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

Chapter thirty-nine: Shining Against Despair

"So, how do you know Ryan?" Rachel asked. Three days had gone by since Ryan's disappearance, and still they made no progress.

"I joined him for a while in his search for you. But I... I messed up. You have no reason to trust me. I think... we should part ways."

"No."

The girls both looked over at Riku. He shook his head, "I saw what you did. I was there when we stormed the castle. You saved him once-- I'm positive you can do it again. We shouldn't part ways just yet."

She hadn't expected much protest, having been left behind so many times before. But his words formed a lump in Shira's throat. Her lip quivered.

"...O-okay." It was all she could manage without letting the tremor in her voice slip through.

"Maleficent's castle..." Rachel muttered, "Do you think he could be there?"

Riku shook his head, "it's gone. We brought it down ages ago. They're probably still scrambling to find a new hideout. Something tells me that wherever that new hideout is, that's where we'll find Ryan."

When I open my eyes, I'd better be lying in bed at home, with Rachel and Riku by my side. With everyone safe and my injuries healing and everything right again.

He pried his eyes open, not quite ready for the disappointment that came soon after. Ryan was still in the same spot he'd been in for four days, and there was no one in sight, not even Maleficent.

"I have to make contact with them somehow. Maybe..."

As though answering his call, a small white light materialized in front of him. But he could sense that it wasn't just any.

It was a fragment of his own light. 

"Find them," Ryan whispered. The fragment zipped away quickly, leaving the cave dark again.

I wonder... what's going on out there... He craned his neck to see the entrance, only to be met with Maleficent's steely gaze. She was walking towards him with something in her hand.

"A potion...? But--" Ryan coughed. Four days without food or drink was starting to take its toll-- that potion was tempting, even if it was clear that Maleficent just needed him alive. So he forced himself to accept it, albeit with a hint of resentment.

Ryan felt an ounce of strength return to him... not that it mattered.

I doubt that the light I sent out will be enough to show them where I am, but it'll at least let my family know that I'm still fighting. Hopefully, they'll find the motivation to keep searching.

Please...

I miss them.

"Hey, do you guys feel that?" Riku asked.

They all sensed it-- a familiar presence surrounding the empty field. Rachel's heart spun.

Rye--!

A brilliant fragment of light flickered into view.

Rachel put her hands underneath it. "Is this... Ryan's light?"

"It's so warm..." Shira whispered. She couldn't help but feel comforted as Rachel gave shelter to the light fragment.

"You're still going strong, then... Thank you, Rye. This was a much-needed boost of morale for all of us. I think... I think I can press forward now, if you two are ready."

She refused to give up. Ryan had risked his life for her. With full awareness of Maleficent's plan, he'd jumped in front of a charging fireball and gotten himself captured.

Not only that-- but he'd also gone so far as to take the form of her legal guardian, raising Rachel on his own for eleven years.

He's not just my brother, She thought, He's... my best friend.

"I won't leave him. We're bringing my brother home, no matter what. Let's go."