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Universe of Kingdom Hearts: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Ocean Between KHIII.png|right|200px]]
In the '''Universe of Kingdom Hearts''', also called the '''World''', there are many worlds that fall into certain realms. All of these realms are on their own plane of existence.
In the '''Universe of Kingdom Hearts''', also called the '''World''', there are many worlds that fall into certain realms. All of these realms are on their own plane of existence.


==History==
==History==
According to the story told by [[Kairi's Grandma]] in the Hollow Bastion's Library, long ago there was one single world, that was constantly bathed in the warmth of [[Light]]. When people began to fight over the Light within their world, [[Darkness]] appeared in their hearts, and the world was consumed. However, fragments of light remained within the hearts of children. From this light, children were able to rebuild the lost world. But darkness still existed, that's why the worlds are separate from each other, divided, waiting for the true light to return. This was expanded on in ''Birth by Sleep'', where it was revealed the fight was between the many Keyblade holders over Kingdom Hearts, and eventually led to the Keyblade War.
Legend has it that long ago, in the "age of fairy tales", the world was whole and full of [[light]]. The source of the world's great light was [[Kingdom Hearts]], which was protected by its counterpart, the [[χ-blade]]. Ancient beings known as {{c|Darkness|character}} were locked in eternal battle with the light, but they cast off their physical forms to infect hearts of people. Over time, people succumbed to these negative emotions and came to desire the power of Kingdom Hearts, giving rise to the first [[Heartless]].


Prior to ''[[Kingdom Hearts (game)|Kingdom Hearts]]'', the worlds were surrounded by barriers, to prevent outside interference, making it impossible for different worlds to have contact. The arrival of the [[Heartless]] caused the barriers between the worlds to crumble and disappear, and some worlds were even consumed by the Heartless. [[Gummi Blocks]] are actually pieces of these broken barriers.  
The first [[Keyblade]]s were forged in the image of the χ-blade by those who wished to conquer or protect Kingdom Hearts. These ancient wielders clashed together in a far-reaching conflict that embroiled the entire World: the first [[Keyblade War]]. In the end, darkness covered the World, the χ-blade was shattered into twenty pieces – seven of light and thirteen of darkness – and the "true" Kingdom Hearts disappeared into the darkness.


Those who travel between worlds are advised to avoid meddling in the affairs of other worlds, and informing their inhabitants of the existence of other worlds, in order to maintain a balance of separation. To this end, several characters, notably [[Sora]], [[Donald Duck|Donald]], and [[Goofy]], magically alter their physical appearances in certain worlds to avoid standing out. For example, they become sea creatures in [[Atlantica]], Halloween monsters in [[Halloween Town]], jungle animals in the [[Pride Lands]], and computer A.I.s in [[Space Paranoids]].
However, the world was restored by the light within the hearts of children. The many worlds that were split apart in the Keyblade War were reformed, each with its own time flow; the worlds were surrounded by barriers that prevented outside interference and inter-world travel. The remnants of the battlefield on which the Keyblade War took place became the [[Keyblade Graveyard]], a scarred wasteland filled with the Keyblades of fallen warriors. The remaining Keyblade wielders resolved to protect the World from further destruction, becoming guardians of the world order.<!--Sources rather than stacked storylinks {{storylink|Kingdom Hearts (game)}}{{storylink|Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep}}{{storylink|Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance}} -->


==Travel==
While there still exist methods to travel between worlds, most individuals do not posses the knowledge or capability to do so. Those few who do travel between worlds are advised to avoid meddling in the affairs of other worlds and informing their inhabitants of the existence of other worlds.
[[Image:Gummi-ship-3.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Gummi Ships allows travel between most worlds.]]
Travel between the worlds is normally impossible. The worlds are all protected by dimensional barriers that prevent outsiders from entering for the most part. However, these barriers can be broken, resulting in a meteor shower in that world.


In ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', Sora, Donald, and Goofy use the [[Gummi Ship]] to travel between worlds on the World Map, an event that serves as a mini-game between areas. Some worlds require certain special [[Gummi Blocks]] to access; for example, a special Navigation Gummi must be installed by [[Cid]] to unlock a second set of worlds in ''Kingdom Hearts''. Once they reach them, the party can enter and then depart each world through its [[Save Point]]s.
==Ocean Between==
[[File:Aqua Lanes Between KHBBS.png|thumb|left|220px|Aqua in the Ocean Between.]]
The '''Ocean Between''',<ref>{{storylink|Xehanort's Report II}}: "The World is vast—and the worlds within the greater World, uncountable. Like little islands, they dot a great Ocean Between which keeps them ignorant of each other, uncorrupted."</ref> also known as the {{nihongo|"'''ocean of stars'''" or "'''interspace'''"|星の大海|Hoshi no Taikai}}<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix]]'', [[Monstro]]'s report entry''': "An enormous whale that dwells in the ocean of stars."</ref><ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'', [[Cid]]''': "Interspace ain't no playground."</ref> and the {{nihongo|"'''sea between worlds'''" or "'''Other Sky'''"|異空の海|Ikū no Umi|lit. "Sea of Other Skies<!--poss. "Sea of Another Dimension"-->"}},<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'', [[Prankster's Paradise]]—Side:Sora''': "After this, Pinocchio and Jiminy's world gets dragged into darkness, and they end up cast into the sea between worlds, along with Monstro."</ref><ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts: The Novel]]'', [[Ansem's Report 11]]''': "I have chosen a particular girl to send off into the Other Sky and observe."</ref> is a vast space between the worlds. It is threaded by the Gummi routes and {{h|lanes between}}, which serve as paths between worlds for those with the knowledge to use them.<ref name="DSRXIII-1">'''''[[Director's Secret Report XIII#Part 1 - About the KH Worlds|Director's Secret Report XIII]]''''' p. 26; '''Tetsuya Nomura''': "There are two ways to travel, one of which is to use a Gummi Ship like Sora and his friends do to move through the "Ocean Between", the space studded with all the worlds." Translation via Goldpanner.</ref>
{{-}}
===Travel===
[[File:Gummi Ship Gameplay 01 KH.png|thumb|200px|Gummi Ships allow travel between most worlds.]]
Traveling between worlds is normally very difficult. In addition to being separated by the Ocean Between, worlds are also protected by barriers which prevent outside interference.


Three worlds can only be accessed by entering through other worlds and do not directly require use of a Gummi Ship:
With the barriers in place, only certain people – such as Keyblade wielders with access to Lanes Between, users of Corridors of Darkness, or powerful sorcerers – can gain access to other worlds. However, when Heartless attack a world, these barriers are broken, indicated by a meteor shower in that world; the barriers are restored when the worlds are restored and their keyholes locked. Without barriers, anyone who can survive and navigate the Ocean Between can travel between worlds. The various methods of travel are often facilitated through the use of a [[Gummi Ship]] or [[Keyblade Glider]].
*[[100 Acre Wood]] via Pooh's book in [[Traverse Town]] (''Kingdom Hearts'') and [[Hollow Bastion]]/[[Radiant Garden]] (''Kingdom Hearts II'').
*[[Timeless River]] via the Hall of the [[Cornerstone of Light|Cornerstone]] at [[Disney Castle]].
*[[Space Paranoids]] via [[Ansem's computer]] in Hollow Bastion/Radiant Garden.


It should be noted that in ''[[Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories]]'', there are no Gummi Ships; the worlds Sora visits are recreations from his memories from the first game brought to life on each floor of [[Castle Oblivion]].
====Lanes between====
[[File:To Other Worlds 01 KHUX.png|thumb|left|200px|A portal leading to the Lanes.]]
The {{nihongo|'''Lanes between'''|異空の回廊|Ikū no Kairō|lit. "Corridors of the Skies"}} are a series of "roads" between the worlds used by Keyblade wielders. The presence of darkness is very strong within these pathways, forcing travelers to wear their [[Keyblade Armor]] as a safety precaution.<ref>'''''[[Xehanort's Report|Xehanort's Report II]]''''': "Our Master instructed us to don armor while traveling between worlds, so that we might shield ourselves from the darkness. But there, in the Lanes Between, I could feel the force of it—the power—and from then on, I forwent my armor's 'protection.'"</ref> To enter the Lanes, a wielder typically raises their Keyblade and creates a portal in the sky or in front of them; powerful wielders, such as the [[Foreteller]]s, can create these portals without their Keyblade on hand.
{{-}}


According to ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', the pathways between the worlds are known as the Lanes Between.
====Corridors of Darkness====
[[File:Corridor of Darkness KHII.png|thumb|200px|A Corridor of Darkness.]]
The {{nihongo|'''Corridors of Darkness'''|闇の回廊|Yami no Kairō}} are pathways that interlink the various worlds, as well as connecting the [[Realm of Darkness]] and [[Realm Between]] to the [[Realm of Light]].<ref>{{storylink|Secret Ansem Report 6}}: "With this new power, I uncovered a 'corridor of darkness' that connects the realm of nothingness to the outside world. While it is still difficult to come and go as I please, my banishment is now a thing of the past."</ref> They may only be opened by those who have given themselves over to darkness,<ref>{{storylink|Xehanort's Report V}}: "At present, the lanes and corridors that run between the worlds may only be traversed by us Keyblade wielders, and those who have given themselves over to darkness."</ref> but can be used by almost anyone once opened.<ref>{{storylink|Secret Ansem Report 11}}: "It seems my friend, fighting in the realm of darkness, appeared in Castle Oblivion through a corridor of darkness constructed by Organization XIII. My new ally Riku also affected his return via one of these corridors."</ref> The Heartless and Nobodies frequently attempt to link their own Corridors to the [[gate]]s.<ref name="GateCorridor">'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''', '''Yen Sid''': "They may be attempting to link these dark pathways to the gates between the worlds."</ref> Corridors of Darkness also occasionally form spontaneously within the Realm Between, often when a world is destroyed and its surviving inhabitants are cast away.<ref>{{storylink|Secret Ansem Report 11}}: "This 'realm between' is quite unstable, with corridors of darkness appearing from time to time. Whenever a world disappears, some of its inhabitants must arrive here through these corridors. Surely Sora traveled these same corridors of darkness when he first came to Traverse Town."</ref>


There are five known ways to travel through the worlds:
When Heartless use dark corridors, they appear as brief orbs of dark energy that they drop out of; when Nobodies use them the corridors instead take a bright white appearance.
* Piloting a Gummi Ship; as Gummi Ships are composed of fragments of shattered barriers, they are capable of passing through them.
* Utilizing the Corridors of Darkness; this is a faster means of travel than the Gummi Ships, but those who use them are at great risk of being corrupted or destroyed by the darkness.
* Teleportation; [[Merlin]] was able to teleport himself, Sora, Donald, and Goofy from Hollow Bastion/Radiant Garden to Disney Castle.
* The "[[Star Shard]]" that Master Yen Sid gave [[Mickey Mouse|Mickey]] to travel across worlds during ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep''. The downside to this method of travel is that if the user does not know how to control the shard, the destination and time of activation will be random.
* [[Keyblade Glider]]; [[Terra]], [[Aqua]], and [[Ventus]] can change into their armored form and turn their Keyblades into vehicles that can travel to other worlds by using the Lanes Between.


==Stars==
While nearly anyone can use the Corridors, frequent use will erode one's heart<ref>'''''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}''''', '''Maleficent''': "It was reckless to bring her here without at least using a vessel. Remember, relying too heavily on the dark powers could cost you your heart."</ref>, so those who rely on the Corridors, such as [[Organization XIII]], wear [[black coat]]s to protect themselves.<ref>'''''{{c|Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories}}''''', '''DiZ''': "They wear [the black coat] to give themselves protection from being devoured by darkness. Is it clear? Even the Organization cannot rule the darkness."</ref> Those without the coats can survive occasional exposure to the Corridors' darkness if their hearts are strong enough.<ref>'''''[[Director's Secret Report XIII#Part 1 - ABOUT THE WORLD OF KINGDOM HEARTS|Director's Secret Report XIII]]''''', p. 26; '''Tetsuya Nomura''': "The other way is to use a "corridor of darkness". These routes are like a loophole of sorts and not pathways that should rightfully be used. While only those known as beings of darkness and beings of between are able to create entries and exits, in rare cases even other kinds of beings such as the Beast and DiZ, who held strong sentiment or hatred in their hearts, have been able to open a path themselves. However, this means being near the darkness. Make frequent use of the pathways and the darkness will completely erode one's body. Sora and his friends have also used these pathways a handful of times, but you could consider that the effect of passing through a corridor of darkness is influenced by the strength of one's heart, and as such, they have not used them to the degree of frequency that their hearts could have been stained by darkness. In which case, why hasn't erosion by darkness progressed in the heart-lacking Nobodies, King Mickey or Riku, despite them having used the pathways frequently? There is a secret relating to a feature they all share, explained in this very title." Translation via Goldpanner.</ref> They wear this to give themselves protection from being devoured by darkness.
[[Image:Star-World_kh-vids.jpg|thumb|Star of Destiny Islands fading out]]'''Stars''' are massive, luminous balls of plasma that are held together by their own gravity.


In the ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'' games, each star is the fragment of one specific world. Should a star stop shining, that would mean that particular world has disappeared from existence, most likely from destruction from the Heartless.
{{-}}


In ''Kingdom Hearts'', many stars disappeared. In [[Mickey's Letter|Mickey's letter to Donald]] (before Destiny Islands is attacked by the Heartless), Mickey mentions the fact that the stars have been disappearing, one by one, and so he went to find out why. When Donald and Goofy first arrived at Traverse Town, they discovered a star corresponding [[Destiny Islands]] fade out of existence. They were restored after Sora and his friends stopped [[Xehanort's Heartless|Ansem]]'s plan to plunge the world into darkness.
====Gummi routes and Gates====
{{redirect|Gate|Gates|other uses of Gate}}
{{main|Gummi}}
[[File:Gathering of the Organization 01 KHII.png|left|thumb|200px|One of the gates being opened.]]
Pieces of [[Gummi]] known as "[[Star Shard]]s", or the [[Gummi Ship]]s built from them, are able to travel the Ocean Between. Using Gummi Ships is much easier, as single Star Shards will cause random jumps if their handler isn't skilled in their use.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]''''', '''Yen Sid:''' "He left with an object whose power he does not understand nor know how to control. Mickey imagines my Star Shard will be of help in his current quest."</ref> Although the closely-guarded lanes between already allowed some limited travel between worlds, the gummi routes were made ubiquitous when the Heartless first began destroying the walls between worlds,<ref>{{storylink|Ansem's Report 11}}: "Opening the door to a world's heart causes its walls to crumble. These fragments are seen as shooting stars. This explains why these "gummi blocks" can travel freely to other worlds."</ref> leaving enormous holes that made it possible to travel for anyone who could get their hands on Gummi.<ref name="ReferenceA">'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''', '''Goofy''': "He's Donald's uncle—a business typhoon! Before the Heartless showed up, he traveled the worlds on a Gummi Ship with the King. He was helpin' to set up a traffic system."</ref> The holes also made it possible for anyone to travel without the assistance of Keyblade wielders.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>


In ''Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep'', Master [[Yen Sid]] implies that there are stars to represent certain individuals, as well; when Eraqus is struck down by Xehanort, Yen Sid detects the act, stating that "Eraqus's star has blinked out."{{fact}}
However, when the walls between the worlds were restored with the destruction of [[End of the World]], Gummi Ships became all but useless.<ref>'''''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}''''', '''Yuffie''': "Before all this, you didn't know about the other worlds, right?" / '''Aerith''': "Because every world was isolated. Impassable walls divided them." / '''Yuffie''': "The Heartless destroyed those walls. But if the worlds return, so will the walls." / '''Leon''': "Which means gummi ships will be useless."</ref> In response, the worlds themselves prepared the {{nihongo|'''Gates'''|ゲート|Gēto}} as new pathways, or "highways", for Sora and his friends to travel. The Gates allow their users to travel between worlds despite the presence of the otherwise impassable walls between them, making them similar to the {{h|lanes between}}. The first Gate known to be used, leading to the [[Land of Departure]], was opened by the [[Wayward Wind]] after Aqua rescued Ventus's comatose body.{{storylink|Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep}} As Yen Sid informs him, Sora is able to unlock them when his Keyblade reacts to a specific object significant to its world, opening a new Gummi route.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''', '''Yen Sid''': "Because of your previous endeavors, the worlds have returned to their original states. That means the pathways between them have disappeared." / '''Donald Duck''': "How do we get around?" / '''Yen Sid''': "Do not fear. If what the King suspected proves true, the worlds have prepared new pathways along which you may travel. These pathways may be utilized by unlocking special gates. How these gates are opened, I'm afraid I do not know... However, the Keyblade will serve as your guide. When a beam of light radiates from the Keyblade, return to the Gummi Ship. Though the worlds may seem far apart and out of reach, they nonetheless remain connected by invisible ties. As do our hearts."</ref> Though after ''Kingdom Hearts II'', these new paths sealed themselves.<ref>"'''''[[2.9 - The First Volume]]'''", '''Goofy:''' ''Looks like all the old highways are closed.''</ref>


==Plane==
After Sora's failed [[Mark of Mastery]] exam, he travels to [[Olympus]] alongside Donald and Goofy by opening a Gate simply by using his Keyblade, without an item triggering it.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]''''', '''Goofy''' and '''Donald''': "It's a gate!"</ref> Once [[Master Xehanort]] obtains the [[χ-blade]], he is able to open Gates without items triggering them, which he uses to separate the [[Guardians of Light]] from each other. Soon after, Sora opens a Gate to locate [[Kairi]], by using the crystallized pieces of her heart that Xehanort had held captive in [[Scala ad Caelum]] as his trigger.
A '''Plane''' or '''Plane of Existence''' is a flat surface with infinite width and length. There are only two planes in ''Kingdom Hearts''. These planes have been dubbed with the names of the Realm of Light and the Realm of Darkness. The worlds that are visited in the Kingdom Hearts series belong to one of the two planes with the exception of Traverse Town, Castle Oblivion, [[Twilight Town]], [[Mysterious Tower]], [[The World That Never Was]], and the [[Land of Departure]], which exists between these two planes in the Realm of In Between.


The Realm of Light contains all the 'normal' worlds such as Destiny Islands, [[Deep Jungle]], and Halloween Town. The Realm of Darkness is only known to contain [[Kingdom Hearts (world)|Kingdom Hearts]]. These planes or realms should not be confused with worlds, however traveling from plane to plane or to the places in between the planes can be done via [[Gummi Ship]], Corridor of Darkness, and by other secret routes. Traveling between planes can also be done via Doors, such as the Door To Light and the Door To Darkness. The planes as well as the areas outside are a part of the Sea of Outer Space.
;Triggers for the gates:
*'''Kingdom Hearts II'''
**'''[[Hollow Bastion]]:''' The [[Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee]] honorary [[Membership Card]] given to Sora by [[Leon]].
**'''[[The Land of Dragons]]:''' [[Shan-Yu]]'s sword.
**'''[[Beast's Castle]]:''' [[Beast]]'s rose.
**'''[[Olympus Coliseum]]:''' The [[Olympus Stone]].
**'''[[Disney Castle]]:''' The [[Cornerstone of Light]].
**'''[[Port Royal]]:''' [[Jack Sparrow]]'s compass.
**'''[[Agrabah]]:''' A ruby from the [[Cave of Wonders]].
**'''[[Halloween Town]]:''' [[Jack Skellington]]'s Santa Claus costume.
**'''[[Pride Lands]]:''' [[Mufasa]]'s cloud apparition.
**'''[[Twilight Town]]:''' The blue [[Crystal Orb]] from the Struggle Trophy.
**'''[[Realm of Darkness]]:''' The [[sea-salt ice cream]] given to Sora by Riku.
**'''[[Atlantica]]:''' A bubble.
*'''Kingdom Hearts III'''
**'''[[Scala ad Caelum]] & [[Keyblade Graveyard]]:''' The crystallized fragments of [[Kairi]]'s heart.


==Realms==
====Time Travel====
===Realm of Light===
[[File:Lifeboat KHUX.png|thumb|180px|A lifeboat device, capable of sending hearts forward through time.]]
[[File:Door To Light.jpg|thumb|Sora and Riku in front of the Door To Light]]
It is possible to travel through time, but only if a person casts their heart from their [[body]]. Time travel is a rare occurrence, and few individuals possess the knowledge or power to travel through time.
The {{nihongo|'''Realm of Light'''|光の世界|Hikari no Sekai}} is a realm made up mostly of light and makes up almost half of the Kingdom Hearts universe, similar to the Realm of Darkness. Like the Realm of Darkness, the Realm of Light has a [[Keyblade]], the [[Kingdom Key]], which chose Sora as its wielder. Most of the game's worlds are found here, save for those in the Realm of In Between, like Twilight Town, Castle Oblivion, and The World That Never Was. It can be presumed that most of the Worlds accessible by the Gummi Ship are either within the Realm of Light, or are related to it, like Twilight Town.


In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', one notable citation had been made by Sora regarding the Realm of Light during the scene of Sora and [[Riku]] at the "end of the road" after defeating [[Xemnas]]: ''The other side... The realm of light is safe now. Kairi, the King and the others are there.''
When one is traveling through time, there must be a version of the traveler at the destination time period. Once a heart has traveled through time, it must have a body to remain in the destination time period (such as a [[Replica]]) or must be in a state that does not require a body (such as being a Heartless). If the physical form that the heart is inhabiting is destroyed, or if the time traveler's heart is otherwise forced out of it, the heart will return to its original time period. The traveler is left with no memories of their time travel, although their experience will still be engraved within their heart and may unconsciously influence their actions.


====Door to the Light====
Through the use of a device called a [[lifeboat]], it is possible to separate a heart from one's body and send it forward through time. Unlike the previous method of displacing one's heart, this method of time travel allows one's entire self to travel forward permanently. Instead of having a vessel at the destination, the time traveler's body is reformed. While this forgoes the need for a version of the traveler at the endpoint, it requires two other things at the destination: a medium – some sort of object with a connection to the traveler – and someone with memories of the traveler. However, if the process is incomplete, the traveler may be left without memories of their original time.
The door leading to the Realm of Light is called the '''Door to Light'''. It was the door Sora and Riku went through while they were stuck in the Realm of Darkness. It is not certain what caused the door to appear, though one reason could be, as Riku pointed out at the end of the game, the light within Sora's heart which was brought out by [[Kairi's Letter]].


Its counterpart is the [[Door to Darkness]].
There are also special methods that allow the user to break the rules of standard time travel. These are unconventional and isolated instances that are not typically possible. Special cases of time travel include [[Yen Sid]]'s manipulation of time to send Sora and Riku to [[Destiny Islands]] at the beginning of their [[Mark of Mastery exam]], [[Young Xehanort]]'s ability to freely travel with his heart and body after being visited by his future Heartless [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness|Ansem]], and Sora's abuse of the [[power of waking]] to first undo the events at the [[Keyblade Graveyard]] and then return a second time to piece together Kairi's heart. Certain worlds may also have special time-bending properties, such as [[Timeless River]], a world from [[Disney Castle]]'s past summoned by [[Pete]]'s desire to return to simpler days, and the [[Secret Forest]], a world whose time flow has been altered by [[Merlin]] and the [[Three Good Fairies]].


===Realm of Darkness===
==Stars==
The {{nihongo|'''Realm of Darkness'''|闇の世界|Yami no Sekai}} is a realm made up of Darkness in people in every world. As with the Realm of Light, this realm has a Keyblade which chose King Mickey as its wielder. Kingdom Hearts is found here. This is also the home of all the Heartless, as this is where the most powerful ones can be found. Sora fought [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]] here in Kingdom Hearts.
[[File:Where Am I 01 KH.png|thumb|200px|left|Star of Destiny Islands fading out.]]
In the ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|series}}'' games, each '''Star''' is a specific world. Should a star stop shining, that would mean that a particular world has disappeared from existence, most likely from destruction by the Heartless.


Sora, Donald, and Goofy visit the Realm of Darkness after being saved from [[Saïx]] by [[Maleficent]] in Hollow Bastion, where they encounter a man in a black coat, later revealed to be Riku. Riku leaves a box with a picture of [[Hayner]], [[Pence]], [[Olette]], and [[Roxas]] and a bar of [[sea-salt ice cream]]. In this same realm, the Keyblade reacts to the ice-cream and Sora opens a pathway. This is the first time that Sora, Donald, and Goofy are able to make their way to the Realm of Darkness in ''Kingdom Hearts II''.
In ''Kingdom Hearts'', many stars disappeared. In [[Mickey's Letter#First Letter|Mickey's first letter to Donald]], Mickey mentions the fact that the stars have been disappearing, one by one, and that he left to find the cause. When Donald and Goofy first arrived at Traverse Town, they discovered a star corresponding [[Destiny Islands]] fade out of existence. Some of them were restored after Sora and his friends stopped [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness|Ansem]]'s plan to plunge the world into darkness, but others remained submerged in sleep as part of the [[Sleeping Worlds]].


====Areas====
In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', [[Mufasa]] implies that there are stars to represent certain individuals as well, such as when he told young [[Simba]] that all the great kings of the [[Pride Lands]] are looking at them in the form of stars. Years later, Simba tries to reach out to his deceased father, and he appears to him immediately. The same implication happens in ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', when Master [[Yen Sid]] detects that "Eraqus's star has blinked out," after he was struck down by Master Xehanort.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]''''', '''Yen Sid''': "Aqua, the stars bring me grave news. Master Eraqus's star has blinked out. I am afraid that means he has been struck down."</ref>
=====Corridor of Darkness=====
{{-}}
[[File:Corridor_of_darkness.jpg|thumb|left|The Corridor of Darkness as it appears in ''Kingdom Hearts''.]]
[[Image:Corridor of Darkness.jpg|thumb|Saïx opening a Corridor of Darkness for Roxas.]]
'''Corridors of Darkness''' are unpredictable pathways that interlink the worlds of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' universe. The Heartless use these extensively to reach other worlds, as do members of [[Organization XIII]], their subordinate [[Nobody|Nobodies]], and many other characters. These pathways are formed out of Darkness, so it is unsafe for a normal person to travel them, because the constant use of these corridors would corrupt one's heart. However, the Heartless and the Nobodies don't have to worry about this, since the Heartless already have corrupted hearts, and the Nobodies do not have hearts to corrupt. However, one upside to this is that it provides a faster means of travel than the Gummi Ships.


Other characters who have used these corridors include Sora, Donald Duck, Goofy, King Mickey, [[Kairi]], Riku, [[Naminé]], [[Ansem the Wise|DiZ]], and even [[Pluto]]. Of these, only Riku, Naminé and DiZ have been responsible for summoning the portals, and only Heartless and Nobodies aren't affected, with two noted exceptions; according to Nomura in the [[Director's Secret Report XIII]], Riku and Mickey aren't affected by darkness at all, due to some "''secret similarities''". Ironically, in the first ''Kingdom Hearts'', after the face-off in Neverland, Riku's heart was significantly weakened as he carelessly used a Corridor of Darkness to return to Hollow Bastion. Nomura goes further to state that DiZ and the Beast can successfully use the Corridors of Darkness, and perhaps open them, due to their particularly strong feelings. Furthermore, despite Sora having used the Corridors of Darkness several times before, he has not used them frequently enough to allow the Darkness to stain his heart. The influential power of Darkness depends on the strength of a person's heart.
==Realms==
===Realm of Light===
The {{nihongo|'''Realm of Light'''|光の世界|Hikari no Sekai}} is the portion of the universe with an affinity for light and is positioned opposite the Realm of Darkness. The majority of the Keyblades in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series are Keyblades of the Realm of Light. The Realm of Light is the primary setting for the series, although the protagonists sometimes travel to the Realm of Darkness, the Realm Between that connects them, or the Sleeping Worlds that lie parallel to them all.{{?}}<!--or are they in the Realm of Darkness?-->


Anyone who has traveled in darkness for too long would show a few physical traits: their skin darkens and their eyes turn amber. This is especially true for Xehanort, whose [[Xehanort's Heartless|Heartless]] and [[Xemnas|Nobody]] both have tan skin and amber eyes. In the case of Ansem the Wise, it is not so severe: he only has amber eyes.
<!--this list is in "modern" form; past versions of a world are in italics, and manufactured worlds like the 100 Acre Wood are at the end. Do we want them to be placed normally instead?-->
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<gallery>
File:Destiny Islands KHII.png|[[Destiny Islands]]
File:Radiant Garden KHBBS.png|[[Radiant Garden]]<br>''[[Hollow Bastion]]''
File:Keyblade Graveyard KHIII.png|[[Keyblade Graveyard]]
File:Scala ad Caelum Logo KHIII.png|[[Scala ad Caelum]]<br>''[[Daybreak Town]]''
File:Mirage Arena KHBBS.png|[[Mirage Arena]]
File:Disney Castle KHII.png|[[Disney Castle]]<br>''[[Disney Town]]''<br>''[[Country of the Musketeers]]''<br>''[[Timeless River]]''
File:Wonderland KH.png|[[Wonderland]]
File:Deep Jungle KH.png|[[Deep Jungle]]
File:Olympus KHIII.png|[[Olympus]]<br>''[[Olympus Coliseum]]''
File:Agrabah KHII.png|[[Agrabah]]
File:Prankster's Paradise KH3D.png|[[Prankster's Paradise]]<br>''[[Monstro]]''
File:Atlantica KHII.png|[[Atlantica]]
File:Halloween Town KHII.png|[[Halloween Town]]
File:Neverland KHD.png|[[Neverland]]
File:The Land of Dragons KHII.png|[[The Land of Dragons]]
File:Beast's Castle KHII.png|[[Beast's Castle]]
File:The Caribbean KHIII.png|[[The Caribbean]]<br>''[[Port Royal]]''
File:Pride Lands KHII.png|[[Pride Lands]]
File:Enchanted Dominion KHBBS.png|[[Enchanted Dominion]]
File:Castle of Dreams KHBBS.png|[[Castle of Dreams]]
File:Dwarf Woodlands KHBBS.png|[[Dwarf Woodlands]]
File:Deep Space KHBBS.png|[[Deep Space]]
File:La Cité des Cloches KH3D.png|[[La Cité des Cloches]]
File:Toy Box KHIII.png|[[Toy Box]]
File:Kingdom of Corona KHIII.png|[[Kingdom of Corona]]
File:Monstropolis KHIII.png|[[Monstropolis]]
File:Arendelle KHIII.png|[[Arendelle]]
File:San Fransokyo KHIII.png|[[San Fransokyo]]
File:100 Acre Wood KHIII.png|[[100 Acre Wood]]
</gallery>
|}
{{-}}


[[Maleficent]] is also believed to travel the Corridors, though she does not show the physical changes. This could be due to her trying to command the Darkness, instead of becoming one with it. It is also known that [[Pete]] travels the Corridors as well. He is known to be protected&nbsp;from the Darkness by Maleficent's magic.
====Door to Light====
[[File:Ending 01 KHII.png|thumb|right|200px|Sora, and Riku in front of the Door To Light.]]
The door leading from the Realm of Darkness to the Realm of Light is called the {{nihongo|'''Door to Light'''|光の扉|Hikari no Tobira}}. It is one method by which individuals from the Realm of Light may pass from the Realm of Darkness back into the Realm of Light, as Sora and Riku did after finding [[Kairi's Letter]].<!--cite to memorial ultimania, with page-->
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The [[Black Coat|black coats]] worn by Riku, King Mickey, and Organization XIII are said to protect wearers from the effects of darkness, and from detection by those who use darkness. Thus, those who wear these coats can traverse Corridors of Darkness without suffering the negative effects.
===Realm of Darkness===
[[File:Upper Zone KHBBS.png|thumb|left|200px|The Realm of Darkness appears as a world in ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix''.]]
{{main|Realm of Darkness}}
The {{nihongo|'''Realm of Darkness'''|闇の世界|Yami no Sekai}} is a realm that lies opposite the Realm of Light. Few are able to survive in the Realm of Darkness; it is instead inhabited by the Pureblood Heartless and other dark beings.<!--cite to memorial ultimania, with page--> The only known Keyblade of the Realm of Darkness is the [[Kingdom Key D]], wielded by Mickey.<!--cite to Nomura interview from kh2 ultimania--> The Kingdom Hearts of Worlds' Hearts began growing in the Realm of Darkness after the Heartless plague was unleashed on the Realm of Light.<!--cite to memorial ultimania, with page-->{{fact}}
{{-}}


=====Dark Margin=====
====Door to Darkness====
[[File:Dark Meridian.png|thumb|left|200px|The Dark Margin]]
{{redirect|Door to Darkness|The Door to Darkness|the manga chapter}}
The '''Dark Margin''' (referred to by Tetsuya Nomura as the '''Dark Coastline''') is a mysterious place in ''Kingdom Hearts''. It is first seen in "[[Another Side, Another Story]]" (Deep Dive) video.
[[File:Kingdom Hearts 04 KH.png|right|thumb|200px|The Door to Darkness.]]
The {{nihongo|'''Door to Darkness'''|闇の扉|Yami no Tobira}} is the dark counterpart of the Door to Light. It is a tall, white door that lies within [[Final Door]], at the [[End of the World]] created by the Heartless, and can only be opened by the [[Princesses of Heart]].<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''', '''Mickey Mouse''': "Well, the Door To Darkness can only be opened by the seven princesses."</ref> Beyond the door is the Realm of Darkness where their artificial [[Kingdom Hearts of Worlds' Hearts]] resides. Only those from the Realm of Darkness, without light in their hearts, may pass through the Door to Darkness.<!--cite to memorial ultimania, with page-->{{?}}<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]'', Mickey Mouse''': "The door between the two realms—it won't let a heart with light pass through. So only darkness keeps spilling out."</ref>


In ''Kingdom Hearts II'' and In ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]'', Roxas converses with Xemnas at the Dark Margin. He talks to Roxas, telling him how much he looks like Sora.
After the battle with the World of Chaos, Ansem, Seeker of Darkness opens the door and asks that Kingdom Hearts fill him with the power of darkness. He is instead destroyed, as Kingdom Hearts is the power of light; Sora and Mickey, with the help of Riku, Donald, and Goofy, close the Door to Darkness. {{storylink|Kingdom Hearts (game)|Kingdom Hearts}}
{{-}}


It reappears in the end of ''Kingdom Hearts II''. After defeating Xemnas, Riku and Sora end up on the Dark Margin. Suddenly, after Sora reads a letter from Kairi, a [[#Door to the Light|door]] appears leading them to Destiny Islands.
===Realm Between===
The {{nihongo|'''Realm Between'''|狭間の世界|Hazama no Sekai}} lies on the boundary between the Realms of Light and Darkness. Few worlds exist within it, and most have some special nature or purpose.
 
As of now, Traverse Town,<ref name="SAR11">{{storylink|Secret Ansem's Report 11}}: "Like Castle Oblivion, that village [Traverse Town] also rests in the cleft between light and dark.</ref> Land of Departure<ref name="Ultimania">'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Ultimania|Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania]]''''' "[Land of Departure] It is a special place between the realms of darkness and light, and has been protected for generations so that it is not used for evil.</ref>/Castle Oblivion, Twilight Town, Mysterious Tower, and The World That Never Was are the only worlds confirmed to exist within the Realm Between.<ref name="DSRXIII-2">'''''[[Director's Secret Report XIII#Part 1 - About the KH Worlds|Director's Secret Report XIII]]''''', p. 26; '''Tetsuya Nomura''': "Regarding the Realm Between, four worlds have appeared so far: (A) Castle Oblivion, (B) Twilight Town, (C) Yen Sid's Tower, and (D) The World That Never Was. You can think of them as arranged like a stairway extending between the two Realm layers, something like Light < C < B > A > D > Darkness." Translation via Goldpanner.</ref> Each world ties closer to the Realm of Light or the Realm of Darkness, with the exception of Twilight Town, which exists exactly in the middle.<ref name="DSRXIII-2"/>


According to '''[[Director's Secret Report XIII|Another Report]]''', Nomura states that the Dark Margin is "the tip of a world", i.e. the boundary between Darkness and In Between. Sora and Riku were on the coast of the side of In Between, and were looking over the sea in the Realm of Darkness. Having said this, the Door to Light which appeared in the ending scene is reminiscent of a quote which recurs in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series, albeit in different words: "No matter how deep the Darkness, a light shines within."
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<gallery>
File:Traverse Town KH.png|[[Traverse Town]]
File:Land of Departure KHBBS.png|[[Land of Departure]]<br>''[[Castle Oblivion]]''
File:Twilight Town KHIII.png|[[Twilight Town]]
File:Mysterious Tower KHBBS.png|[[Mysterious Tower]]<br>''[[Symphony of Sorcery]]''
File:End of the World KH.png|[[End of the World]]
File:The World That Never Was KHII.png|[[The World That Never Was]]
File:End Of Sea Web.png|[[End of Sea]]
</gallery>
|}
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=====''[[Blank Points]]''=====
===Realm of Sleep===
In ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'''s secret event, [[Aqua]] finds [[Ansem the Wise]] sitting on the coast of the side of darkness. The scene takes place some time after the machine Ansem used to encode Kingdom Hearts as data exploded in ''Kingdom Hearts II''. Instead of killing him, the machine's explosion transported Ansem to the dark realm and caused Ansem to slowly lose his memory (he likely made his way there after Sora and Riku left). Aqua and Ansem the Wise have a conversation about the worlds and how Ansem came to know Sora. This leads Aqua to shed tears of hope and say Sora's name, knowing that he would save her and her friends.<!--DiZ's "Realm of nothingness" is identified as this place in Blank Points, which fits Aqua calling it empty and eternal-->
{{main|Sleeping Worlds}}
The realm of sleep, sometimes referred to as the realm of dreams, is a place that can usually only be entered when someone is asleep or unconscious, though it is sometimes possible to physically travel there under certain circumstances. It contains the worlds of dreams and memories, such as Dive to the Heart, which are directly influenced by the dreaming individual. Anything that happens in these worlds can also affect the waking world. The Final World, being on the edge of reality just before a [[heart]] ceases to exist, is nested closely to the realm of sleep. Those who dream have a chance to catch a glimpse of The Final World, as Sora does when he begins his journey.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]''''', '''Chirithy:''' "The edges of sleep and death touch, and one can't help the occasional crossover."</ref>  


===Realm Between===
The {{nihongo|'''Sleeping Worlds'''|夢見る世界|Yumemiru Sekai|lit. "Dreaming Worlds"}} are worlds submerged in sleep. They are worlds that fell into darkness but were not fully revived following the defeat of [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]] for unknown reasons. Because this created barriers, not even the Heartless could penetrate, darkness took a new form in the Sleeping Worlds, known as the [[Dream Eater]]s. Sleeping Worlds can only be entered when someone dives into the realm of sleep.
The '''Realm Between''' is the third realm in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series, and lies on the boundary between the Realms of Light and Darkness.
<!--Are these worlds still sleeping by the end of KH3D, or should they be italicized?-->
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" border="0" style="width:100%"
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<gallery>
File:Dive to the Heart (Art).png|[[Dive to the Heart]]
File:The Final World Logo KHIII.png|[[The Final World]]
File:Traverse Town KH3D.png|''[[Traverse Town]]''
File:La Cité des Cloches KH3D.png|''[[La Cité des Cloches]]''
File:Prankster's Paradise KH3D.png|''[[Prankster's Paradise]]''
File:The Grid KH3D.png|''[[The Grid]]''
File:Country of the Musketeers KH3D.png|''[[Country of the Musketeers]]''
File:Symphony of Sorcery KH3D.png|''[[Symphony of Sorcery]]''
</gallery>
|}
{{-}}


Few worlds exist within it, and most have some special nature or purpose. As of now, Traverse Town, Land of Departure, Castle Oblivion, Twilight Town, Mysterious Tower, and The World That Never Was are the only worlds confirmed to exist within the Realm Between.{{fact}}<!--separate Nomura interviews - KH2 followups for most worlds, BBS ultimania for Land of Departure--> Each world ties closer to the Realm of Light or the Realm of Darkness, with the exception of Twilight Town, which exists exactly in the middle.{{fact}}
===Datascapes===
{{main|Datascape}}
Datascapes are realms made from data where "data worlds" exist. A data world may be created using data from a real world, thus creating a digital replica of that world, or may be programmed to be unique. Data worlds cannot be reached via the Ocean Between, as they exist within computers. Instead, they typically must be accessed via an interface within the world that contains them.
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" border="0" style="width:100%"
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<gallery>
File:Space Paranoids KHII.png|[[Space Paranoids]]
File:The Grid KH3D.png |[[The Grid]]<!--Do NOT combine with Space Paranoids-->
File:Twilight Town KHCOM.png|[[The Other Twilight Town]]
File:System Sector KHMOM.png|Jiminy's {{c|Datascape|khc}}
File:Daybreak Town KHX.png|[[Daybreak Town]] Datascape
File:Game Central Station Logo KHUX.png|[[Game Central Station]]<br>''[[Niceland]]''<br>''[[Cy-Bug Sector]]''<br>''[[Candy Kingdom]]''
</gallery>
|}
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====Lanes Between====
==The Other Side==
[[File:AquaLanesBetween.png|thumb|250px|Aqua in the Lanes Between.]]
The other side, or what Ansem the Wise termed "Unreality" and hypothezied as a world of fiction, is a world that exists on the other side of reality. During her year long sleep, Kairi searched her memories in an attempt to find a clue to Sora's whereabouts. She ultimately found a memory of Terra-Xehanort sending her to Destiny Islands when she was a child, where he describes a world that is "neither of light nor darkness, but somewhere on the other side". This, along with Riku's dreams of Sora, lead them to the Final World, where the Fairy Godmother introduces them to the [[Nameless Star]], who is an inhabitant of the other world. Riku is able to use the power of waking on the star to gain access to the world. The only known place in the other world is the city of [[Quadratum]], the home of [[Yozora]].
The Lanes Between are a series of "roads" between the worlds in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]''. Ventus, Aqua, and Terra frequent these paths to navigate the worlds. The presence of Darkness is very strong within them, forcing travelers to wear [[Keyblade Armor]] as a safety precaution. To enter the lanes, the Keyblade wielder raises his or her keyblade to the sky, and creates a portal leading into the Lanes, appearing somewhat similar to the Dark Corridors. Upon opening the way, they usually call their ''[[Keyblade Glider]]'' and use it to enter. The Lanes resemble the Corridors of Darkness, but with a color scheme closely resembling the Aurora Borealis.
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File:Quadratum KHIIIRM.png|[[Quadratum]]
</gallery>
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==Worlds==
==Worlds==
[[Image:DIworld.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Destiny Islands]], the first world seen in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series.]]
[[File:Destiny Islands (Art).png|thumb|left|200px|[[Destiny Islands]], the first world seen in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series.]]
A {{nihongo|'''World'''|世界|Sekai}} is a location that appears in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series. Serving as the "levels" for the games, Sora and other characters are charged with visiting and protecting them through the course of the series. By defending the worlds from the Heartless, [[Nobody|Nobodies]], or other enemies, Sora keeps the Darkness from spreading and the worlds from being manipulated or destroyed. At the end of every world Sora, Donald, and Goofy have to fight a boss of that world (which is either a giant Heartless or a Disney villain) which opens the Keyhole area when defeated. At the end Sora locks the Keyhole and earns a Gummi that will let him go to the next world.
A {{nihongo|'''world'''|世界|Sekai}} is a location that appears in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series. While the worlds were all connected in the ancient "age of fairy tales", they were split apart following the Keyblade War and exist independently. Each world follows its own flow of time.


Each world that appears in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series has its own distinct look, and for the most part hold true to the movies and cartoons they are based on. Often the plot of the game in that world will be based on its original source. Almost all worlds can be visited in the course of the game and are part of the playthrough; there are exceptions, though, since some places can be seen in cinematics but not actually accessed by Sora's party. All worlds are separate from one another, and with a few exceptions, most people are unaware of the existence of other worlds.
In the context of the games, worlds are analogous to "levels" or "stages" that the protagonist must complete. They will explore the worlds and protect them from the Heartless, Nobodies, and other threats, often culminating in a boss battle against that world's villain or a denizen of darkness. Each world that appears in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is inspired by the films and cartoons they are based on. Oftentimes, the plot of the game in that world will be based on its original source as well.
{{-}}


===World characteristics===
===World characteristics===
[[File:Treehouse (Art).png|thumb|180px|[[Deep Jungle]] from ''Tarzan''. This world made only one appearance in the entire series due to copyright issues.]]


[[Image:Deep Jungle (Tree House).jpg|thumb|left|180px|[[Deep Jungle]] from ''Tarzan''. This infamous world only made one appearance in the entire series due to copyright issues.]]
There are over thirty worlds that have appeared in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series so far. Most of them are based on {{w|The Walt Disney Company|Disney}}'s animated features and contain locations and characters from or inspired by the films. As a result, worlds are greatly varied in appearance, style, and nature, as their sources range from the oldest cartoons in the Disney canon to modern Disney animations and live action Disney films. The oldest source is the 1928 cartoon ''{{w|Steamboat Willie}}'', used as a basis for Timeless River, while the most recent inspiration for a world from Disney's animated features is 2014's ''{{w|Big Hero 6 (film)|Big Hero 6}}''.


There are over thirty worlds that have appeared in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series so far. Most of them are based on [[wikipedia:The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]'s animated features and contain locations and characters from or inspired by the films. As a result, worlds are greatly varied in appearance, style, and nature, as their sources range from the oldest cartoons created by Disney to more current movies in the Disney canon. The oldest source is the 1928 cartoon "[[wikipedia:Steamboat Willie|Steamboat Willie]]", used as a basis for Timeless River, while the most recent inspiration for a world from Disney's animated features is 2002's ''[[wikipedia:Lilo & Stitch|Lilo & Stitch]]'', the source for [[Deep Space]]. In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', two live-action films, ''[[wikipedia:Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl|Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Tron (film)|Tron]]'' served as the foundation for the worlds [[Port Royal]] and [[Space Paranoids]], respectively.
In addition to the Disney-based worlds, numerous original settings were created by game developers {{w|Square Enix}} as worlds unique to the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series. They tend to be populated by Square Enix characters from the {{ff|Final Fantasy (series)|''Final Fantasy'' series}}, Disney characters without a world dedicated to their film, and original ''Kingdom Hearts'' characters.
 
In addition to the Disney-based worlds, eleven worlds are exclusives that were created by game developers [[wikipedia:Square-Enix|Square-Enix]] just for the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series. They are not part of the Disney film canon, nor Square-Enix's games canon, but do tend to be populated with Square-Enix characters, especially from the ''[[w:c:finalfantasy:Main_Page|Final Fantasy]]'' series, as well as the occasional Disney character or original characters created just for ''Kingdom Hearts''.
 
Some worlds have names that don't seem to accurately reflect what is found there. A famous example is [[Neverland]] in ''Kingdom Hearts''; Sora and company get to go through [[Captain Hook]]'s ship and fly around the Clock Tower, but never actually reach the island Neverland where [[Peter Pan]] and [[Tinker Bell]] live. To further confuse things, some worlds in ''Kingdom Hearts II'' contain what could almost be considered sublevels or second worlds within them, such as the [[Underworld]] at [[Olympus Coliseum]] or [[Christmas Town]] in Halloween Town.
{{-}}
{{-}}


===World party members===
===Gallery===
====''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep''====
<gallery>
''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' does not feature set party members and only allows a solo party for most of the game, except for a handful of battles, in which one or two additional members are assigned to your party. Instead, the game takes advantage of the [[Dimension Link]] system, a descendant of the [[Summon]] system of previous games.
File:World Map KH.png|The world map in ''Kingdom Hearts''.
*[[Enchanted Dominion]]'s party member is '''[[Prince Phillip]]'''.
File:World Map ST KHCOM.png|The world map in Sora's story in ''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories''.
*[[Keyblade Graveyard|The Badlands]]'s party member is '''[[Mickey Mouse|King Mickey]]'''.
File:World Map RT KHCOM.png|The world map in Reverse/Rebirth mode in ''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories''.
*[[Radiant Garden]]'s party members are '''King Mickey''', '''[[Terra]]''', '''[[Aqua]]''', and '''[[Ventus]]'''.
File:World Map KHII.png|The world map in ''Kingdom Hearts II''.
*[[Olympus Coliseum]]'s party members are '''[[Zack]]''' and '''[[Hercules]]'''.
File:World Map KHD.png|The world map in ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''.
*[[Deep Space]]'s party member is '''[[Stitch|Experiment 626]]'''.
File:World Map KHREC.png|The world map in ''Kingdom Hearts Re:coded''.
 
File:World Map KHBBS.png|The world map in ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep''.
====''Kingdom Hearts''====
</gallery>
[[Image:Aladdin.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Aladdin]] serves as a party character in [[Agrabah]] in both ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II'', as well as a friend card in ''Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories''.]]
In certain worlds, a character from that area will be available to fight, and can replace Donald or Goofy in the party. ''Kingdom Hearts'' had six such worlds with party members.
*[[Deep Jungle]]'s party member is '''[[Tarzan]]'''.
*[[Agrabah]]'s party member is '''[[Aladdin]]'''.
*[[Halloween Town]]'s party member is '''[[Jack Skellington]]'''.
*[[Atlantica]]'s party member is '''[[Ariel]]'''.
*[[Neverland]]'s party member is '''[[Peter Pan]]'''.
*[[Hollow Bastion]]'s party member is '''[[Beast]]'''.


====''Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories''====
==Notes and references==
Sora has been given cards in Castle Oblivion and is sent to worlds from his own memories and his past party members from ''Kingdom Hearts'' from the Disney worlds he had visited have become memory cards.
{{reflist}}
*[[Agrabah]]'s party member is '''[[Aladdin]]'''.
*[[Halloween Town]]'s party member is '''[[Jack Skellington]]'''.
*[[Atlantica]]'s party member is '''[[Ariel]]'''.
*[[Neverland]]'s party member is '''[[Peter Pan]]'''.
*[[Hollow Bastion]] party member is '''[[Beast]]'''.


====''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''====
[[de:Universum von Kingdom Hearts]]
''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days'' has several worlds that Saïx sends Roxas to on missions, often along with other members of the Organization.
[[fr:Verrou Céleste]]
*[[Twilight Town]]'s mission party members are '''[[Axel]]''', '''[[Marluxia]]''', '''[[Zexion]]''', '''[[Larxene]]''', '''[[Vexen]]''', '''[[Lexaeus]]''', and '''[[Xion]]'''.
[[de:Tor]]
*[[Agrabah]]'s mission party members are '''[[Xigbar]]''', '''Axel''', '''Xion''', '''[[Demyx]]''', and '''[[Xaldin]]'''.
*[[Beast's Castle]]'s mission party members are '''Xion''', '''Xaldin''', '''Xigbar''', and '''Axel'''.
*[[Olympus Coliseum]]'s mission party members are '''Xigbar''' and '''Demyx'''.
*[[Wonderland]]'s mission party members are '''[[Luxord]]''', '''Xion''', and '''Xigbar'''.
*[[Halloween Town]]'s mission party members are '''Demyx''', '''Luxord''', and '''Xigbar'''.
*[[Neverland]]'s mission party members are '''Axel''' and '''Luxord'''.
 
====''Kingdom Hearts II''====
''Kingdom Hearts II'' increased the number of worlds with party characters to nine, putting a party member in almost every Disney-based world. Three characters from ''Kingdom Hearts'' returned for battle: Aladdin, Jack Skellington, and Beast, although Beast was moved from Hollow Bastion to his own world. Ariel reappeared in Atlantica, but no longer as a party character, Peter Pan became a Summon, and Simba, formerly a Summon, became a party member in his home world of the Pride Lands. The game added two party members with the same first name as another; Jack Skellington and Jack Sparrow; Sora differentiates between the two by referring to Jack Sparrow as Captain. To make the world-based party members more powerful, special attacks were developed for each character that Sora could call on in the heat of battle. ''Kingdom Hearts II'' also included the first ''Final Fantasy'' party character, Auron, and allowed Sora to fight alongside his best friend, Riku.
*[[The Land of Dragons]]'s party member is '''[[Fa Mulan|Mulan]]'''.
*[[Beast's Castle]]'s party member is '''[[Beast]]'''.
*[[Olympus Coliseum]]'s party member is '''[[Auron]]'''.
*[[Port Royal]]'s party member is '''[[Jack Sparrow]]'''.
*[[Agrabah]]'s party member is '''[[Aladdin]]'''.
*[[Halloween Town]]'s party member is '''[[Jack Skellington]]'''.
*[[Pride Lands]]'s party member is '''[[Simba]]'''.
*[[Space Paranoids]]'s party member is '''[[Tron]]'''.
*[[The World That Never Was]]' party member is '''[[Riku]]'''.
 
====''Kingdom Hearts coded''====
The worlds in ''[[Kingdom Hearts coded]]'' are the same as the first game but the party members are different.
*[[Olympus Coliseum]]'s party members are '''[[Hercules]]''' and '''[[Cloud]]'''.
*[[Agrabah]]'s party member is '''[[Genie]]'''.
*[[Hollow Bastion]]'s party members are '''[[Donald Duck|Donald]]''' and '''[[Goofy]]'''.
 
{{-}}
[[Category:Plot elements]]
[[Category:Plot elements]]
[[Category:Worlds]]
[[Category:Worlds]]
[[Category:Places]]
[[Category:Places]]
[[Category:Realm of Light| ]]
[[Category:Realm of Light]]
[[Category:Realm Between| ]]
[[Category:Realm Between]]
[[Category:Realm of Darkness| ]]
[[Category:Realm of Darkness]]

Latest revision as of 00:08, 18 May 2024

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The Ocean Between world icon

In the Universe of Kingdom Hearts, also called the World, there are many worlds that fall into certain realms. All of these realms are on their own plane of existence.

History

Legend has it that long ago, in the "age of fairy tales", the world was whole and full of light. The source of the world's great light was Kingdom Hearts, which was protected by its counterpart, the χ-blade. Ancient beings known as Darkness were locked in eternal battle with the light, but they cast off their physical forms to infect hearts of people. Over time, people succumbed to these negative emotions and came to desire the power of Kingdom Hearts, giving rise to the first Heartless.

The first Keyblades were forged in the image of the χ-blade by those who wished to conquer or protect Kingdom Hearts. These ancient wielders clashed together in a far-reaching conflict that embroiled the entire World: the first Keyblade War. In the end, darkness covered the World, the χ-blade was shattered into twenty pieces – seven of light and thirteen of darkness – and the "true" Kingdom Hearts disappeared into the darkness.

However, the world was restored by the light within the hearts of children. The many worlds that were split apart in the Keyblade War were reformed, each with its own time flow; the worlds were surrounded by barriers that prevented outside interference and inter-world travel. The remnants of the battlefield on which the Keyblade War took place became the Keyblade Graveyard, a scarred wasteland filled with the Keyblades of fallen warriors. The remaining Keyblade wielders resolved to protect the World from further destruction, becoming guardians of the world order.

While there still exist methods to travel between worlds, most individuals do not posses the knowledge or capability to do so. Those few who do travel between worlds are advised to avoid meddling in the affairs of other worlds and informing their inhabitants of the existence of other worlds.

Ocean Between

Aqua in the Ocean Between.

The Ocean Between,[1] also known as the "ocean of stars" or "interspace" (星の大海 Hoshi no Taikai?)[2][3] and the "sea between worlds" or "Other Sky" (異空の海 Ikū no Umi?, lit. "Sea of Other Skies"),[4][5] is a vast space between the worlds. It is threaded by the Gummi routes and lanes between, which serve as paths between worlds for those with the knowledge to use them.[6]

Travel

Gummi Ships allow travel between most worlds.

Traveling between worlds is normally very difficult. In addition to being separated by the Ocean Between, worlds are also protected by barriers which prevent outside interference.

With the barriers in place, only certain people – such as Keyblade wielders with access to Lanes Between, users of Corridors of Darkness, or powerful sorcerers – can gain access to other worlds. However, when Heartless attack a world, these barriers are broken, indicated by a meteor shower in that world; the barriers are restored when the worlds are restored and their keyholes locked. Without barriers, anyone who can survive and navigate the Ocean Between can travel between worlds. The various methods of travel are often facilitated through the use of a Gummi Ship or Keyblade Glider.

Lanes between

A portal leading to the Lanes.

The Lanes between (異空の回廊 Ikū no Kairō?, lit. "Corridors of the Skies") are a series of "roads" between the worlds used by Keyblade wielders. The presence of darkness is very strong within these pathways, forcing travelers to wear their Keyblade Armor as a safety precaution.[7] To enter the Lanes, a wielder typically raises their Keyblade and creates a portal in the sky or in front of them; powerful wielders, such as the Foretellers, can create these portals without their Keyblade on hand.

Corridors of Darkness

A Corridor of Darkness.

The Corridors of Darkness (闇の回廊 Yami no Kairō?) are pathways that interlink the various worlds, as well as connecting the Realm of Darkness and Realm Between to the Realm of Light.[8] They may only be opened by those who have given themselves over to darkness,[9] but can be used by almost anyone once opened.[10] The Heartless and Nobodies frequently attempt to link their own Corridors to the gates.[11] Corridors of Darkness also occasionally form spontaneously within the Realm Between, often when a world is destroyed and its surviving inhabitants are cast away.[12]

When Heartless use dark corridors, they appear as brief orbs of dark energy that they drop out of; when Nobodies use them the corridors instead take a bright white appearance.

While nearly anyone can use the Corridors, frequent use will erode one's heart[13], so those who rely on the Corridors, such as Organization XIII, wear black coats to protect themselves.[14] Those without the coats can survive occasional exposure to the Corridors' darkness if their hearts are strong enough.[15] They wear this to give themselves protection from being devoured by darkness.

Gummi routes and Gates

"Gate" redirects here. You may have been looking for other uses of Gate.
Main article: Gummi
One of the gates being opened.

Pieces of Gummi known as "Star Shards", or the Gummi Ships built from them, are able to travel the Ocean Between. Using Gummi Ships is much easier, as single Star Shards will cause random jumps if their handler isn't skilled in their use.[16] Although the closely-guarded lanes between already allowed some limited travel between worlds, the gummi routes were made ubiquitous when the Heartless first began destroying the walls between worlds,[17] leaving enormous holes that made it possible to travel for anyone who could get their hands on Gummi.[18] The holes also made it possible for anyone to travel without the assistance of Keyblade wielders.[18]

However, when the walls between the worlds were restored with the destruction of End of the World, Gummi Ships became all but useless.[19] In response, the worlds themselves prepared the Gates (ゲート Gēto?) as new pathways, or "highways", for Sora and his friends to travel. The Gates allow their users to travel between worlds despite the presence of the otherwise impassable walls between them, making them similar to the lanes between. The first Gate known to be used, leading to the Land of Departure, was opened by the Wayward Wind after Aqua rescued Ventus's comatose body. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep As Yen Sid informs him, Sora is able to unlock them when his Keyblade reacts to a specific object significant to its world, opening a new Gummi route.[20] Though after Kingdom Hearts II, these new paths sealed themselves.[21]

After Sora's failed Mark of Mastery exam, he travels to Olympus alongside Donald and Goofy by opening a Gate simply by using his Keyblade, without an item triggering it.[22] Once Master Xehanort obtains the χ-blade, he is able to open Gates without items triggering them, which he uses to separate the Guardians of Light from each other. Soon after, Sora opens a Gate to locate Kairi, by using the crystallized pieces of her heart that Xehanort had held captive in Scala ad Caelum as his trigger.

Triggers for the gates

Time Travel

Image of the lifeboats from KHUX
A lifeboat device, capable of sending hearts forward through time.

It is possible to travel through time, but only if a person casts their heart from their body. Time travel is a rare occurrence, and few individuals possess the knowledge or power to travel through time.

When one is traveling through time, there must be a version of the traveler at the destination time period. Once a heart has traveled through time, it must have a body to remain in the destination time period (such as a Replica) or must be in a state that does not require a body (such as being a Heartless). If the physical form that the heart is inhabiting is destroyed, or if the time traveler's heart is otherwise forced out of it, the heart will return to its original time period. The traveler is left with no memories of their time travel, although their experience will still be engraved within their heart and may unconsciously influence their actions.

Through the use of a device called a lifeboat, it is possible to separate a heart from one's body and send it forward through time. Unlike the previous method of displacing one's heart, this method of time travel allows one's entire self to travel forward permanently. Instead of having a vessel at the destination, the time traveler's body is reformed. While this forgoes the need for a version of the traveler at the endpoint, it requires two other things at the destination: a medium – some sort of object with a connection to the traveler – and someone with memories of the traveler. However, if the process is incomplete, the traveler may be left without memories of their original time.

There are also special methods that allow the user to break the rules of standard time travel. These are unconventional and isolated instances that are not typically possible. Special cases of time travel include Yen Sid's manipulation of time to send Sora and Riku to Destiny Islands at the beginning of their Mark of Mastery exam, Young Xehanort's ability to freely travel with his heart and body after being visited by his future Heartless Ansem, and Sora's abuse of the power of waking to first undo the events at the Keyblade Graveyard and then return a second time to piece together Kairi's heart. Certain worlds may also have special time-bending properties, such as Timeless River, a world from Disney Castle's past summoned by Pete's desire to return to simpler days, and the Secret Forest, a world whose time flow has been altered by Merlin and the Three Good Fairies.

Stars

Star of Destiny Islands fading out.

In the Kingdom Hearts games, each Star is a specific world. Should a star stop shining, that would mean that a particular world has disappeared from existence, most likely from destruction by the Heartless.

In Kingdom Hearts, many stars disappeared. In Mickey's first letter to Donald, Mickey mentions the fact that the stars have been disappearing, one by one, and that he left to find the cause. When Donald and Goofy first arrived at Traverse Town, they discovered a star corresponding Destiny Islands fade out of existence. Some of them were restored after Sora and his friends stopped Ansem's plan to plunge the world into darkness, but others remained submerged in sleep as part of the Sleeping Worlds.

In Kingdom Hearts II, Mufasa implies that there are stars to represent certain individuals as well, such as when he told young Simba that all the great kings of the Pride Lands are looking at them in the form of stars. Years later, Simba tries to reach out to his deceased father, and he appears to him immediately. The same implication happens in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, when Master Yen Sid detects that "Eraqus's star has blinked out," after he was struck down by Master Xehanort.[23]

Realms

Realm of Light

The Realm of Light (光の世界 Hikari no Sekai?) is the portion of the universe with an affinity for light and is positioned opposite the Realm of Darkness. The majority of the Keyblades in the Kingdom Hearts series are Keyblades of the Realm of Light. The Realm of Light is the primary setting for the series, although the protagonists sometimes travel to the Realm of Darkness, the Realm Between that connects them, or the Sleeping Worlds that lie parallel to them all.[?]

Show Worlds

Door to Light

Sora, and Riku in front of the Door To Light.

The door leading from the Realm of Darkness to the Realm of Light is called the Door to Light (光の扉 Hikari no Tobira?). It is one method by which individuals from the Realm of Light may pass from the Realm of Darkness back into the Realm of Light, as Sora and Riku did after finding Kairi's Letter.

Realm of Darkness

The Realm of Darkness appears as a world in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix.
Main article: Realm of Darkness

The Realm of Darkness (闇の世界 Yami no Sekai?) is a realm that lies opposite the Realm of Light. Few are able to survive in the Realm of Darkness; it is instead inhabited by the Pureblood Heartless and other dark beings. The only known Keyblade of the Realm of Darkness is the Kingdom Key D, wielded by Mickey. The Kingdom Hearts of Worlds' Hearts began growing in the Realm of Darkness after the Heartless plague was unleashed on the Realm of Light.[citation needed]

Door to Darkness

"Door to Darkness" redirects here. You may have been looking for the manga chapter.
The Door to Darkness.

The Door to Darkness (闇の扉 Yami no Tobira?) is the dark counterpart of the Door to Light. It is a tall, white door that lies within Final Door, at the End of the World created by the Heartless, and can only be opened by the Princesses of Heart.[24] Beyond the door is the Realm of Darkness where their artificial Kingdom Hearts of Worlds' Hearts resides. Only those from the Realm of Darkness, without light in their hearts, may pass through the Door to Darkness.[?][25]

After the battle with the World of Chaos, Ansem, Seeker of Darkness opens the door and asks that Kingdom Hearts fill him with the power of darkness. He is instead destroyed, as Kingdom Hearts is the power of light; Sora and Mickey, with the help of Riku, Donald, and Goofy, close the Door to Darkness. Kingdom Hearts

Realm Between

The Realm Between (狭間の世界 Hazama no Sekai?) lies on the boundary between the Realms of Light and Darkness. Few worlds exist within it, and most have some special nature or purpose.

As of now, Traverse Town,[26] Land of Departure[27]/Castle Oblivion, Twilight Town, Mysterious Tower, and The World That Never Was are the only worlds confirmed to exist within the Realm Between.[28] Each world ties closer to the Realm of Light or the Realm of Darkness, with the exception of Twilight Town, which exists exactly in the middle.[28]

Show Worlds

Realm of Sleep

Main article: Sleeping Worlds

The realm of sleep, sometimes referred to as the realm of dreams, is a place that can usually only be entered when someone is asleep or unconscious, though it is sometimes possible to physically travel there under certain circumstances. It contains the worlds of dreams and memories, such as Dive to the Heart, which are directly influenced by the dreaming individual. Anything that happens in these worlds can also affect the waking world. The Final World, being on the edge of reality just before a heart ceases to exist, is nested closely to the realm of sleep. Those who dream have a chance to catch a glimpse of The Final World, as Sora does when he begins his journey.[29]

The Sleeping Worlds (夢見る世界 Yumemiru Sekai?, lit. "Dreaming Worlds") are worlds submerged in sleep. They are worlds that fell into darkness but were not fully revived following the defeat of Ansem, Seeker of Darkness for unknown reasons. Because this created barriers, not even the Heartless could penetrate, darkness took a new form in the Sleeping Worlds, known as the Dream Eaters. Sleeping Worlds can only be entered when someone dives into the realm of sleep.

Show Worlds

Datascapes

Main article: Datascape

Datascapes are realms made from data where "data worlds" exist. A data world may be created using data from a real world, thus creating a digital replica of that world, or may be programmed to be unique. Data worlds cannot be reached via the Ocean Between, as they exist within computers. Instead, they typically must be accessed via an interface within the world that contains them.

Show Worlds

The Other Side

The other side, or what Ansem the Wise termed "Unreality" and hypothezied as a world of fiction, is a world that exists on the other side of reality. During her year long sleep, Kairi searched her memories in an attempt to find a clue to Sora's whereabouts. She ultimately found a memory of Terra-Xehanort sending her to Destiny Islands when she was a child, where he describes a world that is "neither of light nor darkness, but somewhere on the other side". This, along with Riku's dreams of Sora, lead them to the Final World, where the Fairy Godmother introduces them to the Nameless Star, who is an inhabitant of the other world. Riku is able to use the power of waking on the star to gain access to the world. The only known place in the other world is the city of Quadratum, the home of Yozora.

Show Worlds

Worlds

Destiny Islands, the first world seen in the Kingdom Hearts series.

A world (世界 Sekai?) is a location that appears in the Kingdom Hearts series. While the worlds were all connected in the ancient "age of fairy tales", they were split apart following the Keyblade War and exist independently. Each world follows its own flow of time.

In the context of the games, worlds are analogous to "levels" or "stages" that the protagonist must complete. They will explore the worlds and protect them from the Heartless, Nobodies, and other threats, often culminating in a boss battle against that world's villain or a denizen of darkness. Each world that appears in the Kingdom Hearts series is inspired by the films and cartoons they are based on. Oftentimes, the plot of the game in that world will be based on its original source as well.

World characteristics

Artwork of the Treehouse from the Deep Jungle
Deep Jungle from Tarzan. This world made only one appearance in the entire series due to copyright issues.

There are over thirty worlds that have appeared in the Kingdom Hearts series so far. Most of them are based on Disney's animated features and contain locations and characters from or inspired by the films. As a result, worlds are greatly varied in appearance, style, and nature, as their sources range from the oldest cartoons in the Disney canon to modern Disney animations and live action Disney films. The oldest source is the 1928 cartoon Steamboat Willie, used as a basis for Timeless River, while the most recent inspiration for a world from Disney's animated features is 2014's Big Hero 6.

In addition to the Disney-based worlds, numerous original settings were created by game developers Square Enix as worlds unique to the Kingdom Hearts series. They tend to be populated by Square Enix characters from the Final Fantasy series, Disney characters without a world dedicated to their film, and original Kingdom Hearts characters.

Gallery

  • The world map in Kingdom Hearts.

    The world map in Kingdom Hearts.

  • The world map in Sora's story in Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories.

    The world map in Sora's story in Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories.

  • The world map in Reverse/Rebirth mode in Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories.

    The world map in Reverse/Rebirth mode in Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories.

  • The world map in Kingdom Hearts II.

    The world map in Kingdom Hearts II.

  • The world map in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days.

    The world map in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days.

  • The world map in Kingdom Hearts Re:coded.

    The world map in Kingdom Hearts Re:coded.

  • The world map in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep.

    The world map in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep.

Notes and references

  1. ^ Xehanort's Report II: "The World is vast—and the worlds within the greater World, uncountable. Like little islands, they dot a great Ocean Between which keeps them ignorant of each other, uncorrupted."
  2. ^ Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Monstro's report entry: "An enormous whale that dwells in the ocean of stars."
  3. ^ Kingdom Hearts, Cid: "Interspace ain't no playground."
  4. ^ Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, Prankster's Paradise—Side:Sora: "After this, Pinocchio and Jiminy's world gets dragged into darkness, and they end up cast into the sea between worlds, along with Monstro."
  5. ^ Kingdom Hearts: The Novel, Ansem's Report 11: "I have chosen a particular girl to send off into the Other Sky and observe."
  6. ^ Director's Secret Report XIII p. 26; Tetsuya Nomura: "There are two ways to travel, one of which is to use a Gummi Ship like Sora and his friends do to move through the "Ocean Between", the space studded with all the worlds." Translation via Goldpanner.
  7. ^ Xehanort's Report II: "Our Master instructed us to don armor while traveling between worlds, so that we might shield ourselves from the darkness. But there, in the Lanes Between, I could feel the force of it—the power—and from then on, I forwent my armor's 'protection.'"
  8. ^ Secret Ansem Report 6: "With this new power, I uncovered a 'corridor of darkness' that connects the realm of nothingness to the outside world. While it is still difficult to come and go as I please, my banishment is now a thing of the past."
  9. ^ Xehanort's Report V: "At present, the lanes and corridors that run between the worlds may only be traversed by us Keyblade wielders, and those who have given themselves over to darkness."
  10. ^ Secret Ansem Report 11: "It seems my friend, fighting in the realm of darkness, appeared in Castle Oblivion through a corridor of darkness constructed by Organization XIII. My new ally Riku also affected his return via one of these corridors."
  11. ^ Kingdom Hearts II, Yen Sid: "They may be attempting to link these dark pathways to the gates between the worlds."
  12. ^ Secret Ansem Report 11: "This 'realm between' is quite unstable, with corridors of darkness appearing from time to time. Whenever a world disappears, some of its inhabitants must arrive here through these corridors. Surely Sora traveled these same corridors of darkness when he first came to Traverse Town."
  13. ^ Kingdom Hearts, Maleficent: "It was reckless to bring her here without at least using a vessel. Remember, relying too heavily on the dark powers could cost you your heart."
  14. ^ Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, DiZ: "They wear [the black coat] to give themselves protection from being devoured by darkness. Is it clear? Even the Organization cannot rule the darkness."
  15. ^ Director's Secret Report XIII, p. 26; Tetsuya Nomura: "The other way is to use a "corridor of darkness". These routes are like a loophole of sorts and not pathways that should rightfully be used. While only those known as beings of darkness and beings of between are able to create entries and exits, in rare cases even other kinds of beings such as the Beast and DiZ, who held strong sentiment or hatred in their hearts, have been able to open a path themselves. However, this means being near the darkness. Make frequent use of the pathways and the darkness will completely erode one's body. Sora and his friends have also used these pathways a handful of times, but you could consider that the effect of passing through a corridor of darkness is influenced by the strength of one's heart, and as such, they have not used them to the degree of frequency that their hearts could have been stained by darkness. In which case, why hasn't erosion by darkness progressed in the heart-lacking Nobodies, King Mickey or Riku, despite them having used the pathways frequently? There is a secret relating to a feature they all share, explained in this very title." Translation via Goldpanner.
  16. ^ Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, Yen Sid: "He left with an object whose power he does not understand nor know how to control. Mickey imagines my Star Shard will be of help in his current quest."
  17. ^ Ansem's Report 11: "Opening the door to a world's heart causes its walls to crumble. These fragments are seen as shooting stars. This explains why these "gummi blocks" can travel freely to other worlds."
  18. ^ a b Kingdom Hearts II, Goofy: "He's Donald's uncle—a business typhoon! Before the Heartless showed up, he traveled the worlds on a Gummi Ship with the King. He was helpin' to set up a traffic system."
  19. ^ Kingdom Hearts, Yuffie: "Before all this, you didn't know about the other worlds, right?" / Aerith: "Because every world was isolated. Impassable walls divided them." / Yuffie: "The Heartless destroyed those walls. But if the worlds return, so will the walls." / Leon: "Which means gummi ships will be useless."
  20. ^ Kingdom Hearts II, Yen Sid: "Because of your previous endeavors, the worlds have returned to their original states. That means the pathways between them have disappeared." / Donald Duck: "How do we get around?" / Yen Sid: "Do not fear. If what the King suspected proves true, the worlds have prepared new pathways along which you may travel. These pathways may be utilized by unlocking special gates. How these gates are opened, I'm afraid I do not know... However, the Keyblade will serve as your guide. When a beam of light radiates from the Keyblade, return to the Gummi Ship. Though the worlds may seem far apart and out of reach, they nonetheless remain connected by invisible ties. As do our hearts."
  21. ^ "2.9 - The First Volume", Goofy: Looks like all the old highways are closed.
  22. ^ Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-, Goofy and Donald: "It's a gate!"
  23. ^ Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, Yen Sid: "Aqua, the stars bring me grave news. Master Eraqus's star has blinked out. I am afraid that means he has been struck down."
  24. ^ Kingdom Hearts II, Mickey Mouse: "Well, the Door To Darkness can only be opened by the seven princesses."
  25. ^ Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-, Mickey Mouse: "The door between the two realms—it won't let a heart with light pass through. So only darkness keeps spilling out."
  26. ^ Secret Ansem's Report 11: "Like Castle Oblivion, that village [Traverse Town] also rests in the cleft between light and dark.
  27. ^ Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania "[Land of Departure] It is a special place between the realms of darkness and light, and has been protected for generations so that it is not used for evil.
  28. ^ a b Director's Secret Report XIII, p. 26; Tetsuya Nomura: "Regarding the Realm Between, four worlds have appeared so far: (A) Castle Oblivion, (B) Twilight Town, (C) Yen Sid's Tower, and (D) The World That Never Was. You can think of them as arranged like a stairway extending between the two Realm layers, something like Light < C < B > A > D > Darkness." Translation via Goldpanner.
  29. ^ Kingdom Hearts III, Chirithy: "The edges of sleep and death touch, and one can't help the occasional crossover."
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