History TearJerker / KingdomHeartsTheAntipode

''Her breath hitched, the trance broke, and she desperately, wretchedly pulled Oblivion close in a hug. [[DeathWail Kairi wailed with brokenhearted abandon. The names of every fallen friend—every death in the family—failed to form on her tongue, drowned by the raw sorrow that she screamed to the heavens. In her shattered mind, the sky seemed to darken with her grief.]]''

* TheReveal of [[BigBad Xemnas]]' true identity. For most of the story, the heroes assumed that Xehanort was still held [[DemonicPossession possessing]] [[GrandTheftMe Terra's body]], and that he was responsible for Xemnas' crimes. The truth turns out to be even worse: Terra broke free from Xehanort's control long ago at the cost of his own heart. Xemnas is ''his'' [[TheSoulless Nobody]], not Xehanort's. Ergo, [[BigBadFriend Terra was the villain all along]].

-->You were right, Aqua. And so was the Master. I did need to be watched. Unfortunately, there was nobody left to light the way...
** Aqua's heartbroken reaction to learning of Xemnas' identity. Up until that point, she had assumed that Terra was still [[DemonicPossession possessed by Xehanort]], not wanting to consider the alternative. Now, faced with overwhelming evidence of Xemnas' true agenda, she can only [[BrokenTears break down in tears]] upon the realization that her greatest enemy... is her best friend.
--->Why? How could you do this, Terra?!

* During the final battle, Riku succumbs to darkness and Naminé is forced to shatter the chains binding his memories in order to stop him from killing Riku Replica, effectively lobotomising the former. She and the Replica are both ridden with guilt over what happened to Riku, the latter blaming himself for pushing him to fight.

* Despite being transformed into a Heartless, Sora is able to retain his good nature and his sense of self, not once hurting any of his friends. This changes briefly during the [[WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}} Manhattan arc]], when Zexion takes control of Sora and forces him to attack Kairi. Upon hearing her screams of pain, Sora snaps out of his trance and sees Kairi clutching her bloodied arm in shock. [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone Overwhelmed with guilt]], Sora tosses her a potion as he runs away in tears.

** Chapter 49 reveals that Terra's Heart remains trapped within the Lingering Will, [[AndIMustScream forced to shoulder the guilt of each and every one of Xemnas' crimes]]. Imagine being trapped in a [[SoulJar cage]] and ForcedToWatch as your body commits unspeakable crimes, slaughters innocents and hurts the people you care about.

** At this point, Elsa's corruption has progressed to a point where she can no longer be saved. Knowing this, Elsa [[HeroicSuicide freezes her own heart]] to [[IDieFree free herself from Nahxs' influence]]. Before doing so, she gives Anna a teary smile and some last words:

*** Following this, Elsa is turned to ice, much like Anna was in the film. A guilt-ridden Anna is left sobbing and wailing over her sister's frozen body as she [[PleaseDontLeaveMe pleads for Elsa not to leave her]].

* Chapter

* During the battle with the [[WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}} Cyclops Titan]], most of the heroes are seemingly killed off as their friends look on in horror. [[DisneyDeath Even if it doesn't last]], the battle nonetheless has an undeniable feeling of hopelessness as the heroes are picked off one-by-one by the seemingly-indestructible Titan.

** Thankfully, it turns out that everyone's alright; Donald and Goofy were alive under the debris (which the Genie cleaned up), Sora merged with the shadow under the cyclops' foot, Riku used a dark corridor to save himself at the last minute and Aqua was implied to have been saved by Xemnas. With this, Kairi pulls them all into a tearful hug. Doubles as a SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoment.

-->You and Riku have always been so kind to me. …I wonder if I really deserve it.

* Heartless!Sora being forced by Zexion to attack Kairi. He goes into a HeroicBSOD upon realizing what he's done, tossing her a potion and running away in tears.

[[/folder]]
!!In general
* Poor Aqua has a ''lot'' of baggage.
** Her trauma from being trapped in the Realm of Darkness is made abundantly clear. It should be noted that in this continuity, the flow of time is consistent between both the Realm of Light and Darkness, meaning that she was in there for a full eleven years with only her own thoughts and regrets for company.
** Additionally, she feels immense guilt for the worlds falling to darkness in her absence. During the ChristmasEpisode ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/1944492/chapters/52452598 A Heartfelt Holiday]]'', she breaks down in front of the refugees of Grandship and confesses to them how she feels responsible for their misfortunes.
--->I couldn't be there when your worlds were in peril. But I should have. Instead, I spent the last ''decade'' lost in the Realm of Darkness while your homes were consumed by the Heartless. All because my best friend lost his body to a ''madman.'' All because I had hope that he'd break free. All because I… I sacrificed myself, and it wasn't enough. So please, if there's ''anything'' I can do to make it up to you… if there's any way I can bring you all hope, just—

** Terra's dialogue indicates that he's well aware of how far he's fallen and takes no pleasure in the atrocities he's committed, but considers them a necessary evil to achieve his goals.
** Chapter

'''Elsa:''' N-no… I… I didn't mean what I said. Anna… I'M the one who… who…

*** Following this, Elsa is turned to ice, much like Anna was in the film. A guilt-ridden Anna is left sobbing and screaming over her sister's frozen body as she [[PleaseDontLeaveMe pleads for Elsa not to leave her]].

''It just…this couldn't be real. It couldn't be! It…just…''\\
''Was.''\\

* TheReveal of [[BigBad Xemnas]]' true identity. For most of the story, the heroes assumed that Xehanort was still held [[DemonicPossession possessing]] [[GrandTheftMe Terra's body]], and that he was responsible for Xemnas' crimes. The truth turns out to be even worse: Xemnas, the madman commanding the forces of darkness, who permitted the destruction of an entire town and psychologically abused Xiruk and Naminé isn't Xehanort... but [[BigBadFriend Terra]].

** Aqua deeply regrets pushing Terra away with doubt and distrust during the events of ''[[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep Birth by Sleep]]'', and its clear that even now, he still resents her words.

** Following this, the Cyclops snatched Riku and crammed him into its mouth. Kairi tried to save her friend from being EatenAlive but was too late;
--->''—the Cyclops' fangs crashed together, and Riku was gone. Oblivion flew aimlessly, clattering at Kairi's feet.''\\
''She gaped silently at the monster, her face horrified and glistening with sorrow. She remained frozen as she was, at the edge of the roof, her hand reaching out to nothing.''\\
''The Titan tilted its head back. And swallowed.''\\
''Kairi fell to her knees. Her lips quivered, voice choked. The tears fell freely. "Ri…ku…"''\\

** To clarify, Terra, [[UsedToBeASweetKid once a kind, heroic youth,]] was [[BecameTheirOwnAntithesis reduced to a bitter, cold-hearted shell of his former self]]. Even worse, [[HeWhoFightsMonsters his actions in threatening the worlds have arguably made him no better than Xehanort]].
%%-->You were right, Aqua. And so was the Master. I did need to be watched. Unfortunately, there was nobody left to light the way...

* During the battle with the [[WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}} Cyclops Titan]], most of the heroes are seemingly killed off, and [[DisneyDeath even if it doesn't last]], the characters' horrified reactions to the loss of their friends is saddening nonetheless.
** First, Aqua suffers a RasputinianDeath as a result of Riku's plan to drop an obelisk on the Titan. As the heroes look on in horror, one can only imagine Riku's feelings of guilt.

\\

* Sora's HeroicSacrifice. Unlike in [[VideoGame/KingdomHearts canon]], Sora knew in advance that he had to potentially give his life to revive Kairi, and he was ready and willing to accept his fate.

!'''WARNING: Per wiki policy, Administrivia/SpoilersOff applies to Tearjerker pages. All spoilers will be unmarked.'''

!!General Examples

[[folder:In General]]
* Poor Aqua has a ''lot'' of baggage.
** Her trauma from being trapped in the Realm of Darkness is made abundantly clear. It should be noted that in this continuity, the flow of time is consistent between both the Realm of Light and Darkness, meaning that she was in there for a full eleven years with only her own thoughts and regrets for company.
** Additionally, she feels immense guilt for the worlds falling to darkness in her absence. During the ChristmasEpisode ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/1944492/chapters/52452598 A Heartfelt Holiday]]'', she breaks down in front of the refugees of Grandship and confesses to them how she feels responsible for their misfortunes.
--->I couldn't be there when your worlds were in peril. But I should have. Instead, I spent the last ''decade'' lost in the Realm of Darkness while your homes were consumed by the Heartless. All because my best friend lost his body to a ''madman.'' All because I had hope that he'd break free. All because I… I sacrificed myself, and it wasn't enough. So please, if there's ''anything'' I can do to make it up to you… if there's any way I can bring you all hope, just—

[[/folder]]

[[/folder]]

* TheReveal of [[BigBad Xemnas]]' true identity. For most of the story, the heroes assumed that Xehanort was still held [[DemonicPossession possessing]] [[GrandTheftMe Terra's body]], and that he was responsible for Xemnas' crimes. The truth turns out to be even worse: Xemnas, the madman commanding the forces of darkness, who permitted the destruction of an entire town and psychologically abused Xiruk and Naminé isn't Xehanort... but [[BigBadFriend Terra]].
** To clarify, Terra, [[UsedToBeASweetKid once a kind, heroic youth,]] was [[BecameTheirOwnAntithesis reduced to a bitter, cold-hearted shell of his former self]]. Even worse, [[HeWhoFightsMonsters his actions in threatening the worlds have arguably made him no better than Xehanort]].
%%-->You were right, Aqua. And so was the Master. I did need to be watched. Unfortunately, there was nobody left to light the way...
** Aqua's heartbroken reaction to learning of Xemnas' identity. Up until that point, she had assumed that Terra was still [[DemonicPossession possessed by Xehanort]], not wanting to consider the alternative. Now, faced with overwhelming evidence of Xemnas' true agenda, she can only [[BrokenTears break down in tears]] upon the realization that her greatest enemy... is her best friend.
--->Why? How could you do this, Terra?!
** Think of what this means for Aqua; she spent a ''decade'' alone in the Realm of Darkness clinging to the belief that her [[HeroicSacrifice sacrifice]] saved Terra and that he'd be able to protect the worlds in her steed. After returning to the Realm of Light, she learns that not only was her sacrifice [[SenselessSacrifice in vain]]; [[ItsAllMyFault because she pushed him away]], her best friend [[BigBadSlippage lost his way]] and [[FaceHeelTurn became a monster]] [[HeWhoFightsMonsters no better than Xehanort]].
** These exchanges really emphasizes just how much Terra has changed:
--->'''Aqua:''' And why would I even trust you with Ven after everything you've done?\\
'''Terra:''' Aqua, Ven is one of the only people in this wretched universe I have even an inkling of attachment to. For as detestable as I have become, it is not my intention to harm either one of you. Otherwise, you would not be standing here today.

--->'''Aqua:''' There's no need. If we’re exercising trust, then I trust ''you'' not to stab me in the back.\\
'''Terra:''' Aqua. You know I'd never do that.\\
'''Aqua:''' No, I don't. Not anymore.
** Aqua deeply regrets pushing Terra away with doubt and distrust during the events of ''[[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep Birth by Sleep]]'', and its clear that even now, he still resents her words.
--->'''Xemnas:''' But I suppose to you, I'm yet another soul who has gone... astray.

* Poor Aqua has a ''lot'' of baggage.
** Her trauma from being trapped in the Realm of Darkness is made abundantly clear. It should be noted that in this continuity, the flow of time is consistent between both the Realm of Light and Darkness, meaning that she was in there for a full eleven years with only her own thoughts and regrets for company.
** Additionally, she feels immense guilt for the worlds falling to darkness in her absence. During the ChristmasEpisode ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/1944492/chapters/52452598 A Heartfelt Holiday]]'', she breaks down in front of the refugees of Grandship and confesses to them how she feels responsible for their misfortunes.
--->I couldn't be there when your worlds were in peril. But I should have. Instead, I spent the last ''decade'' lost in the Realm of Darkness while your homes were consumed by the Heartless. All because my best friend lost his body to a ''madman.'' All because I had hope that he'd break free. All because I… I sacrificed myself, and it wasn't enough. So please, if there's ''anything'' I can do to make it up to you… if there's any way I can bring you all hope, just—

*** Following this, Elsa is turned to ice, much like Anna was in the film. A guilt-ridden Anna is left sobbing and screaming over her sister's frozen body as she [[PleaseDontLeaveMe pleads for Elsa not to leave her]].

-->You were right, Aqua. And so was the Master. I did need to be watched. Unfortunately, there was nobody left to light the way...

* TheReveal of [[BigBad Xemnas]]' true identity. For most of the story, the heroes assumed that Xemnas was Xehanort, who still held [[DemonicPossession possession of]] [[GrandTheftMe Terra's body]] a decade later. The truth turns out to be even worse: Xemnas, the madman commanding the forces of darkness, who permitted the destruction of an entire town and psychologically abused Xiruk and Naminé isn't Xehanort... but [[BigBadFriend Terra]].

** Aqua's heartbroken reaction to learning of Xemnas' identity. Up until that point, she had assumed that Terra was still [[DemonicPossession possessed by Xehanort]], not wanting to consider the alternative. Now, faced with overwhelming evidence of Xemnas' true agenda, she can only [[BrokenTears break down in tears]] upon the realization that the madman commanding the forces of darkness, who permitted the destruction of Twilight Town and ruined countless lives... is her best friend.

--->'''Aqua:''' And why would I even trust you with Ven after everything you've done?
--->'''Terra:''' Aqua, Ven is one of the only people in this wretched universe I have even an inkling of attachment to. For as detestable as I have become, it is not my intention to harm either one of you. Otherwise, you would not be standing here today.

--->'''Aqua:''' If we’re exercising trust, then I trust ''you'' not to stab me in the back.\\

* Aqua deeply regrets pushing Terra away with doubt and distrust during the events of ''[[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep Birth by Sleep]]'', and its clear that even now, he still resents her words.

* Sora's HeroicSacrifice. Unlike in canon, Sora knew in advance that he had to potentially give his life to revive Kairi, and he was ready and willing to accept his fate.

'''Anna''': …You're right. We haven't been close since we were little, and, after today, I'm not even sure how many of those memories are ''real''. But that was then. This is now. There's no more doors except the ones ''you'' create. You or this... ''darkness''. (...) And I know this because I finally saw you at the coronation. For just a few minutes, you actually smiled! You seemed genuinely happy!\\
'''Elsa''': And tell me, Anna. Why did I ''stop'' smiling? (...) Don't you see, Anna? All this darkness… All this ''rage'' that I've hidden for so long; it's all because of ''you''. '''Why couldn't you ''stay'' dead?'''
*** Upon hearing the last part, Anna gasped and covered her mouth as she fought back teary sniffles. And as the climax reveals, Anna took these words to heart; ''she believed that she alone was responsible for all of her sister's suffering.''

* TheReveal of [[BigBad Xemnas]]' true identity. For most of the story, the heroes assumed that Xehanort was still [[DemonicPossession possessing]] [[GrandTheftMe Terra]], and Xemnas was simply Xehanort