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

Chapter thirty-eight: Under Lock And Key

"Ugh..."

Ryan groaned. He opened his eyes a bit-- everything was hazy and unfocused. Someone was carrying him off to who-knew-where.

Was it... Pete?

What's going on? I can't remember. My head hurts...

It was only when they passed a small body of water that he recalled something. In his reflection, he saw burns along his body.

That's right... I protected Rachel.

She's safe.

But I willingly ran right into their trap. I have to get out of here.

He summoned his Keyblade, but some kind of sleeping spell caused his consciousness to slip away again.

Heart's Allegiance fell from his hand. Pete and Maleficent continued to search for a place to keep their hostage as though nothing had happened at all.

Ryan opened his eyes and looked around. 

"Wh-what...? How did I..."

I'm holding my Keyblade, but... I've been asleep.

So how did it get there? 

He was in what appeared to be an underground cave, tied to a stalagmite and unable to move.

But my whole body feels like it's on fire. I probably wouldn't get very far even if I was untied.

He struggled against his bonds as Maleficent approached.

"You were controlled by the darkness once, were you not? You would be the perfect vessel of darkness under my control."

His eyes closed again-- it was a struggle just to stay awake. Everything was spinning, and the ropes rubbed against his skin painfully whenever he moved. Wriggling free would be agonizing.

But I have to fight. For all my friends and family, I have to make it out alive!

My body may be weak right now... but my heart is strong.

"I won't let you use me..."

"Of course not. That is... until your dear friend and sister arrive."

"No...!" He struggled more to break free out of instinct, but cried out in pain as the ropes rubbed up against his skin again. Maleficent laughed as Ryan slumped forward in defeat.

He bared his teeth like an animal. "Shut up!" he snapped.

The staff began glowing ominously. "Wh-what!?"

Ryan couldn't breathe, couldn't see anything, couldn't... do anything. It was like she was draining the life out of him.

"A-a-alright-- I-- I get it...! You're... Y-you're pulling th-the strings from now on... r-right?"

She lifted the spell, apparently deciding to wait until he nearly blacked out again. Ryan coughed and gasped for breath.

Something lit up behind his jacket, and Ryan felt a rush a hope.

He'd nearly forgotten about the small tracker hidden in his clothes.

It would have helped his sister and friend find him... had Maleficent not pressed the tip of her staff into it, crushing it easily.