I know it's been an odd journey so far, but I gave a glimpse into this in Misfits to Wayfinders. Another idea that's been present for a long time, but not fully thought through, ripme. Enjoy.
TW: Minimally describing wounds, mentions of corpses.
Now-xXx-I-xXx-Will-xXx-Step-xXx-Forward
Void Gear was the next Keyblade to Guide him along as he stepped forward into a new Time Gate.
What he found on the other side wasn't his Town, but an entirely different World. He stood stunned for a long moment as he looked out across lush forests, fields of wheat, and a sunset that immediately brought tears to his eye. He nearly stumbled at the wave of nostalgia as it washed over him. He didn't know where the emotions were coming from, but it was something that had been deep and buried within him. "W..what..?"
Sora sat down from the feeling as he held a hand to his chest trying to breathe through the tumultuous grief.
'Where is this feeling coming from?'
No one answered him. He sighed as he reclined back on a hand, looking up at the sky. "...Is this Twilight Town..?" But there was no town to be seen. Settlements and houses, but no streets.
Twilight Hills
Slowly he gained control over his emotions as he stood and observed the landscape. He could almost imagine where each street and house would eventually come to be, the Clocktower in particular, as he knew the World would eventually erect it if it had to. He made note of the building that would one day become the abandoned mansion just outside the town. It surprised him that it was there, all shining and new.
Sora frowned as he pulled at his traveling cloak in the light breeze, a new series scents catching on the wind that he hadn't initially noticed. The smell of burned earth, wood, flesh, and plants, as he realized one of the wheat fields had been ravaged. He could see no home from where he stood, but he did notice a small crowd of people.
His Heart pulled and with a quick flick of his wrist, he brought his hood over his head and hid his face in its shadow.
Swift and careful he made his way down the hill he stood on and through the vast fields and forestry, where he hid in shadows to listen as the people spoke.
"-rents were my dearest friends, but I have my own family to care for. There simply isn't enough food for us to feed and take care of him."
"Well, with that damaged wrist of his, I certainly can't use him in the fields."
Around and around the adults talked over the shaking child as he stood alone. The hope was bleeding from his glassy eyes as he cradled his wrapped left wrist, clearly still in pain from whatever injury he'd sustained. Yet he stood silent as he waited out the verdict of those around him.
Sora's Heart lurched again and he nearly gasped aloud at the pain of it. Of course the situation was sad, but why was he being that much more affected by it?
VeNtUs
Sora stilled as Vanitas's growling voice rolled through his blood and rattled his bones. It took him a moment to settle his disturbance at how he had sounded as he then stared at the little boy of possibly seven years old.
His hair was particularly short, as if someone had given him a close shave. With the fire, he could only assume some of his hair had burned in some way and had to be sheared off.
But it was him. So horribly tiny and innocent as he stood in the wake of squabbling adults.
Sora didn't even realize he'd stepped out of the forest until all eyes were on him. "I'll take the boy."
The crowd looked at him with heavy suspicion as a man who seemed to be the head of the collective stepped forward, "And who are you, strange traveler?"
Sora didn't even have the chance to think about the implications before his mouth moved against his will, "Vara."
Sora's hand twitched unseen, wondering what that was about but having to accept that as it was. The headman took a few steps closer, "And do you have a place to call home to take care of a child? You seem to be a nomadic man, and a child needs a stable home to grow in."
Sora frowned as Vanitas's ire burned deep in his chest. He ignored it for civility, "Yes, I just so happen to be on an unexpected journey is all." He motioned towards the boy, "I can see you all have barely adequately helped this child and dressed his wound, but clearly he is still unwell with how pale he is. I assume he's lost a great deal of blood, yet you make him stand here as you squabble over his fate. I can heal his injury and bring him back to proper health."
The crowd glanced between each other as they tried to determine what to do. Sora sighed lightly as he rolled his eyes, moving over towards the boy as he got down on one knee in front of him. He spoke gently, "What's your name?"
The little boy sniffled as he rubbed his eyes with his good hand, "Ventus."
Sora smiled, "A name that is connected to the wind. Come with me, and I can help give you the freedom that the wind has to go wherever you desire."
Vanitas groaned and made sickly gagging sounds in response to his words, That's so disgustingly sappy, Sora.
Ventus's eyes widened into shining hope, his Heart brilliant with Light as Sora was left almost speechless at its simple purity.
What a freak.
Sora mentally slapped Vanitas as he extended his hand, "Well?"
Ventus nodded, "Okay, Mister Vara."
Sora smiled awkwardly as he shifted and lifted Ventus off of his feet and into his arms. Ventus gasped lightly as he clutched at Sora's cloak with his good hand to keep himself steady. Sora paused for a moment as he stood to allow the boy to gain his bearings before turning towards the small crowd. "I'll be taking Ventus into my care as my ward."
Some glared at him uncomfortably as the headman stepped close again, "But- Where in the world will you be taking him?" There was some clear and understandable concern in some of their faces.
But it meant nothing when they had waffled so thoroughly to give Ventus aid in the first place.
Sora smiled bitterly, "Somewhere far away where you cannot reach." He tipped his head in dismissal, "You can all go. I'll take care of his parent's graves, since you couldn't even bother with that."
They grimaced as they stepped back, "How dare you make such assumptions!"
Sora's smile disappeared as a great gust of wind billowed out from below him, shocking the crowd and forcing them to shield their eyes and brace themselves at the force of the gale he'd created.
A moment later and all was calm again, even the natural wind seemed to pause for a breath, "You may leave."
Ventus was in wonder of his Magic as the people quivered and ran away, swearing and angry as they left.
Sora sighed gustily as he gave Ventus his attention, "You alright?"
Ventus nodded as Sora began to walk towards the house, "Everything you had is gone, huh?" The blond nodded in response.
Sora placed him down carefully at the base of a nearby tree as Ventus found his feet again. Gently, Sora coaxed the boy to show him his wrist, deftly undoing the bandages as Ventus winced and looked away from the gory injury on top of his left wrist. Sora made a few clinical assessments of it with a simple glance before pulling out a set of tweezers, "They didn't even clean the wound of any glass fragments." He grumbled as he pulled out a Potion and poured half of it over the boy's arm to help numb his nerves of pain. Ventus visibly relaxed as Sora swiftly removed the shards he'd noticed from his left wrist before pouring the rest of the Potion over the wound itself. It couldn't heal the injury in full of course, but it would make it bearable.
Sora couldn't Cure away the damage that had been left to fester under the skin. The only thing he would be able to do is ensure Ventus could still use his left hand, even if it wouldn't be strong enough to Wield with. Swiftly he wrapped it with a fresh bandage.
No wonder Ventus only Wielded right handed, and with lighter Keyblades.
Sora tilted his head as he looked Ventus in the eyes, "What hand do you prefer?"
Ventus blinked and tilted his head, "My left." Sora frowned in concern as he went to speak before Ventus spoke again, "But! I can use my right pretty well too! I could use both, but my left is stronger."
Sora nodded absently, So he's ambidextrous?
Not much anymore, though.
I was never that good with my left hand.
Sora hummed as he took off his traveling cloak and wrapped it around Ventus's shoulders. The boy blinked in confusion as Sora smiled, "How about you rest here while I take care of your parents?" He shuffled around behind him and pulled out an apple, "It's not much, but I bet the adults didn't think to feed you, huh?"
Ventus shook his head as he carefully sat down against the tree, curling up slightly as he swam in the cloak and watched him with curiosity as he took the offered fruit. He started eating the apple immediately, clearly hungry and thirsty.
"I'll try to not take too long, but if you're thirsty and hungry still after a little bit, tell me and I'll go find some food, ok?"
Ventus nodded again as Sora pushed himself up onto his feet and dusted his black pants off. He glanced down at his red tunic top with blue geometric patterns, and his similarly patterned yellow sash with a frown. I liked this shirt, too. It's gonna suck if it gets ruined.
It's an eyesore and I'll be glad for its destruction.
Sora turned away from Ventus and began to walk towards the wreckage of the burned down home, a wry smirk on his face as he suppressed a chuckle, You know my taste is awesome.
It's nauseating is what it is. Stick to dark reds, greys, and blacks, and I'll be happier for it.
Sora pouted as he carefully sifted through soot, Awe, not even darker hues of any color?
Vanitas was silent for a long moment, ...Other colors are fine… though Ventus's penchant towards green also disgusts me.
Sora huffed at Vanitas's opinion just as he came across something and nearly gagged instantly from the feel of it and started swearing in his mother tongue like an absolute sailor.
Impressive. Tell me more about how you're going to put th-
Shut up Vanitas.
The remnant cackled and let him be.
Sora carefully dealt with the remains he'd found, making sure Ventus couldn't see anything. He then returned and informed him that he would be washing up and coming back with food.
Ventus looked up at him with trepidation, "Will you be gone long?"
Sora pursed his lips, "It might take a little bit…" He brightened, "I'll leave Auron with you!"
Ventus blinked in confusion as Sora summoned Auron, the Guardian hefting his sword over his shoulder as he took in the view around him, "A new place?"
Sora nodded as he glanced back at Ventus, "Auron here'll watch over you while I'm gone, so don't fret, alright Ventus?"
Ventus nodded, "Thank you Mister Vara."
Sora smiled as he turned to Auron, who gave him an odd look as he minutely shrugged and ran off to clean up. He could feel the urge to scrape at his skin to get the questionable debris off as he carefully cleansed himself in a cool stream he'd found. With a well timed Aero and Fire spell cast in succession, he was able to dry his now clean clothes and himself, feeling refreshed from the mess he'd dug through.
He sighed lightly as he tried to figure out what sort of food to grab, let alone something to drink as he scratched at his slightly damp hair. Since he'd had to undo his braid to wash up, knowing he'd still have to dig later, he deftly twisted it and put it into a bun, tying it with practiced ease.
Sora stretched for a long moment before sighing gustily, "Alright. Time to find something to drink, and some food."
It took longer than he'd hoped to find anything suitable, but he did eventually find enough food for two meals.
It was evening by the time Sora completed the task of digging holes and preparing markers for Ventus's parents. He had Auron take him away to eat dinner as Sora carefully placed the remains into their respective spot. He sighed lightly, knowing it was unfortunate that he didn't have a proper case to place them in, but knowing this was all he could do. He had wrapped them in expensive fabric that had been sitting in his inventory, checking over his work before nodding. It would have to be enough, since he didn't know anything about them, and all of their possessions had burned.
Ventus was the only piece left of their legacy.
He carefully began to place dirt back into where he'd dug, so that by the time Ventus and Auron returned, the ground was as smooth as it could be. He patted it gently as he stood and dusted himself off, "You alright?"
Ventus nodded solemnly, "Thanks Mister Vara."
Sora nodded, "It's the least I could do." He moved away so Ventus could have a moment there, to pay his respects in the best way a child knew how. When he was ready he turned to Sora and wiped away his tears, "Where are we going now?"
Sora had picked up his traveling cloak and put it on before turning to Ventus, "Away from this World." He didn't know where he'd end up next, but his Heart would Guide him there. The two stood for a long contemplative moment side by side, staring out towards the distant body of water and beach glimmering in deep oranges as a wry smile came to Sora's face unbidden.
We'll go to the beach!
Sora shook his head of Roxas's Memories before observing the blond. In an easy movement, he lifted the boy into his arms. Ventus was so full of wonder and it hurt in an odd way, deep in a place Sora couldn't name. He smiled sadly as Kingdom Key came to his call and lifted it, creating a new Gate for him to pass through.
Once on the other side Sora knew they had moved forward in Time, but he didn't expect to simply be dumped in the middle of Town. He frowned, unsure of what to do as he realized he really wouldn't be able to raise Ventus in the Tower. Something about the idea grated his nerves, and he could only guess that it had something to do with Vanitas. He shrugged to himself as he looked at the child in his arms, "My place is a little bare, but it at least has a bed. I'm going to have you settle for the night so I can collect some things to make it more comfortable. I'll leave Auron with you again while I do that, if that's alright?"
Ventus nodded silently, yawning as the day caught up to him.
Sora walked until he felt a pull, his Heart leading him to a cozy looking home nestled near the main plaza. It was away from others, so it wouldn't be too obvious he'd moved in there, but he'd have to inform the person presently in charge that he was making use of the home so that Ventus wouldn't be kicked out.
He used Kingdom Key to open the door and let himself in, finding the bedroom soon enough as he set Ventus down. Again he called Auron and let the Guardian help the boy settle for the night as he left to collect a number of things from the Tower.
He locked the door behind him with his Keyblade.
Now-xXx-I-xXx-Will-xXx-Step-xXx-Forward
By the time Ventus had awoken after that first evening, the residence Sora had been guided to was furnished. Sora had spent most of the evening carefully cleaning and fitting the place so that it at least looked lived in.
He could only hope Ventus didn't think it was too much or weird, since he'd been exhausted by the time he'd put him down.
All other arrangements had been dealt with in Town right in the morning before Sora faceplanted into the couch and took a good half an hour nap before being awoken by the blond.
It had taken a lot of self control to not groan or slap him away by reflex.
Thus, the first day had been spent with Sora asking Ventus what foods he liked, what sort of clothes he preferred, and taking him around Town.
The flitting thought passed through Sora's mind, Why hasn't the Town asserted its name yet?
It's still connected to too many Worlds. Soon.
Sora frowned at the thought.
Vanitas mumbled as if half asleep, Scala ad Caelum… it was a World from which all others sprang… right?
Sora shrugged slightly as Ventus took in the new World around him excitedly. I guess? Did Xehanort say that when I fought him?
...Maybe?
Too much time had passed since then, and the Memories of the last Loop and all of the others before it were muddling the actual course of events. Sora sighed to himself as he thought, 'I'll remember properly again one day…'
In no time a week passed as Sora and Ventus acclimated to one another. It was during this process that Sora became particularly nervous and unsure of himself. So, as he settled himself into sleep, he allowed himself to fall into his Heart, to meet with Vanitas on his Station.
He didn't expect to see seven Darkness lined fractals going out from the center as he floated downwards in concern. Vanitas watched him float down in front of him dully, as Sora was wearing his last set of adventuring clothes, sixteen again, and with both eyes.
He blinked as he looked over everything, "What the heck happened?"
Vanitas rolled his eyes, "I know it's been a few centuries since you've checked up on me here… but I'm shocked you can't figure that out."
Sora glared at him in annoyance for a moment before thinking about it, "...Is it because of my Guilt?"
Vanitas clapped, "He got it in one, amazing! He has more than two brain cells."
Sora sighed with a slight growl, "What's with the name you gave to Ventus, anyway? Vara? Isn't that like, some form of measuring distance?"
Vanitas smirked as he placed his hands on his hips, "Well, we've got a long way to go, don't we?" Sora gave him a dull look as the Remnant continued with a smirk, "Just took a page out of your book, of course. Vanitas. Sora."
The mixed brunette stopped for a long moment before groaning loudly and throwing up his arms, "Seriously?!"
Vanitas chuckled sharply as he prowled a bit, "Y'know, we're going to have to do something about how your Station's… divided itself."
Sora nodded tiredly, "Not anytime soon though…"
Vanitas motioned absently with his hand, "I'm working on it. In the meantime, why are you so worried?"
Sora pursed his lips for a moment before speaking, "Isn't that obvious?" Vanitas gave him a look before he continued, "I mean. I messed up with Chloe and Aiden in their own ways… I'm not… I don't really think I'm a good parental figure…"
Vanitas sighed loudly as he rolled his eyes before walking up to Sora, "Did he ask you to be his father?" Sora blinked before mutely shaking his head in the negative, "Then don't bother. Be his brother, his mentor, a teacher. Don't bother trying to parent him. Just.. Guide him. It's about time you properly passed on the ability to Wield a Keyblade."
Sora's eyes widened as he took in a breath, "But… I was given a Keyblade by a total fluke! I don't know how to pass on the ability to Wield a Keyblade…"
Vanitas observed Sora for a long moment before slowly nodding, "There's more than one way to pass on a Keyblade. I don't know what your deal was exactly, but at the very least, a World can choose to grant one to a Strong Heart in a midst of chaos." Sora nodded as he continued, "Another is by simply touching a Wielder's hilt by chance."
Sora made a face, "Wait, really?"
Vanitas shrugged, "It's how your precious Princess was given one."
Sora blinked before frowning, "Must you call her that?"
Vanitas smirked, "Kairi is...or will be a Princess of Heart. It fits."
Sora huffed as he crossed his arms, "Any others?"
Vanitas hummed, "The ceremony." Sora tilted his head, "It goes something like… In this hand take this Key, and so long as you have the makings, then through the act of taking, its Wielder you shall one day be. So long as you champion those you Love, no borders shall imprison you. Or at least, some flowery bullshit like that. Honestly, I think it depends on the one bequeathing how wordy they wanna be."
Sora hummed, thinking that over before finally nodding, "Thanks Vanitas."
The Remnant looked away uncomfortably before dismissing him with a haughty wave, "Don't mention it."
Sora chuckled as he left his Station to fall into proper sleep.
When he awoke the next day, he went through the trouble of making his hair actually presentable to the world in a properly groomed braid tied with a blue ribbon. He put on some fancier clothes which consisted of a dark red robe with gold trim, dark grey top and pants with a gold sash, and a necklace that had a triangular blue gem set into gold. He looked himself over with a frown, deciding it was the fanciest he was ever going to be as he put on black boots and walked out to their main living space. Ventus looked up as he sat at the table making sense of the schoolwork Sora had assigned him to try and figure out what sort of knowledge he had so that he could begin tutoring him.
Ventus tilted his head in confusion, "Is something happening today, Mister Vara?"
Sora smiled slightly, "Actually, I'm going to fully take you on as my apprentice, Ventus."
His eyes brightened before he paused, "What do you mean?"
Sora rubbed his hair awkwardly, "I haven't really done a good job of explaining things… and I'm sorry for that. I honestly haven't been sure of myself since taking you in, but I've decided to grant you the ability to use a Keyblade."
Ventus's eyes sparkled, the Light of his Heart nearly blinding as Vanitas burrowed deep into his Heart with a miserable groan, "Really?!"
Sora smiled as he beckoned him outside, "Let's go, little brother."
Ventus blinked, "Brother?"
Sora nodded, "I might be teaching you, but I'd like to have you think of me as a brother mentoring you."
The blond thought that over as they went outside and began to walk towards the Town's Center plaza. It was oddly empty as they reached their destination, but the fountain was sparkling as usual. He smiled, "Okay, Mister Vara, but you have to promise me something."
Sora tilted his head with a wry smile, "And what's that?"
Ventus grinned toothily, "Call me Ven!"
Sora felt warmth pool in his chest as he nodded, "Alright Ven."
The blond hummed happily as Sora knelt down on one knee in front of Ventus, calling forth his Keyblade.
Sora had swapped out Kingdom Key's Keychain for the first time in what seemed like forever, opting to go with Kairi's charm and clipping it on. Thus, Oathkeeper answered his call.
He felt it was an appropriate Keyblade for his purpose. With an easy flip he extended the hilt towards Ventus, "I present to you this Key to take in hand, for in doing so, you shall one day make it yours. No World shall imprison you, no expanse of Earth or body of Water shall keep you as the Wind takes you through many skies. So long as you fight for those you Love, you shall be its champion."
Ventus was enthralled as he took the hilt of Oathkeeper, a small glow passing between them before Ventus let go. He looked down at his right hand in wonder for a long moment as Sora dismissed his Keyblade. The blond smiled and pumped his fists, "So when do I summon it!?"
Sora chuckled as he ruffled his hair, "Once you learn a little Magic, and maybe get a year or two of school under your belt."
Ventus pouted, "Aaawe, but I wanna summon it now!"
Sora stood as he smirked at his ward, "You have to have a strong Heart first, and you're not quite there yet." He extended his hand, "Now come along with me. I'm going to start teaching you a little about Magic to see what you're proficient in."
Ventus took his hand and nodded enthusiastically.
In the end, Sora knew it was going to be Wind before he proved it by Casting Aeroza mixed with a little bit of Light Magic in one shot before any of the more basic spells.
The brunette had his work cut out for him.
Now-xXx-I-xXx-Will-xXx-Step-xXx-Forward
Sora slowly got the hand of mentoring and teaching Ventus instead of trying to parent him. This worked in his favor and was easier to do, and he took notes to refer back to as needed. Even though he knew all children were different, it would still help him if he ever chose to take on any apprentices in the future.
He was, as usual, learning everything on the fly.
Some things never changed. He just wished someone could have properly mentored him, instead of learning everything the hard way.
He also took note of the Darkness watching from shadows and underbrush, occasionally even rubbing up against him in varied animal shapes while Ventus was distracted in his practice.
Sora was still nervous about it, but it had seemed to deign to be nearby like a feline, enjoying his presence and watching, without becoming involved.
It didn't like Ventus's Light Magic.
Sora.
The brunette frowned as the Darkness spoke to him. He answered quietly, "What?"
What does it mean to be human?
Sora hummed as he looked out towards the horizon, Ventus far enough away with a particularly involved practice that he could chat for a moment, "Depends. Having friends, people you love. Making connections, laughing, crying. It's a lot of things."
It seemed to mull his words over as it hummed before sidling close and flopping heavily against his back and curling around his side, We don't understand.
"None of it?"
It hummed again, Negativity we understand. But positive emotion? This love you speak of… we know how to twist every bright thing into deep dark negativity… but not how to make it shine brighter.
Sora took that in, "Well, I think you've been with me for a long time, through every Time jump.. Right?"
We have witnessed your life in full thus far as we were once but a tiny speck.
Sora tilted his head in thought, "You say 'we.' But I'm talking about 'You.' Isn't there a difference?"
Darkness is made of many. We are a collective connected through a web of each shade. Though, as you say, this particular speck of Darkness has been observing you for a long time.
"Why?"
It paused, Why..?
"Yeah. Why have you been so interested in me particularly?"
It was silent for a long moment, You gave me a piece of that fruit. I learned of 'kindness' then. I may not understand it, but I recognize that you gave up something for my sake. A small sacrifice, but it has made me want to stay close.
Sora carefully nodded as Ventus turned his attention to him, the Darkness swiftly melting away as he ran over, "Did you see that Master Vara!?"
Sora chuckled as he nodded, "It was a wonderful Strike Raid. Good job, Ven." He ruffled Ventus's growing hair, now a few inches long as a couple of months had come to pass since they had met.
Soon the months turned into a year, turning into three, Sora felt his time to teach and mentor the boy grow ever shorter. Yet, he wasn't sad, for he knew he had to send Ventus forward.
To that Time, for that event for things to keep on the right track towards the future.
Soon the day came for him to place him in the future of his Town. "Ventus."
The blond scampered over to him with a bounce, "Yes Master Vara?"
He took out a paper wrapped package with twine to tie it together, "This is a present for you."
The boy took it in confused wonder, "What is it?"
Sora smiled, lifting a hand to his lips as he spoke, "That's a secret."
Ventus pouted up at him as Sora straightened out, dressed in the Organization's coat. He pulled the hood up, covering his face to fully enshroud it in indistinct Dark. He extended his hand, "I know it's sudden, but I'm going to be sending you somewhere. I'll be there on the other side to explain, and you'll even be able to continue living in our house like you have the past three years… but it's time for me to say goodbye for now."
Ventus frowned in confusion, "...Why are you leaving me? Why now, and so suddenly?!" Tears sprang to his eyes.
It hurt Sora's Heart, but he settled his hand on the blond's head as he spoke softly, "I'm sorry little brother. I wanted to enjoy the time we still had together, that's all. As I said… I'll explain better on the other side."
Ventus sniffled as he hugged the package close before slowly nodding, "Okay…"
Sora turned slightly as he called his Keyblade and opened a shining door between the space of their home and the empty one next to it, "I need you to trust me, and walk through that door. I promise to be there on the other side to explain."
Ventus sniffed, looking between him and the door, "...Won't you be lonely, brother?"
Sora's Heart melted a little as he teared up hidden, "Yeah. But you'll one day have many friends, those who love and trust you. I know it's hard to understand and part like this… but we won't ever be able to meet if you don't."
Ventus tilted his head in confusion before slowly nodding. He straightened up, looking between him and the door before bravely walking through.
The door disappeared as several more pieces of what was left of the 'World' began to fall away.
Daybreak Town
