Chapter 30 I Hate You!
"Master Eraqus?" Aqua says as she enters the sitting room. Master Eraqus looks up and gives her a small, grave smile.
"Please sit Aqua," Master Eraqus says gesturing to the couch. "Where is Terra?"
Aqua sits down saying. "He had to change. Riku threw up on him when we got upstairs."
"He did? How much jello did he eat?" Master Eraqus says in surprise. Aqua shrugs, not knowing the answer, and Master Eraqus shakes his head. "Can't leave those two alone for even a second."
"Where did they even get the jello?" Terra asks to announce his presence as he enters the sitting room and sits on the couch beside Aqua. "They couldn't have made it themselves."
"No, Mickey helped them make it," Master Eraqus says and Terra and Aqua look at him surprised.
"Mickey was here?" Terra asks.
"Yes. He and Yen Sid stopped by while you were in the Pride Lands," Master Eraqus replies. "Yen Sid brought some troubling news to my attention."
Both Terra and Aqua lean forward now concerned. Master Eraqus sighs and begins to explain. "As you know, when there is too much darkness, and too many heartless, a world will be destroyed." Terra and Aqua nod. "Yen Sid told me today that that is what is happening in Carinol. It is mere days away from being consumed by its own darkness."
Both Aqua and Terra's eyes widen at this news. "Is there anything we can do to stop it?" Aqua asks quickly.
"Yes," Master Eraqus replies. "A world can only be totally destroyed when the heart of the world is consumed by darkness. If we can prevent darkness from reaching the world's heart, Carinol can be saved. To do this we must lock away the heart. Every world has a keyhole which is like the doorway to its heart. If we can find this keyhole and seal it, we can save Carinol from its dark fate."
"So we have to go to Carinol," Terra says slowly. "And when you say we you mean..."
"You, Aqua, and myself," Master Eraqus says finishing Terra's hanging sentence. "Taking Ventus to a world drowning in darkness would be extremely dangerous. Especially since Carinol has already managed to cast a dark shadow on Ventus' heart. No, he cannot be allowed near that place ever again."
"I'm not sure he is going to be willing to stay away once he hears about this," Aqua says. "It is his home world after all. No matter what painful memories he has of the place, he'll still want to return."
"And that is precisely why I am not planning to tell him," Master Eraqus says.
Terra and Aqua exchange a shocked look. They turn back to look at Master Eraqus. "What?!"
...
"You were a cub? That sounds adorable," Zack says with a laugh.
Ven glares at him. "It was annoying as fuck," he replies. "I couldn't do anything 'cause I was so tiny." Zack continues to chuckle and Ven rolls his eyes at him. They are sitting at a small table in the corner of the 7th Heaven in Traverse Town. They had long since finished dinner, and it is getting late. With each passing minute, the crowded bar is getting louder and more boisterous, and Ven and Zack have to talk loudly to hear each other over the din.
"Let's get out of here," Zack says and Ven nods. They both stand, and Ven digs through his pockets, pulling out the munny Master Eraqus had given him. He goes to place it on the table when Zack grabs his wrist. "Don't worry about it."
"You sure?" Ven asks. "It's not my munny. Master Eraqus gave it to me before I left."
"Whenever I eat here I just repay Tifa by helping her out some nights," Zack replies. Ven shrugs and pockets the munny.
"Alright," Ven says. "So what are we going to do now?"
"I got something in mind," Zack says with a smile. "Follow me."
Curious, Ven follows Zack out of the bar and through the first district. In the second district, Zack leads him down the stairs to the empty square and then through a door next to a beautiful fountain. Ven walks through finding himself in a back alley with small rectangular pools of water. "What's back here?" Ven asks.
"You'll see," Zack says cryptically, throwing Ven a smile.
With his curiosity even greater now, Ven follows Zack down the alley. The second pool flows out of a grate on the wall of the alley, and Zack stops there turning to look at Ven. He takes Ven's hand and to Ven's surprise pulls him into the shallow pool. Before Ven can question him, Zack stomps on a red switch at their feet and the grate opens with a creak. Ven looks from the dark opening to Zack with a suspicious expression.
"It's through here," Zack says tugging on Ven's hand. Ven lets him pull him through the opening and they are plunged into darkness. Ven has no clue where they are going and just lets Zack lead him, trusting the hand that is tugging him along. They turn a corner and emerge into a cave of green rock. It's eerie yet captivating, and Ven barely notices as Zack lets go of his hand. He climbs onto the small island of rocks and stares around in wonder.
"Leon and Cloud use this cave to train in." Zack's voice makes Ven turn towards him. Zack is standing next to a mural on the wall of the cave. It is the moon and stars, but when Zack places his hand on it, it glows for a moment before changing to an image of the sun.
"What's that?" Ven asks.
"Leon doesn't like people using his training room unless they're part of the militia so he had Aerith put in a spell to scare out intruders," Zack explains. "Basically, if you don't change the mural this place will fill with water and wash you out." Zack climbs up on the island and moves to stand in front of Ven. With a smile, Zack cups Ven's cheeks and leans in to kiss him. Ven kisses back wrapping his arms around Zack's waist and pulling him closer. They continue to make out, and Zack slides his hands to the back of Ven's head, playing with his hair.
When lack of oxygen forces them to come apart, Ven rests his head comfortably in the nook between Zack's shoulder and neck. Zack idly traces his fingers over Ven's back. "I want to hear all about your adventures as a little lion cub," Zack says softly breaking the silence. He feels Ven stiffen in their embrace. "What is it?" Zack asks concerned.
Ven pulls away with a sigh. He sits, resting his back against the wall of the cave. He motions for Zack to sit next to him and when he does so Ven says, "While we were there, there was an accident and Mufasa, he was the king there, got killed."
"I'm so sorry," Zack says softly. "Did you know him well?"
Ven shakes his head. "I'd spent the day with his son, Simba. When his dad died Simba lay with him, crying, and it was just like-"
Ven stops himself and turns his head away from Zack. Concerned, Zack reaches out and gently turns Ven's chin so they are looking at each other. He can see the tears in Ven's eyes. "You can tell me Ven."
Ven blinks and a tear falls out of his eye. He wipes it away quickly, and speaks in a husky voice. "Seeing Simba cry over his father's body, it-it made me think about Tay," Ven forces out. Another tear falls out, but before Ven can wipe it away, Zack catches it. He slides closer to Ven and pulls him in close. Ven rests his head on Zack's chest feeling Zack's arms wrap tightly around him.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Zack asks and Ven shakes his head keeping his face buried in Zack's shirt. Zack doesn't press him and they sit holding each other in silence.
"A heartless killed him," Ven says suddenly in a tear stained voice.
"Tay?" Zack asks quietly and feels Ven nod.
"It was my fault," Ven mumbles almost too quietly for Zack to hear him. "I knew it was dangerous for people to be around me. I should have been on my own. If I hadn't let him get so close...If I hadn't been so selfish he would still be alive."
"Ven," Zack says sadly. "You can't blame yourself."
Ven doesn't reply, for a minute and just snuggles closer. "I lay with him, after he died, just like Simba. Calling for him. Wishing for him to come back. I didn't want to be alone."
"Your not alone," Zack says softly, gently petting Ven's hair for a minute before Ven pulls away.
"Sorry," Ven says rubbing his eyes.
"Don't be sorry," Zack says. "You can always talk to me when something has made you upset." Ven nods and yawns. Zack laughs slightly. "Long day? Maybe you should go home and get some rest."
"I'd rather stay here with you," Ven replies kissing Zack lightly. He has to stop and yawn again.
"Alright it is definitely time for you to go to bed," Zack says laughing at Ven's unhappy pout. He gives him a peck on the lips, and succeeds in getting Ven to smile. Zack stands and pulls Ven to his feet. "Goodnight," Zack says kissing Ven's forehead.
"Goodnight Zack," Ven says pulling him into a quick, but passionate kiss. "Thanks for listening. I'll be back soon."
"I'll be waiting," Zack whispers in his ear before Ven pulls away. Ven summons a light corridor, and gives Zack a final smile before walking through it and disappearing.
…
Ven walks back out of the light corridor and finds himself at the bottom of the steps leading up to the castle. He touches his lips lightly remembering his and Zack's goodbye kiss. With a smile he walks up the steps to the front doors. He can see that inside almost all the lights are off so he opens the door and walks in as silently as possible not wanting to wake anyone sleeping inside. As he slowly shuts the door, he hears arguing voices from the sitting room. With quiet footsteps he makes his way to the doorway, but stops short and stays in the shadows hearing what is being said.
"We have to tell him."
"No we can't Aqua. He may not be able to handle it."
"But Master Eraqus, it's his home world he has a right to know."
"If we tell him he will wish to return. You both have seen the pain that place has caused him. The darkness. Going back can only make things worse."
"I still agree with Aqua. He has the right to know."
"Know what?" Ven steps into the sitting room. He has been eavesdropping for long enough. He knows they are talking about him. Master Eraqus, Terra, and Aqua all jump slightly as he enters suddenly. Ven looks accusingly from to each of them. "Tell me."
Both Aqua and Terra look to Master Eraqus who sighs and unhappily gestures for Ven to take a seat. Ven sits between Terra and Aqua and holds his breath as he waits for Master Eraqus to speak. "Ventus," Master Eraqus says carefully. "Today I learned from Yen Sid that your home world of Carinol is being threatened."
"By what?" Ven asks leaning forward in his seat.
"Darkness," Master Eraqus answers. "Heartless are everywhere, and people are dying. If nothing is done, the darkness will reach the heart of the world, and Carinol will disappear into the realm of darkness."
Ven's face loses some color as he hears this news. "Can we stop it?"
Master Eraqus hesitates. "Yes," he finally says. "But Ventus you must listen to me. I cannot allow you to come with us. It is too dangerous."
"What!" Ven nearly shouts. He feels a hand on his shoulder and looks to see Terra give him a warning look.
"I know Terra and Aqua already told you that I asked them to protect you from darkness," Master Eraqus says. "I am doing this to protect you as well. You must not return to Carinol."
"I grew up there," Ven says angrily, and Terra's hand on his shoulder grips him tighter. "I lived in that hell hole for years. Hell, I lived with Keric for nearly six months. I have already proved that I can withstand the darkness of that place. I'll be fine."
"Ventus," Master Eraqus says his patience thinning. "I already said no. You will go to Disney Castle with Sora and Riku tomorrow."
"But that's not-"
"Ventus!" Master Eraqus thunders. "I do not want the darkness of that world to affect you anymore than it already has. If anymore darkness enters your heart, the result could be disastrous."
"What would happen?" Ven demands. Master Eraqus mouth becomes a hard line. Ven snaps and jumps to his feet screaming at Master Eraqus. "Tell me! God! Why can't you just tell me? You're scaring the shit out of me! What the am I going to do that is so bad? For once just answer my questions." Master Eraqus says nothing. Ven groans. "Just give me some fucking answers!"
"This discussion is over Ventus," Master Eraqus says evenly. "You will not be going to Carinol tomorrow and that is the end of it."
"But-"
"No buts! My decision is final."
Ven stares at him feeling his anger grow to dangerous levels. His hands curl into fists. "I hate you!" Ven suddenly screams unable to hold back anymore. "I hate you! I hate you!" He feels Terra and Aqua reach out to him, trying and get him to sit back down, but he just shakes them off. "When I first came here I thought you were the father I never had, but not anymore. All you do is lie to me and keep things from me. You treat me like I'm a bomb set to go off as soon as I'm out of your sight." Ven's chest heaves in anger as he glares at Master Eraqus who regards him sadly. There is a long moment of silence, then Ven whispers in an emotionless voice, "I don't trust you. Not anymore."
With that Ven leaves the room, too angry to stay a second longer. Unfortunately, the anger he feels continues to grow as he runs up the stairs to his room, slamming his door behind him. He wants to scream, to punch something. More than anything he wants to be told what is going on. He's tired of playing along, and pretending there is nothing to worry about. Clearly there is something to worry about, or Master Eraqus wouldn't be so controlling. Ven flops on his bed and groans loudly in anger.
Hold onto your anger.
Ven jumps back to his feet in shock at the sudden voice in his ear. His keyblade appearing in his hand an instant later as his eyes search the room for the speaker..
Over here you idiot.
Ven whirls around, but still sees no one.
Wow. I didn't realize you were that stupid.
The voice laughs coldly and Ven suddenly recognizes it as being inside his head. "Vanitas!"
You called.
"What the hell? No I didn't," Ven says.
You gave into your anger. I'm impressed. I don't think Eraqus will forget that little speech of yours anytime soon.
"Leave me alone. I'm not talking to you right now," Ven says lying back down on his bed.
Then shut up and listen. If you really want to get under the old man's skin then get your ass to Carinol. He can't stop you.
Ven is silent for a minute, then he asks slowly, "Why do you care?"
I'm you idiot. I want what you want. I'm just not as spineless as you are.
"What did you just call me?"
Exactly what you are.
"Fuck off." Ven rolls over onto his stomach and sighs hearing no response from Vanitas. As much as Ven doesn't want to admit it, Vanitas does have a point. Master Eraqus can't tell him what to do. If he wants to go to Carinol, then he is going to Carinol. As Ven drifts off to sleep he doesn't hear the soft laugh of triumphant from the voice in the dark corners of his mind.
This chapter was quite the emotional rollercoaster for Ven.
I'm sorry it was a little short, but it is just a lead up to the next 8 or 9 chapters.
SnowKawasagi: It'll be in chapter 35 as some much needed comic relief.
Mexi: Yeah Mufasa had to die so Ven would have a reason to tell Zack about Tay's death. Sorry this date was short and not as fun as the last one, but a little fluff is better than no fluff.
MLSoT: I wanna play Kingdom Hearts X! UGH! Stupid Japanese. I want English! Funfact: I hate jello too.
A look ahead:
Everything is about to change as Ven's life is turned completely upside down in just three short action packed days. Xehanort's plan is in motion and Ven is about to fall straight into his trap. The entire story so far has been leading up to this, however the story will not end after these three days. Don't worry there is still a lot to go through before we reach the end of the journey.
Prepare yourself for the storm that is coming.