Remembrance( A Kingdom Hearts Fanfiction)

Bonds

With Mara's agony filled cry echoing in his ears, Riku ignored the fact that he was overwhelmed by Vanitas before. It did not matter. It was Mara that mattered. Riku had to get to her. He had to hold her, to let her know that she was not alone. That she would never be left alone again. That he was there for her even when Terra was not. Riku felt that Mara needed to know this, for the painful memories she had endured would surely swallow her. And Riku would not hesitate to jump in and rescue her. Aiming his Keyblade towards Vanitas, Riku called fourth a familiar spell to him. One that could be called Riku's favorite "Firaga". As the tip of his Keyblade began to form a massive orb of flicking flames. From which Riku shot at Vanitas repeatedly. As seven repetitive orbs of fire pelted Vanitas from afar.

And yet amdist the attack Vanitas chose to act, closing the distance between the two of them rather quickly. The swift movement and pure aggression from Vanitas forced Riku at bay. Glaring at the masked boy Riku decided perhaps close range combat was the best. As the two boys began to exchange blow after blow with one another quite skillfully. Each Keyblade weilder not allowing the other to get the upper hand. Parrying one blow after the other. And watching the scene through blurry eyes was none other Mara. Whom had recently awakened from her nightmarish memory at long last. Focusing her gaze Mara noticed Riku fending off Vanitas surprisingly well, as she had been taken out by that terror many times.

Gripping onto her chest which still radiant with pain, Mara forced herself to her feet. And began slowly dragging her body closer to Riku. Wanting him to know that she was alright. But was she really? Touching her chest Mara could still feel the unrelenting sting in her heart. Left by Terra whom had broken up with her years ago. And yet here Mara was despite him leaving her. Trying her very best to save the man who stole her heart many years ago. Mara would not give up until her last breathe. She would fight for him, she would fight for herself. And that first step was taking on Vanitas. Gritting her teeth through the pain Mara formed her Keyblade Nèos in her hand. And with all the strength she could muster Mara attacked Vanitas from behind. Striking him in the abdomen. The sudden pain stopping Vanitas in mid strike against Riku. Who stated at Mara in disbelief, watching as she dug her Keyblade deeper into Vanitas's flesh.

Coughing harshly, Vanitas stumbled backwards away from the pair. Clutching onto his injured side,all the while Mara due to exhaustion fell to her knees. Her breathing heavily labored before Riku rushed to her side. Aiding Mara to stand, and allowing her to lean against him. While Vanitas couldn't help but to chuckle at the sight. Now mocking Riku and beginning to hopefully spread the seed of doubt within the silver haired man. "Not bad for a replacement." Vanitas breathed before smirking at Mara "You did good. Finding yourself a replacement for Terra. He's a fiesty one he is." Vanitas laughed as Mara glared opening her mouth to speak.

But it was not needed as Riku was the first to act. Standing beside Mara and careful to hold her so that she would not fall. "I'm no replacement. I'm me and no one else." Riku stated as Vanitas spat at the two before retreating into a dark corridor. Stating that he would return and snatch Mara away for good. "I won't let that happen." Riku breathed, now drawing in Mara's attention. Her vibrant orbs now upon him, as Riku carefully laced their fingers together. Before a small smile only meant for her was revealed. A smile that made Mara's own heart beat erratically. And cause Mara's cheeks to turn a bright red. These feelings she knew were wrong, but we're they really? After l Terra had broken up with Mara, which meant that she was free to choose who to give her heart to again. And yet Mara couldn't help but to feel guilty. Knowing that she still cared deeply for Terra, but also because she knew the Sparks between she and Riku were indeed real.

"I know I'm not a replacement to you." Riku breathed before gently stroking Mara's cheek, his gentle touch subconsciously causing Mara to nuzzle her face into his hand. Enjoying his warmth and gentleness as if it were a sacred fruit. It was then that Riku brought Mara's hands to his lips, kissing the back of her hands tenderly making Mara blush even more at his actions. "I just hope that someday maybe....there will be a place in your heart for me. Because your already in mine." Riku confessed to Mara his words so sincere it left Mara at a loss for words. She wished to tell him the truth, that there already was a place in her heart just for him. She merely feared it.

Mara opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out as she quietly lowered her head to the ground. Struggling with her. Knowing that Riku deserved at least an answer. And she would give it to him. "You are....already in my heart. But.. I cannot give it to you." Mara breathed feeling regretful, unable to give Riku what he wanted and what he deserved. Love. Love from her. Someone as flawed as she, and he wanted her love. A love she desperately wished to give the moment their hearts touched. But could not. For the shadow of Terra loomed over Mara, reminding her of their love. Despite his separation. "I know."Riku whispered before gently releasing Mara's hands from his grip. Flashing her another private smile just for her. "And I'm willing to wait for you. As long as it takes." Riku stated making Mara smile through her pain, with Riku holding his hand out for hers. To which Mara eagerly placed her hand in Riku's warm grip. Allowing him to lead Mara out of Radiant Garden and to a destination even Riku was unaware of. All he knew was that he wanted to be at Mara's side no matter what. And that was enough for him.