Riku-Ansem



Riku-Ansem is the form that Riku takes to capture Roxas at the request of DiZ to awaken Sora and restore his power. Roxas was overpowering Riku during their battle, but Riku was determined not to lose the Nobody, so removed his blindfold and revealed the dark power of Ansem that he had been hiding within him. He succeeds then in defeating Roxas and takes him away to where Organization XIII cannot find him.

Riku takes this form at the end of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and continues to remain in this form throughout most of Kingdom Hearts II. In this form, he appears identical to Ansem (other than his clothing), and even refers to himself as a pseudo-Ansem. However, those who truly know Riku can sense Riku behind the appearance, as witnessed when Sora recognizes him in the Land of Dragons. In The World That Never Was, Naminé reveals Riku's true identity to Kairi, who then tells it to Sora, Donald, and Goofy.

After the Kingdom Hearts Encoder exploded while attempting to turn Kingdom Hearts into data, Riku was transformed back into his normal form. It can be assumed that the explosion rid Riku of the presence of Ansem forever.

Abilities
While in Riku-Ansem form, Riku gains complete control over the dark powers of Xehanort's Heartless. He can levitate, summon the Guardian, teleport, and expel bursts of dark energy (though this is only shown when he actually transforms). He also gains his Dark Firaga ability from his Dark Mode, and a Dark Shield ability (which carries over to his normal form). He can also open and use Corridors of Darkness.

However, when the Kingdom Hearts Encoder exploded and he was reverted out of this form, his heart was no longer tainted with darkness, so he could no longer use many of the abilities of his Riku-Ansem mode (as revealed when they attempted to leave the World That Never Was and Riku failed to open a Corridor of Darkness).

Kingdom Hearts II
Mysterious wielder of the darkness.
 * Part I - Ansem

What could his true purpose be?

The form Sora's longtime friend Riku chose.
 * Part II - Riku

''Though Xehanort tried to control Riku from within, Riku's heart proved stronger. But the only way to wield darkness fully was to become it.''

''Riku began calling himself "Ansem", perhaps as a sign of resolve. He would live in darkness if that's what it took to wake Sora.''