Destinies Intertwined (a Kingdom Hearts Riku X Oc fanfic)

Chapter thirty-six: Fear And Doubt

Riku went to the Keyblade Graveyard with Mickey, and met an amazing, beautiful, sparkling ice blue eyed sight.

He took a step forward, then started running. Little did he know, a masked boy stood there as well. Rachel watched, horrified as Vanitas aimed the Void Gear Keyblade at the boy, using shotlock. 

"Riku, look out!" 

Mickey was blocked by Unversed, as his friend threw herself in front of the young Keyblade master, turning over her shoulder.

"I love you." She disappeared a minute after taking the blow and Riku fell to his knees with a soft thud, barely able to speak.

"She... wh-why-- would you...?" 

"Rachel never stood a chance." Vanitas declared, stepping forward. "And you will share her fate." He unleashed a Dark Firaga, but two people ran, and threw their arms around Riku in a protective hug.

"S-Sora... Kairi, how did you...?"

"Riku ain't gonna go anywhere!" Goofy announced. He stood with Donald, Aqua, Ven, and Axel.

"You will leave our friend alone." Said Aqua. "Or pay the price."

Sora and Kairi turned back, hands still rested on their friend's shoulders. They watched as Mickey ran up next to them. Vanitas vanished, reappearing right behind Riku.

"No!" Kairi threw herself in between them, and took him down with one hit. They turned back. 

The boy tried to stand. He staggered, and someone steadied him.

"Easy. Are you hurt?"

He shook his head, then gasped, staring up at Ryan, who's eyes were slightly watery.

Riku, on his knees again, tried in vain to hide the stupid embarrassing tears, as he looked into the face of Rachel's brother, to whom he'd promised he would keep Rachel safe. "I'm so sorry... Ryan..."

"Huh? What are you-- Oh. Hey, it's alright. That's not your fault."

"But if I'd paid closer attention... She would still-- You know what... never mind. Y-you guys should go." Aqua shook her head, saying, "Even in the darkest of times, we stand together." 

"Wh-what's... that supposed to mean?"

"It means," said Axel. "No matter what happens, we'll always be there for you."

"Yeah!" Ven agreed. "We're friends!

"I..."

"Don't worry, Riku." Mickey said. "Even in the darkest darkness, there's always a little bit of light."

"Now wipe those tears." Said Goofy. 

"R-Right." Donald stepped forward. "Aw, we'll get Rachel back!"

Riku swallowed the lump in his throat, and struggled to his feet, but his knees were weak and shaky. Sora caught him before he fell, adjusting with a shoulder under his arm to support him. "It'll be okay. Trust me. You gotta think positive, remember?"

"I-- I know, and I'm trying, but... without her, everything is just... empty."

"Don't worry." said Kairi. "We'll bring Rachel home."

"Just like we will with Terra." Aqua added.

"And Roxas!" Axel chimed in.

"Namine... too? Why are you all doing this for me?"

"Because we're your friends. We care about you." Said Aqua. "We're in this together, and if you can't fight..."

"...We'll be your power." Ven finished, catching Sora's attention for a second. They all agreed, and brought him back to the island.