[h2][b][center]Vic[/center][/b][/h2]

[b]BGM: [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6mwKBmsIi4]Ventus[/url][/b]

Thankfully the fire was mostly just instantaneous. A quick, instant lashing that was gone in just as a much of a flash as it first appeared. That of course left Vic there, crying a torrent of tears and trembling like someone lost in the arctic. The vision was still in his head, the hooded stranger, and his the red of his eyes was like something glaring into Vic's soul and plaguing him with nightmares. But in his own mind's eye, Vic could see the image slowly but surely begin to melt away. Fear became slowly replaced by calm as a feeling of safety and reassurance seemed to wrap itself around the boy's mind.

[i]"I don't know if this helps you, but how about being my friend?"[/i]

It was probably just his own mind playing tricks on him, but for a moment Vic swore he heard one of the voices he'd been longing for. In reality, his shot open and he looked through tear-blurred eyes. And just for a second, it looked like Terrence actually was there, his stronger hand on Vic's shoulder in a gesture of comfort. He could even see Ashley sitting nearby as well. Vic fought back a sob but before he could be to happy, he wiped the tears from his eyes and saw two strangers where he thought his friends had been.

"I just... want my home back, and my friends..." he voice was once hushed, his tone timid and nowhere as loud and assertive as when he had lashed out. Deep down he knew going home wasn't an option right now. That monster in the hood made it all vanish, and so stopping him and his 12 cohorts was what Vic would have to do if he wanted any hope of ever going home and getting the people he loved back. But this stranger in front of him seemed to have similar desires, and at the very least was offering a hand of friendship. That was the first time anyone had done that for Vic since he met Ashley and Terrence.

[b]BGM: [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c0WBrMp07I]Boy Meets Girl, Twoson[/url][/b]

"O-okay!" Vic finally responded. No matter how confusing this all was, the last thing he wanted was to be alone. But next time had to be different. He couldn't just keep freezing up and expecting to be bailed out. No, he had to do his part, and that would mean figuring out how to summon the Keyblade without Ashley and Terrence giving him the strength to do it. It was probably going to be hard, and he'd have to face the hooded monster again eventually. But giving up was not an option, Vic refused to let it become one.

[@Gentlemanvaultboy][@MagusDream]