Dark Follower

The Dark Follower (ダークフォロワー) is a Heartless boss which appears in Beast's Castle in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. It is a purple-like version of Darkside. With the same attacks as the latter, it posed a threat to Roxas and Xaldin as they explored the castle.

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
''A stronger form of the Darkside. Though more powerful, it follows the same basic patterns as its predecessor.'' Send back the dark homing blasts fired from its chest with a block, then attack either its hands or, if possible, its head for maximum damage.

Strategy
While the Dark Follower shares the same appearance and abilities as the Darkside, do not underestimate its might. At the start of the battle, immediately Lock-On to either one of its massive hands. Do not hesitate to attack, but be mindful of the Heartless' own moveset. The first attack it can use causes this Heartless Boss to sink its fist into a pool of darkness, shadows starting to spawn. Although the smaller enemies will attack with their claws, dealing minor damage, ignore them and keep your focus on the Dark Follower. The Shadows remain after the attack is finished, and they will drop much-needed HP Balls upon defeat. It is recommended that you leave Xaldin to the Shadows while you continue to damage the Boss. Once the Shadows are destroyed, Xaldin will aid you.

The second attack the Dark Follower can perform brings the beast's fist down upon you with a massive shockwave. Get as far away from the Heartless as possible, or suffer great amounts of damage as the shockwave makes contact. Although it is possible to jump over it with the right timing

The third attack used by this Heartless involves it kneeling down and shooting homing energy balls from its chest. The only way to avoid this attack is to use Guard. If you are lucky, the energy balls will be reflected back to the Dark Follower, damaging it. When an orb of dark energy rests in the Dark Follower's palm, prepare to dodge the energy that rains down from above.

As always, bring as many healing items as possible into this battle. Utilize your Limit Break, and also make sure that you equip Magic, primarily Thunder, Fire, and Cure. By locking on to the head and using a cast of Thunder the Boss will take large amounts of damage. Be careful, and the Dark Follower should fall in a matter of minutes.

Trivia

 * The Dark Follower is slightly smaller than the Darkside. It is also purple in coloration, the Darkside being black.
 * The Dark Follower also spawns purple Shadows instead of the traditional black ones.
 * The Dark Follower is the first Darkside type Heartless to be seen after being defeated, as usually the Heartless will collapse and fade off camera, or the next cutscene will initiate.

Video
thumb|300px|left