Riku's hair blew in the wind, as he stood atop a cliff gazing over the ocean and it's rippling tides. Memories were reflecting in his lustrous green eyes, scenes of the utmost torture. He had seen them many a time, but never would the change. Always, it was as if he were imprisoned inside of his own body. While his soul shone with the guilt of deeds from the past, he would be forced to perceive them as they flashed through his reminiscence.

Please…make the pain go away…help me…

From behind him, Riku heard a voice call his name and turned to face the mysterious figure, once again. It stood there, face enveloped in the darkness under the hood of its cloak, the key-like weapon grasped in hits hand. The only thing visible from under the hood, was a pair of eyes. They glowed a fearsome sky-blue. This time, there was no escape from this being. The only place he could go was off the edge of the cliff, to the far reaches of the ocean. Could he escape this creature in death?

Why does it keep following me?! Does it want to tell me something, or try to slay of me?!

Riku took a deep breath, filling his lungs with oxygen. He took two steps backwards, towards the edge. Without a second thought, he took one last step, and fell. The wind blew by him, howling, and he could feel it tingling at his fingertips. He felt like he was flying, into an abyss of endless skies.

Is…is this what it's like to fly, Sora…?

With a slap his body hit the water, back first. The impact caused him to exhale deeply, releasing all his precious air. Frantically, he flailed around, trying to get to the surface, but something was pulling him back down.

Oh shit! Now, what?!

Riku opened his eyes, cringing at the sting of the dirty water, and looked below him, trying to ignore the pang in his chest. He gasped at the sight of a gigantic octopus-like creature with his foot seized in one of it's tentacles, and then choked as he breathed in a large mouthful of water.

I'm not gonna make it…I'm getting dizzy…can't see straight…

His body convulsed, crying for air. Riku's vision blurred, and slowly he began to slip. Help. He needed help. He couldn't die here, not before seeing Sora and Kairi, again. He had to tell them so many things. The octopus pulled him closer, and opened it's mouth, revealing thousands of interior teeth.

So…sorry…Sora, I'm…so…sorry…

With an almighty wrench, the humongous creature dragged Riku's body through the rippling waves to it's deadly mouth. At the last second, it decided that he wasn't good enough for it's tastes and swam away.

I can't…ngh…breath…uhhhhhh…………………..

Riku's eyes closed, as his lungs stopped. He completely ceased to move, and his limp form swayed with the harsh ocean tides. Above the surface, the sky had grown dark, and the wind had died down, and the sky was full of stars. It was dusk.

Riku's eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the light around him. He groaned as he took a breath, for there was a sharp pain in his chest as soon as he breathed in. He shook his head, trying to remember what happened. After a few moments he stood up, but fell to his knees. His head was clouded by dizziness, and his chest was severely paining him. With a little effort, he pulled himself back on the bed and lay there breathing hard and coughing.

How did I survive that cliff…? Where am I…?

His head turned quickly towards the door at the sound of footsteps. An instant later, a figure entered the room. It was a pretty, young girl in a school uniform. She smiled.

"So, you're awake," she said calmly, "I'm Keiko Yukimura…and you are?"

Riku was having trouble focusing, for he was still rather dazed.

"I am…my name…Riku…" he said in a pained voice.

Keiko looked confused, "You seem so sad…," she said with a frown, "You're lucky to be alive."