Once outside the domes, Riku took a deep breath of the humid--but fresh--air, listening to the sounds of the natural world settling down for the change-over from diurnal to nocturnal that took place every day at this time. Sunset had always been Riku's favourite time of day. The bridge between light and dark somehow seemed to suit him best.
But he had no time to enjoy his surroundings. People were in trouble, and it was at least partly his fault.
There were no buildings to leap and swing from out here, just the stands of ruins which were unsafe for use as gymnastic equipment. He wasn't about to swing from the trees, and the pull of that distant Darkness on his heart was so much stronger out here... Riku decided to cut to the chase and open a Dark Gate to the fortress. He felt less bad about doing this than he did when he used Ansem's powers. At least this wasn't a destructive spell, and it was one Maleficent had taught him, not the Seeker of Darkness.
Riku followed the corridor out onto the ramparts of the fortress, unwilling to gate straight to the lab for not knowing what might await him there. He turned and was just about to leap into the ventilation system when he heard the sound of an engine puttering across the wilderness.
What?
He crouched down and waited as it drew closer, extending his other-senses to attempt to get a feel for the passenger. There were...a bunch of them. But only two who were significantly dark presences. He easily recognised the taste of the first; Ansem had been the one to awaken the mad scientist's true evil, after all. Riku had been there.
Was Hojo returning with new test subjects? Had he assembled or re-hired the crew Ansem had put together? These didn't feel like those people.
Riku waited and listened as the engine drew right up to the fortress before shutting off. Hojo's was the only voice he recognised. In spite of the arguing below, none of these people seemed to be the doctor's friends. That was a relief. Still, if this was the rescue party Cloud and Zack had mentioned, they were stupid to bring Hojo with them. Riku didn't have much faith in their common sense or chances of success.
Hearing a strong voice preparing to lead the foray and go inside alone, Riku ducked into the fortress to await him in hopes of getting more answers. In the deep stillness of the pitch black grand hall, Riku was just another shadow. His blindfold kept out the darkness.
To Dias, whenever you're ready, baybee. <33
But he had no time to enjoy his surroundings. People were in trouble, and it was at least partly his fault.
There were no buildings to leap and swing from out here, just the stands of ruins which were unsafe for use as gymnastic equipment. He wasn't about to swing from the trees, and the pull of that distant Darkness on his heart was so much stronger out here... Riku decided to cut to the chase and open a Dark Gate to the fortress. He felt less bad about doing this than he did when he used Ansem's powers. At least this wasn't a destructive spell, and it was one Maleficent had taught him, not the Seeker of Darkness.
Riku followed the corridor out onto the ramparts of the fortress, unwilling to gate straight to the lab for not knowing what might await him there. He turned and was just about to leap into the ventilation system when he heard the sound of an engine puttering across the wilderness.
What?
He crouched down and waited as it drew closer, extending his other-senses to attempt to get a feel for the passenger. There were...a bunch of them. But only two who were significantly dark presences. He easily recognised the taste of the first; Ansem had been the one to awaken the mad scientist's true evil, after all. Riku had been there.
Was Hojo returning with new test subjects? Had he assembled or re-hired the crew Ansem had put together? These didn't feel like those people.
Riku waited and listened as the engine drew right up to the fortress before shutting off. Hojo's was the only voice he recognised. In spite of the arguing below, none of these people seemed to be the doctor's friends. That was a relief. Still, if this was the rescue party Cloud and Zack had mentioned, they were stupid to bring Hojo with them. Riku didn't have much faith in their common sense or chances of success.
Hearing a strong voice preparing to lead the foray and go inside alone, Riku ducked into the fortress to await him in hopes of getting more answers. In the deep stillness of the pitch black grand hall, Riku was just another shadow. His blindfold kept out the darkness.