Chapter 19 A Change of Mind
A lot can change in a week. Sora and Riku have only been living at MEKA for seven days, but it is like they have been there their whole lives. Every morning, Master Eraqus sends Terra and Aqua off on their own while he supervises Ven and Riku's training. Sora tags along with Riku and Master Eraqus begins to teach them both to use a sword. Sora may not have a keyblade like the others, but he fits right in and his ever present smile makes the whole castle seem brighter. Each afternoon, Master Eraqus leaves his apprentices to relax and enjoy each others company for a few hours while he works in his office.
This afternoon, a week after the trip to Agrabah, Ven finds himself lying on the floor staring at the ceiling of the sitting room bored and restless. Aqua is curled up on the couch with a book, Terra is staring out the window lost in thought, and Sora and Riku are playing with some old action figures Terra had found for them. By the sounds they were making and the figurines flying through the air, there must have been an epic battle taking place.
Sighing with boredom, Ven sits up looking around for something to do. A desk in the corner of the room catches his eye, and he goes over to it. A quick search of the drawers makes him grin in triumph as he pulls out a deck of cards.
"Hey guys," Ven says slyly, catching the attention of the others. "Ever played Blackjack?"
…
Terra looks critically at the two cards in his hand and then back at Ven. His eyes narrow at the younger boy's smirk of superiority. "Wipe that stupid look off your face and give me a hit," Terra grumbles trying to sound confident and not at all worried. Still smirking, Ven hands him a new card which Terra adds to his hand after removing a card and sending it to the discard pile. Trying to ignore Ven, Terra bites his lip thinking hard. "Alright," he says. "I'll stand."
Ven turns to Aqua asking, "And what are you going to do."
"I'll stand," Aqua says without hesitating. She meets Ven's smirk with a cool stare, but it only makes him grin wider.
"Let's see the cards," Ven says enthusiastically. Terra grimaces and puts down his cards.
"17."
Aqua smiles and puts her cards down on the table with a smack. "20."
Ven's face falls in disappointment. "Oh," he says sadly looking down at his cards. "I only have...blackjack!" Ven slams his hand on the table triumphantly and laughing at the enraged expressions on Terra and Aqua's faces he reaches out and scoops up the candy they had been betting with. He adds it to the already enormous pile next to him. "Do you guys want to go one more round or surrender?" He asks eyeing the few pieces of candy the other two have left.
"I don't know how you're doing it, but you're cheating somehow," Terra says angrily.
"It's not cheating," Ven says looking offended. "It's called strategy.
"I thought it was called counting cards," Riku says from the couch where he and Sora had been watching the older apprentices play. "That's what they call it in Agrabah."
"Counting cards?" Terra asks suspiciously.
"Yeah! It's so cool that you can do it Ven," Sora says. "Only like the bestest players can do it. We knew this one guy who was real good at it, but he got caught. They sent him to jail I think. I think the other player were jealous that he was so good." Sora didn't even notice Ven waving at him to stop talking.
"So it is cheating!" Terra says rounding on Ven who immediately starts gathering his winnings.
"I think it's time for me to go," Ven says quickly. He stands, attempting to make a run for it, but Terra is too quick and gets in front of him preventing his escape. "Terra," Ven says slowly backing away from him. "I think we can talk this out. You know, like civilized people."
Terra doesn't respond for a moment, then nods. "You're right." He puts out his hand for Ven to shake. Hesitantly Ven does so, but as they shake Terra says, "But you know, I don't feel like being civilized right now."
Ven tries to pull his hand back, but Terra doesn't let him. With a mischievous grin, Terra yanks Ven's arm causing him to stumble closer and allowing Terra to get him in a headlock.
"Go Terra!" Riku cheers from the couch.
"Get him Ven!" Sora calls.
Ven struggles with all his might, but Terra's grip is unyielding. However, after a few tries, Ven succeeds in kicking Terra's legs out from under him. Unfortunately, when Terra falls, he falls on Ven and they both hit the ground with a mighty crash. Terra quickly gets off Ven asking worriedly, "Are you alright?"
"I'm good," Ven gasps rolling onto his stomach to get up.
"Well in that case I don't feel bad," Terra says and before Ven can push himself to his feet, Terra sits on his back preventing him from getting up.
"Terra? What are you? Get off me!" Ven shouts, but Terra pays him no heed.
"Cheaters must be punished," Terra says with a grin.
"I agree," Aqua says reaching out and taking a handful of Ven's winnings. She hands some to Sora and Riku and some to Terra.
"Hey wait! That's mine!" Ven cries indignantly.
"Well it's been confiscated," Aqua says tossing an M&M into the air and catching it in her mouth.
Before Ven can protest, he hears footsteps enter the room and with some difficulty he turns his head to look up at Master Eraqus who is surveying the scene with a bemused expression. "Do I even want to know?" He asks and everyone shakes their heads no. Terra gets off Ven who stands grumbling and shoots Terra a dirty look. "Well whatever you are fighting about can wait," Master Eraqus says. "There is an emergency I need you three to attend to at once."
Terra, Aqua, and Ven instantly forget the skirmish and look at Master Eraqus concerned. Without a word, he hands a letter he had in his hand to Aqua, and Ven and Terra move to look over her shoulder to read it. Parts of the letter had been made illegible in some places. It must have gotten wet at some point because some of the ink is smudged. The part still legible reads:
Dear Master Eraqus of MEKA,
My kingdom of Atlantica is in dire need...assistance of key... A sea monster is terrorizing...nothing we can do to stop...please help.
King T...
Piecing together the short letter and filling in the holes, the three older apprentices look to their master of guidance. "I have already packed you a bag of food in case you must stay overnight," Master Eraqus says in a serious voice. "Go to this world, Atlantica, and meet with the king there. Find this monster and vanquish it. I am counting on you three to end this threat."
Terra, Aqua, and Ven all nod in understanding. "Good," Master Eraqus says. "Now go and be quick. I fear this monster has already done a lot of damage to that world. Stop it before it can do anymore."
...
The trio lands on a grassy hill overlooking the ocean. As they dismiss their gliders and armor, Ven says, "There's supposed to be a sea monster here?"
He can count about a dozen boats bobbing around in the water and the beach is dotted with families enjoying the warm weather. It doesn't seem like the place to find a sea monster.
"That's what the letter said," Aqua says doubtfully.
"Maybe it's at another beach," Terra guesses. "But, c'mon. Let's go meet with the king here and get it all straightened out." Terra leads then down the hill, away from the beach, and towards the walled in city. They find the road and follow it to a gate guarded by a middle aged man with a large bushy mustache. They halt in front of him and he looks at them warily.
"State your business."
"Ah, well," Aqua says caught off guard looking over at Terra and Ven before turning back to the frowning guard. "We are here to...visit? Yeah, we're here to visit our...uh...grandmother."
"Our favorite Granny. She hasn't been doing so well," Ven says stepping forward and adopting a forlorn expression. "Not well at all. Not since that storm last winter. She has this cough and every time she coughs she gets this pain in her stomach. She says it feels like the grim reaper himself is punching her in the gut. The doctors can't cure her." Ven starts getting choked up. "All we can do is try and keep her comfortable in her final days."
Ven puts on his best puppy dog face and stares up at the stern faced man. Surprisingly, his expression melts into one of sympathy. "I'm very sorry for your family," he says his eyes glistening. "My Ma had the same thing. She died last spring."
"I'm so sorry," Ven says hanging his head.
"It still hurts you know," the guard says hitting his chest. "Right here." He pauses for a moment to regain his composure. "I'll just wave you through, no paperwork. You should spend as much time with your Granny as you can. Just in case, god forbid, she doesn't have that much time left."
"Thank you," Ven says. "Thank you very such sir. We really appreciate your understanding."
"I'm glad I could help. You're a good kid," the guard says opening the gate and waving them through. "Go, be with your Granny. Send her my best wishes."
With a nod of thanks, Ven leads Terra and Aqua away from the gate and into the city beyond. Once they turn a corner and are out of sight of the gate, Ven slows to a stop and turns with a huge grin to see Terra and Aqua's expressions, a mix of disbelief and awe. Still grinning, Ven takes a bow and Terra and Aqua roll their eyes. "Let's go," Aqua says as she and Terra walk around Ven to take the lead. As they pass, Ven straightens up and Terra smacks his head lightly.
Ven pouts and rubs his head for a moment before running to catch up with his friends. He falls into step beside them and together they make their way through the peaceful city. Finding the castle is easy; the main road leads right up to the front doors. Another guard stands in front of the closed doors with his hands clasped behind his back as he surveys the townspeople bustling around before him. Terra, Aqua, and Ven catch his eye as they make their way up the stairs and stand before him.
"State your business."
"Well you see sir, our Granny is very-"
Terra cuts Ven off by smacking his head again. Rolling his eyes, Terra speaks to the confused guard. "Sorry sir, don't mind him. We are here to speak with your king. He asked us to come at once."
"I was unaware that King Thomas was expecting anyone today," the guard says shifting nervously from one foot to the other.
"It is very important that we speak to your king at once," Aqua says. "It is a matter of utmost importance. Your king would not want you to keep us waiting."
"Well," the guard says wavering. Finally he gives in. "If he asked you to come then it must be alright. Go right in. Mabel will show you the way to the audience hall."
Saying this he opens the great front doors and ushers them inside. A young girl, a year or two younger that Terra and Aqua, looks up from dusting a beautiful vase. "Mabel, bring these guests to the audience chamber and alert the king that they have arrived," the guard says and Mabel nods quickly. Terra, Aqua, and Ven follow her without a word through the castle taking in the intricate and ancient pieces of art that adorn every wall. This kingdom must be very rich and the royal family is not ashamed to flaunt their money.
"Please wait inside," Mabel says in a soft voice as she stops before a large pair of sea green double doors. "King Thomas will be with you shortly."
"Thank you," Aqua says with a smile. The girl just nods and continues down the corridor. Terra exchanges glances with the other two before pushing open the doors to the audience hall and stepping inside. Ven and Aqua follow him through and gaze in awe at the incredible room. The far end of the room where three thrones sit has no wall. Instead, it is open to a large balcony overlooking the beautiful sea below. The sun hangs low on the horizon as the boats make their way back to port for the night. Nothing about this place seemed to line up with the devastation and destruction the king had spoke of in his letter to Master Eraqus.
A boy with short black hair stands leaning over the railing of the balcony. He looks up in surprise when he hears them come in. "Oh, hello," he says curiously walking over to them. "What are you doing here?"
"The king sent us a letter requesting our assistance," Aqua explains.
"He did?" The boy says his forehead creasing in concentration. "What does he need your assistance with?"
"He asked us to-"
Aqua is cut off by the sound of raised voices on the other side of the door coming closer. The four of them turn and can just make out the words. "Who, in God's name, let them in no questions asked?"
The doors slam open and a large muscular man with a scowl on his face walks in. He immediately lays eyes on Terra, Aqua, and Ven standing with the black haired boy. "Eric! Get away from them at once," the man booms and the boy immediately moves away from the trio. As the man storms across the room, a woman that looks a lot like Eric comes through the door with another older man, they both have worried expressions.
"Who are you?" The man demands. "What are you doing here?"
"Thomas, please calm down," the woman says walking to Eric's side.
"Not now Cassie," he says waving her off.
"King Thomas?" Aqua says nervously and he moves to tower over her. Trying not to show her distaste for his aggressive nature, Aqua continues in a confident and respectful voice. "King Thomas, my name is Aqua. This is Terra and Ventus. Our master got your distress letter and sent us to help."
"I sent no such letter to anyone," King Thomas thunders. "Now tell me what you are really up to little girl or I will throw you in prison and let the rats have you." Saying this he pokes a threatening finger at her chest.
Before he can even blink, the tip of Terra's keyblade is resting on his chest and he gulps looking over at Terra who has an enraged expression. "Don't talk to her like that," Terra says pressing slightly harder on his keyblade.
"Keyblade wielders," King Thomas says in a surprisingly weak voice compared to his shouting from before. Terra snorts in disgust before removing his keyblade from the king's chest and letting it disappear.
The older man runs to Eric and the woman shouting, "Queen Cassandra! Prince Eric! Run! Alert the guards! Quick before they attack!"
"Hold it!" Ven shouts before anyone can move. "Everyone just calm down! We came to help you idiots with the fucking sea monster! Why are you freaking out at us?"
"Do not speak to me or my family like that boy!" King Thomas roars regaining his confidence and his voice. "And what are you talking about? There is no sea monster in my kingdom."
"But we got a letter saying-" Aqua tries to say but the King cuts her off.
"I have no idea what you children are talking about, but if are truly here to help us then leave. Be gone. We want nothing to do with your kind here."
Terra, Aqua, and Ven exchange looks. Terra turns to King Thomas and fixes him with a steady gaze. In a monotone voice that matches his blank expression, he says, "Obviously there has been a mistake. In that case, we are sorry to have bothered you today. We will take our leave." With that, Terra walks out of the audience room stalking past the royal family without even glancing at them. Aqua follows in a similar fashion and so does Ven. However, before walking out the door, Ven turns and flips off the rude king. He watches with amusement as the king's whole face purples with rage and flashes him a smile that says 'what are you going to do about it?' before leaving the throne room to follow Terra and Aqua out of the castle and out of the city.
...
Back on the hill they had first landed on, the trio looks out over the ocean turned blood red by the setting sun. "Are we really leaving?" Ven asks looking from Terra to Aqua. Both shake their heads.
"We have to take a look ourselves," Terra says. "That letter definitely came from this world and we can't just take the word of that bastard that there's no monster."
"Terra!"
"I'm sorry Aqua," Terra says. "But he was. He was so rude to you."
Sighing, Aqua rubs her temple. "C'mon," she says walking down the hill towards the beach. "It's almost dark out. We don't have time to look for a monster today. Let's set up camp and turn in for the night."
…
Everything is pitch black outside the small circle of light provided by their fire, but the sound of the waves crashing nearby reminds them that although they can't see it, they are right near the water's edge. Terra and Aqua are both kneeling next to the fire not speaking. Ven lies a little ways away on his side with his back to them. His grumblings about what a poor dinner burned hot dogs had been have just faded into deep breathing accompanied by the occasional light snore.
"Terra?" Aqua says breaking the silence.
"Hmm?"
"I just...wanted to thank you for standing up for me back there," Aqua says turning away hoping to hide her blush.
"I probably could've handled it better," Terra admits scratching his head. "It was a bad idea to show them my keyblade. It just made everything worse."
"Maybe," Aqua says softly. "But it was still very chivalrous of you to defend me."
"Anytime my lady," Terra says giving her a goofy grin. She laughs.
"Terra," she says a minute later. "Can we talk."
"Of course Aqua," Terra replies. "What do you want to talk about?"
"I...hold on," Aqua says standing and brushing the sand off her legs. Ignoring Terra's confused expression, she walks around the fire and crouches next to Ven. She watches him carefully and then nods, satisfied. She come back around the fire and sits beside Terra. "He's asleep."
Terra nods, but doesn't say anything, staring at her expectantly. Aqua shifts awkwardly under his gaze pulling absentmindedly at the sleeves on her arms. "Terra," she finally says. "What you did today made me realize how silly I've been. You are the most wonderful man I know, and I've been pushing you away. Out of fear. Yes, I said it. You were right, I was afraid of change."
"But, you've had a change of heart?" Terra asks breaking into a wide grin.
"No, not a change of heart," Aaua says smiling back. "A change of mind."
"Oh?"
"My heart has always wanted this," Aqua says taking his hand in hers. "My mind has finally come around."
Terra's grin gets wider and Aqua has never seen him happier. He leans in close so their foreheads are touching. "You're not going to stop me this time?" He asks.
Aqua shakes her head. "Just kiss me already you idiot."
"Gladly," Terra says before tilting his head and bringing his lips to Aqua's. At first she is hesitant, but she doesn't pull away. Terra continues to kiss her gently and soon she is kissing him back with more passion. Sliding his arms around her waist, Terra pulls her closer to him in the sand, and begins to rub her back. Her arms go around him as well, holding him tight to her.
They only pull away when they run out of air, and sit still locked together with big smiles and red faces. Aqua curls against Terra's chest and Terra holds her feeling like the luckiest man in the world. "We can't let anyone know about this," Aqua murmurs sadly into his shirt. "I'm sorry Terra, but we have to keep this a secret from Master Eraqus and Ven. If they ever found out-"
"They aren't going to find out," Terra says soothingly stroking her hair softly. "It'll be our little secret." He kisses the top of her head.
"Thank you Terra," Aqua says tilting her head up to meet his lips. No more words are said between the two of them as they make out under the starlit sky.
Ten feet away from them, Ven lies with his eyes closed, but a small smile appears on his lips. Part of him feels bad for eavesdropping on such a personal moment, but mostly he is just happy that his two friends are in love. Ever since he met them he has wondered if something more than friendship is going on between the two of them, and this night has proven there is. In the next few minutes, Ven hears Terra and Aqua move apart and settle down to sleep. He also tries to drift off, but as he does so his thoughts turn to Zack.
As happy as he is for Terra and Aqua he can't help but feel a twinge of envy. More than anything he wishes he and Zack could kiss under the stars like them. He tries to tell himself that maybe one day he could be happy like that. Maybe one day he and Zack will meet again. But no matter what happy thoughts he tries to turn his mind to as he drifts off, his mind always goes back to his memory of Zack walking away playing over and over in his head.
Let's just have a round of applause for Terra for succeeding in escaping the dreaded FRIENDZONE. *Applause*
Mexi: All I'm going to say is Sora will get a keyblade...eventually.
Ruby Warrior Girl 730: I'm guessing you asked about Sora and Riku being a couple because of that whole 'can I sleep with you' scene. I wouldn't read too much into that. Remember they are only like 5 years old right now. I'm thinking their relationship will stay like brothers when they get older, but don't hold me to that.
MLSoT: Hope it was fluffy enough for you. Mushy gushy romance stuff is not my strong suit.
So I'm going to try doing a poll on my profile for the first time ever. In a coming chapter Braig (did you forget about him? 'Cause I kinda did...) is going to have a one night stand and the question is...
Should Braig be gay or straight?
Bi is not an option because that doesn't help me at all.
So go vote if you want your voice to be heard. *crosses fingers that you'll help me out with this decision*
I also just wanted to say that I don't play blackjack so if I messed something up I apologize.
Review and look out for the next chapter!