Title: Reflections: Riku ( 5 / 8 )
Author name: Ari Powwel
Author email: eight_muses@hotmail.com
Spoilers: none
Summary: Boss fight against AnsemControlled!Riku.
DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by various publishers including but not limited to Disney Interactive and Square Co., Ltd. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
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I tensed, waiting for the next blow. Ansem swung at Sora, but Sora brought up his blade to block. Once, twice, Sora struck before it became a third, cutting across my shoulder. I grimaced as Ansem struck back with a flurry of blows that left Sora shaking. He lifted his Keyblade as Ansem stepped back momentarily, using a spell as fast as possible. 'Heal!' Ansem attacked him again, barely after the spell had taken effect. Sora stumbled, but dived out of the way of another hit. He went after Ansem from behind, cornering him. He used several combos I didn't recognise; I suppose he'd learned them from his new friends . . .

Ansem was hit several times, each one effecting a little less than before. I could barely feel anything, now, the pain was beyond belief. I was amazed; it seemed Sora'd gained a lot of experience since we last fought.

But he beat you before . . . a voice whispered to me.

He had those other two with him. They did a lot, too . . .

Right. The voice was full of sarcasm, now.

Plus, I was in the dark. Maleficent's magic hold on me kept away a lot of the pain . . .

Don't make up excuses.

I'm not! That's truth.

If you say so . . . I suppose that was my pessimistic side that had been talking. It faded away, and the pain became worse, now that I didn't have anything to distract myself with.

Ansem was beating Sora, it was evident. I thought frantically, trying to come up with a way to help Sora in my current situation. What annoyed me most when I was battling Sora on the islands? The answer came to me in a flash. When Sora or someone was having a conversation with me. It would divide my concentration between the two and eventually, I'd get hit. Hard. I grinned. This was going to be fun . . . Hey, Ansem . . .

What.

Nothing.

Then why did you say anything.

No reason. I snickered. Can you stop being hit?

What does it look like I'm trying to do? he snarled.

I don't know . . . I was thinking it looks like you're teaching him how to fence. And you're supposed to be the all-powerful no-one-can-beat-me person, I scoffed.

Be quiet! He yelled, and I laughed again.

A moment later I screamed as white-hot pain raced through me. Ansem laughed harshly. I knew it wasn't from Sora; what kind of attack could do that? It had to have been Ansem.

Very good, he mocked me. Too bad you didn't realise that before you started talking.

I took a deep breath, knowing that it was working. After all, Ansem kept saying that I was going to die, so . . . why not help Sora before?

Too bad. But, a stupid thing like that is not going to dissuade me. I couldn't think of anything else to say . . . So, Ansem, where are you from? I nearly groaned. Great, Riku. Just great.

He didn't answer, instead stopping dead. 'Surrender,' he said, I sensed something about him change. He ran over the platform at a huge speed, slamming into Sora several times. I winced. That had to hurt. Finally, Sora raised his sword to the ceiling.

'Wind!' He was surrounded by that familiar shield. The next time Ansem rushed at him, he was stopped. Sora attacked him with Ars Arcanum again; when Ansem swung at him, his blade was deflected, useless while Sora was using the attack.

Sora ended and leapt back, safe from Ansem for the moment. He launched his blade at him, using the moment to use an Elixir (I think that's what it was called . . . Goofy and Donald had had a small stock of them, and other bottles, too.) I shuddered as the sword struck 'me', feeling it slice my side, but I wouldn't yell.

Why do you think you can beat Sora? I asked, blindly stabbing in the dark. He's beaten all the rest of your lackeys.

I heard Ansem's laboured breathing and grinned, knowing he was weakening. I took a breath and plunged on.

You're not going to be able to beat him, either. You're almost gone already. You're a weakling, hiding behind others or taking advantage of them. You've never had a decent fight in your life. I've seen your reports. You killed innocent people with those stupid experiments.

You don't have room to talk, he said evilly. Just think of what you did without my help. Entire worlds have collapsed within themselves because of you. Worlds fell at your feet, the strongest fighters were nothing compared to you. And I did none of that.

I stopped short. I never meant to do any of that!

I could hear the evil smirk in his voice. You just keep telling yourself that, and maybe one day you'll believe it.

I forced myself to remain calm. It is the truth. I didn't want to kill people . . . I just – I just wanted to help Kairi. I heard the sadness in my voice, and knew he'd struck a nerve.

You just think that. The rest of us will know the truth . . .

He'd crossed the line. Stop! I roared, fighting against him. He had to stop momentarily, allowing Sora to get in a few hits. I thanked the paopu that Ansem had been weakened already; I had a chance to win my freedom, at least for a little bit, and I wasn't going to let it pass me by, dammit!. I pushed him back, feeling myself come into the life. Sora stopped a moment, cocking his head. I straightened up, grinning at my win. His Keyblade was held at his side; he didn't seem like he thought I was a threat right now, and I felt the smile slide off quickly.

I let my blade drop to my side. 'Hello, Sora.'