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The clock tower chimed in the distance, its hollow gong ringing through the crimson sky. Raven blinked at the sunset, the familiar rush of melancholy washing over her as she stood beside Xigbar in the alleyway.
Twilight Town never changed, and it was so strange to be here, in one of the places she visited the most in the game. The scent of sea salt and sun-warmed cobblestone lingered as always, as constant as the wooden signs creaking in the breeze and the distant shouts of playing children.
"Ready to go?" Xigbar's voice jerked her from her reverie. She turned to find his single eye glinting with amusement.
Raven huffed and summoned her Keyblade, the powerful blade materializing with a burst of light. "Just lead the way."
Xigbar grinned and summoned his own weapon, spinning the arrow-shaped blades casually. "As if I'd go anywhere without my little doll."
Raven bristled, grip tightening on her Keyblade. "Don't call me that."
He chuckled, pushing off from the wall he leaned against. "Feisty. I like it." Xigbar twirled his arrowguns once more. "Let's get a move on, yeah? Heartless wait for no one."
"Of course," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "Let's get this over with."
***
As they ventured further into the town, Raven's senses were filled with the sights and sounds that defined Twilight Town. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from the bakery, mingling with the fragrance of blooming flowers that adorned window boxes. A group of children raced past them, their laughter ringing like bells as they chased after a stray cat that darted between buildings. The hum of conversation grew louder as they approached the central square, where friends and families had gathered to share stories and enjoy the ever-lasting sunset.
Golden rays of sunlight filtered through the buildings, casting long shadows on the cobbled streets of Twilight Town as Raven and Xigbar stood side by side. The soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze played a quiet harmony to the distant laughter of children, while the scent of warm cinnamon rolls from the nearby bakery filled the air.
"Alright, enough sightseeing," Xigbar said, snapping his fingers to catch her attention. "Now, let me show you how to summon a corridor of darkness." He grinned at her, mischief dancing in his eyes. "It's a pretty nifty trick, if I do say so myself."
"Fine, go ahead," she responded curtly, trying not to let him get under her skin. She took a deep breath, focusing her thoughts inward as she readied herself for his demonstration.
"First, you need to tap into that inner darkness of yours," Xigbar began, his voice low and measured. "Feel it swirling inside you like a stormy sea, and then imagine a door forming in front of you, a doorway that leads to wherever you want to go."
Raven furrowed her brow, concentrating on the darkness within her. It was like a restless, untamed beast that threatened to consume her if given the chance. But she knew she needed to control it, to bend it to her will.
"Next, reach out with your hand," Xigbar continued, raising his own palm towards the empty air before them. "Visualize the door becoming solid, tangible. You're creating a link between this world and the darkness, so focus on making it real."
As he spoke, a swirling vortex of dark energy materialized in front of him, its edges crackling with an eerie, otherworldly power. Within moments, it had taken the shape of a shadowy portal, its depths impenetrable and foreboding.
"Your turn," Xigbar challenged her, his grin widening as he stepped back to give her room. "Show me what you've got."
Raven took another deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she raised her hand. She could feel the darkness inside her churning and roiling, eager to be unleashed. It was a frightening sensation, but she refused to let it overwhelm her. Focusing on the image of a door, she willed it to materialize before her.
At first, nothing happened. Her frustration mounted as she tried again, pouring all her concentration into the task. And then, finally, she felt something shift within her. The darkness surged forth, eagerly responding to her command, and a corridor of darkness began to take shape.
"See? I knew you had it in you," Xigbar said smugly, watching as the portal solidified before them. "Just remember, these corridors can be dangerous if you don't know how to control them. Don't lose yourself in the darkness, alright?"
Raven rolled her eyes at his condescending tone, but inwardly, she couldn't help but feel a small thrill of satisfaction. She had done it. She had summoned a corridor of darkness, proving that she was more than capable of handling the power within her.
"Alright, kid," Xigbar drawled, stretching his arms overhead as he surveyed their surroundings. "You've got the whole darkness thing down, so let's see how you handle yourself in a real fight."
Raven clenched her jaw, her fingers tightening around the hilt of her dual-bladed Keyblade. She wasn't fond of Xigbar's constant jabs at her inexperience, but she knew better than to let it get under her skin. Inhaling deeply, she allowed the cool breeze to calm her nerves, focusing on the task at hand.
"Bring it on," she muttered, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of the Heartless.
As if on cue, a group of shadowy figures emerged from the darkened corners of the square, their glowing yellow eyes fixated on the pair. Xigbar smirked, twirling one of his arrowguns with practiced ease before firing off a round at the nearest enemy. The creature disintegrated into a puff of black smoke, leaving behind a faint echo of malicious laughter.
"See?" he said, tossing a glance back at her as he fired off another shot. "Piece of cake."
Raven gritted her teeth, feeling the weight of his condescending gaze. But instead of letting it rile her up, she used it as fuel for her determination. She charged forward, her Keyblade slicing through the air as she expertly dispatched a nearby Heartless. A sense of satisfaction washed over her as the creature dissipated into nothingness, its presence no longer a threat.
"Hey, not bad," Xigbar called out, his voice tinged with genuine surprise. "Looks like you can hold your own after all."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Raven replied sarcastically, her focus unwavering as she fended off another wave of Heartless. Her movements were fluid and precise, a testament to the hours she'd spent honing her skills in preparation for this very moment.
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Xigbar let out a low whistle, clearly impressed by her progress. "You're a natural, kid. With moves like that, I might even say you're giving me a run for my money."
"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" Raven asked dryly, her heart pounding in her chest as adrenaline coursed through her veins.
"Take it how you will," he responded with a smirk, his eyes never leaving the battlefield. "Just know that I've got your back, and I expect the same from you."
"Deal," she agreed, her gaze meeting his for a brief moment before they both returned their attention to the fray.
Together, they fought like a well-oiled machine, their weapons carving through the Heartless with lethal efficiency. With each fallen enemy, Raven felt her confidence swell, her doubts and fears slowly melting away under the heat of battle. She was strong, and she was capable – and she would prove to everyone, including herself, that she belonged here.
As the last of the Heartless vanished into the darkness, Raven stood tall, her chest heaving with exertion. She glanced over at Xigbar, who was busy reloading his arrowguns, an expression of amusement dancing across his features.
"See?" he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Told you we make a good team."
Raven couldn't help but smile, her heart still racing from the thrill of victory. "Yeah," she admitted, wiping the sweat from her brow. "I guess we do."
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets of Twilight Town. The warm, golden light bathed Raven and Xigbar, who were leaning against a wall near the town square, catching their breath after their battle against the Heartless.
"Alright, let's see if you've been paying attention," Xigbar said, pushing away from the wall with a grin. "What do you call a Heartless with a sense of humor?"
Raven raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued despite her fatigue. "I don't know, what?"
"A laughable foe!" Xigbar chortled, slapping his knee as he laughed at his own joke.
"Ugh, that was terrible," Raven groaned, shaking her head with an amused smile. Despite her annoyance at his flirtatious comments earlier, she couldn't deny that Xigbar had a certain charm about him – even if it was buried beneath layers of arrogance and bravado.
"Come on, admit it, you loved it," Xigbar teased, nudging her playfully with his elbow.
"Fine, maybe just a little," Raven conceded, rolling her eyes but secretly enjoying the lighthearted moment.
As they resumed their mission, navigating the winding streets of Twilight Town, the air between them seemed to shift. Their previous tension dissipated, replaced by a newfound camaraderie that allowed them to communicate almost effortlessly.
"Hey, Raven," Xigbar began, his tone suddenly more serious than before. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what's up?" she replied, her heart skipping a beat as she anticipated his question.
"Have you ever thought about...you know, Xemnas?" Xigbar asked, his knowing smirk adding a layer of intrigue to the otherwise innocuous query.
"Thought about him how?" Raven questioned, her mind racing as she tried to decipher the true meaning behind Xigbar's words.
"You know what I mean," he pressed, his eyes locked on hers. "Do you like him?"
Raven felt her cheeks grow warm at the unexpected question, and she stumbled over her words as she attempted to formulate a response. She couldn't deny the attraction that seemed to draw her to Xemnas – there was something magnetic about his calm authority and hidden vulnerability. But admitting that out loud seemed far too risky, especially with the potential consequences looming in the back of her mind.
"Nobodies can't feel," she deflected, her voice barely above a whisper, terrified her feelings would betray her. "He'd never feel the same." She left her own emotions unspoken, her heart heavy with the unsaid truth.
"Ah, but who's to say he can't learn?" Xigbar countered, his smirk never leaving his face.
Raven's heart raced within her chest, the rhythm akin to that of a trapped bird desperate for freedom. Her eyes flickered from the Heartless surrounding them to Xigbar's expectant gaze. She yearned to find solace in focusing on the mission at hand, but the question hung in the air like a storm cloud threatening to unleash its fury.
"Xigbar," she whispered, voice laden with hesitation, "this isn't the time."
"Ah, but when is?" he replied, his smirk unwavering as he released a volley of arrows, effortlessly eliminating several Heartless. "You can't avoid it forever, little doll. Plus, you never know what might happen if you give it a chance."
"Or what might happen if I don't," she added, her mind reeling with the potential consequences of such an admission. The fear of rejection, the dread of change – they were chains that shackled her heart and refused to release their grip.
"True," Xigbar acknowledged, his gaze never leaving hers. "But you'll never know unless you try."
Raven hesitated, her chest tightening as she considered his words. He was right, of course – there would always be a lingering sense of 'what if' if she chose to keep her feelings shrouded in darkness. But could she truly take that leap of faith, knowing all that she stood to lose?
"Maybe... someday," she murmured, her eyes reflecting both hope and trepidation. "Just... not today."
"Fair enough," Xigbar agreed, the smirk returning to his lips as he turned his attention back to their mission. "But don't wait too long, Raven. Sometimes, the best things in life are worth taking a risk for."
Summoning another corridor, Raven led the way back to the castle, her thoughts a tumultuous sea. Xigbar sauntered off with a wink, leaving her to navigate her turmoil alone.
***
Raven found herself standing in the dimly lit halls of The Castle That Never Was. The familiar sight of cold stone walls greeted her, offering solace from the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. Taking another steadying breath, she began to make her way toward Xemnas' chambers, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.
"Get a grip, Raven," she muttered under her breath, her knuckles turning white as they tightened around her Keyblade. The memory of Xigbar's knowing smirk haunted her, stoking the embers of doubt that flickered within her heart. "You're just here to report on the mission, nothing more."
As she approached Xemnas' door, she hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the cool metal handle. She could almost feel the tension radiating from the room beyond, as if it were a living entity that hungered for her uncertainty. Steeling herself against the unease that gnawed at her, she gripped the handle and pushed the door open.
"Ah, Number XIII," Xemnas said as he looked up from his desk, his golden eyes sharp and calculating. "I trust your mission with Xigbar was successful?"
"Yes, Lord Xemnas," Raven replied, her voice betraying only a hint of her inner conflict. "The Heartless have been eliminated, as you ordered, and I even managed to summon a corridor of darkness on my own."
"Is that so?" Xemnas mused, the slightest arching of his brow betraying his genuine curiosity. "Show me."
"Y-yes, Lord Xemnas." Her heart raced as she concentrated, willing the darkness within her to obey her command. A moment later, a swirling vortex of shadows emerged, its tendrils reaching out like fingers seeking purchase.
"Very good," Xemnas praised, his eyes narrowing as he studied the portal. "You have made substantial progress in such a short time. But remember, the darkness can be treacherous; do not allow it to consume you."
"I understand," she whispered, her fingers curling into fists at her sides as she resolved to meet his expectations – no matter the cost.
"Very well." Xemnas shifted his weight, the movement barely perceptible yet impossibly graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. His eyes flicked to her face, lingering for a moment on her lips before snapping back up to her eyes. "You may go."
"Before you go," Xemnas interjected, just as Raven was about to step out of his chambers. She turned around, curiosity glinting in her greenish-blue eyes.
"What is it, Lord Xemnas?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite the sudden tightness in her chest.
"An upcoming day of respite has been scheduled for the Organization," he explained, his golden eyes boring into hers with intensity that made her feel both exposed and strangely secure. "It is a rare opportunity for us to take a break from our duties and... unwind, if you will."
"Thank you, Lord Xemnas," she replied, her fingers unconsciously fidgeting with the hem of her black coat. "I will make sure to make the most of it."
"Good," he said, his voice resonating with a quiet authority that sent shivers down her spine. "Now, you may take your leave."
As the door closed behind her, Xemnas stood motionless, wrestling with the stirrings within his supposed empty heart, a silent acknowledgement of something he shouldn't, couldn't feel. And Raven retreated to her room, her heart secretly alight with the possibility of what lay beneath Xemnas's stoic facade.