Editing Riku Replica

{{Game|COM|REC|KH3|3RM}}

{{youmay|the form of the Replica of Riku in his normal timeline|[[Dark Riku|the form of him that was temporarily sent to the future and made a member of the real Organization XIII]]}}

  |image=[[File:Riku Replica KHIII.png|300x350px]]

  |spec=CharacterBoss

The '''Riku Replica''' is a [[replica]] of [[Riku]] created from the data [[Vexen]] had gathered. He appeared in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'' and acts as one of the main antagonists of the game. Though he almost always appears in [[Dark Mode]], the only time when he did not have this suit on is his debut in either storyline. Originally a subject to test the real Riku, the Replica was later exploited to become a puppet of [[Marluxia]] who attempted to use him to manipulate [[Sora]] and overthrow [[Organization XIII]]. As [[Dark Riku]], he serves as a member of the [[real Organization XIII]].

The Riku Replica was created by Vexen in order to test Riku's strength, and hopefully cause Riku's [[heart]] to return to the [[darkness]]. At first, Riku was shocked to see his counterpart; however, after the original heard the Riku Replica's taunts, a battle began. Due to the short time of Riku Replica's existence, he lacked experience and was quickly defeated by the original. Riku then attempted to destroy the replica, but failed when the Riku Replica utilized the power of darkness.

Riku Replica escapes, and eventually ends up in [[Organization XIII]]'s chambers, where [[Larxene]] taunted Riku Replica over his loss. However, the replica denied any fault of this, saying that his powers had not grown enough, which resulted in her bashing him into the wall calling him "nothing but a mere toy". The Organization members later change their plans, hoping to turn Sora into their puppet and overthrow the Organization. Larxene suggested that Riku Replica's memories should be rewritten to be the same as the original's so he would become a much stronger and more useful tool. Riku Replica, upon hearing Larxene's idea, rejected it, saying that he did not need his original's pitiful memories, but all the members began to agree upon Larxene's plan. Fearing that he would lose his memory, Riku Replica assaulted Larxene. However, he was quickly knocked out and [[Naminé]] was ordered to rewrite the replica's memory.

After having his memory rewritten, Riku Replica swore to protect Naminé, and saw Sora as a threat, feeling already betrayed by him as he thought Sora didn't care for him and cared only for [[Kairi]]. At some point during the period in which he believed himself to be the true Riku, the Replica was retrieved by [[Young Xehanort]] and implanted with a fragment of [[Xehanort]]'s heart, inducting him into the [[real Organization XIII]] as "[[Dark Riku]]".{{?}}<!--cite ultimania--> Once Dark Riku was defeated in the future, his heart returned to its proper place in time.{{?}}<!--cite YX's KH3D speech, RR's KH3 departure speech, or KH3 ultimania-->

 

Sora's first encounter with the replica confused the [[Keyblade Master]], as he believed that the replica was the real Riku. Sora managed to defeat the replica, who then escaped. Riku Replica later encountered Sora in [[Castle Oblivion]]'s 8th floor, where he urged Sora to leave, as he would protect Naminé. Hoping to regain his friend, Sora offered to jog Riku Replica's memory, but nothing worked, and a fight ensued.

Naminé illustrated Sora's memories of the Riku Replica in one of her drawings in [[The White Room]].

Upon encountering a version of himself in a [[black coat]], Riku recalls the Riku Replica.

 

 

{{-}}

The Riku Replica is physically identical to Riku as he appears in ''Kingdom Hearts'', sporting the same skin tone, bright blue eyes, and shoulder-length silver hair. He initially appears in Riku's standard outfit, to both Riku and Sora, but quickly shifts into his [[Dark Mode]] form, and remains in the latter outfit for the remainder of his appearance after his first encounter with Sora.

{{Q|What can you possibly think I ever had? Both my body and my heart are fake. But...there is one memory I'll keep...even if it's just a lie! Whether it was a phantom promise or not... I will protect Naminé!|Riku Replica's declaration to protect Naminé.}}

Due to being created from Riku's combat data, the Replica lacks his memories and only knows about Riku via secondhand knowledge. Additionally, the Replica is much more aggressive and prone to lashing out. The Replica sees himself as superior to the original Riku as, unlike him, the Replica holds no fear of the darkness in his heart and wields it with a mastery that Riku lacks.  

Once he is brainwashed to believe he is the real Riku and that Sora is the source of Naminé's sorrow, the Replica begins stubbornly attacking his "friend" to chase him off. However, as the Replica realizes that his memories of Naminé are contradicted by Sora's, the Replica aims to destroy him to end the confusion.

 

After Naminé breaks his fake memories, the Replica remembers his real identity and decides to hold onto the memory of vowing to protect Naminé, knowing that it is the closest real memory he has. Axel later convinced him that gaining powering and slaying Riku would allow the Replica to take his place. After he is defeated by Riku, the Replica accepts his demise, making peace with his existence as an artificial being.

 

His vow to protect Naminé kept him from fading as a disembodied heart in the Dark World for a year. Even though Riku offered a vessel to be reborn, the Replica refuses and chooses to give the vessel to Naminé, content with fading away as he has fulfilled his promise to protect her.

The Riku Replica fights with the same style as the real Riku, but is generally more aggressive and leaves himself wide open during his battles. His [[sleight]]s take less power than Riku's, only needing any three cards provided they are the right type to perform [[Dark Aura]] in contrast to the three 9's that Riku needs, and unlike Riku, he remains able to use item cards while in Dark Mode. He also uses Helm Split instead of Riku's [[Dark Break]].

 

The Riku Replica primarily wields [[Soul Eater]]. In ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'', he acquires Riku's [[Way to the Dawn]] [[Keyblade]], which Riku leaves behind in the [[Realm of Darkness]] when it is snapped in half.

 

File:Way to the Dawn KHII.png|[[Way to the Dawn]]