I awoke there in the darkness, the bright light of the moon betraying me in the belief that I was on my way to the afterlife. I put a pale hand to my forehead trying to recall what had happened and how I had gotten to my current location, but all I could seem to remember was a seething cloud of black with yellow eyes, sucking me into the darkness and knowing that I was dying as the ragged scream of a man tore through the air in agony and my chest ached with emptiness. I sat up slowly surveying my new surroundings, and noticed the new clothing that now adorned my body. A large, hooded, black cloak hid a purple spaghetti strap tank top and a pair of white pants. The wind rustled around me blowing a piece of color streaked hair across my cheek. That was definitely out of the ordinary. But, the black leather boots cradling my feet almost convinced me that I had dreamed the whole thing and this was someone's idea of a practical joke. The dull aching in my chest and the ethereal castle shining in the distance told me that it hadn't been a figment of my imagination at all.
I uneasily made my way to my feet, padding silently through the darkness towards the castle. Instinct somehow showed me the way to the entrance and I stared up at the door in awe before knocking somewhat timidly. A few moments passed so I knocked again, this time with a bit more confidence. Again, there was no answer so I peeked inside calling out as  closed the door behind me.
"Hello?" my voice echoed back to me, "Is anyone here?"
Everything was silent as I wandered through the vast labyrinth of white halls, quickly misplacing myself before walking into what seemed to be a lounge of sorts. A girl with pink hair was sitting on the couch stitching away at a stuffed animal. She looked up at me as I entered the room, practically staring as if I had something on my face....maybe it was my new color streaked hair?
"Uhm....hi..." I started nervously, "I tried knocking but no one answered the door..."
She smiled and stood up, coming over to me, "Sorry about that. It seems everyone else is busy," her smile was welcoming, "Welcome to the Neo-Orginization. I'm Kuraxi. The Mystical Toymaker," She held out her hand, grinning widely. I took her hand hesitantly, only shaking for a moment before pulling away quickly. "What's your name?" she asked me, the smile never leaving.
"My....name?" I had to stop to think: What IS my name? It took me longer than it should have, "I'm Xiara. The Tainted Painter." I wasn't exactly sure where that last part came from, but I knew that it was part of my name now.
Kuraxi's smile widened as she took my hand and pulled me over to the couch, handing me the plushie that she had been working on. "This is for you," she declared.
I took the small plush into my arms and smiled almost sadly, feeling more like I belonged here but at the same time lost, "Thank you Kuraxi."
A touch of a blush brightened her cheeks as she put a hand on my shoulder, "You look tired. Let me show you to your room."
I stared at her in confusion, "My room??"
She nodded, "Of course silly! Did you think we would make our newest member sleep outside?" I continued to stare, blankly, "Come on, I'll show you."
She led the way, pulling me behind her, our fingers linked together. My mind was racing. I was excited and scared. What exactly had happened to me? Was this actually the afterlife? And what did she mean by "newest member?" The confusion was overwhelming me. After a rather long walk through the maze of hallways, we stopped in front of a door, which she opened, beckoning me inside. I followed her without question ready to lay on the large bed and let my thoughts consume me in sleep.
"I'll take you to the Superior's in the morning," she smiled and headed for the door, "They'll explain everything to you. Have a good sleep!" With that she closed the door and disappeared from sight. I curled up on the bed, not bothering to undress or even take my shoes off, cuddling the small toy she had made and given to me. I closed my eyes letting the numbness in my chest spread to my brain and the rest of my body as the darkness sang a silent lullaby and lured me to sleep.