Kingdom Hearts: The Antipode is an ongoing AU fanfiction series by MegaFlameHedge that was first published in 2012. It begins with the premise of Riku obtaining the Keyblade as fate intended and explores the consequences and aftermath of the choices he makes as hero. While Riku must overcome his hubris and grow into the hero the worlds need, Sora grapples with his own kindness being exploited by malicious forces. Their choices and the consequences therein have radically altered the course of destiny for better and for worse.
Antipode can be read on Fanfiction.net and Archive of Your Own. It also has its own dedicated Tumblr.
While the first installment follows a similar story structure to the original Kingdom Hearts, subsequent entries diverge completely from canon, borrowing elements from the other games when appropriate.
Characters[]
Key Characters[]
The story features Riku as the main protagonist, who obtains the Keyblade before he can give in to darkness. Accompanied by Donald and Goofy. Meanwhile, Sora ends up with Maleficent’s Council of Villains, who manipulate him under the guise of well-meaning outcasts who wish to save the princesses and the worlds at large. Ansem, Seeker of Darkness plays a similar antagonistic role to his portrayal in the original Kingdom Hearts. Organization XIII serves as the primary antagonistic faction for the majority of the series.
Starting from Act 2, Kairi joins the party and plays a major role in the story. Sora is trapped in the form of a Heartless and helps Riku and Kairi from the shadows, with only Ventus for company as a voice in his head. Riku Replica is introduced as a major antagonist, having been given a set of fake memories by Naminé on the Organization’s orders. Roxas is also introduced, though he initially keeps the name ‘Sora’ and shares a set of false memories with Riku Replica. This entry also marks the beginning of the Organization’s meddling in the worlds.
The Year Between introduces Xion with different origins from canon; namely being created by DiZ from data of Riku’s memories while he was recovering in the Simulated Twilight Town. Aqua is saved from the Realm of Darkness by Sora and thus joins the heroes in their fight against the Organization. King Mickey also plays a significant role.
Disney Characters[]
In addition to the Disney characters that return from the Kingdom Hearts series, several characters from various Disney features also make their Kingdom Hearts debuts in varying roles. Launchpad and Gyro from Ducktales appear in Hollow Bastion to help repair the protagonists’ Gummi Ship. Edna Mode from The Incredibles designs Keyblade Armor for Riku and Kairi. Hans from Frozen is recruited by the Organization in Act 3, having willingly cast his heart away long before the events of the story. Tinker Bell and the Genie occasionally appear as Summons.
Various Disney characters also make sporadic cameo appearances throughout the series, typically as refugees from lost worlds. Hiro and Baymax from Big Hero 6 appear in the Incredibles world whilst Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean serves as a recurring joke character in Grandship. Multiple characters appears as residents of Disney Town, notably Max Goof and PJ; the respective sons of Goofy and Pete.
Square Enix Characters[]
Though less frequent, characters from Square Enix games appear from time to time. Along with the returning Final Fantasy characters, characters from Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy IX, Bravely Default and Chrono Trigger make appearances. The most significant new Square Enix character is Ringabel from Bravely Default; an amnesiac Casanova who captains Grandship, which itself serves as a mobile Traverse Town. Zack from Final Fantasy VII is confirmed to be alive and there is a subplot about the heroes efforts to locate him.
Worlds[]
Introduced in Act 1: The Antipode[]
- Destiny Islands
- Traverse Town
- Wonderland (Alice in Wonderland)
- Olympus Coliseum (Hercules)
- Atlantica (The Little Mermaid)
- Pleasure Island (Pinocchio)
- Halloween Town (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
- Agrabah (Aladdin)
- Captain Hook’s Pirate Ship (Peter Pan)
- Hollow Bastion
- End of the World
Introduced in Act 2: Fragmented Truths[]
- Twilight Town/Simulated Twilight Town
- The World That Never Was
- Medieval England (The Sword and the Stone)
- Madhya Pradesh (The Jungle Book)
- Monstro (Pinocchio)
- Baker Street (The Great Mouse Detective)
- Castle Oblivion
Introduced in The Year Between[]
- Dark Margin
- The New World (Pocahontas)
- Monstropolis (Monsters Inc.)
- Manhattan (Gargoyles)
- Cherry Tree Lane (Mary Poppins)
- Disney Town
Introduced in Act 3: All That’s Left[]
- Sherwood Forest (Robin Hood)
- Kuzconian Empire (The Emperor’s New Groove)
- Disney Town Arcade (Wreck-it Ralph)
- Metropolis (The Incredibles)
- Spaceport/Treasure Planet (Treasure Planet)
- Arendelle (Frozen)
- Space Paranoids (Tron) (Upcoming)
- New Orleans (The Princess and the Frog) (Upcoming)
- La Cité des Cloches (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) (Upcoming)
Introduced in Side Stories[]
- Grandship (Bravely Default)
- The Keyblade Graveyard
Gallery[]
