risingwinds | Twenty-Eighth Shooting Star

[Late at night, those who dare venture the woods may hear a sharp snap. The rustling of leaves, and... a cough? Seems someone's in the neighborhood, though from a distance, it looks like nothing more than a disembodied flame.

Should one venture closer, they'll find Ven with his clothes smudged with dirt, twigs poking outta his hair, and big, baggy circles under his eyes. Quite a departure from his normal, tidier appearance.

He continues on his way towards the village, eventually stopping at the plaza and plopping down at the edge of the fountain. Briefly, he catches glimpses of familiar faces walking by. Fuuko. Terra. Aqua. Vanitas.

Minako...

And each time, he shouts out their names. Tries to get up, but his legs are about as sturdy as rubber, and he finds himself back where he started.

After a while, he finally opens his journal and speaks.]

So, uh... I guess I've been missing a lot, huh? [Cue some sheepish laughter.]

Guess that's what happens when you go to the beach before a big Shift! I couldn't even use the teleporters to get back, so I kinda had to... walk. A lot, and then I got kidnapped.

[Tsk. What a pain.]

I'd ask what was up with that Shift, but I'm honestly just glad it's over. Couldn't even summon my Keyblade while that was going on.

[After a long pause, he heaves a soft sigh.]

Anyway, all these weird ghosts showing up got me thinking... A lot of my friends are gone now. Some have been gone for years. So I guess what I'm trying to say is... well, does anyone wanna be friends? My name's Ventus, and I've been here for a really long time. So if any of you guys are still new, I'm more than happy to give pointers. Or talk about some of my adventures in other worlds, maybe. Just uh... I think I could use some company right now.

[Anything to keep his mind off of those images.]

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... Like folks who used ta be here, but aren't anymore?

...Yeah. Terra, Aqua, Sora and Kairi.

[He takes a deep breath and adds:]

Vanitas.

[That deep breath is matched.]

They're only visions.

I know, it's just... they look so real. But then when I try to reach out for them, they disappear.

[Because they were never there at all.]

It's been so long since I last saw them.

I know... But we can't let ourselves be distracted by them. We have ta find out why we're seein' 'em.

[Sigh. Mickey's got a point there...]

But how're we supposed to find out? D'you think there are clues lying around?

There has ta be. Things always happen for a reason, good or bad. I think we gotta find the folks who were here the longest and ask 'em a few things.

Hmm... Well, what about Riku? He's been here longer than I have. And then there's Ms. Sage... She's a teacher, so she's gotta have at least a few ideas.

Great ideas, Ventus! You get a good lunch, then we'll conquer 'em with questions!

Lunch... Man, that's something I haven't had in days.

[...]

I mean, I've been eating! I've just had to forage a little. They don't have restaurants up in the mountains!

That doesn't sound like fun... You better stuff your face!

Aw, but I don't wanna get sick! Still, I'll do my best. D'you wanna meet up afterwards?

[Maybe then they can launch their epic detective plan. Or something like that.]

Sounds like a plan! But I better see you with a big belly and stuffed cheeks!

Well, as long as I don't end up looking like Pete, I guess that's not too bad.

[At any rate, he's totally gonna go dash in to grab some takoyaki and then hang by the plaza for his mouse buddy.]

Ha ha ha! I'll see you there!

[off he goes, mostly just relieved Ventus is fine.]

[Well, by the time Mickey gets out there, he'll most likely find Ven nibbling on a box of some peculiar munchies. Little balls of fried octopus, to be precise, with a side of star fruit.

There's a melancholy sort of smile on his face, which isn't helped by the fleeting image of an old friend. Though at least by now he knows it's just an illusion.]

[Ventus will probably notice right away that Mickey didn't come along - there's Pluto, loyally trotting up from behind. mickey smiles a tired smile.]

Hey there, pal.

[Puppy! Ven perks up at the sight of Pluto. That's his soft spot for animals kicking into gear. He's half tempted to get up and get a closer look, but while he shifts a little, he manages to contain his excitement for now.]

Hey, Mickey! Thanks for coming out here.

[Pluto's happy to see him too. He comes to Ventus, sitting at his feet, tail a-wagging.]

You feelin' any better?

Well, I'm starting to, anyway. I'm just a little tired is all.

[He rubs his eyes, taking a bite of his takoyaki.]

It sounds like I missed a lot while I was gone, too. Kinda wish I'd stuck around.

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