Chapter 13 Do It Together

Ven's POV

One Hour Later

I was sitting on a small island in the middle of the ocean.

"Ven", Chirithy started. "Aqua and Terra are probably very worried about you."

"Aqua and Terra are probably better off without me", I stated.

"Why would you say that", Chirithy asked.

"I...", I started. "I wasn't able to stop Darkness from killing Strelitzia. I'm scared...that someday...something like that is going to happen again."

After I said this...tears began falling from my eyes.

"As long as I stay away from people, I can't hurt them."

After I said this...I broke down crying.

Chirithy jumped onto my lap and I hugged her.

Then...I felt someone put their hand on my shoulder.

I turned around...and couldn't believe my eyes.

It was...Master Eraqus!

Once again, he had his more younger appearance.

"Master Eraqus", I asked in shock.

Master Eraqus didn't say anything. Instead...he held his arms out to me.

This caused my eyes to start welling up with tears.

Then...I raced into Master Eraqus' arms, and let them begin to fall as I let out loud sobs.

"Master Eraqus", I yelled out. "I don't know what to do!"

"There there", Master Eraqus soothed. "Tell me what happened."

"There's a being named Darkness living inside of me", I revealed. "They've been doing so for years. They...they killed someone who means so much to me, and I...and I...I just let them do it!"

"That wasn't your fault", Master Eraqus stated. "You have a pure heart Ven. Darkness knew this..and they took advantage of it. They took advantage of you."

"Why", I asked. "Why are people always using me to hurt other people."

"It's like I said", Master Eraqus started. "You have a pure heart, and sadly, people like to take advantage of those with pure hearts."

"I hate it", I revealed. "I hate it so much!"

"Then...what are you going to do about it", Master Eraqus asked.

"What", I asked in confusion as I broke our hug.

"Well", Master Eraqus started. "From the way I see it, you can either just stay here and mope around, or...you can do something about this."

After Master Eraqus said this, I looked at him in shock.

But he was right. Sitting around and moping wasn't going to fix the problem.

With that...I wiped away my tears before smiling at Master Eraqus.

"Thank you Master Eraqus", I said. "I know what to do now."

"Good", Master Eraqus stated. "Now...you'd better get going. Aqua and Terra are probably very worried about you."

Hearing this hit me with a bit of sadness.

Master Eraqus noticed it too. So, he hugged me.

"Don't be sad Ventus", he commanded. "I am always with you."

One Hour Later

I returned to the Resistance based, where Aqua and Terra were waiting for me.

"Ven", Aqua yelled before running up to and hugging me. "You had us worried sick!"

"I'm sorry", I apologized.

"Are you okay", Terra asked.

"Not entirely", I admitted. "But I'll get better."

"You sure", Aqua asked.

"I'm sure", I replied.

"Well", Terra started. "Next time you're not okay, come to us."

"We're a family Ven", Aqua added. "Whatever you're going through, we'll deal with it together."

Hearing this brought tears to my eyes.

Then...I hugged Aqua and Terra.

"I'm sorry", I cried out. "I'm so sorry I ran away."

"Just don't do it again", Terra commanded.

"I'll try", I said. "And if I do run away again, I know you guys will find me."