[ A bond... it hadn't been what Riku had called Arden here for. Some insight, yes, perhaps even a means to understand what any of this could mean. But a bond... no, that hadn't been the reason for this and Riku can only sigh again.

But with how unpredictable his darkness has become over the past few weeks, he isn't so sure what might happen anymore. Nightmares on top of marks that have scarred his body... add to that the whole emotions physically effecting ones surroundings and he has no idea what to expect anymore... let alone if there's much hope for anything to get better.

So, it's after a moment of silence that Riku finally speaks. ]

Arden...

[ And it's the way Riku says his name that is almost a foreshadowing of something morbid to come... ]

If this becomes too much... if it doesn't get better and anything happens to me... can you take care of Sora?

Please.