Only Just A Dream

Kingdom Hearts

Chapter 1. The Dream

Ven looked at the sky. It had been almost a full year since the Second Keyblade war, but he still didn't feel Sora's heart.
"Maybe he's really gone," He told the Chirithy. "Sora would send word, somehow if he could about his whereabouts and we haven't heard anything. Plus Yen Sid can't find him with his crystal ball."
The Chirithy jumped up and down. "Maybe you can try feeling again." It chirped.
Ven laughed softly but closed his eyes. Feeling was the hardest thing Ven had ever learned. And it only worked because Ven had a connection with Sora. Reaching into the deepest parts of his heart, Ven exhaled and felt for Sora's whereabouts.
Nothing but empty space. Ven sighed and started to open his eyes, but a sudden glimmer of light appeared and Ven felt drawn to it so he moved closer.

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The Chirithy watched as Ven's chest rose and fell slowly. He was truly asleep and the Chirithy fallowed his heart as it dove into a memory.
The memory made the Chirithy gasp and back out so fast, it left its special pouch behind.
"Oh no!" It cried. "Ven!"
It shook the boy but Ven didn't awaken. He was too far into the dream.

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Ven fallowed the light and shielded his eyes from the sun that spread around him.
   One moment it was dark the next moment was light. Who's memory was this?
If this was Vanitas's it wasn't one Ven recognized. He'd spent a long time digging though Vanitas's memories after the Keyblade war and this didn't appear to be one.
    "Okay," Ven said. "I.....Who's there?" He called, sensing a figure behind him. Wayward Wind appeared and Ven held it tight.
     "The question is who are you and why are you in my memories?" A female asked. "This memory has never had you before. How did you get here?"
    "My name is Ven. I was looking for a friend and your memory appeared," Ven said. "Who are you?"
"My name is Xena," the girl said, stepping deeper into the shadows. "Now I ask that you leave."
   Ven moved closer. "I....please let me see the memory."
Xena's footsteps faded away and Ven called out. "Wait!"
    The Chirithy, who had stood next to him, suddenly squeaked and vanished, leaving the pink pouch behind. Ven picked it up and ran after Xena, towards the growing light.
      Ven skidded to a stop and looked around. "The Land of Departure? This is my home."
The floating castle was in shambles, not unlike when Xehanort had destroyed it, but it was also shaped like Castle Oblivion. "What?.... Castle Oblivion? What is going on?"
Xena looked back and frowned. "You shouldn't be here, Ven. My master is waiting for me inside."
Ven noticed a few bruises and a cut on Xena. "I don't think he's a good master if your bruised and cut." He said, touching the cut. His fingers came away wet. Ven stared at the blood. He'd never felt anything in a memory before.
Xena pushed Ven away and walked towards the Castle. "I....can't be seen with you. You need to leave. Please."
Ven watched her walk into the castle and the doors swung shut. Turning away, Ven looked at the blood and back at the castle. It no longer looked like Castle Oblivion but a hotel, called Blackstone hotel.

Suddenly Ven woke up, gasping for breath. Aqua stood nearby. "Ven," she said, softly. "Your Chirithy came to the castle, saying you were deep and wouldn't wake."
Ven looked at his hand. The blood was still there and was still wet. "I met someone. A girl named Xena."
Aqua frowned. "Ven. Your heart wasn't responding."
Ven leaded back. His heart hadn't been responding? That only meant one thing. "I was in someone else's memories?"

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