Dark Mode: Difference between revisions

'''Dark Mode''' is a special Form [[Riku]] can enter in ''[[Kingdom Hearts (game)|Kingdom Hearts]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories]]''. Riku initially receives the ability to enter Dark Mode from [[Maleficent]], and he uses it against [[Sora]] after Sora reclaims the [[Keyblade]]. He loses it after his body is taken by [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness|Ansem]].

[[Vanitas]], one of the main antagonists of ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'', as well as the [[Vanitas Remnant]], wears a bodysuit similar to the one Riku wears while in Dark Mode. While under Vanitas's possession, [[Ventus]] also wears this suit. The reason for the similarity between Riku and Vanitas's outfits is never explained.

==Story==

===''[[Kingdom Hearts (game)|Kingdom Hearts]]''===

{{Q|The darkness will destroy you.|Riku upon entering Dark Mode for the first time}}

After coming into the service of Maleficent, Riku's heart began to be weakened by his continual use of the darkness, so the witch granted him power over it, allowing him to control [[Heartless]] and enter Dark Mode. Riku used this power to subdue Sora on [[Captain Hook]]'s ship with his own [[Shadow Sora|shadow]] and fight off the [[Beast]] when he arrived at [[Hollow Bastion]]. When challenged later by Sora, he mocks him, entering Dark Mode for the first time. However, the strength of Sora's heart soared, his friends [[Donald Duck|Donald]] and [[Goofy]], and his weapon returned to him, which defeated Riku.

Riku's heart and soul were forced into the [[Realm of Darkness]], and Ansem took full control of his body. He entered the [[Door to Darkness]] to the [[End of the World]], awaiting Sora. There, he did away with the form of Riku's Dark Mode, revealing his true appearance. From this point forward, Dark Mode was lost to Riku.

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===''[[Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories]]''===

{{Q|I know who I am!|Riku in Dark Mode after battling Zexion, no longer fearing the darkness}}

After his re-encounter with Ansem in [[Castle Oblivion]], Ansem tampered with Riku's darkness, activating Dark Mode once again. Riku would utilize this form as he struggled in the card worlds. He would change into Dark Mode sparingly, a massive fear of the darkness manifesting in the depths of his heart, much to Ansem's displeasure.

Soon Ansem wasn't the only one who sought to claim Riku as [[Vexen]], [[Lexaeus]], and [[Zexion]], members of [[Organization XIII|the Organization]], wished to use the boy and his dark powers to halt the plans of the traitorous [[Marluxia]]. When Vexen challenged Riku, it was his immense power that led to the creation of the [[Riku Replica]], an aggressive replica of Riku created by Vexen from the boy's combat data. Ansem seized the Replica as an opportunity to use it as a model for Riku, urging him not to fear the dark like the fake.

After the failures of both Vexen and Lexaeus, Zexion was forced to take action and tormented Riku with illusions in the [[Destiny Islands]] card world, taking on the guise of Sora and swallowing Riku in the light. It was here that [[Naminé]] appeared in the form of Kairi, teaching Riku not to fear the darkness and not to run from the light. Riku then regained himself, controlling and transforming into Dark Mode willingly in order to defeat Zexion. Riku no longer feared the darkness from this point forward.

===''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''===