Jumping around the timeline a smidge since I am scatterbrained. D,X Also, this chapter was hard, lol.
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-Before Sora Disappeared-
When they had first arrived back at the Land of Departure and set up the memorial for Master Eraqus, they hadn't noticed when Ventus had stopped following and turned. By the time she and Terra had realized he was missing, the blond was jogging over to them with a large plush-like creature in his arms.
"Aqua! Terra! This is Chirithy!"
Terra had nodded while Aqua examined it, able to feel its more Magical nature, "Where'd it come from, Ven?"
The blond glanced backwards before looking at the feline, "Uuuh…"
Chirithy giggled, "That's kinda complicated. But I'm Ven's Chirithy! It's nice to meet you!"
Terra piped up, "So there's more than one of you?"
It contemplated with a hum, "I dunno how many of my kind are left… Well. There are still Dream Eaters, of course. But as for Chirithy in and of ourselves... " It slumped a little, "I'm sure there's hardly any of us left, considering how we were bound to our Wielders…"
Aqua thought for a long moment with a hand under her chin, "It was once said during our lessons that Wielders used to have Guides to help them along their journeys… But the means for obtaining them are nearly lost to ancient history."
Chirithy hummed, "That sounds about right."
Aqua and Terra glanced at each other as they turned to Ventus and Chirithy as the blond spoke to it, "But… what does that mean?"
Chirithy bowed its head slightly, "You lost your Memories twice Ven, and the first time it always hurt when you tried to remember anything. I was fine with staying where I'd ended up as long as you were happy… But Sora didn't like that answer. He figured you'd be sad to know I was all alone."
Ventus nodded as he looked ahead, "I definitely would've been sad to know you were all alone, Chirithy. You're… you're a small part of me, right?"
It shook its head, "My lifespan may be tied to yours, but I'm me, and you're you. Though, I suppose you might've always felt you were missing something after what happened…"
Ventus frowned, "You mean when Xehanort split me in half?"
Chirithy sighed, "Yeah."
Ventus slowly nodded, "I did, but… I guess I was missing a lot more than just my Darkness, huh?"
Chirithy was silent for a long time as they continued on their way back before it quietly spoke just as they got to the staircase, "Ven, you've always been a Heart of Light."
So where had his Darkness come from?
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A few days after Ventus's first run in with the Castle's Memories, Terra started to notice shadows.
There would be a flutter at the edge of his vision, the colors brighter and long colored hair keeping him from completely freaking out. While he couldn't make sense of the details in his peripheral, it was still making him jump constantly.
At least it wasn't Young Xehanort.
Was it simply the Castle's way of giving him a new comfort, after realizing its failure to notice the danger posed by the other Memory?
Could Xehanort's Memory within the Castle have-
No. Nope, don't think about it.
Terra went to make breakfast as usual, just the three of them in the Castle (four if Chirithy were counted) until mid-morning when Riku, Roxas, and Xion would come for their group scholastic lessons under Ienzo. Lunch would bring them to begin a small lesson plan of Keyblade history that was rotated between himself, Ventus, and Aqua, and then they'd move on to practical training and lessons until dinner when they'd return to the Islands.
It seemed Lea was starting to ask about joining them occasionally, with Aqua unable to hide her skeptical and annoyed look from Roxas and Xion as she stated that then wasn't the right time.
Terra shook his head, unsure as to why it was Aqua was so quick to snap at the guy, but maybe it was a Fire and Water sort of thing?
He'd have to remember to ask everyone if a particular element spoke to them.
As it was, the presence just outside of his peripheral was starting to wear on him. It never worked to try and get a better look if he shifted his eyes, as he always had to strain to understand the details at the edge of his vision. So it came as a shock to him when he simply turned while in the middle of making his favorite breakfast nut bread that the Memory was sitting there at the table.
Terra stopped, a flood of feelings beating in his chest as he took in the younger appearance of his mother.
She smiled at him, gentle and unsure as she adjusted her favorite pink quilt over her simple brown dress with white apron. He knew she was younger than he could recall- there was no grey in her hair, no tiredness from years of sickness.
Just a healthy woman in her thirties- just the way Master Eraqus would've remembered her.
"M-mom?" He was hesitant to even speak, his voice straining as he tried to keep himself in check and whisper.
The Memory nodded, 'I've been watching you for a long time, Terra.'
He sucked in some air, clamping his mouth shut before slowly breathing out, "What do you mean?"
She waved at his pan of dough, reminding him that the oven was more than ready. He glanced between it and her, clearly trying to decide if she'd disappear before putting it in the oven and setting the timer.
He sat on the other side of the table, quick to note how much he looked like her now that he was closer to her age.
Now that he'd seen those twisted versions of himself. Perhaps he'd cut off more of his hair in the back to remove the haunting reminders.
Thea's translucent hands were folded on the table, 'I joined with you the moment my time came to its end. It was my final wish to still watch you grow. Maybe it was a small portion of Magic left behind by our family's lineage that allowed it. Or perhaps, the Earth itself heard my prayers. None-the-less, I've been watching you grow under Eraqus's care, and then as you fought from within yourself all these years.'
Terra straightened, "You… you were with me all this time..? Just like…" He looked down towards the woodgrain of the table, almost unable to dare speak it out loud, "...Like father?"
Thea gave him a long and affectionate look, 'Yes. I was with you even in that terrible Darkness. You may never have been able to hear or see me, but that was fine. I wasn't strong enough. I'd barely had the strength to reach out to Eraqus when he fell, to coax his Heart to join me in your struggle.'
Tears came to his eyes as he looked at her, "I'm so sorry."
Thea frowned, 'What for?'
Terra roughly rubbed at his eyes, "I was so dumb-"
Thea reached forward, grasping Terra's hand as she derailed his thoughts, 'The Castle Knows. It has its way of judging those in its care, and while it can certainly be said that a number of things went wrong… You have suffered enough. It is enough, Terra. Heal and find Peace. It's all Eraqus and I could ever Hope for you. The machinations and sins of another man cannot hold you down forever.'
He sniffled, feeling young and foolish, even though he was supposed to technically be at least thirty now- if not more. He didn't even know if he was young or old.
The life he hadn't lived in full as his own self, it had left him naive and aged all at once.
Thea squeezed his hand, her presence fading just slightly, 'I'll continue to watch over you, Terra. No more will you see that other boy at your side… and one day, perhaps, I will no longer be necessary along with this Castle.'
Terra shook his head, "I don't know if I'll ever trust myself to leave again…"
He met her gaze, 'You will if it's for your friends. You are a Protector, no one can take that from you.'
He wanted to argue that point, but she faded away from sight.
Her presence lingering nearby, a new and gentle comfort to stay by his side.
Terra could live with it.
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Aqua was well aware of Ventus's inability to sleep at night easily.
Sometimes she'd ask him for an extra spar, to help wear him out after dinner.
She didn't know if he'd caught on to her awareness, or just didn't want to mention it.
Aqua certainly had no right to ask, when she was also asking for her own sake. The endless time wandering with nothing but herself as her courage while her mind eroded in the Dark Realm. She couldn't sleep either, but it was more than just the night that scared her. It was the hyper vigilance she couldn't release.
Tomorrow would bring another weekend of three days and two nights of Riku, Roxas, and Xion staying with them, and she wanted to have better control of her newfound bad habits.
She had tried meditating by the waterfall and pond at the summit, as Ventus sometimes practiced to the side or stood with the wind blowing from the deep valleys below. Terra sometimes joining in silence as he kept close to the dirt as he meditated.
They were trying to find their own forms of a new normal. A new balance to keep them going through their days and nights.
They were all frayed at the seams.
Sometimes Aqua would find Chirithy on Ventus's chest in the morning.
Occasionally in Terra's lap as he snoozed under his favorite tree.
Snuggled close under her arm as she dozed midday in the sun, desperate for its warmth after so much time without it.
They had found the books relating to the Chirithy, all of them going over the passages together, only for the poor thing to toss the books in annoyance, "That's not how it went at all!"
It was clear Ventus's penchant for correcting terrible records was longstanding.
It took a little bit of warming up and a few prodding questions before it finally confessed to them all, "Y'know, normally a Chirithy stays strictly with its Wielder, and doesn't interfere with others."
Ventus tilted his head, "But I know you've been helping Aqua and Terra, Chirithy."
It huffed, "Well, of course! They don't have Chirithy to help them through their nightmares! You love them both very much Ven, how could I leave them alone when I can help?"
The blond nodded as the two older Wielders were left slightly embarrassed. Aqua folded her arms over the table, "So you help us for Ven's sake?"
It tapped a paw on its chin for a moment before slowly nodding, "Well, sure. Ven has always wanted to protect his friends, and if letting me help you through your dreams allows you to rest easy… Then of course I'd do it! It's a small thing, but for the two of you… a good rest heals the mind, y'know?"
Ventus mumbled, "And I've slept enough, thanks."
It turned to him with a pout to its stance, "Awe, Ven… You still have to."
The blond flopped to the side with a dramatic sigh, "Yeah, yeah… Of course I do."
Terra leaned forward, "Is there a way to create Chirithy again?"
The feline rocked side to side, its little arms crossed as it seemed skeptical, "We were created by the Master of Masters… and the Dream Eaters that are around now are very, very different." It straightened, "Oh! But Spirits are a whole other thing!"
Terra furrowed his brows, "Spirits?"
Chirithy nodded, "Yup! Similar to us and Dream Eaters, made from just a single hair of their bonded Wielder, and with a little Science and a shake, poof! A companion for your journey! Not quite as smart as us Chirithy of course, but they could grant abilities in battle, attack, and even revive their Wielders from a full K.O. once per battle!"
That seemed nifty enough.
Aqua pursed her lips, "Is there a way for us to find out how to… gain them?"
Chirithy hummed, "It's probably something that would have been found in Daybreak Town… but that fell, and I dunno if there are any records in Scala ad Caelum."
The three Wielders frowned as Ventus spoke, "What… What do those two places have to do with one another, Chirithy?"
It tilted its head as it looked at Ventus, "They are the same World, of course. It's where we-" It stopped before shaking its head, "Well, I don't know what records are left from when things fell apart." It moved its arms helplessly, "Maybe there's something in one of the Libraries here?"
Ventus sighed, rubbing his face as he realized it stopped itself from speaking about his life before, "Right. I'll look around, since I've looked through most of the Libraries personally."
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Riku was carrying a basket of grilled food, while Xion and Roxas carried juice and other fruit sides for their lunch that day. Aqua, Terra, and Ventus were excited to try the grilled meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Ventus looked over Roxas and Xion, "Have you two figured out your sleeping arrangements at the Islands?"
Xion ruffled her hair, "Well, Naminé and I stay in the rooms at the Library overnight after spending time with Aeros and Roxas. Roxas always walks us back before going home."
Aqua frowned, "Is that really alright, though?"
Xion nodded, "It's properly fitted for actually living there full-time, and if either of us are scared we can go to the other or call Roxas over. Aeros used to stay at the Library on occasion too."
Ventus tilted his head, "Was Sora's house that small..?"
Roxas smiled bitterly, "It is when everyone refuses to use Sora's room."
Ah.
Terra questioned, "What does Naminé do during the day?"
Roxas and Xion hummed while Riku finally spoke, "She sometimes goes to watch my mom, but she really sort of just does as she pleases all day. We've asked her about it since we don't like her being alone, but I guess she's just… living for now."
Everyone slowly nodded, able to understand the thought.
Aqua tapped her chin, "I hope one day… that maybe she wouldn't mind staying here for a time."
Riku frowned, "This place used to be Castle Oblivion. I don't think she'll really be open to the idea."
Aqua straightened, "Oh! I- I didn't mean…" She deflated as she remembered that the sealed form of their home brought bad memories to mind.
Ventus tried to salvage the situation, "I think what Aqua means, is that she'd like a sleepover, and maybe to mentor her."
Aqua balked at his deduction while Xion hummed, "Maybe I could bring it up to her? It really is easier to have a sleepover here than at the Islands. Everyone knows each other there, and they sometimes talk… I know Sora has bright memories of home, but…" She grimaced, "I've come to realize they talk a lot if they think no one's listening."
Riku sighed sadly, "Yeah…"
Roxas looked between them all as he murmured, "I don't always understand what they're saying, but when I tell Axel about it.. He gets pretty mad. Especially when they make comments about the girls…"
Riku leaned back, "I think eventually we all might have to leave the Islands. It's home, and I love it… but there's a lot I didn't realize about the people who live there."
Ventus slowly nodded, "That happens in any small insular village though. A small change makes waves and sometimes it's good, but… a lot of times it's seen as bad."
Terra frowned, "Well, it would also be nice to know she's getting some sort of schooling. I don't know enough about her, but I don't like the thought of her wandering the Islands alone."
All of them nodded.
Riku stared at his palm, "Do you think Naminé has other abilities?"
Aqua smiled sadly, "Not in particular, though I know she's gifted. All the same, I'd like to give her a place she felt welcome to ask questions. Just like with Roxas and Xion… I'm sure there's a lot she's learning about living."
Riku nodded, "Yeah." He looked at the group, "I'll ask her if she wouldn't mind coming with us sometime- just for a few hours to see how it goes, if that's alright?"
Aqua smiled, "Of course."
Ventus piped up, "And I'd like to visit Aeros! Oh!" He looked to Roxas, "How about we visit Twilight Town sometime soon? We can practice with Lea, and I can check out their Library!"
Roxas blinked, "The Library? What do you wanna do there?"
Ventus grinned brightly, which only caused Aqua and Terra to become leery.
This left the three trainees confused and concerned.
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Despite the possible plans for the next day, it turned out that going to Twilight Town would happen sooner than later. Lea was desperate for some training, and really wanted to fight Ventus again. The blond was more than happy to oblige, and he silently promised to ask the others if they had an elemental affinity.
So Riku took him, Roxas, and Xion to Twilight Town via Gummiship. Aqua stayed behind as the current Guardian of Departure, and Terra simply passed with a request for nuts as a souvenir.
Aqua had rolled her eyes while Ventus laughed, making the three wonder just how crazy for nuts the brunette was.
Ventus wandered behind the three as they walked to the main plaza to meet with Lea and Isa.
"Yo, Roxas, Xion!"
The four turned as Hayner, Pence, and Olette ran down towards them. Roxas and Xion waved as they caught up to them. Hayner grinned, "Hey Riku, Ven."
Ventus smiled, "Hey guys." Riku nodded his head in greeting.
Olette tilted inquisitively, "You don't normally come around, so it's nice to see you again, Ven!"
Ventus chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah, I didn't expect to be seeing this place so soon."
"There you are!"
Ventus turned towards the voice, "Oh, hey Lea."
The redhead rubbed his hair as he smirked, "I've been training pretty hard by myself. I'm pretty interested to see how I do against you now."
Isa sighed, "A rematch a decade in the making."
Lea rolled his eyes as the Twilight trio looked at them confused as Pence spoke, "A decade? Oh! Right, I forget that Ven's been asleep for ten years…" Ventus grimaced at the comment while Olette pushed him lightly for being inconsiderate. Pence rubbed his hair, "Uh, sorry."
Ventus shook his head, "It's just kind of hard for me to remember that too, is all."
Isa huffed, "Well, if we're done blocking the street, shall we head over to the Old Mansion?"
The group of teens nodded as they followed the two twenty-somethings towards the sewage tunnel that would lead them to their destination.
They certainly made a sight as they went despite being in mini groups.
Ventus felt awkward, being surrounded by so many others while also taking his time to glance around.
Something felt familiar about this place.
Twilight Hills.
Ah, that's right.
Fields of wheat as far as the eye could see, a body of water far off in the distance.
He smiled at the warmth of the always low sun, unintentionally stopping as he stared up at the sky.
'..Ven, you're getting left behind.'
The blond blinked as he looked forward just as Xion had turned to look for him. He grimaced as he jogged towards her, "Sorry!"
Xion smiled at him, "It's rare for you to space out like that."
Ventus coughed into the back of his hand while turning his head away from her, "No, that's actually kinda common."
Xion stared at him as they got to the sewage tunnel. They both grimaced as Ventus strained, "We gotta go through there?"
"Unfortunately"
They glanced at one another before nodding, quickly jogging as they both felt a deep disgust from the place, just catching up to the others as they got to the other side.
Ventus practically used Aero to launch himself out of that tunnel, "Why isn't there an easier way to this side?!"
Roxas chuckled, "The wall used to have a huge hole in it, but the town clearly patched it up."
Hayner huffed, "Didn't want the locals going into the forests over here, especially since Heartless still show up in clusters."
As if summoned by the words, groups of Heartless appeared. Lea rolled his shoulders, "Leave it to me!" As he summoned Flame Liberator Roxas and Xion ran ahead of him laughing as they mowed the smallfry in swift precision, Ventus hopping in at the last second for triple the insult.
Riku just yawned as he used a Dark Firaga on a random Shadow that got too close.
Lea slumped, "Awe, c'mon guys!"
Isa rolled his eyes as he strolled ahead, the final three falling behind him as Riku went to follow. "You're going to be left behind, Lea."
Lea shook his head as he grumbled. It didn't take long to end up in the familiar clearing in front of the Old Mansion. Ventus stopped at its gate as he took the area in. Roxas and Xion positioned themselves on the left side of the area, Olette joining them as Riku, Hayner, and Pence took to the right. Isa stood at the center with his arms crossed, a frown on his face as he watched Ventus. Lea walked forward, "Yo, Ven!"
The blond twitched before turning, a weird look on his face, "Sorry, Lea. I wasn't expecting to see the City Hall…"
This made the Twilight denizens pause as Pence spoke up, "Uhh… This Old Mansion used to be an ancestral home before it was abandoned maybe a century ago…"
Ventus shuffled, "Ah-oh. Sorry." He nodded as he got himself back together, summoning Wayward Wind and getting into his usual battle stance, "I'm ready when you are, Lea!"
Lea chuckled as he resummoned Flame Liberator, "You've got it!" He stood in his usual easy-going pose, waiting for Ventus to make the first move.
However, he forgot that Ventus wasn't as green as Roxas and Xion, so they stood for a long time studying one another.
Riku sighed, "Lea, he's not gonna start."
Lea clicked his tongue, "Awe c'mon. Lemme at least look a little cool!"
Ventus smirked as Lea finally began to charge. The lanky man could easily cover ground with his long legs, but Ventus was true to his element, and used an Aeroga to shoot himself upwards and flip before he twisted midair and came down hard with his Keyblade, Lea just barely catching him in time with a block, "Hey, hey, hey! That's not fair!" The redhead split his Keyblade into his faithful Chakrams and started swinging in his favored attack pattern, pushing Ventus back a few steps until the teen rolled out of the way.
Lea threw one of his Chakrams with a snap, flames coming out of it as Ventus used his Keyblade to ricochet it off to the wrong side, forcing Lea to call it back to himself and reform his Keyblade.
Ventus dashed forward, and with a few quick Strike Raids activated Fever Pitch. Lea swore at the green glow that surrounded him as he desperately blocked his quick Surge attacks. Just as the redhead thought he'd catch a break Ventus completed his combo with Fever Pitch as he swiped his Keyblade upwards and Lea was tossed by the resulting five streams of light, tossing the redhead into the air and dropping him.
Ventus panted lightly as Lea laid out stunned on the ground before sitting up, "Woah there, go easy on the new guy…" He rubbed his head as Isa rolled his eyes and snarked, "Perhaps you should have trained a little harder if Ventus can still so easily wind you."
Ventus went over to Lea and helped him up with a small smile, "You really need to get a handle on your Keyblade, Lea. While it is pretty amazing that you can form change it so easily despite being a beginner, it's still obvious you aren't comfortable enough with your Keyblade."
Lea looked down to him with an awkward expression as he rubbed his shoulder, "Y-yeah, I know. I just… for some reason can't quite get used to it."
Ventus dismissed Wayward Wind as he put his hands on his hips, "Well, you've just gotta start listening to your Heart more. Your Keyblade is a physical manifestation of your Heart, so if it feels uncomfortable, you need to figure out why."
Isa crossed his arms and closed his eyes as he leaned against a nearby tree, "That's not exactly a hard one to figure out, Lea."
The redhead sighed as the others came close. "Right. It's just… kinda hard to listen to your Heart when you didn't have one for a whole decade…"
Ventus frowned as Riku clapped the taller man on the shoulder, "Well, we're all here to help you figure it out."
Lea smiled, "I sorta thought Kairi and the others were being metaphorical with the whole thing…"
Roxas sighed, "Axel."
Xion giggled as Lea rubbed his shoulder while giving Riku a glare, "Yeah, yeah. Rub it in."
Ventus straightened, "Oh yeah!" He took a half step back as he looked between everyone, "Do any of you have an element that speaks to you?"
He got a number of odd looks as Isa slowly pulled himself away from the tree he'd settled against, "What do you mean?"
Ventus looked towards Isa as he came over, rubbing his hair as he explained, "Uuh, well. I've always been able to hear the Wind whisper or sing to me. Doesn't always make sense, but it speaks. Aqua and Terra can hear the words and songs of Water and Earth."
Isa frowned as Lea hummed, "Well. Fire's always been my thing. It… uh, kinda laughs a lot?"
Isa sighed as the teens stared at him. Lea shuffled as Riku crossed his arms, "The Darkness talks… but I'm not sure it's the same as what you're talking about. I might've been able to hear something a long time ago, but.." He shrugged awkwardly, "I probably shut it out."
Ventus frowned, "What do you think it was before?"
"It… It might've been the coastline. Maybe it was the sand? It's kinda hard to explain when I try to think about it now…"
Ventus hummed as Isa spoke softly, "The Light of the Moon." The blond turned toward him, taking note of Isa's negative expression, "It speaks to me and gives me Power. I… tend to go berserk."
Ventus went wide eyed at that, "That's not what's supposed to ha-" He cut himself off, rubbing his shoulder, "Well, I could look into it… To see if there's a way to control that, if you'd like?"
Isa searched him for a long moment before slowly nodding, "It isn't a constant concern, but it gives me headaches on both the Full Moon and the New Moon."
Ventus catalogued that information as Roxas and Xion shared a long look. Xion shook her head as Roxas slowly nodded, "I don't know if it's because of how we came to be, or if it's because we've only existed for a year, but we haven't noticed anything like that."
Ventus took in that information before he looked between the Twilight Trio, "What about you three? Anything?"
They were shocked as Hayner spoke, "You mean us too?"
Ventus nodded as Pence contemplated, "I don't know if this counts, but I have no problems figuring out technology. No one's ever believed me when I've said it sometimes feels like it all just tells me what to do."
Ventus nodded, "Data is an element- not exactly traditional, but it's been around long enough to have those that are familiar with it. There are even Data Worlds, right?"
Riku blinked as the rest took that in, "Ven, how do you know about Data Worlds? 'Cause of Sora?"
Ventus stared at him blankly, "No, we ended up in one that copied Daybreak Town."
They all stared at him as he returned their curious gazes. He took a half hesitant step back, "Aaah, I did it again, didn't I?"
Riku frowned as he pushed past that, "So… Daybreak Town was it? Where's that?"
Ventus ruffled his hair, "Supposedly it's what became Scala ad Caelum."
Isa's eyes widened along with the other Keyblade Wielders. Ventus grimaced as he looked between Hayner and Olette, "What about you two?" He didn't want to keep going down that rabbithole.
Olette hummed, "Flowers, maybe? It's always been faint, but sometimes I hear them humming, or they've on a rare occasion warned me of danger."
Hayner crossed his arms in contemplation, "Lightning storms."
Xion tilted her head, "Really?"
Hayner nodded, "They're really rare here though, but… I've never been afraid of them, and it's always felt calming. Like it was a lullaby."
Ventus took that in with a hum, "I see."
Roxas shuffled, "What brought that question up, Ven?"
The blond smiled as he looked at his twin, "Terra was curious, and Aqua was interested to know too. Y'know, I bet you've got an affinity for Light, Roxas."
"W-wha? What makes you think that?"
Ventus hummed, "You use a lot of Light based attacks. I just don't know if Light speaks or not. I hope so, though, since Darkness speaks."
The group nodded as they took that info in. Xion brightened, "What about me, Ven?"
Ventus slumped, "Uh… We're still trying to help you differentiate yourself from Roxas and Sora, aren't we..?"
Xion looked down, "Oh… right."
Ventus grabbed her hands with a smile, "But I'm sure it'll be something beautiful!"
Xion stared at him in shock, a light blush staining her cheeks as Roxas glared at him. Ventus choked and hopped back, "S-sorry!"
Xion giggled and Roxas continued to glower at him until Lea gave him a light shove with a snicker. Roxas stumbled with a short shout as Isa shook his head. Riku smiled as he understood Isa's more mature demeanor.
Ventus looked towards the Old Mansion, "Hey, do you think there's a Library in there?"
They all looked between each other as Riku nodded, "Yeah, why?"
Ventus turned to him, "I was curious about something. Do you think I could look through it?"
Riku shrugged, "Don't see why not, but do you really want to do that today?"
Ventus nodded, "If that's alright. You guys don't have to stick around for my sake, it's still early afternoon."
Some of the others went to protest before Isa raised a hand, "I'm curious about that building as well. If you all wouldn't mind, I'll keep him company."
Lea seemed to have a short mental conversation with his childhood friend before nodding as he turned to the others with them, "Sounds like a plan. Let's go! Too bad we can't teach Ventus about Struggle today, though.."
Hayner punched Ventus lightly on the shoulder, "Next time, you and me in the ring, got it!"
Ventus blinked in confusion as he nodded, "Uh, sure?"
Hayner pumped his fist as he ran back towards the way back into town, "C'mon guys!"
Olette and Pence ran after him, quickly followed by Roxas and Xion.
Riku and Lea gave the final two a quick look over before taking their leave as well.
Ventus turned to Isa, "You ever been here?"
Isa hummed, "Not as much as the others…"
Ventus searched the blue haired man for a long moment before he began to walk ahead, "Right. Well, don't be a stranger."
Isa smiled slightly, "That's a little hard when Lea's really been my only friend up until now."
The blond nodded, "I didn't have friends growing up either."
Isa raised an eyebrow, "I thought you didn't remember your past?"
Ventus stopped right at the door before slowly turning to him, "I don't consciously."
Ah. The Daybreak comment.
Isa nodded as he pushed the door open. They glanced around the dilapidated building as Ventus immediately noticed the newer door. He pointed to it and Isa agreed with his assessment, both going towards it and opening the strangely sectioned Library.
Isa stared down the metal stairs, "So that's where it is."
Ventus glanced down with a raised eyebrow, "Where what is?"
Isa slowly shook his head as he looked around the rows and stacks of books, "What were you looking for, anyway?"
Ventus smiled awkwardly, "Kind of about the World's history… but actually…"
Isa was left speechless for a moment before rolling his eyes and agreeing to help search.
Clearly Ventus was not as clueless of the workings of the world as Roxas and Xion.
