Bait, Chapter 17

Like Yen Sid warned, Riku's condition seemed to worsen at first: his fever rose to a nearly lethal level and he would break out in chronic, violent coughing fits that often made him forcefully expel what little sustenance he had taken in. Yen Sid would brush Sora and Kairi's concerns aside, reminding them that this was supposed to happen.

"I did tell you that it would have harsh effects." The old wizard said in a reassuring manner. "Don't fear, that just means his body is working harder to drive the sickness from it. The potion will give him the strength he needs to endure these symptoms. Just keep supporting him, the closeness of friends is what he needs the most right now..."

Nonetheless, he had to add magic to the harsh regimen when Riku started bringing up blood during those intense fits. The fits were aggravating the still-healing wound on his chest, requiring Yen Sid to cast cure over the injuries regularly, while praying the fits wouldn't become severe enough to tear the stitches.

Some good had come from their efforts, however, as Riku finally woke fully in the early morning two days later. It was only for short bursts of about five minutes or so at first, but soon he was able to stay awake for several hours at a time, holding short conversations with the others.

His coughing fits would often cut those talks short. It was in his favor that he was often the one asking the questions, as Yen Sid had warned all of them not to bring up his confinement until he was well enough. It gave him a chance to rest and catch his breath as they answered him.

"How long have I been here for?" he asked.

"Just under a week..." Sora replied. "Please don't give me that, you haven't been well, after all!" He added when Riku gave him a confused look.

"I wasn't trying to argue..." Riku said quietly. "I just can't seem to make sense of it...I must have lost sense of time while I was out of it..." He suddenly broke down in another choking fit. Sora dropped what he was doing and landed three sharp, open handed blows to Riku's back. The fit slowly subsided, and Riku slumped against Sora's shoulder. Sora just let him rest there, Riku was still very weak, and the fit had worn him out.

"Did it get warm in here?" Riku asked sleepily. Sora could tell delirium was starting to set in again, the older boy looked slightly dazed.

"No, its just the fever." He answered. "Maybe you'll cool down a bit if you rest..." Sora lifted an exhausted Riku from his shoulder and gently pushed him back into the pillows. Fatigue proved to be too much for Riku, who fell asleep at once.

He was in that cold cell again. He chose to stay on his guard, knowing that horrible man with the scars could be hiding in the shadows.

"I know you're here, show yourself!" Riku shouted into nothingness.

"Ooh, seems the little boy has some fight left in him. This should be fun!" The man's voice echoed around the room. Riku jumped at the sound.

"But I still detect a little fear beneath that fierce facade. Still not ready to sit back and take it like a man, are ya?"

"Lay a hand on me and you'll regret it!"

"Who said it had to be a 'hand' my dear boy?" The man said in a sly voice.

"You're disgusting..."

"That's where we differ, you see, I actually find this to be far from disgusting. Your behavior is actually a bit of a turn-on right now." The man apparated in front of him with a soft 'poof,' looking Riku defiantly in the eye. Riku averted his gaze, thoroughly disgusted.

"Can't we get this over with already, kiddo? Waiting for you hasn't exactly been a walk in the park." He reached up and caressed the boy's face. Riku shuddered at the man's touch.

"I...I WON'T LET YOU!" He turned and ran toward the door with as much speed as his still weakened body could manage. It wasn't fast enough. The man caught up to him with another 'poof' and once again forced him into the same confined position he used to violate him every time.

"No...not again..." Riku felt wholly broken this time. Would he ever be strong enough to resist this vile man's advances? He lowered his head and submitted. A soft, shaky sob broke the silence.

"LET HIM GO NOW!" Riku looked up, this voice... it was strangely familiar. His assailant seemed to recognize the voice too, as he released Riku and turned to face him, weapons drawn.

"Not you again!" He shouted in disgust.

His restraint gone, Riku was able to get a good look at who had saved him. Disbelief registered on his face. He thought he was dead- Lea had told him what had happened, so how was he standing before him, clear as day?

He was staring into the face of his replica.

End of Chapter 17.