"Aqua!" Emika said cheerfully, walking into the room.

Aqua turned and smiled at the raven haired girl. "You seem to be in a good mood, Emika," she said.

"Why not, we're going to have a binding ceremony today! Isn't that great?"

"You always did love these things, didn't you?" Aqua laughed.

Emika shrugged and looked around. "Where's Ven at?" she asked.

"He went back to his room. I told him I'd meet him there, and I would tell him everything about the ceremony that he needs to know."

"So I guess that means I'm in charge of Terra?" Emika frowned.

Aqua smiled, "Don't look so down. I know you'll do just fine with him. Out of everyone, I know for a fact that you could mold Terra into the perfect Guardian for the ceremony."

"Don't flatter me too much, or else it'll go all to my head, so Terra would say," Emika grinned. "Well, I better go find him and get ready. The old man knows what's going on, right?"

Aqua nodded, "Master Eraqus is making the arrangements. He's quite happy to be honest; it may also be because Terra is finally becoming a Guardian?"

"Yeah maybe," Emika murmured.

"Something wrong?" Aqua asked.

"Nope, everything is aye okay. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go mold Terra into a presentable Guardian for Ventus."

"You do that," Aqua smiled as she watched her friend leave the room to the courtyard. Once Emika was out of sight, Aqua frowned and clenched her fist. She's lying to me again, Aqua thought. Why doesn't she trust me enough to tell me when something's wrong? Why can't you understand that I'm here to help and protect you, Emika?

There was a sudden noise behind Aqua, and she jumped in surprise, whirling around to see Ventus standing in the doorway.

"Oh, Ventus, you surprised me there," Aqua said with a smile.

"S-sorry about that, Aqua," Ven said. "But, you weren't coming, so I thought I'd look for you."

"Yeah, I shouldn't have kept you waiting. My apologies for that," Aqua said.

"Don't worry about it," Ven said, waving his hand. "But, are you okay, Aqua?"

"What do you mean?"

"You just seem really down all of a sudden after talking to Emika, which is weird because she usually puts you in a good mood."

Aqua smiled, "It's nothing you need to worry about."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "Now, let's go and get you ready for the ceremony, shall we?"

…...

"You don't believe what I'm saying, do you, Terra?" Vanitas asked.

"It's kinda hard to believe you with what you've done so far," Terra frowned.

"And it's the one time you should believe me too."

"Are you saying you told the truth some other times?"

Vanitas shrugged, "I can be a good seed once in a while, you know?"

Terra shook his head, "No, I don't know."

"But the real question is do you really want to take the chance?" Vanitas smirked.

Terra's face tightened as he said nothing.

"Because you know what you're risking, right? You'll be risking Ventus's life."

Silence.

"Are you scared, Terra?" Vanitas smiled cruelly.

Silence.

Before Vanitas could say anything else, a knife was thrown directly at his head. The boy caught the shimmering object with ease and smiled. "Well, well, look who decided to join us."

Terra turned and saw Emika walking over next to him.

"You're so unattractive when you act hostile like that, Emika," Vanitas said.

"Well, you unattractive all the time, but you don't hear me complaining about it" Emika smiled, putting her hands on her hips.

Vanitas chuckled, "And that's why I wish you and Terra would join our side. The offer is still out there if you want it."

Emika was about to answer until Terra cut her off. "You can take that offer and shove it up your ass," Terra growled.

Vanitas stifled a laugh as he turned around so his back was facing the other two Keyblade wielders. "I'll make sure to tell my master that," he said. "I'm sure he'll find your answer very," Vanitas paused, "amusing." The boy opened a portal next to him and walked through it without another word.

Both Emika and Terra stood in silence until Terra began to walk away. Emika looked over at her friend as he began to jog to catch up with the brunette. Once she stood beside Terra, Emika spoke, "Well, that was a shocker," she said.

Terra didn't respond.

"Normally I'm the one who says that sort of stuff. I guess I'm rubbing off on you finally, huh, Terra?"

"Shut up," Terra mumbled.

"What was that?" Emika smiled as she leaned into her friend.

"I said shut up, you idiot!" Terra yelled as he went to swing at Emika, who jumped back quickly.

"What the hell is your problem?" Emika exclaimed.

"You lied to me. You told me everything would be fine."

"What didn't I tell you? I don't understand what you're talking about," Emika said as she threw up her hands.

"You never told me that Ven could possibly die," Terra growled.

"Oh, you found out about that part from Vanitas, huh?"

"How, how can you say that so calmly?" Terra yelled as he pulled out his Keyblade, pointing it at the girl before him.

Emika sighed heavily and walked up until the tip of Terra's Keyblade touched her chest.

Terra froze as he watched a small amount of blood appear on the girl's chest. "What are you doing?" Terra growled.

"Why aren't you killing me?" Emika asked. "I'm right here and you hate me, so why not kill me? All you have to do is swing your Keyblade, and you'll kill me in an instant. Come on, don't you want me to die for not telling you that Ven has a chance of dying in this ceremony?"

Terra griped his Keyblade before he sighed and pulled it back, the Keyblade disappearing into his hand. Emika looked at him quizzically as he said. "I may hate you right now, but I would never kill you."

"And why's that?"

"Because I would disappoint everyone, but most of all, I would disappoint Ventus," Terra said.

"And what about the ceremony?" Emika asked with a slight smile on her face.

"I won't do it if it means that I'm putting Ven in danger," Terra answered quietly. Suddenly, he felt a thump on his back. He turned and saw Emika next to him, smiling and patting him on the back as if he'd had done something good. "What are you doing?" he asked.

"Congratulating you on your test," Emika grinned. "Look, let me explain some things," she said as they both sat done on the grassy area. "You know I care about you, Aqua, and now Ven with my life. I would never put any of your lives in danger, which is the same for this ceremony. If I thought there was going to be any chance that Ventus would die, I wouldn't let you go through with this."

"But there is that risk," Terra said.

"There is, but your darkness isn't strong enough to do such a thing. Trust me, I can feel your darkness and it's not near as strong as Xahanort's or Vanitas's. Everything will be aye okay."

Terra smiled slightly as he looked down at his feet. He felt Emika tug at him, and looked up into her violet eyes.

"Come on," she said. "Aqua told me I have to make you presentable for this ceremony, which will probably take hours if not days."

Terra waked Emika on the back of the head and stood up. "You know, sometimes I really wonder about you."

"But all those times you still love me, right?" Emika smiled.

"Yeah, you just keep telling yourself that," Terra said as he walked towards his room in the castle.

Emika smiled to herself as she rubbed the back of her head. She then turned before and ran after Terra yelling, "I'll get you for that, Terra!"

…...

"Aqua," Ven said nervously, "are you sure about this?"

Aqua nodded with a smile on her face. "Yeah, normally the light will wear something like this when they're in the ceremony. Then again, it's usually a dress."

Ven looked down at his outfit for the ceremony. Two words could describe it, which were white and flowing. The blonde wore soft white pants that seemed a size to big, but they didn't come close to falling off his slim waist. The shirt was long and so bright it was almost see through; it was a button up collar shirt that hung nicely off of Ventus.

"Why do I have to be barefoot too?" Ven asked.

"It's part of the ceremony," Aqua said. "You need to be in your purist form, which is why you were bathed and cleaned to perfection. The white clothes signify your light and innocence, and it's the same thing with the no shoes policy."

"So what will Terra wear?"

"Terra? Oh, he'll wear his armor that he wears in the battlefield to show the fights he will go through to protect his light, but it will be cleansed, which is probably what Emika is doing right now. Anyway, why don't we finish getting you ready?" Aqua smiled.

"Sure," Ven smiled back.

Aqua was about to wash Ven's face when they heard a knock on the door. Aqua stood up and walked over to the wooden door, opening it up just a crack.

"Can I come in?" someone asked.

"Is he with you?" Aqua asked.

Ventus stared in confusion to the person Aqua was talking to.

"Nope, I forced him to stay behind. Besides, I want to talk to Ven."

"Okay, but be quick because we aren't done yet," Aqua said as she opened the door, revealing Emika behind her.

"Hey there," Emika smiled and waved.

Ven waved back at the girl. "What are you doing here, Emika? I thought Aqua said you were helping Terra get his armor ready."

"Yeah, but I just got done with the helmet, which is the cleanest thing he has."

"How long were you cleaning it?" Ventus asked.

"About half an hour," Emika exclaimed. "Really, if that idiot wasn't so brutal, then maybe we wouldn't be cleaning all the blood off for this long."

A shiver went down the blonde's spin when the image of Terra covered in blood while wearing his armor popped into his head. Aqua noticed that and said, "Oh, don't worry, Ven, it's nothing too serious." The room was silent. "So, uh, Emika," Aqua said. "You wanted to say something to Ven?"

Emika scratched the back of her head nervously as she looked at Ven in the eyes. "Uh, yeah, sorry but I wanted to give you something. Could you open your hands out, Ven?" she asked as she walked closer and held out her hand, which was in a fist.

Ven held out his own hand and felt an object fall into his palm. He looked down and saw a small necklace with a circle, silver threads weaving around it, and inside was a blue orb that hung in the center. Bellow was a couple of silver and black feathers that dangled at the bottom, with a black string holding the whole thing. Ventus looked up into Emika's smiling face. "What is this, Emika?" Ven asked.

The girl just smiled again and said, "Just promise you'll take care of it."

"I-I promise," Ven smiled as Emika turned back to Aqua. She whispered a few words before she left, closing the door behind her.

The room was silent until Aqua spoke. "So," she said, "you ready to finish up?"

"Aqua," Ven said, "what is this that Emika gave to me?" he asked, holding up the necklace.

"In Emika's world, they're called dream catchers," Aqua said. "That belonged to someone very precious to Emika, so make sure you keep it safe for her, okay?"

"R-right, okay," Ven said as he slipped the necklace over his head, the cool metal hitting his chest softly. The boy smiled as he felt a warm sensation take over him. He looked down and played with one of the feathers. "Someone precious," he whispered as one name came into his mind.

Terra.

...

"Are you going to help or just stand there?" Terra asked his supposed to be assistant, Emika. He sighed as he saw a wide smile creep on the girl's face. "What is it?"

"I saw Ventus just a little bit ago Terra," Emika sang as she plopped herself down next to the brunette.

"And your point?"

Emika gasped dramatically and jumped onto Terra's shoulders. "Terraaaaaa~" she began. "How could you say that? When I saw Ven, I got really jealous."

"Get off me," Terra said as he pushed the girl off. "And why in the hell were you jealous?"

"Because Ventus was soooo cute when I saw him, he was all clothed in white like an angel and everything. Seriously, makes me wish I was that cute, then maybe you'd actually like me," Emika laughed.

Terra blushed slightly and turned away from Emika, trying hard to hide his embarrassment.

But it didn't work. Emika laughed harder and rolled onto the floor. "I love this! Finally, the great and almighty Terra is blushing! This is a day to remember ladies and gents!"

"Shut up, idiot," Terra growled, looking at Emika, who was still laughing. "Look, are you going to help or not?"

"Oh don't feel so bad because you're blushing, Terra, I'm sure a lot of people do it now."

"Why are you here exactly?"

"To help you?"

"Then what should you be doing right now?"

"Oh, I see where you're going with this. Fine, give me a piece of your armor and I'll get started," Emika said as Terra handed her the front of his armor, the biggest piece. "What the hell, man?"

Terra chuckled and went back to cleaning. The room was silent until Terra said, "Hey, do you think everything will go as planned?"

"Getting cold feet are we?"

"No, I'm just worried about a few things is all."

"Like what Vanitas said," Emika said, frowning slightly.

"That and some other things," Terra said.

"Have more confidence in yourself, Terra. You deserve that much, right?" Emika winked. "Plus, I can tell you're happier around Ven. You actually smile, and it isn't a fake one like you sometimes pull, but it's genuine, which is nice to see every once in a while."

"Maybe you're right," Terra said. But do I still deserve a person as bright and warm as him? The teen thought. As if by magic, Emika knocked Terra on the back of the head. "What did you do that for?" Terra asked.

"Stop doubting yourself, dork. Everyone wants a little light here in there, you know? That's why I decided to give Ven something close to me," she said, feeling her neck.

Terra's eyes grew. "You gave Ven that? Why would you do that, that thing is the last you have of her."

Emika shook her head. "No, that is only one part but not the last. Look, she would want you to be happy too, you know that, right? She wants us all to be happy, so I thought I'd share her warmth with Ven since he didn't get to meet her. I think if I can let go of that, then you can let go of your fear."

Terra sat there in silence until he smiled and punched Emika on her shoulder. "I get it, and I'll go through there and do the unthinkable. I will bond a user of darkness and of light."

…...

"Emika, quit fiddling with your dress," Aqua said.

"Yes, mom," Emika sighed. "So, how long do you think this will be?"

"Being impatient can't take you very far," Eraqus smiled.

Aqua laughed, "I would listen to the master if I were you, Emika."

"Fine, fine, I just want to get out of this thing," Emika said, tugging at her dress once more.

"You're such a kid," Terra said in his armor. "Just suck it up for now."

Emika stuck out her tongue and looked at Aqua. "Can't I beat the shit out of him?"

Aqua smiled, "Then you'd dent the armor you worked so hard on cleaning."

"Damn," Emika grumbled.

…...

In the back, Ven was pacing back and forth in nervousness.

"Hey, Ven," someone yelled, which caused the blonde to jump.

Ventus looked over and saw Zack and Cloud walking towards him with a jacket of some kind. "Zack, Cloud?" Ven said. "What are you two doing here?"

"We came to bring you your ceremony coat," Zack grinned. "Go ahead and give it to him, Cloud."

The other blonde nodded and quietly handed Ven his coat. "Here you go," Cloud mumbled.

"Thank you," Ven said as he took the jacket, slipping it on silently. The coat was white just like his outfit with a gold trim around the edges.

Zack smiled and put his thumbs up. "Looks awesome."

"Really?" Ven asked with a slight blush on his face.

"Yeah, what do you think, Cloud?"

"It looks," Cloud paused, "wonderful."

Zack laughed, "Cloud's pretty quiet around new people. But don't worry, he'll talk nonstop to you soon enough."

"I don't even do that around you, Zack," Cloud said.

Zack smiled, "Maybe one day though, huh? Anyway, knock em dead out there, Ven, and hopefully you'll be seeing me and my light out there one day."

Ven looked at the raven boy in confusion, "Who's your light, Zack? I've never seen them I think."

Zack grinned and leaned over, pulling Cloud close to him by the shoulders. "Take a guess."

Cloud blushed a bright crimson red as he turned away from Zack.

Ven laughed softly and turned to the doors. "Wish me luck, guys."

"Good luck," the two said at the same time.

…...

Ven and Terra both took deep breaths as the boy began to walk down the aisle towards the brunette. Aqua smiled and leaned closer to Emika, who was also smiling. Ventus felt like he was going to pass out as he made his way closer to Terra.

This feels strangely like a wedding, Ven thought. He came over and stood next to Terra, who smiled slightly at him. Terra held out his arm, which Ven took silently, and the two faced Eraqus.

Eraqus began to speak and Terra leaned into Ven and whispered, "You look amazing, Ven."

Ventus blushed and looked at Terra, smiling, "You don't look half bad yourself."

Eraqus coughed, making the two silent. Aqua and Emika giggled softly as the two males blushed out of embarrassment. "As I was saying," Eraqus said. "We've all come here to witness a binding ceremony of a Guardian and his light. Terra, please take the hand of your light, Ventus, now."

Terra held out his hand, and Ven smiled and took it, feeling an overwhelming rush of warmth to his palm. Terra felt the same thing and gripped Ven's hand tightly.

"Now," Eraqus continued. "Do you, Terra, promise to cherish and protect Ventus with your heart, soul, and body?"

"I do," Terra said firmly, looking into Ven's eyes.

"And, Ventus," Eraqus said, which made Ven jump. "Do you promise to be Terra's guiding light when he is ever lost within the dark and to guide him back home where he belongs?"

"I do," Ventus smiled.

Eraqus nodded, "Now, if I may ask one of the witnesses to draw the mark of bonding on the two that stand before me."

Aqua smiled and stepped forward. She walked slowly to Terra and Ven and bowed before them. She stretched out her palm so it was placed over the two boys'. Terra and Ventus turned to face each other as a small glow of blue light emitted from Aqua's hand. A warm sensation came over the two as Aqua pulled away to reveal two identical marks on Ven's and Terra's arms, which slowly began to fade away after glowing bright blue for a few seconds.

"Now, to complete the bond," Eraqus said, "the Guardian will seal it with a contract."

"A contract?" Ven asked confused since Aqua never said anything to him about a contract.

Terra sighed, which brought Ventus's attention back to him. "It's not a big deal, Ven. Just relax and it'll be over in seconds."

Ven was hesitant until he nodded. Terra nodded as well and put his hand under Ven's chin, bringing his face up to look directly into Terra's eyes. Slowly, Terra leaned in closer to Ven's face, the blonde feeling the brunette's cool breath against his skin. Ven gasped as he felt Terra's lips touch his own softly.

Terra leaned in and kissed Ventus tenderly on the lips, seeing the boy's eyes close. The blonde leaned in closer to the kiss, and Terra did the same. Ven began to put his hand on Terra's chest, trying to grip the armor in some way possible.

After a few seconds, Terra pulled away and looked down at the boy. Ven blushed and looked up at Terra with his soft blue eyes. If only it would have lasted more than just a few seconds, Terra thought, turning back to Eraqus, who smiled and said, "I hereby declare you two as Guardian and Light. May your future be blessed for an eternity," he said as he bowed towards Ven and Terra.

Ventus looked over and saw Emika and Aqua bowing as well. He felt Terra grip his hand. "Let's get out of here," Terra said.

"Is that okay?" Ven asked.

"You guys go on ahead," Aqua said. "We'll clean this all up while you two relax."

"Thanks Aqua," Terra said as he turned to look at Emika, who was walking off towards one of the doors.

"Hey, Emika!" Aqua said as she ran off towards the girl.

"Terra?" Ven asked.

Terra looked down towards Ven and smiled, "Let's head out into town or something. I think it'll be nice for you to see the people here, huh?"

Ven grinned, "Yeah, I would like that a lot. Let's just change out of these clothes so I can get some shoes on, alright?"

"Sure," Terra said.

…...

Aqua followed close behind Emika as the girl opened the door out to the courtyard. The blue haired woman stayed far back enough that Emika didn't notice her pursuit. Slowly, Aqua turned and saw the girl turn the corner towards an old oak tree where a tombstone laid under the shade.

The older woman kept watching as Emika knelt down and placed her hand on the stone. Aqua saw the raven girl's shoulders shake slightly, giving the sign that she was crying.

Aqua was about to walk towards Emika until she heard the girl speak. "I'm sorry," Emika said. "I'm so sorry. I've made a big mistake, and now everyone is going to suffer because of it. Please, tell me what I should do. I don't, I don't want to hurt any of them anymore."

"Emika," Aqua said, which made the girl jump. "Emika, are you okay?"

The girl ran her arm over her face to dry her tears. She turned to Aqua and smiled. "I'm just visiting is all, Aqua. I'm fine, so," she paused.

"You're lying again," Aqua shook her head.

"What?"

"I can tell you're lying to me, so why don't you just tell me what's wrong?"

"I can't," Emika frowned as she stood up.

"Why can't you? You know I'm here to help you anytime you need it, right?" Aqua asked. "Why don't you trust me?"

"Because it will only hurt you," Emika said, tears threatening to poor out of her eye's again.

"It looks like it hurts you more than me," Aqua grumbled. "I hate this. I hate that you never seem to want to let out your feelings even though I care for you so much. Or, is this about her again?" Aqua asked, looking at the tombstone.

"It has nothing to do with her," Emika said defensively. "I just can't tell you anything anymore. I'm not that little girl you love so much. I'm not good enough to stay here, and I'll do nothing but hurt you."

"Emika, what are you-" Aqua began before Emika began to let her tears fall.

"Everything within me is falling apart. I don't know how much longer I have until it takes over," she said, putting her head in her hands.

Quickly, Aqua took the girl in her arms and embraced her softly.

"Aqua," Emika sobbed.

"I want to help you, Emika. You, you're so precious to me that you can't even imagine. I won't let go of you. Never. Do you understand?"

"I can't."

"You can, and you will. I believe in you. I want you to believe in me too. Let me protect you just this once."

Emika wrapped her arms around Aqua's torso. "Okay," she said softly. Silently, Emika looked towards the tombstone behind her and Aqua. She felt more tears stream down her face. God, she thought, I really am the worst person alive.

…...

"Ven, are you ready?" Terra asked outside the boy's door.

"Sure," Ven said, "just give me a second."

Terra slumped down next to the blonde's door, wearing a slim white shirt with a pair of dark blue jeans and a gray jacket to finish his wear. The brunette sighed and looked at his wrist, examining it closely to see the mark again. And there it was in a very faint pink line almost as if it was a scar, which he was very proud of.

The teen then felt a thump on his back. Terra looked back and found Ven smiling down at him. He wore a dark jacket with a blue like top with a pair of brown jeans that seemed to hang off of his small figure. On his wrist he wore a checkered wristband with a black trim around it.

"Are you ready?" Ven asked as Terra stood up.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Terra said.

The two began to leave the courtyard, but was stopped when they saw Aqua heading towards them.

"Are you two heading out?" Aqua asked.

"Terra wants to show me around the town," Ven chirped.

"Really?" Aqua seemed shocked. "Oh, if you guys are going to the town, then you wouldn't mind picking up some things."

"Like what?" Terra asked, raising a brow at the woman.

"Just a few things here and there," Aqua smiled.

"We can do it for you, Aqua," Ven said.

"Thank you, Ven," Aqua said as she handed the boy the list. "Thank you too, Terra."

"Yeah, whatever," Terra said as he watched his comrade leave him and Ventus alone. "So, what does that list say we need?" Terra asked as they continued their way to the town.

"Well, let's see," Ven said as he looked at the list. Suddenly he tripped and stumbled over into Terra. The boy blushed when he felt Terra's arms rap around him.

"You okay?" Terra asked.

"Yeah," Ven mumbled.

"Oh what the hell?"

Ven jumped, thinking he did something wrong. "What is it, Terra? Did I do something wrong?"

Terra smacked his forehead, sighing in frustration and said, "No, I was just looking at the list in your hand."

Ven looked down, and his eyes widened in surprise. The list had seemed to had grown about three feet in length. "Is this the list?" Ventus asked, looking at the paper.

"This has happened more than once," Terra groaned. "I should have guessed Aqua would have done something like this again to me."

Giggling, Ven said, "Well, we might as well get this taken care of, right?"

Terra sighed, "You're right. Let's get going I guess."

…...

Once the two got into town, Ven felt like everyone kept starring at them. He didn't make any noise to cause more attention. Instead, he started on getting things on the list.

"We need to go get a dozen apples it says," Ventus said, reading the list.

Terra snorted, "Probably because that little brat eats so many fruits."

"You mean Emika?" Ven asked.

"Yeah, it's weird how she's so tiny sometimes."

Ven laughed and walked over to a man sitting behind a stand with a ton of apples. "Hello, sir," Ventus smiled.

The man looked up and couldn't help but smile back at the blonde. "Why hello there, my boy, what can I help you with?"

"I was wondering if I could buy about a dozen of your apples for a friend of mine."

"Oh, there's no need to ask here. Please, take a look," the man said, motioning to all his apples, which Ven began to go through. "So who's this friend of yours who likes apples so much?"

"Her name is Emika. I guess she really likes apples if she wants a dozen, huh?"

The man began to laugh. "Emika comes around here all the time to by fruit from me. She's a real sweetheart I tell ya even when she's a part of the army. She is still as nice to anyone as ever. So, you're her new friend? What's your name?"

"My name is Ventus," Ven said. "Oh, and since you know Emika, I guess you already know Terra?"

The man's face slightly darkened when he looked and spotted Terra behind Ventus. "How are ya, Terra?" the man said politely.

"I'm doing well, thank you. And how are you, sir?" Terra asked calmly.

The man looked shocked by Terra's sudden politeness. "I'm uh, I'm good as well, thanks for askin'."

"I got them, Terra," Ven smiled, oblivious to the talking going on. "How do you think Emika will like them?"

Terra looked down and smiled warmly at Ven. "I think she'll love them. Come on, let's finish the list."

"O-okay, um, thank you, sir," Ven waved to the man who waved back as the two walked away.

"So, what's next?" Terra asked.

"Hmm, it says to pick up a rug that Aqua left at the drycleaners the other day."

"Then let's go get it," Terra said.

As the two walked, Ven began to notice everyone starring again. He occasionally heard a few people talking.

"Is that General Terra from the light army?" one asked another.

"What the hell is he doing here?" another said.

"I bet he's here to ruin the shops he doesn't care for or something."

"And who the hell is that kid with him? The kid seems pretty harmless, or maybe he's Terra's slave?"

"Terra," Ven twitched as he heard the last comment.

"Just ignore all of them," Terra said.

The two made it to the dry cleaners where Ven asked the woman behind the counter politely for the rug that Aqua had left. Smiling, the woman gave the two teens the rug after Ven paid her. Terra took it and slung it over one of his shoulders.

"Where do we need to go next?" Terra asked.

Ven was silent. Quickly, the boy slipped into an alleyway where Terra slipped in just as fast with him.

"Is something wrong, Ven?" Terra asked.

"It's just, no," Ven shook his head. "No, it's nothing, Terra. Don't worry about me. Let's just get the rest of the list done," the boy said as he began to leave.

Before Ventus could exit the alley, Terra dropped the rug and pulled Ven back, pushing him softly into the wall, pinning him in between his arms. Ven winced and looked up into Terra's deep blue eyes.

"Terra," Ven breathed.

"Don't you understand that I can't help but worry about you, Ven? I swore to protect you no matter what. Now tell me, what is it that's bothering you so much?"

"It's, well," Ven paused. "Why does it seem that everyone hates you so much here? Terra, I don't understand what's going on."

Terra bit his lip and looked down. "They hate me because they know I don't have a pure heart. Everyone thinks all I care about is fighting and the war."

"But that's not it!" Ven exclaimed. "They don't understand that you're a wonderful person who cares about his friends and loved ones. They're all idiots if they don't see that! You get me, Terra? You're an amazing guy and you're strong and warm, which is what I love about you."

Terra's eyes widened, "You, you love me?"

Ven blushed and looked away, "Well, you know what I mean."

The brunette kept starring until he chuckled softly and leaned so that the two teens' foreheads were touching one another. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Thank you, Ven, I love you too."

The blush began to deepen more on Ven's face as he looked at Terra again. He smiled sweetly and kissed Terra on the cheek, which took the older teen aback. "Just know that you'll always have people who care about you around, Terra," the blonde smiled again.

"Got it," Terra smiled as he closed his eyes. He opened them again and spotted the dream catcher necklace hanging around Ven's neck. "Where did you get this?"

Ven looked down. "Oh, Emika gave this to me. Aqua said it belong to someone special to her."

"She's probably trying to give me a hint that little brat," Terra smiled.

"It seems like it worked, huh?" Ven laughed.

Suddenly, an explosion rained through the town. Everyone began to run in a panic as pieces of the burning building began to fly out everywhere. The two teens looked up and nodded to one another as they dropped their things and ran towards the explosion.

"You know," someone said once Terra and Ven were at the heart of the destruction. "Most people would run away from an explosion than towards it."

Both Terra and Ventus looked up and saw Vanitas grinning madly at the two of them. "I should have known it was you," Terra growled, summoning his Keyblade.

Vanitas shrugged and looked towards the panicking town. "I guess I had a little too much fun, huh? Well, I guess it doesn't matter now. Terra, if you could hand over that Blondie beside you that you're now lovingly bonded with, that would be fantastic."

Terra shielded Ven behind him quickly. "How did you find out about that?"

"We've been watching very carefully. I guess that you won't give up, right?"

Terra kept silent.

"I thought so," Vanitas said as he raised his hand towards the sky. "Then how about I give you an option you can't refuse."

Another explosion ran near Vanitas and Ventus shielded his eyes from the brightness. Once he felt the light fade, he opened he eyes only to meet them with a terrifying creature who stood before him and Terra. "What the hell is that?" Ven asked.

"It's a Dark Thorn. This doesn't look like this will be easy," Terra said as he starred at the beast with flames eliminating from its body and the chains hanging loosely from its limbs. "No, this doesn't look too good at all."

To Be Continued...

A/N: Yeah, I'm alive...kinda...well, here's for the long wait. Sorry if it's a disapointment, but I'm trying to update sooner. I bet you all have a ton of questions...who is this "her" Emika is mentioning? Is Terra really that mean to the townspeople? Can Ven get anymore cute? And is Vanitas a good seed? And why's the rum gone? You'll have to find out later I guess.

Van: You really do suck at updating

Me: I know :(

Terra: Cut her some slack Vanitas

Me: Terra, you're defending me *glumps* :D

Van: He only does that because he wants to *censor* to Ven

Ven: O/O

Me: Yeah, and? I don't know, maybe he just likes me

Terra: How did Van know?

Me: Well, we better get going...TAKE IT AWAY PAINO PLAYING KITTY! (it's a real thing, look it up on YouTube sometime)