Chirithy

The Chirithy are cat-like, anthropomorphic Dream Eaters that appear in Kingdom Hearts χ and act as the 's companion. They were created by the master of the Foretellers and oversee the players' progress, putting them through trials but also offering advice and help so that they may get stronger. The Chirithy support all five Unions, and though they are not subordinates to the Foretellers directly, they work together with them to drive back the darkness. A Chirithy is bound to its player; in the event that the player succumbs to the darkness or vanishes, so does the Chirithy.

Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover
The Master of Masters creates the Chirithy and introduces him to the Foretellers: Aced, Ava, Gula, Invi and Ira. While Ava gushes over Chirithy's cuteness, the Master explains that the Spirit Chirithy are meant to aid Keyblade wielders in their endeavors, but he warns that should a wielder fall to darkness, so will their Chirithy, causing them to transform into a Nightmare. This inspires Aced to suggest that they destroy any Nightmare Chirithy they come across; however, Ava refutes the idea. When Gula comments on Aced's identity as the bear being due to his scary demeanor, Ava teases that Aced could simply growl at the Nightmares instead, much to Aced's embarrassment.

Nightmare Chirithy is captured by Ira after he's found to be snooping around the Foreteller's Chamber. With this, Ira confronts his fellow Foretellers, assuming that there's a traitor among them who has been helping Nightmare Chirithy obtain the Power Bangles that had recently been doled out to the Keyblade wielders. Ira also believes that Nightmare Chirithy proves that a wielder has fallen to Darkness, and Aced is quick to deny his treachery - knowing well that he's the primary suspect.

Later, when Aced is seen attacking and chasing Invi throughout Daybreak Town, Ava's Chirithy guides her to the location of the skirmish. What's more, after Gula reveals his role to Aced, thereby admitting that he's had possession of the Lost Page all along in order to discern the identity of the traitor, Ava is forced to intervene and takes Gula into hiding; having her Chirithy stand guard for her in case anyone were to seek them out. When Ira comes looking for Gula, Ava's Chirithy is quick to warn her of the danger, allowing her intercept him beforehand.

Kingdom Hearts χ[chi]
Player's arrival in Daybreak Town results in his encounter with Chirithy. Teaching Player how to utilize Medals in order to strengthen his Keyblade, as well as detailing Player's responsibility to combat the darkness and defend the light, Chirithy has Player test his ability on the Heartless in the immediate area. Afterwards, Chirithy teaches Player how to access the Gates in order to reach other worlds that are also afflicted with darkness.

While Chirithy continues to guide Player as they undertake missions, Player is soon approached by Nightmare Chirithy, posing as Chirithy, who gifts him with the Power Bangle; meant to provide Player the ability to unknowingly utilize the darkness to empower the Keyblade.

As Neoshadows appear in Daybreak Town, Player teams up with other members from his Union in order to take on the new breed of Heartless. During this time, Chirithy meets with one of Player's new friends' Chirithys, who mentions that his wielder appears to be rather indifferent, making him worry. Given the strife between the Foretellers with the emergence of the Nightmare Chirithy, Chirithy attempts to encourage his comrade - stating that they have to trust their wielders to flourish.

Sadly, when Player returns to the Moogle's Shop to reunite with his friends, Chirithy appears instead, breaking the news that Player's new friends had all met their end by the Neoshadows and delivering the apology one had given with his last words. Taking his leave, Chirithy once again meets with his comrade, finding the other Chirithy collapsed on the ground and fading away. This Chirithy admits that his wielder had fallen to darkness and asks if this is the end for him, which Chirithy morosely confirms; as they each share a connection with their wielders, and that should a wielder fall to Darkness, so shall their Chirithy. Accepting this, the other Chirithy lifts from the ground and fades from existence.

Following the disappearance of the other Chirithy, the Foreteller leading Player's Union appears to speak with Chirithy. The Foreteller reveals that even though the Keyblade wielders are gathering Lux at an amazing rate, the Darkness is spreading even faster. With this, Chirithy asks if that means that there really is a traitor among them - to which the Foreteller states that he is not willing to believe that yet.

One night, Player is shown a dream by Chirithy, in which he sees the Foretellers meeting with the Master of Masters in the Foreteller's Chamber. However, before Player can explore the dream, Nightmare Chirithy puts a stop to it. When Player wakes, Chirithy advises Player to go back to sleep, then addressing Nightmare Chirithy and asking if it was he who had interfered. Rather than answer, Nightmare Chirithy asks if it was Chirithy who had showed him the dream and what exactly he was trying to achieve by doing so. To this, Chirithy firmly states that his intention are the opposite of his Nightmare counterpart's, prompting Nightmare Chirithy to declare the two of them to be enemies before he disappears. Worried, Chirithy looks to Player and vows to protect him.

The following day, Player is sent to deal with an Invisible in Waterfront Park by the Moogle, where he encounters Ephemer. The two instantly connect and decide to investigate the Foreteller's Chamber from Player's dream. Afterwards, Chirithy appears alongside his Nightmare counterpart, asking if Ephemer is Nightmare Chirithy's wielder. Chirithy notices that Nightmare Chirithy's fur has darkened, to which Nightmare Chirithy mocks his adversary and instead asks what he's going to do as Player gets closer and closer to the truth.

Later that night, Chirithy notices that Player appears to be a lot happier, with Player revealing that he'd made a new friend. Chirithy entertains the notion, suggesting that he's heard that having friends is nice - though he himself wouldn't know. With this, Player assures Chirithy that the two of them are friends, which catches Chirithy off guard.

Living up to his end of their promise, Player waits for Ephemer in the Fountain Square the following day, though hours pass, Ephemer never shows. Eventually Chirithy joins Player, assuring him that there must have been an important reason as to why Ephemer broke their promise and suggesting that Player give him the benefit of the doubt; because when Player is sad it makes Chirithy sad as well. Touched, Player embraces Chirithy as tears stream down his face - shocking and confusing Chirithy.

Soon enough, Player experiences another dream in which he sees Ephemer's meeting with Ava after he and Player had parted ways. In the dream, Ephemer did in fact meet Player, apologizing for being late, and the two go to investigate the Foreteller's Chamber. When Player doesn't appear ready however, Ephemer tells his friend that he'd be waiting for him there, before dispersing into a cluster of dandelion seeds. When Player is jolted awake, he voices his interest in searching for answers within the Foreteller's Chamber - though Chirithy is wholly against it; revealing to Player the tension growing between the Foretellers.

Player compromises with Chirithy by deciding to investigate Ephemer and Ava before making a move for the Foreteller's Chamber. Player learns that Ava is rumored to be gathering Keyblade wielders with potential and that Ephemer had been seen with her in the Fountain Square recently. Player then resolves to simply go and investigate the Foretellers' Chamber, entering through the sewers with Chirithy as he had done with Ephemer – immediately encountering Ava. Recognizing who Player is from what Ephemer had told her, Ava interrogates him for answers and ultimately decides to test the strength of Player's heart. Though she is impressed, Ava makes note of the sadness within Player's heart, which could lead him down the path to darkness if he's not careful; though she has faith that with Chirithy's help he will be fine.Ava then sends Player and Chirithy back home, forbidding them from returning to the restricted area.

Back home, Player rests while Chirithy watches over him. Ava appears in the room and apologizes to Chirithy for the way she'd acted, asking if Chirithy had been the one to show Player the dream about Ephemer. When Chirithy denies this, Ava wonders whether it could have been Ephemer himself, explaining that Ephemer has fallen into an unchained state and is now in another realm. Suggesting that Ephemer is reaching out to Player from that realm, Ava states that the connection between both Player and Ephemer could means that Player is getting closer to that realm as well - though whether or not he continues down that path is up to his heart. Ava bids Chirithy farewell, but not before telling him that he must protect Player from the nightmares so that the wind can carry him far away from there; worrying Chirithy.

Having received a special mission for Player from the Foretellers, Chirithy meets with Player in the Fountain Square. Commending Player's progress, Chirithy gives him the Bracelet of Light - which will protect Player from Darkness. Chirithy mentions that Player will need the Bracelet for his next mission, in which he'll be delving into the Corridors of Darkness and adds that the Bracelet of Light can only protect him for so long, before sending Player on his way. After clearing the Heartless from within the Corridors of Darkness in Daybreak Town, Agrabah and the Dwarf Woodlands, Player calls it a day, though Chirithy advises him to be prepared, as they never know when they'll get another mission like this one.

Soon after, Chirithy meets with the Foreteller to update him on Player's progress. When Chirithy asks if it hadn't been a little early to send Player on a mission in the Corridors of Darkness, the Foreteller explains that he has no choice but to hasten Player's training - as Player needs to strengthen his resistance to the Darkness as quickly as possible. Not understanding, Chirithy asks why this is a necessity, prompting the Foreteller to explain that the Darkness is drawing near, and that the need as many warrior as possible on their side.

After making their rounds in other worlds, Player and Chirithy return to Daybreak Town. Though Player is worn out, Chirithy offers some encouragement - though another wielder named Skuld hears this and asks why the collection of Lux has to be treated like a competition if it isn't one. Skuld admits that she'd heard about Player through Epheme, as they'd once been in the same party. Recently though, Ephemer had reached out to her through her dreams and requested that she seek out Player. Player then explains his similar dream about Ephemer, with Skuld suggesting that they investigate the Foreteller's Chamber for further answers - something which Chirithy outright forbids. Suddenly, all of Daybreak town is rocked, as Aced pursues and attacks Invi across the rooftops. Skuld takes this as a sign that Ephemer is right, admitting that, in her dream, Ephemer had told her that the end of the world was near. Though confused, Player understands that by carrying on they may find some of the answers they're looking for and continues toward the Foreteller's Chamber despite Chirithy's protesting.

Before making it into the Clock Tower, Player, Skuld, and Chirithy are confronted by Darklings - Heartless demanding Lux. The wielders stand up to the Heartless, forcing them to make a hasty retreat, but before Player and Skuld can pursue - their path is blocked by Nightmare Chirithy. Nightmare Chirithy, having fully accepted the darkness, reveals to Player and Skuld that they should not hate the darkness, but rather embrace it, just as their colleagues had before becoming the Darklings; reasoning that the power the Darklings had fought with was entirely their own. Chirithy objects that those are not the teachings the Chirithys are meant to provide, but the Nightmare Chirithy claims that the truth of the world isn't something that can be taught - it has to be learned first hand. Frustrated, Chirithy asks where Nightmare Chirithy's wielder is. Laughing, Nightmare Chirithy claims that their wielder is closer than they think, before disappearing. Pressing on to the Foreteller's Chamber, Skuld asks that Chirithy guide them through the Clock Tower. Though Chirithy is hesitant because of the appearance of the Darklings and Nightmare Chirithy, he agrees to do so as long as they can leave after a quick peek.

Upon viewing the Foreteller's Chamber, Player and Skuld find that there's really nothing to hint at what happened to Ephemer. Living up to their promise to Chirithy, the group goes to leave - only to be caught by the Foreteller. With the Foreteller's fury, it's revealed that another wielder had been caught and disposed of several days before, asking if Player and Skuld had known him. The Foreteller tells them that Ephemer had been using them, as he hailed from a Union whose purpose contradicted their own, and asks what they intend to do next.

Though Chirithy attempts to take the blame, Player steps forward instead, admitting that they had wanted to find Ephemer because, up until meeting him, Player had only ever done what was asked of him without question. Ephemer had left a lasting impression on Player - and even though he broke one of their promises, Player knew they were still friends. However, the Foreteller had taken Ephemer away from him, and it stirred negative emotions within him - though he did not care if that meant they had Darkness in his heart, because he couldn't let the Foreteller get away with what he'd done.

Raising his Keyblade against the Foreteller, Player couldn't care less about the consequences because in his heart he knew Ephemer would've done the same. Player and the Foreteller battle each other ferociously – with the Foreteller ultimately emerging victorious. As Player is cast to the ground, the façade of the Foretellers' Chamber fades away and the group find themselves in the sewers yet again.

Ava reveals the entire thing to have been nothing more than an illusion, healing Player and addressing the dilemma at hand. Ava elaborates on her role: to assemble exceptional Keyblade wielders, regardless of their Unions, with a certain resistance to darkness in order to preserve the light after the Keyblade War by venturing to the world outside. Additionally, Ava admits that Ephemer had joined the Dandelions and had been helping her in her endeavors, before finally asking Player and Skuld if they would like to join the Dandelions as well. Skuld agrees without hesitation, but Player is hesitant to accept. Understanding, Ava encourages Player to follow his heart and asks that they all keep this a secret for the time being.

Later, Chirithy asks why Player did not accept Ava's invitation, given that it would allow Player to see Ephemer again, with Player admitting that he's unwilling to abandon his other friends. Admitting how Ephemer had helped strengthen her enough to be on her own, Skuld feels seeks to thank her old friend, and in order to do so she must join the Dandelions. Thanking Player for all that he'd helped her to see, the two part ways.

As time passes, Player and Chirithy find more and more Keyblade wielders squabbling with one another over the ownership of light. Despite Chirithy's suggesting that they do not get involved, Player cannot help himself when Keyblades are drawn. As Player comes between the fighting wielders, Chirithy voices his shock - scolding the wielders for raising their weapons against a comrade. This prompts some confusion, as both wielders believe the other's Union to be responsible for attempting to steal the light. Chirithy further attempts to talk some sense into the wielders, but to no avail, prompting an intervention in the matter by Skuld. As the wielders continue their argument, they ultimately come to see each other as the equivalent of a Heartless.

Aced arrives and confirms that the only thing they can believe in now is the promise of their individual Unions. Player battles Aced when he begins to antagonize Skuld, though he is swiftly defeated and Aced disqualifies him as a Keyblade wielder. Though Ira manages to stop Aced from doing any more harm, Player falls unconscious. Thankfully, Chirithy and Skuld manage to bring Player back home to rest. With Player asleep, the two discuss how the atmosphere is getting worse day-by-day; with Skuld asking Chirithy how the Foretellers have been faring. With a bleak outlook, Chirithy and Skuld accept that the Keyblade War appears to be unavoidable.

Waking, Player asks if Skuld had managed to reunite with Ephemer - and though Skuld denies this, she believes him to be working under Ava's orders. Even so, Skuld voices her concern, as the Dandelions have lost morale as of late, especially with the sudden disappearance of Ava. Chirithy mentions that, even though they do not know where Ava is, there's a chance that Gula does given their close relationship. Despite Chirithy's worries about Player's wellbeing, Player declares that they need to find Gula, and so the next day the three split up to search for the Foreteller.

When they find Gula, he assumes that Player and Skuld are Dandelions searching for Ava, and questions what they intend to do once they find her. Either they will ask Ava to do attempt to change the situation at hand - something which she does not have the power to do - or ask her for information. However, Gula reasons that there's nothing that could be done, even with knowing, though he understands that Player and Skuld do not want to simply do nothing. Noting Skuld's similarity to Ava, Gula suggests that the Master of Masters is the only one who may be able to avert the Keyblade War - and although he disappeared long ago, there's a chance that Luxu may know where he is. As Player and Skuld realize that Ava went off in search of Luxu, Gula reveals the contents of the Lost Page - suggesting that the traitor will be the one to end the world, with one fated strike the Clock Tower bell will toll; signifying the beginning of the Keyblade War. Chirithy questions if it is all right for Gula to be telling them all of this, and while it isn't, Gula admits that the Keyblade War is now inevitable and thus it doesn't matter. Just then, the bell tolls and the war begins, with Gula suggesting that Player and Skuld return to their Unions.

After Skuld leaves to be with the Dandelions, Player stops to consider his options - asking if, should he disappear, Chirithy will disappear as well. As Chirithy confirms this, Player asks for his friend's opinion. Chirithy admits that he does not want Player to fight, and that even though it likely goes against the will of the Foretellers, he's saying it as a friend rather than as Player's guide. Embracing Chirithy, Player thanks him, deciding not to take part in the Keyblade War, but instead to join the Dandelions.

Nightmare Chirithy reveals that he'd been eavesdropping and suggests that Player is a coward for running, and that he will be throwing away a lot of friends by doing so. Angered by this,Player demands to know who the Nightmare Chirithy is. Smugly, Nightmare Chirithy reminds Player of all the guilt he'd been collecting with the Power Bangle; revealing that Player has been using the power of darkness all along. Although Chirithy refuses to believe this, Nightmare Chirithy assures him that everything is okay, because this is all just another part of the Master of Master's will.

Accusing Nightmare Chirithy of being a liar, Chirithy insists that the Power Bangle takes the sins and turns them into Light rather than Darkness. With this, Nightmare Chirithy asks how, if what Chirithy claims is true, can he possibly exist; revealing that he also belongs to Player. Differing from Chirithy in that he can act of his own will apart from Player. Nightmare Chirithy declares that, if Player refuses to take part in the Keyblade War, he'd just have to show Player his dream himself; summoning the Darklings to do battle with Player. Confused, Chirithy questions why, if what Nightmare Chirithy says is true, he would do this to Player. Content, Nightmare Chirithy proclaims that, unlike Spirits, Nightmares like him exist to show people bad dreams, severing connections and living freely; something which Chirithy doesn't understand.

When Player defeats the Darklings, Nightmare Chirithy admits that he's happy to see that Player has gotten stronger - absorbing the Darklings and taking on a monstrous form in order to offer Player a real challenge. After a rigorous battle, Player emerges victorious against his own Nightmare, who reverts to his regular form and begins to fade away. Nightmare Chirithy remarks on how their connection has now been severed, prompting Chirithy to ask if that means he will disappear. Though Nightmare Chirithy admits that he will for now, he says they will meet in another dream, before disappearing completely.

Though reluctant, Player takes part in the Keyblade War, collapsing in exhaustion following individual battles with each of the Foretellers. Chirithy joins him, embracing Player as the countless hearts stop flying into the sky above them. A bright light then surrounds Player and Chirithy, with Ephemer and Skuld emerging from it in order to save Player by guiding him into the world outside alongside the rest of the Dandelions.

Upon entering the new world, Player, like all the other Dandelions, forgets everything about the world they had left behind, as Ava had intended - with only the new Union Leaders and the Chirithy knowing of the world they had left behind.

Kingdom Hearts Union χ[Cross]
The new Union Leaders enact a Union Cross that allows each of the Unions to interact with one another, and see to it that the events of the past world would play out the same way in the world rebuilt by the light in their hearts - only this time without the tragedy of the Keyblade War. As well, the Union Leaders decide to celebrate their success by creating new Spirits for the Dandelions. As a result, Player and Chirithy encounter another Chirithy sent by the Union Leaders, who uses Chirithy's fur to craft the new Spirit - whose purpose is to further aid Player in battle and help defend against Nightmares.

When Player starts to have Nightmares about the Keyblade War - reliving the fated battle and his confrontation with Aced, Chirithy brings this to the attention of Ephemer and Skuld. Admitting that, while he is reluctant to lie to Player, Chirithy wants to let Player forget about the world they'd left behind. With encouragement from Skuld, Chirithy resolves to continue protecting Player, as they are his best friend. Ephemer reminds Chirithy that he is leaving the Union Cross up to Player and tasks Chirithy to explain it to them while he and Skuld investigate an impending darkness in the new world. Accepting this, Chirithy returns to Player.

Unchained 0[Zero]
After Player awakens from another Nightmare in the Enchanted Dominion, Chirithy becomes concerned of the increasing frequency of Player's dreams of the Keyblade War since the day Ava asked Player and Skuld to join the Dandelions, and Player declined the offer. Player asks why they were asleep in the Enchanted Dominion, which Chirithy concludes it was due to the fact that Player has been through exhausted due to their recent activities. Chirithy inquires if Player they have become more open-minded while being in a new world and reminds them to rest regularly during their adventures.

As Chirithy skips through the forest, he stumbles across a castle, where he finds it entwined in a thicket of thorns, suggesting that they unable to continue with the thorns in the way. Chirithy suggests to Player that they head back to Daybreak Town for the day and come back when they have figured how to clear the path. Just then, Maleficent's Raven flies over head toward the castle, prompting Chirithy to comment on how it would be nice if they had wings.

Appearance
Spirit Chirithy are small Dream Eaters with grey fur accented by black stripes. The Chirithy have large spherical heads with small ears, narrow blue eyes, and a white snout. A Chirithy's limbs are quite stubby, lacking distinct digits, as are their tails. Chirithy dress in a gold and blue cape that conceals their Spirit sigil on their back, while also bearing a small pink purse around their necks that bears the Lux emblem.

Nightmare Chirithy appear identical to Spirit Chirithy upon their transition, albeit with darker fur, until finally donning a completely new appearance. The grey fur of its body with become purple, while the black stripes will remain the same everywhere except the ears, which will take on a pink color, and the white fur on the snout and stomach will instead become yellow. A Nightmare Chirithy's cape and purse will also change, with the cape taking on a pink color on the outside and replace the blue underside with a red-purple color, while the purse changes from pink to black. Finally, a Nightmare sigil will appear on the Chirithy's back and its blue eyes will become circular and blaze bright with crimson.

In Nightmare Chirithy's battle form, he grows to a much larger size, with his chest becoming more muscular, though because of his thin waist this makes Nightmare Chirithy somewhat hunched forward. The Nightmare sigil now also appears on Nightmare Chirithy's chest, and from his back sprouts two large purple bat-like wings, while the skin on his head warps to create a hood-like effect. Nightmare Chrithy's mouth also becomes visible, stretched wide and filled with razor sharp teeth. Nightmare Chirithy's arms take on a layered effect, with each layer developing large grotesque spikes. His hands grow massive with large purple claws that gradually become lighter in color towards the tip and red briars entwining his fists in an X-shape. Finally, Nightmare Chirithy's feet and tail extend, developing a spike on his heels and wickedly sharp purple claws on his feet.

Abilities
Chirithy have displayed the ability to appear and disappear in a puff of smoke, often times doing so to avoid interaction with individuals from other worlds. They also have a wide array of knowledge of both the worlds themselves and the Keyblade, being capable of teaching wielders how to access the Gates and reach other worlds, as well as how to use the Keyblade to unlock things. Chirithy has also displayed the ability to sense the pure light of the Princesses of Heart, as he has done with Snow White, Alice, Belle, and Cinderella thus far. Conversely, Chirithy could identify the Darkness exuded by the Darkballs that had been released across the world as being foreign to them, thus displaying that Chirithy are capable of discerning defining scents of both light and darkness. Chirithy has been known to show people the events taking place behind the scenes in Daybreak Town, in the player's dreams.

Nightmare Chirithy differs from his Spririt counterparts in the way that he can control beings of darkness, such as the Darklings. His particular hold over the Darklings is fully displayed when he pits them against Player upon Player's decision to join the Dandelions, after which Nightmare Chirithy proceeded to absorb the Darklings in order to take on a stronger, monstrous form against Player. Nightmare Chirithy is also able to stop any dreams that Chirithy shows to its master.

Trivia

 * Thus far, there have been six Chirithy identified: Player's Chirithy, Nightmare Chirithy, Strelitzia's Chirithy, the Chirithy who fades after his wielder is perishes by the Neoshadows hand, the Chirithy who delivers Player his new Dream Eater and introduces the Pet System, and Ava's Chirithy; who helped her throughout Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover. Even though they all have different personalities and different goals, they all address themselves as Chirithy, even when talking to each other.