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The last we saw of Riku he had sacrificed himself to remain in the Realm of Darkness with King Mickey after Sora closed the doors. After the conclusion of Sora’s story in “Kingdom Hearts: Re:Chain of Memories (Re:CoM),” we are given access to Riku’s story (( Boccia, Greg. “Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories Reverse/Rebirth Guide.” Gamer Guides. )). In “Kingdom Hearts” (2002), Riku had fallen into the hands of darkness in an attempt to set himself free from the confines of his small island and save Kairi. As a result, he became a pawn in Maleficent’s plan to fill the worlds with darkness and thus became an antagonist to Sora.
He was also being consumed by the dark powers he had gained, eventually losing himself to Ansem, seeker of darkness. After Ansem’s and Maleficent’s defeats, Riku was freed, but his character arc was just beginning. While the first half of Re:CoM is about Sora remembering what it is he’s fighting for, the second half is about Riku figuring out who he is and where he wants to go. Down in the basement floors, Riku must come face to face with the ghosts of his past that lie in his inner darkness.
Between Light & Darkness
Riku awakens in an unfamiliar space. Ansem’s voice calls out to him, urging him to stay asleep in this space between light and dark. He explains to Riku that after closing the Door to Darkness, he drifted to that space because he was either too weak to overcome the darkness or was too close to it. Riku is defensive against this insinuation and Ansem offers him an alternative to the security of sleep: face the truth. A card appears before Riku.
Ansem warns him that it is a door to the truth, which will bring him pain. Riku is ready and willingly takes the card which transports him from the in-between space to the halls of Castle Oblivion. He uses the card to enter through the first door.
Hollow Bastion
Like with Sora, Ansem explains to Riku that he is not really in Hollow Bastion. Riku has an easier time grasping these concepts than Sora did and ventures forth through the world. Riku finds his old bedroom that Maleficent had given him during his stay at Hollow Bastion. He argues that he would rather forget about his memories living in that room. Ansem reminds Riku that he willingly stayed there after being tempted by the darkness and the power Maleficent offered him, closing himself off from his friends.
At the entrance hall, Riku demands to see the people from his memories, since all he’s encountered up to this point are Heartless. Ansem questions why Riku would want to see anyone if he’s cast everyone aside. Riku rejected his friends and the island in pursuit of the darkness. But now Riku has rejected darkness, so what does he have left? Without light or darkness, his heart must be empty just like his memories. It’s for this reason that he does not meet anyone. Ansem suggests that the only thing in his heart is “residual darkness,” but Riku rejects this idea.
In the castle chapel, Riku finally meets someone: Maleficent. He’s disappointed that she’s the first person he meets, but she explains that because he has darkness in his heart he can only see people who reside in darkness. She’s puzzled as to why Riku would reject her, since he once turned to her for power, but he explains it was for that reason that he now pushes her away. By feeding into the dark he lost himself and he’s determined to not fall into that empty feeling again. If he’s fated to only meet people of the dark in his memories then he will fight every single one.
Maleficent declares that Riku shouldn’t forget to destroy himself last since he too is of the dark. Riku is content with this fate since he turned to darkness because of his weak heart. That weakness is what he hates most in himself so he’d rather destroy it. The two engage in battle and Riku succeeds in eliminating his first dark memory.
B12 Exit Hall
Riku finally comes face to face with Ansem, who questions why Riku rejects the darkness so fiercely. Ansem explains that darkness is Riku’s weapon and he must accept it, without it he is weak. He wants Riku to accept the darkness so he can use him again. Riku denies him, attacks, but fails to land a hit. Ansem taunts him for this and tries to tempt him into darkness again but a familiar voice comes to Riku’s rescue. It’s King Mickey, appearing as a ball of light, and he reminds Riku that the light will never give up on him. Riku has a renewed resolve and engages Ansem in battle.
It comes to a draw, but before Ansem leaves, he gives Riku another world card. He challenges Riku to enter the world and see that chasing the light is not the answer since it will not keep him from darkness. Riku accepts, declaring that he wins if he proves that he won’t give in to the darkness. Just as Ansem is about to leave, he “tempers” the darkness in Riku’s heart. He explains it is now Riku’s choice to use the dark powers or not.
In another part of the Castle, we are introduced to two new members of Organization XIII, Zexion and Lexaeus. They are joined by a still living Vexen, meaning the events in the basement levels cross over with the events in the upper levels. Zexion had called all of them together because he detected two “scents;” one being a double that smelled like Maleficent and the other with a scent similar to the “Superior.” Vexen explains that Maleficent can’t be in the Castle because she can’t come back from the realm of darkness on her own, suggesting it’s possible for her to return. With this information, the trio decides to wait and see what happens with the new visitors.
Floor B11
As he ascends to the next floor, Riku notices a familiar smell: darkness. A transparent image of King Mickey appears then, apparently only able to send a small bit of his power to him. He reassures Riku that he has the strength to fight the darkness inside him. Even in the deepest darkness there is light; they’ve seen it inside the Door to Darkness: Kingdom Hearts. The light of Kingdom Hearts will guide him through the darkness. Riku promises to try his best.
Back with the Organization trio, Zexion has identified the other scent to be Riku. Because Riku is closely connected to Ansem, their scents are similar, causing Zexion to mistake Riku for the “Superior,” the leader of Organization XIII. The dark powers allowed Riku to escape and due to his connection with Sora, he was drawn to the Castle. Vexen explains to them that Sora had arrived earlier at the Castle and that Marluxia has already set his plan in motion. Vexen suggests that Marluxia wants Sora and his powers for himself, but Vexen doesn’t see Sora’s value. He believes Riku is superior as the “hero of darkness.”
Floor B10
Vexen confronts Riku in the exit hall. Riku asks if he is associated with Ansem but Vexen answers in a puzzling manner. He is associated with an Ansem that Riku is unfamiliar with; he is both Ansem and not Ansem, a Nobody. This “Ansem” is someone who is neither associated with the light nor the darkness but “walks the twilight in between,” just as Riku does now. Riku begins to accept that there might only be darkness in his heart, but regardless, darkness is still his enemy. For this reason, Riku challenges Vexen to a fight since he too smells of darkness. However, Vexen only complies in order to gather data on Riku. By aggravating him, he had encouraged the flow of darkness in him.
Floor B9
Back with Zexion and Lexaeus, they are discussing Marluxia’s progress with his plan. Zexion has reservations about Marluxia and Larxene whereas Lexaeus doesn’t trust Axel and questions his motives.
Floor B8
Riku is shocked when he comes face to face with Repliku, an exact replica made from data Vexen gathered from him. Riku calls him a fake, but Repliku takes issue with this, claiming that he’s not less than him for not being “real.” The one core difference between them is that while Riku fears the darkness inside, Repliku embraces it, bending it to his will.
They engage in battle and Riku manages to fend him off. Repliku isn’t deterred, however; he is confident the next time they meet he will win.
Floor B7
Repliku joins the Organization trio and Vexen decides he’s ready to meet Sora. Meanwhile, as Riku chases after Repliku, he runs into Ansem again. He explains to Riku that Repliku is not so much a fake as he is a model of what Riku can become. Repliku accepts the darkness and utilizes it to his advantage whereas Riku fears it.
Riku argues that he’s never been afraid of the darkness, but Ansem points out that as he’s been going through each world he’s been desperately fighting against the darkness and desperation is fear. Ansem attempts to bring Riku back to his side by reminding him that Riku once accepted him, and had power to show for it. Riku attempts to silence him but fails. Ansem gives him another world card to help him on his journey but warns him that he won’t be able to resist the darkness.
Floor B6
Elsewhere in the Castle, Vexen meets with Larxene and Axel. He introduces them to Repliku for his experiment with Sora. Larxene is not convinced he’s ready yet. She suggests they use Naminé’s power to alter Repliku’s memories and make him forget that he’s a copy. By giving him Riku’s memories, he’ll act just as Riku does.
Repliku is against this since he believes Riku is inferior to him; however, Vexen agrees with Larxene. Repliku feels betrayed by this decision, but Vexen reminds him that he can and will use him as he sees fit. Repliku attacks Larxene in retaliation but is swiftly subdued. Taking delight in this, Larxene tells Repliku not to worry since he won’t remember anything anyways. He should find comfort in knowing that he’ll never know he’s living with lies, but the thought only brings him horror.
Later, Larxene pays Naminé a visit and decides to bully her with thoughts of how awful she must feel for altering Sora’s memories. Having just had his memories altered, Repliku comes to Naminé’s defense. After promising to protect her, he heads off into the Castle. Larxene is impressed with Naminé’s work and is excited with how well their plan is working. Naminé is quick to remind her that Sora will never truly forget Kairi no matter how many memories she replaces of her.
The more memories Naminé puts of herself into Sora, the stronger his feelings for Kairi will grow. This is because Naminé is Kairi’s “shadow,” her Nobody.
Floor B5
Back with Zexion and Lexaeus, we learn that Vexen has been eliminated. Axel’s involvement with the matter disturbs Zexion, but Lexaeus reminds him that the problem lies with Sora. He is still under Naminé’s control and they cannot touch him. Their Superior needs Sora, the hero of light, so Lexaeus proposes that they obtain darkness: Riku.
Floor B4
Riku only has one card left and wonders: if he makes it through the last world, will he be free of the darkness? After completing the world he runs into Lexaeus. Lexaeus wonders why Riku possesses great power yet fears the darkness. Riku, again, denies these accusations. Lexaeus disagrees — Riku is capable of controlling the darkness; he need only cast away his fear and embrace the darkness in his heart. Riku challenges this — what happens if he says no? Lexaeus claims that he will be lost to both the light and darkness and will disappear. In an attempt to get Riku to accept the darkness, Lexaeus challenges him to a battle. Just when it seems Riku might lose, darkness overcomes him and he deals the killing blow.
We see Riku within the darkness of his heart, hearing Ansem’s call. When Riku acknowledges him, Ansem claims he grows stronger. The more Riku thinks of him, the greater a hold Ansem has on his heart and soon he will reawaken. But King Mickey’s light saves Riku and manages to keep Ansem’s darkness away. Riku regains control of his body and awakens inside the Castle. He realizes then that he’s not alone, the King’s light is inside his heart.
Back with Zexion, he is joined by Axel, who appears to have faked his death at the hands of Sora. As it turns out, Zexion and Lexaeus were meant to eliminate Marluxia and Larxene, the traitors, and had planned to use Riku to do it. But seeing as how only Marluxia is left, Zexion sees no more use for Riku.
Floor B3
A quake is felt throughout the Castle — Marluxia has just been eliminated. Zexion appears before Riku and explains that Sora is responsible. He offers to take Riku to Sora but wonders if Riku is able to face him with darkness and Ansem’s shadow still in his heart.
Sora, as the hero of light, must fight the darkness and anyone who sides with it, including Riku. Zexion gives Riku the Destiny Islands world card, urging him to see the truth.
Destiny Islands
Riku finds himself at peace on the familiar shores of his home world. He reflects back on the feelings he used to have, how eager he was to leave the islands. Now clearly those feelings have changed and he wishes to be home again with everybody. He runs into Kairi but she fades away, much to his dismay. Zexion appears then to remind him that only darkness is left in his heart so all he has are dark memories. Riku can’t interact with any memories of the light.
He refuses to believe Zexion since he still remembers all his friends, but Zexion counters by stating that he was the one who cast them all away and brought darkness to the islands. He clarifies that the islands were completely destroyed and many hearts were lost to the darkness. Riku opened the door to darkness which brought upon the islands’ fate. Because he was pulled into the darkness then, he belongs to the darkness now. Zexion throws Riku into a battle against Darkside to make him face his true self.
After claiming victory, Riku finally meets Sora, but it’s not a happy reunion. Sora attacks Riku because he has darkness in his heart. He uses light against him and it hurts Riku. Sora uses light to overwhelm Riku, to make him feel as if he’s fading away. Kairi appears before him in the light to reassure him of his strength. Neither the light nor the dark can defeat him; both will make him stronger. Riku is unsure of the darkness making him stronger. Kairi explains that if he uses his own strength to face the darkness in his heart rather than turn away from it, then he will fear nothing again. The key is to acknowledge that the darkness exists and to not give in to it; this will grant him strength unlike any other.
He will be able to escape the deepest darkness and see through the brightest light. If he follows the darkness, he will find his friends, but is he ready to face them? At that moment, Riku calls upon the darkness and uses it to break through the blinding light that surrounds him, dealing a blow to Sora. However, it was never actually Sora, but Zexion’s illusion. Zexion, furious with Riku’s new resolve, engages him in battle. Riku finally knows who he is and is able to deal a final blow to Zexion.
Zexion manages to escape but runs into Axel and Repliku. While Zexion had hoped to use Repliku to kill Riku, Axel has other plans. He suggests to Repliku that if he wants to be his own person, then he needs to gain power that Riku doesn’t have. Axel urges Repliku to finish off Zexion and gain strength from him. According to Axel, Zexion just “knew too much,” suggesting that he didn’t want his exploits at the Castle getting out.
Floor B2
Every Organization member, except for Axel, has been eliminated from Castle Oblivion, but Riku still has one more challenge to face: Ansem. Ansem attempts to take control of Riku once again but King Mickey manages to save him. This time, King Mickey is physically there. He’s managed to make his way to the Castle with the help of a card which appeared to him in the realm of darkness. The King gives the card to Riku and he heads forth to the final world.
Twilight Town
Riku is faced with Ansem yet again but he notices that his scent is different. This isn’t the real Ansem, the one from his heart. Riku realizes that this Ansem is the one who spoke to him in the very beginning, the one who gave him the card that led him out of the realm of darkness. “Ansem” reveals himself to be Diz.
He wants Riku to meet Naminé and make a choice as someone who stands between light and dark, in the twilight.
A Faithful Replica
Riku goes in search of Naminé and finds himself at the mansion. He’s met by Repliku who takes notice of the change in Riku — he knows who he is now. Repliku, on the other hand, has also come to terms with the fact that he’s a fake, but this knowledge agitates him. Everything about him is fake, from the way he looks to his memories, even his new powers. He thought that if he had new strength he could be his own person, but it didn’t help. In his frustration, he challenges Riku to a final duel in an effort to be free from him.
Riku ultimately is able to defeat him. As Repliku fades away, he bids farewell to his fake existence. He wonders what will happen to him when he dies, where will his heart go? Riku tries to give comforting words, stating that perhaps his heart will go to the same place as his. With this, Repliku is finally at peace with his existence as a replica and fades away.
A Choice
Riku makes his way to the room where Sora sleeps and finds Naminé. She explains to him the events that happened in the upper levels. To forget about the Castle was a choice Sora made and now Riku must also make a choice. The darkness in his heart harbors Ansem and while he’s at bay for now, eventually he may seize back control. Naminé offers to use her powers to put a lock on Riku’s heart and seal Ansem away, however doing so would mean he too would forget his memories of the Castle. In doing this he can forget the darkness and go back to who he was before.
Doing this would mean all the personal growth he’s made in the castle will be forgotten and he would have to sleep like Sora. He decides he doesn’t need his heart sealed, he’s ready to face Ansem. Naminé is worried, but Riku reassures her that the darkness will show him the way. She is pleased with his choice; she wanted him to face the darkness because he was always capable of it. As it turned out, it was actually Naminé who came to Riku in the light in his fight against Zexion. As he leaves to face Ansem, he instructs Naminé to look after Sora.
B2 Exit Hall
Riku reunites with King Mickey and Diz. Diz gives Riku an Organization cloak, which will provide him protection against the Organization, who will now be pursuing him, and prevent the darkness from consuming him. He gives him a final card which will draw out the darkness in his heart and allow him to face Ansem.
Floor B1
King Mickey is ready to help Riku face Ansem, but Riku feels he must do it alone. He’s about to ask King Mickey to destroy him should Ansem overtake him but the King declares he will save him instead. They choose to believe in each other’s strength and Riku is finally ready to face the darkness in his heart.
Ansem appears before Riku and praises him for his growth. But he wonders why Riku accepts the darkness but rejects him. Does a part of Riku still fear the dark? No, the truth lies in the fact that he rejects Ansem as he is, as a corrupting force. Ansem is done trying to bring Riku over and they engage in their final battle. Riku is finally able to overpower Ansem. But with his dying words, Ansem declares that he will return one day; he gave Riku his dark powers, he can never truly be rid of him.
Riku and King Mickey arrive at the Castle entrance hall. Riku decides he can’t go home yet since he fears Ansem’s darkness may still linger in his heart. King Mickey reassures him that his darkness is his own, just as is his light. The King used to believe that darkness should never exist, but after spending time with Riku he realized it’s possible for them to co-exist. Light and darkness exist in Riku in a way no one has seen before and the King wants to follow that road with Riku to see where it leads. Riku accepts King Mickey’s companionship, solidifying their friendship.
The Road to Dawn
Donning their Organization cloaks, Riku and Mickey encounter Diz at a crossroads. Diz wants Riku to choose: the road to darkness or the road to light. He chooses neither. He will take the middle road, the road to dawn.
Rebirth
Castle Oblivion provided Riku with the means to not only overcome the darkness but also accept it. Riku was fearful of the dark powers that resided in his heart. Try as he might to reject those powers, he found himself using them to his advantage. His greatest fear wasn’t necessarily the darkness itself, but rather what it would do to him. Looking back on “Kingdom Hearts” (2002), we witnessed Riku’s slow descent into darkness. The more he came to rely on it, the more it changed who he was, ultimately making him susceptible to Ansem’s control.
In “Re:CoM,” we see Riku try to regain his agency as every enemy he encounters tries to push him further into the corrupting influence of the darkness. Riku is eventually able to accept that darkness is a part of him now. He learns to work with it, not allowing it to corrupt him. He also comes to realize, just as King Mickey did, that the choice isn’t simply light or darkness, sometimes it’s both. It remains to be seen where this road will lead him.
With Riku’s story we are given the first glimpse of a complex narrative that is trying to go beyond the traditional “light versus dark” trope that we had in “Kingdom Hearts” (2002). Riku is the quintessential gray character; he accepts the darkness and welcomes the light. He is not the hero of darkness nor the hero of light, he is the hero of the dawn.
