Replica Reborn
The Replica felt great, the first few moments of life and he was on top of the world.
How could he be based off of someone so weak and pathetic. Afraid of his own darkness. Someone who from what he knew embraced it, now was afraid of it like a child afraid of his own shadow. It would have been funny had it not been so pathetic. The fact that darkness was so thrilling, yet that kid was not even willing to do anything about it.
No, he would give into these dark impulses, if he wanted something, he'd take it. Simple as that. Darkness was his key to victory, and it would be his key to taking down anyone who stood in his way.
He still thought about the look on his face as he almost beat him. Sure he didn't technically win, but it was just his first round. Besides he could feel the real Riku's fear. That fear was a hindrance, unlike him who feared nothing.
Entering the basement of Castle Oblivion he saw of the Organization members talking to one another. Vexen seemed quite happy as he should be as he spoke to two Organization members, Zexion and Leaxauses.
He should be, Vexen was quite proud of his creation. From early in his life he remembers the scientist constantly talking about how he would eventually surpass even normal humans. While that day was still days away, it would definitely come closer than one appeared.
Listening in, the Replica couldn't help but smirk smugly, feeling a sensation from the praise that he received from his first trial against the real one. His creator had made something amazing, him. A powerful replica who would supplant the originally so easily. A perfect, no, better replica of the original.
He was powerful.
He was perfect.
Soon, he would replace the original and no one would even bother.
Vexen eventually paused and turned to him to come closer, "So how was the real thing?"
"He's spineless, in no time I'll be better than him"
In no time, more like now. The Replica could already imagine himself stepping on the real one, as he begged for mercy. Of course he wouldn't give it, why should he, he was the real ones superior in every way. The thought sent shivers down his own tough spine. Dark powers prevailing over whatever the real one thought he was doing.
Vexen smirked looking at the others, "See, what did I say, quite unique. Perhaps one of the grandest of any of my creations. The Higher ups will most likely be impressed by my work. Maybe even give me a promotion. Oh maybe I'll get to be number two now"
"Impressive," Zexion said, eyeing the replica with suspicion, "He does have the same wildness in Riku, at least from what I was told, however without his past or nature, then what will be the point"
"The Point..." Vexen argued, "The Point is that he is the ideal Riku, a perfect one, one who will not be held back by anything or anyone"
Zexion merely shrugged, "I suppose"
"Suppose" The Replica clenched his first, "There is not supposing, I am better than the real one"
"Now, now...Calm yourself," Vexen said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "We aren't sure what overstimulated emotions would do to the body yet. So please, be delicate with yourself on that front"
The Replica summoned his sword and pointed it at Vexen, "Take it back"
"Enough!" Vexen shouted lowering the sword, "You will have plenty of time to prove yourself later"
The anger within the Replica simmered down, but the fact that he did not get the praise from Zexion was infuriating. He wasn't just impressive with questions, he was impressive. There should be a question of his ability. Everyone should realize this, everyone would realize this. In time.
"Yes, well…" Vexen coughed, getting the conversation back on track, "How would be interested in facing up against a certain hero"
Hero? The Replica had a suspicion, "You mean Sora, I heard talk he was in the castle"
"Indeed he is" Vexen said.
"The hero who defeated Xehanort" Zexion responded.
"Yeah, I know of him" The Replica responded, "Seems some of his photos look pretty good looking too. I can see why the real one has a big crush on him".
When the Replica was being created he had always heard about Sora. Apparently he was some supposed great hero who was best friends with his real counterpart. If he was anything like the real Riku then he would be weak. A supposed hero who never really matched up to what had actually been the case. His legend was becoming more and more fiction with each passing day it seemed.
"So you want me to take care of him"
Vexen tapped his chin thinking, "Will see...Yes, yes, I have big plans for you"
The Replica's evil grin widened, "The real Riku didn't stand a chance, Sora won't either, there no match for me"
-000-
Now it was time for a big reveal.
In the darkness the Riku Replica listened in as a few of the Organization Members talked to another pawn in their plan. Namine she was called, a cute girl, a bit too innocent looking though. However she apparently had an interesting power. Toying with one's memories, sounded sadistic and cruel if you asked him.
Apparently Sora had gotten through more of the memory worlds in the castle. The Organizations plan moving forward was to just keep chipping away at him. Seemed pathetic honestly, why waste time on a kid who had no interest in darkness and was so confused with the light.
"I see you inserted yourself again" Larxene smirked causing Namine to jump, "Just make sure next time...He doesn't know who he is.''
She was standing right next to her, the close presence made her uncomfortable. Larxene always made her uncomfortable. Her very presence was cold and dark. Darker than the rest of the Organization's members. One toe out of line and she felt that Larxene would unleash those talons on her. It wouldn't be the first time that had happened and probably wouldn't be the last.
Out of all of them Larxene was the most cruel, she had a sick thrill to her. Perhaps it was her natural state, or perhaps the darkness had corrupted an already twisted heart. Namine noticed it the most whenever she spoke of Sora, and how she yearned to try and have her hand at him, as if he was a toy waiting to play with instead of a great warrior, or just a human being.
"I-I thought-" Namine started to lose her composure.
Larxene laughed, "Hey, I get it, you wanna see pretty boy, that's fine...In fact it's working" she moved over to a screen and activated a monitor, Sora, Donald and Goofy were conversing with one another, "Things are beginning to bud"
Axel groaned leaning on the couch he seemed disinterested, "The First step going according to plan...Great. Does Marluxuia know the state of that"
"They knows everything" Larxene replied, "Believe me, I've known them for long to know he keeps a firm earn to things"
"They must have been quite a snitch in the day"
Larxene's eyes just narrowed as she went quite quickly back to Namine. "Well, anyway, I bet it's fun right? Toying with the poor boys mind, slowly more and more you'll feel the emotional connection you have so longed for, ever since you came to this world"
"Ah young love" Marluxia stated as they walked into the room, "Never had much use for it myself at that age, but I did find it fascinating"
"I found it disgusting," Larxene replied.
Axel shrugged, "Never had it myself, but hey what can you do...So, what's the next step, isn't the point to create a perfect scenario that will break Sora or something, kid seems like he's got all his marbles in tact"
"Perhaps, but certainly we can crush his ego" Marluxia said as they gazed over to the monitor where Sora is, "It's not really that hard, the boy thinks he's saved the universe from the greatest threat to it yet. A stunning victory for sure, Xehanort was said to be a powerful Keyblade Wielder of his time. However he has not crush the darkness...Nothing can do that, but I think what matters is taking away his personal victories. We already wiped away most of the details on Hollow Bastion, he'll forget the one he saved, now for him to remember those who turned on him".
"Oh Namine," Vexen's voice was like daggers, Zexion and Lexaeus by his side as they entered the room,"We have a gift for you".
Vexen sneered at her, "If you must know I was hoping to help in your little operation. My achievements are something that should be utilized. Something I wish the rest of the Organization would understand"
"Wha wha...That's all I hear you know" Larxene smirked, "So what are you going to show us, baking soda volcano...Oh your new clock potato"
"Now, now Larxene" Marluxia intervened now, Vexen becoming more vexed, "I'm sure whatever our science friend has shown us will be quite fascinating to behold".
"Oh believe me it is"
The room becomes a bit intense for a moment as the mysterious figure he brought with him began to move forward now. Namine just watched waiting to see if she could make out who he was before stepping into the light.
"No way," Namin gasped in shock. Walking into the light, Riku Replica appeared.
"So, what do you think…" The Riku Replica smirked showing himself off, "A perfect copy...But better"
Riku Replica grinned widely as everyone observed him. All eyes were on him now. He was perfection. The greatest creation, and he would only grow and grow in power. Perhaps one day he would overturn all of them at once.
"Riku?" Namine whispered, slowly walking up to him.
Riku just smirked, "Yes ...and no"
"Huh?"
Vexen chuckled, "This is a replica of my dear, a perfect model, taken from his heart and memories and placed into my ...Vessel"
"Congratulations Vexes you've created a person" Zexion muttered, "Goody for you. Not as unique as the actual Riku is far more impressive".
"Ha!" The Replica sneered, "That thing is nothing more than a weakling, afraid of his own shadow, let alone the power of the darkness"
Namine shivered, she didn't like him at all. From what she knew of Riku, he might have been smug, and corrupted, but not to this degree. This replica was all body, but none of the substance that made the real Riku, Riku. He just looked at Namine smirking at her, eyes interested.
"My, my, my…." Larxene said, smirking, she eyed him hungrily, "He certainly is something Vexen, I'm impressed"
Marluxia nodded, "Agreed, he might be useful in our plans against the Keyblade Master"
"Want me to take him out?" The Replica asked looking at his sword, a dark expression forming on his face as he gently slid his finger against the edge, careful as to not cut himself.
Again Namine just shuddered.
Marluxia shook his head, "No, no...Of course not, we have no need, we need you to be Riku, in order to push the Keyblade Master in the right direction"
The Replica just looked confused, "Be Riku? Why would I want to be that little weakling"
"Because we need Sora, more then we need you" Vexen hissed.
The Replica sneered, "Then why make me"
"Because cute thing-" Larxene said tugging his ear, only to slam into the desk Namine was, "Namine wants a toy, and she's gonna get one"
"I-I don't want-" The Replica looked nervously at her.
"Namine" Marluxia said, "We need you to great something completely devoted to you. Something that we hope Sora will be when the time comes, and who will be able to then fully manipulate to our advantage"
Namine looked scared.
What were they talking about, why would they want him to be like Riku. Riku was weak and foolish. He was the much better model in everything, power, darkness, strength, everything. He didn't want to be like a pathetic little weakling.
"Okay-" Namine looked at the Replica and sighed, "I'm sorry"
"What...No!"
He didn't want to be like Riku.
He wanted to be strong.
He wanted to be powerful.
He wanted to be himself.
He was afraid.
It was time, goodbye to a Replica, hello to a new Riku.
-000-
"It's done" Vexen said looking satisfied now.
The Replica now stood there, all the smugness gone, instead he stood beside Namine who just looked stoic, but deep down was deep in shame. She had created a completely new memory for him. One that would aid the Organization's goals.
He saw Namine and saw nothing but beauty and perfection. She was his everything, and he would do anything to protect her
"Namine" Riku said standing by her side, getting to his knees, "You look lovely today"
Namine seemed unsure of what to say "T-Thank you?"
Larxene laughed, "Oh this is too good, I love it, he's like a little prince charming. I love it. He's like a puppy. Part of me just wants to kick him".
"Good to see you show your sensitive side" Axel muttered.
"Please, you know, we don't have one"
Axel just groaned
"Enough-" Marluxia smirked, "He's perfect now. Riku was always Sora's foil in life as he will be in our little simulation. The memories of there rivalry will fuel him, make him more devoted to Namine as a result. With the Replica completely devoted to you Namine, it will be the perfect test for Sora don't you think"
"I-If you say so" Namine said looking nervous.
"Riku?" Marluxia stepped up again, "Sora is trying to stop Namine, perhaps you can remind him just why he shouldn't
The Replica sneered, his eyes becoming intense. "Believe me...I will"
Sora...That no good traitor, he didn't care about Namine like he did. He was her sworn protector. The only one who was good for her.
"Don't look sad Namine" Vexen snickered standing behind her, "Just think of this as a preview of what life will be like when Sora becomes like this...Devoted, loyal...Only to you...and of course our goals of course"
Namine sighed "Of course"
"Young love-" Marluxia took out a rose to sniff it, "It is such a fragile thing, the memories it makes are some of the most powerful but also...The most deadly".
"How dramatic" Vexen muttered, "But this will be an interesting experiment none the less"
Marluxia smirked, "Yes, very interesting indeed...Once Riku has been re-positioned as Sora enemies, then the real battle can begin"
"Real battle?" Namine asked.
"Yes...Sora vs Riku...and the battle for your heart Namine" Marluxias had a triumphant look, "But first...One little tweak to Sora's memory to get him ready for the final push"
"Well, why did you do that, I have business to attend too" Zexion said.
Namine listened carefully.
"Where?" Larxene asked sounding miffed, "We have everything.
Zexion, "You do, but I actually have an interest in the real Riku and want to see what he can actually do"
For namine...He would show no fear.
