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Part 2 of Kingdom Hearts Alter Path
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Published:
2020-09-03
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2020-09-03
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7/?
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Kingdom Hearts Alter Path Compendium

Summary:

Hi everyone! With as many chapters and original lore elements that I’ve been introducing to the series, I figured I’d make a compendium to gather and organize information for those who are caught up. Given how I basically update monthly, more or less, I hope this helps clarify some ideas, especially with how vague I can be.

Notes:

WARNING:
Do NOT READ unless you are completely caught up in the fic I Woke Up As A Nobody. This compendium is meant for those at the edge of their seats, awaiting a further chapter and who might need help recalling things I've introduced.

(To not flood the AO3 pages, I won't be changing the publication dates on any of the chapters.)

Chapter 1: Songs

Summary:

This is fun stuff. I love music and have a lot of songs I’ve introduced over posting each chapter. Here, I’ll be debriefing each of these and giving my thoughts on how they correlate to the story.

Chapter Text

Ballad of the Knight Most High and the Angel of Darkness: Ga1ahad and Scientific Witchery Cover by Octavia and Umber (Chapter 16)

THIS ONE YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY. This song is the premise I’ve built most of my original story elements. Each character talks to each other, one is Amber Chirithy, and the other Galahad, the knight who became the Master of Masters. This gives you insight on each of their characters and what they think of each other. It’s a bit of a mess of a relationship, to be honest. During the middle of the song is the lyrics of Amber’s incantation that were the summaries of every chapter within part 1. The incantation that began the spell to summon a certain individual… (Roxas). “Stimulates your flip-flop” for example. From one world to another.

 

 

Opening Song: Edge of Dawn Cover by LeeandLie (Chapter 6)

I always thought that KH openings were always catchy, yet almost sorrowful at the same time. Although a Fire Emblem theme, I feel that Edge of Dawn perfectly encapsulates the fear of the future and the longing for the past. For SI Roxas, this is the longing of his previous life before becoming Roxas, and learning how to embrace the new situation at hand “Never give in to the call of yesterday”.

He has to pretend to hide his original identity from everyone else “But still I hide behind this mask I have become”.

Unlike Riku, who follows the path to dawn, MC dreads it, because the future should all but spell his doom. “I fear the edge of dawn knowing time betrays.”

Yet, despite his hesitation, he tells the original Roxas to “Reach for my hand, I’ll soar away.” He knows change is inevitable, and that canon, reality will never be the same.

 

 

Roxas Part 1 First Fight Theme (Vs. Riku): Nothing is Promised by Lotusjuice (Chapters 7 & 8)

This fight theme is Roxas’s rebellion against the standard and confines of DiZ’s plan for him. He’s done playing sacrifice and will fight to be himself. “I wanna live my life not to just exist. Gonna get my rights so I fight back and resist.” He’s also trained in Merlin’s time for this exact moment. He stronger than before, and is ready to show that to Riku. He’s done appealing to different authorities and is ready to become his very own player in the grand scheme of things.

 

 

Riku, Sora, Mickey Boss Theme: For Freedom + They Who Govern Reason (Chapter 9)

For Freedom is Roxas’s last call to escape DiZ’s clutches. He wants out, and that’s all that matters at the moment.

They who Govern Reason refers to Mickey, Riku, and Sora. Each of their reasons for fighting MC Roxas is different, but they’re all centered around the idea that they need to get information from Roxas who is not as he seems. They govern reason, but Roxas is fighting against that, for his freedom.

 

 

The Cathedral of the Saints World Theme: The Maid and the Pocket Watch of Blood Piano Arrangement by TAMUSIC (Chapter 11)

This a world theme. I wanted it to be tranquil and yet intriguing. This is a sacred sight. Mysterious in lore, but beloved in history. This is the moment in which our MC realizes that his knowledge becomes severely lacking, but he is entranced by the wonder of the place all the same.

The title of the song is a bonus, since he was trapped in this realm by the Pocket Watch of Patience, and is obligated to use his blood to fulfill a special contract in order to escape. Yet his keyblade held special power here, in place trapped in time at 12 o’clock, Midnight Roar awakened its true power.

 

 

Roxas Part 1 Second Fight Theme (Vs. Luxord): Justadice English Cover by Studio Yuraki (Chapters 10 & 11)

Justadice? Die of Justice? Yep. This song is the song that highlights the special and first summoning of the black Die of Justice.

The lyrics also showcases Roxas’s overall confusion and struggle to combat fate as well as his drive to hide from others. “They’re words that I live by- I don’t open up!” and “Through volumes 1-2-3 I read till I dropped it all.” He’s played the games, but things are totally different now.

He’s also unsure as how much ‘Roxas’ he can be. He can’t be an exact copy of canon copy, they’re a new individual now. “Try as I might, and I just cannot become you.”

“The universe splits into three separate paths that are drafted in vain.” I like to think this is a reference to the paths of the Tactician, Wanderer, and Illusionist.

There’s so much going for this song that relates to our MC, it’s kind of surprising to me, honestly.

 

 

Leviathan’s Theme: Leviathan by NeLIME (Chapters 14 & 15)

Not much I can say about this one, other than the image did give me some inspiration. I like to think the song shows the intensity of the creature known as Leviathan.

 

 

Dark Ventus Theme: Unbreakable Chains (Chapter 16)

You know it as Vanitas’s theme. In this moment of chapter 16 where the leftover of the original Roxas fighting against a corrupted version of Ven in a snow-capped city… I’d like to think that this one plays.

 

 

The Curious Song of the Golden Eyes: Dream Presage by NyxTheShield (Chapter 17)

If you haven’t figured it out… there’s some Undertale themes I’m gearing for in this KH fic. The title, Dream Presage allude to things seen that shouldn’t be. A vision perhaps. Something weird is going on here. Because this is something no-one knows about. Not MoM, not Amber, and even Roxas himself constantly forgets.

 

 

Amber’s many songs: String Theocracy, Witch’s Invitation, Summoning 101, Cast Me a Spell.

I like to think that each of these songs gives some window in the crazed mind of Amber Chirithy. Often times, the lyrics will be speaking of Galahad, and then switch at a moment to refer to MC Roxas. If you couldn’t tell… Mili is an artist I pull heavily from when coming up with the original lore. Don’t worry though, Amber has two true themes that I’m saving up for a late, late, laaaate future chapter. One of them is a Mili song.

 

 

Elegant Emerald’s Theme: The Thief of the Gleaming Star by Chamber Chu (Chapter 20)

I also like Deemo a lot, have you noticed. Though the coloring is different, I picture Emerald in an outfit very similar to the one in the drawing. The song, to me, captures the craziness and yet dazzling manner in which a thief carries out their passion. Emerald is one such thief, and I hope you enjoy her character!

 

 

The Ghost's Song: People Become Ghosts by Umber (Chapter 23)

This, while teeechnically was Amber's viewpoint, is more of a future, alliteration and foreshadowing device. I think, while the song carries many themes of the fic itself, is an exaggeration of events that have and will happen. Like a legend that has been over emphasized. The Ghost's Song represents Amber in a direr, more instinctual baser form. Years upon years as a lonely ghost haven't done much for her... but a glimmer of identity still remains and she latches onto her humanity.

 

 

The Battle for Hollow Bastion World Theme: Grievous Lady- nothing is but what is not by Team Grimoire (Chapter 25)

This is one of Namine's themes, as she is the "Grievous Lady" who sacrificed her existence for Kairi's sake. In the song, there's the chiming of bells, reminiscent of The Cathedral of Saints, as well as a girl, Namine, giving out an estranged laugh in her last moments. There's also the faint sound of unnatural rain pouring down, like the situation at hand. It has... a sorrowful tone, but it ramps up in severity to showcase how the situation is dire: Roxas must press on, heart distraught and hardened to face the oncoming threat of the Heartless Invasion. Truly, the Battle for Hollow Bastion has begun. He has to resonate for everyone.

 

 

Roxas Part 2 Fight Theme: Delusion Unleashed from Genshin Impact (Chapter 25)

Unlike the world theme, Roxas's own theme for Part 2 is a bit calmer. Reserved.... Unnerved. There was a delusion, a... misunderstanding he had about Namine and her selfless intentions. It was shattered, unleashed in a shock, and now Roxas has to come to terms with it, all the while facing possibly the biggest threat yet. The flute in this piece is reminiscent of For Freedom and Roxas's desire to be truly free from the shackles of big world nonsense. But... Namine, and so many other things that he cares about tie him back, root him as a protector.

And when he chooses to protect those he loves... there's a crazed desperation ready to sink in and lash out sporadically. Within the calculated gaze of a tactician, an illusionist hides his true intentions, and all the while he wanders, his true intentions leak out, either as a gracious perfume for his allies, or the stench of venom for his enemies.

 

 

Roxas vs. Xigbar Theme: Hero by Jeff Williams (Chapter 26)

Constantly throughout their encounter, Xigbar has been taunting Roxas, constantly labeling him as a "Hero". In light of everything, our MC embraces this identity, though takes it to an extent that is far different than Xigbar's expectations of a hero: selfless and weak enough to drag others down. For our MC, being a hero means protecting others from evil, no hesitation at all to vanquish anything deemed a threat or an evil. No parley for enemies. No mercy.

In one sense, he's talking to Kairi, to "deliver you from harm" and "survive this storm" (the heartless invasion). But ultimately, it's about his response to the Kingdom Hearts Universe as a whole. He's ready to make the hard, fast decisions that are cold, without emotion and empathy in his drive to defeat his enemies.

This song is from a series known as RWBY and is James Ironwood's theme, a man ready to accomplish... debatably heinous acts to protect civilization. Needless to say, I'm applying this to Roxas; after his delusion of Namine has been unleashed, this desperation has been reaching a pinnacle. This is the story of a Self-Insert, and most of these stories are a fix it up of sorts. The beginning of this fic was not really that though, it was more of a grasp for survival... but now... Well, no one else is like him, no one else knows what he knows. So he'll take up the struggle himself, weigh the fate of the worlds on his shoulder. He'll CRUSH all opposition against his goals. A self-Insert usually has a hero complex, and now it's infected our MC... perhaps like a knight himself.

Though the lyrics sound awesome... there's an undertone of someone who is so determined, someone's whose mindset is so finalized with their ideology... it leaves little room for the approval of others.

 

 

Mentality of the Boy Who Wanted to be a Knight: Dear Alice by Arai Tasuko (Chapter 26)

As the Master described, Alice is the name of the first witch Galahad was acquainted with. It was a much more innocent time for the young teenager, constantly captivated by two polarizing things: an interest in knighthood, and an interest in magic. Mysterious Onyx led him on you see... a mistake that would be her undoing. For when she didn't truly reciprocate the young aspiring knight's affections... she fell, fell down.

 

 

Part 2 Final Boss Theme: Lunar Clock ~ Luna Dial (Chapter 28)

This is an ode to the Watch of Patience, symbolized by Saix now who wields it and how the moon Kingdom Hearts is now there. It also has the same melodies as the Cathedral of the Saints back in chapter 11. I like to envision the heavy metal rifts as Saix fighting, whereas when the violin kicks in, it's all about Roxas fighting back with his clever magic.

 

 

Part 2 Final Boss Phase 2: Ludwig the Holy Blade (Chapter 28)

Saix inherited the Moonlight Greatsword from the Watch of Patience, as one of the artifact's true purpose was to find a successor worthy enough through the ages. This is why time has been captured in the location that recreated the past. It had to patiently await someone would truly be worthy enough to hold the mantle of Moonlight Knight,

 

 

Opening Song 2: Zettai Zetsumei  English cover by AirahTea (Chapter 28)

This song is from Roxas's perspective, and potentially from Emma's as well. It signifies the next journey for Roxas, as he will soon be trapped in darkness and try to escape. In such darkness, he will meet the inhabitants of this new fandom. "Time will be proof that we conquered our fates." No more strings. No more being toyed around. His time here will show just how strong his determination to break through will impact how he can escape his doom.

 

 

Goldy Pond Theme: Existence of an Insider (Chapter 29)

I think this ost quite captures the suspense and uneasiness of how the existence of demons really makes one feel. Yeesh. Spooky.

 

 

Emma's Boss Theme: 63194 cover by Hurakion (Chapter 31)

The opening sequence showcases the tragedy that just occurred, the moment of disbelief as our protagonist shakily rises to her feet. A new catalyst within her hand, one able to turn the tide... made from a very dire cost. Sometimes... a singular word is all that is needed.

 

 

Station of Awakening Theme: Memory of the Lost cover by JoyDreamer (Chapter 32)

The lyrics are all about seeking the lost memories of those who have passed on... which Emma quite literally does. It's also a very tranquil piece, one that fits the cathedral-like atmosphere of the Dive To Heart.

 


 

EXTRA SONGS:

You’ve made it to the compendium! Congrats! Here’s a treat for you that others won’t see in the original fic of I Woke Up As A Nobody.

 

Each section of my fic has a title signifying the end of that part. Each title has to start with the letter M. That’s the rule I’ve given myself. So far I’ve completed the prologue and Part 1. I’m currently working on Part 2.

 

Prologue End: Milk by Mili (Chapters 1-6)

Although not English, I think these lyrics can refer to the merging of hearts of both the original Roxas and the new SI. “Merge together, like perfect puzzle pieces.”

There’s also a lot of influence from their ‘mother’ or rather Amber, the one who summoned mc to this world. “Dye our dilated irises.” Refers to the changing of eyes to slitted ones that Roxas has seen having throughout the fic.

 

Part 1 End: Magnolia  by M2U & NICODE (Chapters 7-16)

Unlike most songs from Amber’s perspective that switch from addressing Galahad to Roxas, this one is Amber speaking solely to Galahad. “Watch me fall and drop away.” Refers to the time her life came to a close. A sacrifice in curiosity.

 

Part 2 End: Myosotis by M2U & NICODE (Chapters 17-28)

This is Galalhad's response to Amber, as well as an acknowledgment of events that have been occurring. "When the moon comes out to watch the bright daylight die." Refers to how Kingdom Hearts has changed Hollow Bastion.

 

Numbers Arc End: Mitsubachi by Mili (Chapters 29-32)

The name of the spell that Emma used, Mitsubachi means Honeybee. The POV is Emma's perspective. She both talks to Leuvis and Roxas as the song carries along. Essentially... the cage is the demon world, and the children are the bees. 

"Let the flowers bloom." Alude to the Vida Flower. "I shall believe in you." Is Emma's promise to Roxas, despite learning about the fractured parts of his past.