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{{Game|KH1|FM1|COM|REC|KH2|FM2|FMB|KHC|RCO|DDD|DHD|KH3|3RM|DR|MOM|FA}}
{{Game|KH1|FM1|COM|REC|KH2|FM2|358|FMB|KHC|RCO|DDD|DHD|KH3|FA}}
{{suite|Ansem, Seeker of Darkness}}
{{suite|Ansem, Seeker of Darkness}}
{{split|Robed Figure}}
{{Youmay|Terra-Xehanort's Heartless|[[Ansem the Wise]]}}
{{Youmay|Terra-Xehanort's Heartless|[[Ansem the Wise]]}}
{{Character
{{Character
|name=Ansem, Seeker of Darkness
|name=Ansem, Seeker of Darkness
|image=[[File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness KHIII.png|350x400px]]
|image=[[File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness KHIII.png|320px]]
|tab1=Ansem
|tab1=Ansem
|image2=[[File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness (Cloaked) KH.png|350x400px]]
|image2=[[File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness (Cloaked) KH.png|350x450px]]
|tab2=Robed
|tab2=Robed
|katakana=闇の探求者 アンセム
|katakana=闇の探求者 アンセム
|romaji=Yami no Tankyūsha Ansemu
|romaji=Yami no Tankyūsha Ansemu
|alias={{nihongo|'''Robed Figure'''|ローブの男|Rōbu no Otoko|lit. "Robed Man"}}
|fr=Ansem, le chercheur des Ténèbres
|fr=Ansem, le chercheur des Ténèbres
|de=Ansem (Herzloser)
|de=Ansem (Herzloser)
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|game3=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
|game3=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
|game4=Kingdom Hearts III
|game4=Kingdom Hearts III
|game5=Kingdom Hearts Dark Road
|game6=Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory
|enva=Billy Zane
|enva=Billy Zane
|envan=<small>(''KH'', ''COM'')</small>
|envan=<small>(''KH'', ''COM'')</small>
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|s3=Xemnas
|s3=Xemnas
|s4=Riku-Ansem
|s4=Riku-Ansem
|journalKH='''First entry'''<br>A researcher who studied the Heartless and delved into secrets of the worlds. He organized his findings into a single volume known as Ansem's report. When he inexplicably vanished, most of its pages were scattered to the winds.<br><br>'''Second entry'''<br>As a researcher and ruler of his world, he studied the Heartless and delved into the many secrets of the worlds. While studying the heart and the darkness within it, he was possessed by darkness and ultimately destroyed his own world. He sacrificed his body to attain great power and later possessed Riku's to regain a physical presence. Failure to stop him means the end of all worlds.
|journalKH='''First entry'''<br>A researcher who studied the Heartless and delved into secrets of the worlds. He organized his findings into a single volume known as Ansem's report. When he inexplicably vanished, most of its pages were scattered to the winds.<br><br>'''Second entry'''<br>As a researcher and ruler of his world, he studied the Heartless and delved into the many secrets of the worlds. While studying the heart and the darkness within it, he was possessed by darkness and ultimately destroyed his own world. He sacrificed his body to attain great power, and later possessed Riku's to regain a physical presence. Failure to stop him means the end of all worlds.
|journalRR=Pursuer of darkness.<br>To open the door to darkness, Ansem used the Heartless to steal countless hearts.<br>He enslaved Riku, but met his demise at Sora's hand.<br>Nonetheless, Ansem's shadow lives on in the depths of Riku's heart.
|journalRR=Pursuer of darkness.<br>To open the door to darkness, Ansem used the Heartless to steal countless hearts.<br>He enslaved Riku, but met his demise at Sora's hand.<br>Nonetheless, Ansem's shadow lives on in the depths of Riku's heart.
|journalDDD='''Robed Figure'''<br>A mysterious man whose identity is masked by a brown robe.<br>Sora encountered him in the Destiny Islands right before his first journey began. Riku has seen him as well, though neither of them ever found out for certain who he was.<br><br>'''Ansem'''<br>He tried to open the door to Kingdom Hearts, but fell to Sora in the end.<br>Once again, Riku finds himself face-to-face with his nemesis.
|journalDDD='''Robed Figure'''<br>A mysterious man whose identity is masked by a brown robe.<br>Sora encountered him in the Destiny Islands right before his first journey began. Riku has seen him as well, though neither of them ever found out for certain who he was.<br><br>'''Ansem'''<br>He tried to open the door to Kingdom Hearts, but fell to Sora in the end.<br>Once again, Riku finds himself face-to-face with his nemesis.
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}}
}}
{{Q|All worlds begin in darkness, and all so end. The heart is no different. Darkness sprouts within it, it grows, consumes it. Such is its nature. In the end, every heart returns to the darkness whence it came. You see, darkness is the heart's true essence.|Ansem, Seeker of Darkness to Sora|Kingdom Hearts}}
{{Q|All worlds begin in darkness, and all so end. The heart is no different. Darkness sprouts within it, it grows, consumes it. Such is its nature. In the end, every heart returns to the darkness whence it came. You see, darkness is the heart's true essence.|Ansem, Seeker of Darkness to Sora|Kingdom Hearts}}
'''Ansem, Seeker of Darkness''', also referred to as '''Xehanort's Heartless''' or simply '''Ansem''' or '''Xehanort''', is the [[Heartless]] of [[Terra-Xehanort]] and a member of the [[real Organization XIII]]. He serves as the main antagonist of ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}'' and the "[[Reverse/Rebirth]]" scenario in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'', as well as a supporting antagonist in ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]''. His appearance and personality are primarily derived from [[Master Xehanort]], and he usually retains his original form's "[[Dark Figure]]".
'''Ansem, Seeker of Darkness''', sometimes referred to as '''Xehanort's Heartless''', is the main antagonist of ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}'' and the "[[Reverse/Rebirth]]" scenario in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'', as well as a supporting antagonist in ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]''. He is a member of the [[real Organization XIII]] and the [[Heartless]] of [[Terra-Xehanort]], and as such his appearance and personality are primarily derived from [[Master Xehanort]], and he retains his original form's "[[Xehanort's guardian|shadow]]".


Ansem was created when Terra-Xehanort, masquerading as [[Ansem the Wise]], reawakened his sleeping memories and split his [[heart]] from his body, creating a Heartless; this Heartless, also named Ansem, appears to have characteristics of both Emblem and Pureblood Heartless, and it is unclear exactly which category he falls under. However, because Terra-Xehanort did this of his own will, he retained his memories in his new existence and gained the ability to control the other Heartless. With their power, Ansem attacked the [[Realm of Light]], intending to have the Heartless consume the hearts of every world and lead him to [[Kingdom Hearts]].
Ansem was created when Terra-Xehanort, masquerading as [[Ansem the Wise]], reawakened his sleeping memories and split his heart from his body, creating a Heartless; this Heartless, also named Ansem, appears to have characteristics of both Emblem and Pureblood Heartless, and it is unclear exactly which category he falls under. However, because Terra-Xehanort did this of his own will, he retained his memories in his new existence, and gained the ability to control the other Heartless. With their power, Ansem attacked the Realm of Light, intending to have the Heartless consume the hearts of every world and lead him to Kingdom Hearts.


==Story==
==Story==
===Before ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep''===
[[File:Where It Started 01 KH3D.png|thumb|left|210px|Ansem passes on his ability to time-travel to a young Xehanort.]]
On a quest from his original persona, Ansem travels back in time to when Xehanort lived on the [[Destiny Islands]]. Ansem entrusted his younger self with the mission to gather ten vessels to house fragments of [[Master Xehanort]]'s heart to create the [[Real Organization XIII|Organization XIII]] so that they could create the [[χ-blade]] and restart the legendary [[Keyblade War]]. To accomplish this, Ansem gave Xehanort the power to travel forward into the future. Once his mission was done, young Xehanort would lose his memory of the event, although the subconscious memory would lead Xehanort to become a [[Keyblade Master]]. Ansem himself remained on the Destiny Islands until the time the Destiny Islands were destroyed, ensuring a version of him existed across time to allow his younger self the ability to travel to any time period.{{storylink|Kingdom Hearts III}}
===Between ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' and ''Kingdom Hearts''===
===Between ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' and ''Kingdom Hearts''===
{{Q|At the time, I did not yet realize I was talking to myself. He cast aside his own body to put me on my destined path. That is Xehanort, reduced to just a heart; the being you and your friends called Ansem.|Young Xehanort explains Ansem's role in creating a second Organization}}
Terra-Xehanort, at the time using his king's name, "Ansem", willingly gave his heart to the darkness in the pursuit of knowledge, creating both his Heartless and his Nobody, [[Xemnas]]. His Heartless was able to retain its selfhood for uncertain reasons, though it was believed by the first [[Ansem the Wise|Ansem]] that this was due to Terra-Xehanort's willing abandonment of his heart.<ref>'''Secret Ansem Report 10''': "But what if one willingly releases one's heart from one's body? Sora and Xehanort retained their self-hood even after becoming Heartless."</ref> The self-styled "Seeker of Darkness" and the legions of Heartless at his command continued Xehanort's pursuit of knowledge in the belief that it lay with darkness, and stole countless hearts from both humans and worlds in their search for their ultimate goal, a legendary repository of tremendous power and knowledge known as [[Kingdom Hearts]]. To reach this heart of all worlds, Ansem would need to open the Final Keyhole, and to do that, he would need the [[Princesses of Heart]] to complete it first. He also realized that he needed to locate and neutralize the wielder of the legendary Keyblade, to prevent them from saving the worlds from his Heartless. He detected a power within [[Kairi]], a Princess of Heart living within Radiant Garden, linking her to a guardian of light, which he misidentified as an innate connection between Princesses and Keyblade wielders. In truth, the power within Kairi was the charm Aqua had placed upon her, with much the same effect—when he cast her loose in the [[Ocean Between]], she was naturally drawn to Sora and Riku on the Destiny Islands.<!--format this and cite as ref to 20 mysteries, BbS Ultimania, translation goldpanner
[[File:Where It Started 01 KH3D.png|thumb|left|200px|Ansem passes on his ability to time-travel to Xehanort's younger self.]]
Terra-Xehanort, at the time using his king's name, "Ansem", willingly gave his heart to the darkness in the pursuit of knowledge, creating both his Heartless and his [[Nobody]], [[Xemnas]]. His Heartless was able to retain its selfhood for uncertain reasons, though it was believed that this was due to Terra-Xehanort's willing abandonment of his heart; <ref>'''[[Secret Ansem Report 10]]''': "But what if one willingly releases one's heart from one's body? Sora and Xehanort retained their selfhood even after becoming Heartless."</ref> even Ansem himself was briefly confused by his sentience. <ref>'''Ansem Report 12''': "The body is gone; the heart should have returned to the Heartless. And yet nothing. This one is unlike any other. Its memories remain and has yet to take the form of a Heartless. A close eye must be kept on this situation. Much is still unknown."</ref> As a result, he could command the lesser Heartless without consequence,<ref>'''[[Secret Ansem Report 5]]:''' "A human's command would be ineffective; the Heartless would easily steal the human's to increase their own ranks. But what if an even stronger Heartless was giving the commands? If he cast aside his own body and soul and became a Heartless, would he be able to control the otherwise intractable Heartless?"</ref> and came to learn of the existence of [[Nobodies]],<ref>'''Ansem Report 13''': "However, I am certain that if your "self" is here, the other by definition does not "exist". The other one, which does not exist, shall be dubbed "Nobody"."</ref> including his counterpart [[Xemnas]]; the two collaborated to fulfill Master Xehanort's goal of obtaining the [[χ-blade]].<ref>'''''The Story So Far: Darkness:''''' "His heart, Ansem, manipulated [[Maleficent]] and [[Riku]] into gathering the seven pure lights he needed: the [[Princesses of Heart]]. His body, Xemnas, founded [[Organization XIII]], who would serve as the thirteen darknesses.</ref>


On a quest from his original persona, Ansem travels back in time to when Xehanort lived on the [[Destiny Islands]]. Ansem entrusted his younger self with the mission to gather ten vessels to house fragments of [[Master Xehanort]]'s heart to create the [[real Organization XIII]] so that they could create the [[χ-blade]] and restart the legendary [[Keyblade War]]. To accomplish this, Ansem gave [[Young Xehanort]] the power to travel forward into the future. Once his mission was done, young Xehanort would lose his memory of the event, although the subconscious memory would lead Xehanort to become a [[Keyblade Master]]. Ansem himself remained on the Destiny Islands until the time the Destiny Islands were destroyed, ensuring a version of him existed across time to allow his younger self the ability to travel to any time period.{{storylink|Kingdom Hearts III}}
{{-}}


Disguising his actions as a thirst for knowledge, Ansem sent the Heartless to many worlds in search of the [[Princesses of Heart]] to serve as the pure [[light]]s to forge the [[χ-blade]]; many worlds fell in the process. Though in time, he took to observing [[Maleficent]]'s cabal as they carried out the task, unknowingly, for him. Regardless if Xemnas could create thirteen darknesses, Ansem could create the lesser [[Keyblade of heart]] from the seven pure lights to open the [[Door to Darkness]], which leads to [[Kingdom Hearts (world)|Kingdom Hearts]].
Q6: Why did Kairi end up with Sora and Riku?
A: It has to do with Aqua’s “magic”.
 
Nine years before KH, Kairi was thrust into the outside world, and found herself on Sora and Riku’s world. Ansem Seeker of Darkness thought that she had been able to search for a keyblade wielder, but what actually saved her was the magic spell Aqua had put on her.
 
[picture: Little Kairi]
Aqua: “Someday your light will lead you to a light that will protect you from the darkness.”
 
The magic Aqua puts on Kairi saves her once year later.


Ansem had secretly intended this to ensure Xehanort was put in contact with the right hearts; which could be brought to the future to fill the ranks of the second Seekers of Darkness should the original Organization prove inadequate. {{Storylink|Kingdom Hearts III}}
[picture: Ansem Report]


According to Aerith, Ansem was believed to have died defending Hollow Bastion from the Heartless, despite the seeker of darkness assisting in bringing them there in the first place. {{Storylink|Kingdom Hearts}}
Ansem Seeker of Darkness felt a special power within Kairi and tried to use her to find the keyblade.-->


===''Kingdom Hearts''===
===''Kingdom Hearts''===
{{Q|Take a look at this tiny place. To the heart seeking freedom, this island is a prison surrounded by water. And so this boy sought out to escape from his prison. He sought a way to cross over into other worlds. And he opened his heart to darkness.|Ansem, about Riku's motivation}}
[[File:This World Has Been Connected 01 KH.png|right|thumb|210px|Ansem mentions the existence of other worlds and their connections to Sora.]]
[[File:This World Has Been Connected 01 KH.png|thumb|200px|Ansem mentions the existence of other worlds and their connections to Sora.]]
Ansem, after nine years of being a Heartless, appears in a brown robe at the [[Destiny Islands]] Keyhole before the world's fall into darkness, insulting [[Sora]]'s ignorance of what was to come, and completely ignoring Sora's questions. He then vanishes when Sora's back is turned.
Ansem, as the Robed Figure, appears at [[Destiny Islands]]' [[Keyhole]] shortly before its fall into darkness, noting that it has been "connected" and insulting [[Sora]]'s ignorance of what was to come—however, as he is operating as a portal between times, he is not talking simply about how the islands will be consumed by the Heartless, but instead referencing how it will become a [[Sleeping World]]; the Sora and Riku from a year hence will travel back to this moment to follow Destiny Islands into the darkness, and in turn, he will follow them. He vanishes when Sora's back is turned. Later, as Destiny Islands fell apart, Ansem opened a portal to [[Hollow Bastion]] for Riku,{{storylink|Kingdom Hearts coded}} and following that, when the future Sora and Riku enter the Sleeping Worlds, he is there to call upon [[Ursula]]'s phantom to attack them. After her defeat, Ansem again notes that the world has been connected.{{storylink|Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance}}
 
It would later turn out that Ansem was not insulting Sora for not knowing what about to happen that night, but what would happen in the future. The future versions of Sora and Riku from two years from then would return to the past right before the destruction of [[Destiny Islands]] as part of their [[Mark of Mastery exam]] to wake the [[Sleeping Worlds]]. As part of [[Master Xehanort]]'s plans, Ansem was there to allow himself and the other members of [[Real Organization XIII|the real Organization]] to follow the duo and make one of them another vessel for Master Xehanort's heart. To separate them to better the Organization's chances, Ansem creates a phantom of [[Ursula]] to attack them. After its defeat, Ansem watches as the two enter the [[Sleeping Worlds]], noting that he is connected this world to them.{{storylink|Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance}}


Seeing the same kind of lust for power that he had once seen in [[Terra]] coming from [[Riku]], Ansem appears before him following his battle with Sora. Riku is confused over why the Keyblade left him, to which Ansem explains; only a strong heart can wield a Keyblade. He tells Riku that to become stronger, he must open his heart to the darkness and let his entire being become one with it. Riku complies, opening himself to the darkness. However, Ansem uses this to possess Riku, regaining a body.
Seeing the same kind of lust for power that he had once seen in [[Terra]] coming from [[Riku]], Ansem appears before him following his battle with Sora. Riku is confused over why the Keyblade left him, to which Ansem explains; only a strong heart can wield a Keyblade. He tells Riku that to become stronger, he must open his heart to the darkness and let his entire being become one with it. Riku complies, opening himself to the darkness. However, Ansem uses this to possess Riku, regaining a body.


[[File:The Dark Keyblade 01 KH.png|left|thumb|200px|Ansem, possessing Riku, informs Maleficent that he's achieved forging the Keyblade of heart.]]
[[File:Riku's Keyblade 01 KH.png|left|thumb|210px|Ansem, possessing Riku, informs Maleficent that he's achieved forging the Keyblade of heart.]]
In control of Riku's body, Ansem meets with Maleficent as the Final Keyhole forms. He informs her that unlocking the Keyhole will allow the Heartless to overrun Hollow Bastion, but she is unconcerned, as she believes that she can use the darkness to rule the other worlds. Sneering, he creates the [[Keyblade of heart]] from six of the Princesses of Heart's hearts. As the Keyhole is not finished yet, Ansem notes it is because Kairi's heart is missing and without its power, they are at a standstill. Maleficent leaves him to guard the princesses, while she deals with Sora, [[Donald Duck]], and [[Goofy]]. After she is defeated, Ansem follows her to a hidden chamber, asking if she needs help. Once Sora sees him and the Keyblade of heart, Ansem tells him it can unlock the hearts and demonstrates by stabbing Maleficent with it, transforming her into her dragon form. When the dragon is felled, Ansem notes that the dark fairy was arrogant to believe she controlled the Heartless when it was the other way around, and takes his leave, waiting for Sora in the [[Grand Hall]].
Firmly in control of Riku's body, Ansem meets with Maleficent as the Final Keyhole forms. He informs her that unlocking the Keyhole to the darkness will allow the Heartless to overrun Hollow Bastion, but she is uncaring; Maleficent believes that she can use the darkness to rule the other worlds. Sneering, he creates the artificial [[Keyblade of heart]] from six of the Princesses of Heart's hearts. As the Keyhole is not finished yet, Ansem notes it is because Kairi's heart is missing and without its power, they are at a standstill. Maleficent leaves him to guard the princesses, while she deals with Sora, Donald, and Goofy. After she is defeated, Ansem follows her to a hidden chamber, asking if she needs help. Once Sora sees him and the Keyblade of heart, Ansem tells him that it can unlock the hearts of others. Ansem demonstrates by stabbing Maleficent with it and unlocking her heart, restoring her to full power after an entire decade. Maleficent uses the darkness to turn into a dragon for a second battle. However, the dragon is felled by Sora and co., leading Ansem to comment that the dark fairy was arrogant to believe that she had manipulated the Heartless when it was actually the other way around. He insults Maleficent and takes his leave, waiting for Sora in the chamber of the [[Final Keyhole]].


Sora arrives, finally reunited with Kairi, though she is comatose due to the loss of her heart. Ansem comments that she lacks a heart, and from his impersonal comments and unusual nature, Sora realizes that who he sees as Riku is not truly the friend he knew. Riku introduces himself as "Ansem, Seeker of Darkness". The Heartless goes on to explain that Kairi's heart is in Sora and that his dark Keyblade is necessary to remove the imprisoned heart. Sora refuses to agree with the plan and they battle. Sora wins the duel, and Ansem retreats. However, his efforts are not in vain, as Sora stabs himself with the dark Keyblade, in order to free Kairi's heart as well as the six other Princesses. This ends up opening the final Keyhole and the way to Kingdom Hearts, as well as the loss of Sora's heart and his brief transformation into [[Sora's Heartless]].
Sora arrives, finally reunited with Kairi, though she is comatose due to the loss of her heart. Ansem comments that she lacks a heart, and from his impersonal comments and unusual nature, Sora realizes that who he sees as Riku is not truly the friend he knew. Riku introduces himself as "Ansem, Seeker of Darkness". The Heartless goes on to explain that Kairi's heart is in Sora, and that his dark Keyblade is necessary to remove the imprisoned heart. Sora refuses to agree with the plan and they battle. Sora wins the duel, and Ansem retreats. However, his efforts are not in vain, as Sora stabs himself with the dark Keyblade, in order to free Kairi's heart as well as the six other Princesses. This ends up opening the final Keyhole and the way to Kingdom Hearts, as well as the loss of Sora's heart and his brief transformation into [[Sora's Heartless]].


Ansem shortly returns, having shaped Riku's body to resemble his original self, [[Terra-Xehanort]]. Now that the final Keyhole is open from Sora's sacrifice, he plans to kill Kairi now that her purpose in his plans has been fulfilled. Donald and Goofy bravely make a stand against Ansem in order to protect Kairi, but both know that, without Sora, they may not be able to stop him. Before he can dispose of the three, Riku projects himself from Xehanort's stolen body and manages to establish enough control to stop the Heartless in his tracks, allowing Donald and Goofy to escape with Kairi. This leads to an internal struggle between the two that Riku ultimately loses; Riku's heart is sent to the [[Dark World]]{{Storylink|Kingdom Hearts Final Mix}} while Ansem takes complete control. Ansem then allows himself to be enveloped by the darkness flowing out of the Keyhole, and travels to the [[End of the World]] and Kingdom Hearts.
Ansem shortly returns, having expelled Riku's heart and shaped his body into one resembling his original human self. Now that the final Keyhole is open from Sora's sacrifice, he plans to kill Kairi now that her purpose in his plans has been fulfilled. Donald and Goofy bravely make a stand against Ansem in order to protect Kairi, but both know that, without Sora, they may not be able to stop him. Before he can dispose of the three, Riku projects himself from Xehanort's stolen body and manages to establish enough control to stop the Heartless in his tracks, allowing Donald and Goofy to escape with Kairi. This leads to an internal struggle between the two that Riku ultimately loses. His heart is forced out of his body, and Ansem completely takes control. Ansem then allows himself to be enveloped by the darkness flowing out of the Keyhole, and travels to the [[End of the World]] and Kingdom Hearts.


Around this time,<ref>'''''Riku, gummiphone post''''': Ansem didn't have a form until he possessed me.</ref> Young Xehanort collected Ansem's heart to serve as a member of the second Organization XIII. However, his time ran out as he could not coexist with Master Xehanort at the time,<ref>'''''Secret Reports'', ''Vexen''': The old man's humanity prevents his Heartless and Nobody, others vanquished in the last from existing.</ref> and Ansem was forced to return to the past with his memory erased.<ref>'''''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind''''', '''Xigbar''': "Are you sure everyone made it back to their own times?"/ '''Saïx''': "The hearts of Ansem, Xemnas, Vanitas, Riku Replica, and Young Xehanort returned to the past and have been completed once more."</ref>
During this time, Ansem was recruited by Young Xehanort to become a member of the [[Real Organization XIII]] two years in the future. Ansem's job was to weaken Riku's resolve, so they could turn him into their final vessel. After his allotted time in the future expired, Ansem was returned to the past with his memories of the future erased.{{?}}
Retrieved again from this point,<ref>'''Saix''': While Young Xehanort is busy depositing hearts...</ref> Ansem fulfilled his role in the new Organization. Following his defeat, Ansem's heart returned to its proper place in time. {{Storylink|Kingdom Hearts III}}


[[File:A Light within the Darkness 01 KH.png|thumb|200px|Ansem talks about his views on darkness to Sora on Destiny Islands.]]
[[File:Return to Darkness 01 KH.png|right|thumb|210px|Ansem talks about his views on darkness to Sora on Destiny Islands.]]
As Sora, his humanity having been restored by Kairi's light arrives at the remnants of Destiny Islands at End of the World, Ansem appears, bearing Riku's form. He explains Riku's fall to darkness, that he desperately sought to escape the island "prison" enough to open his heart to the darkness. Afterward, Ansem explains his philosophy: that worlds and hearts begin and end in darkness. Thus, darkness is the heart's true essence. Sora denies this, in words and in battle, with Ansem. During the battle, Ansem summons both his familiar, the [[Dark Figure]], and a [[Darkside]] Heartless to assist him. As the battle rages on, Ansem leads the trio to the endless abyss where the [[Door to Darkness]] resides. This time, Ansem transforms into the [[World of Chaos]], a monstrous Heartless ship, which he creates from darkness and captures Donald and Goofy, though Sora rescues them.
As Sora, his humanity having been restored by Kairi's light, arrives at the remnants of Destiny Islands at End of the World, Ansem appears, bearing Riku's form. He explains Riku's fall to darkness, that he desperately sought to escape the island "prison" enough to open his heart to darkness. Afterward, Ansem explains his philosophy: that worlds and hearts begin and end in darkness. Thus, darkness is the heart's true essence. Sora denies this, in words and in battle, with Ansem. During the battle Ansem summons both his familiar, the guardian, and a [[Darkside]] Heartless to assist him. As the battle rages on, Ansem leads the trio to the endless abyss where the Door to Darkness resides. This time, Ansem merges himself to the [[World of Chaos]], a monstrous Heartless ship, and captures Donald and Goofy, though Sora rescues them.


[[File:Kingdom Hearts 03 KH.png|left|thumb|210px|Ansem is destroyed by the light of Kingdom Hearts.]]
After several more rounds of combat, Ansem, weakened, opens the [[Door to Darkness]], imploring Kingdom Hearts to fill him with the power of darkness so that he can gain enough power to destroy Sora, Donald, and Goofy and shroud the universe in darkness. However, Ansem is horrified to see light pour out of the door. The overwhelming light of Kingdom Hearts envelops and destroys Ansem, allowing Riku to take back his body.
After several more rounds of combat, Ansem, weakened, opens the [[Door to Darkness]], imploring Kingdom Hearts to fill him with the power of darkness so that he can gain enough power to destroy Sora, Donald, and Goofy and shroud the universe in darkness. However, Ansem is horrified to see light pour out of the door. The overwhelming light of Kingdom Hearts envelops and destroys Ansem, allowing Riku to take back his body.
{{-}}
{{-}}


===''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories''===
===''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories''===
{{Q|You called out my name. You have been thinking about me. Good. The more you think of me, the closer my return draws. And when I have woken, I will take hold; your heart will be mine!|Ansem intimidates Riku as he attempts to reclaim control of his body}}
[[File:The World of Darkness 01 KHRECOM.png|left|thumb|210px|Ansem trying to fully control Riku's body after his fight with Lexaeus.]]
[[File:The World of Darkness 01 KHRECOM.png|thumb|200px|Ansem tries to assert control after Lexaeus weakens Riku.]]
Because Riku served as the host for Ansem, a piece of the Heartless remains even after his destruction by the light of Kingdom Hearts. Riku remained unaware of this until [[DiZ]] impersonated Ansem and sent Riku on a trial through [[Castle Oblivion]] to overcome his regret and fear of the darkness within him. When [[Lexaeus]] fights Riku, the resulting battle causes Riku to lose consciousness and Ansem takes control of his body, slaying the Nobody. However, before Ansem can cement his control over Riku, [[King Mickey]]'s light seals him away for a time; this angers the Heartless to no end.
Because Riku served as the host for Ansem, a piece of the Heartless remains even after his destruction by the light of Kingdom Hearts. Riku remained unaware of this until [[DiZ]] impersonated Ansem and sent Riku on a trial through [[Castle Oblivion]] to overcome his regret and fear of the darkness within him. When [[Lexaeus]] fights Riku, the resulting battle causes Riku to lose consciousness and Ansem takes control of his body, slaying the Nobody. However, before Ansem can cement his control over Riku, [[King Mickey]]'s light seals him away for a time; this angers the Heartless to no end.


Eventually, Riku overcomes his fear of the darkness, intending to use it as well as the light. He also additionally receives some guidance from the enigmatic DiZ, the true owner of the mysterious voice, who in turn leads Riku to [[Naminé]]. Naminé offers to seal away Riku's darkness and Ansem, but he instead chooses to vanquish the Heartless. DiZ then gives Riku a card that will give Ansem form, so that Riku can finish him off once and for all.
[[File:Darkness Released 01 KHRECOM.png|right|thumb|210px|Riku forces Ansem to manifest so that he can put him to rest.]]
Eventually, Riku overcomes his fear of the darkness, intending to use it as well as the light. He also additionally receives some guidance from the enigmatic [[Ansem the Wise|DiZ]], the true owner of the mysterious voice, who in turn leads Riku to [[Naminé]]. Naminé offers to seal away Riku's darkness and Ansem, but he instead chooses to face the Heartless on his own. DiZ then gives Riku a card that will give Ansem form, so that Riku can finish him off once and for all.


[[File:Darkness Released 01 KHRECOM.png|left|thumb|200px|Riku forces Ansem to manifest so that he can put him to rest.]]
Ansem again attempts to turn Riku to the darkness completely, and tries to defeat the young boy so that he can take possession of his body once more. Though this succeeds in destroying Ansem's consciousness, his power still lingers in Riku's heart. Riku sets off with King Mickey to rid himself of the Seeker of Darkness forever.
Ansem again attempts to turn Riku to the darkness completely and tries to defeat the young boy so that he can take possession of his body once more. Though this succeeds in destroying Ansem's consciousness, his power still lingers in Riku's heart. Riku sets off with King Mickey to rid himself of the Seeker of Darkness forever.
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===''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''===
===''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''===
[[File:The Beginning of Everything 02 KHIIFM.png|thumb|200px|Riku opens himself to Ansem's darkness in order to defeat Roxas.]]
[[File:The Beginning of Everything 02 KHIIFM.png|thumb|left|210px|Riku opens himself to Ansem's darkness in order to defeat Roxas.]]
Having been unable to find a way to rid himself of Ansem's remaining essence, it began taking over him and transforming Riku into a copy of Ansem. Riku kept it bay by blindfolding himself, and relying on his other senses to keep Ansem from completely taking over him. After learning Sora's memory cannot be completed without his Nobody [[Roxas]], who holds the memories of Kairi in him, Riku knows that he might have to use the darkness to capture the Nobody and bring him to [[DiZ]].<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''''', '''Riku''': "I have to face one of the Organization's members soon. I might not survive the fight. And if I do, it might only be because I gave in to the darkness."</ref>
Having been unable to find a way to rid himself of Ansem's remaining essence, it began taking over him and transforming Riku into a copy of Ansem. Riku kept it bay by blindfolding himself, and relying on his other senses to keep Ansem from completely taking over him. After learning Sora's memory cannot be completed without his [[Roxas|Nobody]], who holds the memories of Kairi in him, Riku knows that he might have to use the darkness to capture the Nobody and bring him to [[DiZ]].<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''''', '''Riku''': "I have to face one of the Organization's members soon. I might not survive the fight. And if I do, it might only be because I gave in to the darkness."</ref>


Riku catches up to Roxas at [[The World That Never Was]], but Roxas proves to be too powerful and Riku is left with only one way to overwhelm the Nobody: unleashing his inner darkness. This allows Riku to manifest the Dark Figure, who seizes Roxas and knocks him unconscious but also forces Riku to take on Ansem's appearance. Feeling that he has sacrificed his identity, Riku takes on Ansem's name.
Riku catches up to Roxas at [[The World That Never Was]], but Roxas proves to be too powerful and Riku is left with only one way to overwhelm the Nobody: unleashing his inner darkness. This allows Riku to manifest Xehanort's powerful guardian, who seizes Roxas and knocks him unconscious, but also forces Riku to take on Ansem's appearance. Feeling that he has sacrificed his identity, Riku takes on Ansem's name.
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===''Kingdom Hearts II''===
===''Kingdom Hearts II''===
{{See also|Riku-Ansem}}
{{See also|Riku-Ansem}}
During the [[Battle of the 1000 Heartless]] at [[Hollow Bastion]], King Mickey reveals the truth about "Ansem" to Sora, Donald, and Goofy—the Heartless wasn't the real king of Radiant Garden, but the Heartless of an impostor. While the trio is shocked and dismayed to learn this, Mickey pacifies them by telling them that Ansem was still a powerful enemy that needed to be stopped.
During the [[Battle of the 1000 Heartless]] at [[Hollow Bastion]], King Mickey reveals the truth about "Ansem" to Sora, Donald, and Goofy—the Heartless wasn't the real king of Radiant Garden, but the Heartless of an impostor. While the trio are shocked and dismayed to learn this, Mickey pacifies them by telling them that Ansem was still a powerful enemy that needed to be stopped.


Following the destruction of the [[Kingdom Hearts Encoder]] Ansem the Wise was using, the resulting explosion of light restores Riku to his normal form, implying that "Ansem" has finally been destroyed and his hold on Riku broken once and for all.
Following the destruction of the [[Kingdom Hearts Encoder]] Ansem the Wise was using, the resulting explosion of light restores Riku to his normal form, implying that "Ansem" has finally been destroyed and his hold on Riku broken once and for all.
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===''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''===
===''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''===
{{Q|Ever the fool boy. And forever, a pawn of the darkness!|Ansem and Riku face-off again}}
[[File:The Road to Dawn 01 KH3D.png|thumb|right|210px|Ansem reappears to Riku on the balcony of Notre Dame.]]
[[File:The Road to Dawn 01 KH3D.png|thumb|left|200px|Ansem reappears to Riku on the balcony of Notre Dame.]]
Ansem returns to become part of Master Xehanort's new Organization XIII, thanks to Young Xehanort's doings while time travelling. Accompanied by Young Xehanort, Ansem appears before Riku in [[La Cité des Cloches]], stunning the young Keybearer, and offers him to become part of the darkness again, but Riku protests, reminding Ansem that he now walks the road to dawn. Undaunted, Ansem merely takes his leave.
Ansem returns to become part of Master Xehanort's new Organization XIII, thanks to Young Xehanort's doings while time traveling. Accompanied by Young Xehanort, Ansem appears before Riku in [[La Cité des Cloches]], stunning the young Keybearer, and offers him to become part of the darkness again, but Riku protests, reminding Ansem that he now walks the road to dawn. Undaunted, Ansem merely takes his leave.


When Sora is captured in The World That Never Was, Riku rushes to his rescue and runs into Ansem again. Ansem reveals that Riku had been traveling within Sora's dreams like a [[Dream Eater]], and asks Riku to join him now that the boy has accepted his darkness. As they fight, Riku counters by asking Ansem to become part of his light, but Ansem ignores him and is eventually forced to retreat.
When Sora is captured in the World That Never Was, Riku rushes to his rescue and runs into Ansem again. Ansem reveals that Riku had been traveling within Sora's dreams like a Dream Eater, and asks Riku to join him now that the boy has accepted his darkness. As they fight, Riku counters by asking Ansem to become part of his light, but Ansem ignores him and is eventually forced to retreat.


During Sora's memory of meeting [[Aqua]], the latter fades at the end of the scene, and Ansem is shown at the shore just before Sora is sent flying out of the memory by [[Riku]].
During Sora's memory of meeting [[Aqua]], the latter fades at the end of the scene, and Ansem is shown at the shore just before Sora is sent flying out of the memory by [[Riku|someone]].


[[File:Seven Lights, Thirteen Darknesses 04 KH3D.png|thumb|200px|Ansem tackles Riku to keep him from rescuing Sora.]]
[[File:Seven Lights, Thirteen Darknesses 04 KH3D.png|thumb|left|210px|Ansem tackles Riku to keep him from rescuing Sora.]]
Once Riku finds Sora in the throne room with Mickey's help, Ansem appears before them along with Master Xehanort, Young Xehanort, Xemnas, [[Xigbar]], [[Saïx]] and the rest of the new Organization. Master Xehanort proceeds to reveal that Ansem's possession of Riku's body, along with overseeing Maleficent's gathering of the Princesses, was all part of his master plan with Riku meant to become the vessel to complete the Organization. Ansem restrains Riku from trying to save Sora from becoming Master Xehanort's final vessel, but [[Lea]]'s unexpected intervention distracts Ansem long enough for Riku to break free. Ansem summons the Dark Figure and has it grab Riku and Mickey, but the Dark Figure is defeated by Donald and Goofy. As the heroes advance, the Organization's allotted time expires and its members, including Ansem, retreat to their rightful points in time.
Once Riku finds Sora in the throne room with Mickey's help, Ansem appears before them along with Master Xehanort, Young Xehanort, Xemnas, [[Xigbar]], [[Saïx]] and the rest of the new Organization. Master Xehanort proceeds to reveal that Ansem's possession of Riku's body, along with overseeing Maleficent's gathering of the Princesses, was all part of his master plan with Riku meant to become the vessel to complete the Organization. Ansem restrains Riku from trying to save Sora from becoming Master Xehanort's final vessel, but [[Lea]]'s unexpected intervention distracts Ansem long enough for Riku to break free. Ansem summons his Guardian and has it grab Riku and Mickey, but the Guardian is defeated by Donald and Goofy. As the heroes advance, the Organization's allotted time expires and its members, including Ansem, retreat to their rightful points in time.
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===''Kingdom Hearts III''===
===''Kingdom Hearts III''===
{{Q|There is still more to seek. Now go forth and seek it.|Ansem's final words to Riku}}
Ansem first appears alongside his Nobody counterpart, Xemnas, outside of Twilight Town's Old Mansion, waiting for Sora. Seeking to use [[Roxas]] as a possible 13th member of the [[Real Organization XIII]], Ansem and Xemnas demand that Sora gives up his heart to darkness, so as to recreate Roxas. They decide not to humour Sora's thoughts about putting Roxas back into the data version of Twilight Town that [[Ansem the Wise]] had created, saying it's just data and, therefore, fake. After breaking Sora with their words, both of them leave through a [[Corridor of Darkness]], after summoning a swarm of [[Neoshadow]]s and [[Dusk]]s for Sora, Donald and Goofy to deal with. After this, they are shown watching Sora leave Twilight Town from a rooftop, just as [[Xigbar]] arrives to berate them.
Ansem first appears alongside his Nobody counterpart, Xemnas, outside of the Old Mansion, waiting for Sora. Seeking to use [[Roxas]] as a possible 13th member of the [[Real Organization XIII]], Ansem and Xemnas tell Sora to give his heart to darkness, to recreate Roxas. They don't humor Sora's plan to recreate Roxas in the virtual Twilight Town created by [[Ansem the Wise]], claiming it is just data. After breaking Sora with their words, both leave through a [[Corridor of Darkness]], after summoning a swarm of [[Neoshadow]]s and [[Dusk]]s for Sora, Donald, and Goofy. After this, they watch Sora leave [[Twilight Town]] from a rooftop, just as [[Xigbar]] arrives to berate them. Ansem defends his choice to be direct with guiding Sora, due to the boy being slow with hints.


[[File:An Unexpected Encounter 01 KHIII.png|thumb|200px|left|Ansem locates his old master and demands to know the whereabouts of Subject X.]]
Later, Ansem goes into the [[Realm of Darkness]] to retrieve his old master and bring him back to the [[Realm of Light]], as he wishes to know of the whereabouts of [[Subject X]], a mysterious amnesiac girl that [[Terra-Xehanort]] had found in Radiant Garden, and who had become his favorite test subject before her disappearance. Assuming she was taken away by Ansem the Wise, Xehanort's Heartless demanded to know where she was, and was determined to take his master with him for that objective's sake. That brings him into conflict with [[Aqua]], who kept Ansem company in the Dark Margin. However, and despite her resistance, Aqua could do nothing to Xehanort's Heartless without her Keyblade, and was cast into the ocean by [[Xehanort's guardian]], which causes her transformation into [[Anti-Aqua]].  
Later, Ansem goes to the [[Dark World]] to retrieve his old master, as he wishes to know of the whereabouts of [[Subject X]], a mysterious amnesiac girl who had become his favorite test subject before her disappearance. Assuming she was taken away by Ansem the Wise, this brings him into conflict with [[Aqua]], who kept Ansem company. Despite her resistance, Aqua could do nothing without her Keyblade, and was cast into the ocean by the [[Dark Figure]], which causes her transformation into [[Anti-Aqua]].  


Bringing Ansem the Wise back to his old HQ at the Old Mansion, Ansem begs his treacherous apprentice to cease, as he doesn't wish for more victims. Xehanort's Heartless is not convinced by Ansem's act, reminding him of all the children sacrificed in their research on the heart, as well as his treatment of Roxas and [[Naminé]]. Suddenly, [[Hayner]], [[Pence]] and [[Olette]], who had been watching all along, enter into action. While Hayner distracts Xehanort's Heartless, Olette helps Ansem escape. The group is able to evade pursuit by Ansem thanks to a small troop of [[Dusk]]s sent by [[Vexen]], whose true loyalties lie with Ansem the Wise.
Bringing Ansem the Wise back into his old headquarters at the Old Mansion in Twilight Town, Ansem begs his treacherous apprentice to cease, as he doesn't wish for more victims. Xehanort's Heartless is not convinced by Ansem's act, reminding him of all the children that were sacrificed in their research on the heart, as well as his treatment of Roxas and [[Naminé]], declaring that he believes Ansem doesn't have a single merciful bone in his body. Suddenly, Hayner, Pence and Olette, who had been watching all along, enter into action. While Hayner distracts Xehanort's Heartless, Olette helps Ansem the Wise escape. Although Hayner manages to do nothing towards such a powerful foe, and is put in peril once Ansem decides to summon the Guardian, he is saved by a handful of Dusks, who attack Ansem despite his allegiance towards Master Xehanort and the Organization. Later, it will be revealed that these Dusks were under [[Vexen]]'s orders, whose true loyalties lie with Ansem the Wise.  


Ansem shows up for the last time in the [[Keyblade Graveyard]], accompanying Master Xehanort alongside Xemnas, Young Xehanort and [[Vanitas]], while he welcomes the [[Guardians of Light]]. Much later, he drops into [[the Skein of Severance]] for the final battle. Ansem, now without his [[Black Coat]], fights against Riku alongside [[Dark Riku]] and Xigbar. Once Sora joins the fight, it doesn't take long for Ansem to leave.  
Ansem shows up for the last time in the [[Keyblade Graveyard]], accompanying Master Xehanort alongside Xemnas, Young Xehanort and [[Vanitas]], while he welcomes the seven Guardians of Light. Much later, he drops into the labyrinth, alongside the other Seekers of Darkness, for the final battle. Ansem, now without his Organization [[Black Coat]] and wearing his usual attire, fights against Riku alongside [[Dark Riku]] and Xigbar. Once Sora joins the fight, it doesn't take too long for Ansem to leave.  


[[File:More to Seek 01 KHIII.png|thumb|200px|Ansem reflects on his journey with Riku as he fades into darkness.]]
Xehanort's Heartless appears for the last time alongside his Nobody counterpart and his original incarnation's younger self, as the last line of defense before Sora can reach the elderly Master Xehanort. Defeated by Sora, Riku and Mickey in a battle alongside his aforementioned incarnations, Ansem voices his final thoughts on his relationship with Riku, stating that Riku's might is "vaster than darkness" and showing he is proud that the boy he previously thought to use as his vessel has grown into such a powerful Keyblade Master. Riku even states he is going to miss his archnemesis. After their parting words, Ansem fades away into darkness, a smile on his face.
Ansem appears for the last time alongside Xemnas and Young Xehanort, as the last line of defense before Sora can reach the elderly Master Xehanort. Defeated by Sora, Riku, and Mickey in a battle alongside his aforementioned incarnations, Ansem voices his final thoughts on his relationship with Riku, stating that Riku's might is "vaster than darkness" and showing he is proud the boy he chose as his vessel has grown into such a powerful [[Keyblade Master]]. Riku even states he is going to miss his nemesis. After their parting words, Ansem's replica body fades away into darkness and his heart returns to its proper place in time.
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==Other appearances==
==Other appearances==
===''[[A Fragmentary Passage]]''===
===''[[A Fragmentary Passage]]''===
{{canon
{{canon
|[[File:A Fragmentary Passage 03 KHBBSFM.png|thumb|left|200px|Ansem appears on the beach of Destiny Islands.]]
|[[File:A Fragmentary Passage 03 KHBBSFM.png|thumb|right|210px|Ansem appears on the beach of Destiny Islands.]]
Ansem is shown as the first transformation and the second incarnation after a young [[Master Xehanort]] but before Xemnas.
Ansem is shown as the first transformation and the second incarnation after a young [[Master Xehanort]] but before Xemnas.
}}
}}
===''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''===
In ''{{ssb|Super Smash Bros. Ultimate}}'', Ansem appears in the 2 o'clock Stations in the [[Dive to the Heart]] sections of the {{ssb|Hollow Bastion}} stage.


==Design==
==Design==
Before possessing Riku, Ansem was little more than a wandering heart and could only appear as a figure in a brown hooded robe. This robe has two dark brown straps crossing over his shoulders and chest with five metal studs lining either strap. In this form, Ansem is significantly shorter than he'll later be once he gains a proper body.
Before possessing Riku, Ansem was little more than a wandering heart and could only appear as a figure in a brown hooded robe. This robe has two dark brown straps crossing over his shoulders and chest with five metal studs lining either strap. Due to his lack of a body, he appears much shorter and crippled in this form and wears the robe's hood up that hides his face.


Ansem gains a body by possessing Riku, though at first, his presence is only evident from the change to Riku's voice. In his physical form, like his [[Nobody]] counterpart Xemnas, Ansem's skin color varies by being depicted as tan in the game to quite dark in official artwork. He shares Terra-Xehanort's long white hair, as well as the three spikes on the top and sides of his head, but he lacks Terra-Xehanort's bangs.
Ansem gains a body by possessing Riku, though at first his presence is only evident from the change to Riku's voice. In his physical form, like his [[Nobody]] [[Xemnas|counterpart]], Ansem's skin color varies by being depicted as tan in the game to quite dark in official artwork. He shares Terra-Xehanort's amber-orange eyes and long white hair, as well as the three spikes on the top and sides of his head, but he lacks Terra-Xehanort's bangs.


He wears silver-white gloves on his hands, each with a grey band on the wrist, while the rest of the glove, which has three black buttons lining one side, bells outwards. There is a black pauldron on both of his shoulders, each attached to his coat by two straps. He also wears black pants and black, silver-lined, knee-high boots identical to the ones worn by [[Organization XIII]] members.  
He wears silver-white gloves on his hands, each with a grey band on the wrist, while the rest of the glove, which has three black buttons lining one side, bells outwards. There is a black pauldron on both of his shoulders, each attached to his coat by two straps. He also wears black pants and black, silver-lined, knee-high boots identical to the ones worn by [[Organization XIII]] members.  
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When Ansem becomes part of the World of Chaos, he loses both of his jackets and his gloves, showing a well-toned physique, and his pants and boots are replaced by a pair of black skin-tight leggings with yellow lining. He also grows to a tremendous size and his eyes become completely orange and pupil-less in this form.
When Ansem becomes part of the World of Chaos, he loses both of his jackets and his gloves, showing a well-toned physique, and his pants and boots are replaced by a pair of black skin-tight leggings with yellow lining. He also grows to a tremendous size and his eyes become completely orange and pupil-less in this form.


As Ansem is essentially the Heartless of Master Xehanort, his overall appearance is nearly identical to a younger version of Master Xehanort, wearing the elderly Xehanort's attire.
As Ansem is essentially the Heartless of [[Master Xehanort]], his overall appearance is nearly identical to a younger version of Master Xehanort, wearing the elderly Xehanort's attire.
 
===Forms===
<gallery perrow="6">
File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness 02 KHIII.png|Ansem wearing his standard attire
File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness (Cloaked) KH.png|Ansem's original form
File:Riku (Dark) KH.png|Ansem while possessing Riku.
File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness (World of Chaos) KH.png|Ansem while attached to the World of Chaos.
File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness KHIII.png|Ansem wearing a black coat
</gallery>


==Personality==
==Personality==
Ansem is, thus far, one of only three Heartless with human-level intelligence, the others being Sora's Heartless and [[Scar]]. His knowledge of the worlds and hearts shows that Xehanort's keen intellect has survived the transition into a Heartless. However, the few shreds of humanity that remained in the researcher have been obliterated. Ansem is cold, calculating, and utterly ruthless. He treats people and their hearts as either tools to be manipulated and disposed of, or as cattle for his ravenous Heartless legions. He reveres power and knowledge above all things, and he despises ignorance.
Ansem is, thus far, one of only three Heartless with human-level intelligence, the others being Sora's Heartless and [[Scar]]. His knowledge of the worlds and hearts shows that Xehanort's keen intellect has survived the transition into a Heartless. However, the few shreds of humanity which remained in the researcher have been obliterated. Ansem is cold, calculating, and utterly ruthless. He treats people and their hearts as either tools to be manipulated and disposed of, or as cattle for his ravenous Heartless legions. He reveres power and knowledge above all things, and he despises ignorance.


The only times when Ansem's voice rises above a cold, monotonous drone is when he is berating [[Sora]] for his foolishness, or when he is reveling in his latest triumph. However, Ansem's scientific genius is blinded by an obsession with the darkness. His arrogance ultimately leads to his destruction when the door to Kingdom Hearts is opened, and his greatest thesis is, in the end, proved wrong.
The only times when Ansem's voice rises above a cold, monotonous drone is when he is berating [[Sora]] for his foolishness, or when he is reveling in his latest triumph. However, Ansem's scientific genius is blinded by obsession with the darkness. His arrogance ultimately leads to his destruction when the door to Kingdom Hearts is opened, and his greatest thesis is, in the end, proved wrong.


Ansem prefers to not fight hand-to-hand. Rather, he prefers using his dark powers and the Dark Figure.
''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'' reveals that Ansem is essentially the Heartless of [[Master Xehanort]]. This is why he appears to share most of his personality traits with the elderly Keyblade Master, demonstrated by his choice of words when facing Sora, Donald, and Goofy; this is also reflected in his desire to find, open, and become one with Kingdom Hearts itself.
 
''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'' reveals that Ansem is essentially the Heartless of [[Xehanort]]. This is why he appears to share most of his personality traits with the elderly Keyblade Master, demonstrated by his choice of words when facing Sora, Donald, and Goofy; this is also reflected in his desire to find, open, and become one with Kingdom Hearts itself.
 
In ''Kingdom Hearts III'', Ansem shows pride in Riku's development since their first meeting, seeing Riku gain true strength as a Keyblade Master surpassing the power of darkness. At the very end, Ansem shows that he still values learning about the World, telling Riku to expand his horizons by going to seek more. He also demonstrates a fatalist attitude, expressing that initially wished to defy his fate, but found himself no longer caring after other Organization members betrayed them.


==Abilities==
==Abilities==
{{main|Game:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness|Game:Riku#Riku (Keyblade)|World of Chaos}}
{{main|Game:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness}}
As a Heartless, Ansem has control over darkness, which he can use to attack others, steal hearts, and create Corridors of Darkness. He can also possess other beings and has command over the Dark Figure.
{{main|World of Chaos}}
As a Heartless, Ansem has control over darkness, which he can use to attack others, steal hearts, and create Corridors of Darkness. He can also possess other beings, and has command over the Guardian. Due to lacking a body, he is also capable of traveling through time.{{fact}}


Ansem can time travel without aid, as he is just a heart. However, he is limited to points in time where he existed; additionally, he can only briefly exist in those times he is not native to unless a vessel is provided for his heart.
When Ansem takes possession over Riku's body to procure a physical form, his fighting capabilities increased greatly, and he gains the ability to fly. His new body allows him to fight alongside his guardian by having it possess others to trap them while he utilizes an energy shield to both protect himself and damage foes.


When Ansem takes possession of Riku's body to procure a physical form, his fighting capabilities increase greatly, and he gains the ability to fly. His new body allows him to fight alongside the Dark Figure by having it possess others to trap them while he utilizes an energy shield to both protect himself and damage foes.
When necessary, Ansem becomes more powerful by merging with either his guardian or the [[World of Chaos]].
 
When necessary, Ansem becomes more powerful by merging with either the Dark Figure or the [[World of Chaos]].


===Weapons===
===Weapons===
Most of the time, Ansem does not wield a weapon, instead opting to use the power of darkness and the Dark Figure, when present, to attack opponents. Contrary to his Nobody counterpart [[Xemnas]], he specializes more in magic-based attacks than melee attacks.
Ansem does not wield a specific weapon.


While possessing Riku in ''Kingdom Hearts'', he wields the [[Keyblade of Heart]], forged from the six captured hearts of the Princesses of Heart. Later, in his World of Chaos form, Ansem wields a dual-bladed [[Soul Eater]] halberd<!--薙刀 per ultimania--> as big as he is. When he briefly possess Riku to take down Lexaeus, he wields Riku's Soul Eater. In ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'', Ansem briefly wields Frollo's sword to threaten Riku but does not actually use it to fight.
While possessing Riku in ''Kingdom Hearts'', he wields the [[Keyblade of heart]], which was created from the six captured hearts of the Princesses of Heart. Later, in his World of Chaos form, Ansem wields a weapon as massive as he is, a dual-bladed [[Soul Eater]] halberd<!--薙刀 per ultimania-->. When fought on his own, Ansem simply uses the power of darkness and his Guardian to attack opponents. When Riku assumes Ansem's form to become Riku-Ansem, he wields his Soul Eater (and later, the [[Way to the Dawn]]), just as he does normally.


Despite being the Heartless of Master Xehanort, a Keyblade wielder, Ansem is unable to wield a Keyblade because, according to Riku, he gave his heart to the darkness.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]''''', '''Riku''': "You used to be a Keyblade wielder. But darkness stole your heart, and the Keyblade with it."</ref>
In ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'', Ansem briefly wields Frollo's sword to threaten Riku, but does not actually use it to fight.


<center><gallery>
<center><gallery>
File:Soul Eater KH.png|[[Soul Eater]], wielded by Ansem while he is possessing Riku to take down Lexaeus briefly.
File:Dual Soul Eater KH.png|The dual-bladed Soul Eater halberd, wielded by Ansem in his World of Chaos form.
File:Keyblade of heart KH.png|The [[Keyblade of Heart]], wielded by Ansem while he is possessing Riku.
File:Dual Soul Eater KH.png|The dual-bladed [[Soul Eater]] halberd, wielded by Ansem in his World of Chaos form.
</gallery></center>
</gallery></center>
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==Gallery==
<gallery perrow="6">
File:Riku (Dark) KH.png|Riku while possessed by Ansem.
File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness KH.png|Ansem as he appears in ''[[Kingdom Hearts (game)|Kingdom Hearts]]''.
File:Ansem (First Form) KH3D.png|Ansem with his Guardian.
File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness (World of Chaos) KH.png|Ansem as he appears while attached to the World of Chaos.
File:Ansem (Second Form) KH3D.png|Ansem in his Second Form in ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]''.
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Dark Figure]]
*[[Xehanort's guardian]]
*[[World of Chaos]]
*[[World of Chaos]]


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


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{{HeartlessBossDirectory}}
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[[Category:Antagonists]]
[[Category:Antagonists]]

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