image [https://img.wattpad.com/story_parts/1411678639/images/17a78e86e3584ea7101995547277.png]

Raven's eyes fluttered open to the pale light filtering through the tall, arched windows of her new bedroom in the Castle That Never Was. She stared up at the perpetually night sky, taking in the sight of the large, luminescent moon surrounded by glittering stars. It was still odd to wake up to darkness instead of sunrise, but the soft glow and shadows had a calming beauty.

With a sigh, Raven pushed herself up, the dark sheets pooling around her waist. Today was the day. Her first mission with Xemnas. The thought made her stomach twist nervously as she recalled their conversation the night before.

"Tomorrow, we shall venture into a new world together," he had divulged, his tone measured and deliberate.

His words echoed in her mind now, amplifying her anxiety. She didn't understand why he had chosen her for this mission. What if she failed? What if she wasn't strong enough? Her palms grew clammy at the thought. With a deep breath, Raven threw off the sheets and headed for the shower, trying to ignore the nervous flutter in her chest. She had to prove herself.

To Xemnas.

To herself.

Raven let the hot water soothe her nerves as she stood under the stream. She focused on each breath, in and out, using the meditation techniques Zexion had taught her. Slowly, her anxiety began to ebb. She could do this. Xemnas believed in her abilities, even if she didn't fully yet.

After her shower, Raven toweled off and walked over to the closet. She slipped on her black leggings and undershirt, followed by the standard black coat. It still felt foreign on her body, the weight of her new role settling on her shoulders.

Fully dressed, Raven stopped in front of the mirror. Her damp hair hung in dark waves, and her bright eyes stared back at her. For a moment, those eyes were full of doubt. But then her gaze hardened with resolve.

She would not fail today.

A knock at the door made Raven jump. That would be Xemnas. The nervous flutter returned to her stomach, but she forced it down. With one last deep breath, she strode to the door and opened it.

Xemnas' piercing golden stare greeted her. His face was stoic as always, revealing nothing of what he was thinking. He gave her a cursory glance up and down.

"Let us be off." His voice was smooth and even. Without another word, he turned and strode down the hall, clearly expecting her to follow.

Raven hurried after him, lips pressed together apprehensively. She had no idea what to expect from this mission, but she would stay strong no matter what. She would make Xemnas and the Organization proud.

Xemnas led Raven through the winding white halls of the castle until they reached a large open room. He stopped in the center and raised one hand. Raven watched as shadows gathered and swirled before them, forming into a corridor of darkness.

Xemnas stepped through without hesitation. Raven steeled herself and followed close behind. The darkness enveloped her, icy tendrils brushing against her skin. She suppressed a shiver.

This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

***

They emerged into a moonlit courtyard surrounded by tall hedges. In the distance, a castle with blue spires reached towards the starry sky.

"Cinderella's world," Xemnas intoned. "The Heartless flock to the jealousy and greed in Lady Tremaine's heart. We will eliminate them."

Raven summoned her keyblade, gripping it tight. She was ready. Xemnas glanced at her, eyes unreadable, before striding forwards.

They encountered their first Heartless near the servants' quarters. Raven leapt into action, keyblade swinging in graceful arcs as she destroyed one shadow creature after another. Xemnas watched impassively, only intervening when a Heartless got too close to Raven.

As they fought their way across the grounds, Raven felt herself relax. The familiar motions of battle calmed her nerves. Having Xemnas there made her feel safer too, though she'd never admit it.

By unspoken agreement they worked their way around the castle, eliminating Heartless as they went. Raven's heart pounded with exhilaration. She had never felt so in sync with someone before. Xemnas was a stoic partner, but strangely reassuring.

Raven and Xemnas made their way around to the front of the castle. As they approached the grand entrance, the sound of sobbing made Raven pause. She peered into the darkness and saw a young woman in a tattered dress crumpled on the steps, her face buried in her hands.

"Cinderella," Raven murmured. Before she could stop herself, she was moving towards the crying girl.

Xemnas' hand clamped down on her shoulder, halting her. "We're not here for her," he said sternly. "Our mission is the Heartless."

Raven shook her head. "I can't just leave her like this. Something's wrong." She pulled away from Xemnas' grip and approached Cinderella slowly.

"Miss? Are you alright?" she asked gently.

Cinderella looked up, eyes red from crying. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb anyone. It's just..." She gestured helplessly at her tattered dress. "My stepmother and stepsisters ruined the dress I was going to wear to the ball tonight. Now I can't go and meet the prince."

Raven's heart went out to the girl. She knew what it was like to feel powerless. Making a split second decision, she dismissed her keyblade and held out her hand.

"Come with me. I want to help you get to that ball."

Cinderella hesitated only a moment before taking Raven's hand. As she pulled the girl to her feet, Raven was vividly aware of Xemnas watching silently from the shadows. She hoped he wouldn't stop her. Some things were more important than the mission.

Cinderella led Raven around the side of the house to a small garden. Nestled between the pumpkin vines and rose bushes was a tiny cottage with a warm glow emanating from the windows.

"My fairy godmother lives here," Cinderella explained. "She's helped me before when I needed it. If anyone can get me to the ball, it's her."

Raven nodded, a flutter of excitement in her chest. Magic. This was a world filled with magic.

As they approached the door, it swung open, revealing a plump, smiling woman in a light-blue dress.

"Back again, my dear?" the fairy godmother asked kindly, ushering them inside. Her gaze lingered on Raven. "And who might this be?"

"A friend," Cinderella said. "She wants to help me get to the ball."

The fairy godmother clapped her hands together. "Excellent! We have much to do."

She set Raven and Cinderella to work gathering pumpkins from the garden and mice from the fields while she prepared her wand. Raven couldn't stop grinning as she worked, energized by the promise of real magic. With the fairy godmother's help, Cinderella would make it to the ball after all.

As they finished their tasks, the fairy godmother raised her wand over the largest pumpkin. Raven held her breath, waiting. This was it.

"Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo!"

The magic words tumbled from the fairy godmother's lips and with a flash and a bang, the pumpkin transformed into an ornate carriage.

Raven laughed in delight. Magic was real!

With a wave of the fairy godmother's hand, Cinderella's torn dress turned into her new glittering ballgown as the mice became horses and the lizards became footmen. It was like a dream come true, Raven thought. She wished this night would never end.

Raven watched with wonder as the fairy godmother worked her magic, transfiguring pumpkins into a carriage and mice into horses. She could scarcely believe her eyes.

As Cinderella climbed into the carriage, resplendent in her shimmering silvery-blue ballgown, Raven felt a pang in her heart. She wished she could go to the ball too, dance the night away without a care in the world. But this was Cinderella's night.