Introductions

Part Four

Ventus sat on the chair with his towel wrapped around him, having just got out the shower. Feeling refreshed though still somewhat dazed by the situation he decided to take a moment for himself. He was surprised by the friendly nature of those around him and how badly he wished he could speak with them, yet still his mouth seemed to clamp shut every time he tried to talk. He wanted to know more about the circus and the people who he would be living with, but their loud nature frightened him. He felt like he could be swallowed up in a tornado of colour, noise and people. Trying to centre himself he reasoned that it would be something he would get use too, assuming they'd stay here. That was the strangest thing of this situation. He could barely believe this place was real, never mind he would be living here. Any moment he expected to wake up at home and find out this was all some wonderful dream. Still if this was a dream he wished to enjoy as much of it as he could, now that he was less tired and far more warm.

Getting dressed he wore a long red and black woollen top that seemed a cross between a poncho and top. The neck was wide meaning it fell of his shoulders, and was held together by two straps that looked like they had originally been leather belts. He slipped on white-wash jeans and some black and white platform shoes. The clothes looked good but were loose and comfortable. Once dressed he made his way out the room, to see Marluxia stood with Yuffie.

"Now don't you look much better?" Marluxia cried almost hitting Yuffie with outstretched arms.

"Careful Luxia! You feeling any better Ventus?" Ventus's mouth just remained locked. He simply nodded and shifted uncomfortably under their gaze. He used to be able to avoid situations that made him uncomfortable, but in this new strange world there wasn't much avoiding it.

"I was warned our Little Dove doesn't speak." Marluxia explained, as shame filled Ventus's cheeks. He hated how strange he was. Whenever anyone had to explain his issues he just wanted to go hide in a box in the middle of nowhere. He remembered how often his father would try to hide him away from the public eye, totally ashamed of Ventus as if he was some freak of nature. He guess he was. It wasn't normal for a person to not talk after all.

"Well that's fine. It's good to have some peace and quiet around here. I don't exactly work with quietest man around." Yuffie grinned. Ventus knew she was trying to be reassuring and appreciated the effort.

"Now I know you're not on about me Fruit Loop!" Marluxia exclaimed as he began searching through a pile of fabric.

"Of course not Luxia." She winked at Ventus.

"Right well I'm off. I always have clothes to repair and outfits to create." Marluxia proclaimed as he left the tent with a sewing kit in hand.

"That leaves me to sort out your hair then Ventus. Now come sit down and we'll get those bangs sorted." With that Yuffie led Ventus to a chair next to a desk and placed a mirror in front of them from behind the desk. Chopping at the hair Yuffie cheerfully hummed away. She was engrossed in her work and happy to leave Ventus in peace. He could hear the clinking, clattering and chattering of the circus folk outside. Ventus tried to take in all the things around him, in an attempt to convince himself this was real. From the smell of hair products and fresh air, to the feel of soft clean clothes brushing across his skin. All of this was telling him he was awake. That he could really be here! Ventus found himself wanting one of his brothers, just to reassure him, tell him this was real.

"Okay we're done!" Yuffie announced, "See you have eyes!" Pulling the mirror Ventus saw pale blue orbs shinning back at him. Ventus couldn't help but stare at himself. Yuffie had cut his hair spiky and short, yet on the left side of his fringe there were a few strands of silk braided through the blonde and shimmering bright blue.

"Yuffie?" A deep voice came from outside the tent, as Ventus turned to see a tall muscular man stood at the entrance. He was…interesting…Well-built and, compared to others, very underdressed in just a tank top and harem pants. His brown hair was pulled back and his face was sharp and well sculpted like it was chiselled out of stone.

"Well I'm done with Roxas; Riku's showing him to the lunch hall. Please tell me the other twin is easier." Ventus looked down embarrassed on behalf of his brother, as Yuffie merely pointed in his direction.

"Don't worry about this one, he was an absolute dream." Once again Ventus found himself the centre of attention. A situation he hated. An invisible cord of expectation began wrapping its way round his throat. His heart hammered and his breath stuttered. That's when the sound of a zipper was heard, drawing attention away from Ventus.

"Hey now look at you! Clean up well Cloud." Turning around Ventus saw his older brother walk out, looking a thousand times better than he did a few hours ago. Colour had returned to his face, and whilst there were still slight bags under his eyes he didn't look nearly as weary. Now wearing a white shirt loosely over a pair of black leather jeans and knee high boots, he looked far more like the Cloud that Ventus was used to seeing. Better perhaps with Marluxia's eye for clothing. He slung the leather jacket of Leon's over his shoulders, still slightly chilly though nowhere near as cold. Relief flooded through Ventus as he dashed to his brother's side. Chuckling Cloud hugged the other and ruffled his fingers through Ventus's hair.

"I'm alright now Ventus you can stop worrying. I just needed some warmth and some rest." Cloud smiled down at him with a look that Ventus always knew meant Cloud was genuinely happy. He hoped to see his brother always like that.

"I'm glad to see you looking well. I heard you were in a rough shape when you first came here." Terra smiled, as Ventus flicked his eyes to him and then away. Too nervous to hold any eye contact.

"Thank you. I feel a lot better compared to earlier." Cloud yawned "I'm just tired now."

"How about you stay in here for a while longer? I'll look over your brother, and do a quick medical examination on you just before the show; it'll give you some time to sleep. I think your body more than anything just needs to rest." Terra insisted.

"Yes sure" Ventus squeezed against Cloud, he wanted his brother to rest, but he was still afraid to leave his side. Cloud just looked down and placed a firm hand on his shoulder, an indication that Ventus would be fine.

"About Ventus…" He began.

"It's fine. I've already been informed of his condition." Terra looked at Ventus, "and I won't force you to talk. It's just a small check up to make sure there's nothing major we need to have sorted. It'll be in the medical trailer, so it will be private." Terra seemed to radiate warmth and compassion. So much so that Ventus found himself letting go of Cloud and following Terra out of the tent.

The medical trailer was literally meters from Marluxia's, and from the outside it looked like nothing more than old worn out dinosaur, it's better years behind it. Stepping inside Ventus noted how the entire thing had been gutted. Refurbished specifically for medical needs. There was a medical bed at one side of the room with some chairs opposite, and around him were shelves and cupboards with medical equipment neatly put away. Files and documents all piled at the other end. It was quite a difference from Marluxia's world of chaos and confusion. Terra was clearly a very well organised man, and maintained a high level of cleanliness and tidiness. Seating him on the edge of the bed Terra slowly went through what must be routine for him. Always informing Ventus of what he was doing and why; his air of kindness never faltering. He occasionally asked Ventus a question but kept them to yes or no one's so Ventus could just nod his head. Terra paid attention to him but gave him all the space he needed so he never felt overwhelmed. It wasn't unpleasant. In fact quite the opposite. Ventus found himself at ease in Terra's peaceful and controlled company, and liked listening to his voice. He wasn't loud like Marluxia or excitable like Yuffie. He was gentle, sweet, and made Ventus feel a strange concoction of excitement and nerves which bundled in his stomach like a knot. The feeling was alien to Ventus. He didn't know whether to enjoy it or be afraid of it.

Xxx

Xemnas watched as Cloud immediately went to his brother's side as they entered the large, white gazebo that held the canteen. With the finale starting soon the tent was abandoned save the three blondes. Xemnas watched as the boys practically wolfed down the meal. Save Cloud, he started like his brothers clearly hungry, yet when he realised he had almost finished he pushed the plate away as if he was full. Xemnas highly doubted he was. Neither Roxas nor Ventus questioned this, which made Xemnas wonder whether this was habit. If it was it was something he'd want to keep an eye on. Still odd behaviour for the type of people that usually joined the circus. Most were starving and often had the opposite problem. Eating food quickly or hiding it away because they never knew when the next meal would be coming. None the less it wasn't unheard of. Once they had finished eating, Xemnas decided to then sit with them in order to discuss sleeping arrangements. Sitting down he got gentle smiles from both Cloud and Ventus. Roxas seemed to be far more passive which Xemnas took as a good sign. Though he doubted it would last long.

"I figured I best tell you about the sleeping arrangements we've decided. For now these are none negotiable, unless I come to the decision things need to be changed. In a few months if things are not working out we'll also sort them. With that being said I figured it would be obvious that you can go and visit any others tents as you make friends amongst our family here. You're all old enough after all." Three pairs of eyes watched him with a mix of curiosity and worry. Well expect for Roxas, who seemed defensive upon hearing 'none negotiable'.

"First of all Roxas," best to get him out the way, "you will be sleeping in a two pod tent with Marluxia, Demyx and Axel. Though sharing a pod specifically with Axel."

"So let's begin with Roxas, what did you make of him Terra?" The other man sighed and rubbed his head in thought, which already spoke more than enough.

"Well physically he's far from the worst we've had. He's got a few bruises, some bite marks and cuts, some of which may scar. Some are recent and others look much older. I don't think any of them have had correct medical attention. Luckily I found nothing major, all things I dealt with there and then. I got the distinct impression he gained a lot of injuries in fights." Terra recalled his mental notes as perfectly as someone reading them. Years of working here he had gotten used to dealing with the cut up and rough patients.

"And his attitude?" Xemnas asked

"You do know I'm not a psychiatrist Xemnas, and yet you always ask me about these things." He chuckled.

"I'm well aware but I do appreciate your knowledgeable opinions, you've been here long enough to spot patterns of behaviour and make educated guesses." Terra just shook his head.

"Well he has a problem with authority. I often had to rephrase question to make him feel like he held control in the situation. Things he doesn't know or doesn't trust he instantly perceives as a threat, and once wound up it's difficult to convince him otherwise. I don't think he's intentionally malicious by nature, I get the impression that he's never been taught how to cope with emotions, which would make sense if his home life was abusive. I think there's a lot going up in his brain and he doesn't always know how to channel it, and being distinctly distrusting of everyone around him, as all the boys to some extent appear to be, cannot help the situation." Xemnas stayed quiet, properly storing away the information so he could make a physical note of it later.

"So he's a lot like Axel, just as we suspected?" He asked

"I think so yes. Though no as well. Ignoring the fact that Axel had, and still does have, the ability to burn this entire place to the ground, I think the causes are different. Axel whilst a nightmare to begin with, began to improve rapidly once the ball got rolling. I get the feeling Roxas will take longer. He's dealing with perception of others and his own thoughts." Terra finished his analysis and found himself chuckling slightly.

"If it's any comfort, Roxas might be a pain, but hopefully we won't have to stock up on fire extinguishers again." Xemnas smiled at this too. Granted Axel's arson attacks during his initial joining was probably over exaggerated now, but they did indeed have to stock up on fire extinguishers.

"Well, I've decided then. Our human heating system has been sleeping on his own for too long anyway. I'll place Roxas with him." Terra's head snapped up, and stared at Xemnas as if he had grown two heads.

"With all due respect that hardly seems wise. Granted Axel is far better now but still, those pair will slaughter each other alive.

"Not if I remind Axel he's not allowed to. Axel may have gotten better but he's still very use to having his way around here. He has a charm along with that arson that can get him places. He should remember that life doesn't work that way. Anyway I have strange feeling that this might do them some good. Let's be realistic, it's the only tent that can withstand Roxas's temper on a daily basis. After all Marluxia doesn't care what anyone has to say most the time, Demyx is always friendly no matter what's thrown at him, and Axel is probably the only person who could beat Roxas at whatever temper tantrum he throws at him."

"Marluxia! Pig face! No way! Not happening! He keeps calling us by weird names! I don't like him and I don't want to share a tent with him!" Roxas shouted across the table, Xemnas had predicted such a reaction.

"Listen Roxas, you only have two choices here." Xemnas kept his voice balanced, as if he was offering Roxas a favour, and tried to maintain the illusion that he had control.

"It's either that or you sleep in the medical tent, surrounded by the equipment and sleeping on the medical bed itself. I just simply assumed out of the two, whilst Marluxia can be rather a lot to handle, you would prefer the tent." Roxas seemed to settle a bit at this. Xemnas wondered how Roxas would react to Axel. Perhaps they should stock up on fire extinguishers again.

"Now Ventus, you'll be staying in the big tent. There's also Xigbar, Xaldin, Luxord and Lexaeus, Terra, Zexion and Vexen. Though you'll only be sharing a room with Leon's younger brother called Sora." Ventus looked intimidated by the prospect of staying with a large amount of people. Yet he nodded anyway, clearly willing to give it a chance, an attitude Xemnas was grateful for given how difficult his brother had been.

"So what about Ventus?"

"Physically he's in the best state of all of them. Once again underweight but he lacks a significant amount of bruises and bite marks. There is however a scar across his side. It's a burn mark that's thin and long. He too has a few scratches and scars, and a couple bruises but nothing near his brothers. As for his mental state he's certainly a new one to our family."

"New how?"

"Just we haven't yet had to deal with such a case. I think he's suffering from Selective Mutism. I have some knowledge about the condition, but will do more research on it. Generally it develops in childhood, and if not dealt with can progress into later life. I have no doubt that once again the abuse plays a major role in his developing of the symptom, and is probably the reason he's never overcome it."

"Can it be helped?"

"Possibly. Hopefully. Occasionally it can't but quite often it can. So I think in this case we may be able to get him to talk. For now I want to keep a close eye on him as I do my research. I think I'll have to understand more about the origins of the issues and so forth to get a good grip on it. For now though I say we try and keep him around people. If he gets close enough, he might talk to people without prompting. So the larger the group he gets comfortable with, the more he will speak. If he wants space let him have it, but isolating him shall not be a good idea. Also we shouldn't force him to talk, I don't think that would do him any good but instead scare him away. Finally we should try rewarding him when he talks, what I mean is encourage him to keep talking when he starts, and prove to him that talking isn't a bad thing. Ventus has a fear of speech the last thing we need is for him to believe that not speaking is better than the reverse."

"I was going to put him with Sora anyway. Given this I think it is the best path. Also that way he'll be in the same tent as you, allowing you to keep an eye on him."

"As for you Cloud, you'll be sharing a tent with Leon. I believe you've already met him." Cloud looked grateful at Xemnas.

"Thank you." He replied politely.

"Cloud?"

"Well physically he's in a terrible state. There clear signs of previously broken bones. He's covered in terrible scars and marks that have had no treatment what so ever. His body is littered in proof of heavy and violent abuse far worse than the brothers. He's even more underweight than the twins as well. Worst of all is that, whilst I can't give 100% accuracy in this assessment, I believe there may have been sexual abuse at some point in his later years." Terra's eyes were solemn. Whilst this was not the first time Terra had to report such a thing, it made it no less easier to say or hear. Xemnas knew he was right in taking those three in.

"So possibly worse than we expected with him?"

"That's the strange thing. Now the physical damage can be managed, his body seems to have recovered well on its own despite his situation. Mentally I would have expected something along the lines of the twins or even far worse. Cloud however seems to show himself as a very stable and respectable young man. He speaks not like someone from the streets, and always presents himself in a very dignified fashion. He's polite and well mannered. He seems to be able to handle situations rationally and acts as if he's in a far better place than the other two." Terra praised the young blonde, for truly in this way he was remarkable.

"I've gotten the distinct impression Cloud is very good at hiding things. He wears a mask at all times and don't think he is as stable as perhaps he appears to be." Xemnas revealed his doubts to one of the most trusted members, knowing it wouldn't leave this room.

"Roxas and Ventus wear their damage on their sleeve, because they had yet to learn how to control it the way Cloud has. I get the impression Cloud has had many years to hide all his flaws, and I fear it could be eating him from the inside out." Xemnas hated to sound too grave, but he did worry for the eldest worse than the other two, despite how 'okay' he might appear.

"Well that does lead me onto one other observation. Something all three boys shared in common." Terra interjected.

"Yes?"

"Each boy, on their hip, had a brand mark."

"Brand mark? As in the type of thing we do to cattle?"

"Yes. I don't know the symbol, and none of them wanted to depart any information about it. I don't know what happened to them, and whether it happened before or after they ran away. I would guess though, that whoever gave them that mark was not just a typical drunk or angry tyrant. I get the impression the man who did this was perhaps more clever than that." Xemnas found himself agreeing once more with Terra. As an old rage he used to feel bubbled just for a second. Reminding him of the first bunch that joined this circus. He used to have to go for long walks and punch anything he could to deal with the horror stories he heard. Now he had grown far more used to them. Even now though there would always appear one that would strike an old nerve of his.

"I'm placing Cloud with Leon. He's the only one as observant as I am, and a good man if ever one lived. I feel if anyone can help Cloud, it's going to have to be someone who proves to him the world won't always hurt you when you're vulnerable."

"Well there's no better way to introduce you to the family than via the show itself. I'll lead you guys to the main tent so you can get front row seats. The guys will show you round later I'm sure. For now let's go and enjoy the show, after all this is your new home." With that Xemnas got up, guided them out of Circus Village and towards the main tent where the show would soon begin…

Woo! The entire circus performance is next! We have Animal tamers, fire tamers, sword men, strong men, and men with no self preservation! I hope you guys enjoy it, it's always my favourite chapter to write. ALSO IF YOU DON;T KNOW YOU WILL SOON LEARN JUST HOW MUCH I AM OBSESSED WITH THE IDEA OF FIRE DANCER AXEL. WHY IS FIRE DANCER AXEL NOT MORE OF A THING IN THIS FANDOM?

I warn ya'll now next chapter is also an extra thousand (almost two thousand) words longer than my average chapters!

It's also the end of the Introductions Section.

So this may be where you guys start seeing only weekly uploads. I was busy this week as I'm back at my flat preparing some dissertation reading and doing some work shifts and such. But in keeping with my promise to both you guys and myself I did upload this week! Even if it was a Sunday! I will always up load Saturday (or Sunday) at least but yeh I didn't get two chapter written ahead of myself which is my rule for uploading early. It just means then on busy weeks I'm somewhat ahead of myself allowing me to slow down my pacing a bit.

That being said I'm on holiday for a week from Wednsday so we'll see if I get more or less work done then!

Anyway I know I didn't reply to comment last week I'm sorry! But thank you again to eveyone who comments! It keeps me going and give me much needed motivation!

Reply to reviews:

Heart Of Fantasy: Yeh I really wanted to focus a bit mroe on the brother's bond in this re-write since I feel I lost the idea a bit last time I wrote it. Over-Protective Big Brother Cloud is a cute Cloud anyway! As for Semnas he;s one of the characters I had to make very OOC in order for the story and dynamics to work, but I like to think in turn I did give all my characters fleshed out personalities, I'm glad you like Charming Xemnas though. I feel like if he wasn't so evil in KH he could have been a compelling character to be around, I mean he did convince 13 people to be apart of his cray heartless organisation that wore leather coats. Granted everyone else was a nobody too so thta might of helped some :') I'm glad you like the nicknames as well, I don't know why I am just obsessed with the idea of this crazy camp character who literally nicknames everyone and just doesn't care at all what you think! Thank you for the lovely and consistent reviews! I really do appreciate it!

Ern Estine: Oh the circus will don't worry. Though I also have some hellish things planned for my babies as well. The road to recovery is a bumpy one I'm afraid ): Thank you for the review!

Ultimate Ninja of Doom: Ahaha it seems everyone loves the nicknames. I'm glad because I literally had to write myself a document called Marluxia to English dictionary just to keep up with all the nicknames I've established! Thank you for the review!