Riku seemed to have thought about the ultimatum for a few minutes. And by the time he next spoke, Kairi's hysterics were all but vanished, though she kept her face buried into Riku's shoulder, the only part of her that moved was her own shoulders which rose and fell in time to her now quiet sobs. There was a few more minutes which passed slowly as Riku became aware of other sounds. The sounds which had faded with everything else, except for Kairi's presence, and her sobs. The first sound was that of Cloud, who was still struggling for freedom, the second sound to register was the crackling sound of the flames which still burned strong and bright, bringing with it an unusual, unpleasant scent, presumably from the still burning remnants of the large number of the creatures which Riku had managed to push into the flames during the battle which had now been put on hold, so it seemed.

Riku began to lose the numbness which had engulfed his body, along with his loss of reality, which he had started to find somewhat comforting. Once the numbness had left his arms he tightened them around Kairi, holding her close as he looked at Abbey and Cloud. The tightening of Riku's arms on Kairi caused her to cease crying as she looked up at him.

When he spoke, Riku's voice was harsh and his eyes were set like daggers.

"You want me to choose… between you, and Kairi and Cloud?" He scoffed mockingly and Abbey's face pulled into a scowl as she gave one stiff nod. Still sure of her plan.

"Yes, that's right." Abbey smirked confidently, until Riku spoke again, the smirk fading as she realised the hiss that came between Riku's teeth as he spoke her name.

"Not going to happen, Abbey. I will never leave Kairi, especially not for the likes of you. No way, no how."

Abbey ground her teeth, loudly.

"Fine! If you won't be mine, willingly, then I'll make you see sense! Amy," Amy stepped forwad in silence. Abbey shoved Cloud into Amy's arms before drawing a sword from the strap around her waist. Kairi turned at the sound of the blade grinding on the metal at the top of its holder as it was drawn. Her eyes widened in sync with Riku's.

"Abbey, what are you playing at?" Riku's hoarse voice now had a hint of panic. He pulled Kairi closer to him, his arms now around her with a protective intent, rather than just holding her for comfort purposes. Abbey started forward.

"Step aside, Riku." she warned, drawing closer.

"Abbey, what are you going to do?" Riku demanded again.

"Me and Kairi are going to settle this with a fight. I win, Kairi leaves and never speaks to you again,"

"And, if I win," Kairi spoke up before Riku had a chance in interject. "Then you'll stop this stupidity and go home." Abbey's face pulled up into a scowl, but she nodded.

"Fine." Kairi turned to the panicked Riku and she smiled softly, putting her hands on his arms, unwrapping them from around her.

"I'll be fine," She placed her hands on his and leaned to his ear to whisper so that only he could hear; "'As long as you believe in me, I will always be with you,'" She quoted, then as she pulled away, she pecked his cheek. She smiled again and turned on her heels, summoning her blade, and faced Abbey, they both lowered to their fighting stances, Abbey scowling and Kairi smirking, confident. They both jumped forward, aiming for one another with violent intent.

As they drew near, Riku drew in a sharp breathe as he gasped, his eyes were wide and panicked.