swell of anticipation in her chest at the thought of seeing him again later.

Just then, a hand clapped down on her shoulder, making Raven jump.

"Whoa there, didn't mean to startle ya, doll," came a casual, yet flirty voice.

Raven turned to see Xigbar standing there, his one good eye glinting with amusement at her reaction. She frowned, brushing his hand off in annoyance.

"I'm not a doll," she said sharply.

Xigbar held up his hands in mock surrender. "As if. Just a figure of speech."

Raven crossed her arms, glaring at him. She noticed Xemnas standing nearby, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly at Xigbar's flirty tone. But just as quickly the look was gone, his face smoothing back into indifference.

"Meet me in my chambers later for your report." Xemnas said coolly. "Do not disappoint me."

With that, he turned and strode away down the hall, coat fluttering behind him. Raven watched him go, tamping down the irrational urge to call out after him. She shook her head and turned to follow Xigbar in the opposite direction, steeling herself for the mission ahead.

Xigbar led Raven out of the training room, his casual stride contrasting her tense anticipation. She couldn't stop thinking about how Xemnas had looked at her during training, his golden eyes observing her every move. The memory sent an involuntary shiver through her.

"So, you ready for this, rookie?" Xigbar asked, glancing back at her.

Raven straightened, putting on a neutral expression. "I'm ready," she said evenly.

"That's the spirit," he laughed. "Ol' Xemmy seems to think you got potential. And he doesn't dish out praise lightly, take it from me."

Raven just nodded, unsure how to respond. They continued on in silence for a few moments before Xigbar spoke again.

"Twilight Town, huh? Nice little sleepy place. Easy mission for your first time out. Just gotta scout around, chat up the locals. We'll grab some ice cream, make a day of it." He grinned at her.

"Right," Raven said. She wasn't sure if Xigbar was trying to reassure her or just messing around.

They approached the swirling dark portal that would take them to Twilight Town. Xigbar motioned for her to go first. Raven took a deep breath, then stepped through, ready to prove herself on her very first mission.