He holds on just as tight, and maybe he's going to need to - because the scene around them changes again. Riku doesn't notice it at first, but when he does, he swears in a way she's never heard him speak and loudly at that.

I can help you escape your desolate life. A figure in a brown hood, yellow eyes shining from underneath it, standing before the dream's Riku.

How? Riku sounds angry, desperate. Almost ready to kill if he's being lied to. An influence of darkness can be felt all around, crackling in the air.

All you need to do is accept me. The man presses a hand against Riku's chest, and laughs. Reach into your true self.