Contest Entry RikuNami-Comfort

Riku could feel himself slipping. He was standing on the edge of being consumed with darkness. The rain hit against him vigorously as he headed for the mansion. He pushed the gates open, heaving breaths of air into his lungs. He cried out in pain, clutching his chest as he staggered inside the dry, cold mansion and up the old, rickety flight of stairs towards Naminé's chamber. This wasn't the first time he had had a 'darkness attack'. He needed someone to be there with him while he suffered through this. As he approached the door, he could her hear singing inside. His darkness-coated heart leaped inside of his chest. He fumbled with the knob and pulled it open, collapsing in the doorway.

Naminé jumped and turned to find Riku lying motionless on the floor. Darkness swathed around him, claiming him as its prey. He cried out again, trying to keep his heart from being taken. Naminé gasped and knelt down beside him. "R-Riku, what happened?!"

"It-Its growing, Naminé." He gasped, gripping her wrist tightly. She looked fearful as she watched the floor around them become tainted with never-ending blackness.

She gently heaved Riku onto her lap and rested his head against her chest, holding him tightly. She wished she had a heart full of light—then maybe she'd be able to save him. All she could do now was hold onto him. Riku held her tiny waist, feeling comforted in her warm embrace. "I'm sorry, Riku." She whispered, holding back tears, "I wish I could help you."

"N-no…being here…helps," he breathed, relaxing and closing his eyes under his blindfold. She gently stroked his hair, hoping this would be a passing phase and that the darkness would slowly creep away. Several times he screamed, thrashing about in his torment. Naminé would just hold onto him, her eyes shut tight as she listened to his whimpers.

Soon he quieted and let out a relieved, shaky sigh. "Thank you," he whispered, sliding his head down into her lap.

She smiled and nodded, "You're welcome, Riku." She watched him with loving eyes as he sunk into sleep, his body weak and tired from fighting with his inner darkness. She promised to be there for him. She wouldn't let go of him.