(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. 

Comments

[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?

[takesyoubytheheart]

[Mickey looks back at him, the question surprising him.]

Why not share it? A good ruler should always help their people. We're all one big family, and we have to work together to keep things peaceful. It's not too long ago that I lived outside the castle, so I know how hard it can be sometimes.

[darkimitation]

[Mickey's logic gets him questioning some things now.]

Family... Working together... I did that once, with Sora and those two other guys with him to save Namine from Marluxia. Their names are on the tip of my tongue, but I can't seem to remember.

[takesyoubytheheart]

[He tilts his head, and lightly approaches the subject, not knowing if this is something the boy wants to tread, or if he should back off.]

... Do you want to know their names?

[darkimitation]

[He only nods slightly. Even if his mind is a jumbled mess, it's the least he can do.]

... I do. Because this is going to sound weird but, I'm remembering things I'm pretty sure shouldn't be. Like a time when I was standing in front of a door. A large door in some dark place, I saw Sora and those two closing this door from the other side of it. I even told Sora to take care of some girl whose name I can't remember either, yet her face is clear to me. She looks like Namine, only her hair is a different color.

[takesyoubytheheart]

... Kairi.

[He answers, with a half smile.]

Her name is Kairi. Namine was her Nobody. She's a strong, great girl who has a special bond with both Sora and Riku.

[darkimitation]

So that's her name... Kairi.

[He says her name then feels a jolt of pain rush through his head. He holds it again from said pain as he stops walking. It's like his mind is fighting between him remembering things that the real Riku would as the memories are rushing through his mind and what Namine implanted into his head.]

[takesyoubytheheart]

[Mickey gasps in shock and horror, and he holds his hands up, ready to cath the boy if he fell forward.]

O-Oh no! Are you okay? Talk to me, do you need to lay down?

[darkimitation]

[He drops down onto one knee and continues holding his head. More memories are flooding his mind and causing him to feel overwhelmed, on top of the pain pulsating from his head already.]

So many memories. It's overwhelming. [He looks really ill too, like he might hurl or pass out as the onslaught keeps going.] Ahhhh! Make it stop!

[takesyoubytheheart]

[He almost calls out "Riku" as the boy's name, but manages to suppress it. Instead he moves to hold the boy close in a tight hug.]

Look at me... look at me! Just focus on here and now. Here and now... Say it after me, here and now...