risingwinds | Twenty-Fifth Shooting Star

[It's been a while now since Fuuko's departure. During that time, Ven's been quieter than usual. Not tearful, but a bit more subdued than his usual, goofy self.

Even when he addresses the journal, his tone's a bit soft.]

You know, I gotta wonder. I know lots of you guys have found love here, but how do you guys deal when that person disappears? D'you keep waiting 'til they come back, or do you just... move forward? It's kinda tough spot for me. I'm not gonna let it bring me down or anything, but it's still sad. And it's just like when anyone else leaves-- unexpected.

But it was nice while it lasted. Fuuko's a great person, and I think she brought something special to the village. Who else would go outta their way to throw a huge starfish festival? To tell you the truth, I don't think I'll ever look at starfish the same way.

[He pauses.]

Wonder what Terra and Aqua'd think, though. It's been almost three years now...

[He doesn't expect anyone to react to that last bit. After all, his friends haven't shown up in a long time.]

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[Once he spots Frederic, Ven slides down to his feet and wanders over to meet him with a smile.]

You too, Frederic! It's sure been a while, huh?

Apparently it's been a whole year since I was last here in the village. I'm also rather surprised many still remember me given the length of time.

Aw, you oughta give yourself more credit! You're a hard guy to forget.

[Frederic's just left an impression, to say the least. Kind, interesting, and he helped when things went south with Vanitas. Couple that with Ven's sappy tendencies, and it's hard to shake those memories away.]

Ah my reputation at home would dismiss such an idea.

[Since in his mind, he'll be forgotten as the sands of time go on.]

Aw, what makes you say that?

[Would people really forget? Surely he's got people who care about him, right? The idea of just being forgotten is a scary one to Ven.]

Because people in my world can be cruel.

[He means every word of that.]

But don't you have close friends? Family? People who'll hold onto those memories no matter what.

[It's just... sad thinking about it in such a negative light.]

I do have good friends and a family who cares for me. Though at times, I'm wondering if those friends still consider me as one.

[Yeah sorry Ventus, he's a bit negative.]

But what makes you say that?

[His negativity's crystal clear, and Ven slumps at his words, arms dangling at his sides.]

Many of my life's choices resulted in bad blood between us. I apologize, perhaps we should discuss something else.

[He doesn't want to ruin the mood of being with his friend.]

[A change of topics would probably help them both, really, so Ven nods, smiling weakly.]

Well, you said you've still got stuff to teach me. How 'bout we start there?

[Oh of course, the piano lessons.]

Oh yes of course. We could return to my home and start on your piano lessons.

Hey, that works for me! I need something new to practice, anyway. Training's only gonna get me so far.

[Plus, music's always seemed like a fun pursuit. It'll stretch out his boundaries. Give him something new to strive for!]

Training? Do you mean combat? I could use it for myself.

[Because he is way out of practice.]

Yup, that's exactly what I mean.

[Though a lightbulb just went off in his head... So Frederic could use training.]

Maybe we could do some kinda tradeoff! If you help me with piano lessons, I don't mind going a few rounds. It'd be loads better than all those virtual opponents, anyway.

That sounds like a fair trade. Though you might need to go a little easy on me with our training. My old bones aren't what they used to be.

Hey, don't worry about it. I don't mind dialing it back a little bit. I know everyone's got their own pace.

[Heck, he's sure Terra and Aqua used to hold back with him during their training. Sometimes it's necessary.]

Thank you Ventus, that's very kind of you. I hope I won't slow you down during our training either with my old and weary bones.

Twenty-Fifth Shooting Star - voice;

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