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To Ven, birthdays didn’t exist.
In his short life, no day had ever been dedicated to celebrating his birth. The idea of receiving gifts or even having a cake just for him had been completely unfamiliar to his young mind. Most of all, having friends and family to celebrate the special day felt like an unattainable dream, especially when neither existed.
His age was a blur (was he seven or eight?), but it hardly mattered anymore. Time felt endless in his solitude, and the more he tried to remember, the more distant everything became. Had he always been alone? Why was he alone? Had he done something to deserve this cruel solitude? Would he ever have a place surrounded by those who loved and cared for him? He could only have hoped for the best.
Then, he met Chirithy, a small, cat-like creature with bright, expressive beady eyes. For the first time in his life, he felt a sense of connection that he had longed for. Whenever he felt down or unsure of his abilities, Chirithy was always by his side, offering words of support that lifted his spirits. Unlike the Chirithys of other keyblade wielders, Ven's companion possessed a unique charm and personality that comforted him. The creature constantly cheered him on, celebrating his small yet steady improvements in training with infectious enthusiasm.
Admittedly, the abundance of affection and praise was new for him; he had never been one to bask in adoration. Yet, he found himself savoring each moment, appreciating the warmth of friendship that Chirithy provided. For once, he felt anchored in his journey, knowing he had someone who truly believed in him—a friend who encouraged him to embrace his potential rather than shy away from it. The bond they shared was a comforting reminder that he was no longer alone.
Still, something was missing.
✦⋆𓆩✧𓆪⋆✦
It was a regular evening in Daybreak Town, many keyblade wielders had finished collecting Lux for the day. Some decided to head back home and rest for the night, while others decided to hang out with friends.
From the rooftop not too far from the Fountain Plaza, sat the little boy with hair spun like gold. Ven somberly watched the other wielders as they laughed along with each other. Bright smiles graced their faces as they ran through the Fountain Plaza with seemingly no care.
A quiet envy curled inside the boy. He so desperately wished to be like one of the kids he observed from afar. He watched them for a long time, a wistful smile on his face. He imagined joining them, becoming friends, fighting alongside them to protect the light. Yet, the fear of rejection clawed at him like an invisible chain, curling around his heart and keeping him at a distance. Every time he gathered the courage to step forward, he could already hear the quiet laughter, the dismissive glances, the way they would whisper among themselves before turning their backs to him. The thought gnawed at him—what if he wasn’t good enough?
He sighed, a puff of air escaping his lips. It was just a fantasy. He was too shy and awkward—not quite good enough to approach them. He would always be an outsider, an observer rather than a participant.
“You know, it wouldn’t hurt to try joining them. Maybe this time they’ll let you tag along and you can make some friends”.
“Oh! Chirithy, I-I didn’t realize you were here.” Ven jumped when he heard the voice of the Dream Eater. “How long have you been here?”
“Not long, but my point still stands, you should go and try to talk to them,” Chirithy replied.
“What's the point? It feels like no matter how hard I try, everyone just pushes me away every single time,” Ven said hopelessly.
“Maybe these kids will be different,” Chirithy asserted.
“That’s what you said the last seven times…”
The Dream Eater’s expression became disheartened, its little ears fell to the side of its head. It was true that every time Ven tried to make friends, nothing seemed to work. Chirithy was running out of ideas on how to help him.
“Hey, Chirithy,” Ven started as a distant look rested on his face. “Do you think if I was stronger, people would like me more?” he asked, his voice soft.
“If they only like you for your strength…are they really people who you’d want to call your friend?” Chirithy questioned.
“At this point, I would take any form of companionship offered to me,” Ven admitted, his voice fragile with desperation.
“Not all companionship is good for you or want what’s best for you. I know you feel alone, but I do believe that one day, you will find people who will love and care for you regardless of what you can and can’t do, and until then, I’ll always be there when you need me.”
A gentle smile crept onto Ven's lips, illuminating his expression with a flicker of hope. He pulled Chirithy into a warm embrace, feeling the soft fur against his skin and the comforting weight of companionship. Perhaps Chirithy was right; despite the darkness that loomed around them, there was a glimmer of light, suggesting that brighter days were on the horizon and things would be better.
And in an unexpected twist of fate, things were.
✦⋆𓆩✧𓆪⋆✦
Two years later
The five Union Leaders sat together in the Foretellers’ Chambers, having just finished their meeting covering some issues brought to their attention by the Dandelions. It wasn’t anything too serious, but still necessary to get it taken care of as soon as possible. Besides, they already have enough on their plates.
“That surprisingly took longer than I had expected,” said Lauriam as his hand ran through his rose-petaled hair.
“Yeah, but it's good we took care of this now,” replied Brain.
Skuld nodded her head in agreement.
“So,” Ephemer started with a knowing smile. “Now that’s been dealt with, we need to discuss one last thing, who wants to watch over the new batch of spirits.”
Ven, who had remained quiet for most of the meeting, brightened at the suggestion. While he rarely contributed to discussions, he had a notable talent for caring for spirits.
“I-I can do it.”
“Thanks, Ven! We appreciate it,” Ephemer said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “And with that, this meeting is officially over.”
Shortly after the others left to do their things except for Lauriam, surprisingly, he watched Ven, with a thoughtful expression, who seemed lost in his little world as he traced patterns into the table and swung his legs back and forth. He couldn’t help but think about how young he was and how having so much responsibility placed on him-
Lauriam paused. Just how young was Ven? They all knew he was the youngest, but none could pinpoint his exact age—a quiet mystery they had never questioned until now.
“Hey, Ven” Lauriam began as he tried and failed to hide the concern in his voice. “Can I ask you about something?”
Ven raised his head with an uncertain look, “Um…sure,”
“It’s something I’ve been curious about for some time now, and I was wondering how old are you?”
A panicked expression made its way onto Ven’s face. He averted his gaze, his fingers fidgeting as he played with the hem of his vest. “I-I don’t know,” he mumbled, his voice so quiet it could be mistaken as a mouse.
Lauriam’s brow furrowed. 'You don’t know? How is that even…? I mean—surely you have some idea?”
Ven lowered his head, embarrassed, his cheeks flushed a light pink. “Not really. I've been on my own for so long that I kind of lost track. I think I'm around nine or maybe ten? I'm not really sure.”
The distress on Lauriam’s face became very apparent, and he couldn’t help but ask, “Ven, do you know when your birthday is?”
Crystalline tears made their way to the corner of Ven’s eyes. “No,” he whispered. “I don’t.”
At that moment, time seemed to freeze, enveloped in a heavy silence that lingered with unspoken emotions. Lauriam's heart ached as he took in the information before him. How could anyone be unaware of their own birthday? It was a fundamental part of one’s identity—a celebration, love, and joy day. The realization that Ven had never had the chance to experience this, that he was unsure of his own age, was deeply saddening. It stirred a profound sympathy within Lauriam, knowing how precious these moments were and how much joy Ven had missed out on. How long had Ven been wandering the world alone? How much had he lost?
His sister, Strelitzia, had always adored birthdays. On her birthday, Lauriam would transform their home into a magical wonderland, with twinkling fairy lights and a carefully chosen theme that reflected her favorite things—whether it be intricately designed cupcakes shaped like flowers or a whimsical garden picnic. He treated her birthday as an opportunity to express his love for her. Her enthusiasm was infectious; he loved the bright smile that dawned on her face every year.
At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to see that familiar, radiant smile on Ven's face. The thought of another year slipping by without Ven understanding his significance weighed heavily on his heart. He wouldn’t let that happen.
Without hesitation, Lauriam sprang from his seat. An overwhelming sense of urgency propelled him toward Ven, and he enveloped the fragile boy in his arms as if to shield him from the world's cruelty. Ven nestled against his chest, his little body trembled softly, the warmth of his small frame contrasting with the chill of the room. Lauriam gently rubbed small circles on the boy's shoulders, hoping to provide some comfort amid the sea of emotions. Tears streamed down Ven's cheeks like delicate jewels, yet he remained silent. His small breaths hitched as if words had failed him. Lauriam could feel the weight of Ven's sorrow, a heaviness that pressed against him. He held Ven tighter as if warmth alone could chase away the shadows and his pain.
“Ven,” Lauriam started softly. He chose his next words carefully. “I… I wish you told us sooner. You don't have to be ashamed about this. We're your friends, Ven, and we care about you,” he stated as he continued rubbing small circles on Ven’s shoulders.
Ven kept his gaze fixed on the table, shame, and embarrassment washed over him. “I just… didn’t want to worry you,” Ven mumbled. “It’s nothing.”
Ven's words felt like they were being squeezed out of him, each heavier than the last. His hands trembled slightly as he clutched the edge of his sleeve, the fabric rough against his skin. He couldn't meet Lauriam's gaze, his eyes fixed on the floor as if his shame would melt him away. His heart felt too loud in his chest, and his breath came in short bursts. How could he explain something so painful? The loneliness—the fear of being seen as broken—he couldn’t bear to voice it out loud. “It’s nothing,” he whispered, but the lie stung his tongue. He wanted to be strong, to show them he was okay, but the cracks were starting to show.
“Not a big deal?” Lauriam exclaimed, pulling Ven back a bit to face him. “Ven, it's a huge deal! Everyone deserves to have their birthday celebrated, and everyone, especially you, deserves a day to feel special.”
Ven looked at him, his eyes wide with surprise. “Lauriam…it's okay, really.”
“No, Ven, it's not.”
The two sat in heavy silence, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. Lauriam thought to himself as he pondered organizing a party, just like he’d done in the past for Strelitzia—a celebration for a friend who had always put others first. He could so easily imagine the surprise painted on the faces of the other Union Leaders, who would be equally taken aback and eager to lend their support. It was crucial to him that they give Ven a birthday he had never truly experienced, a chance to revel in the joy and camaraderie that had so often eluded him.
Whether he wanted them to or not, they would give him a birthday.
✦⋆𓆩✧𓆪⋆✦
Lauriam quickly assembled the other Union Leaders. Later that afternoon, he burst into the kitchen, his urgency immediately detected.
“Lauriam, did something happen? Are you okay?” Ephemer asked, concerned about his friend's well-being.
Wasting no time, Lauriam announced, “We need to talk! It's about Ven.”
Brain raised an eyebrow, “Is everything alright?”
Lauriam took a deep breath, his words spilling out in a rush of urgency. “I just found out that Ven doesn't even know his own birthday! He’s not sure how old he is and has never had a proper celebration!”
Skuld gasped, her hand flew to cover her mouth. “No way! Poor Ven!”
Brain, usually the most reserved of the group, looked genuinely surprised. “That does explain a few things. I've always wondered why he seemed so… detached from things like that. I just didn’t think that would be why…”
Ephemer, after a moment of stunned silence, nodded slowly. “That's… that's terrible. How could that happen? Why didn’t he tell us anything?”
“He didn’t want us to worry about him,” Lauriam said before he started to pace back and forth, his energy practically buzzing. “We need to do something about this! Ven has been such an amazing friend to all of us! We need to throw him a birthday party! A proper celebration, with cake and presents and everything!”
Skuld's eyes lit up, her usual upbeat demeanor returning. “That's a wonderful idea, Lauriam!”
Brain chimed in with a thoughtful expression. “I agree with Skuld, however, we'll need to be discrete about it. If Ven didn’t want to tell us this information beforehand, I doubt he’d be thrilled if he found out what we’re planning.”
“Brain’s right! We'll have to be extra careful, but it's worth it. Ven deserves to feel special,” Ephemer said, his iconic smile again appearing on his face.
Just like that, the Union Leaders immediately began brainstorming ideas, their excitement becoming harder to contain with each suggestion. Ephemer volunteered to handle the decorations, Skuld offered to bake a delicious cake, Brain took on the responsibility of coordinating the logistics, ensuring that everything would run smoothly, and Lauriam took the role of head planner, considering that the whole thing was originally his idea.
“So, how exactly do we plan to keep all this hidden from him?” Skuld inquired. “It’s not like we can completely avoid him since we all live together. Besides, if he even thinks that we’re keeping something from him, he’ll probably think it’s because we think he isn’t good enough for the task at hand, and that's the last thing I want him to feel,” she firmly declared.
Skuld brought up a good point, and now the four of them had to figure out how to avoid this issue. Everyone sat in silence, completely lost in thought, until Ephemer beamed up.
“Hey, Chirithy”
From a swirling cloud of iridescent smoke, Ephemer's Chirithy materialized, its adorable form ascending downward. Ephemer swiftly caught the delicate creature in his hands, cradling it gently as he leaned in close, murmuring something with fervor, his words lost in the gentle silence of the afternoon air. With a final sparkle of magic, the Chirithy dissolved back into a puff of smoke, leaving only the lingering scent of mystery behind. The Union Leaders looked at each other, their expressions a mixture of awe and curiosity. The leader's bold and mysterious idea intrigued them.
Brain decided to voice his curiosity. “So, what are you plan-”
Though, before he could finish, Ephemer’s Chirithy had arrived once more in a similar cloud of smoke, with Ven’s Chirithy in tow.
“I’ve brought them as you requested!” exclaimed Ephemer’s Chirithy merrily.
Ven’s Chirithy looked around puzzled. “Uh–why did you all need my assistance?”
“We’re planning a surprise party for Ven, and hope to keep it a surprise. Can you help us?” Ephemer pleaded.
“Absolutely, just tell me what to do!” Ven’s Chirithy enthusiastically replied.
“So there's the plan…”
✦⋆𓆩✧𓆪⋆✦
A week later
The sun crept high in the sky, casting a warm glow over Daybreak Town. The vibrant morning light streamed through the windows, casting soft, warm hues across the room. Beneath a thick, fluffy sheet, Ven lay nestled in bed, his chest was rising and falling in a steady rhythm. His face was relaxed as he surrendered to a rare moment of tranquility.
However, that tranquility was soon interrupted by a sweet scent wafting through the air, stirring his hunger. He groggily rubbed the sleep from his ocean-like eyes, only to find all the Union Leaders and Chirithy gathered around his bed, with a tray of breakfast delicately placed on his lap.
“Happy Birthday, Ven!” they all shouted in unison.
Ven blinked, confusion written clearly on his face. “Birthday? But… it’s not… I don’t have a—”
“We know you don’t remember your actual birthday, so we decided to pick a day and celebrate YOU,” Lauriam said as he stepped forward.
Ven’s vision blurred as tears welled in his eyes, and for a moment everyone thought this might not have been a good idea. “You guys really didn’t have to do this,” Ven spoke with a slight sniffle.
Ven’s voice faltered, the lump in his throat growing as he looked at the surrounding faces. They were all so kind, so sure of him, but he couldn’t help but feel unworthy of their attention. Did they really mean it? His heart raced, and a rush of conflicting thoughts filled his mind. This is too much. But—what if they’re right? What if they truly care about him? He pressed his hand to his chest, trying to calm the storm inside him, but the doubt didn’t disappear. His emotions tangled together, making it hard to breathe.
“Of course we did!” Skuld said as she wrapped her arms around him to embrace him in a warm hug. “You’re our friend, Ven. You deserve this.”
Ven froze for a second, caught off guard by Skuld’s embrace. Her arms around him felt different from anything he’d known—a softness, a warmth that seemed to melt the walls he had built. He held himself stiff for just a moment, unsure how to respond to something so genuine, real. But then, slowly, he exhaled, allowing his body to relax into her embrace. It was like he had been holding his breath for so long that he didn’t even realize it.
Ephemer ruffled Ven’s hair. “And we weren’t going to let you go another year without knowing how special you are.”
Chirithy stood on the bed by Ven with the biggest smile, seeing how much they cared for Ven. The little Dream Eater always hoped that Ven would find himself surrounded by those who loved him and was happy to see that become a reality.
Ven wiped his eyes, a laugh escaping his lips. “I… I don’t know what to say.”
He didn’t know how to put into words what he felt. There was a warmth in his chest, a feeling he couldn’t name. But with it came the anxiety—the fear of the moment slipping away. What if they left me like everyone else? What if this, too, was just another fleeting moment of kindness? His heart clenched at the thought, but something held him in place—something that made him allow himself to accept this.
“You don’t need to say anything,” Brain said with a small smile. “Just enjoy it. Seeing you smile is enough for all of us.”
And enjoy it he did.
✦⋆𓆩✧𓆪⋆✦
For the first time in his life, Ven truly felt celebrated. After enjoying breakfast in bed and getting ready for the day, they played games, shared stories, and laughed until their sides ached. They also had special training sessions just for him and opened many presents. The Dandelions had learned about the event and left him trinkets and gifts as a sign of appreciation. If Ven had to choose a favorite, it would be a tie between the telescope and the model ship.
As the day of celebration settled down, the five of them gathered in the kitchen for dinner and cake. Ven swore he had never smiled so much in one day. During this time, Lauriam took the opportunity to give a heartfelt speech about Ven. He stood up and raised his glass, drawing the attention of the group.
“Everyone, if I could have your attention for a moment,” Lauriam began, his voice warm and inviting. “Today, we’re here to celebrate not just a birthday, but a truly special person—our friend Ven.”
He continued to share tales about Ven’s kindness, bravery, and how he always put others before himself. Lauriam spoke about the many times Ven had been there for them, offering support and friendship even when he struggled with his insecurities.
Lauriam raised his glass as he wrapped up his speech. “So let’s toast to Ven! May this be just the first of many amazing birthdays he gets to celebrate surrounded by all those who love him!”
“To Ven!” the others joyously responded with their glasses raised high.
Ven felt a profound sense of belonging. The party birthday celebration transformed from an overwhelming surprise into a cherished memory, filling him with gratitude for the friends who had made it all possible. He realized that he was not alone; he had a community that cared deeply for him, and that realization brought him immense happiness. This was his family and this was the birthday he had always dreamed of.
“Now, let's eat cake!”
Skuld emerged, her face beamed as she carefully placed a beautifully decorated cake on the table. The cake was adorned with delicate swirls of frosting in shades of blue and silver, mimicking the stars that shone brightly above. Eleven flickering candles stood proudly atop, their flames dancing gently in the soft glow.
Though Ven had never celebrated a birthday before, he found himself instinctively knowing what to do. He leaned closer to the cake, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes tightly. The warmth of the candles enveloped him as he concentrated on his wish, a secret dream bubbling in his heart. A wish for happy moments and their friendship to last forever.
✦⋆𓆩✧𓆪⋆✦
In a year or so, at least for him, all of this would fade into a distant memory, and the poor boy would be none the wiser. There are just some things that you just can't have, no matter how much you want them, you can't have them. He will be left alone again in a barren wasteland known as the Badlands, forgotten by all but an old man who will show him the true meaning of hell.
Why? Simple. It was decided long ago. A decree was etched into the fabric of time long before he drew his first breath.
Isn’t that right, old Master of Light?