In the night time, I'ma keep on

[darkdivide]

[It's almost been a year, hasn't it?

A year since their celebrations turning into despair. Where happy tears and reunions suddenly turned into sorrow and confusion. A bond, a single person, that tied them all together suddenly vanished and only left a what felt like a colossal void in its wake.

A year since Sora disappeared from the islands, and from all the worlds. Even though it's been months and several sleepless nights of searching and organizing people and gathering whatever scraps of intel they could grasp at, some times it still felt so raw to Riku.

But time has passed. It took a while for him to realize how much exactly. It wasn't until Aerith had surprised him with a cake that very morning thay he had become aware of just how long it would been.

Figures that Sora probably spilled the beans on when his birthday is. He was never that good about being subtle or not babbling to others about his best friends.

The Radiant Garden crew had been very sweet about celebrating it with him, as they've sort of becoming his second family. But it wasn't really the same. Sure, this isn't the first time he was spending his birthday without his best friend's, but that year was different. That year he knew where Sora and Kairi both were.

This time? With her asleep and him still lost? The lonely weight in his heart just felt all the more heavy.

He thanked them for their efforts, visited Kairi at the castle and had a one-sided conversation with her for what felt like the millionth time, and went on his way. Visiting Twilight Town wasn't a bad idea as he always enjoyed visiting Xion and Lea and checking up on Roxas, but he didn't have the biggest connection with them either. Sora and Kairi were more their friends than he was, especially today.

Going home for the day wasn't really an option, even if he did punch in a course for it on the Gummi ship. He could spend it with his family, but without his two best friends, it would just be too much and not enough to keep the loneliness in his heart at bay.

So instead, his fingers work the console and input a different course in: The Land of Departure. The original home of the Keyblade wielders. Riku's barely spent any time there on his own, but it seemed like a unique world. A quiet one with its own kind of beauty, a trait that he would never associate with its counterpart, Castle Oblivion. Maybe there he just might be able to find some peace and quiet. Just him and his thoughts.

Landing the ship and doing a bit light exploration, Riku finally settles on a space outside near what looks like the training area. With the older trio of Keyblade wielders gone and searching for Sora in their own way, much of the grounds was starting to look a little overgrown and worn, but nothing was in a state of disrepair or the sort. In fact, the taller grass just added some more serenity to the area, as Riku plops down looks over at the mountain range and the twinkling stars in the dusky sky.]

Comments

[brokenlight]

[Days in the Realm of Darkness can be confusing. Days blended together. There is no light, no time. So everything was blurred even when they had their Gummiphones to help them keep track of what the time is. Sometimes, it's just so easy to become lost in it that they forget the outside realm exists.

Not today.

Ventus has been given permission to go back home early, which he is grateful for.

He was worried he wouldn't be able to make it back in time.

Arriving back to the Land of Departure was like taking a breath of deep, fresh air. Crisp and cool like spring.

A reminder that he's home.

But he can sense something. Another light in the world that hasn't been there before.

(Chirithy also might've ratted Riku out to him.)

After getting cleaned up, Ventus makes his way to the grounds, reminding himself briefly to cut the grass before it starts to tower the castle. But there he is.

The one person he figures would try to spend a day alone like this.]

Hey, Riku!

[darkdivide]

[Chirithy definitely rated him out huff.

It wasn't the sound of someone coming that alerted him, but the similar sort of sensation that alerted Ven to Riku. A very familiar light, but also one that was very different. He would always get the same sort of feeling around Xion and Roxas, because of their connection to his best friend.

And truthfully, he was expecting either of them to be approaching him. Even if it is their home, the last thing Riku would think is that Aqua, Terra and Ventus would be coming home early from their mission.

But here he is, and there's clear surprise on Riku's face as he turns around and sees the blond. What is he doing here? Is he alone? Did something happen?]

...Hey, Ventus?

[His voice is absolutely unsure and there's a look of clear confusion and worry written all over his face. Riku gets to his feet, a wary smile on his face as he looks the shorter boy over.

He doesn't look injured or too roughed up. Maybe nothing happened at all. But then why is he alone?]

What are you doing here?

[brokenlight]

I got to come home a little early.

[It's a bit vague, but he can see that worry a mile away.

Riku, for as much time as he'd like to think he's not, is an open book. His expressions are all over his face, in his eyes, even as he tries to hide them.]

Ah--Aqua and Terra are fine. They just let me come home since they saw how worn down I was.

[Being a being of light, he attracts the Heartless much more than his two best friends even with the armor on.

But that's...not something he wants to talk to Riku about.]

What're you doing here?

[darkdivide]

[It is an unfortunately feature he's becoming all the more aware of the past few years. Regardless, he nods and does let go of a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

So they're all okay then. Good. That realm is more dangerous than it would have anyone first believe, preying on the insecurities and cracks in one's heart. Ventus would need a break, and Aqua can't afford to be left on her own in there either. It's probably for the best that the younger of the three, come back on his own.

It's dangerous, but makes sense.]

Good. Glad they're okay.

[He blinks a few times, eyes worn and tired, until it hits him. Guess it is a little weird that he would just be wandering around this place, huh?

He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly, glancing around and avoiding looking at Ventus in the eye.]

Uh, just... checking up on this place. Someone's got to make sure it's still standing while you guys are gone. And I kind of needed to get away from the Garden for a bit.

[Not entirely all true, but it's also not all a lie...]

[brokenlight]

[For a brief moment, Ventus eyes him.

His reasoning is sound, he gets it. But he can see just how tired Riku is, too. They all are, but Riku is the one who is being hit the hardest.

One best friend asleep and the other missing.

...

Ah, it kind of sounds like what happened to him, Aqua, and Terra, isn't it?]

Thanks for checking up on this place.

[He means it.]

Since you're here, wanna come with me somewhere then?

[It might be random, but Riku...surely wouldn't even think that Ventus knows what today is, right? He's been asleep for so many years, and they've only recently met officially. Never mind that his armor attacked Riku in Sora's heart in the past.]

[darkdivide]

No problem.

[He nods. Even if their priorities are focused elsewhere and there's no current major threat, the worlds still need someone to look after them and contain the pureblood Heartless that still roam. Their job will never be done, but at least for some of them, there's some breathing room.

Not much and none for Riku, but it exists for some of them.

He tilts his head curiously, planting a hand on his hip. Ven only just got back, didn't he? And as it is, they barely know each other. What could be so important that it needs to be seen now?]

Okay, but are you sure you don't want to take a break first?

[brokenlight]

Yeah, I'm sure.

[Ventus slept for years, Riku.

He can go without sleep for a little bit longer.]

Come on. Indulge me, please?

[He tries not to pout, but he could be. Ventus...just knows that he can't let Riku be on his own today. He doesn't know if there's anyone else who knows that it's Riku's birthday today, but since Riku is here on his own, that must mean he wants to be alone, right?

Ventus doesn't know Riku personally. Not like Aqua and Terra does. But there's a connection there formed from between Sora and Riku that Ventus feels. Something that he's been aware of the moment he resided in Sora's heart.

For today, he'll do his best to be there for Riku on his special day even though he's not as important as Kairi or Sora to spend it with him.]

[darkdivide]

[He is totally pouting.

And for a minute, Riku just stares at him blankly. No smile, no expression. Nothing. He knows the connection Ventus has had with Sora as well, but those kinds of pouts just feel all too familiar. And even though Riku doesn't know the blonde that well, he knows that there are some similarities between the two boys.

But there are differences, thank the light. Ventus's light and energy just feels far different than Sora's. Familiar, but foreign.

Eventually he just sighs and smiles.]

All right. Lead the way.

[brokenlight]

[For a minute, Ventus worries if he pushed too much.

But then perks straight up.]

Great!

[Pause.]

You brought the Gummi Ship with you, right?

[He's...assuming that's how Riku gets around now instead of using a Dark Corridor or something like that.]

[darkdivide]

[He hasn't. Riku's just missing his friends.]

Yeah. It's around the courtyard.

[brokenlight]

Great! Let's go.

[With that, he walks around Riku and just...casually begins to push him in the direction of the courtyard.]

[darkdivide]

[He's going to make a noise at the initial push and look back behind him in utter confusion. It's not going to stop him from heading the the courtyard but just...

What is happening here? What is Ventus planning and why is he doing this when Riku's nearly twice his size...

Once they get to the ship, he's feeling all sorts of awkward.]

My legs work fine, y'know...

[brokenlight]

I know.

[He pats his back.

There, there.]

Come on. Can't waste time!

[Well, they can, but there's somewhere in particular Ventus wants to take Riku to. Even if it means spending just a few hours there, at least he can say he did something.]

[darkdivide]

[Riku's brows furrow as they get in and he looks back over his shoulder at the blonde. He's making it sound like they're on a schedule or something.

Hmm... very suspicious.]

Do you know the coordinates to this place? [He assuming that he's driving, but hasn't gotten into the pilot's seat yet. Gotta give Ventus the chance first.]

[brokenlight]

[No, don't be suspicious.

It's all in good faith!]

Yeah, it's-- [He rattles off the coordinates.

....Are you sure you want Ven to drive, Riku?]

[darkdivide]

[Hey, they won't know until they try! They could have had Gummi Ships more than a decade ago.

But since the blonde's not getting in, Riku plops himself down in the pilot's chair and inputs the coordinates.]

All set. Strap yourself in.

[brokenlight]

[Sorry, Riku. Ven knows better than to drive.

He nods, sitting down on one of the chairs and strapping himself in.

He tries not to buzz with excitement.]

[darkdivide]

[It's probably for the best. He's a fairly good driver, but when the competition is Sora and Donald, it's basically no contest.

He can practically feel the excitement radiating off his own companion though.]

So what's this place called anyways?

[brokenlight]

Disney Town.

[His lips quirks up.]

I've met a lot of good people there--aside from Pete, anyway. I think you'd like it.

[darkdivide]

[He is most definitely turning his nose up at the mention of Pete.]

...Disney Town, huh?

[He opens his mouth up, ready to ask for clarification and if he should be heading towards the castle instead, but Riku shrugs it off. As much as he doesn't know Ventus, he's never pegged him for the cryptic type. Guess he'll just have to play along as they approach the world.]

If you say so.

[brokenlight]

[Pete is no one's favorite.

Ventus seems to eye Riku, almost as if waiting for him to ask for more. When he doesn't, he tilts his head.]

How have you been doing, Riku?

[darkdivide]

[He figures he'll learn more about where they're going once they get there.

He blinks a little and takes a quick glance at Ventus, seemingly surprised by the question.]

Uh... been okay, I guess. [About as well as he can at the moment, so it's not entirely a lie again. But his face may say otherwise. Some days are better than others.] Just busy with trying to keep in touch with everyone.

[He takes another longer glance at the blonde as they start circling around the very colorful looking world.] What about you? The Realm of Darkness can be pretty intense.

[brokenlight]

Are you sure that's all?

[Ventus can't help but asking, especially seeing the look on his face.

...

He wonders if anyone's been checking up on Riku.]

I've been okay. Like you said, it's intense, but if it helps us, then it'd be worth it.

[Really, he's most worried about Aqua given her traumatic experience there.]

[darkdivide]

...I'm sure.

[Even if there's a bit of a delay in his response. He has his moments and today definitely qualifies. Things just feel heavier, more exhausting on his heart. This also isn't the first time he's had to lie and push down his own emotions for the sake of what he's had to do.

But before, when Sora spent that year asleep, at least Riku had a clear end goal that he could see. This time, he's just flying blind, resting all his hope on the mere chance that they'll even see the slightest glimpse his friend.

Old habits die hard. He hasn't fallen into Darkness or anything of the sort, but he's not exactly proud that he's re-established some old behaviors. Like burying his feelings from others.

Besides, Ventus doesn't need to hear about his loneliness, and being the only acting Keyblade Master in this realm now, Riku needs to focus as well.]

That's good. Hope Aqua's doing okay too. I know she was nervous about going back there.

[Honestly, he owes her one. Big time.

Colorful rooftops start sprouting from the ground and there are some residents milling around.]

Is this the place?

[brokenlight]

[Ventus stares at the back of his head for a moment, quiet.

He's not...exceptionally perceptive. Sora has always been more empathetic. Roxas is always more blunt. Even Vanitas wore his emotions on his sleeve when he allowed his anger to get the best of him. Ventus is all of that and none of that at the same time.

He can be perceptive, but never something he's been known for among his group of friends.

Being the youngest in a trio of old Keyblade wielders has its pros.]

She has Terra with her.

[Terra has been their rock, but especially Aqua's in the Realm of Darkness.]

Yeah, it is. You can just park where there's an empty lot.