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Riku closed his eyes and pointed his weapon— the keyblade of hearts— at himself and then over to the girl's neck before pointing it at the trapped duck and dog. "Someone has to die, you know. Them or my life?”

He could only back up in horror, "What...What are you saying, Riku?”

"Someone has to die today. Choose carefully now, either me or them.” Riku whispered, but Sora had failed to realize the possessive yet endearing obsession he had with him.

The boy stopped again, "What... Why? Why does someone have to die?” He repeated his name once more,”Riku?”

Riku shut his eyes before sighing, "Don't you see? If they live, we can't be together."

"What? That doesn't make any sense!" Sora held his keyblade and pointed it at him, "You're the one siding with the darkness."

Riku's eyes darkened, "You're really pointing the keyblade at me? What happened to us?”

“What happened to us?” Sora repeated the question quietly before facing Riku once more this time with a determined gaze. "I don't want you nor Donald, Goofy, or Kairi to have to die! All of you are getting out of this alive. Riku!”

"So that's your answer.” He grinned almost with possessive insanity, ”You want to die for me, that's the sweetest thing you've done!”

"What No!" Sora shook his head, his keyblade in hand, "No one has to die.. Riku..."

Riku closed his eyes, "Sora. Sora. Sora. You're so beautiful and sweet. It makes my heart weak." Riku stepped forward and caressed his cheek only so tenderly. "I know you're scared. You don't have to if you don't want to. I know forget them! Forget them and come with me instead. Just take my hand and we can leave together. It can just be the two of us. No animals, no parents or anyone, just me and you…”

How could it be that these two were once the closest friends, yet here they were at opposite ends fighting like enemies?

It was only jealousy that tormented the very mind of a boy that was so obsessive with his best friend. Still he only feared he'd be forgotten and replaced so much that he was awfully possessive to the point that he hated for anyone else to befriend his dearest friend. Because he only wished it would be the two of them forevermore.

They call it an obsession to be endlessly in love and yearn for another that nothing else matters and to be without them is like dying a painful, yet slow depriving death. Truth to be told, I don't know when any of it really started. Maybe it was that day of the meteor shower where it was just the two of us in that whole world together. I turned to him, grabbing his cheeks and he held the most adorable expression on his face.

He had pouted, his eyes furrowed and that lip pushed up above the upper lip. Here he shook his face at me as he continued to scrunch up his nose. He held my hand and I wanted nothing more than to cling by his side forever, I felt like nothing. My whole world was his; my eyes were his; and my heart was his. I ache every day because I longed for nothing more than for everything to always be the two of us.

I held his hand tightly, "Don't leave me." I would only whisper, not saying anything more.

"But I would never, you're my best friend in the whole world." He stared up at me with those gazing blue eyes of his. The sea could fit right in them with how beautifully endless they were, always drawing me in and never letting me out. I softly felt his cheek and he just leaned against it.

At the time, it wasn't love or perhaps I hadn't realized it. However, it didn't change the fact my heart was racing faster than I had ever ran against him and I would always win those races.

"We'll always stay together— just me and you—and someday we will go out to the sea. We'll swim across the ocean and see the other worlds." At the time I didn't think of the raft, but thought maybe we could reach there just by swimming.

His eyes lit up like sparkles, "Really? We can swim there?"

I nodded as my seven year old self reached out my hand as I looked towards only the horizon, "We could swim the way to the new world but only if we're together because if we get separated you'll get cursed." I poked his nose.

"Hey!" He exclaimed, "I don't wanna get cursed!". His bright eyes filled with horror at what I just said, it was so adorable and I loved every second of it.

"Then you better stay with me." I warned him, not letting him out of my sight. Just stay with me and only me and nothing will go wrong.

Sora frowned and shuffled his feet, "Well I promised Tidus that I.."

I sighed. One day it's Tidus, the next day it's Selphie, and the next could even be Wakka. I hated every moment of it.

I just shook my head, "Tell him you can't. You're busy and something important came up."

I hated how popular he was. I understand, he was special and so lovely, yet I couldn't help but hate how everyone wanted to stare and claim whose heart is already stolen.

Sora nodded, "O-okay I'll tell him I can't."

I smiled as I stared at the midnight sky, "Good."

The sky was my everything. I could just get lost looking at the sky for so long. Each star was so beautiful and bright and I couldn't help it, and I wanted to know more. Together, me and Sora will someday do just that. It was something I had promised to myself right then and there.

"Riku... What are those stars?" His voice shook as his eyes widened with the hesitation and fear it had held inside.
I smiled in triumph, that's right Riku can tell you, I thought.

"Those stars are other worlds and someday we will go to each and every one of them. It will be the two of us and only us!" I held his hands close, "I want to leave this tiny island, but I need you to come with me."

Sora only nodded, "Of course I will come! Together!" He swung his fallen sword that had previously laid by his feet.

The sky started to scream as hundreds of fallen lights flashed through the night. Sora jumped back in fright. He would always get scared of little things. That's why it was my job to protect him.

I held Sora tightly. I wanted him all to myself. I didn't want the others to take who I already would protect. I cherished him after all.

I kept my arms around him and that calmed him down. His eyes closed and he clung onto me as I had always clinged to him.

"Ku? Sleepover?" He gave me that look and I couldn't say no. "Pleaseeee?"

I nodded, "I promise on my word, us together once more."

And together we began to walk back.

On our way back, I saw a lone girl laying on the sand but I paid her no mind. My first priority is making sure she, along with others, bear no mind to Sora. I covered Sora's eyes and he exclaimed.

"Hey! What are you doing?! Ku! I can't see," however he was laughing all the same. I looked back and we were distances away from her. I just knew he would want to help her out and what if he befriended her.

I could not have that.

It wasn't fair. Sora easily made friends, but I only had him and there could be a chance he leaves me. In my dreams, I see a distant future where the two of us are much older. We're playing a fighting game I think, but then he goes with other friends and leaves me to the dust. I keep dreaming of the same dream and it worries me. What if Sora leaves me?

I couldn't let him get close to anyone else. I clinged into Sora gently, laying my head on his shoulder. I could walk the way, closing my eyes and using Sora to guide us. My eyes suddenly darted open when I felt a hand touch my head.

"Oops? I got caught." I looked up at the guilty perpetrator. "Your hair is so soft, y'know? It's so mysterious and silver! Nobody else has hair like that."

I flicked his nose, "Sora."

"He— what?" He asked mid complaint.

"Don't leave me. And don't touch my hair."

I felt him nod, "Okay but you have'ta let me someday."

"And that day isn't today." I only said in response.

We would stay up all night playing games or reading stories to the other— well more like I was the one reading and he was the listener— before crawling into our beds where we would cling to the other.

That's when it all started I think. When I wanted nothing more to be the only one by his side forevermore...

I was the age of 15 when I had woken up as usual. I kept getting upset lately. Sora kept making more and more friends and that girl I so desperately tried to prevent from getting close became friends with him because of school.

I hated school. It was trying to ruin everything. What if I'm the one no longer in his heart. Once he said I am precious and that I am his best friend. He said we would always be together. However, I get worried. I hate to see him with others because then he might not care for me anymore. I don't want anyone else, just him.

I spent the first several years of our friendship finally getting Tidus to leave him alone. Now that kid only spends time with Selphie and Wakka which is fine by me. As long as it's not Sora, I could care less and he could even keep the other islanders distracted.

What I don't like about Kairi— that was the girl's name— is that Sora has never been this close to anyone else. Also I overheard Selphie saying Kairi and Sora liked each other. My heart couldn't take that.

I kept hearing whispers too, Sora will leave you for that girl in purple. I've heard those whispers for years, telling me my deepest darkest fears. She'll replace you, in his heart. He won't need you anymore.

I shouted to no one in particular, "Be quiet!" That same low voice didn't go away, but it paused temporarily.

We had a secret place, just the two of us but he even brought that girl there. I heard him even wanting to bring her with us to the outside worlds. It was supposed to be me and him only.

I am in love with Sora... One day I realized. It was after I finally relented and even let Kairi stay around. She was nice but I couldn't help but still want Sora to myself. I wonder if she realized it because she would sometimes look at me in a way that just screamed she knew.

One day I was going to tell Sora. It was the day right before we planned to see other worlds. I had a paopu and everything, but that's when I heard Kairi's voice: "Let's take the raft and go, just the two of us!"

I stopped everything. It was supposed to be me and him... Or I reluctantly let her come with us. It was my idea. I ran off, dropping the fruit. I heard horrid thoughts again. What if he had replaced me? She said about them and not me.

I spent the remaining of the day in the cave, sulking for who knows how long. It even started raining when the voice came again. I was told, if I opened the door of our world, the three of us could leave. The rafts wouldn't make it. Me and Sora could stay together forever if I did this. The voice had even confided in me that Kairi would not interfere with us. This was my only chance to be with Sora, I had to take it. I couldn't be afraid anymore. I chose Sora over the world.  I'd let the world burn if Sora was saved.

That's when I opened the door and the storm came.

I went to the paopu tree and waited for Sora. I knew he'd come.
It will be the two of us forever.

Something strange happened to me— to us. I was alone and not with Sora. We failed to reach each other, but I did find a woman named Maleficent that had offered to help me if I helped her. I took it easily because soon with her help I'll be reunited with Sora.

I did what the woman wanted. I gathered princesses of each world. She needed them to achieve something, I didn't really know what nor did I care to know. All that mattered was Sora.

Then the woman told me,"I have seen your friend. However, it seems he has long forgotten you and that girl."

I shook my head, that wouldn't happen. He had to be desperately searching for me. He wouldn't, I told myself, trying to convince myself. Sora would never forget us... or me.

"That's not true! He just doesn't know where I am!" I exclaimed back before heading into another world. This world Sora went to, I had to see him and Kairi. I know they probably ended up together even if it left a bitter taste in my mouth like a rotten paopu.

Sora... Where are you? I looked around, I had to look good for him.

There were heartless. Maleficent controlled them, but I knew how to handle them.

I cleared the area and that's when I saw him. "Riku!". He ran up to me as if I was his everything or I hoped. There I was in his arms as I embraced him like never before. I was so happy, my heart could aflutter.

"I'm so glad you're okay after the storm," I gently caressed the side of his cheek. Maybe I was feeling a bit brave.

"You're actually here, right? It's.. not a dream?" He felt my own features, even near my own lips.

I stepped back in surprise and pushed him away, "Hey! This better not be any dream. Besides, my dreams are... different."

Actually sometimes it felt that they were so real and had what I often feared.

But then I saw Kairi wasn't with him. Oh. Had they not landed in the same area? A part of me was glad. The voice said she wouldn't be here.

"Did you see Kairi at all?". He only softly asked. There it was, the inedible question.

I shook my head and noticed the others that trailer behind him. Who were they?

"I'm sure she's fine. I know together we can go see other worlds now. We can go look for her, just the two of us like we've always wanted to." I offered my hand. Take it this time, I hoped.

I didn't actually care about finding her. A part of me wanted to find her and not tell Sora. Then I can put her somewhere Sora would never find her. Then forever we'll be together.

I could find Kairi easily, I thought. I could take her and get rid of her. No wait... I could find her before Sora does and make sure he never finds her.

I smiled to myself with that thought.

Then I felt the heartless, "Don't worry, I got this!" I had to show Sora I could always protect him. There's not another he could rely on besides me, of course.

But before I could do a thing, they were gone. In Sora's hands was a keyblade. I wondered how I knew that.

"Sora..." I looked away. What if he doesn't need me anymore?

Just then those others who were following spoke up, "Sora's the hero of the keyblade now!"

I hated what that implied. What did that mean?

"Um, who are you again?" I narrowed my eyes. It was just me and Sora. I surely didn't invite them nor would I ever invite two individuals like them.

"I've been to so many worlds looking for you and Kairi and the two of them have been helping me." He exclaimed with his perfect beautiful smile. I couldn't focus on anything when my eye caught his appearance, it was so distracting.

I had more matters to take care of. I couldn't let those two warp him into someone he's not. He was my friend first, but he had to befriend those too as well.

I thought back to the words Maleficent told me. I shook my head, no! Sora would never replace me.
"Well now that I'm here, we are finally together."

Sora nodded and held my hands, "That's right. You're not going to believe this, but there is this rocket I've been taking to see every place. You have to come with me. I'll even let you drive!" Sora was just as excited to tell me and bring me along.  I knew it, he hasn't forgotten me after all.

My eyes widened. It sounded like something from our make-believe games we played when we were kids. I would love to go with Sora and do just that.

The clouds came hovering before the sun and stomped on our parade.
"He can't come!"

My whole world was torn apart.

Why?

I stood there in anger. I wasn't listening at this point. Why was he with that being? I'm the one who is his friend— his only friend.  How could that duck say I couldn't come?

I was his friend first.

I didn't bother to hear what Sora said in response either. That woman, how could she be right?

Why did she know?

He has just been spending all his time with them, that he did forget about me. Then they won't even allow me to come.

I ran off and sighed. It was my job to protect Sora, but he doesn't need me anymore. I'm supposed to be his friend, not Kairi— not Donald or Goofy either.

I walked around the entire town probably until I came across a little house. There Sora was hopping around as Donald said something and Goofy was laughing. They were acting as if they had been friends for years.

It grilled my very own blood, "But Sora..." I said out loud, "What about me?"

"Don't you see, he simply plans to only replace you and nothing more. Stay away from him and you'll be much better off. I can give you the precious life, he cannot." I almost jumped in surprise as I felt a hand on my shoulder as she appeared behind me.

Maleficent was right. I had to stay away.

~~~

I found Kairi. Well I had Maleficent and her friends' help. Though, I'm not sure if friends is the right word to describe them. But there was something good about the state Kairi was in, she had lost her heart.

I guess it will mean that if she remains like this then Sora can never be with her, but I wanted to help her. She was still my friend in a way and Sora did care about her. It was just complicated... She had lost her heart and I had to find one to give her in return.

It's why I came to this world. It was inside a whale which was very strange. The people there were what I came for. There was a puppet that had acted as if it was real and it even had a heart of its own.

If I could take that then maybe I could save Kairi. However, it was then I saw Sora again. I smiled slightly.

Here he was trying to save a puppet— basically a doll— over Kairi. I couldn't even believe him. "You are trying to save that puppet? Do you not care about me or her? We can work together to help her!". I didn't actually care about that, I just wanted him. "Now that you have that keyblade you just run around showing it off!"

Sora paused. He frowned before angling it at me, "Of course I care, but this isn't the way! He deserves to have his own heart as much as anyone."

"It doesn't matter as long as it's not you." I answered back before narrowing my eyes at what he just did, "You really would fight me?"

He nodded and I widened my eyes. He really would?

He doesn't care about me does he?

The monster came and I had already disappeared from the world.

Maleficent came towards me, "I don't know why you continue to mess with him. He only hinders you."

I loved him and now he threw that love away. "And what about you? What do you want?"

"Why, I want nothing but to help you!" The woman almost leaned down in a comforting manner, "Her heart has been taken, but if you find the remaining princesses and open the door to hearts just maybe you'll find hers in return." Then once I do that, I'll hide her away. I narrowed my eyes, a part of me didn't believe her for a second.

I gained the ability to control the heartless. Now all that's left is to save Kairi and then I can plan what to do with Sora.

I missed Sora.
Actually I wanted him by my side. Why won't he join me? I could only sit there as I thought. I had darkness, I was going to save Kairi, and I was given the ability to travel worlds just like the two of us always wanted.

I want Sora.

Then suddenly Sora was in front of me. I halted back in shock as the boy stared his bright piercing eyes into mine. I could just hold him and do anything I ever wanted. We could be together forever just like we always wanted.

I closed my eyes and leaned forward as if to kiss him, but right as my lips were near his shadows radiated off his body.  At that moment, I knew it wasn't him and it wouldn't mean a thing. Just a shadow puppet and I have full control of the being.

I was selfish and a fabrication wouldn't be the same as the real thing.

"You're not Sora." I looked away, my heart aching. I left 'him' alone as I sat out on the deck instead of the Captain's cabin.

However, the time to see Sora again— actual Sora— came sooner than I expected when Sora and those two others were knocked onto the vessel. That duck and dog were knocked down into the cellar while Sora landed peacefully onto the ship, sleeping without a care. He was so adorable at times, huh.

Sora finally arose and I smiled to myself, "It's good to see you again." I couldn't help it.

Sora widened his eyes, "Riku.. Where are they?"

I grit my teeth, why was he asking about them? Does he not care about me or even Kairi at this point? What's the point of taking Kairi away from him if he doesn't even care and would rather have those other two. "Do you not care about her?" I revealed Kairi behind me.

Sora's eyes were shocked as he saw the girl for himself. She was motionless like a doll. Her eyes were dull and she felt so lifeless without a heart. "Why do you side with those heartless? They could hurt you too!"

I almost paused, was that concern? It made me almost happy to see how worried he was. "Sora, you're sweet aren't you? The heartless have no effect on me so I have nothing to fear."

Sora frowned and crossed his arms, "That's not true! Someday they could turn on you!"

I shut my eyes, he doesn't know anything. At that moment the other shadow Sora appeared. Sora gasped and staggered.

Just then one of Maleficent's friends arrived and had thrown him with the others. I just had to make sure Sora didn't meet up with Kairi, it would make things much worse. The shadow Sora went down there with him and I looked down.

I sighed. That shadow was Sora and maybe... No, I erased those thoughts from my mind. The only Sora was the one I grew up with where we promised to be together forever.

I had planned to prepare for landing, but my thoughts kept thinking about Sora. How can I make him want me again? How can it just be us two?

Kairi... If I use her then maybe he'll want me again. I smiled as I thought of that. I went down to the prisoners— it was just Kairi and that one girl from this world— to take her.

I held her as I watched as Sora came to me. See because I have her, he pays attention. A part of me hopes it could be like this forever. Ignore the girl, just have your eyes on me.

However Sora kept talking about saving Kairi. I closed my eyes and a shadow Sora came to attack him. I disappeared into the darkness with Kairi by my side.

My breathing started getting heavy. It was hard to breathe as I felt this aching pain of loneliness. It was like I was drowning in the dark.

Maleficent shakes her head, "You shouldn't have brought her here. It was incredibly dangerous." She just stared down at me.

I looked at my hand and got up, "The heartless won't affect me," I told her. "Besides I couldn't just have Sora take her."

"That boy..." Maleficent drew her words out, "It's his keyblade that makes him strong. That's why he has replaced you."

I narrowed my eyes at those words replaced.

"What's your point?" I didn't care for the conversation. I just wanted Sora back.

"Without it, he would have to rely on you again." I widen my eyes. However, there wasn't a way to actually permanently take it from him once a keyblade chooses its wielder. "That boy may have it now, but you are the keyblade's true wielder."

I blinked, it could be me? Why does Sora have it then? Does that mean I could use a keyblade to protect Sora?

A flash of a far off memory came to me.  There was a stranger and a man, In your hand take this key... So as long as you have the makings, then through this simple act of taking... Its wielder you shall one day be.." 

That's right, I met someone that granted me the ability but I long forgotten about it until now.  He never came back like he said he would, I looked down. Everyone always leaves me.

I laid Kairi down when I heard a roar that came from a voice not from this world either. "How stupid, someone had come to challenge me?"

"He followed his heart with the mere belief that his precious person was there." Maleficent turned to face the voice.

I would find whoever it was and stop him, and maybe Sora would come to me. That thought made me feel a bit giddy. It almost made me feel pathetic.

I found a beast-like creature who had been pleading desperately to give back his beloved.

I almost pitied him. I would be the same way for Sora. I desperately wanted that Donald and Goofy to leave his side at once. I wanted Sora to remain only at mine. They caused him to change and would never accept him.

The beast attempted to get a hit on me, but I jumped back just in time before laughing. "Is that the best you could do? If my beloved was in danger, I'd already be saving him."

He attempted to roar and that's when I heard an oh familiar voice, "Stop!" I froze as if in command. I could listen to his voice all day and it would be just perfect and then I saw the company he brought. Right...

"Hello Sora," I smiled at him. I wonder maybe without them or that weapon, he would need me again. "I've been waiting for you."

"Riku, why are you doing this?" His eyes widened and he had this face of distraught. Those two companions of his also had their weapons ready. Ha, they really didn't trust me, did they?

I smiled softly, "Sora, you know what hurts the most is your abandonment. We always were rivals, but how could you just replace me ever since you got that keyblade? Don't you see they're just using you and turning you against me." I reached out my hand, "But it all stops now and I can finally protect you from them! Let it choose its wielder!" I watched as the weapon appeared in my hands.

It was just like I temporarily did before. Sora fell to his knees. "What? But... That was mine. Riku stop this! I'm supposed to lock all the doors and save the world!"

I shook my head, "And you did your job to bring me the key. Now it's my turn to save you." I whispered only softly before turning away. I threw a basic weapon from when we were kids, "Here. You can play pretend with this. Don't worry I'll be back."

I walked away. He was on the rocks just staring at the ground. I watched as his companions left him. It hurt me to see him like this, but I knew it. They were just using him and I hated it. I was going to kill them for this.

Once I took care of them I'd come back for him. I'll hold him and dry his tears. I don't want him to be sad that they left him. I started breathing harder, the darkness would occasionally suck me in.

I'll be fine, I told myself. I then sat above the altar and watched as those two followed me. How do I get rid of them and away from Sora?

I had a key, maybe I could do something with it?

Darkness... If I just did that then—

"Don't!" It was Sora's voice. Did he make it all of the way here for me? "You'll hurt them"

Then everything went dark and the sun stopped shining. The crispy cold air filled the room as he said just that.

Sora went in front of them, "You'll hurt them!"

"Do you not care about me.. or even Kairi? I thought you came here for me?". I turned my head away, "As long as they live you'll only think about them," I said much quieter this time.

It was like that back then too. Kairi this and Kairi that, always about her. What about me, Sora? What about your best friend since forever? We planned to leave together.

Hey Riku, I know let's bring Kairi along too!

I was so upset, it was supposed to be us and just us. I spent years trying to prevent anyone from going near you just for a single girl to flip everything upside-down. And then he forgets about the both of us and replaces us immediately.

"Huh? What are you talking about? I came to save you and Kairi." He crossed his arms, "That's why I was with them but you ran off. We could have worked together but you were hurting innocents and using darkness!"

Why did it matter? They weren't anyone important. As long as Sora was safe.

"Because the darkness helps me. I'll show you!" I held my hand out and bursted out a flame of darkness on his very soul. However, before I knew it someone got in the way. It was one of the traitors who tried to abandon my dear Sora. I stared at him, "I thought you had abandoned him. Don't you want to carry out your useless mission?"

"I do but I'm not abandoning Sora, right Donald?" And at his voice the other— Donald— came running this way right in front of him.

He still had no weapon.

"Riku, you can keep the keyblade, I don't need it! It's the connections to everyone's hearts that makes me strong and as long as they stay with me then I can fight on the right side!" Sora exclaimed at me. I almost stepped back.

However, it was that very moment the keyblade glowed and returned to Sora.

What?

I closed my eyes and walked up to Sora. I had a better blade. I pressed the tilt to my neck and blood was drawn. "I have a better one. It is said to be able to release the hearts of you and I. Maybe we'll finally be free and together. But you know," I looked down sadly as I thought of his companion that he easily forgave. He would forgive them after betraying him? I faced Sora. "They're pulling us apart. Without them we could easily be together. Someone has to die, you know and I'll let you choose. Them or my life?"

Sora backed up, "What...What are you saying, Riku?" He looked ghostly pale, I wanted nothing more than to comfort him and hold him forever. Then maybe he'll understand my feelings and that they're the ones who are stopping us. I was filled with only envy. I couldn't help it.

"Someone has to die today. Choose carefully now, either me or them." I whispered only quietly.  If he could look at me and just choose to be with me instead...

Sora had stopped everything, "What... Why?" He cried out again as he only stared in horror. "Why does someone have to die, Riku?"

I shut his eyes before sighing, "Don't you see? If they live, we can't be together."

"What? That doesn't make any sense!" Sora held his keyblade and pointed it at me, "You're the one siding with the darkness."

I closed my very own eyes before they too darkened, "You're really pointing the keyblade at me? What happened to us?"

"What happened to us?" He repeated as if he was somehow confused. How could he be so ignorant of everything? It used to be us. Sora faced me again, "I don't want you nor Donald, Goofy, or Kairi to have to die! All of you are getting out of this alive. Riku!"

He shouted my own name and then I smiled. "So that's your answer. You want to die for me, that's the sweetest thing you've done!" He just can't bear the fact of anyone's death that he decided to take the sacrifice.

"What No!" Sora shook his head, his keyblade in hand, "No one has to die.. Riku..."

However, I was the same. I was selfish and didn't want Sora to die.

I closed his eyes and kept repeating his beautiful name, "Sora. Sora. Sora. You're so beautiful and sweet. It makes my heart weak." I took one step forward and caressed Sora's soft cheek only so tenderly. "I know you're scared. You don't have to if you don't want to. I know forget them! Forget them and come with me instead. Just take my hand and we can leave together. It can just be the two of us. No animals, no parents or anyone, just me and you."

They could live if they left us alone. It didn't matter.

I wanted him to take my offer. We could be together. I put my hands under his chin as I smiled.

"Please.. Sora?" I wished. Couldn't it just be us. This cruel world had dared to separate us and lead us in opposing directions. He sought the beautiful pure light and I had sought the dangerous darkness, but I didn't mind. He was the light to my own darkness as I was the darkness to his own light. Then he laid his hands below my own.

Despite everything Sora had smiled, "Okay. Let's get you out of here, Ku'." I widened my eyes as he called me that name again.

"Sora..." I dismissed that keyblade and fell to my knees. I watched as he held me and tears only fell from my eyes. It was pathetic. Why was I crying? Was it because I missed him so? "I missed you.." I ended up accidentally revealing a second later.

"It's going to be alright," he offered me his signature smile that would always melt my heart. "I just need to seal the keyhole in this world first."

I held Sora quite close and I looked at the injured Donald, Goofy, along with an unconscious Kairi. It didn't matter.

We just had to get to the key hole and we'll be together. I guided Sora to the room where I was positive the keyhole laid. If he saved this world and closed the door then nothing else matters. We can be together.

However, I heard that voice. He's just going to abandon you after he seals the keyhole.

I shook my head, "shutupshutupshutup!" I had cried out to no one in particular.

Sora stared at me, "um I didn't say anything?"

I felt bad, I would never tell that to Sora. "Not you..."

He held me close, but the voice wouldn't stop it. How can you believe him? He easily agreed to stay with you when before he was so adamant about staying with the others. He is lying.

I shook my head once more. No, he's not lying. We'll be together soon.

Why do you think he easily changed his mind? He's just using you, Riku wielder of the darkness. I widened my eyes at those words, No...

I am what you actually need. I can make everything yours even Sora if you just let me in. I couldn't handle this, it was almost too much.

After he said that I pushed Sora forward, "shut up!" I stared at him. I felt guilty again, "Sora, get out of here!"

He stared at me with quite the expression, looking a tad bit puzzled and his face held the most concern since we've been here.  Then I screamed and I could only see Sora's horrifying face before everything went dark.  Before I knew it I saw darkness.  Everything had turned black and I could no longer see.

I was surrounded by the cold energy that I sought to navigate through only weeks prior. The darkness warped around and I could only feel my entire being go endlessly cold.

My vision returned and I only imagined I was where the rest of darkness lies.
I was in a place so far off where only the darkness surrounded me. There wasn't a single strand of light.

Is this my punishment, I thought. I can't even be with Sora... What's the point of that?
That voice kept haunting me forever and now it has taken over me to the point where I'm just a spirit in the endless abyss where all those heartless and monsters crawl for an eternity in this hellscape.

Is this my future? Am I sentenced to be a monster like them, forever wondering, but never receiving answers to where my other half truly lies.

I want to go back to the light. I need Sora. I was jealous and possessive to no end. I made Sora run from me, I thought bitterly. That's why he befriended so many people. I was just so miserable, thinking one day he wouldn't need me. I wanted Sora all to myself and I didn't care about any other.

When I first began to worry about thoughts such as those, I pondered to myself. It didn't start last year, it started when I was younger.

That voice came to me one day, it was after that strange man and women had wandered to our islands. That man had confirmed he came from the outside world and it was possible to travel there before giving me the key to be able to in the future. He promised to come back, but he never did and soon the voices started.

That voice spoke of every fear and worry. It was my darkness talking, I had only assumed but I realized it was Ansem who has been trying to get me to do this since forever.

It started off with phrases such as Tidus, Selphie, and Wakka that would take my precious Sora away from me. But then it became more about my fears and worries. I only wanted to keep Sora safe and not be forgotten.

But I knew the truth, he clearly did like Kairi. I was just in the way of everything. This is why I'm here. I'm supposed to remain locked away so I can't dictate Sora anymore. This is my prison of eternity and I'm never allowed to escape and my body is being used for who knows what and I just hope Sora could put a quick end to me so I don't have to live out anymore days without being by his side.

I only loved him and still do love him and it's why I hope he defeats Ansem and free the darkness from his light. Sora is too pure and beautiful. He deserves only the best and I'm not part of that world.

If we can't be together, what is the point? Those words are still true but I should just fade away into darkness so he can be happy.

I stopped walking when I saw a door.
It was the door where light was met. I could leave this way, I could go back to Sora.

It's everything I wanted. Sora even promised we'll go together after this. I then heard his voice.

"Come on Sora, keep up." I heard a loud obnoxious voice. Did those companions of his join back up with him?

Well at least he wasn't alone.

"I know but I'm just worried about Riku... Did he d.." He whispered quietly, not saying the actual word for the fear of saying just that could mean that the possibility I was dancing in death's sweet lips could be true.

I held my hands to my own heart and smiled softly, "Sora... I'm not dead." I wanted him to know.

"There's no way! If you restore the worlds he'll be sent back to your island and you can go see him," the other—Goofy—told him.

I shook my head, no I don't think that would happen because I'm in here.

"I just wanted to see the worlds together... It was supposed to be the two of us." I heard him crying. That's what made me look from a distance and there I saw Sora. I wanted to run over and hold him close to me as I tell him I am still alive. I just had to dry his tears and make sure he was okay.

Sora was pushing the door closed weakly, I had to help him.

"Come on, Sora, I thought you were stronger than that!" I said what I always used to tell him as I began pushing the door on my side close.

Sora's eyes widen and instantly he glowed. He nodded and smiled, "Riku! You're here and alive!" He stopped everything and immediately held onto my own arms as he embraced me in a hug like never before.

I stopped for a moment and couldn't help but smile softly, "Yeah... I suppose I am." I felt his gorgeous locks with my own fingers as I embraced him back.

"I thought... " Sora trembled and dropped to his knees. I turned my head as I felt myself blushing, "Once Ansem took over you and you didn't come back after I defeated him that you were... lost forever," he kept crying.

"No I.. you can be happy now with all your friends like you always wanted. I was jealous and wanted you for myself. Be with Kairi like you always wanted to do." I pulled off his arms that were currently right around me one by one as I slowly stepped back.

Sora was puzzled and with that bewildered expression of his. "What? I want to be with you! I spent all this time trying to be with you!" Then I saw how upset he was getting. Was it because of me? I thought I was just one of his many friends— not anyone special. "It was our dream to go together too, you can't just stay in that world. Who knows what's there? What if you get hurt?"

At that moment he felt my hair and I widened my eyes. He used to always want to and even called it soft, but this time I didn't stop him or pretend to get annoyed.

It was almost endearing.

"I faced plenty before, Sora. Why do you worry about me? You're pathetic..." I shook my head, taking a step back. Come on, we have to close the door and save the world."

Sora pouted and scrunched up his nose, "Riku! That's not fair." He shouted as I pushed to close the door. "Then... Let me go with you!"

I froze. I couldn't let him in here, "Sora.. You're too pure of light, I couldn't let the darkness tamper you like that." I caressed his cheek and softened my eyes as I stared at his pleading expression. I hated how sad he looked.

"Light and Darkness are two sides of the same coin. One cannot exist without the other and my light cannot exist without your darkness." Sora leaned into my touch one final time, "Will I see you again?" He whispered quietly.

Call me selfish. One part of me wanted to push him away. The other part of me wanted to tamper with his light and bring him to my side. I didn't want anyone else to have him. I just wanted it to be me and him. We could be together and Sora wanted it to do that which is why I did what I did and became selfish for just one moment.

I nodded, "I hope so. Sora I.. I love you," I pressed my lips to Sora's, enraptured by everything. His soft lips tasted sweeter than everything else before. I wanted to just stay, keeping him for myself. I didn't even know if he felt the same way or was okay with this. A part of me didn't care and wanted him for myself as selfish as that sounds. However, the other part was hoping he would feel the same.

I held him gently in my arms, only carefully caressing as I could only sweetly hold him and have my lips on his own. Sora didn't try to stop me nor did he prevent me from continuing. A fire had ignited and I wanted to be here forever. His hair was like the soft sand of our sea and I couldn't help it. I didn't want to stop kissing him all the same.

But it was time to go. Sora touched his lips in surprise right afterwards, his fingers lingered onto them. He gave me a nod or maybe he didn't know what to say so I pushed the door as he closed it.

I prepared to face the darkness but that's when Sora this time kissed my cheek, "I'll find you again I promise!"

I heard the voice of those companions' king and together we closed the door, "Goodbye... Sora."

He locked the door with his key and I put my hand on the door and closed my eyes, it was like I could feel Sora doing the same. We were so close but so far away, but my journey was far from over.

But at least he knows in my heart I am his for eternity and nothing will stop me from being the only one remaining at his side forevermore…