Memories become Daydreams

Ventus sat alone in his old room in the Land of Departure, gazing towards a spot at his desk. In his mind's eye, he saw a figure leaning against table, gazing off towards the door where Ventus knew he would be entering that first time he met him. He talked to himself, mimicking the other man's voice the best he could.

"Better hurry Ventus. Or you'll never see Terra again."

Ven sighed, his own words running through his head before he spoke again, "like right now? He's leaving you behind. And by the time you catch up..."

The masked figure turned his head to look at the blond on the bed, "he'll be a different person."

Ventus' heart fluttered like it did back then, even though he hadn't noticed it in his confusion at the time. Even if it's not the real Vanitas, he could still feel the other's gold eyes burning into him.

It's been fourteen years since he fought Xehanort, and his other half. It seemed only two years for him, but Ventus felt every moment of the years his been in Sora's heart and then some. He was dreaming all that time he'd been asleep, dreaming of a beach with a beautiful ocean surrounding it, dreaming of a gorgeous sunset blanketing a town the opposite of the Daybreak Town that he knew, and every time he would be aware of the other with him, sharing the moment with him and giving snide remarks.

Those dreams weren't real though, that Vanitas always acted closer to him than the real Vanitas; a hope that if things were different, he would be that way. But those were childish fantasies.

"Oh grow up." The memory walked across the room, "is that your idea of friendship? You'll never know the truth unless you go out and look for it yourself."

That line, Vanitas most likely meant it in a different way at the time, but it seemed to speak differently to Ven now. While yes, he still believed the good in Terra, he wouldn't doubt that the man had changed now. Ven was too naive back then to realize however, he just wanted to be by Terra's side and help him. But all he did was get in the way.

"Ven? Are you okay?"

The memory faded and Ventus because aware of his blue haired friend, leaning against the door hesitantly and giving him worried eyes. Ven forced himself to smile, nodding as he said, "yeah, just thinking is all."

Aqua stepped further into the room, sitting on the bed next to him, "about what? I heard you talking to yourself, is it something that you need help figuring out?"

Ven chuckled a bit, shaking his head, "just...it seems like it was only yesterday we were fighting Xehanort at the Keyblade Graveyard, but it's actually been fourteen years now. It's amazing how time flies isn't it?"

Aqua hummed in agreement, rubbing Ven's shoulder in comfort, "I'm sorry Ven, I couldn't wake you up as soon as I thought I would. But you're awake now, and I'm not in the realm of darkness anymore. All that's left is to get Terra back now."

"I hope he's okay," Ven said, becoming crestfallen.

Aqua gave him a sad smile, "we'll get him back Ven."

She stood up and held out her hand, "how about we go to another world? You look like you could use the change in scenery."

Ven nodded and grabbed her hand, helping her pull him to his feet.

.o.0.o.

They decided to go to Destiny Islands to visit Sora and the others. When they got there however, they came across a bit of a situation.

It was a bit disconcerting to find another version of himself on the beach, twin keyblades at the ready with Riku standing in front of him with his own weapon at the held over his head. Behind his twin, he seen something that looked like Sora, twitching and hissing with sulfer colored eyes that looked like it was ready to attack at any moment. The two landed on the beach and Aqua immediately stepped in, all authority as she said, "hey! What's going on here?"