SPECULATION: Who Are the Seven Guardians of Light?

WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MAJOR KINGDOM HEARTS: DREAM DROP DISTANCE AND KINGDOM HEARTS SERIES SPOILERS. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

In my last article, I discussed the True Organization XIII, the villains of the upcoming Kingdom Hearts III that were revealed in Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance. 

Xehanort explained in Dream Drop Distance that his plan is to recreate the fabled x-blade and access Kingdom Hearts by clashing thirteen darknesses and seven lights. He also explained that should Sora and his friends choose not to clash with him, the True Organization XIII will simply target the Seven Princesses of Light, therefore creating the x-blade with little resistance.

The thirteen darknesses, or True Organization XIII, were discussed in the last article so this time I would like to discuss the confirmed and potential candidates for the seven guardians of light who will clash in a final battle for Kingdom Hearts.

Confirmed Members:

Sora

Obviously the protagonist of the series is one of the seven guardians of light. Sora has proved on multiple occasions that he is a powerful Keyblade wielder, but will it be enough to combat thirteen different versions of Xehanort?

Riku

Riku is also pretty much confirmed to be one of the seven lights, as he acts as the secondary protagonist of the series. Also, as of Dream Drop Distance, Riku is a fully-fledged Keyblade Master, making him a powerful ally of Sora's and a deadly foe of Xehanort's.

Speculated Members:

King Mickey

King Mickey has been shown to be handy with a Keyblade since the first game. It is likely he is one of the seven lights, but due to there being many potential keyblade wielders representing the light, there is a possibility that he is not. 

Lea

Lea, or Axel as some people know him, was revealed to be a keyblade wielder at the end of Dream Drop Distance. Lea would be a fitting choice for the seven guardians of light, as he knows the inner-workings of Organization XIII and also has a bitter rivalry with his former best-friend Saix, who has been confirmed to be a member of the thirteen darknesses.

Kairi

The ending of Kingdom Hearts II revealed that Kairi could also wield a keyblade, and the secret ending of Dream Drop Distance had her arriving at Master Yen Sid's tower in order to begin her training to become a Keyblade Wielder. Kairi is also one of the Seven Princesses of Heart, which means she would act as a guardian of the light in both scenarios.

Potential Members:

Terra

Terra was one of the three keyblade wielders introduced to us in Birth By Sleep. Although he has been possessed by Xehanort, there is still a chance that Sora and Riku could rescue his body in time for him to join their team and stop the man who has been using him for years.

Ventus

Ventus is said to have a "pure heart of light" which would be ideal for this team. The big problem is that his shattered heart and body have been sealed away in Castle Oblivion, with the other half of his heart taking shelter inside of Sora's body. Perhaps if Sora can find and restore him, then Ventus could act as one of the guardians of light.

Aqua

Master Aqua was banished the Realm of Darkness after using the last of her power to stop Xehanort from fully devouring Terra's heart in Birth By Sleep. She has been trapped there for many years, but has recently come across Ansem the Wise, who may have insight on how she can escape. In fact, the trailer for Kingdom Hearts III shows Master Eraqus' keyblade washing up on the shores of Destiny Islands, which was last in the possession of Aqua. Could this mean Master Aqua will make a triumphant return to aid her friends?

Xion

While Xion was destroyed in Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days, her heart is said to be connected to Sora's, which means he has the potential to return her to the world. Xion has been shown to be an adequately powerful Keyblade wielder and potentially could act as one of the seven lights.

Namine

 

While Namine has never been shown to actually wield a keyblade, it is very likely that she has the ability, as she is the Nobody of Kairi, and Nobodies tend to retain the abilities of their counterparts. 

Roxas

Roxas reunited with Sora during Kingdom Hearts II, but he has continued to have a presence throughout the series. As revealed in Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, Roxas actually developed his own heart and own personality, which means he is now trapped inside of Sora. Should Sora find a way to reawaken him, he would have the only keyblade wielder to ever wield two keyblades on his side, fighting the darkness that deceived and tormented him for so long.

Any of these mentioned Keyblade wielders, as well as many other potential ones, could join Sora and Riku in their final battle against Master Xehanort and his thirteen darknesses. 

The synopsis for Kingdom Hearts III mentions that Sora will be attempting to "save those connected to his heart," which means Roxas, Xion and Namine will appear to some capacity while Riku and Mickey attempt to "find former keyblade wielders," which means that Terra, Aqua, and Ventus will appear in some capacity. 

Who will face off in the final battle between light and darkness at the climax of Kingdom Hearts III? Only time will tell!

Article By:
Giuliano V.