Aaaand we are back with another chapter of Souls of the Heart! Chapter XIII yay! Thank you so, so much to everyone who has read this story. It truly means a lot to me that so many of you are enjoying this story. Thank you to all the reviews as well, your words make everything even better :D
Now let's get on with the chapter!
Ch.13
It had been three weeks since the incident, and now Sora's arm was fully healed. Sora smiled that his cast could finally come off! Though he still was not happy that he had to ever have one, over the weeks he did wear it, all his friends signed their names on it. Even some other nice kids at school also signed it. Sora even asked if Ventus and Vanitas wanted their names to be on it, 'Sure!' Ventus had readily agreed. 'If you must' Vanitas had replied in lieu of agreeing. At hearing their words Sora cheerfully wrote their names onto the cast.
He knew that was he was taken off he could keep the cast if he so choose, he felt like he wanted to, to remind him of all his friends. He was so happy now that his arm was free! Although now he had to get his arm back in shape since it felt weird and weak. School was going great and Rin was once again gone. Sora was relieved again as he could relax more and enjoy the days with his friends.
Currently he was on the island with Riku, Kairi, and his three other friends. They were all playing a massive game of hide and seek. Sora ran around looking for everyone as it was his turn to seek. This was one of the best days of Sora's life so far. He was with friends, having fun, and didn't have to worry about anyone bullying him. Although Tidus, Wakka, and Selphie did not know about Ventus and Vanitas, they still were becoming close friends with Sora. It was a little hard for Sora to get use to at first, having more than just two friends, but he easily accepted it and enjoyed every moment.
It was a few days later and the sun had just set. Sora was back home and getting ready for bed. Sora had gotten into his pjs and flopped down onto his bed.
"Hey guys?" Sora asked quietly to Ventus as Vanitas, as to not be too loud that his parents would hear.
'Yes Sora?' Ventus asked.
"I was just wondering… will I ever get to see you guys? Like… actually get to see what you two look like?"
'I don't know…' Ventus replied honestly.
Sora sighed a little with a yawn, "Oh… okay. I just really hope I can one day..."
'Me too…' Ventus agreed.
Sora then slowly closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Normally for Ventus and Vanitas when Sora was sleeping, they would essentially be in a black void, as Sora's eyes were closed. But tonight something different happened. It started off within the black void, but strange blurry light seemed to surround them. A strange sense of actually seeing feeling seemed to come to both Ventus and Vanitas. The light was soon so bright, that without even thinking they closed their eyes.
A second later Ventus's eyes shot back open, surprised and confused. He looked around at the scenery before him. It was a place he knew very well ever since joining Sora's heart. It was the large island off the mainland. The one that Sora always played at with his friends. Ventus looked down at himself and saw that he was not looking through Sora's eyes for this, he saw familiar clothes that were his own. Slowly Ventus ran a hand through his hair, it stuck up in various was, but it did feel like it was his own hair.
'What am I doing here?...How am I even here?' Ventus thought to himself.
"How…? Are we somehow actually on the little island Mini-me lives on?" Vanitas asked before he saw Ventus standing nearby and glared at him.
Ventus quickly turned at gasped in shock, "Vanitas?!" Upon seeing his face clearly in front of him, the memories of Vanitas causing trouble came back. A small bit of anger built in Ventus, but just seeing Vanitas calmly stare off at the endless sea eased him down a little bit.
"Obviously," The black haired, golden eyed, older look alike of Sora drawled.
"But how is this possible?" Ventus asked. "What happened?"
Vanitas gave a scoff, "You expect me to know?"
"It's just so weird. It's like we have our bodies back...but it doesn't feel real. This...it's gotta be some dream or something right?" Ventus asked as he looked down at his hands, carefully opening and closing them into fists.
"Most likely. Perhaps we should look for our host," Vanitas suggested pointedly looking away from Ventus.
Before Ventus had the chance to speak, a different voice did. "Ven? Vani?" The two turned to look to see Sora standing on the beach as well, just a few feet away from them. His eyes wide with curiosity.
"Yes Sora," Ven said smiling gently.
Sora beamed happily and dashed over tackling Ventus to the ground in a giant hug. As Sora hugged Ventus he asked, "Is this real?...or am I just dreaming this…"
"This is a dream," Ventus started which caused Sora to frown a little, "But this dream is special. It may just be a dream, but we are all here together." He then wrapped his arms around Sora and held him tightly. He was finally able to give Sora a hug after all these years.
"Really?" Sora perked up.
Ventus nodded, "Yes really."
Sora's attention then fell onto Vanitas. A smile crossed Sora's face as he jumped up and ran over to Vanitas. But before he could get close, Vanitas stepped back and held out a hand.
"Just what do you think you are doing?" Vanitas asked with a slight glare.
"A hug of course!" Sora responded happily.
"Well forget about it…" Vanitas grumbled.
"Aw… why not?" Sora asked.
"I…" Vanitas paused for a moment before turning his head away, "I don't do hugs."
Sora slumped his shoulders for a moment as he sighed. But then a small smirk came across his face, "Well too bad!" Sora shouted as he jumped at Vanitas and hugged him. Though he was not able to not him over like Ventus. He wrapped his arms around Vanitas and hugged him tightly.
Vanitas on the other hand turned his attention back to Sora. Anger contorted his face as his eyes filled with rage. His whole body tensed up tighty as he gritted his teeth and raised one of his hands up into a fist. Ventus gasped as he was afraid Vanitas was about to strike Sora, but Vanitas's hand didn't move. He held it there until he slowly lowered it to rest on top of Sora's head. The anger slowly faded away from his face, as his muscles slowly relaxed. The anger was slowly replaced by what looked like a mix of emotions. Emotions that Ventus had never once seen on Vanitas before. He looked confused...and maybe a little sad. Emotions like these were something Vanitas never had felt before. With shaking hands Vanitas slowly reached his arms around Sora, and hugged him back. The confusion though never once left his face, but he was in fact hugged Sora back.
Ventus stared in shock as Vanitas actually returned Sora's hug. He may have liked teasing his dark counterpart… but he was not going to interrupt this moment. It was a shame he didn't have a camera though. Would have been great blackmail material.
Sora felt at peace calmly buried into one of his older brothers for a hug, but it was still incomplete. Grinning he turned to look over his shoulder at Ventus. "Come join the hug!" He invited cheerfully.
"No absolutely not!" Vanitas snarled now struggling a bit to get away from Sora who just held onto him tightly, not letting go.
Ventus found himself laughing as he stood up. This was a sight he never thought he would see. Before Vanitas could break away from Sora, Ventus joined in on their hug, making the grin on Sora's face even grander.
"Would you two get off of me!" Vanitas growled glaring at them both.
"Don't be like that Vani!" Sora said pouting his eyes going wide, "Please smile," Sora bit the bottom of his lip, his eyes shining brightly. "For me?"
Vanitas held out for five seconds against Sora's puppy dog face before caving in and trying to give the boy a smile, which came to him a lot easier than he thought he would. The smile actually felt natural, not forced, and not one of his normal cruel smiles. But it felt so weird… this feeling in him… it was unlike anything he had felt before. He didn't understand. He didn't understand any of it.
Sora smiled, "Come on guys let's play!"
Ventus of course agreed, though Vanitas at first said he wouldn't, as playing was childish. But Sora begged, using his big child eyes again to convince him to join in the fun. Reluctantly he had agreed, though he kept giving excuses as to why he didn't want to play. At first when Ventus started to chase Sora and Vanitas stayed back and just watched them. It felt weird for him to be doing something like this. Having fun? That just didn't suit him at all. That was something for Ventus to do. Vanitas never once remembered having fun...so he just wasn't use to it.
But eventually Vanitas was dragged into it, and did in fact find himself laughing and smiling as he played with Sora. Which again, deep in the back of his mind...just felt weird. But he didn't mind it, much to his surprise. Well except that Ventus was with them, he would prefer if it was just him and Sora.
Time had passed as they continued to play along the shore and in the water, but soon they all stopped to catch their breaths. They sat down next to the shoreline and watched the waves roll in and out.
"What should we do now?" Sora asked excitedly, still full of energy.
"I don't know, what do you want to do?" Ventus asked.
"Hmm, how about we build a sandcastle!" Sora suggested.
"That sounds like a great idea. But do you think you could start without us? There is… something I want to talk about with Vani in private."
Sora nodded, "Okay!" Sora then jumped up and walked a little closer to the water and started to scooping up sand.
Ventus looked over at Vanitas and stood up, "Come on, let's go sit a little further back."
"Why should I?" Vanitas asked with a sneer, though the effect was ruined as the dark haired boy looked really comfortable slouched, as he was watching over Sora.
"We have the chance to talk now without Sora hearing us….face to face," Ventus replied.
Vanitas sighed, he knew it had to be done, but he really didn't want to confront his other half. "Fine," he grumbled as he slowly stood up taking his time and making sure to stretch and pop his back. He hid a smirk as he saw Ventus shoot him an annoyed look.
The two walked a few feet back from the shoreline, far enough that Sora wouldn't be able to hear their conversation. They sat down and at first neither of them said anything, though Ventus seemed to be in deep thought. "So what do you want?" Vanitas growled crossing his arms his golden eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Ventus let out a long sigh, "I wanted to talk...I know we still can't fully remember our past… but we can remember certain things and events. I remember how you were before, and I've noticed over these years with Sora...you've changed."
"What sort if idiocy are you talking about? I still hate you with a burning passion, and if I ever get the chance I will end you myself." Vanitas snarled out. He was not changing! He was still the same. He was not going soft on the mini version of himself. He would still take over Ventus's body and become one! He thought to himself angrily as his hands clenched into fists.
"But… I have noticed something. I'm sure you've noticed even though it seems we are spilt, we can still sometimes sense each others emotions. And I have sensed a lot of different things from you."
"Then sense my emotions now!" Vanitas spat pushing all of his anger to Ventus to the front.
Ventus stiffened up as he took in a deep breath, "I just meant… There is just so much I have noticed… especially when you hugged Sora back there. Ah… I don't know how to really explain it. "
"Then let me explain!" Vanitas sneered. "Ever since waking here I...I have…" Vanitas found himself trailing off. His anger gone for the moment, and other emotions taking its place. A few of them familiar to him, but there were also those newer ones that he didn't get yet. "You would never understand," he spat out turning away from Ventus.
"Then Vanitas, please explain it to me," Ventus asked scooching a bit closer an gently putting a hand onto Vanitas's shoulder. "I would like to understand."
Vanitas gripped a fist tightly as he looked out at the sea, "Fine." He muttered before he rapidly turned to face Ventus again his golden eyes piercing into Ventus's blue eyes, "I thankfully can't remember everything about my life, but what I do remember is… suffering and pain. From the very first moment, back when I was first separated from you... there was so much suffering. I was in agony. I do not comprehend how I managed at first. So many moments of my life were torture… I was suffering while you were having fun times with your friends. That is why I wanted to become one with you so badly...someone… I can't remember who… but they told me that if I were to become one with you that all my pain and suffering would end."
Ventus bit his lip, feeling a bit of pity for Vanitas. He knew that they weren't separated by choice...The memories were still fuzzy but he knew the only reason Vanitas ever existed was because… he had failed at something. Ventus's hand fell to his side limply as he chose to stay quiet so Vanitas would continue onward.
"Then when we fought… and I lost… I thought that was it for me, that my life was finally over. I thought I'd fade away and that would be it. Though, here I am again...Although I don't feel as much pain as I use to, but I do get those feelings whenever Sora is in pain. It brings back...those awful memoires," Vanitas said as he gripped his fist a little tighter. "But…" Vanitas trailed off looking away.
Ventus raised an eyebrow, "But what?"
"Being with Sora...I've been feeling other things. New emotions I never felt before…" He reluctantly admitted. He hated that he was so pathetic into admitting all of these strange feelings to his other half. Yet… he knew that his other half would understand this stuff better than he would. It was a weird mix of being pathetic for admitting it, but also feeling a little relief for getting off his chest.
"Like what?" Ventus asked becoming curious.
Vanitas looked towards the ground one of his hands absentmindedly grabbing a handful of the sand and letting the grains fall between his fingers. The dark haired boy sighed, "I'm not exactly sure… I have never felt them before. But I think… happiness, compassion...and whatever you call wanting to care and protect someone."
"You've never felt those before?" Ventus questioned his eyebrows furrowed together. The more he heard about Vanitas, the more he felt like he could understand him. He had no idea that was how Vanitas had felt, now he started to feel a bit bad, thinking back to those few encounters he had with him. He regretted some of the things he had said to him.
"No!" Vanitas suddenly hissed out. "I am the darkness of you! Negative emotions are all I had back then because you know...being darkness! I never had friends or anyone who cared for me! I never laughed or had fun! But now… Argh! I don't know anymore!" He shouted before going quite. Vanitas buried his head into his hands and let out a frustrating sigh. "I… I don't understand any of it!"
Ventus frowned, he could feel the sadness, anger, confusion and frustration coming off from Vanitas. Ventus started to reach over to give Vantias a comforting hug, but he found himself hesitating. Why was he hesitating at this? He felt he wanted to comfort Vanitas, but he had a feeling Vanitas also wouldn't want it or understand that either.
A moment of silence passed before Ventus hesitantly asked, "Will… will you be okay?"
Vanitas sneered, "I don't want to speak with you anymore, idiot."
Ventus sighed as Vanitas stood up and walked away. He thought it would be best to give Vanitas some space after everything he just said. Ventus went and lean against a tree to watch Sora. As if feeling his gaze the chocolate colored hair boy turned to look at Vanitas. The boy ran over to him, his blue eyes wide in innocence. "You look sad Vani…" Sora said before giving Vanitas another hug.
The dark haired boy tensed up for a moment before once again relaxing. That strange feeling of happiness filled him again. A small smile formed on his face as he patted Sora on the head. "You really are something special…" Vanitas muttered, wondering how Sora was able to give him so much mushy light feelings inside of him. Not even his pathetic other half could do that.
Sora looked up into his eyes a large smile on his face, "Please don't be sad anymore Vani! I'll always be here for you! And Ven too!" He declared.
The three of them went on to play more after that. Though Ventus and Vanitas didn't speak directly to each other for awhile, they did indulge in all of Sora's conversation. They continued to play and run around until Sora started to feel dizzy.
Sora sat down on the beach as he held his head. Everything on the island around them began to blur and slowly seemed to be fading away. Ventus and Vanitas noticed that Sora was now sitting on the ground. Concerned they quickly ran over to Sora and kneeled down next to him.
"Sora? Are you okay?" Ventus asked.
"I don't know...everything feels weird…" Sora replied.
"Hmm… Maybe you are waking up," Vanitas suggested. A pensive look on his face, tilting his head the left lightly.
Sora's eyes went wide as he shook his head, "No no! I don't wanna wake up! Please...I don't wanna leave here. I'm having so much fun...plus this is the first time I got to see you guys. I don't want to leave this," he begged, his eyes tearing up as he bit his lip.
Ventus wrapped his arms around Sora, holding him tightly. He gently rubbed Sora's back as he spoke. "I know...I don't want to leave this place either. But you gotta wake up though. You have another day of playing with your friends."
"But I don't know if I'll ever get to see you guys again," Sora replied.
"I'm sure we will figure out a way to see each other again. I know we will," Ventus said.
"But…" Sora started as more of the island was faded away dissolving slowly.
"No buts…" Vanitas grumbled out. "We will find a way for you to dream this again. It has to be able to happen again. So… don't worry about it." Vanitas sighed as he slowly joined in the embrace. He didn't really want to that much...hugs were still strange to him. But he knew Sora needed the comfort. He found himself surprised again as he didn't mind he was joined in a hug with Ventus. But almost all his attention was on Sora at the moment.
"What… What if I don't dream this again though?" Sora whined as a few tears slipped from his eyes. "What if I don't get to see you you guys again?"
"Don't worry, even if you don't see us again… we'll still be there for you," Ventus said in a comforting tone.
"I'm sure we will be able to figure out how to do this again," Vanitas said, trying to reassure Sora.
Sora nodded slowly, wrapping his arms around his brothers. A few tears more streamed down his face. "Okay…I love you guys."
Before anyone else could say anything, everything faded away from Sora's view. Even the feeling of the warm embraces of Ventus and Vanitas disappeared into nothingness. Sora found himself to be opening his eyes, laying in his bed.
"Ven? Vani?" Sora asked as he yawned, wiping away the few tears in his eyes.
'Yes Sora?' Ventus's voice came first.
"Were… you guys actually in my dream last night?"
'Yes Sora. Yes we were,' Ventus replied.
'And… we care about you a great deal,' Vanitas muttered before going silent.
And that wraps up a sweet little chapter. Hope you all enjoyed. Don't forget to let us know what you think and we will see you next time! I also will eventually be back from my vacation! Which is also good cause then I can hopefully have more time to write for this story with TheDeadGirlRisen.
See you all next time.