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-{{Youmay|the series|[[Kingdom Hearts (disambiguation)|other uses of ''Kingdom Hearts'']]}}
+{{About|the series||Kingdom Hearts (disambiguation)}}
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-{{nihongo|'''''Kingdom Hearts'''''|キングダムハーツ|Kingudamu Hātsu}} is a series of action role-playing games (''RPG'') developed and published by {{w|Square Enix}}. It is a collaboration between Square Enix and {{w|Disney Interactive Studios}} under the direction of [[Tetsuya Nomura]], a longtime Square character designer. ''Kingdom Hearts'' is  a crossover between Square Enix and Disney properties based in a fictional universe. The heroes of the series clash against the multiple incarnations of the primary antagonist, Xehanort, throughout the series. The series centers around the main character [[Sora]]'s search for his friends and his encounters with Disney and Square Enix characters in their worlds.
+{{nihongo|'''''Kingdom Hearts'''''|キングダムハーツ|Kingudamu Hātsu}}, officially stylized as '''''KINGDOM HEARTS''''', is an {{w|Role-playing video game|role-playing game}} series developed and published by {{w|Square Enix}}, formerly {{w|Square (video game company)|Square}}. It is a collaboration between Square Enix and {{w|Disney Interactive Studios}} under the direction of {{w|Tetsuya Nomura}}. ''Kingdom Hearts'' is  a crossover between Square Enix and Disney properties based in a fictional universe.
-The series consists of numerous games across different video game platforms, which was initially a point of contention for many players who could not afford all the platforms; however, in the 2010s, most of the games were released in compilations on the PlayStation 3 and later the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and on PC. The bulk of the series can all be played in this manner, and those that can not such as ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts coded]]'' were adapted into movies for these compilations. Some of the games were re-released as remakes or enhanced ports with the subtitle "Final Mix". There are currently 13 main installments released in the series (bolded in the "Games" section below, although note that the [[Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover|ninth]] is a movie).
+The series consists of numerous entries across different video game platforms, with almost every game being re-relased in a set of compilations on the PlayStation 3 and later the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and on PC. Many games have received enhanced ports with the subtitle "Final Mix", while others have gotten full-scale remakes. Although the bulk of the series can be played in these modern compilations, a few games are adapted into cutscene movies instead, and others remain exclusive to mobile devices. There are currently 13 main installments (bolded in the "Games" section below, although note that the [[Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover|ninth]] is a movie).
-There have been several types of merchandise released along with the games, such as soundtracks, [[Formation Arts Figures|figurines]], and companion books. In addition, the games have also been adapted into a [[Kingdom Hearts series (manga)|manga series]] and [[Kingdom Hearts (novels)|novels]].
+The plot of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is focused on the conflict between [[light]] and [[darkness]], and it is split up into three phases. The story revolves around the main character [[Sora]] and his friends, their encounters with Disney and Square Enix characters in their worlds, and their clashes with the primary antagonist [[Xehanort]] and other forces of darkness.
-Most of the games in the series have been both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, though each installment has seen varying levels of success. As of October 2021, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series has shipped over 35 million copies worldwide.
+There have been several types of merchandise released along with the games, including soundtracks, figurines, companion books, and a [[Kingdom Hearts Trading Card Game|trading card game]]. In addition, the games have been adapted into a {{c|Kingdom Hearts series|manga|manga series}} and {{c|Kingdom Hearts|novels|novels}}.
+Most of the games in the series have been both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, though each installment has seen varying levels of success. As of March 2022, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series has shipped over 36 million copies worldwide.<ref>[https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/library/pdf/ar_2022en.pdf Square Enix 2022 Annual Report]: "The series is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and has shipped over 36 million units worldwide."</ref>
 ==Overview==
-:''Further information: [[:Category: Characters|Characters of Kingdom Hearts]]''
 [[File:Tetsuya Nomura.png|thumb|150px|left|Tetsuya Nomura, the creator and director of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series.]]
-''Kingdom Hearts'' features a mixture of familiar Disney and Square Enix characters as well as several new characters designed and created by Tetsuya Nomura. The series features many locations unique to the ''Kingdom Hearts'' franchise in addition to worlds from Disney and {{w|Pixar}} films. While Square Enix characters are from properties such as the ''Final Fantasy'', ''{{w|The World Ends with You}}'', and ''{{w|Einhänder}}'' series.
+''Kingdom Hearts'' features a mixture of familiar Disney and Square Enix characters as well as original characters designed and created by Tetsuya Nomura. There is a variety of worlds from {{w|Disney}} and {{w|Pixar}} films, along with characters from Square Enix franchises including ''{{w|Final Fantasy}}'', ''{{w|The World Ends with You}}'', and ''{{w|Einhänder}}''. In addition, the series includes many locations unique to the ''Kingdom Hearts'' franchise.
 The playable character will visit these worlds and interact with these characters, typically protecting them from enemies along the way. Often, their actions in these worlds closely follow the stories of the original Disney film, but some worlds have original stories based on the Disney setting instead. In addition, some shorter installments in the series focus almost entirely on original ''Kingdom Hearts'' worlds and characters, such as ''[[Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]''.
@@ Line 21: / Line 22: @@
 ===Creation and influence===
-[[File:Sora, Kairi, and Riku (Concept Art).png|thumb|right|250px|Early sketch of Riku, Sora, and Kairi.]]
+[[File:Sora, Riku, and Kairi (Concept Art).png|thumb|250px|Early sketch of Riku, Sora, and Kairi.]]
-The ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is directed by Tetsuya Nomura, who also works as the character designer of the games. Nomura has stated that unlike working with ''Final Fantasy ''characters, keeping the main character Sora alive and interesting over multiple games is a challenge. He has also stated that though many of the Disney characters are not normally dark and serious, there were not many challenges making them so for the story, and despite this, their personalities shine because they maintain their own characteristics. Though Disney gave Nomura freedom in the characters and worlds used for the games, he and his staff tried to stay within the established roles of characters and boundaries of the worlds. When deciding which worlds to include in the game, the development staff tried to take into account worlds with Disney characters that would be interesting.
+The ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is directed by Tetsuya Nomura, who also works as the character designer of the games. Nomura has stated that unlike working with ''Final Fantasy'' characters, keeping the main character Sora alive and interesting over multiple games is a challenge. He has also noted that, although many of the Disney characters are not normally dark and serious, there were not many challenges making them so for the story – and, despite this, their personalities shine because they maintain their own characteristics. Even though Disney gave Nomura considerable freedom in the characters and worlds used for the games, he and his staff tried to stay within the established roles of characters and boundaries of the worlds. When deciding which worlds to include in the game, the development staff tried to take into account worlds with Disney characters that would be interesting.
+The inclusion of specific ''Final Fantasy'' characters was based on the opinions of fans and the development staff. Another criteria for inclusion was whether the staff felt the characters would fit into the storyline and in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' universe. Initially, Nomura was hesitant to use characters he did not design, because he was unfamiliar with the background work of such characters. For ''Kingdom Hearts II'', he changed his mind after receiving pressure from his staff.
-The inclusion of specific ''Final Fantasy'' characters was based on the opinions of fans and the development staff. Another criteria for inclusion was whether the staff felt the characters would fit into the storyline and in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' universe. Initially, Nomura was hesitant to use characters he did not design, because he was unfamiliar with the background work of such characters. For ''Kingdom Hearts II'', he changed his mind after receiving pressure from his staff. Throughout the development of the games, Nomura has often left certain events and connections between characters unexplained until the release of future games. Nomura did this because he feels that games should have room for fans to speculate and use their imagination. He stated that with speculation, even though a game gets old, people can still be happy with it. In ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'', Tetsuya Nomura used characters from ''The World Ends with You'', another Square Enix series, and in ''Kingdom Hearts III'' a boss from ''Einhänder'' was used.
+Throughout the development of the games, Nomura has often left certain events and connections between characters unexplained until the release of future games, as he feels that games should have room for fans to speculate and use their imagination. He stated that with speculation, even though a game gets old, people can still be happy with it.
 {{-}}
 ===Gameplay===
-[[File:Firaga KH.gif|thumb|250px|left|Once protagonists have obtained the Keyblade, they are able to fight using various spells inspired by the ''Final Fantasy'' series, such as "Firaga".]]
+[[File:Firaga KH.gif|thumb|250px|left|Keyblade wielders are able to fight using various spells inspired by the ''Final Fantasy'' series, such as "Firaga".]]
-The ''Kingdom Hearts'' series contains both 3rd-person fighting and role-playing game elements. The games are driven by a linear progression to the next story event, usually told in the form of a cutscene, though there are numerous side quests available that provide bonus benefits to the characters. Furthermore, there are allies to aid the main character, Sora. The allies in play rely fully on A.I. controls, though players could later modify and customize their ability usage frequency. The combat system takes on real-time, meaning Sora could engage the enemy directly; various actions, such as attack and magic, are executable, during or after the battle.
+The ''Kingdom Hearts'' series contains both 3rd-person fighting and role-playing game elements. The games are driven by a linear progression to the next story event, usually told in the form of a cutscene, though there are numerous side quests available that provide bonus benefits to the characters. The games are influenced by the design of the ''Final Fantasy'' series, carrying over many gameplay elements into a new action-based, hack-and-slash system. Typically, combat occurs in real-time, allowing the player to engage the enemy directly.
-In ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories]]'' the combat system was altered as Sora is no longer aided by his friends, and all of his combat commands are only executable via [[cards]], with special attacks being executed with [[sleight]]s. Additionally, combat no longer takes place in the same space as exploration; rather, whenever Sora engages an enemy, he is taken to a confined field for combat.
-The [[Gummi Ship]] is another common theme in the series, where it serves as a means of transportation for Sora and company to travel towards other worlds. Players can modify and customize these ships via blueprints and selected parts. In the release of ''[[Kingdom Hearts Final Mix]]'', the first game contained Gummi Ship side quests. However, due to the criticism regarding the complexity of the Gummi Ship customization, the third game's Gummi Ship was toned down, providing easier and wider modifications, allowing players to customize it into either a small classed battle ship, or a grand carrier.
+Like many traditional role-playing games, character progression in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is determined by an experience point system, rewarding the player for defeating enemies with stronger attributes and new abilities. Characters can also be made more powerful through equipping different weapons, armor, and accessories. New equipment can be earned through exploration and story progression, purchased from a shop, or crafted with [[synthesis]].
-Another recurring element of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is [[Jiminy's Journal]], which functions as a bestiary and provides hints and simple character information. The journal also records Sora's minigame results, as well as unfinished side quests, allowing players to have easier resolutions to track the game.
+Typically, the games are structured into a set of worlds, being analogous to different levels. The gameplay in each world primarily centers around defeating enemies and completing linear objectives. In some games, travel between each level is automatic; in others, going to a new world is done through a [[mini-game]], such as the [[Gummi Ship]] or [[Dive Mode]]. Mini-games like these are an important part of the gameplay in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series; nearly every installment features a wide array of mini-games, with many being required for story  progression.
-In ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', the battle system introduced a new gameplay element: [[Drive Form]]s, which allow Sora to gain access to new abilities via his combat garment, and wielding two Keyblades for a limited time (however, not every form possess this ability). Magic is simpler to execute, and Sora's MP gauge will recharge automatically once it is used up. Another gameplay element introduced is the [[Reaction Command]], various actions only executable in several specific situations. These actions vary from talking to a character to performing combat abilities in battle.
+There are many allies that aid the playable characters. Typically, the allies rely fully on A.I. controls, with later entries allowing for limited customization of their behavior. In addition to accruing [[party member]]s, allies can be called into battle through the [[Summon]] system. Alternatively, the player can temporarily expand the main playable character's array of abilities through use of [[Drive Form]]s, [[Dimension Link]]s, or the [[Link System]].
-''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'' introduced several new features to the series, such as [[Deck Command]]s, which allow you to use several unique attacks as well as items and magic, and the [[Dimension Link]], which gives you access to several deck commands otherwise unavailable to the player. There is also the [[Shot Lock]], which allows you to attack a multitude of enemies with many attacks, and the Focus Gauge, which is what allows you to use the Shot Lock feature. It also introduces Command Styles where the player gains the use of a different and more powerful combo. By filling up the command gauge with either attacks or deck commands, the player will be able to execute a powerful finish command. Which command you use is different depending on if the player is using a D-link or a command style.
+Another recurring element of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is the [[Report]]. It records information about the characters, story, and enemies, as well as providing simple hints, tracking progress through mini-games and side quests, and recording various other gameplay statistics.
-The games are influenced by their parent franchise, ''Final Fantasy'', and carry its gameplay elements over into their own action-based, hack-and-slash system. Like many traditional role-playing games, ''Kingdom Hearts'' features an experience point system which determines character development. As enemies are defeated, the player gains experience which culminate in a "level-up", where the characters grow stronger and gain access to new abilities. The amount of experience is shared with all party members and each character grows stronger as experience is gained.
+Some entries in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series have a specialized or alternative battle system. ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]'', and ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' all use the [[Deck Command]] system, placing all abilities other than basic movement and attacks into a customizable "deck". ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'' uses a {{c|Card|com|card-based}} combat system, while levels and abilities in ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]'' are handled through the [[Panel System]]. The games in the [[χ series]] use Cards and {{c|Medal|ucx}}s for combat, with actions being performed purely through menu selection instead of moving the character in the environment. Finally, ''[[Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory]]'' features rhythm-based gameplay instead of traditional combat.
-Another recurring feature is the World music; all worlds have at least one normal field song and most have at least one battle theme.
+Overall, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is designed as a single-player experience, although ancillary multiplayer modes or features are included in ''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories'', ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days'', ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', ''Kingdom Hearts Re:coded'', ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'', ''Kingdom Hearts Union χ'', and ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory''.
 ===E/E10+ rating===
-Despite instances of mild censorship breaks, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series keeps a majority of its content "child-friendly". It refrains from using profanity and making sexual references, as well as from dressing its female characters in revealing outfits. While these elements are common in the ''Final Fantasy'' series, ''Kingdom Hearts'' prides itself on maintaining Disney's values. Death and suicide are also not treated realistically in the series, often with characters disappearing, dying off-screen, being revived later, etc.
+The ''Kingdom Hearts'' series keeps a majority of its content "child-friendly", maintaining Disney's values. It refrains from using profanity and making sexual references, as well as from dressing its female characters in revealing outfits. Death and suicide are also not treated realistically in the series, often with characters disappearing or dying off-screen.
 There are only a few instances in the entire series where these rules are broken:
@@ Line 53: / Line 54: @@
 *Axel uses the word "damn" in conversation with Saïx in ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''.
 *In ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', Maleficent uses the word "Hell" (albeit referring to the plane of afterlife) before facing Aqua and [[Prince Phillip]] in battle.
-*"Hell" is used once again in ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' by [[Sam Flynn]], specifically when he argues with his father, [[Kevin Flynn]], in one of the game's flashback sequences.
+*"Hell" is again used in ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' by [[Sam Flynn]] when he argues with his father, [[Kevin Flynn]], in one of the game's flashback sequences.
-*The field theme for [[Beast's Castle]], debuting in ''Kingdom Hearts II'', is named "[[Waltz of the Damned]]" (although the title itself would not be visible in a game until ''[[Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory]]'').
+*The field theme for [[Beast's Castle]], debuting in ''Kingdom Hearts II'', is named "[[Waltz of the Damned]]" (although the title itself would not be visible in a game until ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory'').
 ==Games==
-For the most part, the series takes place in sequential order. The first game in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' timeline is ''Kingdom Hearts χ'' and intersects chronologically with the beginning of ''Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover'' and the ending of ''Kingdom Hearts Union χ'', followed by ''Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link'' and ''Kingdom Hearts Dark Road'' taking place many years later and ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' and ''Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-'', which take place approximately 60 years after that again. The first ''Kingdom Hearts'' takes place 10 years after ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' and intersects chronologically with the ending of ''Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-''. The direct sequels to ''Kingdom Hearts'' are ''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories'' and ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''. The sequel to ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days'' is ''Kingdom Hearts II'', which takes place one year after ''Kingdom Hearts'' and intersects chronologically with the ending of ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''. ''Kingdom Hearts coded'', which takes place shortly after Xemnas's defeat and King Mickey's return to Disney Castle at the end of ''Kingdom Hearts II'', leads into ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'',<ref>[http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/09/21/kingdom_hearts_3ds_next Kingdom Hearts 3D is Next]</ref> which sets the stage for ''Kingdom Hearts III'' and intersects chronologically with the ending of ''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind'' and ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory'' as the conclusion of the "[[Dark Seeker Saga]]".<ref>Weekly Famitsu interview, Novermber 17, 2010: '''Tetsuya Nomura''': "''Kingdom Hearts 3D'' connects to ''Kingdom Hearts III''; I plan on showing how they evolutionarily progress. [...] both the system and the story are tied to ''Kingdom Hearts III''. It's likely that the ending of ''3D'' will continue into the story of ''KH3''."</ref>
+There are thirteen main installments in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series. The games are not always released in chronological order with respect to the story; for a chronological list of ''Kingdom Hearts'' installments, see the [[/Timeline|timeline]].
 The main games of the series and their remasters, remakes, and companion releases, along with their original release dates follow:
@@ Line 66: / Line 67: @@
 #'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''' (2005)
 #*''[[Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix]]'' (2007)
-#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts coded]]''''' (2008–2010)
+#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''''' (2009)
+#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts coded]]''''' (2009–2010)
 #*''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]'' (2010)
-#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''''' (2009)
 #'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]''''' (2010)
 #*''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix]]'' (2011)
@@ Line 81: / Line 82: @@
 #'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Dark Road]]''''' (2020-2022)
 #'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory]]''''' (2020)
-#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link]]''''' (TBA)
+#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link]]''''' (2024)
 #'''''[[Kingdom Hearts IV]]''''' (TBA)
@@ Line 95: / Line 96: @@
 **all ''Kingdom Hearts Re:coded'' cutscenes
 *''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue]]'' (2017), a compilation introducing
+**''Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD'', an HD remaster of ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''
+**''Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover'', an HD theater video that ties in the events from ''Kingdom Hearts χ''
 **''Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-'', an original short game
-**''Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD'', an HD remaster of ''Kingdom Hearts 3D''
-**''Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover'', an HD theater video that ties in the events from ''Kingdom Hearts χ''
 *''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX]]'' (2017), including
 **''Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX''
@@ Line 113: / Line 114: @@
 ===Spin-offs===
+One full ''Kingdom Hearts'' game was produced independently of Square Enix's development process. It is not considered canon.
 *''[[Kingdom Hearts V CAST]]''
+There are several smaller games made to promote or act as a companion to main entries in the series. These titles do not feature any story development and are not considered canon.
 *''[[Kingdom Hearts Mobile]]''
+*''[[Kingdom Hearts Magical Puzzle Clash]]''
-Two flash games were created to promote canon, important entries to the series:
+*''[[Kingdom Hearts Digital Painter]]''
 *''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded Gummiship Studio]]''
-*''[[Kingdom Hearts Magical Puzzle Clash]]''
+*''[[Kingdom Hearts Collaboration: Gummi Ship Campaign]]''
+*''[[Kingdom Hearts VR Experience]]''
 ==Phases==
-The chronology of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is separated into three phases, according to series director, Tetsuya Nomura.
+The chronology of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is separated into three phases, according to series director Tetsuya Nomura.
 *The ''[[χ series]]'' is set in the ancient past, long before the adventures of Sora. It consists of ''Kingdom Hearts χ'' and its related titles.
-*The ''[[Dark Seeker Saga]]'', or the ''1st Phase'', portrays the conflict against Master Xehanort and his various incarnations. It spans all titles between the first ''Kingdom Hearts'' game to ''Kingdom Hearts III''.
+*The ''[[Dark Seeker Saga]]'', or the ''1st Phase'', portrays the conflict against Master Xehanort and his various incarnations. It spans all other titles from ''Kingdom Hearts'' to ''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind''.
-*The ''[[Lost Master Arc]]'', or the ''2nd Phase'' began with ''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind'' and will contain future titles of the series.
+*The ''[[Lost Master Arc]]'', or the ''2nd Phase'' began with the {{c|Secret Episode|3rm}} of ''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind'' and will contain future titles of the series.
 ==Story==
@@ Line 151: / Line 156: @@
 ===Hope for The Future and Xehanort's True Origins===
-With a brief reprieve, the Union Leaders wonder if everything Darkness said is true meanwhile the fight against the entity left Ventus unconscious again with Lauriam apologizing to him for his actions. Then, he was alerted with news that his sister is alive by Elrena as her Chirithy saw her walking with someone in a [[Black coat|black coat]]. Shocked at first but remembering they are in data Daybreak Town and the Pride Shift the Union Leaders knew that all their data existed here meaning someone could've accessed Strelitzia's. Hopeful that Strelitzia could be alive and worried about the state of the world. The group head to basement and found the the world was being destroyed. Seeing the Ark room's condition and there were five pods left but with many trapped, little time and trying to keep hope alive the Union Leaders separate. Brain heads to the real world with Lauriam, Elrena and Ventus while Ephemer, Skuld and Player watch over the dandelions. Before leaving, he passed on his [[Master's Defender]] Keyblade and the Book of Prophecies to Ephemer.
+With a brief reprieve, the Union Leaders wonder if everything Darkness said is true meanwhile the fight against the entity left Ventus unconscious again with Lauriam apologizing to him for his actions. Then, he was alerted with news that his sister is alive by Elrena as her Chirithy saw her walking with someone in a [[black coat]]. Shocked at first but remembering they are in data Daybreak Town and the Pride Shift the Union Leaders knew that all their data existed here meaning someone could've accessed Strelitzia's. Hopeful that Strelitzia could be alive and worried about the state of the world. The group head to basement and found the the world was being destroyed. Seeing the Ark room's condition and there were five pods left but with many trapped, little time and trying to keep hope alive the Union Leaders separate. Brain heads to the real world with Lauriam, Elrena and Ventus while Ephemer, Skuld and Player watch over the dandelions. Before leaving, he passed on his [[Master's Defender]] Keyblade and the Book of Prophecies to Ephemer.
 In the real world, Brain tries to figure out how he can save everyone but couldn't so he resolves to save Ephemer and the others, and sent Lauriam, Elrena and Ventus into the future. Afterwards he met Luxu who warns him that the Ark is incomplete and to use it properly the senders must have a medium and someone who remembers them at their destination and as for the data world being locked. Meanwhile the three friends are attacked by the remaining willful darknesses who wanted them to open the gate so they can spread but Ephemer, Skuld and Player refused however remembering their first encounter. To save their friends and in a ploy to seal the darknesses away Player pretended to controlled by them and attacked Skuld and Ephemer before delivering the final blow Ephemer tearfully sent them through a gate along with the remaining darknesses. Inside the cable Player revealed deception and sealed the gate trapping them and reunites with their Chirithy one more time enveloped in light. Meanwhile as the two pods appear Ephemer and Skuld head for the real world to find them alone checking on the condition outside they see the world is being destroyed and like the others they attempt to leave for the future as the tower crumbles around them.
@@ Line 159: / Line 164: @@
 Meanwhile Brain wakes in an unknown town and meets [[Sigurd]] who explains that he is the only one that made it to this time and before leaving to his group's headquarters; Sigurd takes Brain to the fountain square to explain that he is in [[Scala ad Caelum]] and the mysterious person shows him a statue of the town's founder and first Keyblade master. Arriving Brain was happy to see that it was his old friend Ephemer.
-Overtime the Player's heart merges with that of a newborn named [[Xehanort]].
+Overtime the Player's heart merges with that of a cloaked figure.
 ===Xehanort's Path as a Keyblade Wielder of light and a Dark Seeker===
-With believing Xehanort was the "Child of Destiny" and an descendant of his dear friend Ephemer to protect him as a baby he was sent to [[Destiny Islands]] by a cloaked figure where the Darknesses couldn't find him. As a child, Xehanort was told stories about his lineage and due to his strong connection growing up he sampled through dreams his caretaker's memories of the Keyblade War, seeing people and worlds he didn't know but wanted to meet. And was told one day he would leave the island when he was strong enough as Xehanort grew Player faded into the afterlife knowing they repaid their debt and the world was in good hands. As the dreams continued wanting answers and viewing his island as so small he desired to see these worlds. Until one day, he was visited by [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]], his Heartless from the future, who offered him a way off the island and Xehanort accepted. Getting his first taste of darkness his heart being affected by powerful negative emotions despite being horrified he was fascinated aware that his heart could still feel. He also believed that with a strong enough heart darkness could be channeled and controlled.
+In their elderly years, the cloaked figure spirited a descendent of Ephemer named [[Xehanort]] to the [[Destiny Islands]] to protect him from the Darknesses, believing him to be the "Child of Destiny". As a child, Xehanort was told stories about his lineage and his destiny as the "Child of Destiny" who would one day leave the islands when he was strong enough. Due to his strong connection growing up he sampled through dreams his caretaker's memories of the Keyblade War, seeing people and worlds he didn't know but wanted to meet. As Xehanort grew, the coaked figure faded into the afterlife, knowing they repaid their debt to Ephemer and the world was in good hands.
+Xehanort's dreams continued, and he began to view the islands as small and uneventful, wanting to explore the worlds beyond. One day, he was visited by [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]], his Heartless from the future, who offered him a way off the island and Xehanort accepted. Getting his first taste of darkness his heart being affected by powerful negative emotions despite being horrified he was fascinated aware that his heart could still feel. He also believed that with a strong enough heart darkness could be channeled and controlled.
 Returning to Scala ad Caelum he was taken in by [[Keyblade Master]] [[Odin]], becoming his seventh apprentice. Through his training, Xehanort eventually came to see his fellow pupil [[Eraqus]] as a brother and as their favorite pastime the two often played a chess game called [[Alba & Ater]]. Then Xehanort and his fellow classmates were taught the ways of the Keyblade and their role as Keyblade wielders was to protect the worlds of light from darkness. However, he was unsatisfied with this ideal so he often visited other worlds without permission to learn more. To protect himself from the darkness between worlds during his travels, he was gifted [[Keyblade Armor]].
@@ Line 230: / Line 237: @@
 In order to thwart Master Xehanort's plans, Sora, Donald and Goofy embark on a quest to find Seven Guardians of Light and the "Key to Return Hearts", while Riku and Mickey search for previous Keyblade wielders.
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-==Trivia==
-*Thirteen is a recurring number throughout the series:
-**It is primarily associated with [[Organization XIII]] and, by extension, [[Mushroom XIII]], [[Finest Fantasy 13]], and the thirteen floors of [[Castle Oblivion]].
-**The [[Director's Secret Report XIII]] is a thirteen-part exposé by Tetsuya Nomura.
-**Riku's Session Limit includes an ability named "XIII Blades."
-**There are thirteen letters in "Kingdom Hearts."
-**[[Ars Arcanum]] consists of thirteen strikes if one includes the ability's follow-up attacks.
-**In ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', one can fight a grand total of thirteen matches at the [[Mirage Arena]] (this is no longer the case in ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix'').
-**Thirteen [[Orichalcum+]] are required to synthesize the [[Ultima Weapon]] in ''Kingdom Hearts II''.
-**The sum of all the letters in the names "Sora, Riku, Kairi" is thirteen. The same is true for "Roxas, Sora, Xion," as well as for "Roxas, Axel, Xion."
-**There are thirteen letters in "Terra-Xehanort" and "Ventus-Vanitas."
-**There are thirteen letters in "End of the World," "Hollow Bastion," and "Radiant Garden."
-**Put together, there are thirteen letters in "Light" and "Darkness."
-**In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', it takes thirteen hits to defeat [[Seifer]] for the first time.
-**Donald's [[Centurion]] has a strength increase of thirteen in ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix''.
-**In ''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]'', there are thirteen System Sectors, one of which contains thirteen floors.
-**Sora is "Combatant thirteen" when he faces [[Rinzler]] in [[The Grid]]. Sora was also intended to be the thirteenth member of the true Organization XIII.
-**In ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'', there are thirteen [[Training Toy]] candies.
-**In ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'', to enter the last room in Castle Oblivion, one needs a card value of thirteen or more.
-**Following the Keyblade War, the χ-blade was shattered into twenty pieces: thirteen of darkness, and seven of light.
-**The sum of the time displayed on the clock present [[No Name]] (and by extension, [[Young Xehanort's Keyblade]]), 8:05, is equal to thirteen.
-**Once the [[Young Xehanort|Unknown]] fight is unlocked in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix]]'', the [[Land of Departure]] has a combat level of thirteen.
-**Using the Restore Count reaction command during the battle against Marluxia's Absent Silhouette and Data Replica in ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix'' will restore the hit counter by thirteen points.
-**In ''Kingdom Hearts'', the [[Keyhole]] in [[Neverland]] is located at the thirteen minute point on Big Ben's clock face.
-**There are 13 tracks original to ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''.<ref>Dearly Beloved, Results and Rewards, Mystic Moon, Critical Drive, Sacred Moon, Musique pour la tristesse de Xion, Xemnus, Secret of Neverland, Crossing to Neverland, At Dusk, I Will Think of You..., Fight and Away, Vector to the Heavens, Another Side -Battle Ver.-</ref>
-**The box art for ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'' features thirteen characters.
-*On a similar note, seven is also a recurring number:
-**It is mostly associated with the [[Seven Guardians of Light]] and the Princesses of Heart.
-**Sora's [[Fenrir]] has the highest strength increase of all his ''Kingdom Hearts II'' Keyblades, at +7. Similarly, [[Winner's Proof]] has the highest magic increase, also at seven.
-**There are seven magic spells Sora learns in the first game: Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, Cure, Aero, Gravity, and Stop.
-**Vanitas is fought up to seven times throughout ''Birth by Sleep'': once by Terra, three times by Ventus, and three times by Aqua, not counting the Vanitas Remnant.
-**Roxas landed seven hits on DiZ's computer.
-**Roxas spends seven days in the simulated Twilight Town.
-**There are seven Orichalcum+ in both ''Kingdom Hearts II'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]''.
-**There are seven tracks original to [[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]].<ref>Dearly Beloved, On the Debug!!, Wonder of Electron, No More Bugs!!, Wonder of Electron -Bug Ver.-, No More Bugs!! -Bug Ver.-, and Pretty Pretty Abilities</ref>
-**There are seven lights on the chandelier in the [[Garden of Assemblage]] in ''Kingdom Hearts III''.
-**As stated before, the χ-blade was shattered into seven pieces of light.
 ==Notes and references==