It had been a fair span of time since Riku had last visited the island. He had supposed that Sora and Kairi would have rather gone alone, based on the way they had been acting; so secretive and worried... He had hoped it was nothing, and allowed them their privacy by failing to interrogate them on the matter. Now, however, he had begun to worry. It was near twilight's close, and he had seen neither of his friends return to the mainland. He watched the ocean, sparkling with daybreak's last glimpses of light. No sign of any rowboats.
He walked slowly towards the shore, his thoughts resting on his own boat. Perhaps he should check the island, to be sure of their safety. He couldn't stop himself from speeding his gait, if just slightly, as the thought came to him. He soon found himself drawing steadily nearer to the dock, his mind clouded with anxiety for his friends.
Come to think of it, he hadn't spoken much with them for quite a few days' time. He resumed a walk as his own boat came into view, it's movements sluggish in the now calm waters. He boarded it and paddled toward the piece of land in the near distance. His thoughts were not in his task, that of steering the boat, though he made it to the island nevertheless.
He eyed the shore, finding no trace of Sora or Kairi as he did so. He sensed his worry grow when he discovered the tree they usually perched atop to watch the sunset vacant as well. He continued to search the island, bit by bit, consistently met with disappointment. His heartbeat... He could hear it vividly now. He tried to remain calm as he approached the secret cove. He hadn't checked it yet, and he was growing desperate. He strode towards it hesitantly, awaiting the burst of concern he felt sure would strike him when he found it was deserted. He entered the cave and his eyes soon discovered a sight far more distressing, however.
Sora and Kairi were sprawled motionlessly on the ground, their eyes shut. He darted towards their bodies and dropped to his knees beside them. He shook Kairi gently; she remained lifeless and limp. He shook Sora as well, though he found his friends wouldn't wake. His heart was pounding so hard it was actually painful now. It almost looked like... How?
His thoughts were tangled in such knots as he tried to piece together what could have happened. If their hearts had been stolen, wouldn't their bodies have faded by now? He felt his keyblade appear within the grip of his right hand. He stood, and poised himself to attack any heartless that might appear. He waited a few moments before coming to the realization that none would show. With an angry and troubled groan, he slumped onto the ground once more. He watched the bodies of his friends hopefully, waiting for them to stir.
He allowed his weapon to fade as he loosened his tense hold on it's handle. He felt so useless, watching while his friends had perhaps lost their hearts. His mind surged with guilt as he recalled the first time Kairi had lost her's. What about now? Was it somehow his fault again? He felt himself clench his hands into tight fists. What now?