(Friendship) Mickey & Riku Replica - Florence Nightingale

[takesyoubytheheart]

Mickey hadn't exactly planned on finding anyone, or even anything, in the realm of darkness. So finding the boy with Riku's face had been a rather great shock - especially considering that, as far as Jiminy's notes went, this boy was supposed to have vanished. It was beyond bizarre, but he couldn't just leave the clone there.

With an 'oof' and a grunt, Mickey had managed to carry the boy all the way back to his kingdom - the castle was large enough to house many guest rooms. He had given instructions to all the servants not to enter unless given direct permission, lest they overwhelm him. Besides, Mickey had his own questions.

So he patiently waited for the 'other' Riku to wake up, setting up a tray of food and tea. No doubt near destruction would cause quite the appetite. 

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[darkimitation]

[After his defeat by Riku inside Castle Oblivion, the Replica thought he'd been done. Especially after knowing that as a fake, he destined to fade from existence. However, he feels himself stir from unconscious slowly then opens his eyes to see... Light? Was Real Thing right after all? Did he go to the same place his heart would? Slowly he sat up from the bed he was laying upon and turned his head to see Mickey near by. At first he looked confused, but then the parts of Riku's memories which Namine hadn't messed with, helped him recognize the other right away.]

You're... King Mickey. Or is it Your Majesty?

[takesyoubytheheart]

[So far, so good. The boy doesn't seem to be hurt, and he's taking this well so far. So Mickey smiles at him, offering him a cup of tea.]

You can just call me Mickey. Here you go... you like sugar or honey in your tea?

[darkimitation]

[He stares down at the tea cup and the liquid inside it.]

... I don't know. I've never seen this before or had it. [He pauses for a moment before looking back at Mickey.] So where I am? Real Thing told me after I faded that I'd go to the place where his heart would go. Is that this place?

[takesyoubytheheart]

[Sugar it is, then. He'll just take a tablespoon and plop it right in there.]

... I found you in the realm of darkness. But that's no place to take a nap! So I brought you here.

[After placing the cup in the boy's hands, he moves to a window, and gestures to it with one hand.]

This is Disney castle... in the Disney Kingdom!

[darkimitation]

The realm of darkness? Taking a nap? You mean I'm not... [He's not gone? He hadn't faded after all? But what did that mean?] But how? I know Real Thing beat me and I faded away.

[He then holds his head in pain, because now it was starting to hurt from him trying to make sense of everything going on.]

[takesyoubytheheart]

Whoa, whoa, take it easy!

[Mickey quickly rushes back to his side, checking him over in worry.]

I know it's really confusin'... I don't quite get it either, but we'll figure it out in time. Everything will be okay, I promise.

[darkimitation]

Why are you being so nice to me? You obviously know who I am from Real Thing. Even going so far as to save me from the realm of darkness. Why? I'm your enemy.

[Repliku turns his face away for a moment and sighs, looking a bit frustrated now. He honestly doesn't get Mickey's attitude towards him.]

[takesyoubytheheart]

... Nah, I don't think so.

[He answers cheerfully, not even hesitating. But he will take one of those sandwiches from the tray, he's hungry too.]

We're not fighting now, and we have no reason to fight. You were just doing what you thought was right, and look at you now... You take up space, you can be heard, I'd say you're pretty real in your own right.

[darkimitation]

That's where you're wrong, I'm not real. Everything I have is borrowed, even my memories despite a lot of them being lies. That's the only reason I knew you, because of Real Thing's memories.

[He sets the cup down on the tray and takes one of the sandwiches.]

I shouldn't even be existing. There's no room in the world for two of the same person, even if one is fake.

[takesyoubytheheart]

Well then... I'd say in that case, it's time you made new memories, ones that are all you're own. And since Riku's not around, you can stay here as long as you like.

[After taking a chomp of his sandwich, he offers a hand to shake.]

Here! My name is Mickey Mouse! Now we've officially 'met'!

[darkimitation]

[He stares at Mickey's hand for a good moment before reaching out to shake it.]

I don't have a name other than his. I also don't see how Real Thing being around would make a difference or making new memories. It doesn't change the fact I'm still a fake.

[takesyoubytheheart]

[Mickey's handshake is warm and gentle, up down, up down.]

Then why don't we give you a new name?

[darkimitation]

[He just stares at Mickey with a confused expression.]

A new name? How is that possible?

[takesyoubytheheart]

[He let's the boy's hand go, and resumes eating his sandwich, still entirely relaxed about all of this.]

How is it impossible? If you're hung up on the person you were supposed to be, then you can become a different person instead, with your own name and your own memories, and your own life.

[darkimitation]

[He finally eats a bit of his sandwich before replying to Mickey.]

It's impossible because nothing can change the fact I'm still his replica. I may get a new name and life, but that fact will never change.

[takesyoubytheheart]

... Is that what you want? To be stuck in the past, and not even try for something different?

[darkimitation]

You can't change the facts. It's not about being stuck in the past or not trying something different.

[takesyoubytheheart]

... Then what is it about? What do you want to do? You've been given a second chance... not everyone gets those.

[darkimitation]

[He finishes eating, but of course it's evident he's getting annoyed.]

I don't know, okay? All I've ever wanted was to be Riku by getting rid of him. There's no other reason for me to exist since my only purpose in my short life got me nearly killed.

[takesyoubytheheart]

[There is a long, awkward stretch of silence between them. It seems that, for now, this will just keep going in circles. Maybe it was too soon to try to make any big changes. So he decides to approach a different way.]

... Think you've got enough strength in you yet for a stroll?

[darkimitation]

[He stands up without another word, he's still fuming and annoyed. So he decides to walk ahead of Mickey out the door, well more like stomp, but still he's on his feet again.]

Come on already. You wanted to go for a stroll, right? Hurry up.

[takesyoubytheheart]

... That's mighty big talk for someone who doesn't know their way around here.

[But it's not said in anger - it's gentle teasing. Mickey easily catches up to the boy, hoping to lead him down the hallway and into the gardens. Maybe the fresh air would calm him down.]

I had most of the servants take the day off. Usually it's a bit busier than this.

[darkimitation]

I'd have figured things out on my own. I don't need anyone's help.

[It's very clear how different he is to Riku the more he talks, but that statement alone was the final nail in the coffin. He does however look around the hallway of the castle.]

... So this entire place is yours, huh? Reminds me of Castle Oblivion, only with a lot more color.

[takesyoubytheheart]

[Yeah, says the guy trapped in the realm of darkness... But Mickey decides to let that drop.]

It belongs to both me and my wife, Queen Minnie Mouse. But I like to think it belongs to everyone in the kingdom, too... They can come here anytime if they need our help.

[darkimitation]

[He stops walking and raises an eyebrow. Also jeez Mickey, he was unconscious!]

Shouldn't it only belong to you since you're the ruler? Why share it with other people?