fourth shotlock [video/action] {slightly backdated}

[bondingearth]

[Barrier and ocean. That's all the SFC broadcasts when the screen flickers to life. Oh hey, what was that orange thing that just appeared for a few seconds? It's not a bird and it's not a plane! It's just a certain trinket belonging to a certain Keyblade wielder.]

...She's really gone. Aqua--

[Terra shifts, and the SFC tilts at just the right

Comments

[Video]

[wayward_faith]

[Aqua was- No! It couldn't- They'd finally gotten back together again... He saw her just before the pirates went on a rampage!

Ven's on the way up to that rooftop without another moment's hesitation while checking the SFC's residency list...No. ;; He almost loses control of his Glider when he sees that her name's no longer there. Ven has to stop, take a few breaths before he abandoned the idea of going there right away, flicking on the SFC.]

...S-she'll be back. Aqua would never leave us behind for good.

[He just knows it. ; ; Terra... y so emo.]

[Video]

[bondingearth]

[When the SFC flickers back on, Terra makes sure he's not completely in view. All Ven could see from his end is an arm propped up on his knee, the wayfinder dangling from his fingers. He didn't want to think about where Aqua was now.]

...Ven.

[Video]

[wayward_faith]

[...He doesn't want to think about it, either. Soon, the only thing showing on the SFC is his chest. Hanging around it? His wayfinder.]

...Terra, remember what Aqua said that night? After the meteor shower?

[Shush. He's grasping at straws, now.]

[Video]

[bondingearth]

[Oh, he remembers. He remembers every word of it.]

"Somewhere out there, there's this tree with star-shaped fruit and the fruit represents an unbreakable connection. So as long as you and your friends carry good luck charms shaped like it, nothing can ever drive you apart. You’ll always find your way back to each other."

[Video]

[wayward_faith]

[There's a pause, and it looks like he's on the move again.]

... And they've kept bringing us together, even though the plans set for us, the mindgames, tried tearing us apart. No matter what.

[What isn't said is 'Believe in her strength, too.']

Re: [Video]

[bondingearth]

Yeah...

[Pause. Think. Open mouth, say nothing, close.]

...Ven, where are you?

[Video]

[wayward_faith]

[Pause. Looks around. Says nothing for a moment...]

Um... just walking Kouki in the middle district so he doesn't try pawing at me while I'm trying to sleep again.

[Video]

[bondingearth]

[His shoulders slump for a split second. How does he say 'I don't want to be alone' again?]

Oh.

[Video → Action]

[wayward_faith]

[Aaaand guess who kinda sorta lied? That's right~ Have a lab puppy jump on your lap and bark.]

... Though I don't think he minds taking a break.

[Ven smiles a little bit, before sitting next to his best friend.]

You alright, Terra? And don't lie. Kouki's like a little lie detector.

Re: [Video → Action]

[bondingearth]

[Whoa, there! He can't help but laugh softly--Part of it's forced, though. At least puppies make everything better!]

Good to see you too, squirt.

[A hand automatically goes to gently scritch Kouki behind the ear, though his expression falters.]

Honestly, Ven? I'm not sure I'm so sure anymore. After we went to that safehouse I sort of blacked out for awhile and came to with the worst migraine I've ever had.

[Action]

[wayward_faith]

[Kouki's eyes close and he nuzzles into that hand. Earscritches make everything better! A-aww, now he's trying to lick your cheek. Y so taaaall?]

Hm. Maybe we overdid it...

[He's a little worried, but he keeps it to himself for the most part.]

Is it any better now, though?

[Action]

[bondingearth]

[Terra'll make it easier on the puppy and lay back on the roof, his hand never pausing in the scritches.]

I might need to look for someone to help me control it. If this keeps up, you know I'd be an easier target for Xehanort. ...I'm not losing my heart to him.

[But who does he go to?]

But it's fine for now.

[Action]

[wayward_faith]

[Kouki likes this! Now he crawls up a bit to lick Terra's cheek! You smell a bit funnier, but he still likes you! <3]

...Maybe you and Riku should form some sort of support group. Keeping the darkness at bay isn't something anyone can do on their own.

[He leans back a bit on his elbows, staring up at the barrier before turning his head toward Terra.]

From what I gather, you're both in the same place when it comes to this.

[Action]

[bondingearth]

[Oof! Crawled right across the gut! Still, it earns a small grin. No one can deny puppy breath.]

It's a little more complicated than that, Ven. I'm supposed to be teaching him how to control it, but look at me--I was having problems with it a week or so ago.

...Besides, I have someone in mind--I'm just not sure if he'd approve. [A pause, followed by a sheepish look.] Or you, for that matter.

[Action]

[wayward_faith]

[Just his way of saying he likes you! ...Watch out, though. He likes to nip people's ears playfully.]

I know, but everyone messes up sometimes. It never hurts to ask, though...right?

...Who? [WILD MASS GUESSING, HERE.] C'mon, the worst I'd do if I don't approve is bop you on the head.

Re: [Action]

[bondingearth]

We both know him. Aqua told me she fought him when you were frozen.

[He playfully blows a puff of air on the puppy's nose, changing the scratching routine to a gentle rub.]

He's... How do I put it...

[An ass? Old? Half blind?]