Kingdom Hearts Theory: Riku will become a Xehanort Vessel (Foreshadowing)

[Ha Zweiokopf 34]

DISCLAIMER: This is a theory and speculation thread. There will be ideas that some people might disagree with. Also I don't claim all the ideas to be my own. If I use other ideas or if other theories inspired mine, I will credit the person that inspired me. That said, I hope you enjoy my theory today.

 

Hey guys,

 

this will be a theory on something that literally just hit my brain and I need to get this out. Because I just got this idea, I am sure it's still far off from being finalized, but I will work on it if you want me to expand on this theory. This theory was inspired by HMK's video about his theory "Xemnas hidden desires". 
 

In this theory, he talks about how the heart will lead someone to his destined path, even if they don't have any memories on it. 

>> How does this work?

Young Xehanort, after being brought to the current time and experiencing everything that is destined to happen to him, must leave to go back to his own timeline again. In this process he will lose all of his memories. However, the experience isn't lost and is stored into his heart. The heart will then go on to guide him to become the Master Xehanort we know today. He says, that this will be the reason why he will seek to leave his home world to see other worlds.

 

This immediately reminded me of Riku. He starts talking about other worlds and seeking out for them, kind of to the point where he seems a little possesed by it in KH1. The idea then came to my mind, what if he acts like that because of the same reason Young Xehanort did? The Riku we know was being brought to the future by his former self, experienced what was destined for him and then was brought back to Destiny Islands where he then started to seek out for other worlds.

 

This future self would be possesed by Xehanort or what maybe posseses Xehanort himself (maybe the will that got passed down from Luxu's Keyblade). This would explain why Riku, a young kid isn't suprised at all why Destiny Islands, he and his friends are being swallowed by darkness. It would explain why Riku doesn't fear darkness at all, because he knows that this is the path that was chosen for him, his heart leads him there.

 

There's actually a lot of indications that show how similar Riku and Young Xehanort behave on Destiny Islands. Here's the scenes:

 

YX:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDUK-EkZNE8

 

Riku (4:05):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp9xXn0lWn4

7:50:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6nndsHgguo&index=3&list=PLpFNY7sA7iAMJx0aUYOveP_aBUY13HlTf

 

Riku/Ansem(4:57):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AQURh-rlAk&list=PLpFNY7sA7iAMJx0aUYOveP_aBUY13HlTf&index=39

[EternalReckoning 1,135]

I see your point its really interesting, but wasnt riku's reason for wanting to leave a mix of kairi being from a different world and Terra's visit to him in BBS?

[Ha Zweiokopf 34]

I see your point its really interesting, but wasnt riku's reason for wanting to leave a mix of kairi being from a different world and Terra's visit to him in BBS?

Riku says that he didn't start thinking about there being other worlds until Kairi came from another world. I think that this could be a catalyst that pushed his heart to lead him stronger into his destined path. Since I still think it's a little weird that just because of Kairi and Terra's visit he's not at all afraid of all this darkness when Sora clearly is feared and tries to stop Riku being swallowed into darkness.

 

So what I mean is that Kairi/Terra acted as a starting point for his heart to lead him onto the path that was branded into his heart.

[Dustin Newton 60]

See, this kind of contradicts  with the game that introduced the concept of Xehanort vessels in the first place. If Riku was going to be a vessel, Young Xehanort would know because he's the one that was gathering them. Xehanort wanted Riku at one point but now they can't use Riku, because he's resistant to darkness. Furthermore, he's already dealt with Xehanort (Ansem) being in his heart and fought him off, so the transfer being by force is out of the question.  There's a chance for the Rikuplica to be one, but actual Riku is impossible. 

[Ultima Spark 753]

Having Riku be possessed by Xehanort again is just downright insulting to his character arc.

 

The entire point of the Riku/Xehanort parallel is that they took different paths when the chips were down; Xehanort became consumed by the desire for power for its own sake, whereas Riku realised he had gone too far after Sora beat him (or rather, Riku-Ansem) down in Hollow Bastion and sacrificed himself for Kairi's sake; hence his caution in later games.

[Robbie the Wise 5,050]

Riku literally can't be a vessel. He is immune to darkness, which is the biggest qualifying feature to be a vessel of Xehanort. Riku was just influenced by Terra and Xehanort to seek the outside world and find the strength to protect what was important to him. Kairi arriving from another world reminded of his childhood ambitions.

[DaxtotheMax 193]

I could see him being taken over for a little bit but not by choice, I feel like Riku has done his time and redeemed himself, and he's pretty darn strong as proven in KH3D so he won't go down easy.

[Ha Zweiokopf 34]

See, this kind of contradicts  with the game that introduced the concept of Xehanort vessels in the first place. If Riku was going to be a vessel, Young Xehanort would know because he's the one that was gathering them. Xehanort wanted Riku at one point but now they can't use Riku, because he's resistant to darkness. Furthermore, he's already dealt with Xehanort (Ansem) being in his heart and fought him off, so the transfer being by force is out of the question.  There's a chance for the Rikuplica to be one, but actual Riku is impossible. 

Yes I can kind of understand your thinking, which is why I am not sure if it's really Xehanort himself who is behind this, or if it's kind of the next enemy after the Xehanort Saga. Young Xehanort said it himself, that Master Xehanorts Weapon is the most ancient one and that it is a will passed down. This will, after Xehanorts defeat will need a new Vessel, where Riku could be a candidate. Also it's never stated that Riku is resistant/immune to the darkness, that's just a common thing that people misunderstand.

 

 And yes I understand where you come from, since Young Xehanort mentions in one sentence that he buld kind of a resistance, but what young xehanort doesn't know is that right before this, Riku says "Accepting the darkness and return it to the light" when talking to Ansem SoD.

 

Yes Riku knows how to handle darkness and how to use it, but because he uses it he cannot be immune to it, that makes no sense at all. Using it he proofs that he has darkness in his heart, he just can control it. But that also means, that Xehanort has the darkness in Rikus heart which is needed. Terra too could control and use the darkness, Xehanort just happened to be stronger than Terra, and I am sure that he would also be stronger than Riku when it comes to fight over his body. Riku might have overcome the possesion by Ansem, but not alone since Sora beat the hell out of him. And Xehanort as a complete being will be stronger than Ansem.

 

And still being influenced to see other worlds doesn't make a little kid not be afraid of the darkness. It was his heart that didn't fear the darkness at all and this I think is because it already knew that this was the path destined for it. Another spin on this theory could be, that when he was shown his destined path as a Xehanort vessel, Sora was not taken into consideration (which was why Xehanort had to replan). So he knew his path, went down the path of darkness, became possesed by Ansem (so kind of was a Vessel) but then the Sora-Factor came into play with which Xehanort didn't plan because Sora wasn't meant to get a keyblade in the first place. That ruined the plan, Ansem, Xemnas and so on got defeated and they had to rebuilt the 13 darknesses.

[Sora_Roxas26 124]

Yes I can kind of understand your thinking, which is why I am not sure if it's really Xehanort himself who is behind this, or if it's kind of the next enemy after the Xehanort Saga. Young Xehanort said it himself, that Master Xehanorts Weapon is the most ancient one and that it is a will passed down. This will, after Xehanorts defeat will need a new Vessel, where Riku could be a candidate. Also it's never stated that Riku is resistant/immune to the darkness, that's just a common thing that people misunderstand.

 

 And yes I understand where you come from, since Young Xehanort mentions in one sentence that he buld kind of a resistance, but what young xehanort doesn't know is that right before this, Riku says "Accepting the darkness and return it to the light" when talking to Ansem SoD.

 

Yes Riku knows how to handle darkness and how to use it, but because he uses it he cannot be immune to it, that makes no sense at all. Using it he proofs that he has darkness in his heart, he just can control it. But that also means, that Xehanort has the darkness in Rikus heart which is needed. Terra too could control and use the darkness, Xehanort just happened to be stronger than Terra, and I am sure that he would also be stronger than Riku when it comes to fight over his body. Riku might have overcome the possesion by Ansem, but not alone since Sora beat the hell out of him. And Xehanort as a complete being will be stronger than Ansem.

 

And still being influenced to see other worlds doesn't make a little kid not be afraid of the darkness. It was his heart that didn't fear the darkness at all and this I think is because it already knew that this was the path destined for it. Another spin on this theory could be, that when he was shown his destined path as a Xehanort vessel, Sora was not taken into consideration (which was why Xehanort had to replan). So he knew his path, went down the path of darkness, became possesed by Ansem (so kind of was a Vessel) but then the Sora-Factor came into play with which Xehanort didn't plan because Sora wasn't meant to get a keyblade in the first place. That ruined the plan, Ansem, Xemnas and so on got defeated and they had to rebuilt the 13 darknesses.

actually watch this clip, it is distinctly stated that Riku is immune to the Darkness by Young Xehanort

 http://kh13.com/videos/3d/eng-cut/141-your-abyss-awaits/ 

[The Transcendent Key 12,109]

Again, another very interesting theory!  It all sounds pretty darn good, but in all honesty, after the pain and heartache Riku has had to go through during the course of the Xehanort Saga, we've witnessed his journey of redemption, and well, KH3D solidified his maturity and strength, and right about now, I can't see him being a vessel for Xehanort! He's overcome his darkness and is ready to use it for good, so I don't think he'll end up being possessed again, ya know?

 

But still, cool theory, though!

[Headphone Jack 1,147]

didn't DDD explain that Riku couldn't ever be a vessel because he had trapped the darkness inside his heart or something? 

 

then again it wouldn't be the first time Nomura contradicted himself so i guess all bets are off.

 

personally i'd rather we not go through another possessed Riku story simply because we've done it once before. Riku and Xehanort are two sides of the same coin because they both sought after the outside world, fell to darkness to travel the universe, but in the end Riku was the one who was brought to his senses thanks in part to Sora. Meanwhile, Xehanort embraced the darkness. 

 

suddenly revealing that Riku is actually on the same path Xehanort was originally would just undo all that character development. 

[Dio Brando 5,810]

Oh please no for the love of God

 

That would devalue all the development he had throughout the entire series

 

What's the point of developing his character and have him find the balance between light and darkness(hence why he wields Way To the Dawn) just to have him succumb to it anyway? 

 

Xehanort himself said in DDD that he's no longer a compatible vessel due to him resisting Xehanort's and Ansem SoD's influence,Xehanort can't acquire Riku anymore which is the reason he went to Sora instead

 

 

We don't need to make everyone into Xehanorts 

Edited August 2, 2016 by Smash Mega Koopa

[Ha Zweiokopf 34]

Again, another very interesting theory!  It all sounds pretty darn good, but in all honesty, after the pain and heartache Riku has had to go through during the course of the Xehanort Saga, we've witnessed his journey of redemption, and well, KH3D solidified his maturity and strength, and right about now, I can't see him being a vessel for Xehanort! He's overcome his darkness and is ready to use it for good, so I don't think he'll end up being possessed again, ya know?

 

But still, cool theory, though!

 

didn't DDD explain that Riku couldn't ever be a vessel because he had trapped the darkness inside his heart or something? 

 

then again it wouldn't be the first time Nomura contradicted himself so i guess all bets are off.

 

personally i'd rather we not go through another possessed Riku story simply because we've done it once before. Riku and Xehanort are two sides of the same coin because they both sought after the outside world, fell to darkness to travel the universe, but in the end Riku was the one who was brought to his senses thanks in part to Sora. Meanwhile, Xehanort embraced the darkness. 

 

suddenly revealing that Riku is actually on the same path Xehanort was originally would just undo all that character development. 

 

Oh please no for the love of God

 

That would devalue all the development he had throughout the entire series

 

What's the point of developing his character and have him find the balance between light and darkness(hence why he wields Way To the Dawn) just to have him succumb to it anyway? 

 

Xehanort himself said in DDD that he's no longer a compatible vessel due to him resisting Xehanort's and Ansem SoD's influence,Xehanort can't acquire Riku anymore which is the reason he went to Sora instead

 

 

We don't need to make everyone into Xehanorts 

Hmm I thought about it again. Like I said that was a spontaneous idea I had yesterday and I just gave it a little thought. After rewatching all these scenes and hearing what HMK said on the topic, I felt there must have been something similar that has happened to Riku. I guess it's still possible that he sought out for other worlds because he once was (kind of) a vessel for Xehanort when he got possesed by Ansem.

 

However, I have to agree with you guys that it kind of would take away his developement as a character that has mastered the balance between light and darkness. 

[Robbie the Wise 5,050]

Hmm I thought about it again. Like I said that was a spontaneous idea I had yesterday and I just gave it a little thought. After rewatching all these scenes and hearing what HMK said on the topic, I felt there must have been something similar that has happened to Riku. I guess it's still possible that he sought out for other worlds because he once was (kind of) a vessel for Xehanort when he got possesed by Ansem.

 

However, I have to agree with you guys that it kind of would take away his developement as a character that has mastered the balance between light and darkness.

 

HMK isn't a reliable source, his theories often based on misinformation. Plus the memory imprinting only works if your past self was the one that time traveled. Young Xehanort at the furthest point in time, traveled to the future and learned about the future, then returned to his orginal time where his memories of the future influenced his choices. In order for your theory to work Young Riku would have had to traveled to the future, then return to his point of origin. Only then would his memories influence his future choices. We all know that didn't happen. There is no link that connects Xehanort's causality loop with Riku becoming a vessel.

[The 13th Kenpachi 4,279]

Well there goes Riku's character development.

[The Transcendent Key 12,109]

Hmm I thought about it again. Like I said that was a spontaneous idea I had yesterday and I just gave it a little thought. After rewatching all these scenes and hearing what HMK said on the topic, I felt there must have been something similar that has happened to Riku. I guess it's still possible that he sought out for other worlds because he once was (kind of) a vessel for Xehanort when he got possesed by Ansem.

 

However, I have to agree with you guys that it kind of would take away his developement as a character that has mastered the balance between light and darkness. 

 

Well, but hey, you still made a nice bit of speculation, so it's all good!  It's always good to theorize on anything regarding the series, even some things that may seem unexpected, ya know?

[Dagesh Lene 366]

This is an interesting theory.  However, I feel like Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance already disproved it.  Near the end of the game, after Young Xehanort called Sora his "new vessel", Young Xehanort told Riku, "We originally had our sights set on you.  But, you developed a certain...resistance to darkness.  So we did what the Keyblade did, and moved down the list."  Also, if Riku was one of Xehanort's vessels, he would have been sitting in one of the seats in Where Nothing Gathers instead of confronting Young Xehanort.

 

This would explain why Riku, a young kid isn't suprised at all why Destiny Islands, he and his friends are being swallowed by darkness. It would explain why Riku doesn't fear darkness at all, because he knows that this is the path that was chosen for him, his heart leads him there.

 

I think the reason why Riku didn't seem surprised at what was happening when the darkness was consuming Destiny Islands, his friends, and himself and why he wasn't afraid of the darkness was because he had already opened his heart to darkness.  Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, explained this to Sora, Donald, and Goofy at the end of Kingdom Hearts 1.  He said, in the form of Riku, "Take a look at this tiny place.  To the heart seeking freedom this island is a prison surrounded by water.  And so this boy sought out to escape from his prison.  He sought a way to cross over into other worlds.  And he opened his heart to darkness."

 

Riku says that he didn't start thinking about there being other worlds until Kairi came from another world.

 

We learn in Birth by Sleep that Riku knew that there were other worlds even as a child.  He also even had the desire to visit other worlds at that young age in order to become strong enough to protect the things that matter to him.  So, my guess is that either what he told Sora and Kairi at the beginning of Kingdom Hearts 1, about not thinking of any of this until Kairi showed up, is now retconned, or finding out that Kairi came from another world ignited his desire to visit other worlds so much that he finally decided to act on it.

Edited August 3, 2016 by Dagesh Lene