Chapter Text
Venti had calmly been resting his eyes in an alley, focusing on the sweet scent of fresh air. He had hid in the alley to get away from a cat, now trying to focus on the clean air. He wasn't always allergic to cats, but he seemed to get the allergy once he took on a human form. He doesn't have the allergy when he's in his Archon form, or spirit form. He found it very odd, but never fully questioned it.
He let his mind wander for a little, opening his eyes in confusion once he heard, and felt, the wind pick up. His eyes widened in shock as he peeked out of the alleyway, seeing a street he hasn't seen busy in years. Everyone he saw looked depressed, the wind howling as snow fell. He knew that no matter how much he wanted to run out into the streets and look around, he had to cover himself. His clothing was definitely more expensive than many could even dream of buying. So, he took the cover off of some old crates, wrapping himself in the cloth.
Nostalgia filled his being as he walked down the streets, the occasional call out from shops being lost in the winds cries. The feeling of it all, the sadness that filled the air, he didn't like it. A trapped atmosphere, one not like the free one he was used to. He was the God of Freedom for a reason, and this... he hated it. Seeing the sadness on the peoples face, how they shivered in the harsh winds. He wanted to fix it, but as the son of Istaroth, he knew the dangers of messing with time. Though, five minutes have passed since he found himself in the cold alley. His memories should have altered by now... well, he'd have the new memories of the alternate timeline.
After a few more minutes, he came to the conclusion that this was not his world's past. It was a different one, one he could change the outcome of... or at least try to. Did I travel here on accident? He couldn't help but wonder as he walked through the streets. He saw a few of Decarbian's minions, those who did his dirty work so he didn't have to leave his 'castle'. He wouldn't be surprised if the Storm God had sensed his presence and sent people out to catch him. He knew how to avoid them, the wind was nice and kind to him, telling him when they were near.
It took a little for him to get used to the streets, after all the last time he was a small wind spirit who flew everywhere. He found his way to the building where the 'Decarbian Resistance' was located, he still remembered the password after all these years. It was his original name after all, Barbatos.
"Who're you?" One of the resistances hidden guards asked him as he entered the building.
"I'm here to see Barbatos." Venti claimed, his teal braids poking out from under his hood- just like his statues.
"May I see your face?" The man asked, and the humanoid spirit sighed.
"No, but may I show you something?"
The man's eyes narrowed, his stance changing as he nodded.
Venti smiled softly, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a bird feather he had picked up earlier in the morning.
The man's eyes widened, "Is that..." He wasn't able to form words for a moment, knowing the importance of finding a feather. "F-follow me."
After a short walk to the basement door, the man looked at the man 'guarding' it.
"We have a guest." The first man spoke, the second looking the cloaked boy up and down.
"Who's the kid, are they the guest?"
"Yes, they are."
The second man nodded, knocking on the basement door before opening it. "In you go. No funny business."
Venti thanked the men before walking down the stairs, a white haired girl greeted him. Amos... He recognized the woman, trying not to run and give his old friend a hug.
"Amos, don't scare our guest. Gunther let him come down here for a reason." A young boy's voice called out.
Venti's forgot how to breathe in a second upon hearing that voice, not that he needed to breathe anyway. He blinked rapidly, regaining his composure as he pushed tears away.
"Right, my apologies. Follow me." The woman's icy eyes never left Venti's cloaked figure as she motioned for him to follow her.
"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you all." Venti bowed, nervously fiddling with the inside of the cloak.
"It's nice to meet you too, are you here to join the resistance?" It was his friend who spoke, the boy who's name and face he took on.
"Don't just ask that." A red haired man hissed, "What if he's with him?"
The teal braided God regained his usual composure, "Nope! I can assure you that I would never side with a man that traps his own people."
The man raised an eyebrow, "Well then, take off the cloak. I can't help but be curious of what your hiding underneath."
"Ragnvindr!" 'Venti' hissed, scolding the older man.
The God chuckled, "Just don't fall over too fast."
Gasps filled the room as he took the cloak off, the old cloth falling to the floor.
Amos raised her bow, "Who are you?" She demanded.
"H-hey, put the bow down. I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for all of this." 'Venti' claimed, trying to call, the situation down.
"Sorry, sorry. I would have taken another form, but this is one of the most comfortable."
"Form?" Ragnvindr questioned.
"I guess I should-" Venti was cut off by his past self, his spirit form, ramming into him. The small spirit let out a huff, demanding attention.
"Huh? Barbatos seems to like you." 'Venti' smiled, "They're usually really cautious."
The small spirit squeaked, sounding similar to an abyss mage. However, unlike the others in the room, Venti could actually understand them.
"You are me?" The young version of himself asked.
"Yes, I am." Venti nodded.
"Why are we in Venti's form? I thought only strong spirits could do that."
"Well, you are a strong spirit."
"Wait, you can understand them?" 'Venti's' asked, his tone full of excitement.
Venti chuckled, "Of course, why wouldn't I be able to understand myself?"
"..."
"What!?"