kh_drabble | Rehab [206]

Title: Rehab
Challenge: 206 - Storm
Word Count: 316
Notes: I've never done a challenge and I feel like drabbles aren't my thing. In fact, it's probably only because my brain pulled this out at one in the morning and I haven't the sense to think it over before I post :/ Here is my first shot, and my apologies if it's choppy or hard to follow.

Set before the final battle in Kingdom Hearts 2

Riku barely had a chance to turn his head as the doors slammed shut on the Mickey and Kairi, the former having been his support for the chaotic period he had chosen to be infested with his own evils. Mickey was his mentor, had guided him through his hopelessness, had helped Riku see the light through the darkness; without him, Riku still felt far too unstable. Instant panic swept through him as the King disappeared behind the wall, leaving the four of them trapped inside with Xemnas and the darkness Riku had grown so accustomed to; he could feel the very air getting thick with it, and his mind groped helplessly for a way to not be consumed by it yet again. To not be overtaken by this storm of power and corruption around him.

The wind blew against his already flushed and battered cheeks, a sinking chill of uncertainly and dumb, blind courage that had him readjusting his stance on the ground, feeling his feet grind against the hard stone beneath him. The fortress before him loomed in the darkness, radiating it's own vast aura of unfathomable horror, and a gush of terror struck him like a pounding of ice cold rain, soaking his very bones with the delicious option of a nervous breakdown.

But a heat came beside him, like a warm blanket on a cold winters day, draping him with a sense of calm and ease. He glanced over as Sora raised his keyblade, eyes set on the goal before him with an almost tangible strength and determination.

"We can take him on our own."

And with a smirk that wiped away the final traces of doubt in Riku's heart, he followed, knowing that in this moment, with a heart as pure as love itself beside him, his own demons would be forever subdued.

He raised his weapon. The storm was behind him.