Two-chapter post-KH2 drabble, complete.

Disclaimer: dood, fanfiction. Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, and the characters and universes therein are the property of Disney and Square Enix. I receive no remuneration for this work; it is a parody and as such utilizes the Fair Use clause of the Copyright Act.

Chapter 1: Riku

Bright aquamarine eyes followed the young man as he strode past, his posture perfect despite the massive blade strapped to his back, hands swinging slightly at his sides. He hid his heart behind armor made of apathy, as if the world couldn't touch him if he didn't care to let them in. Riku thought he might understand more about the reluctant swordsman than he really understood about himself: the darkness, the light, and the in-between. He'd seen him struggle in the Darkness, fulfilling challenges set for him with tremendous battle cries and powerful slashes of his favored weapon, yet each motion seemed to get him no closer to his goal. He'd heard of his encounters with Sephiroth, when it was all he could do to hide from the light and escape more or less intact only to try again. He'd found out about the last mighty duel, and he felt his own heart grow lighter at Tifa's fond recollection.

Riku stepped out of the shadows. Maybe he could break through the armor.