The woods of Macalania are hauntingly silent, save for the sound of old leaves crunching under your boots. It's not a place that you dislike… even if, admittedly, you do prefer the hustle and bustle of the city. You prefer to see buildings rather than trees, and people rather than butterflies.

These butterflies here are actually creepy as fuck.

You can understand why this is a good place for newly anointed summoners to train at, though. In a place like this, it's easier to connect with nature. Or… with the statues. Or whatever it is that they do, you're still not really sure. Having so much free space is also an advantage – it'd be daunting to summon a freaking dragon, of all things, in the middle of one of Radiant Garden's crowded streets.

On the downside… fiends here in the wild are also a lot more powerful, and there's no handy machina to keep them away with. One either knows how to fend for themselves or they get torn to shreds faster than they can understand what's happening.

He can definitely fend for himself, you realize, as your gaze follows the battle that's unfolding above. Is it a thing, that summoners actually climb on an aeon and go up there to fight face to face…? Because most summoners you've seen are a bunch of lazy asses who'd never do this. Then again, you wouldn't be here if he was like the others. You're here because he's so much different.

The fiend growls in its rage, but seems almost done for. It attempts a blow with its tail and misses entirely, because that crazy summoner up there has the dragon doing a flip that actually leaves them upside down for a moment. How he's not fallen off is beyond you, at this point. The dragon's flare then practically burns through the fiend's side and that's it – pyreflies are already swirling off its body. With a loud roar of its own, the dragon claims victory.

The two of them start descending, almost close enough to the ground to land, when an energy blast coming from above grazes one of the dragon's hind legs and makes it abruptly fly up again. Apparently, the sneaky fiend had guts for one very final strike, before vanishing for good. And it's not like it does too much damage… but, this time, with how unexpected it was, the summoner does slip off his aeon's back and comes crashing down. Thankfully, it's not too much of a height to fall from… and he's lucky enough that a few tree branches break the worst of it, before he ends up flopping down on a large bush. Still, you feel your heart leaping to the back of your throat, as you watch it happen and then run over towards him.

And then the dragon lands in front of you.

Lands in between you and him, with a shake of the earth and another fierce roar, and you honestly believe your days have come to an end as well. It's not like there's gonna be anything left, if this thing decides you're a threat to his precious summoner and that you deserve to be chewed on. Or burnt to a crisp. Or just obliterated into dust. Or maybe all of the above.

"Hey… G-good dragon… I'm here to help! Please, don't eat the help…?"

Fortunately, it also seems to be incredibly intelligent and able to perceive your good intentions… Either this or it deems you so insignificant that you don't even qualify as threat. Your ego would prefer the first option. Either way, now with permission, you practically skid to his side and gently hoist up his body from that mess of leaves and twigs, placing a few gentle taps on his cheek.

"C'mon, open your eyes…"

It can't be anything too concerning, if he's coming to senses already. And yet, as he slowly blinks open his eyes, with a wince and a quiet whimper, that's when you can properly breathe again.

"Ow…"

The dragon nudges him, all too gently for such a massive creature, but it's at you that he's looking once the world comes into focus.

"What are you doing here…?"

"Really, that's what you got to say? You gotta sort out your priorities… The hell were you doing up there, are you fucking insane?"

Matters between the two of you are… civilized, at this point. That's a good word for it. The first meeting was a disaster, the couple others that followed weren't much better. On the bright side, you can now brag about having been kicked out of the temple in Bevelle for trying to drunk flirt with an apprentice summoner. And maybe "civilized" isn't a status good enough to warrant you coming all the way here, to the middle of the freaking woods, just to check on him… but hey. Here you are!

He sits up properly with a bit of difficulty, but there doesn't seem to be anything broken.

"Got attacked by a fiend… we had to fight."

"As far as I'm concerned, it's the aeon that fights. You stay back."

He rolls his eyes at this, and you resist the urge to wipe a speck of dirt off his cheek – mainly because there is still a dragon breathing at the back of your neck.

"They aren't just tools to be used, you know? If I'm not willing to fight side by side with my aeons, then I'm not worthy of receiving their blessing to start with."

And, just like this, he finished the argument. With an overkill, even.

"…You really are something else."

"Are you gonna call me weird again?"

"All those greedy bastards at the temples… they do it for themselves. For the money, for the fame, for the status. They don't care for the people, unless there's something in it for them. But you – you care so much. For everyone, for everything. I never met anyone like you."

You also didn't mean for this to come out so sappy… and, this time, you're completely sober and there's no easy excuses to blame it on. Still, watching as a flush spreads across his cheeks till reaching the tip of his ears, maybe you don't regret it so much after all.

"…I wasn't expecting something like this from you, of all people. Thank you!"

It's not the first time that you both smile at each other, but it's likely the first time it comes so easily. So naturally.

He then dismisses the dragon after a few caresses to its scaly face and neck, and also brushes a few leaves off his hair… though, as he tries to stand up, he immediately stumbles with another wince.

"You okay?"

"I think I sprained my ankle… I must have landed in an awkward position."

That's the least to be said about his epic crash. If anything, it's a miracle that he made it out with only a sprained ankle. But there's an easy solution to this issue and you're already on it, being the problem solver that you are. Swiftly, one of your arms holds around his back and the other slips under his legs, and you pick him up pretty much effortlessly. He really is as light as he looks.

"…What are you doing?"

"Taking you back to Bevelle? You can't walk like this."

"I– I know, but… you don't have to, I can heal myself!"

"Can you? 'Cause you seem pretty dry on MP to me."

Your turn to finish the argument, and you nail it down with a very smug smirk. He looks about to talk back for an instant, but soon decides against it and leaves his arm gingerly around your neck – snuggling more comfortably into you, as you start walking back through the woods.

"…Thank you. Master Yu will appreciate it."

"I'm doing this for you, not for his entitled ass."

He smiles at this despite everything else, and you think it's probably got to do with the comment he made that other time, about your potty mouth. Turns out he doesn't hate it, after all. Much as you've come to realize you don't really hate his flowing silky robes, either. Not when he's the one wearing them.

"Regardless… we're supposed to depart in the morning, and he wouldn't like me being late."

"Where you going?"

"To the island of Baaj. He has matters to attend at the temple, there. And I'm going along, to learn from it."

"Guess you won't be back for a while, then?"

"Mhm. Probably a few weeks."

"I see."

The woods grow silent again after that, save for the sound of old leaves crunching under your boots. Your mind, though, is ringing loudly – as you wonder how expensive can a ticket to Baaj be, and who will you have to bribe and/or threaten for it.

Dreaming about dragons, even if he couldn't really remember half the dream, should be more than enough to put anyone in an awesome mood. Yet, as he rolled over awake, Vanitas still felt like there was a blade looming above his neck, ready to drop at any moment.

How were you supposed to be in a good mood when Sin was your father?

Sure, there was still the possibility that this was all a lie as big and ugly as Sin itself… That, for whatever reason he'd found necessary, Xemnas had invented such an absurd story. Unfortunately, the more he thought about it, the more it was feeling real to Van.

First of all, why would Xemnas come up with it? What would he have to gain from it? He was already one of the most powerful and influential persons in Spira – if his intention was to torture Vanitas, he certainly had every other mean available to him. And why would he make up a lie about Xehanort, anyway? If it was true that he'd been Eraqus' guardian, then he was a sort of celebrity himself… and it was hard to believe that Xemnas would be dumb enough to lie about such a revered person. Xemnas struck Van as a lot of things, most of them not so flattering, but dumb was not one of them.

And then… there was the fact that it kinda made sense that Sin was his old man. It would explain how Vanitas ended up in Spira, for a start. If Sin would indiscriminately suck in and warp everyone and everything, how come he was the only one dropping here? It could be a big coincidence, and bad luck to the extreme, but it made sense that it'd happened because Sin wanted it so. And maybe this was placebo effect now, and Van self-fulfilling the prophecy… but he could also recall feeling his father's presence, whenever coming in contact with Sin. Something faint and noticeable only if he paid attention to it… and, now that he was paying attention, he could sense it.

It was probably true, wasn't it?

His father was Spira's sorrow.

Flood left a little bite on his arm, out of the blue, and Van frowned as he pulled himself out of the pit of his thoughts. She seemed as agitated as he was, so he opened the room's door and let her out to go run around till she was feeling better. The Mi'ihen Highroad wasn't exactly the safest road in the world, but he trusted her to take care of herself. This clearing around the travel agency was tranquil enough anyway, with plenty of people often coming and going. They'd actually stayed overnight for free, since apparently the owner – this Al Bhed man named Rin – was good friends with Roxas and therefore was more than happy to provide for his brother.

The establishment was still closed for business as Vanitas walked outside, and dawn was breaking in the horizon and filling the dark sky with streaks of soft pink and blue. He filled his lungs with the chilly morning breeze and stretched, taking in how sore his muscles still were even after a night of rest. Fiends were definitely ramping up in toughness along this Highroad, and Van was starting to understand how much of a big deal a summoner's pilgrimage truly was – and how important was the role of a guardian. A single mistake, a single moment of distraction could prove fatal. And this huge responsibility had him pumped, floored, dazed all at the same time.

Speaking of which…

Ven was awake already, too. Sitting by the edge of the hill, though rather than admiring the beautiful sunrise, he seemed to be entertained with something on his lap.

"Hey."

Whatever it might be, Ven was also quick to slip it back in a pocket as he felt his guardian approaching – and, though Van wondered as he sat down beside, he didn't bother asking about it.

"Good morning! You're up early."

"Flood wanted to have me for breakfast, so I had to let her out."

Ven smiled at that, but he wasn't oblivious to the weight that'd been dragging down Vanitas since they left Luca. Van had been so thrilled after the tournament, regardless of the (still unexplained) incident with the fiends, and then his mood had gone for a complete twist for no apparent reason. No… something must have happened, for him to be suddenly so gloomy, and right now might be a good moment to finally ask about it.

"You seem sad."

"I'm fine."

Really, how do you tell someone that your father is the reason why so many people are dead? The reason why Ven had to do this pilgrimage to start with? Better to pretend nothing was happening. Maybe, if he pretended hard enough, it'd eventually feel like it for real.

"I've something to show you."

Van glanced at the summoner curiously, just in time to see him slip two fingers in his mouth and blow – before a loud whistle came out.

"I've been practicing a lot!"

"Hey, look at you… you got pretty good at it."

Vanitas' attempt at sounding excited was pitiful at best. And it was squishing Ven's heart into a tiny mushy ball, to see someone he cared so much for being so sad.

"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"

"I told you I'm fine."

Apparently, Vanitas also was the type who'd rather bottle up his problems and pretend they didn't exist. Ven realized this soon enough, and knew he had to change his strategy if he really wanted to be of help. Leaning closer, he kissed Van's temple and then got up, tugging him along by a hand.

"Then come with me!"

It was still very early in the morning, so Ven doubted Aqua and Terra would notice if they were gone for a little while. Actually, this time of the day was one of the rare chances for his guardians to enjoy some privacy and the company of each other, and Ven surely did not want to take that away from them. Sometimes, he even pretended to sleep in, so that the two of them could stay together for a bit longer. It was the least he could do for them, for coming along in such a journey.

"Where are we going…?"

Van's question was answered, or at least partially so, as they walked to the back of the travel agency and stopped in front of a big, yellow bird that kinda looked like a chicken that'd grown way too much. Having no idea what this was, even if it was cute in its own way, he raised his eyebrows at the summoner.

"A chocobo. You've never seen one?"

"Can't say that I have."

"Good, then you're going to enjoy this even more! Climb on!"

"I– …what?"

"Climb on the chocobo, come on. We're going for a ride."

The bird gave a happy chirp, as if agreeing with the idea, and so Van stopped questioning it and climbed on top – even if he still wasn't too sure of what to do. It seemed like a common habit around these parts, though, because the chocobo was equipped with a saddle to sit on and reins to guide it along with. Ventus climbed on right after, sitting behind Van and wrapping his arms around his waist.

"Let's go!"

"…Where are we even going? What should I do?"

"Vani, I thought you were more adventurous than this. Are you scared? Should I show you how to ride, Sir Guardian?"

The little provocation worked its magic, and rather quickly. Van glanced over his shoulder with a smile, and didn't need any further encouragement to take the reins and guide them around the agency and, then, down the road ahead. It was actually rather easy, because the chocobo was so docile and followed his commands without an issue. And it was a lot of fun, as well! Fiends weren't interested in attacking chocobos, from the looks of it, so they could make their way to the end of the Highroad very enjoyably. As Van was about to turn around and return, though, Ventus pointed to the other path further down – and that's where they headed.

This stretch of the road was more ancient looking, and it wasn't as well kept – with moss and pebbles along the path, from which Van concluded it mustn't be used very often. The chocobo had little trouble navigating it, though, and they ended up climbing up the ruins and pillars nearby, stopping at the very top. Waiting there was none other than Flood, also out and about in her own explorations – though she seemed just as startled by this unexpectedly big bird as Vanitas himself had been, at first. She hissed and bounced back, going as far as to put up her paws in defiance at the chocobo, as if ready to fight it – and it was so silly to watch that Van actually laughed out loud.

"You know? I really like seeing you happy like this."

Ventus snuggled further into him, momentarily resting his cheek on Van's shoulder. Van kept the smile on his face but didn't answer back, not really knowing what to say to something so nice when he'd been so grouchy for the past couple days. Back when they first met and he'd thought Ven was an angel, it'd been mostly for his beautiful face… but, credit where it's due, he also had the patience of a saint.

"I want my journey to be full of laughter."

The summoner's tone was a notch softer now, and one of his hands moved up to stroke gently over Van's chest. Vanitas kept his own hands on the reins, but tilted his head back just enough to nuzzle his lips over the side of Ven's forehead – like Ven had done to him, minutes before.

"Sorry… I was being a downer."

"No, don't apologize. I know it's hard. And… actually I wanted to thank you."

"Thank me? For what?"

"For coming along with us. Being a guardian isn't easy… it's dangerous, and you must commit yourself to the pilgrimage and nothing else. I was selfish to ask this of you, but you accepted nonetheless and I–" Making a brief pause, Ven pulled his head up again and instead nudged his forehead gently on the back of Van's head. "Guess what I'm trying to say is… I really appreciate you being here with us. With me."

Vanitas found himself at a loss for words. For a moment, he really wanted to scream out loud… Because it was so fucking unfair, and so fucking wrong. He wanted to turn around and tell Ven he had nothing to thank him for – on the contrary, it was because of his father that this whole ordeal was happening. He wanted to apologize, to promise that he'd find a way to make everything right again. But… what could he do, in reality? Out of the two of them, it was certainly not himself who had the best shot at stopping Sin. All he could do was to tag along and try to make himself useful. Although… if there was one good thing, in the middle of the chaos his life seemed to have become, it was definitely the boy sitting behind him.

"Ven… where would I even be, if it wasn't for you? I'd be burying myself in the sand, at Besaid. Or worse. I'm only here because you saved me, and I don't mean it only when I crashed down at the beach. You… give me a purpose. You give me a reason to keep going. Something to fight for."

It wasn't even a tenth of the appreciation that Van wanted to show, but it'd have to do. He really wasn't cut out to be a poet, was he? Ventus seemed pleased enough, though, and this time he left his hand on top of one of Van's, lacing their fingers together like that.

"Will you… come with me, until the end of the pilgrimage? Until we reach the ruins of Hollow Bastion, and I obtain the Final Aeon?"

Somehow, everything about that sentence felt ominous. The ruins, the prospect of seeing what was left of Radiant Garden after a terrible war and a thousand years, this final summoning… all of it sounded so inexorable. So absolute. And maybe that was why Vanitas didn't need to think on it too much, before making his decision.

"Yeah, I'll go. I'll go to Hollow Bastion to see it with my own eyes. And to keep you safe, all the way up to there."

Flood chose that precise moment to climb on top of the chocobo as well, apparently having made peace with it in the meantime – clinging to one of Ventus' sleeves and then hopping from there to the back of Van's head. Snickering, the summoner gently pulled her back and made her sit in between them instead. She didn't mind it, and clung around Van's waist as well as her little arms allowed her too, in a manner very similar to Ven.

"I think she's excited to go, too."

The way back to the travel agency had Van in a much better mood already. Maybe the major problem remained unsolved… but moping about it wouldn't do any good, either. If he was now an official, fully-fledged guardian, the least he could do was to make sure this pilgrimage would be a happy one – as Ven wished for it to be.

The travel agency was sprouting back to life as they arrived, and so they hurried with returning the chocobo to its proper place. The growling of Ven's belly also was a clear demand for breakfast – and Rin was either about to regret letting them stay for free, or about to send the food expenses all the way over for Roxas to pay for. Still, as they were heading back inside, Vanitas found himself worrying about a very specific thing.

"By the way, how's your foot feeling?"

"My foot?"

"Yeah, didn't you–"

He paused mid-sentence, though – not sure why he was suddenly so convinced that Ven had hurt his foot. When could that even have happened, if they'd spent the morning together so far…? Shrugging, he went for the only possible explanation.

"Never mind. I was gonna say you twisted your ankle… I must've dreamed it."

What a random dream to have, too.

Just as random as the urge he was feeling, to make Ven promise he'd never think of riding on the back of a dragon to fight fiends.

The outpost at the end of the Highroad, leading to the Mushroom Rock, brought about some very unexpected news. First, the road was currently off limits for everyone, including summoner parties… and the reason why turned out to be even more surprising: the Al Bhed and the Crusaders were planning an operation together, bent on defeating Sin. The idea was to gather Sinspawn at the Mushroom Rock, in order to lure Sin to come back for them… and, this way, also lure it into a trap.

"Do you think they're gonna make it?"

To Van, it didn't sound like a bad plan. It would certainly be a lot faster than completing a pilgrimage. Terra, Aqua, and Ventus looked quite reluctant about it, however. Since there was no passing through, for the time being, the four of them had found a nice spot along the grass to enjoy a little break at.

"I'm not sure… the teachings of Yevon are very clear. The only way to defeat Sin is by means of the Final Summoning."

"Well… what if there is another way, that no one's ever considered because they're so blinded by those teachings?"

At that, Terra folded his arms with a serious expression. And it shouldn't be hilarious to watch – but it was, because Flood was doing the same. Her little arms folded as she flopped back and sulked, probably thinking she was being a great help by doing that.

"They're going to attack Sin with the forbidden machina… Those machina are the reason why Sin was born, to start with."

"Do you think that maybe Roxas has anything to do with this?"

Ven's expression spoke for itself of what he was thinking: I really, really hope not.

"I… I don't think so. I mean, he would spite Yevon like this, but if this was his idea… he'd be here to see it happen."

"I agree. No way he'd leave all the fun for the Crusaders."

"What are these Crusaders, anyway?"

"They're a legion of warriors formed 800 years ago, by Lord Mi'ihen, and sworn to defending the people of Spira from Sin."

"So… in a way, their job is the same as the summoners'."

"Yes. Our ways may be different, but our goal is the same."

"Then I really don't think this is a bad idea. You guys should give them some credit."

"I know their intentions are good. Even if they are willing to use the forbidden machina… their courage to go up against Sin is to be respected. I just… have a bad feeling about this."

"What if they win, though? What if it turns out that Yevon has been wrong, all this time?"

A bold thing to ask, and it was as though Yevon itself wanted to answer to it. The sudden agitation coming from the Highroad signaled that something was about to happen and, in fact, soon the four of them were watching as Maester Xemnas and his escort arrived at the outpost. Ven scrambled up to his feet immediately, bowing to the maester after giving the Yevon greeting.

"…Your Grace. We didn't expect to find you here."

Aqua and Terra bowed as well, but Van was beyond caring for hollow courtesies at this point. Not after the bomb that had been dropped during his last chat with Xemnas.

"It is a blessing of Yevon that we can meet again, Lord Ventus. Though you look troubled… Is there anything I can do?"

"Um…"

Ven glanced behind himself at the barrier of Crusaders blocking off the road ahead. He really didn't want to look like he was pulling at strings to get in their way… but, with the roads closed and this Operation Mi'ihen underway, who knew how long it'd be until they could continue on to Djose Temple. Before he had to say anything about any of this, though, the maester was already heading towards the outpost.

"I need to have Summoner Ventus and his guardians let through to the command center. I will take full responsibility."

It was just that easy. Obviously, the guards didn't even think of disputing this request, and so they began clearing the way – and Ven bowed his head so low, this time, that Vanitas actually wondered if he was going to topple over.

"Thank you, Your Grace!"

"Please, there's no need for formalities. I am the one grateful to you."

Saying this, Xemnas slipped his fingers under Ven's chin and made him look up again, smiling that eerie smile of his – and Van felt himself suddenly about to implode.

"What's a maester of Yevon doing here, anyway? Isn't all this against your precious teachings?"

Ven and Xemnas both looked at him, though with very different expressions – Ven looked half-shocked by that hostile tone, but Xemnas was looking as superior to the rest of the world as ever.

"It's true. I should stop them. However… both the Crusaders and the Al Bhed truly wish peace for Spira. Although it may be sacrilege to Yevon, their intentions are pure. I wish them well in their endeavor."

Not a bad answer, Van had to admit… but he wasn't buying Xemnas' holy act not even in the slightest. If he was here, he probably wanted to take credit for it after Operation Mi'ihen succeeded in defeating Sin, or something along those lines.

"Yeah, whatever."

"Why won't you all accompany me to the command center, then? You can see for yourselves, how ambitious this operation is."

It wasn't like they had much of a choice, really – not after Xemnas was the one requesting to have them be let through. Ven followed along happily enough, with Aqua right behind him… though, to Van's surprise, Terra stayed back to walk along with him.

"If it's any consolation… I don't really like him, either."

Thank fuck for that. Van could have promoted him to best friend right there and then, just for this.

"I fucking hate him. Always acting so high and mighty. And Ven goes after everything he says, like a bee chasing honey…"

"That's exactly why I don't like him. Ven always wants to see the good in everyone… and this may be dangerous, around people who'd take advantage of it."

"Well, not on my watch. If I have to punch a maester, I fucking will."

Terra laughed, well aware of what a disaster that would be… but not entirely against the idea, especially if it would be for Ven's greater good. The two of them continued the trek up towards the command center, and, as Vanitas chanced to look over the edge of the cliff, at some point, he found a strange formation all the way down at the bottom that caught his attention.

"What's that down there?"

Terra walked closer to look as well, furrowing his brows when he realized what it was. "I don't think anyone really knows. I've heard the Crusaders talk about it, back at the lodge in Besaid… they call it the Den of Woe."

"That's a creepy name."

"You can say that again. Rumor has it that people who enter the Den start hallucinating… and they actually go crazy. There's even rumors of entire squadrons going in there to investigate and being annihilated, with no survivors."

Flood was peeking down at the bottom of the ravine as well, and she didn't like what she saw one bit – hiding behind Van's legs at first, and then climbing all the way up to squeeze herself inside his shirt. And maybe she couldn't be blamed for it, given that place's grim reputation… yet Vanitas was having trouble to make himself look away and resume the way up.

Somehow, it felt like that place was calling to him.

Despite the pompous name, the command center was basically a big tent, surrounded by heavy machina weapons and canons, where the supervisors for Operation Mi'ihen were meeting to discuss the final details and get everything started. There were also several large cages gathered near the edge of the cliff, and the plan was to see them all open at once and have the fiends call for Sin… and then attack it at full-power, once it returned for its spawn.

Again, it sounded like it might work – in theory, at least.

I feel like we're out of place, here.

Ven had followed after Maester Xemnas willingly enough, at first… but, the more he saw of this plan, the more the sense of dread in his chest was growing. Even if they did win, there would still be so many lives lost, if they were to go up against Sin directly like this. In all honesty, he really wanted to beg them all to stop this while they could and to let him resume the pilgrimage. To let him be the one facing Sin, through the only way supported by the holy scriptures. Figuring it wasn't his place to speak up, though, especially when everyone seemed so confident, he kept that apprehension to himself and prayed to Yevon for mercy with his whole heart.

Eventually, once everything and everyone were ready, the operation commenced.

The Sinspawn were released and their screeching was almost deafening, as they scattered all around the hillside and were barely kept at bay by the guards and their machina. It wasn't long before they were heard, either. A tidal wave rose in the horizon and Sin emerged right after, so large and massive that even the Mushroom Rock mountain seemed small compared to it. It was Ven's first time seeing it so wholly exposed like this, rather than lurking underwater, and he couldn't recall a time in his life he'd felt more frightened – for himself, for his friends, for the Crusaders and the Al Bhed, for everyone. Again he thought of asking them to retreat, but it was already too late at this point.

The Crusaders' mounted forces dashed down the side of the mountain and then across the beach, swords firmly in hand and shouting battle cries. The canons started being fired soon after, their explosions filling the air as the balls of fire and energy flew toward Sin. As they hit the creature's thick skin, that seemed more impervious than any piece of armor ever created by mankind, chunks and scales were breaking apart and falling off into the water – promptly turning to fiends, that in turn engaged in a ferocious battle with the Crusaders. All of it was happening so fast, so ruthlessly, that Ven was suddenly wondering if he was really witnessing it or just dreaming the whole thing.

What happened next proved to him that this wasn't a nightmare.

It was far worse.

After the initial moments of standing idly by, as though a predator playing a game with the prey before striking, Sin suddenly retaliated. Its armor cleared away and, instead, its body was covered by a layer of pulsating energy. That energy was then promptly fired away in a wave so brutal that it disintegrated everything it came in contact with – fiends, warriors, landscape. Just like that, in the blink of an eye, the beach was completely cleared away, save for the thin layer of dust now covering the sand.

Ven heard someone exhaling a shaky gasp, and couldn't register the fact it'd been himself.

All of sudden, it felt like he wasn't there anymore. Like this was happening to someone else.

A panicked scream of Look out! came from somewhere behind him, but he didn't have the chance to see what it was referring to – he could only feel it. Something, possibly the remnants of Sin's wave of energy, crashed against the side of the mountain and caused it to start crumbling. The world felt like it was moving in slow motion around him, and he recalled Aqua, Terra, and Vanitas being swallowed by the explosion before closing his eyes.

When he reopened them, Ven was slumped on the ground on his side, somewhere amidst a pile of chunks of rock, half a tree that'd been ripped out right by the roots, and swirling pyreflies. His head felt light, so light that it was practically floating, and he could feel a dull ache on his side as he sat up. A hand was offered to him and he clung to it out of instinct… though, as he glanced up, he found an unexpected face – Maester Xemnas, who then helped him back up on his feet.

"Are you hurt?"

Honestly, he probably was, but Ven couldn't even tell. With a quick glance around, he could only think of one thing.

"My friends… Where are my friends?"

Instead of said friends, his gaze found Sin again. It'd moved even closer to the shore, and was now face to face with the main Al Bhed weapon – a gigantic canon that, by itself, was as large as the hill it'd been installed at. It fired violently against Sin, right into the creature's face, and, for a moment, the massive beam of energy seemed to be penetrating the armor… until it wasn't. Until Sin made it rebound, and it exploded as soon as it bounced back at the canon – taking along the hill and every warrior stationed there.

Again, Ven found himself praying that this was just a nightmare.

Again, he realized it was the merciless reality.

This time, he made himself move and ran to the edge of the cliff where he was presently standing, already materializing his staff.

"Everyone, stand back! I'll summon!"

Was there even anyone left alive to hear him? But he knew he had to do something, anything… he couldn't let anyone else die. He had to end this massacre.

"You won't hurt it. Your powers are still too weak."

The maester's voice was as calm and collected as though he was merely watching a movie in a sphere, rather than living through it. And the truth of what he spoke hit Ventus like a punch to the gut.

"But I… I must do something!"

"You can't."

He couldn't… he knew that he couldn't. What could he possibly do with only two perfectly standard aeons? Only the Final Summoning would stand a chance against Sin, this accursed Operation Mi'ihen was making that clear as rainwater. Still, Ven was already turning away and bringing up his staff to summon – till Xemnas grabbed him by an arm and pulled him closer.

"There is only one way, Ventus… you know this as well as I do. If you truly wish to save Spira, you mustn't let anything, anyone, distract you from your purpose."

Feeling too faint to argue back, Ven let his arm drop and the staff along with it.

"Now, more than ever, the people will need you. You must be their strength, their confidence on a brighter future. You are Spira's only hope."

Only one way.

There is only one way.

You are our only hope. It has to be you.

You are the only hope for Radiant Garden.

Were the pyreflies whispering to him…? Also too faint to properly think about it, he let Xemnas lead him closer yet again, and watched alongside the maester as Sin disappeared back into the horizon.

As the mountainside collapsed, Vanitas landed with a heavy thud and gradually stopped registering the world around him. The air was filled with smoke, with screams, with explosions, with gunfire. He thought he could hear Aqua saying something beside him, right before blacking out for good, but wasn't sure of it.

When he came back to senses, Van was on his own, somewhere all the way down at the beach. There was the carcass of one of the Al Bhed machina right in front of him, short-circuiting and softly buzzing. Everywhere he looked, as he shakily stood up, he saw chaos and destruction and people dead or dying. Aqua, Terra, Ven… none of them were nowhere to be seen.

Vanitas screamed as loudly and as deeply as he could.

Then, before he could even process what he was doing, he began dashing along the sand towards the waves, dodging the corpses and the debris in his way.

"DON'T YOU RUN AWAY FROM ME!"

Sin was turning around from the beach, but hell if Van was going to let him go like that. Which was absolutely fucking stupid, he was so well aware that it was, it was stupid and reckless and borderline suicidal, but he couldn't bring himself to stop running. He plunged furiously into the water and continued swimming as fast as he'd been running, deeper and deeper, towards Sin.

Towards his father.

He was right there, wasn't he? Xehanort. Van could almost hear his stupid sarcastic laugh, his stupid arrogant tone as he spoke of how great he was at blitz, at seducing women, at everything in general, of how his sorry excuse of a son would never even come close to being anything like him.

You can't do it, kid.

You're too weak.

You're good for nothing.

I dunno why I bother with you.

I dunno why he bothers with you.

You're too weak to protect him.

You can't protect him.

It's too late.

We need him.

He's our only hope.

You can't save him.

It wasn't his father's voice anymore. It'd blended into someone else, that he couldn't recognize but that he knew he loathed just as much. It was the last thing Van remembered thinking, before everything went black.

Vanitas woke up to the sensation of sand softly scratching under him, again. For an instant, he had to wonder if he was dead… but he somehow doubted that either Hell or Heaven would be made of so much sand. Flood placed a gentle lick on his cheek and he groaned, opening his eyes. She was staring right back, seeming happy to see him awake.

It was, by far, the only happy thing about the present context.

Sitting up, the first thing he saw was Ven dancing by the stretch of wet sand, with the waves breaking gently by his feet and pyreflies swirling around him before they faded into the sky above. People die, and Ven dances. It was possibly the only constant in Spira.

No sooner than he was finished with the Sending, the surviving officers who'd supervised the operation were making their way down what was left of the mountain and heading towards the road to Djose Temple. Van didn't fail to notice that all of them were Yevon people. Not a single Al Bhed or Crusader commander had survived. Terra spoke beside him then, as if reading his mind.

"How convenient. The faithful lived, the heretics perished."

Vanitas didn't get the chance to express how much he agreed, before Xemnas was walking past the two of them as though they didn't even exist – heading straight in Ven's direction.

"Until we meet again, Lord Ventus. Remember what I've told you… and take me as your pillar of strength, during these trying times."

It wasn't on purpose, but Vanitas and Terra both rolled their eyes at the same time.

Emergency backup units were also gradually arriving, promptly getting busy with gathering the dead to be sent to their families and sending the wounded along to the temple, where they would be better cared for.

The Djose road wasn't long nor too trying, especially compared to Mi'ihen Highroad, but the day was ending before the four of them even made half the way through it – given that Ven was stopping to help as many people as he could, along the way. Not only to heal their bodies, but to try and soothe their hearts as well, with kind words of hope and comfort. With promises of a better tomorrow, and of a world where they and their loved ones would live at peace, once he brought the Calm.

Despite understanding how important this was, especially after such a tragedy, Vanitas couldn't help but think the whole thing was a bit disturbing. Mainly, because Ven was acting so… awfully cheerful. He'd expected the summoner to be crushed after what'd just happened, to be as upset as he'd been after Sin wiped out Kilika… but, instead, Ven seemed to have a constant smile plastered on his face – a smile that stopped at his lips and never reached his eyes. It was like pressing a switch and he'd immediately speak a message containing exactly what people wanted to hear. Again, it was proving useful to lift the spirits and most people looked at least a little less miserable after spending some time with him… but it was unnerving. Like he was trying a bit too hard.

Van made a note to ask about it later, though opportunity didn't come up until the sun was almost done setting.

There was no point in rushing towards the temple, so they eventually decided on setting camp for the night. Their supplies were also running a little low, so they set up one of the last remaining tents for Ven and the other three grabbed a sleeping bag each. Ven had protested about it and insisted that they either took turns in the tent or found a way to squeeze the four of them in there – till Aqua succeeded in making him see the obvious. Cloister of Trials in the morning meant having to accommodate for a new aeon soon enough… which, in turn, would require Ven to be at top shape in order to endure it. Not to mention, Ixion's fayth valued wisdom and intelligence… and it wouldn't be very wise to pass out in the middle of praying, out of exhaustion.

With that settled, they shared a dinner as nice as it could be under the current circumstances, and Ven eventually retreated after wishing everyone a good night. Vanitas waited till Terra and Aqua were also tucked in, and proceeded to sneak his way inside the tent – hoping the summoner wasn't asleep already, or else this chat would be foiled before it even started.

Seemed like he was in luck, though, because Ven was actually in the middle of getting changed into his night clothes. And that was probably a really shifty way or wording it, but… as he stared at Ven's lithe body with the light of a couple candles flickering along it, only covered by those capri pants he was so fond of and his high-necked black shirt, Van didn't feel anything if not lucky. Blessed, even – which was already a stretch to such a non-believer.

"Hey… Can we talk?"

Ventus glanced up in surprise from his jacket that he'd been carefully folding, not having expected a visit like this.

"…Sure! Come here. Is everything all right?"

The tent wasn't that big, but it did offer a bit more comfort than a plain sleeping bag. It came with a decent enough mattress and a set of covers, a couple small wooden stands to place stuff on top of, and it also did a good job of keeping the temperature pleasingly moderate. Van crawled the rest of the way in and sat by Ven's side, watching him in silence for a moment longer – as he so mindfully went through his clothes, the elegant fingers smoothing over the crinkles.

Sitting this close, he could also take a good look at the skin that the black sleeveless top left exposed – smiling to himself as he realized that Ven had freckles on his shoulders as well. It should be illegal that someone could be so cute, so kind, so talented, all at the same time. From this angle, though… it was possible to notice that the summoner's eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, as if he'd been recently crying. Which had Vanitas breaking the topic that'd brought him here, without further ado.

"Why were you acting so weird, the whole day?"

Ven stopped folding his vest now, his expression flickering along with the candlelight.

"I was acting weird…?"

"You still are. With how you're trying so hard to look happy."

The folding stopped entirely and Ven left his hands on his lap, instead.

"I thought… that's for the best. The crusaders, the Al Bhed… everyone. They are all in so much pain right now, they need something to hold on to."

"Even if that means faking it?"

Maybe this was too blunt, but… Vanitas had never been one for subtlety. And he'd never been one to lie for the sake of pleasing someone else. Ven already had so many people around him whose only job seemed to be to butter up his ass with praise and flattery… Van didn't want to be a part of that. Because, sometimes, caring for someone was about telling them the harsh truth that no one else wanted to bother with.

Still, even if he stayed silent for a few seconds, Ven smiled at that question.

"But I'm not faking it. I do believe in what I tell them – that I will bring the Calm. I ask them to be patient, to be kind, to help each other until I finish my pilgrimage. I know that words don't really do much… Words can't bring back the loved ones they lost, words won't erase any of what happened today. But– This is embarrassing to say myself, but… summoners cannot show their sorrow. How am I going to help someone if I have a big frown on my face? So I learned to practice smiling when I'm feeling sad. So many people depend on me, so many people believe in me… I can't let them down. I have to be their hope. I have to be their light."

Ven then returned to folding his vest, though not before bringing a hand up to quickly wipe the wetness from his eyes. And again Vanitas was feeling that urge to scream till his lungs were raw but, at the same time, it was like every word he had to say was helplessly stuck at the back of his throat. This was so fucking unfair, it's what kept repeating in his head, like a mantra.

"So… that's it? You have to keep smiling like a doll, for the sake of everyone else? It's not enough that you're going to fight Sin, you also have to pretend to be happy about it?"

"I chose my path a long time ago, Vani. And I knew exactly what it was about. What I do, I do with no regrets."

Was it possible to feel secondhand regrets, like you could feel secondhand embarrassment? Because Van thought that suited what he was currently feeling very well. Had Terra and Aqua felt this way too? Did they still feel the same, even now? As Ventus reached over to leave his now folded vest on top of the jacket, Van took his hand.

"Then… if you have to be their strength, let me be yours."

It was just dawning on him that this sounded horribly like what Xemnas had said at the beach, but hell if Van cared. At least, in his case, he was being earnest about it.

"My strength…?"

"I'm your guardian, aren't I? So let me guard you. Let me protect you. And I don't even mean it about the fiends – 'cause you and your aeons can kick ass way better than I do, anyway. But… let me take care of you, Ven. Let me make you happy, when you're sad. You're doing so much for everyone, so… let me do this for you?"

Ven felt another quiet tear rolling down his cheek, but now for such a different motive. A tear that Vanitas was fast to gently brush away with his thumb, as if to illustrate what he'd just said. A few more seconds passed by and, realizing he was staring like a dummy, Ven lowered his gaze and laughed quietly, sheepishly.

"Sorry! I just… don't really know what to say. My heart is fluttering."

So was Van's, truth be told. His luck was that he didn't blush as easily. That and he had years and years of experience in hiding his emotions behind a confident facade. Cupping Ven's cheeks, he made their eyes meet again.

"And I forgot to add: you're the cutest thing, looking all shy like this."

"It's like you're trying to make me melt…"

"I am! Is it working?"

"…Stop it!"

Finally, the smile that Vanitas had waited all day to see – the one that left little crinkles at the corners of Ven's eyes. The smile that he wanted so fiercely to protect. His own lips curved into a grin, though soon he was bridging the distance between them and pressing them to Ven's. Their tongues met right after, without rush. As if, for a moment, only the two of them existed and mattered in the world. They kissed again and again and again, in between lazy gasps for air and happy sighs, and, by the time their lips parted enough to regain their breath, Van was convinced that there was no feeling better than to kiss someone who was smiling at you and because of you. Breathing in deeply, he brushed back Ven's bangs and pinned a few of the silky golden strands behind his ear.

"We'll do it together."

It wasn't a question anymore, nor a request for permission.

It was a promise.

Ven nodded, replying with one single, simple word that rolled off his tongue so easily. So naturally.

"Together."