This chapter is a bit particular, as even though it is TerrAqua centric, it's not really told from their point of view, and seems to be focused on Ven at first. In spite of this, I hope you'll enjoy it!
XLVI. Family
Most of the time, Ventus was feeling good. Good with his new friends, good with Master Eraqus, good at the Land of Departure. Little by little, he was finding his place, and his bonds with Aqua and Terra were growing stronger within each day. The memories he was creating were replacing his empty memory, and as time passed, he was feeling like he was becoming complete.
But sometimes, a terrible sensation would take over him, punching him in the guts, freezing his blood, making him want to scream. His heart was racing ; it was as though his head was about to explode, and he was convinced he would dissolve into the void. He'd collapse to the ground, pale as death, and unable to pull himself together.
Immediately, Terra and Aqua would rush to him, alerted by some protective instinct, leaving their current activities behind, as important as they might have been. And then it would always be the same story. Terra would take him delicately in his arms, while Aqua would tenderly caress his forehead, drenched in sweat. Without a word, the duo would bring their protégé to his room.
Carefully, after Aqua had taken off the bedsheets, Terra would set Ventus down on his bed, before lying next to him. The only girl of the trio would fetch a cloth, some water and a basin. As her brown haired friend would whisper comforting words to the delirious blond, Aqua would dab Ven's face with the wet cloth.
Then, after the teenager had calmed down, Aqua would join her friends under the covers, placing Ventus between herself and Terra, already somnolent. The two oldest warriors would press against the youngest, their arms tangled around the frail body in a protective cocoon. Then, the blue haired teen would begin to talk, calmly, about everything and nothing, to distract Ven's mind.
Ventus never talked about what he felt in such moments, while he was in intense pain, but Aqua had figured it sure wasn't happy thoughts.
Terra was always the first to fall asleep, which would bring a smile on his oldest friend's lips. But the young man never loosen his grip on the small blond, who was peculiarly the last one to join Morpheus' arms. The maternal Aqua would quickly follow Terra, and for a few minutes, Ventus, at last peaceful and calm, savoured the pleasure of being between his two friends, and of feeling this loved and protected. Even though he hadn't known them for long, something in him knew they'd always be here for him, like the parents who had vanished from his memory.
