Twenty-Fifth Shooting Star - voice;

[risingwinds]

[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.]

Comments

[ voice ]

[magicmaestro]

Moving forward from the grief of losing your loved one is always hard. But do not push yourself.

[He hopes his voice can be a bit of a comfort for the boy.]

I do believe you'll get through this, Ventus.

[ voice ]

[risingwinds]

Thanks, Frederic. I don't wanna give up hope just yet.

[Luceti's got its dark spots, but he can't forget all the good he's experienced. It's always disheartening when friends and loved ones vanish, but there's always a brighter tomorrow.]

Besides, I bet if Fuuko was here right now, she'd want me to cheer up and smile. It's not her fault that she left, so for her sake, I've gotta keep moving forward.

[ voice ]

[magicmaestro]

It's good to hear your voice again as well, I was very worried for you.

[Because you're one of the kids he really likes in this village besides Emil.]

If you'd like, I can accompany you for some time?

[ voice ]

[risingwinds]

As long as you're not too busy! I wouldn't wanna pull you away from anything just 'cause I'm feeling a little blue.

[He can tough it out if he needs to, but he definitely won't say no to company.]

[ voice ]

[magicmaestro]

Oh no, I don't mind at all. Consider it a token of appreciation.

[And he means that.]

[ voice ]

[risingwinds]

Aw, thanks! So, where d'you wanna meet?

[It's not like he has any real preferences. Company's company, no matter the location.]

[ voice ]

[magicmaestro]

It doesn't matter, anywhere you'd like to go.

[He's not picky at all.]

[ voice ]

[risingwinds]

Hmm. Then... how 'bout the plaza? Probably the easiest meeting place in the whole village.

[Well, that's partially because it's smack dab in the center. Maybe not the most creative pick, but it's something!]

[ voice ]

[magicmaestro]

That sounds excellent. Ah that reminds me, are you still in school?

[Yeah, he's asking about your education already.]

[ voice ]

[risingwinds]

Yup! This'll be my third year taking classes.

[Or something like that. He's definitely been at it for about as long as he's been in Luceti.]

Leon thinks I'll have to stop sooner or later, though. That I'll run out of stuff to learn.

[ voice ]

[magicmaestro]

That's hardly the case, Ventus. I have so much to still teach you, of course if you'll be willing to listen.

[Ventus, he wants make you a pianist!]

[ voice ]

[risingwinds]

'Course I am! As long as there's stuff to learn, I see no reason to stop. Besides, it'll keep me busy.

[That, and music is a great means of expression.]

[ voice ]

[magicmaestro]

That's most excellent to hear. It's been ages since I was here that I thought I'd almost completely forgotten how to teach. But regardless, I shall meet with you soon?

[ voice -> action]

[risingwinds]

Yup! We can talk about the rest once we get there.

[And, sure enough, Ven's made it out to the plaza now. So, while he waits, he'll go ahead and park it on the edge of the fountain.]

[action]

[magicmaestro]

[Frederic arrives in due time and seeing Ventus again, it felt nice seeing someone who still remembers him aside from the few who do remain.]

It's always a pleasure to see you again, Ventus.

[action]

[risingwinds]

[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?

[action]

[magicmaestro]

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.

[action]

[risingwinds]

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.]

[action]

[magicmaestro]

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.]

[action]

[risingwinds]

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.]

[action]

[magicmaestro]

Because people in my world can be cruel.

[He means every word of that.]

[action]

[risingwinds]

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.]

[action]

[magicmaestro]

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.]

[action]

[risingwinds]

But what makes you say that?

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

[action]

[magicmaestro]

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.]