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}}
{{cleanup|Change Dark Thorn attacks list to match style of other boss pages.}}
{{suite}}
<div class="tabber" style="float: right;">
{{tab|o-info|360px}}
<div class="tabbertab" title="Shadow Stalker" style="float: right; background-color:white"; width="350px">
{{tab|Shadow Stalker}}
{{Enemy
{{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
  |romaji=Dāku Sutōkā
  |romaji=Dāku Sutōkā
  |japname=Dark Stalker
  |jpname=Dark Stalker
|de=Kettenbalg
  |fr=Maillon Ténébreux
  |fr=Maillon Ténébreux
  |image=[[File:Shadow Stalker KHII.png|250px]]
  |image=[[File:Shadow Stalker KHII.png|250px]]
Line 16: Line 17:
  |s2=Possessor
  |s2=Possessor
  |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.
  |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.
|KH2HP1=176<ref>While possessing the chandelier, Dark Stalker has only 59 HP, and while possessing the pillar, it has only 39 HP.</ref>
|KH2EXP=0
  |KH2loc1=Beast's Castle
  |KH2loc1=Beast's Castle
  |KH2LVL1=13
  |KH2enc1=Episode 1
  |KH2HP1=176<ref>While possessing the chandelier, Dark Stalker has only 59 HP, and while possessing the pillar, it has only 39 HP.</ref>
  |KH2LV1=13
|KH2EXP1=0
  |KH2phys=×1.0
|KH2STR1=15
  |KH2fire=×0.5
  |KH2DEF1=8
  |KH2bliz=×0.5
|KH2weapon=x1.0
  |KH2thun=×0.5
  |KH2fire=x0.5
  |KH2dark=×0.5
  |KH2bliz=x0.5
  |KH2neut=×0.5
  |KH2thun=x0.5
|FM2neut=×1.0
  |KH2dark=x0.5
  |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
  |KH2other=x0.5
  |KH2reward=(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>
  |KH2world=Beast's Castle
  |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}}
{{Enemy
{{Character
  |name=Dark Thorn
  |name=Dark Thorn
  |katakana=ブラックソーン
  |katakana=ブラックソーン
  |romaji=Burakku Sōn
  |romaji=Burakku Sōn
  |japname=Black Thorn
  |jpname=Black Thorn
|de=Dunkeltroll
  |fr=Nervure
  |fr=Nervure
  |image=[[File:Dark Thorn KHII.png|250px|center|Dark Thorn]]
  |image=[[File:Dark Thorn KHII.png|250px|center|Dark Thorn]]
Line 43: Line 48:
  |spec=HeartlessBoss
  |spec=HeartlessBoss
  |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.
  |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.
|KH2HP1=390
|KH2EXP=0
  |KH2loc1=Beast's Castle
  |KH2loc1=Beast's Castle
  |KH2LVL1=13
  |KH2enc1=Episode 1
  |KH2HP1=390
  |KH2LV1=13
|KH2EXP1=0
  |KH2phys=×1.0
  |KH2STR1=15
  |KH2fire=×0.5
|KH2DEF1=8
  |KH2bliz=×0.5
|KH2weapon=x1.0
  |KH2thun=×0.5
  |KH2fire=x0.5
  |KH2dark=×0.5
  |KH2bliz=x0.5
  |KH2neut=×0.5
  |KH2thun=x0.5
|FM2neut=×1.0
  |KH2dark=x0.5
  |KH2reward='''Sora:''' Max HP +5, [[Retaliating Slash]]<br>'''Donald:''' Max HP +4<br>'''Goofy:''' Item slot<br>'''Beast:''' HP +35
  |KH2other=x0.5
  |KH2reward=HP +5, [[Retaliating Slash]] (Sora)<br>HP +4 (Donald)<br>Item Slot (Goofy)<br>HP +35 (Beast)
  |KH2world=Beast's Castle
  |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]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix]]''. 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]].


==Story==
==Story==
===''Kingdom Hearts II''===
===''Kingdom Hearts II''===
The Shadow Stalker is a Pureblood Heartless 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.
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.
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.
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.
Line 71: Line 79:
==Design==
==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.
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 [[finalfantasy:Ifrit|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" harkens back to the thorns covering its body. Its Japanese name, "Black Thorn", holds a similar meaning, though "Black" could also be referring to its own dark coloration.
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}}.
 
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==
==Strategy==
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. As the Dark Thorn, it 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, an ability shared with the [[Stealth Sneak]].
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.
 
This is one of the battles where it is possible to be saved by [[Mickey Mouse|King Mickey]].
 
===Shadow Stalker===
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. The 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. You can unleash a [[Limit]] at this time 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 ([[Darkness|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 wasn'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 is more 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. The Dark Thorn is also able to summon Possessors to attack Sora.
;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==
<center>
{| class="video"
{|width="340" border="1" style="text-align:center; border:1px solid #490081"
! Shadow Stalker & Dark Thorn – ''Kingdom Hearts II''
|width="340" style="-moz-border-radius:10px"|'''Shadow Stalker - ''Kingdom Hearts II'''''
|width="340" style="-moz-border-radius:10px"|'''Dark Thorn - ''Kingdom Hearts II'''''
|-
|-
|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>
|}
|}
</center>
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Shadow Stalker (Chandelier) KHII.png|The Shadow Stalker's Chandelier form
</gallery>


==Notes and references==
==Notes and references==
{{reflist|1}}
{{reflist}}


{{KHBoss}}
{{HeartlessBossDirectory}}
[[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.
Heartless bosses
Kingdom Hearts
Ansem, Seeker of Darkness | AntiSora | Behemoth | Darkside | Guard Armor/Opposite Armor | Kurt Zisa | Parasite Cage | Phantom | Pot Centipede | Stealth Sneak | Trickmaster | World of Chaos
Kingdom Hearts Final Mix
Arch Behemoth | Destroyed Behemoth | Red Armor | Sneak Army
Kingdom Hearts II
Blizzard Lord and Volcanic Lord | Grim Reaper | Groundshaker | Illuminator | Possessor/Thresholder | Prison Keeper | Scar | Shadow Stalker/Dark Thorn | Storm Rider | The Experiment
Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
Mushroom XIII
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
Antlion | Crimson Prankster | Dark Follower | Infernal Engine | Leechgrave | Lurk Lizard | Powered Armor | Ruler of the Sky | Veil Lizard
Kingdom Hearts coded
Sora's Heartless
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix
Dark Hide
Kingdom Hearts χ
Behemoth (Ω) | Circus Crab | Closehanded Captain | Crabby Cake | Darkling | Darkside (Ω) | Egg Master | Enraged Elk | Fortress Crab (Ω) | Guard Armor (Ω) | Gummi Hound | Hocus Pocus | Jack in the Box | Lion Headliner | Possessors | Queen Bee (Ω) | Savage Spider | Sinister Sweets | Spiteful Sweets | Submarine Carp | Trickmaster (Ω) | Trident Tail (Ω, Blue, Green, Red) | Venomous Spider | Wayward Wardrobe | Wily Bandit | Wretched Witch
Kingdom Hearts Union χ
Adventurer | Apricot Opera | Assault Dragon | Brilliant Opera | Cranky Cake | Enraged Arachnid | Ferocious Fins | Ferry Reaper | Flappy Bug Swarm | Flutterings | Gear Golem | Gold Hammer Frame | Greedy Grouch | Gummi Adventurer | Gummi Dragon | Gummi Golem | Heartless Tsum | Holiday Sleigh | Huge Snowman | Icy Beast | Ifrit | Iron Giant | Jewel Princess | Jewel Sorceress | Leviathan | Loudmouth Parade | Malicious Spider | Martial Monkey | Mean Maiden | Merry-Go-Rowdy | Metal Giant | Mischief Bouquet | Mysterious Sir | Nimble Reaper | Noble Soldier | Poisonous Pretender | Paralysis Platoon | Paralysis Pretender | Ramuh | Ratty Rat Trio | Red-Nosed Chariot | Reversed Defender | Ribbitoad | Royal Pretender | Savage Vanguard (Ω) | Scourge Spider | Shipwreck Shark | Shiva | Silver Hammer Frame | Soda Specter | Sorcerous Reaper | Thorned Snake | Titan | Upright Defender | Vile Reaper | Weapon Master | Werewolf | Wicked Spider
Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-
Demon Tide | Demon Tower
Kingdom Hearts III
Catastrochorus | Dark Inferno | Darkubes | Flantastic Seven | Grim Guardianess | King of Toys | Lich | Lightning Angler | Raging Vulture | Sköll
Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind
Dark Inferno χ
Kingdom Hearts Dark Road
Earth Gargoyle | Furious Reaper | Hringhorn
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