My Dark Heart: Ryan's tale (a Destinies Intertwined, Riku x Oc sequel)

Chapter thirty-seven: Persevere

Ryan was struggling. He'd been trying to avoid a fight, but now Heartless were climbing on top of him, pushing him into the ground. His knees wobbled, but he managed to keep his footing.

He gave a short gasp when he could-- there was hardly any room for him to breathe.

Is this really... how I...

"Ryan!"

Rachel... that's right. My reason for being here is to help my sister.

But if I can't fight...

A blinding light took over his entire vision. When he could see again, the Heartless were gone, as well as Maleficent.

He fell to one knee, panting and trying to figure out where that light had come from.

"It's a new move I've been trying out," said Rachel. "It can take out the whole group-- what do you think?"

"...I think... you should have used it sooner..." He commented, looking up to scowl at her, "But... thank you."

"I didn't think I would have to use that. It takes a lot of effort. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. I need a minute to catch my breath."

"You guys!" someone called out to them from a short distance away. It was Riku and the girl in black.

"What's up?" Rachel asked them as she helped Ryan to his feet. "Riku, are you feeling better?"

"...Ravenna, are you sure about this?"

The girl pulled down her hood. She looked almost exactly like Rachel, but her hair was a silvery blonde color.

"I'm... the one you were looking for. My name is Ravenna. I am Rachel's Nobody."

"What!?" the siblings yelled

"Rachel... do me a favor, okay?"

"What is it?"

Ravenna took Rachel's hand. She quickly began to disappear, but not before giving out a final wish.

"...Take care of Ventus for me."

And just like that... she was gone.

A sad silence fell over them. Riku and Rachel turned to leave.

Ryan looked around, sensing an unwelcomed presence, like they were being watched.

There she was, staring at him from a short distance away. Her staff was raised to attack.

I can guard just fine, but-- Wait, what is she doing?

Maleficent's fire was going towards Rachel at a terrifying speed. 

Ryan knew what he had to do.

Even if it was a part of some evil scheme. Even if he was taken as a prisoner.

Even... Even if it meant dying. 

"Rachel!"

I have to keep her safe!

Mom, Dad... I'll keep my promise. No one's going to hurt her.

"RYE!" They both yelled.

Engulfed in fire, he slumped into the grass. A wall of green flames prevented Rachel from coming to his aid. She was forced to watch him struggle, trying unsuccessfully to get back up.

She felt tears run down her cheeks as her brother let out a long, pained scream.

"Wait! Stop!" Riku shouted. The two of them watched helplessly while Ryan tried to get away from his attackers.

He locked eyes with his sister, looking scared and desperate as Pete scooped him up.

"Ra...chel... Ri-Riku... please... don't... don't leave me..."

"Ryan!" Riku screamed.

"Huh...?"

"We'll get you out of this! I swear, we'll find you. But you need to hold on, okay!? Don't go dying on us! Please... Hang in there. Promise me!"

"...promise... I'll..." Ryan's words trailed off as he lost consciousness. Pete carried him off into a dark corridor alongside Maleficent. 

They were gone. Pete, Maleficent... and Ryan.

The wall of flames vanished, but Rachel continued staring at the spot where her brother had been just a moment ago, twisting in agony, struggling to breathe.

"He protected me..." She whispered, voice shaking like never before. "He saw what was coming and he ran right in front of me...! He knew... He knew that's what they were counting on in order to capture him and he went through with it!"

Rachel looked over at Riku with a lost, terrified look in her eyes. "You said we would find him. You swore that we were going to get him out of this. How? What are we going to do?"

"...I have no idea."