Kingdom Hearts II
Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix

Shadow Stalker and Dark Thorn: Difference between revisions

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{{game|KH2|FM2}}
{{game|KH2|FM2}}
<div class="tabber" style="float: right;">
{{suite}}
<div class="tabbertab" title="Shadow Stalker" style="float: right; background-color:white"; width="350px">
{{tab|o-info|360px}}
{{HeartlessBoss/KHII
{{tab|Shadow Stalker}}
{{Character
  |name=Shadow Stalker
  |name=Shadow Stalker
  |katakana=ダークストーカー
  |katakana=ダークストーカー
  |japname=Dark Stalker
  |romaji=Dāku Sutōkā
  |image=[[Image:Shadow Stalker.PNG|150px]]
|jpname=Dark Stalker
  |game=Kingdom Hearts II
|de=Kettenbalg
|fr=Maillon Ténébreux
  |image=[[File:Shadow Stalker KHII.png|250px]]
  |game1=Kingdom Hearts II
  |type=Pureblood Heartless
  |type=Pureblood Heartless
  |loc1=Beast's Castle
  |spec=HeartlessBoss
  |LVL1=13
|s1=Darkball
|HP1=176<ref>While possessing the chandelier, Dark Stalker has only 59 HP, and while possessing the pillar, it has only 39 HP.</ref>
|s2=Possessor
  |EXP1=0
|journalKH2=A Heartless that attacked Belle in Beast's Castle.<br><br>It jumped around on the floor, pillars, and chandelier of the ballroom, creating mayhem.
  |STR1=15
  |KH2HP1=176<ref>While possessing the chandelier, Dark Stalker has only 59 HP, and while possessing the pillar, it has only 39 HP.</ref>
  |DEF1=8
  |KH2EXP=0
  |weapon=x1.0
  |KH2loc1=Beast's Castle
  |fire=x0.5
|KH2enc1=Episode 1
  |bliz=x0.5
  |KH2LV1=13
  |thun=x0.5
  |KH2phys=×1.0
  |dark=x0.5
  |KH2fire=×0.5
  |other=x0.5
  |KH2bliz=×0.5
  |reward=(1) MP Ball x 10, (3) MP Ball x 5<ref>The Shadow Stalker drops (1) MP Ball x 10 and (3) MP Ball x 5 if its HP is depleted while possessing the chandelier or pillar, and drops (1) Drive Ball x 10 and (3) Drive Ball x 5 when Release is performed.</ref>
  |KH2thun=×0.5
  |KH2dark=×0.5
  |KH2neut=×0.5
  |FM2neut=×1.0
|KH2reward='''When a chandelier or pillar is reduced to 0 HP'''<br>MP prize (1) ×10, MP prize (3) ×5<br><br>'''When Release is used'''<br>Drive prize (1%) ×10, Drive prize (3%) ×5
|KH2world=Beast's Castle
|FM2tab=*
|KH2battlename=Dance to the Death
|KH2battlefile=Dance to the Death KHIIHD.ogg
}}
}}
</div><div class="tabbertab" title="Dark Thorn" style="float: right; background-color:white"; width="350px">
{{tab|c}}{{tab|Dark Thorn}}
{{HeartlessBoss/KHII
{{Character
  |name=Dark Thorn
  |name=Dark Thorn
  |katakana=ブラックソーン
  |katakana=ブラックソーン
  |japname=Black Thorn
  |romaji=Burakku Sōn
  |image=[[File:Dark Thorn.PNG|250px|center|Dark Thorn]]
|jpname=Black Thorn
  |game=Kingdom Hearts II
|de=Dunkeltroll
|fr=Nervure
  |image=[[File:Dark Thorn KHII.png|250px|center|Dark Thorn]]
  |game1=Kingdom Hearts II
  |type=Pureblood Heartless
  |type=Pureblood Heartless
  |loc1=Beast's Castle
  |spec=HeartlessBoss
  |LVL1=13
|journalKH2=A liberated version of Shadow Stalker that appeared in Beast's Castle.<br><br>It appeared and disappeared while running wild, creating a chaotic battle for Sora and his friends.
  |HP1=390
  |KH2HP1=390
  |EXP1=0
  |KH2EXP=0
  |STR1=15
  |KH2loc1=Beast's Castle
  |DEF1=8
  |KH2enc1=Episode 1
  |weapon=x1.0
  |KH2LV1=13
  |fire=x0.5
  |KH2phys=×1.0
  |bliz=x0.5
  |KH2fire=×0.5
  |thun=x0.5
  |KH2bliz=×0.5
  |dark=x0.5
  |KH2thun=×0.5
  |other=x0.5
  |KH2dark=×0.5
  |reward=HP +5, [[Retaliating Slash]] (Sora)<br>HP +4 (Donald)<br>Item Slot (Goofy)<br>HP +35 (Beast)
  |KH2neut=×0.5
  |FM2neut=×1.0
|KH2reward='''Sora:''' Max HP +5, [[Retaliating Slash]]<br>'''Donald:''' Max HP +4<br>'''Goofy:''' Item slot<br>'''Beast:''' HP +35
|KH2world=Beast's Castle
|FM2tab=*
|KH2battlename=Desire for All That Is Lost
|KH2battlefile=Desire for All That Is Lost KHIIHD.ogg
}}
}}
</div></div>
{{tab|c}}{{tab|c}}
The '''Shadow Stalker''' and its stronger form, the '''Dark Thorn''', is a Pureblood Heartless that is found in ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''. It is one of the bosses at [[Beast's Castle]].
The '''Shadow Stalker''' and its true form, the '''Dark Thorn''', is a [[Pureblood Heartless]] that is found in ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''. It is one of the bosses at [[Beast's Castle]].


==Journal Entries==
==Story==
===''Kingdom Hearts II''===
===''Kingdom Hearts II''===
*'''Shadow Stalker'''
The Shadow Stalker is summoned by [[Xaldin]] after his first attempt to turn the [[Beast]] into a Heartless failed. While [[Sora]], [[Donald]], and [[Goofy]] were speaking with the [[Beast]], the Shadow Stalker chased [[Belle]] down to the ballroom, where she called for the Beast's help. Sora, Donald, Goofy, and the Beast arrived just in time to see Belle escape the Heartless out onto the balcony. The Shadow Stalker then turned from her to the party. Similar to the [[Possessor]] Heartless that resided below, the Shadow Stalker possessed the room itself, using the windows, pillars, chandelier, and floor to attack Sora and the Beast.
''A Heartless that attacked Belle in Beast's Castle.''


''It jumped around on the floor, pillars, and chandelier of the ballroom, creating mayhem.''
However, when it is driven from the walls, its chains are released and it transforms into the monstrous Dark Thorn. In this new, powerful bestial form, it attacks the party ferociously with furious attacks and its ability to become invisible. Sora, however, is able to use the very elements that the Heartless had recently possessed to beat it into submission. The Heartless fades back into darkness, and Xaldin leaves the castle to reform his plan.


*'''Dark Thorn'''
While the Beast and Belle reunite after the attack, Sora speaks briefly with the servants of the castle, then opens the gateway to the next world.
''A liberated version of Shadow Stalker that appeared in Beast's Castle.''


''It appeared and disappeared while running wild, creating a chaotic battle for Sora and his friends.''
==Design==
The Shadow Stalker's body is a black sphere with several twisted tentacles sprouting out of it. Two of these are large, each sporting two metal bands around them, while the rest are smaller and placed more haphazardly around the Heartless's body. The tips of all of these tentacles are orange. The Shadow Stalker's jagged maw is red on the inside, and its eyes are eerie, glowing, yellow circles with pitch-black rings around them. The most prominent feature of the Heartless are the two chains wrapped around its body, with each end of both chains attached to a conical weight. The Shadow Stalker is vaguely reminiscent of the [[Darkball]] Heartless.


==Story==
The Dark Thorn is a massive creature with black skin. Its entire body is wrapped in teal thorns, possibly a reference to the Beast's rose, and both of its wrists and ankles still have manacles on them. The chains on its arms are broken, but the chain connecting its feet is not. Like many other Purebloods, the Dark Thorn has a heart-shaped hole in its chest. The Heartless has a large, red, toothy maw and beady, glowing yellow eyes. While it is muscular and has large hands and feet, it also has rather thin limbs. Each of its limbs sports three digits with long, red claws. The Dark Thorn also has two enormous, orange horns and a massive, orange mane. According to Nomura, the Dark Thorn's design is based on the ''Final Fantasy X'' version of {{ff|Ifrit}}.
===''Kingdom Hearts II''===
The Shadow Stalker is summoned by [[Xaldin]] to capture [[Belle]], as a last effort to turn [[Beast]] into a [[Heartless]]. It attacks [[Sora]] and his friends by possessing the windows, pillars, chandelier and floor of the castle ballroom. After Sora defeats the Shadow Stalker, its chains are released and it transforms into the monstrous Dark Thorn.


In it's new form, the Dark Thorn furiously attacks Sora, Donald, Goofy and Beast, using furious attack and its ability to become invisible, but it too is defeated, and fades back to darkness.
The Shadow Stalker's name refers to its status as a Heartless, a Heart corrupted by the Darkness. A "stalker" can be defined as someone who secretly follows another, often with ill intent. This may reference the fact that the Shadow Stalker was sent to torment the Beast. The Dark Thorn's name also references the Darkness, and "Thorn" may refer to the thorns covering its body. Its Japanese name, "Black Thorn", holds a similar meaning.
{{section-stub}}


==Strategy==
==Strategy==
===Shadow Stalker===
The Shadow Stalker shares the same ability as the Possessor Heartless: it can possess and animate any inanimate object. When in desperate need, it cocoons itself and transforms into the ferocious Dark Thorn. If it possesses the pillars, stay towards the center of the room to dodge its initial attack before closing in on the pillar it inhabits. If it possesses the windows, run far away from them, preferably behind the pillars. If it possesses the floor, jump immediately after the area below Sora glows. When the Shadow Stalker possesses the chandelier, jump to avoid the shockwave it causes, and take care to run in a tight arc to avoid the energy beams it will fire. Once Sora has depleted the HP of the chandelier or pillars, the "Release" [[reaction command]] will appear. The Shadow Stalker will fly out of the object it was possessing, releasing [[Drive orb|Drive]] and [[MP Orb]]s. Take this opportunity to bombard the enemy with attacks. Sora can unleash a [[Limit]] at this time if he can survive [[MP Charge]] or has an [[Ether]] handy. This process will continue until victory is obtained.
The Shadow Stalker will possess the various parts of the ballroom during the encounter to attack the party;
*'''Windows:''' The Shadow Stalker flies into the windows, and causes a giant flash to pass over the floor. Retreat behind the pillars to avoid this.
*'''Floor:''' When the Shadow Stalker disappears into the floor, it will attempt to devour Sora from beneath. Jump sideways when the floor underneath him glows to avoid the attack.
*'''Chandelier:''' The enemy Heartless will fly up in the air, and bring the chandelier crashing down to the ground, triggering a shockwave. he chandelier will turn, firing energy beams. Attack the chandelier to release the Shadow Stalker. It has 59 HP.
*'''Pillar:''' The Shadow Stalker will fly into the pillars, which it will cause to flail and thrash about. Attack them to release the Shadow Stalker. It has 39 HP.


Once you have depleted the HP of the chandelier or pillars, the Release reaction command will appear. The Shadow Stalker will fly out of the object it was possessing, releasing Drive and MP Orbs. Take this opportunity to bombard the enemy with attacks, or unleash a [[Limit]] if you feel you can survive MP Charge, or have an Ether handy. This process will continue until victory is obtained.
The battle with the Dark Thorn requires notably less strategy than the Shadow Stalker and is more of a straightforward assault. As the Dark Thorn, the Heartless is more agile and erratic, attacking enemies with its claws and sometimes using the chandelier to hit opponents. It can also summon Possessors to attack Sora and can turn invisible to elude foes. Note that it can still be targeted while invisible. However, the Dark Thorn is more agile when invisible and the fight becomes much easier when the invisibility is lost following the use of the "Step Vault" Reaction Command, during which Sora will jump onto the chandelier, and, following another command, lower the chandelier and swing it about in circles, hitting the Dark Thorn and rendering it visible. Following this assault, the battle becomes considerably easier, as the boss moves more slowly.


===Dark Thorn===
In both battles, [[King Mickey]] has a chance to appear to revive Sora should he fall. In ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix'', the Dark Thorn is more likely to counter if attacked continuously.
;Attacks
*Claw Attack - Damage x1
*Dark Servant ([[Dark]] attack) - Damage x1
*Swing Around - Swing Damage x0 / Throw Damage x1.5
*Chandelier Attack - Fall Damage x1.5 / Spin Damage x2
*Throws you at pillar - Unknown
*Becomes Invisible


This boss battle would be relatively easy if it weren't directly after the Shadow Stalker (giving no time to save and recover in between). This battle requires noticeably less strategy than the Shadow Stalker and more in the way of a straightforward assault.
;Shadow Stalker
{{Atk-o|KH2}}
{{Atk|col=3|{{nihongo|'''Darkness Surge'''|闇の波動|<br>Yami no Hadō}}|Dark|x1.0|X|Waves surge forward from the hidden windows.}}
{{Atk|col=3|{{nihongo|'''Chandelier Attack'''|シャンデリア攻撃|<br>Shanderia Kōgeki}}|Neutral|x1.5|X|Drops the chandelier on the floor.}}
{{Atk|col=3|{{nihongo|'''Flamethrower'''|火炎放射|<br>Kaen Hōsha}}|Fire|x1.0<br>Hit 2+: x0.25|X|Chandelier spins around and lets loose flames.}}
{{Atk|col=3|{{nihongo|'''Swallow'''|飲みこみ|<br>Nomikomi}}|Physical|x1.5|X|Swallows Sora after shedding light on the floor.}}
{{Atk|col=3|{{nihongo|'''Scratch'''|引っかき|<br>Hikkaki}}|Physical|x1.0|△|Pillars move as if scratching.}}
{{Atk-c}}
{{rc|o}}
{{rc|{{nihongo|'''Release'''|リジェクト|<br>Rijekuto|lit. "Reject"}}|—|—|Can be used immediately after the Shadow Stalker hiding in chandelier or pillar reaches 0 HP.<br>Drag the Shadow Stalker out of the chandelier or pillar.}}
{{rc|c}}


Despite the fact that it turns invisible, it is still able to be targeted - this being a boon to players during the battle. However, it is more agile when invisible and the fight becomes much easier when the invisibility is lost following the use of the Stepvault [[Reaction Command]], during which Sora will jump onto the chandelier, and, following another command, lower the chandelier and swing it about in circles, hitting the Dark Thorn and rendering it visible. Following this somewhat-dramatic assault, the battle becomes considerably easier, as the boss moves more slowly.
;Dark Thorn
{{Atk-o|KH2}}
{{Atk|col=3|{{nihongo|'''Claw Attack'''|ツメ攻撃|<br>Tsume Kōgeki}}|Physical|x1.0|△|Attacks with claws while spinning sideways or like a drill.}}
{{Atk|col=3|{{nihongo|'''Dark Servant'''|暗黒のしもべ|<br>Ankoku no Shimobe}}|Dark|x1.0|△|Brings forth demon-like orbs from the floor.}}
{{Atk-m|col=3|{{nihongo|'''Swing Around'''|振りまわし|<br>Furimawashi}}|(Swing)|Physical|x0|△|Swings left hand, grabs Sora, spins around and throws him.||(Throw)|Physical|x1.5|△}}
{{Atk-m|col=3|{{nihongo|'''Chandelier Attack'''|シャンデリア攻撃|<br>Shanderia Kōgeki}}|(Drop)|Neutral|x1.5|X|Drops the chandelier and swings it around.||(Spin)|Physical|x2.0<br>Hit 2+: x0.5|O}}
{{Atk-c}}
{{rc|o}}
{{rc|{{nihongo|'''Step Vault'''|ステップライズ|<br>Suteppu Raizu|lit. "Step Rise"}}|—|—|Can be used against the Dark Thorn when it is invisible.<br>Sora uses Dark Thorn's back to leap onto the chandelier.}}
{{rc|{{nihongo|'''Catch'''|キャッチ|<br>Kyatchi}}|Neutral|x1.5|Can be used after using Step Vault.<br>Sora drops the chandelier to the floor, trapping the Dark Thorn.}}
{{rc|{{nihongo|'''Pendulum Round'''|スピンロール|<br>Supin Rōru|lit. "Spin Roll"}}|—|—|Can be used after using Catch.<br>Catch the Dark Thorn in the chandelier's spin, forcing it to become visible.}}
{{rc|{{nihongo|'''Slingshot'''|ターンリベンジ|<br>Tān Ribenji|lit. "Turn Revenge"}}|Physical|x4.0|Can be used when tossed by Swing Around.<br>Grab the pillar, spin around its axis and counterattack. If the Dark Thorn was invisible, it is forced to become visible.}}
{{rc|c}}


==Video==
==Video==
{|width="340" border="1" style="text-align:center; border:1px solid #490081"
{| class="video"
|width="340" style="-moz-border-radius:10px"|'''Shadow Stalker'''
! Shadow Stalker & Dark Thorn – ''Kingdom Hearts II''
|width="340" style="-moz-border-radius:10px"|'''Dark Thorn'''
|-
|-
|style="-moz-border-radius:10px"|<youtube width="320" height="240">w6scS0U6CuI</youtube>
| {{#widget:YouTube|id=tly-d99SnMY|width=320|height=240}}
|style="-moz-border-radius:10px"|<youtube width="320" height="240">doaU0KbxsFs</youtube>
|}
|}


==Trivia==
==Notes and references==
*According to Nomura, the Dark Thorn's design is based off of [[finalfantasy:Ifrit|Ifrit]], specifically the ''Final Fantasy X'' version.
{{reflist}}
*If knocked out in this battle, it is possible to play as [[King Mickey]].
*The Shadow Stalker bears an almost uncanny resemblance to the [[Darkball]] Heartless.
 
==Notes and References==
{{reflist|1}}


==See Also==
{{HeartlessBossDirectory}}
*[[Darkball]]
*[[Possessor]]
{{KHBoss}}
[[fr:Maillon Ténébreux]]
[[fr:Nervure]]
[[Category:Beast's Castle]]
[[Category:Beast's Castle]]

Latest revision as of 20:43, 2 June 2024

Shadow Stalker

Shadow Stalker KHII.png

Japanese ダークストーカー
Rōmaji Dāku Sutōkā
Translation Dark Stalker

Type Pureblood Heartless
Game Kingdom Hearts II
Variations
Darkball
Possessor
Themes Header.png

KHII tracks
Battle theme - Dance to the Death
Shadow Stalker

Kingdom Hearts II
A Heartless that attacked Belle in Beast's Castle.

It jumped around on the floor, pillars, and chandelier of the ballroom, creating mayhem.

Location HP Strength Defense EXP
Beast's Castle
Episode 1
176[1] 15 8 0
Physical Fire Blizzard
×1.0 ×0.5 ×0.5
Thunder Dark Neutral
×0.5 ×0.5 ×0.5

Rewards
When a chandelier or pillar is reduced to 0 HP
MP prize (1) ×10, MP prize (3) ×5

When Release is used
Drive prize (1%) ×10, Drive prize (3%) ×5
World(s)
Beast's Castle
Location HP Strength Defense EXP
Beast's Castle
Episode 1
176[1] 15 8 0
Physical Fire Blizzard
×1.0 ×0.5 ×0.5
Thunder Dark Neutral
×0.5 ×0.5 ×1.0

Rewards
When a chandelier or pillar is reduced to 0 HP
MP prize (1) ×10, MP prize (3) ×5

When Release is used
Drive prize (1%) ×10, Drive prize (3%) ×5
World(s)
Beast's Castle
Dark Thorn
Dark Thorn
Japanese ブラックソーン
Rōmaji Burakku Sōn
Translation Black Thorn

Type Pureblood Heartless
Game Kingdom Hearts II
Themes Header.png

KHII tracks
Battle theme - Desire for All That Is Lost
Dark Thorn

Kingdom Hearts II
A liberated version of Shadow Stalker that appeared in Beast's Castle.

It appeared and disappeared while running wild, creating a chaotic battle for Sora and his friends.

Location HP Strength Defense EXP
Beast's Castle
Episode 1
390 15 8 0
Physical Fire Blizzard
×1.0 ×0.5 ×0.5
Thunder Dark Neutral
×0.5 ×0.5 ×0.5

Rewards
Sora: Max HP +5, Retaliating Slash
Donald: Max HP +4
Goofy: Item slot
Beast: HP +35
World(s)
Beast's Castle
Location HP Strength Defense EXP
Beast's Castle
Episode 1
390 15 8 0
Physical Fire Blizzard
×1.0 ×0.5 ×0.5
Thunder Dark Neutral
×0.5 ×0.5 ×1.0

Rewards
Sora: Max HP +5, Retaliating Slash
Donald: Max HP +4
Goofy: Item slot
Beast: HP +35
World(s)
Beast's Castle

The Shadow Stalker and its true form, the Dark Thorn, is a Pureblood Heartless that is found in Kingdom Hearts II. It is one of the bosses at Beast's Castle.

Story[edit]

Kingdom Hearts II[edit]

The Shadow Stalker is summoned by Xaldin after his first attempt to turn the Beast into a Heartless failed. While Sora, Donald, and Goofy were speaking with the Beast, the Shadow Stalker chased Belle down to the ballroom, where she called for the Beast's help. Sora, Donald, Goofy, and the Beast arrived just in time to see Belle escape the Heartless out onto the balcony. The Shadow Stalker then turned from her to the party. Similar to the Possessor Heartless that resided below, the Shadow Stalker possessed the room itself, using the windows, pillars, chandelier, and floor to attack Sora and the Beast.

However, when it is driven from the walls, its chains are released and it transforms into the monstrous Dark Thorn. In this new, powerful bestial form, it attacks the party ferociously with furious attacks and its ability to become invisible. Sora, however, is able to use the very elements that the Heartless had recently possessed to beat it into submission. The Heartless fades back into darkness, and Xaldin leaves the castle to reform his plan.

While the Beast and Belle reunite after the attack, Sora speaks briefly with the servants of the castle, then opens the gateway to the next world.

Design[edit]

The Shadow Stalker's body is a black sphere with several twisted tentacles sprouting out of it. Two of these are large, each sporting two metal bands around them, while the rest are smaller and placed more haphazardly around the Heartless's body. The tips of all of these tentacles are orange. The Shadow Stalker's jagged maw is red on the inside, and its eyes are eerie, glowing, yellow circles with pitch-black rings around them. The most prominent feature of the Heartless are the two chains wrapped around its body, with each end of both chains attached to a conical weight. The Shadow Stalker is vaguely reminiscent of the Darkball Heartless.

The Dark Thorn is a massive creature with black skin. Its entire body is wrapped in teal thorns, possibly a reference to the Beast's rose, and both of its wrists and ankles still have manacles on them. The chains on its arms are broken, but the chain connecting its feet is not. Like many other Purebloods, the Dark Thorn has a heart-shaped hole in its chest. The Heartless has a large, red, toothy maw and beady, glowing yellow eyes. While it is muscular and has large hands and feet, it also has rather thin limbs. Each of its limbs sports three digits with long, red claws. The Dark Thorn also has two enormous, orange horns and a massive, orange mane. According to Nomura, the Dark Thorn's design is based on the Final Fantasy X version of Ifrit.

The Shadow Stalker's name refers to its status as a Heartless, a Heart corrupted by the Darkness. A "stalker" can be defined as someone who secretly follows another, often with ill intent. This may reference the fact that the Shadow Stalker was sent to torment the Beast. The Dark Thorn's name also references the Darkness, and "Thorn" may refer to the thorns covering its body. Its Japanese name, "Black Thorn", holds a similar meaning.

Strategy[edit]

The Shadow Stalker shares the same ability as the Possessor Heartless: it can possess and animate any inanimate object. When in desperate need, it cocoons itself and transforms into the ferocious Dark Thorn. If it possesses the pillars, stay towards the center of the room to dodge its initial attack before closing in on the pillar it inhabits. If it possesses the windows, run far away from them, preferably behind the pillars. If it possesses the floor, jump immediately after the area below Sora glows. When the Shadow Stalker possesses the chandelier, jump to avoid the shockwave it causes, and take care to run in a tight arc to avoid the energy beams it will fire. Once Sora has depleted the HP of the chandelier or pillars, the "Release" reaction command will appear. The Shadow Stalker will fly out of the object it was possessing, releasing Drive and MP Orbs. Take this opportunity to bombard the enemy with attacks. Sora can unleash a Limit at this time if he can survive MP Charge or has an Ether handy. This process will continue until victory is obtained.

The battle with the Dark Thorn requires notably less strategy than the Shadow Stalker and is more of a straightforward assault. As the Dark Thorn, the Heartless is more agile and erratic, attacking enemies with its claws and sometimes using the chandelier to hit opponents. It can also summon Possessors to attack Sora and can turn invisible to elude foes. Note that it can still be targeted while invisible. However, the Dark Thorn is more agile when invisible and the fight becomes much easier when the invisibility is lost following the use of the "Step Vault" Reaction Command, during which Sora will jump onto the chandelier, and, following another command, lower the chandelier and swing it about in circles, hitting the Dark Thorn and rendering it visible. Following this assault, the battle becomes considerably easier, as the boss moves more slowly.

In both battles, King Mickey has a chance to appear to revive Sora should he fall. In Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, the Dark Thorn is more likely to counter if attacked continuously.

Shadow Stalker
Technique Element Power Guard?
Darkness Surge (闇の波動
Yami no Hadō
?)
Dark x1.0 X
Waves surge forward from the hidden windows.
Chandelier Attack (シャンデリア攻撃
Shanderia Kōgeki
?)
Neutral x1.5 X
Drops the chandelier on the floor.
Flamethrower (火炎放射
Kaen Hōsha
?)
Fire x1.0
Hit 2+: x0.25
X
Chandelier spins around and lets loose flames.
Swallow (飲みこみ
Nomikomi
?)
Physical x1.5 X
Swallows Sora after shedding light on the floor.
Scratch (引っかき
Hikkaki
?)
Physical x1.0
Pillars move as if scratching.
Guard/Block: △ = Can be blocked; O = Can be blocked and interrupted (melee) or deflected back (projectile); X = Cannot be blocked.
Reaction Commands
Reaction Command Element Power Description
Release (リジェクト
Rijekuto
?, lit. "Reject")
Can be used immediately after the Shadow Stalker hiding in chandelier or pillar reaches 0 HP.
Drag the Shadow Stalker out of the chandelier or pillar.
Dark Thorn
Technique Element Power Guard?
Claw Attack (ツメ攻撃
Tsume Kōgeki
?)
Physical x1.0
Attacks with claws while spinning sideways or like a drill.
Dark Servant (暗黒のしもべ
Ankoku no Shimobe
?)
Dark x1.0
Brings forth demon-like orbs from the floor.
Swing Around (振りまわし
Furimawashi
?)
(Swing) Physical x0

(Throw) Physical x1.5
Swings left hand, grabs Sora, spins around and throws him.
Chandelier Attack (シャンデリア攻撃
Shanderia Kōgeki
?)
(Drop) Neutral x1.5 X

(Spin) Physical x2.0
Hit 2+: x0.5
O
Drops the chandelier and swings it around.
Guard/Block: △ = Can be blocked; O = Can be blocked and interrupted (melee) or deflected back (projectile); X = Cannot be blocked.
Reaction Commands
Reaction Command Element Power Description
Step Vault (ステップライズ
Suteppu Raizu
?, lit. "Step Rise")
Can be used against the Dark Thorn when it is invisible.
Sora uses Dark Thorn's back to leap onto the chandelier.
Catch (キャッチ
Kyatchi
?)
Neutral x1.5 Can be used after using Step Vault.
Sora drops the chandelier to the floor, trapping the Dark Thorn.
Pendulum Round (スピンロール
Supin Rōru
?, lit. "Spin Roll")
Can be used after using Catch.
Catch the Dark Thorn in the chandelier's spin, forcing it to become visible.
Slingshot (ターンリベンジ
Tān Ribenji
?, lit. "Turn Revenge")
Physical x4.0 Can be used when tossed by Swing Around.
Grab the pillar, spin around its axis and counterattack. If the Dark Thorn was invisible, it is forced to become visible.

Video[edit]

Shadow Stalker & Dark Thorn – Kingdom Hearts II

Notes and references[edit]

  1. ^ While possessing the chandelier, Dark Stalker has only 59 HP, and while possessing the pillar, it has only 39 HP.