"What in the name of all the worlds are you doing?" Even yelled, more in surprise than anger. Ienzo jumped and accidentally hit some keys. Time must have slipped from him.
"Let me see what you've got going on here" Even said, curiosity lacing his voice. He walked forward, looking over Ienzo's shoulder and reading what was presented on the screen.
"It's nothing. Just a small piece I was working on. Apologies, I forgot you were scheduled today" Ienzo tried to explain.
"You are joking, right? This looks like months of effort. Also, I wasn't scheduled. They insisted I would find you here and that you were up to something. I'm amazed to say they were right" Even shot back, growing more suspicious. "What? This is the research I used for the replica program's prototype! The replica I created to resemble Riku! What reason could you have for wanting to access these files?"
Ienzo sighed. He was upset with himself. He felt this was a breach of Even's trust and that it probably hurt him in some way. He told Even about Riku's request, and admitted how difficult it had been due to his personal history with the replica.
"Don't be rash, Ienzo. You're overdoing it" Even nagged.
"I must! They must know that I'm not Zexion anymore. I…I must know that I'm n-" Ienzo started. At this sudden confession, it hit him that this is where the sense of obligation came from. He didn't want his time as a Nobody to bleed into his current life. He didn't want the feelings that came with remembering all of it.
"Anybody who has heard two words out of your mouth since knows that isn't the case. Now go to sleep. You look like a mess" Even cut him off snappily.
Ienzo was irritated yet comforted by Even's scolding. It reminded him of a time when things were actually normal. He could already feel his mind becoming less clouded.
"I must do this" he repeated firmly.
"At least let us help you, then. Stubborn brat" Even demanded, muttering the last two words as an afterthought. Ienzo gave the slightest roll of his eyes, but conceded nonetheless.
He didn't want to keep Riku waiting any longer. Besides, he'd come to realize and accept something. He wouldn't be able to handle being alone with the replica once its consciousness was transferred…even if he made it that far. But one day, he would. Not today, though. Today, he would rest and learn to accept that he didn't have to face this alone.