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 it 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.

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

Later, when Aced attacks Invi throughout Daybreak Town, Ava's Chirithy guides her to the location of the skirmish. After Gula reveals his role to Aced, thereby admitting that he had had possession of the Lost Page 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 warns her of the danger, allowing her intercept him beforehand.

Kingdom Hearts χ[chi]
When Player arrives in Daybreak Town, they encounter Chirithy, who explains to them how to utilize Medals in order to strengthen their Keyblade, as well as Player's responsibility to combat the darkness and defend the light. Chirithy has Player test their abilities on the Heartless in the immediate area. Afterwards, Chirithy teaches Player how to access the Gates to travel to other worlds that are also afflicted with darkness. While Chirithy continues to guide Player as they undertake missions, Player is soon approached by a Nightmare Chirithy, posing as Chirithy, who gifts them with the Power Bangle, which allows 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 their Union in order to take on the new breed of Heartless. During this time, Chirithy meets with one of Player's new friend's Chirithy, who mentions that its wielder appears to be rather indifferent, much to its concern. Given the strife between the Foretellers with the emergence of the Nightmare Chirithy, Chirithy attempts to encourage its comrade, stating that they have to trust their wielders to flourish.

Sadly, when Player returns to the Moogle's Shop to reunite with their friends, Chirithy appears instead, breaking the news that Player's friends had all met their end by the Neoshadows and delivering the apology one had given with his last words. Taking its leave, Chirithy reunites with its comrade, finding the other Chirithy collapsed on the ground and fading away. This Chirithy admits that its wielder had fallen to darkness and asks if this is the end, which Chirithy morosely confirms. Accepting this, the other Chirithy 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 they are not willing to believe that yet.

One night, Player is shown a dream by Chirithy, in which the Foretellers meeting with the Master of Masters in the Foretellers' Chamber. However, before Player can explore the dream, a Nightmare Chirithy puts a stop to it. When Player awakens, Chirithy advises Player to go back to sleep, then confronts Nightmare Chirithy for its interference. Rather than answer, Nightmare Chirithy asks if it was Chirithy who had showed Player the dream and what it was trying to achieve by doing so. Chirithy admits that its intention are the opposite of its Nightmare counterpart's, prompting Nightmare Chirithy to declare the two of them to be enemies before it disappears. Worried, Chirithy looks to Player and vows to protect them.

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

Later that night, Chirithy learns that Player had made a new friend. Chirithy entertains the notion, suggesting that it has heard that having friends is nice, but it is unable to empathize since it never had friends before. Player assures Chirithy that the two of them are friends, a sentiment that surprises Chirithy. When Ephemer failed to meet Player at the Fountain Square the following day, a saddened Chirithy comforts Player, assuring them that there must have been an important reason as to why Ephemer broke their promise. Touched, Player embraces Chirithy as they cry, much to Chirithy's shock.

Not long afterwards, Player experiences another dream, in which Ephemer meets with Ava after he and Player had parted ways. In the dream, Ephemer did meet Player and they go investigate the Foretellers' Chamber. However, when Player begins to have doubts, Ephemer tells his friend that he would be waiting for him there before dispersing into a cluster of dandelion seeds. When Player is jolted awake, they voice their interest in searching for answers within the Foretellers' Chamber, but Chirithy rejects the idea since the tension has growing between the Foretellers. Player decides to investigate Ephemer and Ava with Chirithy before making a move for the Foretellers' Chamber. After Player learns that Ava is recruiting Keyblade wielders for her Dandelions and that Ephemer had been seen with her in the Fountain Square recently, Player sneaks into the Foretellers' Chambers and encounters Ava. Recognizing who Player is from what Ephemer had told her, Ava interrogates them 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 them down the path to darkness if Player is not careful, but she has faith that they will be fine as long as they have Chirithy's guidance. Ava then sends Player and Chirithy back home and forbids them from returning to the restricted area.

Back home, Player rests while Chirithy watches over them. Ava appears in the room and asks if Chirithy had been the one to show Player the dream about Ephemer. When Chirithy denies this, Ava suspects that Ephemer has fallen into an unchained state and is now in another realm and is trying to reach out to Player from that realm. Ava suggests that the connection between both Player and Ephemer could means that Player is getting closer to that realm as well, though whether or not they continue down that path is up to their heart. Ava warns Chirithy that it must protect Player from the nightmares before she departs.

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 that will protect Player from darkness. Chirithy mentions that Player will need the Bracelet for his next mission, in which they will 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, Chirithy advises Player to be prepared for their next mission.

After the Player successfully completes the Dark Corridor Trials, Chirithy reports back to Player's Foreteller, who is pleased to hear of their progress, but Chirithy questions the wisdom of assigning such a dangerous mission. The Player's Foreteller laments that they have no choice but to hasten the Player's training, as they must strengthen their resistance to darkness as quickly as possible and obtain as many warriors as they can get on the side of light.

After making their rounds in other worlds, Player and Chirithy return to Daybreak Town, where they another wielder named Skuld, who asks why the collection of Lux has to be treated like a competition between the Unions. Skuld admits 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 Foretellers' Chamber for further answers, though Chirithy objects to this. Suddenly, they see Aced attacking Invi across the rooftops, which Skuld takes this as a sign that Ephemer is right about the impending end of the world. In spite of Chirithy's protests, Player agrees to go with Skuld to look for answers at the Foretellers' Chamber.

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 are determined to ensure that the events of the past world would occur in the same way in the world rebuilt by the light in their hearts, with the exception of the Keyblade War. 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. While reluctant to lie to Player, Chirithy wants to let Player forget about the world they had left behind. With encouragement from Skuld, Chirithy resolves to continue protecting Player, as they are its 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. 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, it stumbles across a castle entwined in a thicket of thorns and suggests 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 its chest becoming more muscular, though because of its 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 its 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. Its hands grow massive with large purple claws that gradually become lighter in color towards the tip and red briars entwining its fists in an X-shape. Finally, Nightmare Chirithy's feet and tail extend, developing a spike on its heels and wickedly sharp purple claws on its 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 it 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, as shown in Player's dreams.

Nightmare Chirithy differs from its Spririt counterparts in the way that it can control beings of darkness, such as the Darklings. Its particular hold over the Darklings is fully displayed when it 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 destroyed by the Neoshadows; the Chirithy who delivers Player his new Dream Eater and introduces the Pet System; and Ava's Chirithy, who helps 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.