Twilight Thorn

The Twilight Thorn is a boss from Kingdom Hearts II.

Anatomy
The Twilight Thorn is a giant Nobody that attacks with lightning-like thorns, and shares properties with other deformed Nobodies: it can stretch and contort its body and possesses remarkable maneuverability.

Only one appears, in Kingdom Hearts II, when Roxas goes to the Station of Awakening. It is interesting to note that when Roxas senses a presence and turns around to see who it is, he sees a person wearing an Organization cloak, just before it turns into the Twilight Thorn. It would make sense that the figure is Roxas, just as Sora turned around to see his shadow become Darkside Heartless.

The Twilight Thorn battle shares many notable similarities with Darkside, a gigantic humanoid Heartless. Both prominently appear in Roxas and Sora's awakenings, respectively, and are the first bosses of the game. They also seem to share close connections with Roxas and Sora (again, respectively): the Twilight Thorn appears as Roxas' former self, while Darkside is born from Sora's shadow. The two are also both able to summon lesser Heartless/Nobodies to attack. They are both fought in the same area, Dive to the Heart. As the Twilight Thorn dies, darkness spews from its body and nearly consumes Roxas, reminiscent of how Sora was nearly consumed by darkness that erupted from the first Darkside in his own awakening.

At the same time, the two creatures share key differences, being a Nobody and a Heartless. Darkside has wild, unkempt tendrils that covers its face save for two yellow eyes, while the Twilight Thorn has wild blue scarves around its neck, and lacks a face of its own.

Strategy
Only attack its head, as that is the only weak point. It begins by tossing Roxas into the air to hurt him - use the Reaction Commands at the right time - Key Counter and Lunarsault in particular.

Many of Twilight Thorn's attacks can be reflected.

When it fires thorns use the Reaction Command, Reversal to get close to attack. But if it continuously fires thorns, even if you are close to its head, prioritize safety. Keep on using Reversal until it is safe to attack. The Twilight Thorn has a tendency to shift its shape, and sometimes you may see it upside down. Again, it will fire thorns. Keep on using Reversal, then attack his head twice and begin avoiding again.

When on low health it will summon Creepers to fight. Avoid the Creepers and continue to attack.

As the fight with Twilight Thorn takes place at the beginning of the game and Roxas' stats are low, it is advisable to train him up to at least Level 5 and stock up more than three Potions. Use the Auto-Reload function and heal when necessary - because poor evasion of the thorns can take a toll on Roxas' health.

Journal Entry
A giant Nobody who Roxas fought at the Station of Awakening

Although it tried to capture Roxas with its thorns, it was overpowered and defeated by he strength of the Keyblade master.

Trivia
The Twilight Thorn is not registered in Jiminy's journal until you enter the Simulated Twilight Town. This is strange because Sora doesn't meet the Twilight Thorn. However, this may be Roxas's memory of his own Awakening instead.

Twilight Thorn may be the Nobody of a person that turns into a Darkside Heartless.