Chapter 21: The True Light Inside (Finale, Part 3)

Without a moment's worth of hesitation, I struck dark-Sora with an all-consuming ice spell. That was when I allowed myself to push away any and all thoughts that I would be hurting Sora... And as I slowly exhaled, I made up a battle strategy. I struck at the frozen figure' chest until it unfroze and jumped away from my attacks. It summoned it's own pitch black Keyblade, which mildly surprised me, just not to the moment of hesitation as I sprinted towards the figure before me.

I had managed to land a hit on its upper chest, but it retaliated by swiftly kicking my left knee. In a hurry to avoid the Keyblade that it swung down to hit my head with, I rolled to the side and tried to topple it by swinging my Keyblade at its heels. I missed. If I didn't get up, I would be screwed! Yet at the same time, it might have been ok for me to continue rolling out of the way... I went with my Second option.

Think, Riku... What would be a good spell to use now? Fire? No, something stronger... Lightning. Yes... Lightning would be perfect! And so I cast the spell, watching as at least three bolts struck the shadowy figure. It stood there, dazed, which gave me time to get up and strike at its head.

"Ow, Riku, you're hurting me!" I heard Sora's voice emanating from the figure before me, yet I hadn't seen its lips move... I smirked at its attempt at a trick as I did a final blow to its head. The thud was surprisingly loud for a figure of that size and stature to have landed on sand... But that was when I realized that my scenery had changed once more.

I...

No...

It couldn't be...

Why here? Why Hollow Bastion? I looked around, turning my back to the lifeless form... Big mistake. I heard a rustling behind me and spun around, only to be greeted by the darkness' new form: me. Did it know my skillset? My weaknesses? It laughed, knowing of my hesitation to initiate this round. It had taken me to a place I knew all too well... My old "home". To top it off, it mocked me by taking my form and then proceeding to laugh... No. This was not the way would go out!

"Shut the fuck up, you mindless piece of shit!" I glared as my anger took over. "Heh, you know what shit like you is supposed to be good at? Burning!" I threw perhaps the largest fireball I had ever managed to conjure up at it. It seemed to have not expected my outburst, as it didn't even try to avoid the fire... And as I watched the fire consume it, I heard a familiar clanking noise.

"It's over. Come, I must teach you before I move on." I felt his hand on my back, but I remained glued in place until the being I had just fought was nothing more than a pile of ashes. The ashes flew away on the wind as I walked with Ventas... Would it return again? Maybe... But that was why I was there; to protect my Sora from his darkness.

After teaching me at that Ventas could, he seemed to just disintegrate and let the wind carry him. Sora seemed to be regaining consciousness, or at least it felt that way... I let him. He needed to find my surprise for him...

*****IN THE REAL WORLD*****

Sora put a hand up to his head... Man, sugar crashes were just the worst! Wait, where was he? A basement? Weird. The brunette slowly stood up, stretching out his aching muscles before making his way back to his room.

"Lowest shelf in the closet... What...?" He shook his head, sure he probably forgot something. It didn't take him long to find whatever it was, though, as the only 2 things on the shelf were a box of chocolates and a note. "Huh?"

"My precious Sora,

Our time has been short, true, but in these past few weeks I've grown to love you more than anything else. I was attracted to your light... God, it was just so amazing to see your eyes brighten up when you were talking about your favourite... Well? Your favourite everything! You were never afraid to let your inner light shine... And that inspired me. You made me want to be a better person... Sora, I... I love you.

Happy Valentine's Day,

Riku

P.S. I hope you like milk chocolate!"

The letter was sweet... But Valentine's day wasn't for another 2 weeks! And Riku? Who was he? Sora vaguely remembered having a roommate... Was that Riku? Yes... It must've been... Or maybe this was all just a figment of his imagination.

With a sigh, Sora put the letter in his coat pocket and placed the chocolates on his bedside table. Whoever Riku was, or even whatever he was, it was pretty obvious that Sora had meant the world to him... But soon enough, that experience alone became a fragment of a memory.

AN: Well, it's been an interesting ride with this one... And what better way to end the story than by crushing all the feels? :D For real though, I wasn't expecting this story to end so darkly. However, this story is OFFICIALLY done! Thanks for staying on this ride for so long, guys...

-Angel