A Second Chance

Bonding

Question... what do you guys want to see in this series? Honestly, my mind is spinning with possibilities (hence the long writer's block), and let's be real – I write for y'all. So if there's something you guys want me to explore, or add in, to this series, drop a comment :3

Also this series is really gonna lighten up soon. It's been super dark cause tbh it's FUN exploring the dark side of KH since the games brush over a lot of it. But our poor little reader will be more than just an angst-ball soon, promise lmao

* I * miss * writing * sassy * reader *

[REALM OF DARKNESS]

It was surreal, being back in the dark world. The last time Riku had been here, he was close to unconsciousness following the grueling battle against Xemnas. He wished that he had known then, that Aqua was trapped here. Maybe he could have helped her, like she had for him...

Could she really still be trapped here, Riku wonders as he makes his way through the sprawling land of abyss with Mickey by his side? Could anyone really be here for this long – for 15 years, without seeing another person or feeling the intoxicating warmth of light? But, then again... you had. Granted, not for as long, and you at least had some company from what you've told him. But still. Riku felt nothing but regret at both of your fates, and that he couldn't do more.

Now he was here, however. And eager to make things right.

Once you've been in the realm of darkness, it's impossible to ever forget the crippling coldness that grips your body while inside. It's almost hard to breathe sometimes, as if invisible wisps of darkness are blocking the oxygen from your mouth and nose. Energy drains faster here than in the light, and there's an oppressive sense of emptiness that fills you. Riku feels all of this as he treks down the wide path, the only light coming from faint purple and blue ribbons – almost like crystals – peering from the oddly shaped boulders all around him.

As much as he wants to turn and run away from the darkness – and his past – he continues forward. He won't leave Aqua behind again.

Riku suddenly comes to a stop, staring down at the ground. Mickey pauses, noticing his friend is no longer behind him, and turns around.

"What's wrong, Riku? Are you tired?" Mickey asks. "Do you need a break? We can stop."

"No, just... I've been here," Riku states, his shoulders slightly heaving forward due to the hidden pressure and guilt he's always carrying. "I should know this place. But that all seems like another life."

Nothing depresses him more than coming back here, face-to-face with his prior sins. But at the same time... it's freeing. Being here because he WANTS to, safe and in control.

"Well, gee," Mickey coos as he marches towards his friend. "Think of all you've seen! All the feelings you've felt. Why, you've done years of growing in almost no time at all."

Had he, though? So often, he still felt like that scared little boy fighting off the ever-present darkness in his heart. But maybe the King was right, because lately he felt... well, normal. Less haunted, and more powerful.

"I remember my first time here. I was so scared," Riku recalls, his gaze still focused on the ground. "But now, my doubts and fears are gone. If anything, I feel exhilarated. And it's not because there's darkness in me," he reassures his friend with a hand placed over his head. "I know too well what that rush is like. This is different. And it's not adrenaline either. I know Aqua needs us," his stomach does a somersault once more at the thought of her trapped here, "but I'm ready." Riku's gaze finally flits up from the ground, making eye contact with the King as his fists clench at his side. "I'm in control now. Maybe it's because you're with me this time," he concedes with a chuckle.