V E N
A dry breeze wafted through the air, sweeping locks of his golden hair against his cheeks and leaving his lips craving moisture. This World was barren – Ventus could feel its silent pain through the cracked earth beneath his feet. His heart thumped sadly in his chest. As far as he could see, there was nothing. The legendary War that had taken place here all those years ago had left its battlefield buried in dust. His eyes swept slowly over the bleak horizon, and his heart ached for all that could have been. His head lowered, he remembered with a start what had brought him to this desolate place. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a shining star that tinkled softly as he cradled it in his hand. It appeared to glow faintly – its colour as green as the fresh grasses that carpeted his home – and seemed almost to make a promise to him. A promise of new green, and new life. He thought fondly of the ones this promise connected him to. He closed his eyes, and saw with such great clarity the faces of his friends. He wondered painfully where they were. Their last parting had been bitter, and Ven felt foolish when he thought of the careless things he had said to Aqua, and wished he'd tried just a little bit harder to convince Terra to come home.
He remembered wistfully their last night beneath the stars of the Land of Departure. Life had been so much simpler then. The meteor shower that night had filled him with such childish delight, as he ran out to the Summit beyond the Castle. He'd sprawled out on the grass, eyes sweeping over the thousands of bright stars scattered across the velvet sky.
Every star up there is another World, Terra had told him, gazing at the heavens. The thought made Ven feel very small, and a little sad. So many Worlds out there – and none knew the others existed.
The light is their hearts, Terra had continued, his eyes returning to earth. And it's shining down on us like a million lanterns. This made Ven feel better, and he looked up again, trying half-heartedly to count the hearts in the sky. He'd lost track in seconds, and was interrupted by the sound of Aqua giggling.
Hey, what are you laughing at? Terra had asked, crossing his arms over his broad chest. Aqua had glanced away, holding a hand over her mouth. Her lips were still curled into a smile.
I can't help it, she'd laughed. You two would make the weirdest brothers.
Ven had looked at Aqua in confusion; Terra's face had been stern. A moment passed between the trio before all three broke into peals of laughter.
Ven opened his eyes, and sighed softly. The echoes of their careless joy resounded in his head before slowly fading, and Ven was left with silence. He suddenly pictured Aqua's eyes, filled with a shining warmth that promised forgiveness for reckless words. And Terra, whose strict face could break into a cheerful smile at any moment. They would forgive him, he realised with a smile. He looked down at the trinket still clasped in his hand. A Wayfinder, Aqua had called it. So long as you and your friends carry good luck charms shaped like it, nothing can ever drive you apart. You'll always find your way back to each other. Ven's smile broadened. He lifted his hand, and held the charm to his heart. Wherever they were, he would find them. He held up his other arm, and summoned his Keyblade with a flash of light. The dull sun's rays glinted brightly on the Lost Memory's surface. He looked up to the sky, his face set.
"Friends forever," he declared to the silence.
AN: Long time fanfic writer, first time actually publishing on this site. All opinions and constructive criticism welcome.
Kingdom Hearts and all it's characters belong to Square Enix and Disney.