Hope y'all liked the first chapter, and here's the second! Sorry the first one was a bit slow... this one has a little more action in it. ~KunoichiBlade

Disclaimer: Again, KH is Nomura's...

Ch 2: Temporary New Master

Manami ran through the halls to the front stone circle. There was no way she was going to be late to her first training session with Master Xehanort. Word around the tower was that even though he wasn't as strict was Eraqus, Xehanort loved to push his pupils to the extreme. Training them for hours on end with little break and sending them into combat far too soon for comfort. Manami did not want to get on his bad side.

Normally, Master Eraqus would take Manami to one of the surrounding mountain peaks to train. This provided variance in terrain so she would be prepared for whatever world she ventured too. Xehanort said he had other plans for her in the message he sent. Apparently, Eraqus had been "too soft" on her; Xehanort mentioned that he wanted to test Manami's abilities before moving forward. Whatever that meant.

She slid to a halt and burst through the main doors of the tower, leading to the front circular area. As she walked to the center of the courtyard, Manami scanned the area. Everything was… eerily calm. Which usually meant something was wrong. Her watch read 8:57am, three minutes before their appointed meeting time.

*Snap!*

Manami whipped around in defense mode: arms in front for protection, legs apart and bent for stability. Nothing. She saw nothing. She heard nothing.

Something is definitely off, she thought.

A large black shadow branched off from one of the bordering bushes. It shifted to and fro in front of Manami. The shadow on the ground began to fold over on itself and rise from the ground. An actual Shadow. One of the beings known as Heartless: creatures of darkness that appear seemingly at random. A Pureblood, she thought. It was a natural born you could say. They derived from the darkness that manifests in people's hearts.

Still in defense mode, Manami watched the Shadow waver back and forth. She kept a close eye on its sharp claws, its primary weapon. The antennas on its head swung left and right in front of beady yellow eyes.

Why is it here? Manami thought. It's rare for Shadows to appear outside the Realm of Darkness.

Suddenly, the Shadow lunged forward in an attempt to scratch Manami. She jumped back, summoning her Keyblade, a giant key wielded like a sword. It was a standard Kingdom Key, no major modifications suited Manami's liking just yet but it still got the job done.

Squatting slightly, Manami tensed her legs and lunged at the Shadow. I'm gonna squash you like the bug you are! She swung the Keyblade in an arc over her head, slicing the little black creature in two. It burst into a ball of black mist and disappeared completely.

*clap, clap, clap*

Manami turned around to see an old man walking forward with a slow clap. She took in his peculiar attire: a long black coat with grey cuffs over a knee-length white tunic along with black pants and boots. Two belts wrapped around his waist and white gloves covered his hands. Overall his appearance was ominous and slightly menacing; Manami knew instantly to keep her mouth shut for fear of what he might do.

The old man stopped less than foot away from Manami but she dare not move. Rooted to the spot, blue eyes met gold as the two stared at each other. What felt like an eternity was probably only a minute. Finally, the old man spoke, "You did well against the Shadow. How long have you been training?"

"Around eight years, sir. Almost nine." she responded.

"When did you start? Age wise."

"Umm, when I was 15."

"Indeed! That would explain it. It appears Master Eraqus has taught you well these past years. But I'm afraid there is still much to work on."

"Sir?" Manami inquired. His voice had a rasp to it that did not help the creepy factor. It took every ounce of control Manami had not to shiver in front of him.

The man stared at her for a minute then turned on his heels. "You've done well, girl, but there is much you still lack. I have much to work on while Eraqus is gone."

So this must be Master Xehanort! Manami thought. But what was with the Shadow? Was he the one to bring it here? How is that possible?! No wonder Master Eraqus was worried. I don't know if I can handle this.

Manami started to follow Master Xehanort, but he raised his hand indicating her not to follow. When he reached the edge of the stone structure, Xehanort turned around and grinned at her deviously, holding up his fingers. The middle and thumb touched, almost as if-

"Now. Let's see what you're really made of girl."

*snap*

FIN