Card:04 The Scent of Darkness

Publisher	Tokyopop
First published	October 2006
Cover date	2006
Written by	Shiro Amano
Letters by	Deida Terriquez
Edits by	Peter Ahlstrom
Continuity	Manga continuity
Chronology	Kingdom Hearts

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Synopsis

Riku is shown hovering in the space between light and darkness. Recounting his most recent memories, he wonders about the King's whereabouts. An unknown voice answers Riku, stating the King is far away. The voice urges Riku to remain in this quiet realm, leaving the outside war to the King. Riku adamantly refuses, instead choosing to follow the truth. Riku steps in the floating ball of light and is taken to Hollow Bastion.

While exploring the world, Riku quickly sees he is only seeing the dark actions he earlier made. The voice from before appears, explaining that this is a memory created from Riku's heart. Shortly thereafter Riku encounters Maleficent, who claims Riku is a being of darkness. Maleficent immediately transforms into her dragon form, shouting that nothing is stronger than the power of darkness. Riku promptly defeats Maleficent, saying that the darkness has nothing for him. Suddenly Riku hears a new voice, ordering Riku to succumb to his inner darkness and become his servant. Riku easily recognizes this voice to be Ansem. Riku goes to attack Ansem, to no avail. Ansem tells Riku that the darkness within him is deep- one in which no light can reach. Suddenly, a small orb of light bearing the King's voice appears, arguing that regardless of how deep the darkness, there is always a door to the light. Amused, Ansem gives Riku a set of cards and enhances his power of darkness.

Elsewhere in Castle Oblivion, Zexion, Lexaeus, and Vexen are shown. Zexion reveals that Riku has been found in the castle's lowest basement. Zexion comments that he will continue monitoring Riku.

Riku continues in the castle, wondering if he will ever be free of the darkness. A hologram of King Mickey appears, again reminding Riku that regardless of how hard or deep the darkness may seem, he will find the door to the light. The two shake hands, with Mickey promising to reach him. Before parting, Mickey claims they are always connected- side-by-side.

Zexion, Lexaeus, and Vexen continue their discussion of Riku. Zexion comments how Riku's previous encounter with the darkness has made him half-dark. Vexen, however, is intrigued with a Keyblade wielder having the power of darkness. The three refer to Riku often as closely resembling their superior. Vexen states that if the above ground members obtain Sora, they must gain control of Riku.