002 @ The Morning After The Night Before

[hikari_no_kundou]

Who: Eraqus, Terra, Ventus
When: [Backdated] Early morning onwards on 4th September (After this scene).
Where: House of Departure, Sector 4
Summary: A family starts the process of fitting the pieces back together again.
Warnings: Angst. Feels. Srs faces. Bonding?



Staring at an unfamiliar ceiling in the dark, it took a moment for Eraqus to process where he was. When he was.

Inhale, exhale.

That the aches running through his body were very much self-inflicted (more or less) was not at all in doubt. The fact he had a body at all to feel them in was, and tired eyes stared at the shadows his hands formed in bewilderment, before he pressed the heels of each palm against them. The fact it was still dark meant he could not have slept long -- assuming he hadn't simply passed out from a combination of exhaustion, confusion and overextending his abilities. It could well have been both.

Inhale, exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

Though his back protested, the keyblade master pushed himself into an upright position; he didn't have the reserves to call on more restorative magic, though he could sense the lingering remnants of Curaga in the air. The familiarity of the spellcaster's signature gave him pause. A pause that was neatly toppled by a resurgence of memory, of what had happened. Who had happened, so to speak. Of why he felt so exhausted.

Left hand lifted, pressing over his chest, and for a moment, Eraqus felt the uncertainty nestled there, wings unfurled protectively over the frayed tatters of his heart.

So many things, so many bonds that needed mending..

Inhale. Exhale.

Pushing himself to his feet, the old master brushed absently at his robes before taking slow stiff steps towards the door.

Comments

[hikari_no_kundou]

In the warmth of the kitchen, late morning sunshine poured through the window, illuminating the exchange. There were few who bothered with such ceremonies. Yet, the Master continued speaking, voice kept even and lips careful not to curve into a smile as he watched his youngest apprentice consider the Master Keeper with all the consideration due such a vow.

"So long as you have the makings,
Then through this simple act of taking,
Its wielder you shall one day be."

When Ventus nodded, then reached for the Key, the blade itself seemed to grow warm in his hands, an almost furry sense of approval purring against palms with an energy that was bright within the mind's eye, before slipping away again leaving only black metal and eccentric shape. Or perhaps that was something only Eraqus sensed. The Keyblade - whatever blade it happened to be - still kept some of its own secrets.

It was a promise accepted, by both Keyblade and Keyblade Master. Whatever it might have been - it was not for Eraqus to ask, but one he would support the best he could. The sword disappeared in another bright spin of golden shapes, and Eraqus let his hands come to rest against his legs.

And allowed himself a slightly rueful smile. "Under other circumstances.. This would be where I welcome you home." He did not make motions to move, not yet (and he suspected he'd still be painfully stiff when he did); he waited instead for Ventus to say, or perhaps do something.

[feverpitching]

At the end of the poem, and when the Master's key had seemed to accept the boy, Ven felt a proud smile grace his face. The keyblade eventually disappeared as the ceremony ended, but the feeling of pride and the warmth in his chest didn't vanish for some time. He realized he had closed his eyes somewhere during the exchange, and when he finally opened them he saw Eraqus' smile.

"I am home." It didn't need to be the Land of Departure... as long as they were all together, Ven was right where he belonged. Part of him thought it best to keep the formality of the situation going, but it didn't happen.

Ven slid from his seat, pushing it back so there was room for him to kneel down on the ground in front of his Master. He may have only known this man for a few short years, nothing in comparison to Terra or Aqua, but in that time Eraqus had been more of a parent to Ventus than anyone in the his life. And now he puts his arms gently around the man's torso, pressing himself into a hug he'd been dying to give for ages.

"Thank you."

[hikari_no_kundou]

The Master inhaled sharply as Ventus then wrapped his arms about him, and for a moment Eraqus remained absolutely still. Simple acceptance, that happy smile and clear gratitude -- that would have been entirely enough for him, given the circumstances.

Slowly, his right arm gently wrapped around his youngest apprentice, encircling his shoulders and holding him close. Left hand came to rest atop his head; no ruffles, not like Terra or Aqua might have given, holding pride and a hint of protectiveness in the gesture.

Home. Where those most important within his heart were.

"No," he murmured, letting his eyes fall closed as he returned the hug. "Thank you, Ventus."