[riku watches sora a moment longer before also turning his gaze skyward. always so simple yet always so complicated. normal, though. things have always been like this. that balance between them never wavers, does it?]

You're right; I don't. [a beat.] But maybe you, and Kairi, believing it is enough for now.

[although that fails to solve the question of whether or not he belongs, it'll suffice until riku figures stuff out for himself. at the very least, he plans on protecting what matters while sticking around. a small smile tugs at his lips. oh. right. darkness or light, good or bad, he can --and will-- do that much. a hand reaches out toward the sky and his keyblade flashes back into his hand.

does he deserve it? can he overcome the darkness? who knows. but one thing becomes clear and that's what riku gained.

the strength to protect what matters.]

And regardless of what I believe, I still plan on protecting those precious to me.

[doubts won't stop him from doing this much.]