You remember the first time you met him.
You remember the complete and utter mess your life used to be, to say it in nice words. How you used to have no purpose, other than to feel angry, get piss drunk, smack something and/or someone till that anger shushed enough to let you sleep, wake up feeling like you're the most worthless piece of shit on this earth, rinse and repeat. You remember how there was no escaping this cycle, no matter what you tried.
Radiant Garden seemed like a city as good as any to drink yourself to death at.
You remember how much you hated the monks and priests back then, and this is the one thing that hasn't changed ever since. You remember snorting in disdain at the flowing silky robes of the summoners, thinking the bunch of them looked like peacocks prancing around thinking they were better than everyone else. You remember everyone else treating them like they were better than them, too. You remember particularly hating this Master Yu Something-Or-The-Other, mostly because his face was all over the neon signs. Even the ones at the stadium. If you are going to mix up summoners and blitzball, what the hell is wrong with you.
You remember the precise moment when some idiot who was running down the street crashed right into you, how you lost your balance, how you dropped the half-empty bottle and how it crashed against the pavement. You don't remember falling on those shards but you must have, because you remember the pain flaring up your hand and arm, even if dulled by the alcohol in your system. You remember looking at it while still slumped down, and how vividly that red glistened under the artificial lights dotted along the street.
Radiant Garden is the city that never sleeps.
"I'm so sorry! Are you all right?"
You remember a voice, so soft even when it sounded so concerned. You rolled over with a groan and he was staring down at you, his expression tense with worry. Before you could get your brain back to work in order to give him a reply, his hands hovered over your wounded arm and you had to shut your eyes at the sudden bright light. Just like that, your pain was gone and so were the cuts and slashes, and you asked the only dumb thing that could be asked at the moment.
"Are you an angel…?"
You were convinced of it back then, you still are nowadays.
"Sorry to disappoint you… but I'm nowhere near that."
You remember getting lost in that smile for what was probably an embarrassingly long time, and you remember how everything suddenly changed as you noticed what he was wearing. A stupid flowing silky robe. Of course… if he could heal you with magic, he was obviously one of them. You remember how hard you tried to hate him.
"Didn't ask for any help."
You remember how his expression shifted, along with your own brusque change in attitude. You expected and wanted him to provoke you back, give you an excuse to turn it into a real fight. Instead, he bowed his head in apology.
"I'm… I'm really sorry. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Yeah, you can fuck off and leave me the fuck alone."
You remember feeling that was too much of a dick move, even for you. You remember acting on instinct and grabbing his wrist as he was about to get back up, and you remember blaming it on everything you'd had to drink.
"Why in such a hurry, anyway?"
"Um… I'm late for my training. My master is very keen on punctuality."
"You're a summoner."
"Apprentice summoner, really."
"You really gotta dress like that?"
"…What do you mean?"
"I dunno– that just looks really fucking stupid."
You remember expecting again that the argument might escalate, even if you weren't so sure anymore that you wanted it to happen. Instead, he made no comment and kindly helped you back up. You remember noticing the bright green of his eyes, the way his blonde bangs framed his face perfectly as he moved, the softly colored freckles scattered over his nose and cheeks. You remember also noticing that he was a bit shorter than you, probably some two inches, and you remember thinking that height difference would be perfect for you to lean down and kiss those velvety lips. And, of course, you remember mentally kicking yourself for even thinking about it.
Who the hell kisses a summoner? Or apprentice summoner, even?
"Do you need help going back home?"
"Don't have any home here."
"…Oh."
"Aren't you late, anyway?"
"I am… but now I have a good excuse. I'm helping you."
"…You're really fucking weird, y' know that."
You remember the precise moment when he glared at you for the first time, the way his lips curved into an almost-pout. You remember wanting to kiss them even more, just for that.
"Well, and you are very rude, mister! And what a potty mouth you have, really."
You remember the precise moment when he made you laugh for the first time, even if unwillingly so. How easy it was, despite how you'd been scraping at reasons to hate him. You remember him picking up some books you'd never even noticed he'd dropped, you remember leaning down to pick up the last book yourself, somehow managing to not fall over again in the process. He practically yanked the book out of your hand, then, but made himself bow politely nonetheless.
"…Thank you. Have a nice day. And please stay out of trouble!"
You remember how he left after that and resumed running down the street, how ethereal the white silks flowing around him made him look, how you suddenly realized you'd not asked his name. You remember wondering if you'd ever see him again. You remember thinking of asking around for the place where apprentice summoners went to train.
For an instant, Van couldn't tell if the loud crashing noise that'd just jerked him awake had been real or a part of his dream. It was morning already, he could see through the window… which meant they must be arriving at Kilika Port soon. His heartbeat wasn't done returning to normal when a second crash came, and cleared up all doubts. Rushing out of the cabin and down the corridor, he noticed the very obvious screams and cries coming from above, as well as the dangerous manner in which the boat was now swaying. Some other passengers were leaving their respective cabins as well, in a mix of confusion and fear and astonishment… and, as the first hushed whispers were spreading, Aqua pushed open the door leading to the deck with a loud slam.
"Sin's attacking! Everyone stay down there, it's safer!"
Then she disappeared back out again, and Vanitas was overwhelmed by the sudden stupid urge to laugh. Sin… Sin was out there, under there, somewhere there. Was he going back home…? Or was he going to die, here in Spira? Quickly pulling himself together, because this certainly wasn't the time for daydreaming, he echoed Aqua's words and helped a couple persons back to their cabin, before running out to the deck.
Matters didn't look too good, to say the least.
The ship didn't seem about to sink, fortunately, but nothing looked exactly stable, either. The deck was dripping water everywhere, which had him then noticing the large waves furiously breaking against the hull. Terra, Aqua, and Ven were doing what they could to help the remaining people get down to the cabins, save for the few brave sailors that continued their respective tasks to ensure the boat stayed afloat. Vanitas didn't need a reminder of how easily a creature as huge as Sin could snap that boat in half like a twig, but Sin sadistically reminded him anyway.
Another crash, this time violent enough to nearly make him lose his footing and fall over, and suddenly a gigantic fin emerged far too close to the ship – there was no doubt who it belonged to. Trying to ignore the ball of panic growing in his chest, Van ran over to the guardians in time to hear Terra's also not so cheerful remark.
"We can't fight it here… Our weapons don't reach!"
Van immediately understood that. He might have been the fastest man in the world, and Terra might have been the strongest, and still that didn't change the fact that they would need to be close to the fin in order to attack. Aqua materialized her staff, clutching it tightly against her chest.
"We have my magic…"
"That won't be enough."
"We have to do something." Ven made himself heard then, sounding oddly tranquil given the situation. Maybe because he knew the time for real panic had yet to come. "Sin's heading straight for Kilika… if we don't stop it, the village will be destroyed."
A heavy silence fell on them, for the next seconds. Was there a worse feeling than knowing you're so completely helpless? It didn't last long for Ven, though. He stepped forward and away from his friends, and performed the movements needed to summon Valefor. Promptly, the aeon was descending from the ironically sunny skies above, hovering near him.
"We can at least buy some time. If we keep it distracted… maybe it'll focus on us and forget about Kilika."
By far, the worst plan Van had ever been offered, and yet it was the only one they had. It was either attempting to engage that monster, or watch idly as it reigned destruction on so many innocent lives. Aqua didn't need more than that to step forward herself and closer to Ven, already prepared to begin her spell casting, and Terra and Vanitas nodded to each other. Maybe the two of them couldn't fight, but they could be the support team.
For a while, it actually seemed to be working.
It was obvious that lower-level spells and even the aeon's attacks were little more than scratches on Sin's fin, but it was fulfilling the purpose. Sin was gradually moving slower, and at some point it must have changed directions, because the fin did a sharp turn. It could have been a good sign… if it wasn't for the fact it crashed against the boat, and this time shook it so harshly that the four of them fell over in one way or the other. Falling right on his butt in a very embarrassing manner was the least of Van's worries, though – because, as he did, he watched in shock as poor Flood was thrown across the deck and actually over the rail, falling into the sea.
…How was she even aboard? She must have followed Vanitas all the way in, from Besaid, and he hadn't even noticed… And, while he might have been flattered, in any other situation, right now he felt his heart sinking along with her. Without a second thought and without hesitation, he didn't even register Terra yelling at him as he dived over the rail himself. The water was clean but had turned into a hellish mess of waves and foam, which made it hard to look around. She couldn't be too far… and this was exactly what a blitz player's lungs were for, so Van kept swimming deeper and deeper. And he might have actually thanked Yevon for once, the moment he noticed Flood trying to move in his direction. He didn't even know she could swim, either, but he was surely not about to question it. For the first damn time since he got here, Spira's oddities were working in his favor.
Van was already swimming to the surface with Flood tucked away safely in his arms, not sure of how good her capacity to breathe underwater was, when a low growl followed by a rumble stopped him in place. Oh, he recalled this… he recalled this very well. Was he about to be swallowed by Sin again…? There was no telling, however – because, next thing he knew, everything had gone dark around him. Dark and silent and still.
This time, he was aware he was dreaming. The Radiant Garden he saw surrounding him wasn't real… just a dream. Still, he walked down the street. There was the stadium, and the coffee shop where he often went for breakfast, and his home further down. People passed by him, laughing and chatting, talking on the phone, listening to music, silently mulling over everything they'd have to do for work today. It was like being back… but Vanitas knew he wasn't. And he knew that maybe he would never be, again. He continued walking down the street, towards the light… and woke up to the sound of Ven's voice.
"I will defeat Sin… I must defeat Sin."
Slowly, Van blinked his eyes open, and noticed the still bright blue sky above him. Beautiful and peaceful, like nothing at all had happened. He noticed Ven's features as well, so evidently strained with sadness as he gazed towards the horizon, and felt Ven's fingers running gently through his hair. He had his head on Ven's lap, while lying down on what was left of the ship's deck. Somehow, they were still sailing towards Kilika, though Van dreaded getting up to look around. Maybe because of that, he made his hoarse voice work again in order to ask about something completely different.
"Where's Flood…?"
As if on cue, the cute little thing jumped on his chest immediately, nuzzling under his chin. Ven glanced down and offered them both the best smile he had at the moment.
"You saved her… but, please, never scare me like that again."
"And Sin?"
The summoner didn't answer this time, and instead glanced over ahead of him again, and Van gently shoo'd Flood away in order to sit back up. The boat had been left wrecked enough after that last smack… but it was nothing compared to what he could see by the shore. Either Sin or the giant waves, or both, had hit the village brutally, and what was left was a desolated pile of destroyed buildings, flooded roads, random objects and pieces of furniture and debris and bodies floating around idly. With an invisible hand squeezing viciously at his throat, Vanitas found himself thinking of what Ven had said during the feast. Please don't tell me it's not worth it. Of course it was worth it… If people could live not constantly fearing something like this might happen again, even if only for a limited time, it was fucking worth it.
Only now he was realizing what Sin's sorrow was truly about.
And only now he was realizing what summoners truly were up against.
Summoners were Spira's only hope.
The ship arrived at what was left of Kilika Port less than ten minutes later, and Ven was the first to head out, approaching a small crowd nearby.
"Hello… I am Summoner Ventus, of the island of Besaid. If there is no other summoner here, please allow me to perform the Sending."
What was that, again? Oh, right… something that summoners did to make sure the dead could rest in peace, right? Honestly, Van was surprised he still remembered – maybe if Ven had been his teacher, his grades back at school would have been a lot better. The villagers seemed quite pleased with that offer, and soon they were leading Ven along the winding wooden passage over the water.
"You can go look around while waiting, if you want."
Van pursed his lips, not sure if he was interested in that. "The Sending… what's it about? What does Ven have to do?"
Aqua smiled, in a genuine manner that she'd not done towards Vanitas before. "Maybe he isn't wrong, in insisting that you're not lying."
"…Well, I'm not. Can I watch this?"
"Come along."
Terra had nothing to object, apparently, so the three of them followed the wooden path as well. It ended in a platform leaning into the water, with several bodies, wrapped in different types of fabric and covered in flowers, gathered all around. Vanitas found a quiet spot for himself, not really wanting to cause a mess by trying to squeeze through the people that were watching, and waited.
It wasn't long before Ventus stepped forward along the wooden platform, holding his staff backhand in that quirky little way that he always did. Van noticed he was barefoot and had to wonder if he was about to go into the water as well… only to have his jaw dropping when seeing him walk on the water, instead. Was that also a summoner thing, or was he an angel for real…?
No chance to keep wondering, because soon a chant was filling the air and Ven began on his dance. It was the same chant that Vanitas had heard at the temple in Besaid, now coming from the villagers who'd gathered to mourn their loved ones… it must be some tradition common to all followers of Yevon. It didn't really matter to him, not with the way Ven was moving. Van already thought that the movements to summon Valefor were graceful and elegant, but nothing could have prepared him for what he was presently watching.
The way Ven was moving his arms, his feet, his staff, his whole body… it was, without question, the most beautiful display Vanitas had ever seen. The water itself seemed to resonate with it, gentle ripples forming and spreading under the summoner's feet, as the lights – no, the pyreflies – began leaving the bodies and swirling in the air. Van could hear the soft crying of the villagers closer to him, some others crying louder and sobbing, some trying to console others. Ven danced, and mothers held children who'd lost their father. Friends held friends who'd lost a lover. Big siblings held little siblings who'd lost their parents. Spira's sorrow, he thought, as the pyreflies swirled around Ven and ascended, and the flames burning at the torches nearby turned blue for a moment. The villagers kept singing and Ven kept dancing, and now the water itself swirled under him and pushed him further in the air. As the last pyreflies flew up towards the morning sun, the water gently let Ven down again and he finished.
It was done, apparently.
It was still the most beautiful thing Vanitas had ever seen, and now also the saddest.
He hoped that Ven would never have to do it again.
As some of the villagers began dispersing, having to go take care of the living now that the dead were at peace, Terra and Aqua went to meet Ven halfway through the wooden road. Aqua promptly caught him a hug and Terra mussed his hair affectionately.
"I hope… I hope I did okay."
"You did very well. We're so proud of you."
With his own voice about to break, despite keeping his composed expression, Terra cupped Ven's cheek to brush the dampness away with his thumb. "But no tears next time, hmm?"
Ven laughed weakly, nodding.
Van hoped that there would never be a next time.
Unsurprisingly, the visit to Kilika Temple was pushed back to the next day. Sin's attack had left as many dead bodies as it did injured people, and Ven refused to leave before he was done healing every single one of them. Knowing better than to argue with that, Aqua and Terra got busy helping around as best as they could, as well, and Vanitas did the same. There were houses to evacuate, food to salvage and store, debris to start cleaning… The best way to deal with destruction was to begin rebuilding anew immediately, after all. Even Flood wanted to help, though for the most part that meant making friends with the monkeys that had fled the Kilika woods to find refuge at the village. No one really bothered to stop her, especially because their cute shenanigans provided a very welcome distraction to kids and grown-ups alike.
Vanitas barely noticed time going by, with so much to do. After dinner, kindly offered by the inn keeper to the lord summoner and his guardians, he flopped on the mattress he'd also been offered somewhere along the floor and passed out almost immediately. A sleep without nightmares, which was an accomplishment in itself after such a day… Still, as he woke up, the sense of dread lingered in his chest.
It was still the middle of the night, he could see through the gaping hole left across the inn's roof. The village was mostly quiet, save for some noises of reconstruction echoing in the distance, but Van found himself too restless to fall back asleep. He opted for a walk, instead, and exited the building (if it could still be called one, half-wrecked that it was)… and wasn't too surprised to find Ventus walking out of the house that used to be the market and, for being the largest in the village, had now been turned into an improvised infirmary.
"How's it going?"
"Good… well, as good as it can go. At least, all the serious wounds have been taken care of."
Ven looked downright exhausted, after having spent all day – and, apparently, all night so far – healing and treating as many people as possible. For a moment, his eyes actually fell shut and he swayed in place, though Van's quick reflexes caught him before anything worse could happen. Tucking the summoner's fluffy head under his chin, he gently stroked up and down his back a few times.
"Hey… how about a break? You really look like you need it."
"I still have some things to finish…"
"Ven, I didn't see you around for dinner already." And he'd seen the half-hilarious, half-terrifying amount of food that Ven could pack away, back in the boat. Vanitas actually was surprised he'd not crashed from low blood sugar at this point. "Can't help anyone if you faint on them, can you? They'll probably think you're pretty rude for that."
The summoner's slender form shook gently in his arms, with a tired laugh, and that's how he knew he'd won that battle.
"Fine… you're right. Wanna come with me?"
Of course he did. If nothing else, to make sure Ven wouldn't pass out on the way back to the inn, or slip right off the wooden road and drown himself accidentally. What would he tell to Terra and Aqua, after that? Despite the late hour, the staff were more than happy to provide for the summoner, and soon the two of them were sitting face-to-face at a table filled with modest, but wonderfully smelling food. Ven shoved the first portion in his mouth and practically moaned in delight, and Van couldn't honestly say he minded that at all.
"Oh, I was starving!"
"And yet you wouldn't have thought of actually eating, if it wasn't for me."
"…I was busy."
"You should never be too busy to take care of yourself."
Ven basically hid his face into the bowl of noodles, in response to that, and Van also didn't mind the cute cherry-pink blush spreading across his freckled cheeks. …Wait, what? Blinking, he leaned closer and actually stared for some good five seconds or six.
"…What?"
"You have freckles!"
Ven laughed, already pushing another generous chunk of bread into his mouth. "What's so special about that?"
"I dunno… it's really cute. Just when I thought you couldn't be cuter."
Thankfully, Ven managed to not choke… but cleared his throat and began chewing slower, anyway. The blush also grew darker for a moment. "A lot of people have freckles."
"Yeah, but I don't care about a lot of people."
"…Anyway. What're you doing awake at this hour?"
Vanitas leaned back again, not wanting to make Ven push his face into the bowl till he drowned there, instead, but did absolutely nothing to hide his own smirk of amusement. He wasn't even sure why he was enjoying this little exchange so much, as it'd started in a rather innocent and unplanned way… but, if it could grow from there, then he definitely wouldn't be the one to stop it. Somehow, Ven acted like he'd never flirted with anyone before, and Van wouldn't mind teaching him a thing or two about it. For the time being, he grabbed one of the rice cakes for himself.
"I woke up and couldn't fall asleep again."
"Can't blame you… it was a terrible day."
"You think Sin is still nearby?"
"We can never really tell for sure. Usually, when it strikes, it's already too late."
Not a pleasant thought to have.
"Must be tough… living like this. Always in fear."
"Mhm… I really, really wish I could do something to help."
"Ven… c'mon. You're kidding, right? You've healed practically every single person in this village. You did the Sending. What else could you have done, go out and fight Sin with your bare fists?"
"Thank you, Vani… I know. But it's still hard. It's hard to watch so many people dying, so many people grieving…"
It dawned on Van, then, that he'd been lucky in a way – since he'd passed out while trying to save Flood, it spared him from watching what'd happened next. Ventus likely had watched the village being destroyed in real time, right in front of him, without being able to do anything to stop it. Shifting uncomfortably, he folded his arms.
"I… can understand that. It is. It fucking sucks. It's fucking unfair. But some things in life are just like that. Sometimes, you can't do anything about it. Sometimes, you can't save everyone. But that doesn't mean that still saving as many as you can isn't important. Even if it's only one person that you're helping."
Ven looked thoughtful for a moment, now chewing on a whole carrot like it was nothing – which, again, might have been hilarious, if it wasn't for the situation. But soon he was easing into a smile. "You're right. Doing the best we can is always the best choice."
"Good. Then stop pushing yourself so hard, or I'm gonna have to start smacking you for it."
"How mean! You're supposed to guard me, not smack me."
"I am a man of many talents. I can do both."
The late-night meal continued on a lighthearted note from there, as Ven practically inhaled all the food till every plate, bowl, and tray was left empty. Summoners eating like monsters of the depths must be a common thing, because the inn keeper didn't look surprised in the slightest as she came to announce they'd prepared an actual room for the lord summoner – and not just a mattress on the floor. Ven looked unsure, nibbling at his bottom lip.
"I… wanted to go back to the infirmary, still."
"What did I say about smacking you, Your Holiness?"
That settled it. The two of them left for the assigned room (which, really, was nothing out of the ordinary but, in such context, was the greatest luxury to be offered) and, despite Ven claiming he'd only rest for a bit, the exhaustion of the day and now this big meal clearly had other plans for him. They sat on the small bed for a short while, continuing their chat, but it wasn't long before Ven's head was going to snuggle on Vanitas' nearest shoulder… and it was even faster that he stopped replying, having fallen asleep. Van sustained that position for a few more minutes, not wanting to accidentally wake him, but apparently there was nothing to worry about – this boy slept as heavily as he ate. He pulled their boots away, because the bed might not be the best but there was no need to get it dirty, and tucked Ven in. Then he sat on the floor himself, leaning against the side of the bed, and got ready to return to sleep as well.
That's how Ven found him, waking up in the morning. This portion of the inn's roof had been spared from damage, but the light coming in trough the window was enough to make him roll over with a long yawn. Gosh, he'd really needed that nap… His body still felt sore a bit all over, after the strain of using so much magic, but he felt a lot more rested and even in a better mood. Noticing Van's slumbering form at the edge of the bed, though, he smiled and brought a hand up to caress the other's hair.
"Can't believe you slept on the floor for me, you silly…"
Clearly, the morning was starting all too idly, and that tranquility ended sooner rather than later.
"Ven? Are you awake?"
Aqua's tone was gentle, as was her knocking on the door, but Ven almost fell off the bed. …What would she think if she walked in and found Vanitas there? A bit too frantically, he started shaking Vanitas awake.
"Vani, come on! You have to go!"
…But go where? There was no leaving through the door, and this was the inn's second floor, so jumping out of the window also wasn't a smart option.
"Ven?"
"…Aqua! Hi! Just a moment, I'll be just a moment!"
At this point, Ven wasn't above slapping his guardian awake, but thankfully it wasn't necessary. Still groggy, Van found himself all but being shoved under the bed all of a sudden.
"I'm sorry, please just stay there and be quiet!"
"Wha–"
No time. Ven thanked Yevon for the long covers that perfectly hid the sides of the bed all the way to the floor, and prayed some more that, for some reason, Aqua wouldn't feel the need to go and peek there. He then finally opened the door, looking more like he'd just finished a marathon rather than fresh awake.
"…H-hello! Good morning! How are you?"
Aqua blinked a few times in confusion. She'd expected to find the summoner still fast asleep, after having worked so hard the previous day… but, instead, Ven seemed like he'd accidentally jolted himself with a strong Thunder spell. "…Good morning. I am okay. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine! I'm great, thank you for asking! Sorry I took so long, I– I… I was looking for the key, that's it!"
"What key?"
"The key to unlock this door, I couldn't find it anywhere!"
"Ven, I didn't hear you unlocking the door before you opened it."
"…You didn't? I mean– I didn't…? I mean… that's exactly what I mean! I thought I needed the key and I was looking for it all over, till I finally realized I hadn't even locked the door! Silly me, I know…!"
The nervous laughter did very little to help his case but, luckily, Aqua didn't feel the need to press the matter. If Terra had taught her anything, when they were younger, it's that puberty could turn boys into idiots, at times. For their own special motives. Instead, then, she did her favorite thing and ruffled Ven's hair.
"Well… I'm glad you solved that! Either way – I came to tell you that breakfast is served. Terra and I will be around helping some more, so you take as long as you need. We'll be ready to leave when you are."
Ven nodded almost vehemently, closed the door again a little too fast, and then all but slumped back against it with a deep sigh of relief. He hated lying like this, let alone to one of his best friends… but it'd been for the greater good. Right…? Forgetting about it for the time being, he knelt by the bed and lifted the covers, peeking under it.
"All clear… you can come out."
Vanitas inched out as well as he could, without smacking his head anywhere (as he had, when crawling under the bed), and finally stretched himself. At first, he'd admittedly not been too pleased with being tossed around like that, let alone into such a cramped space… though, as the chat with Aqua unfolded, his amusement quickly took over and was now shining as bright as the sun outside.
"Can't believe she actually fell for that."
"I know… I thought my whole face was going to fall!"
"Sooooooo… your big sister wouldn't be happy seeing another guy in your bed?"
"…I don't think she'd be happy seeing anyone in my bed."
"What, so you can only sleep with someone after getting married and all that?"
Just like that, Ven's face was as red as a tomato. He turned around and busied himself with making the bed. "What sort of question is that? I'm not getting married…"
Of course, Van was nowhere near done. "Well, good luck with that, then. Hope you find someone who won't mind being tossed under the bed or into the wardrobe, every time you guys kiss."
"I– That… that's not gonna be a problem, anyway."
"You sure about that?"
"I never even kissed anyone!"
That was like dropping a silence grenade in the room, for the next few seconds. Ven was tugging at the covers so intensely that the bed was actually shaking and squeaking in place and, after the initial astonishment, Vanitas reached over to take the summoner's hands in his own to make him look back at him.
"Is that true?"
"…Yes."
"I can teach you."
Again silence, but now of a much different kind. Van wasn't even sure why he'd said something so bold and so potentially stupid, but he wasn't about to take it back. Ven's face had gone from tomato to fluorescent strawberry, but he also did not feel the urge to decline the offer that he knew for a fact he should be declining. He should actually be pushing Vanitas out of the room, saying that it was for his own good. Instead, he watched as Van was leaning closer into him, still holding his hands, wearing a smile that was as cocky as it was helplessly attractive… and, before he realized what he was doing, Ven was leaning in as well. He closed his eyes and was already parting his lips in anticipation–
–When a ruckus suddenly coming from behind them nearly had him jumping out of his skin. Both of them turned at the same time, incredulous, to find Flood and one of her monkey friends in some sort of playfight that'd just knocked the jar down from the small wooden table at the corner. It wasn't broken, but there was still water now splashed all around and flowers scattered.
"Yevon save me… what are you little rascals doing? We can't go around making a mess in a room that isn't ours!"
To say the moment was ruined would have been the biggest understatement ever since the days of the Great Machina War. Clearly, said rascals weren't even caring, because they continued bouncing off each other despite Ven's rather feeble attempt at a scolding – up until the moment Van grabbed them each under an arm. Ventus hurried to salvage the poor flowers, and put the vase back in place.
"They probably climbed in through the window…" And, man, did they have the worst of timings.
"Y-yeah… Well. Aqua said breakfast's ready, s-so… I'll see you around? I should actually go shower before anything else. If I show up at the temple like this, the priests will probably take me to the exorcism room rather than the Cloister of Trials."
Saying this, Ven hurried out of the room and Van was left with two unexpected children to care for. Bringing Flood up to eye level, he couldn't help the glare of frustration.
"See what you've done? You're supposed to be on my side!"
Even if nature wasn't really his thing, Van would be the first one saying that the forest at the outskirts of Kilika was impressive. There was a clear path for travelers, since in order to get to the temple going through the woods was mandatory, but it wasn't a completely linear one and had a few twists and turns among the trees. The native fiends were also different than those at Besaid, but the four of them had no trouble making their way through. At the other end of the woods, a large set of stone steps marked the entrance to the temple. Though, as they were about to start their way up, two other boys darted past them – followed by a girl with beautiful blue eyes and red-colored short hair, who paused to offer them an apologetic smile.
"Sorry… they're always racing like this, to see who gets to the top first."
Aqua gave back a smile of her own. "Are they trying to be like Lord Ohalland?"
"They wish!"
Everyone laughed, except Vanitas – who had no idea who that was supposed to be. Noticing it, Ven began explaining. It was actually the first time the two of them were talking again, after the events of that morning.
"Lord Ohalland defeated Sin 230 years ago. He was the third high summoner to bring the Calm, and was also a blitzball champion. It's said he used to train here, running up and down these steps."
"Really? That's actually kinda smart."
"Pretty cool, huh? He's a legend and an inspiration to all of us in Kilika! Though, sometimes, I wish those two wouldn't get so… excited about it." Snickering, the girl then bowed her head respectfully. "My name's Kairi, it's nice to meet you."
They were about to introduce themselves but the other two boys were already rushing back down, stopping nearby. From the look on their faces, it wasn't hard to guess who the winner was.
"Really Sora? You lost again?"
"Now this week's score is 5-1."
"I almost had it this time! Tomorrow I'm winning, Riku!"
With a pout, Sora shoved his hands at the back of his head, and Van had to snicker to himself at the choice of clothing. He looked quite young, possibly even younger than Ventus and himself, but he was still surprised that someone at this age willingly chose to go around in a flashy red jumpsuit. That and the borderline ridiculous, big yellow shoes, though his two friends had something of a similar size. Maybe it was just the fashion trend around these parts.
The taller boy was interesting as well, mostly because of his silver-colored hair… and eyes that were of a green different than Ven's, with an exquisite sort of swirl around the pupils. That and either he was incredibly perceptive or Vanitas was terrible at being inconspicuous, because his staring did not go unnoticed.
"What? Never saw an Al Bhed before?"
"…A what?"
With the mood suddenly growing awkward, Ven was quick to step in. "Are you guys from around here? It's our first time in Kilika… I came to pray at the temple."
"Oh! Are you a summoner?"
It did work, and it must also be world record for two people becoming best friends after having known each other for less than two minutes. As soon as he heard about the temple, Sora was beaming.
"I'm training to become one, too! How many aeons do you have? Where did you do your training? Who's your favorite high summoner?"
Riku was now clearly resisting the urge to facepalm, and Kairi actually nudged Sora in the ribs with her elbow. "Sora… how about you ask people their name, before anything else?"
"…Oh. Yeah, you're right–"
Ventus couldn't help but laugh – not only not feeling bothered by the mini torrent of questions, but actually finding it quite amusing. He did the Yevon's greeting, first and foremost, and proceeded to answer.
"I'm Ventus, but you can all call me Ven. This is Terra, Aqua, and Vanitas," he pointed to each of them in turn. "My guardians. We're from Besaid, and that's really the only aeon I have because I only recently started my pilgrimage. And… my favorite high summoner is my father. High Summoner Eraqus."
If Sora was beaming before, now he was positively about to sparkle.
"NO WAY! You're his son?"
The response, however, did not come from Ven – rather from someone at the top of the stairway.
"Sinspawn! Someone help, please!"
The name kind of spoke for itself, and the tremor that suddenly shook the ground was all the proof that Vanitas needed to understand it was some sort of trouble or the other. Forgetting his enthusiasm for the time being, Sora turned to his friends and the three of them exchanged a knowing look.
"We'll handle this! You guys guard Ven!"
Just like that, they took up the steps and disappeared from sight, leaving the party in actual bewilderment.
"What the hell was that all about?"
"If it's really a Sinspawn, they're going to be in trouble…"
"What's a Sinspawn, anyway?"
"Fiends. They fall from Sin's body, and are left behind in its wake. And, if they're not defeated, Sin comes back for them."
Not a single part of that explanation warranted anything good, and so Vanitas promptly followed the others up the steps. Much to their surprise, though, not only Sora, Riku, and Kairi were holding it up against that large fiend… they actually seemed to be winning. All three of them were expert magic users and they fought with peculiar weapons as well – blades shaped in the form of a key, that didn't look impressive at first sight but were clearly getting the job done. Soon the fiend was turning to pyreflies, and Ventus approached them almost as excitedly as Sora had been before.
"That was amazing, guys! I didn't know you were so strong!"
Being praised by the son of High Summoner Eraqus was the highlight of Sora's entire life so far. He struck a proud pose with his hands on his hips, as his two companions came to join him.
"We've been training since we were little! My friends are my power… and no one can defeat the three of us together! Not even Sin!"
"We have to stay sharp, if we're gonna become Sora's guardians. And also to save him from his own bragging."
Kairi's remark had them all laughing, as if they all were life-long friends. The area in front of the temple was a mess now, with fallen pillars and cracks along the ground… but the building itself was safe and, fortunately, no one had been hurt. A couple priests came to greet them and were immediately overjoyed to see a summoner ready to take on the Cloister of Trials, and headed back in to get everything ready. The inside of the temple wasn't too different from the one in Besaid, with the same set of statues and the chant echoing from within – though, here, it was being sung by a deep male voice. Ven presented his respects to every statue in turn, staying a bit longer by the one of Lord Eraqus, and led the way up the stairway once he was prepared. As Van was about to join them on the elevator platform that would bring them down to the trials, however, he was surprised by Terra holding him back at arm's length – literally so.
"You're not a guardian yet. Still in training."
"What?"
Ven offered him a sheepish smile, but did nothing to change that decision.
"Sorry, Vani… we'll be back soon."
It caught him so off guard that Van only reacted after the platform was done going down, so all he could do at that point was to yell at them and hope his outrage would be heard.
"Yeah, soon! Like tomorrow soon or something!"
If they did hear, there was no comeback. Sighing in annoyance, he had half a mind to sneak in just like he'd done the first time… but eventually decided against it. It might result in real trouble for Ven, this time, and, even if things were still a bit awkward between them, that was not something Van wished to happen. So he dragged himself back outside and flopped on the first wall coming in sight, glad to at least see Flood coming to join him soon after.
"I'm still mad at you, young lady."
Which he said with a smile, so, being clever like she was, it was her cue to climb up his leg and perch herself on the usual spot atop his shoulder. Nothing to do now, other than waiting and being bored out of his mind. Only a few minutes passed, though, before Sora came to sit beside him – falling in love with Flood immediately, even if she seemed as wary of his presence as she was of everyone who wasn't Vanitas.
"How come you didn't go to the trials with them?"
"'Cause, apparently, I'm still an apprentice guardian in training." His purposefully bad imitation of Terra's voice had Sora giggling immediately. "Either that… or I fucked up and Ven's mad at me."
"Oh? What did you do?"
"It's…. stuff. Between the two of us."
Much to his surprise, Sora seemed to catch up immediately – now giving him a knowing little smirk. "Between the two of you, huh? I see, I see!"
Despite all else, Van had to laugh. "If only he was a smartass like you, maybe we wouldn't have fought to start with. Well, we didn't really fight… it just happened. Or it didn't happen, should I say. Because of someone." Cue the mock glare at Flood, who didn't even have the decency to look offended. Instead, she hopped down to his lap and curled up for a nap.
"Maybe he just needs some time."
"Mhm. Maybe."
"Hey, don't be upset. A summoner's pilgrimage runs on happy faces!"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You know what I mean. It's… tough. So it's better to face it with a smile."
"Well, yeah. I know that. Going everywhere to pray, fighting fiends, and then fighting that fucking ugly Sin before being able to return home… I know it's tough."
Regardless, the look Sora gave him seemed to speak of something else entirely. Something Van wasn't quite grasping, apparently, and so he felt the need to explain his side of things. More or less. In an acceptable manner for everyone who wasn't Ventus and, therefore, likely wouldn't believe him.
"I… got too close to Sin. The toxin. So my head's kind of a mess, now."
"Oh, that sucks! I'm sorry about that… You forgot about your life and your friends?"
"Yeah. And Ven's been helping me out with it… which is why I really don't want to make him upset."
"It's going to be okay, you'll see. Sometimes, we have our worst fights with the people we love the most. It's like me and Riku and Kairi… I don't know what I would do if I lost them or forgot about them. I love them too much."
Van's mouth was suddenly hanging agape, not sure of what just startled him more – the fact that Sora was implying that he was in a polyamorous relationship with his future guardians, or the fact that Sora was implying that Vanitas and Ventus were in love.
What?
"That's not what you're thinking! Me and Ven– we're not– not like that!"
"Aw c'mon… really now? I saw the way you guys look at each other!"
At each other.
So, not only he was potentially giving this impression, with the way he was with Ven… but the other way around was true, as well. Thankfully, Flood herself must have felt his embarrassment, because she suddenly squealed in her sleep and bounced to huddle herself inside Van's shirt – which, in turn, caused Sora to squeal at her cuteness and drop the topic.
"She's so cute! My buddy looks a bit like her, his name is Shadow. He stays home with mom, while I'm busy training. Hey, speaking of which! Do you wanna stay over, till Ven is done?"
"Nah, it's okay. I can find a place here, somewhere."
"Are you sure? I bet it's gonna take at least the whole night… Ifrit's kinda stubborn, from what I've read and been told."
"Ifrit?"
"He's the aeon of Kilika Temple. And he embodies the power of fire – haven't you sensed how it's hotter inside the temple? I bet it must be boiling, in the Chamber of the Fayth… Poor Ven, I hope he'll be okay."
Vanitas frowned, trying to ignore this last part – or else he would end up doing something stupid, again. "You guys talk of these things like they're real people."
"Well… they once were. The Fayth are people who gave their lives to battle Sin. They offered their souls to Yevon, while still alive… and now they live forever, trapped in statues. If a summoner calls to them and prays with all their heart, the fayth hears that call and comes alive to fight against Sin again. That's what an aeon is."
Clearly, being a know-it-all was part of a summoner's job – even those still in training. But Van was grateful for Sora's explanation, much as he always was for Ven's.
"So… he's gonna be praying all day and night?"
"Yeah, till the fayth accepts him as a summoner able to defeat Sin. They are like people… they have different personalities and preferences. Some are easier to bond with than others, depending on the summoner. Ifrit is known for his strength and temper, so that's what he respects in a summoner, more than anything else."
"If it's a temper he's looking for… this may end up being over surprisingly fast. Don't let Ven's angel face fool you."
The two of them laughed, and Van was grateful for this little chat. There was no point in staying out here for hours, was there? So, in the end, he went back to the village with Sora and the others for the night. Regardless, not having it in him to stay put for too long, Vanitas returned to the temple at the break of dawn, getting entertained with helping with the reconstruction for a couple hours, till the large doors of the temple swung open again. Van wasn't surprised to see his three companions practically washed in sweat, as he ran over to greet them. Not after what Sora had told him about Ifrit.
"How'd it go?"
"I… I got him…"
Before anything else could be told, Terra cut in as bluntly as he usually would. "Vanitas, can you go find the priests to request a room? Ven needs rest."
Although he was still not happy with having been pushed aside by this same Terra, Van didn't bother with being petty and headed off to see that done. The priests had already vacated a room for the summoner and his party anyway, and also didn't need long to prepare food and much needed baths. Terra and Aqua let Ven be taken care of first, and only went to get themselves cleaned once he was tucked in bed for some well-deserved hours of rest. Vanitas stayed with him in the meantime, but it was well into the afternoon when Ven went to join them in the common room. He still didn't look that great, and, now that he was sitting beside her, Aqua could notice the soft shaking of his hands.
"I'll ask them to hurry up with dinner. We have to get some food in your tummy."
"It's all right… I'm not really hungry."
That's how the three of them immediately knew something was wrong. Pursing her lips in worry, she put her hand on Ventus' forehead and her frown deepened when realizing how hot it felt. "Ven… you're burning up."
"I know… don't worry, it's because of Ifrit. I just need to get used to him, a few hours should be enough."
"Then let's get you back to bed. You need rest."
"I thought… maybe you guys wanted to return to the village."
"No way we're taking you through the woods like this. It's okay, I'm sure the priests won't mind us staying here for a night."
Honestly feeling too weak to argue, Ven just nodded and let himself be taken back to bed. Terra and Aqua left to make the necessary arrangements, and Vanitas was about to exit the room as well when the summoner stopped him.
"Vani?"
"Yeah?"
"Please stay with me?"
As if he'd ever say no. Closing the door to keep the chanting out a bit more, Van pulled a chair next to the bed and sat down. Soon, though, he was recalling something – and pulling out of his pocket a carefully wrapped little bundle.
"Sora's mom's cookies. They're awesome and I thought you'd like some."
Ven looked over curiously, too tired to properly process how thoughtful of a gesture this was, but scrunched up his nose. "Save them for tomorrow?"
"No way, I've seen all too well how quickly you burn through food. Gotta eat something, even if you're not feeling it."
Not waiting for the comeback, Van reached over and poked at Ven's lips with one of the cookies, not letting go till he opened his mouth and took a bite. Chewing slowly, Ven grabbed another cookie and brought it closer for a better look.
"They're so cute… is this a star?"
"Sora said it's a Paopu fruit."
"Never heard of that."
"Me neither, it's probably a Kilika thing. But, apparently, there's some sort of tale about it."
"Oh?"
"If you share a Paopu fruit with someone you care about, your destinies become intertwined and you'll be a part of each other's life forever."
Ven was smiling at the story, but Vanitas kind of already regretted talking about it. Their day, yesterday, had started with a misunderstanding because of him being far too straightforward… and the least he wanted was for it to happen again.
"Speaking of which… sorry. About what I said."
"Hmm?"
"…You know. Back at the inn."
Seemingly, Ven's brain was currently too clouded by fever to let him eat and think at the same time, because he didn't really get what that was about until he was done with the cookie.
"Oh… no, never mind about that. You don't have to apologize."
"I just… don't want you to think I was trying anything that you don't want."
"Do you know why I never kissed anyone, or dated anyone, or got close to anyone in that way?"
"'Cause you're waiting for your true love and soulmate and all that?"
"Because… because it's not easy, loving a summoner. And I don't want to break anyone's heart."
Van couldn't imagine Ventus leaving anyone heartbroken on purpose, ever, so that justification didn't entirely make sense to him. Maybe he was referring to the pilgrimage? And the summoner having to be away for such a long time? Shrugging, he figured Ven wasn't in a fit state for deep talks, anyway.
"So… if you kiss someone, that immediately means you're gonna marry that person? To keep your honor and all that?"
Ven laughed quietly, shaking his head. "No…I guess not."
"One day it's gonna happen, and then you'll realize it's really not a big deal. It's just a kiss."
"Does that mean that your first kiss wasn't a big deal?" Before Van could answer, though, he continued. "You know… I wouldn't have minded if my first kiss was with you. You should tell that to Flood."
That last part was what made Vanitas certain that this was just the fever talking… but, suddenly, his own face was burning just as much.
"And… I wouldn't mind sharing the Paopu fruit with you, either. Maybe we should do it sometime."
Aqua and Terra walked in soon after, and weren't sure why Vanitas was suddenly in such a hurry to walk out.
But Van knew.
He had to go find Flood to tell her something important.