Disclaimer: All rights to Kingdom Hearts source material doesn't belong to me. I own nothing.
Author's note: After I wrote this I realised that Ventus may not be aware of Eraqus's death, nor was he told about it in the Keyblade Graveyard (Didn't do my research, sorry). Just thought I'd mention it in case anyone called me out.
Night came. Ventus was sat on the rock's edge, gazing in awe at the multitude of stars clustered together in the darkened sky. The specks were so miniscule; however they were great in number. There were just so many worlds! How many more years would it take for him to soar through the lanes between and explore them all? Ever since he left Master Eraqus and Aqua behind on that fateful day, he'd been out to a couple of them; however it was more than enough for now. For the time being, Ventus was merely content to be home and watch the stars.
"Splendid, isn't it?" Questioned a voice from afar.
Curious, Ventus looked over his shoulder and beamed at the sight of who it was. Master Eraqus was approaching from the building. The older man looked well and hadn't changed his appearance in the slightest.
"Master Eraqus!" Ventus exclaimed, standing up and running towards him "Boy, am I sure glad to see you!"
The teacher narrowed his eyes down at him "And just what exactly are you doing here, Ventus?"
"W-what are you are you talking about?" Ventus stammered, shocked and a little hurt. Wasn't the master happy that he had returned home? But then suddenly he remembered. Not too long ago, Terra shared with himself and Aqua the horrific news about how he'd watched their master die. It discomposed them all greatly. The trio trudged across the barren grave yard, carrying heavier hearts as the grief from his loss threatened to bear down on their shoulders. Then he remembered the duel to forge the X-blade, and how he allowed himself to disintegrate into shimmering light particles. Did that mean that Ventus was finally dead too? He enquired the Master about this.
"No, not yet" He stated firmly, looking rather serious "And before you ask, I do not know why you came to me. I can only assume that your reason for being here has something to do with our last encounter". Then Eraqus's eyes recoiled from Ventus's to take in the full view of the ground.
Ventus carefully surveyed his unsettled master. He did indeed look quite guilty for what he had done. It pained him a lot during the time though. The man who'd taken him into his extravagant abode, an acquaintance amongst his two adopted children, soon after lashed out against him out of terror over his own power. A power he'd only just learned he had.
"It's okay, Master" Ventus murmured "I get it". Was it really ok though? He'd tried to murder him, and attacked Terra after he flew into the scene. "You did what you thought was right. I can't blame you for following your heart".
"Even if what I possessed in my heart was wrong?" Eraqus asked.
"Uhh..." Ventus began but stopped. He didn't know how to respond to that. The master sighed.
"Please don't restrain your emotions to make me feel better"
"But that's exactly what you did, isn't it?" The master lifted his gaze off the ground to look at the young boy again, only now in astonishment. "You had this fear writhing in you for so long. Not only did you hide it but you never told me about it". Ventus spoke again before Eraqus could object "I know now why you never wanted to talk to me about it before. I still wish you had at least tried".
"I couldn't" Eraqus affirmed. "I needed you here. Allowing someone like you to wonder around posed too great a risk, and so you were held in my sights".
"But master—"
"But" Eraqus interjected "I see now that's no longer required". Eraqus ambled towards Ventus and set a firm hand onto his shoulder, looking down solemnly "Ventus, you must know I am regretful for withholding you from the truth, and for turning my blade upon you. However you must understand—what you possess is unsightly. Its potential has the power to rouse utmost ruin."
"But Master, Xehanort didn't get what he wanted. Everything's fine now" Ventus proclaimed triumphantly, recalling the moment that the already broken X-blade had self destructed in Vanitas's grip.
Eraqus looked as if Christmas had come early. "No, he didn't. I am forever in your debt."
That statement embarrassed Ventus, but also caused his heart to swell with joyous pride. The great teacher Eraqus, indebted to him? It was all getting a bit too much. The concept of not being able to see him again, only for real this time had finally hit him. The trio had only been given a short moment to mourn before nearly committing to give up on their own lives. He tried his best to blink back the tears threatening to leave his eyes.
He gulped down hard.
"So" He croaked "What you planning to do now?"
Eraqus looked amused "Wrong question".
"Huh? W-wait, what are you talking abo—"
Oh my god, Terra!
What is it Aqua?
I think Ventus might be waking up!
The frantic echoes of his friends played like a good tune. He knew those voices anywhere, even at the edge of a world on a star-lit night. Ventus laughed aloud in joy. It was the sort of laugh that which you'd hold in for so long, and then, finally let loose in the first time of what feels like forever.
"Hey, what say we catch up some time when I get back?" asked Ventus, hopeful.
Eraqus nodded in agreement, still smiling broadly.