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When Riku was little, he always had to put the forefront of a brave face. That means, no fear of anything — let alone a simple thing children typically fear; bugs, crabs, even meteors. Sora and Kairi were often more scared of anything, thus Riku steps in as their protectors. It was pleasing so to speak to be admired this way, especially to Sora who always aspired to be as brave and strong as him.
In spite of that, Riku knew deep down Sora was as strong as he was. Their strength could go hand in hand, if only — things turned out better than they should.
“…Take care of her.”
Riku says, as the door between him and Sora shuts away. Despite Sora wanting to reach for him, Riku could only give Sora a brave face so then he would never have to worry.
He believes in Sora, but perhaps Sora couldn’t see that. That’s okay, right?
His inspiration turned out to be a sham, a fallacy. Protecting what he believed was important only to lose it within his grasp once more.
He dragged Sora into this. Kairi into this, despite his destiny foretold to be some savior.
He wished he could go back in time to change it all. To stomp away that selfish jealousy that boiled and tainted him; chained him down to greater schemes they had no business getting involved in.
Take care of her, because in the end I couldn’t for any of you.
The door shuts away, and so has Riku’s heart.
Away from Sora. Away from Kairi.
Away from the world.
As silence draws within the endless dark, Riku felt his whole body tense. His face contorts, as his voice cracks. He tried to keep a brave face towards the stained glass reflection of the door but it tears into broken sobs. Every shard reflected every angle in loud colors.
He didn’t know if he will ever see Sora and Kairi again. He didn’t know if they ever want to see him again.
In the end, Riku was never brave. He only pretended to be, but Riku had always been afraid. Which those fears only drove them further away. Despite the path ahead within the dark, he just wanted to stay here. He wanted to deprive himself of existence and of worth.
He was no brave person. He was a liar.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry… I’m sorry..” He wanted to say, but nothing coherent could come out. Just broken letters and whimpering jargon.