"His Heart and His Mind are Made up" (Riku is Gay Additions)

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[@normal6483]

You've convinced me that Kairi and Sora aren't meant to be, but now I'm hoping that Kairi at least gets to take center stage in protecting the world of light from Luxu while Sora and Riku are honeymooning in Quadratum.

[@mellemadswoestenburg1296]

The fact that Nomura is specifically hinting at Kairi's past and making her Aqua's apprentice immediately after tells me that this is exactly what's going to happen. Kairi leads the plot from the KH universe while Sora and Riku deal with whatever happens in Unreality. Eventually those 2 storylines will connect. Sora, Riku and Kairi will have grown into the people they were always meant to be and their bond is stronger than ever. I'm pretty sure that that's how it's going to happen.

[@simplyhenry99]

That's the absolute best case scenario and I am hoping SO HARD for it to be the case

[@appelofdoom8211]

Yeah Kairi really needs to do more stuff. She is such an underutilized character even if re:mind helped with that

[@BattyButtercup]

the lackluster writing for Kairi seems VERY DELIBERATE in the games thus far: Kairi's role is to be a Red Herring. to give Kairi screentime or make her otherwise proactive, like Belle or Aqua or Ariel are (showing that Nomura DOES know how to write female heroes), would quickly make it Very Obvious that... Kairi and Sora's feelings for each other are not actually that romantic or even very deep. this is made painfully apparent in Melody of Memories: Kairi & Sora's bond isn't strong enough to empower Kairi to defeat Xehanort, it isn't deep enough to lead her to him. then Fairy Godmother REALLY nails the coffin of the Sora/Kairi ship by turning to Riku and going "HEY I HEARD WE'RE LOOKING FOR THE BOY OF YOUR DREAMS? *u*?". remember that, thus far, Fairy Godmother's mentoring has been VERY much about True Love & making the secrets of one's dreams come true: Cinderella's wish was to be free and to be loved; Riku's wish is to be with Sora. neither Kairi and Sora really know what they want yet, both stuck acting in roles that don't fit: Kairi being freed from the forced role of "love interest?" makes her free to explore her past, to learn who she is as an individual undefined by being "one of three", to grow up from child-like beliefs on what "happiness" and "love" really look like.

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

I believe that the things you said is literally the Role the Master of Master and the Ancient Darkness are playing out. It is the Baldr/Xehanort/ Baldr's sister dynamic. Kairi is, unfortunately, the Wedge that Xehanort injected in between the Chosen to make a Dark Vessel to become the Child of Destiny, the game piece the Master actually wanted. That is her Role. She is the bridge to Soriku. She is also the way The Master of Masters uses Sora to make Riku immune to Darkness through Love.

[@emduquemack7514]

It's probably not the most important scene to talk about, but I always really liked that moment where Sora's phone rings, he gets super excited and goes "RIKU??" and then it turns out its Zexion/Ienzo and he is SO disappointed about it, he's just always so euphoric about Riku always in ways I don't think he is with other characters

[@jijitters]

That scene plus the one in Sanfransokyo where Sora excitedly texts Riku reminded me of a teenager with a crush lol Thinking of the person you like whenever you're excited about something and wanting to share it with them.

[@FerociousMit]

​@@jijitters y'all read too deep into the little things. The entire series should be what you look at. Kh1, sora and riku are shown to spend days trying to one up each other, during the game sora and riku fight over the best way to save kairi, at the end riku tells sora to take care of her, she was so important to them both, and it's due to them both liking her at that time. Riku has lost interest over time, due to sora winning that battle, kairi likes sora. They put a heavy emphasis on jack and Sally in kh2 having sora see himself dance with kairi in a daze, then kh3 had shown us everything with tangled, pirates, and Hercules, how love worked in those worlds, and it played a role in paralleling sora and kairi at the end. Also out of nowhere they bring back riku replica, who pretty much loves namine, and only namine. Riku is clearly respecting his wishes, and seems to be doing everything replica riku would have wanted, and that in turn could get him to fall for namine too. Maybe that was the foreshadow. He isn't gay.

[@jijitters]

@@FerociousMit Stop crying your hetero tears on me. They're gay.

[@roxasthoughts]

@@FerociousMit cry hes gay

[@rirururu4697]

​@@FerociousMit Then why is all of Riku's angst after KH1 about letting Sora go instead of Kairi? Why did Riku tell Sora in KH2 that the real reason he competed with Sora over Kairi was because he actually wanted to be like Sora the entire time? Why has Riku not said more than 2 lines to Kairi in every game he's in? Why is Sora stated as Riku's most precious person and the one he wants to protect the most? Why was Kairi not able to talk Xehanort-Riku into staying in KH2 and had to tell Sora to say something to him to get him to stay? Regardless of whether you think soriku is a thing or if Riku is gay, it's 100% clear that he has never had feelings for Kairi. Have you considered that you trying to push him to be with Namine just because he smiled at her once (something that Nomura removed in re:mind AND confirmed that RIku has no romantic feelings for her in an interview) is more annoying than how you'd feel about people pushing him to be with Sora after 20 years' worth of buildup with them?

[@RoselinBooksOfficial]

Weak people: a 6 hour video?! Tennelle, strong: 6 hours was not enough

[@shinichi4476]

Riku : “take care of Kairi” Sora : *sleeps for a year* Sora : “Take care of Riku” Kairi : *Sleeps for a year* If Sora really said that, the parallel would be HILARIOUS

[@trevorphillips9576]

lol! Good one.

[@jonathonwild7350]

Maybe take care of Riku is what sora said before disappearing 😂😂

[@matttx]

wow that's too remarkable to be a coincidence, they're both pretty clearly stated to be one year 🤯 I'm convinced

[@sly3o]

Can’t wait until Kingdom Hearts IV so we can complete the cycle with Kairi telling Riku to take care of Sora and Riku just sleeping for a year.

[@SA-xl1tk]

LMAO that is not a coincidence

[@NicoTreecko]

All the differences in translation you point out address the weird irks I was feeling playing KH3. It really felt like Riku scenes were about Sora, but we were talking around it. And then Sora's "romantic" feelings for Kairi felt so forced and shoehorned in at the very end cuz it didn't feel like a natural focus and with no build up to it really. But the direct Japanese translation makes so much more sense. Thank you for not making me feel crazy. Also, hope the road to recovery goes well.

[@purpleirken1529]

Yeah, I felt the EXACT same way about those scenes.

[@canariawing]

you're definitely not alone there, i felt the exact same way. almost every problem i had with KH3 seems to be because of these translation errors. it all felt wrong and like you said, shoehorned and forced. while it's not feasible at all, i really wish they would go back and patch in fixes to the translation, especially with how nomura has made his feelings on the translation errors clear. nomura's fix in re:mind with the loading screen was a good step but i doubt most players would really view it as anything more than just an extra bit of kairi dialogue (i sure did)

[@BattyButtercup]

i was fortunate enough to have & play through the entirety of "The Story So Far" right before playing KH3: it made me VERY CONFUSED about the clear disrepancies between what the ENG dub was doing with Kairi as opposed to... literally everything thus far pointing away from her. Kairi's role, thus far, has been "the biggest red herring of all time" while Riku being Gay (for Sora) is foreshadowed as "the biggest PLOT TWIST of all time": Riku loving Sora is the lynchpin of the story, Kairi (& everyone) realising that she's NOT "in love" with Sora (and that's why he can't be a source of power for her, resulting in her repeatedly falling behind). Kairi studying with Aqua will guide Kairi to find out what her ACTUAL dreams are, what will really make her "strong"... because Sora never has.

[@rirururu4697]

Those feelings you have don't come from nowhere. Ever since Sora reunited with Riku in KH2, Kairi's name has barely left his mouth. He never thinks about her or mentions her unless it's in reference to her and the rest of his friends. Heck even discounting how gay DDD, recoded, and to some extent 358/2 and BBS was for soriku, even KH3 itself the supposed "sokai game" was consistent in this. The first 90% of the game was basically Sora constantly calling Riku with his new phone or wanting Riku to call him, comparing Elsa to Riku, complaining about Riku going to RoD on his own without him, running into the evil Riku in San Fransokyo, comparing Yozora to Riku, going after Riku to do the gayblade with him, telling Riku to be safe, comparing Rapunzel to Riku, etc and not once does he think of checking up on Kairi. Sora wouldn't shut up about Riku up until the literal second Kairi shares the paopu with him. He goes from that to "everything about myself started because of Kairi" in less than half a day. It's just, weird.

[@andrewsigler7437]

You've given me unreasonably high expectations that this ship will come to fruition in the next installment.

[@kefkaexdeath]

Cinderella, crying outside in her torn up ball gown: "It's all hopeless.... my dream will never come true...." The Fairy Godmother appearing before her: [deep voice] *"Cinderella. You Don't Believe That. I Know You Don't."*

[@oras7745]

Just need to say that this is one of my most favourite youtube comments of all time.

[@kefkaexdeath]

thank you it's nice to be appreciated 🙏

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

Funny enough, Terra meeting Cinderella parallels Riku and Sora with Sora as Cinderella in Kingdom Hearts 3. Terra defends Cinderella from the Unversed (Emotions of the Ancient Darkness that looks like Sora, Vanitas). Then the light of the Fairy Godmother comes down and teaches Terra and Cinderella to Believe. Then, Cinderella shows Terra the Power of belief in Love. And in Kingdom Hearts 3, Sora (And Us the audience) are shown Riku's Light and Love, twice, after they are attacked by the Ancient Darkness as the Demon Tide, and he makes Sora believe. The fact that Sora and Riku are both paralleled to Cinderella is what gets me. Riku is Terra/Fairy Godmother and Cinderella is Sora in the BBS parallel. And in Melody of Melodies, Riku is Cinderella and Sora is in Fantasy as his Prince.

[@JaruJaruJ]

Cannot express how happy I am to have more of this to listen to. The original video was a delight (I've rewatched it several times by now) and I am now unimaginably invested in this love story panning out the way you described. If this dream really does come true, I sincerely think it'll elevate this series as a whole. Like, substantially so. Having fans around the world fall in love with closeted gay kids and getting to watch their love unfold would be such a shotgun blast of wholesome progress. I really, really hope you're right about this. Great videos!

[@rirururu4697]

"Let him go. His heart and his mind are made up." Regardless of whether we think Sora will love Riku back--- there's almost no way I can avoid interpreting this line as someone loving another with all their heart, realizing their feelings are unrequited, but choosing to let them go because they love them too much to tie them down.

[@venny-ip7ks]

"Take care of Riku" would also parallel CoM with Kairi going to sleep for a year like how Sora went to sleep for a year after being told to take care of Kairi. Btw, I was so happy to see this video I dropped everything I was doing to watch!

[@MissKittyNoir]

Something I love about the scene where Riku tells basically everyone to believe in Sora and how this is brought up more than once during KH3 is watching these scenes thinking about Sora's short story about love and how he doesn't quite understand what it is. I don't remember it too well, but in the story, Sora mentions how love could be truly believing in someone and I like to think that's what the game was trying to convey, that Riku's way of showing his love for Sora is believing in him, no matter what🥺♡

[@davidmaxwell4696]

All the mistranslations leading to a more heterosexual reading by the players is giving me a flashback to the handling of Ike in Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance's english translation. Not only was the vast majority of the game's dialogue never translated (There' a simplified script for the easier difficulty and an expanded one for hard mode, but only the simplified script was translated into english), but the english version heavily played up his relationship with the princess who employed him. Then when the sequel to came out, the english audience was surprised (and in some cases angry) that not only were they not together, they didn't have any interest in each other beyond casual friendship. Meanwhile all of Ike's potential endings are with men, he's clearly uncomfortable when women flirt with him, and he even has a secret scene with one of the men he has an ending with. Said scene can only be unlocked if you achieve several a whole list of hidden objectives on your second playthrough *and* import data from the first game where they achieved maximum relationship values, and involves him and the guy professing how they mean so much to each other.

[@weridplusho]

Small correction: the one that wasn't fully translated was Radiant Dawn. But other than that, all correct. Heck, even in English PoR they tweaked Soren's lines a little to be less gay.

[@ChampionAshley]

the suggestion that Riku allowed Sora to go after Kairi, not believing that he may be the one needed to bring Sora back, and thinking that Sora would never choose him over Kairi, makes me think of this quote: "[Because] The one thing I want...is something I know I can't have." So, I simultaneously want to thank you for bringing it up and also hate you for making me think of that quote. On another note, the whole deal with the Fairy Godmother does seem incredibly interesting to me, in that it feels like Nomura is drawing a parallel to a Disney character/couple, without actually needing to. I mean, think about it. Why DO they need the Fairy Godmother at all to tell Riku that he has to be the one to save Sora? everyone already knows Riku is Sora's Dream Eater. they know that even if Riku hadn't been having dreams of Quadratum, he would stand the best chance at getting Sora back. So why incorporate the Fairy Godmother at all? It puts Riku, like you said, in the position of Cinderella about to leave for the ball. which I find truly fascinating, and frankly subversive because Nomura keeps switching the positions of Sora and Riku in these Disney Couple parallels. Sora, the empathetic, free-spirited, friend with actual animals (Donald and Goofy) Keyblade Wielder, things commonly codified in Disney movies as more feminine attributes, has been paralleled to the Beast, Aladdin, and now Prince Charming. and Riku, the powerful, loner, darkness-wielding Keyblade Master, things codified commonly in Disney movies as masculine traits, has been paralleled with Belle, Jasmine, you mentioned Ariel, Rapunzel, and now Cinderella. this to me is GENIUS as it helps break up the heteronormative patterns that Disney themselves have been perpetuating for years. neither of them is the "man" or the "woman" in their relationship, and that's reflected in the parallels. they're also paralleled with Mulan and Shang, another queer-coded couple that defies gender stereotypes. just as a closing remark, I SERIOUSLY hope that Nomura manages to find some way to incorporate Enchanted (2007) into KH4, as it not only is a story literally about a fairytale character ending up in the real world, but it also involves talking about true love, the nature of romance itself and ends its story with Giselle falling in love with Robert, a man who is so cynical to the idea of true love and doesn't even believe it exists. it would PERFECTLY fit. this video is a fantastic addition to what I hope will be an ongoing series, but I do hope you get better and heal. seriously, you've earned it with the work you've put into BOTH of these videos. :)

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

Your beginning paragraph reminds me of what Namine did to Sora in Chain of Memories. She used Kairi and Riku's connect to Sora to connect Sora to her. But because she is " of the Dark" and didn't exist until recently, she doesn't believe she deserves to be Real. However, recently, The idea of Fiction and Imaginary things being Real is become more and more likely. This implies Sora and Riku is becoming more and more Real. For you see, The True Memories under Namine's influence involve Riku and Sora promise, and Riku's devotion. And that is becoming more Real.

[@purpleirken1529]

Oh, I would SCREAM if they added Enchanted. My favourite live-action Disney film right there.

[@RoselinBooksOfficial]

Every so often I come back to the Riku is Gay DLC to heal my soul

[@oras7745]

Same. These videos are part of my comfort video collection and keep me sane.

[@AuroraPeachy]

While I really love the parallels that come with Sora saying "Take care of Riku" before fading away, I also love the theory that he says "I'll always be with you," which not only parallels his interactions with Winnie the Pooh (which is RIPE with Kairi parallels), but also calls back to Kairi telling him the same thing in KH1 (the Sora that she's chosen to hang on to/write letters to). It would not only signify that he, as he is, will always be with her even if he fades away, but that her memories of that past Sora--the one that brings her comfort--will always be with her even if Sora grows and changes. Thank you so much for these videos, you are truly doing god's work. 💖💖

[@mellemadswoestenburg1296]

Considering Kairi doesn't start crying untill he says that makes me think that you are correct. She's heartbroken that she'll probably never see Sora again but their bond cannot be broken and he'll always be in her heart. Love both options and i honestly don't have a preference. Also HEY PEACHY!! Love you and your content. Loved watching Dark Road alongside you and many others! Can't wait to continue this wild ride with my fellow KH and Soriku friends. And considering the way KH handles things i can confidentially call you my friend. May your heart be your guiding key ❤️💙🗝

[@AuroraPeachy]

@@mellemadswoestenburg1296 💖💖

[@Dr.PepperBeans]

People really love to downplay discrepancies in translations for some reason when all of the evidence is clearly all there lol. Thanks for highlighting these important differences! You always do such a good job organizing and explaining these key details!!!

[@castle3267]

Read the title as “Riku’s gay addiction” at first

[@ihavemanyregrets2308]

Actually, rewatching this, and why did they change the music in the scene where Xehanort killed Kairi? The soft piano music was so much more emotional and made the scene feel like it was focusing more on Sora's sad emotions rather then anger/determination. It's a small note but the music also drastically changes the scene and how the characters emotions are presented.

[@rainy.melodies9792]

Kingdom Hearts was a series that I was vaguely aware of but never really got into, your video on Riku DRAGGED me into this fandom and now I'm deeply invested. Thanks for giving me a new hyperfixation to obsess over.

[@Kirarala]

Your videos about Riku have really validated my feelings about his and Sora’s relationship and that I’m not crazy when I say there’s a crap ton of chemistry between the two! Honestly makes me want to go back to my fanfic writing days so I can write about these two! I can’t wait to see what else you’ve got in store for us! Do take care of yourself though!

[@simplyhenry99]

I have probably have not been so emotional about Riku since i got into the games. Incredible.

[@jijitters]

You brought this up early on in this video, but I feel it needs repeating because so many people want to skip over it: Sora's desperation to save Kairi has nothing to do with it being *Kairi* and he would've done the same thing for another friend. Any of them. It's a bit unfortunate the translation at multiple points tries to create a narrative suggesting that it's a Kairi thing when the original Jp text does no such thing. It's just how Sora is with his friends.

[@coatimundi69]

yeah theres something real weird about sora saying "Why her?!" as though he would care less if it were anyone else? like, i think theres some loophole you could come up with (he'd say it for anyone, she's the least experienced so of course he's upset, etc.) but its sooo... shoehorned is a good word.

[@kefkaexdeath]

@@coatimundi69 god imagine if he meant like. about xehanort's "motivation" thing. "Why her?! She's not THAT important"

[@kefkaexdeath]

"You could have killed donald or goofy, that would have REALLY pissed me off!! they're like... my dads!!"

[@TRMshadow916]

Sora was destroyed when Goofy died in KH2, you're not wrong.

[@piccolofan24]

Probably won’t happen, but I really hope we one day get a re-release of the games with accurate translations.

[@jijitters]

Re:mind updated a few things, but only ones that were text-only (Kingstagram posts), nothing that required voice acting. That aspect of it (the voice acting) what I think prevents these changes from actually happening, because it would be such a hassle to bring people in to record just a few lines. But of course, if there are call-backs and flashbacks in future games, I hope they'll do them properly!

[@rirururu4697]

@@jijitters Oh it's not just re-recording the lines. They also have to reanimate the lip flaps.

[@Fannintendociccio1]

Oh boy the Riku fist clench™!!!! Love that ahahah! What I find actually insane, and actually shows by itself that Riku is gay for real and on purpose, is the fact in the scene from kh3 you explored, he actually does the double fist clench twice, one in the blurry shot, and another you can BARELY see happen when sora is speaking and the camera is slowly rotating behind everyone. It's absolutely incredibly important if they actually made sure to hide that one as much as they could. It's all super intended and important. Why hide both so meticulously otherwise? Also, even if (probably) not intended, I love seeing that scene as a parallel to Beast saying that he lets Belle go and give up on his humanity because he loves her. I love the Riku is gay video is getting dlc, but I'm sorry to hear about your health, I hope you'll get better!

[@tavoiradio7667]

Riku there’s a difference between loving someone and helping them and loving them and letting them do something that’ll hurt them but he’s still a kid really. He’ll understand more in the future

[@WithASock]

me at 30:45: "take care of him. he said take care of him. ive literally never heard ppl speculate over what sora said but if its a call back to Anything he said take care of him-" me at 31:02: [arms raised] WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SAME BRAIN

[@TootsiePooh]

Hey I'm hoping for the best for your shoulder!! Also... I'm so oblivious that I blew over the "I thought we'd finally be together." sentence. I thought he implied "we all" and not just himself and Kairi. Wow, me, just wow lol.

[@PaintSplashProductions]

Me too. Sora's too oblivious himself to not imply he meant "all of them together"

[@RenAsterion]

I also thought he meant everyone, not just Kairi. I think everyone who DOESN'T have Sora/Kairi glasses on (and even most who do) would be aware that Sora's personality wouldn't allow for the selfish thought of "me and Kairi". Especially after he works so hard to save EVERYONE. Kairi is just one piece of the puzzle for Sora. She's one of the center pieces, of course (having been a childhood friend and just as close to him as Riku), but she's still just one piece... and with even one piece missing, the picture is incomplete and it just plain feels wrong. So what do you do when you complete a puzzle and find one piece missing? You go looking for it, of course. I didn't really feel a romantic connotation for that line until Tennelle pointed out that romance was a possible reading of said line.

[@purpleirken1529]

I had both thoughts come up when I saw it for the first time :/ So I just went with: "He's probably talking about all of them"

[@comicat142]

I noticed Riku clenches his fist at 6:24 too, just a little off screen

[@venny-ip7ks]

I noticed that too! And it's right when Sora says that he thought they'd all be together again. This tells me that he shares the same wish, but is having a moment of realizing that it won't happen that way, at least not for him and Sora. That and if Sora is upset, then Riku is upset too. He just wants Sora to have his happy ending. 🥲

[@jusminejustice2794]

You know what- I haven’t played Kingdom Hearts once and not know anything about the game or characters..yet I have watched your 6 hour long “Riku is gay” video. 😂 it was a great video btw!

[@MasterEash]

Honestly i like that this tidbit was separate, the previous video framed everything nicely and i think that this one definitely make future implications and where the series is going in terms of Sora’s journey less abstract. ESPECIALLY since Nomura confirmed that KH4 will be about his disappearance, basically sora becoming absent and missing Riku and I’m here for it.

[@utopiandystopia1383]

if this is intentional they set up some really good writing and characterization. if its unintentional then they somehow accidentally set up really good writing and characterization and should run with it as if they had intended it

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

I feel like it is set up. Nomura has seen the Big Picture , and the End, and works backwards to try to get there. The Idea of Sora and Riku and their Unions and Reunions are the Ending and everything else is characterized around that.

[@pedrogarcia8706]

"I will be referencing and assuming you've seen the Riku is gay video" ok so I'll go watch it fir-SIX HOURS??? ok there's my day plan. See you when I'm done.

[@susan6462]

I love that Riku’s character is so complex! Thank you so much for making these videos. I love watching them and learning things I didn’t see or understand when playing myself!

[@kennymccown1922]

I am convinced that someone on the development team for the franchise is obessed with no homoing Sora.

[@Mimiyan_or_Pikapikafan]

+37min to the 6hr and 5min of Riku is Gay. Now a total of 6hr and 42min. Congrats! Also good luck healing!

[@rirururu4697]

I've seen a lot of series where the platonic best guy friend reacts to his best friend getting the girl and it's always something like ayyy bro fist it's about time you two got together. But Riku just, never does that. Instead he just ignores sokai the entire game until the end where he tells mickey "let him go, his heart and his mind are made up." There's no way that I can imagine this type of queer coded writing behind Riku is unintentional given how consistent it is.

[@fauxsynder]

Thank you so much for adding this one end!!! This one really got me the most of all the “sacrifices” that Riku made. Which is why I’m so excited that he’s going to be following that resolve to find him in KH4! He believes in Sora, but he knows when the boy needs a little help! ❤

[@The_Violet_Howler]

2:46 I feel that. This is why my videos have a lot of "as said in previous videos, [TLDR]" or "see episode X" captions. Anyway, fantastic video! Great work!

[@mellemadswoestenburg1296]

Hey Howler! You and Tenelle have been giving me the best KH fan content i have ever seen. You opened my eyes about so many things in the narrative and the characters and Tenelle made me feel so justified for shipping Soriku and she made me realize so many new things! I'm very thankful for both of you and i can't wait to continue this awesome journey alongside you both.❤️💙

[@mochhhhee]

You're a soriku scholar 🙏 thank you for this meal. I listen to the other video while I'm on the gym it gives me the motivation to get buff to deck the non-believers 💪

[@coreDesignix]

i gotta tell all my friends the first riku is gay video sequel just dropped

[@kiffley]

Sora's final words to kairi were "I'm gay"

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

I noticed something recently in the Re Mind DLC. After Sora saves Kairi but before the battle with Armoured Xehanort, we get shot of Sora over Kairi's shoulder. We See his face, and he smiles. However, like in the paopu scene, the smile doesn't actually reach his Eyes, or funnily enough, his mouth. Compare it to when Sora lands in front of Riku to save him from Anti Aqua in the base game. Now, this is right after he just saved Kairi, who Riku thinks Sora wants. And if Sora felt the way he felt about Riku, we should See the Smile we see from him in the Realm of Darkness with Riku. Yet, we, the only other witness to the Re mind scene see the perfunctory smile. And this is seconds after getting her back. It feels like Nomura and The Master of Masters is setting us up to see directly with our Eyes things Riku doesn't so we can have this revelation about Sora before he does. That Sora is subconsciously into him.

[@Wynntersenk6017]

A lot of what you’ve posted has re-invigorated me in kh. The problem is that I got personally burnt out and didn’t look into the mysteries that kh3 left open, and you’ve made me look into those mysteries more, so thank you for that.

[@holliehrm7928]

You literally gave me a hyperfixation and then doubled down. rude /lh

[@havenburley2606]

this is so real LMAO

[@GattoCatto_]

I FEEL THIS SOOOOO HARD

[@tetitous]

I'm so happy whenever people reference Riku's fust clench you have no idea...thank you so much for the addition I can't wait to hear more of your takes(KH or not btw)!

[@PasdedeuxRue]

"I thought I would leave this for the time being, and get back to work on my other numerous projects..." "They're waiting for me." LMAO. Fucking mood. Anyways, I'm so ecstatic about these addition videos! Thank you for feeding our souls.

[@andreaking2550]

These analysis videos are becoming a vibe in my life ngl I’m falling in the KH lore hole again esp with soriku KEEP ‘EM COMING

[@TheRibottoStudios]

Tennelle really went "BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE." and I love that. Soriku is endgame.

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

I believe also, as Howler the KZbinr preposed, Riku feels that attempting to control and restricted Sora is a Darkness move. A Thing Ansem, Seeker of Darkness would do. Therefore, He is trying to let Sora "be free" Like he wanted to in Kh1. But this make him lean too hard into the False Light of Sacrifice. But Riku's Light knows better. Thus the Dreams of where Sora is, and his unconscious diving into Sora's Heart, and the Keyblade transfer.

[@VidiaReePhoenix]

I'd like to point out that it wasn't only the queer subtext involving Riku and Sora that was removed/messed up by English localization, but that other characters with queer subtext were changed. For example, you mentioned in a previous video that Axel and Saïx are basically just Sora and Riku's story condensed. In KH3, the EN version completely reanimated Saix's face to remove his smiling while he was hanging out with Lea on the tower. So, instead of looking happy with Lea, he looked angry. Eraqus also had his smile severely downplayed while with Xehanort right before they went to keyblade heaven. It really makes this feel like this is purposeful queer erasure on their part. Even more so since they add romantic subtext betwen Kairi and Sora that never existed before.

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

It does imply they were trying to weaken the parallels or make it look like a "rival thing" instead of a " I am envious and want to prove myself to get love from you" thing.

[@Volcanic_Eruption]

Wow! I never knew they reanimated Saix's face to make him less smiley. Nasty business

[@Rose-SunG524]

more???? you made MORE??? ;w; you're amazing! The bottom of the KH is gay barrel will never be found & I'm glad you're bringing more up 💖

[@AuroraPeachy]

You just keep getting more powerful. 🌈🌈

[@kahlilbt]

You have changed my whole perspective on this series AND got my best friend hooked. Cheers

[@UnfictionEnthusiast]

TENNELLE, PLEASE I CAN ONLY BE SO ANNOYING 2 MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY BUT THIS SERIES IS ABOUT TO MAKE ME GO TURBO MODE GGRAAAH Everytime i see riku and ur name in my inbox i rise from the grave, good soup good soup

[@AdamLongandTall]

Damn, King Mickey really is an ally 😢

[@naminefair]

The ending song you put into this video was such a beautiful touch. ❤️ As if I wasn't moved to tears already. 🤧😊 What a beautiful way to see Riku's situation.

[@LittleMissZackyVee]

Riku is my favorite character in all of kingdom hearts and both of these videos you made for him just validates the claim. Thank you so much for these ❤

[@KDawgwiththebeats]

I have been rewatching the "riku is gay" video so much!!! Im so glad you made it. It pretty much sums up everything i think about riku and soras relationship.

[@vehkian8666]

you’ve literally got me back into the series by putting it into words why i loved it so much. thank u

[@sharonvirginia6041]

Wouldn't it be funny when Nomura making kh4 he was a bit salty at translation for kh3 so to retaliate he made them kiss and then say "so what you gonna do to kh3?" Ignore me, I'm just in my little bubble.

[@Blueblurz]

I actually screamed with joy when I saw u uploaded a new video abt Riku help😭😭😭

[@sapphirestream2091]

I havent watched this yet (Im still watching the original), but you had to know I IMMEDIATELY ran to tell my friend that there was more

[@JustinW332]

That last video was iconic. I watched the whole thing in one sitting. I had to. It was really important. When I played these games when I was younger I always saw myself in Sora. But, now that I'm older and a little hardened by life's challenges, I find myself relating more to Riku. Like it's kinda weird how much I relate to his character now.

[@jackdaw8252]

I got this video recommended to me last night and immediately went to watch the first one to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I didn’t sleep. I loved both videos though, you got me to rethink a lot of KH and despite always being a Soriku shipper I never really thought about it too hard. But now you’ve 100% dragged me right in the the heart of this ship and these characters relationship. I was actually loosing my mind over the last video, the whole backwards message in Sanctuary may of broke me a bit lol. And all your other points either got a ‘holy shit’, ‘that makes so much sense’ or just made me laugh a lot. I applaud you for making these videos and informing the KH community so very throughly

[@dawnjeff49]

They break my heart into tiny little pieces WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME KINGDOM HEARTS WHYYYY

[@TootsiePooh]

Oh my goodness this makes me want to write a fanfiction in Riku's perspective aaaaaaaaaa

[@senu.]

riku stays being painfully relatable. self sacrifice, leaving your dream to others doesn't believe in his happy ending...... me too buddy. I should've known I've been so fixated on riku at such a young age, and again being a girl lead me to believe it was probably my first big fictional crush but it was the classic comphet working. he's my gay son whatever happens with sora or no sora I just want him to be happy he deserves it. and kairi, god she's so relatable as well, I'm still thinking about her writting sora letters and she won't even send them just writting her feelings that shit hit me. my god she' deserves so much better, I need her to be her own damn character, get in action I'm hoping and coping her training with aqua means she will finally have control and be a great fighter and get a hand in protecting the realm of light with everyone else!! sora is my son as well, I won't even say what he likes or who he ends up with I feel like I'm way more worried for his safety seriously the anxiety of kh4 is eating me alive. once again another great video and even more material to think about for the next years hhhhh

[@monochromatiicx]

the urge you are giving me to go play games i haven't touched in YEARS is unimaginable. i love your interpretation of riku and i definitely think you could be right about all of this! i've grown to adore riku as a character just from the two videos you've made alone, i'm definitely going to look into going and playing through the series myself!

[@Doco160]

Ahhh there's more!! Hell yes. You're doing such an important thing with this. The idea that Sora might be saying "Take care of Riku" or "Take care of him" has my heart bursting, that would be so fucking cool. I think at the end of the day if Sora and Riku don't end up together...I can take just Riku being gay and that being acknowledged. Thanks again for these videos!

[@wingsofzero5732]

Sorry about your shoulder, I hope things will work out for you soon! I'm the same kind of person, I get restless as heck when I'm not working on something.

[@kumoraifox6357]

Idk if you'll read this comment, but I wanted to thank you Tennell, for bringing back my love for Kingdom Hearts and why I continue to stick with the franchise for so long despite how much hate and redicule its gotten over the last few years. I had to live a Kingdom Hearts fan discord server, over a argument about the Hogwarts Legacy controversy, mainly because the people there state they don't care about thematic storytelling or symbolic storytelling. They only care if a story is entertaining. They'd then talk about how the KH series is horribly written and how Sora is a bad protagonist and whatnot. It had a negative effect on me, and made me simply believe media literacy is officially dead. But your "Riku is Gay" video actually gave me a intense sense of happiness and euphoria. It made me emotional, how you went out of your way to actually analyze the franchise, taking notes about the stories and themes, and who the characters are and what they represent. You've reminded me just how much I love the franchise and how much I love fictional media as a whole. I wanted to thank you on that. You bringed back the spark that I felt was slowly fading away. On another note, the idea of Sora and Riku being together makes me hope for Zootopia to be in Kingdom Hearts 4, since Judy and Nick's relationship and dynamic would act as the perfect parallel with Sora and Riku.

[@GattoCatto_]

I super super recommend Constructing Kingdoms!! It's a KZbin channel run by The (Violet) Howler; the videos on there cover analysis of Kingdom Hearts. You should really go see it

[@CryptidCritter]

First off: Take care of yourself Tennelle! Artist injuries I feel like are some of the most 'F*ck You' kind of injuries your body can have, so I send all my love and regards on a smooth and swift recovery! Having said that, I'm absolutely excited to listen to more of your in depth thoughts about Riku's Gayness and SoRiku in general. Your videos completely reignited my love for this ship, and this fandom as a whole. It's just... both SoRiku and Kingdom Hearts fill my spirits up with Positivity, Joy, and Hope: which is something that I'm happy to indulge in as I'm coming to an end to one aspect of my life and moving forward towards truly embodying my true self. This video, just like the first 6 hour video, is amazing, and I can't wait to listen to what else you have in store for us ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🖤

[@readingchameleon]

I suspect the fandom as a whole isn't talking as much about SoRiku because of these persistent mistranslation errors plaguing the series. It seems clear to me now that for future titles it would be preferable for me to watch the sub, not the dub - despite me having grown significantly used to the voices in the dub.

[@SanadaUsako]

Is anyone else just MAJORLY distracted and annoyed by the fact that this scene at the end when Sora leaves the ONLY ONE in the whole game where Riki’s eyes are the right dang color!!! Also, Riki’s teenage angering over slowly realizing he is in love with his best friend is the ONLY reasonable explanation for his actions in the first game. One can debate Sora’s feelings if you want (if you must lol), but Riki’s feelings for Sora are 100% cannon you cannot convince me otherwise.

[@maykupi4147]

Loved The Video :) I Been Having These Weird Thoughts Lately That When Yozora Defeats Sora, Sora Gets Crystallized And Returns To The One Heart That Has The Special Bond With Him That Is Riku’s And That’s Why Riku Has The Dreams Of Himself Finding Sora In Tall Buildings And Someone Watching Him Up Ahead. Riku Will Be The Key To Restore Sora’s Being. Also When Sora Defeats Yozora, Yozora States That His Power Isn’t Needed Yet (Thinking All Three Sora, Riku and Yozora Will Have A Huge Impact Going Forward) Soriku Forever :)

[@wuba5456]

please never stop talking about soriku and kingdom hearts

[@alanl.4252]

I always assumed that Sora told Kairi the same thing he told her at the end of KH1 with “I’ll come back for you, I promise” or something along those lines. I felt that it would be poetic and bring it full circle for the next saga. But i guess your proposition is an interesting alternative too. Will admit as much as I enjoyed your Riku is gay video, I do disagree with the idea that Kairi won’t have a bigger role in the series going forward. I feel more strongly about it after Union X and Melody of Memory as it seems that her past and the mysteries of Radiant Gardens world seem to be hinted as important in the next saga. That was my one gripe with the six hour vid though.

[@TennelleFlowers]

Hey, that would also be a pretty poetic callback! I still (obviously lol) lean towards “Take care of Riku” bc if Sora did say “I’ll come back to you, I promise”, there’d be no narrative reason not to just hear him say it right then and there. But instead what he said is a mystery, so I think something that might have a deeper reveal later on would pack more punch. Either way, I hope we get to see what Sora said. I also agree that Kairi’s past is going to be an important plot point moving forward, so we agree there. I just don’t know that Kairi herself will be that involved in the discovery and exploration of it. Just from how the series has written her up to this point and where the series seems to be focusing it’s attention. I’d like to see her involved with it, again, at least for the sake of everyone who wants to see more of her, but who knows?

[@alanl.4252]

@@TennelleFlowers that’s a fair point, I can see your reasoning with soras last words, I’m pretty eager to know what he said too (and I’d be happy with either one being true tbh). I’m feeling optimistic about more Kairi representation even if it doesn’t correlate to Sora or Rikus plot. If the remind dlc is any indication it’s that Nomura and his team do listen to fan feedback and given the positive reception to having other playable characters (riku/aqua/Roxas/Kairi), maybe we can hope other potential plot threads to develop in tandem to the main one. I am curious though if you have any thoughts or theories on what the main plot for kh4 might be and how your riku theory might relate or connect to it (especially with the whole yozora/versus plot line). In any case can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

[@LovelessPrince]

I hope he really does come out in the next game.

[@smaacat]

Bless you for this 🙏 I love the Riku is Gay video and am always happy for more content! Specifically for this one, I can’t believe I never noticed the fist clench in the background , it’s so on the nose on top of everything else going on and really hammers home how much Riku has grown. One thing I was expecting to see mentioned in this (and sorry if it was mentioned in the original video) was the Beauty and the Beast parallel being present here too. Riku letting Sora go parallels Beast letting Belle go to save her father in the movie because “he loves her” Also with that Mickey is basically Cogsworth with his “why would you do that!!” 😂 Just like Beast grew from his selfishness to love someone, Riku grew out of his dark jealousy and possessiveness Overall great vid, hope you get better soon, and thanks for spreading the gospel of gay Riku 💜🏳️‍🌈

[@Volcanic_Eruption]

I hope that in KH4 Nomura turns the gay so far up that not even Square NA's meddling and rearrangement of the translations can tone the gay down.

[@DDTPZX]

This is just: Nomura, I am So Sorry I doubted you ~ Reprisal

[@aryblack]

About the paopu tree scene and what you say, I can only reply: WHY DID YOU HAVE TO COME AND HURT ME, TENNELLE.

[@boredom-__-9217]

I can't believe you made a follow up so quickly already!! I'm loving your analysis videos about the series since you make it so easy to understand and entretaining too(kinda new to this fandom but im obsessed already hehe) I can't wait to hear more :D

[@purpleirken1529]

That's great XD

[@Doris-gf4hb]

Same here , I'm rooting for Soriku to confess and kiss. I like the Riku is gay video (I'm a fan of Riku).

[@s0of]

I have not watched this yet, but my girlfriend (who knows absolutely nothing about KH) was so excited to get an update since they watched the original 6 hour one cus I sent it to them!!!,,, I love her so much

[@lovenothate4489]

"Take care of Riku" OUCH 💔

[@TheInvisibleHorse]

Love me some Soriku content.

[@Okami-Hope]

I was gonna rewatch the Riku is gay video, and I found this while looking for it, and I'm SO happy I did. Thank you for making such great content 💞

[@xrats4020]

Gahhhhh you really did double down on the whole excitement about Sora and riku oh nooo. I haven't seen as much about people talking on Sora's talk with Kiari, but I absolutely looove that theory, it fits so well. I'm really excited now to see where Nomura is going in kh4, and I hope it gets structured at least a bit like 3D was, because the ability to play the two of them with Riku literally in the middle of his journey with his feelings was indescribable, literally dream material.

[@CusterdCrange]

i absolutely love these videos, exploring character's emotions is what i always tend to do during second playthroughs/watches in games or movies, so helping me realise the deeper emotions they carry is SO entertaining to watch. make sure to rest up, too! ♥ these videos of yours always make me so emotional lmao

[@acocolc]

WONDERFUL ADITION BFF

[@ihavemanyregrets2308]

These videos give me so much life thank you for making them 💜

[@Poruasecas]

I'm so happy to know there's more of this coming! I watched the original video reciently for the first time(but certainly not the last) and I was so sad that there wasn't really anything else like it, I really am thankful for what you do, this video's are amazing!!!

[@StoryTeller796]

Man, I was gone for years and you've improved with your animation in spades! Also, muscle spasms are heck.

[@purplekillingshadow8474]

I'm overjoyed to get More of this I can listen to you talking about how gay riku is for days!!♡♡

[@tehawsumninja]

I literally just found your channel, watched your riku is gay video yesterday, subscribed, and then this shows up in my notifications. Im so fucking happy

[@jeannecaelum5167]

Im glad to have another half an hour listening to your essay! Thank you for all the hard work, and making me enjoy KH again to the point it awakens my special interest again, haha!

[@kyarikatari1225]

aww man, im really sorry to hear that you hurt yourself from overworking! i do hope you will have a speedy recovery and i wish ya good luck on your future endeavors!! thanks for continuing to indulge in this hyperfixation of mine ehe~

[@chrispat3638]

Thank you for making more of these! Take care of yourself. I'm sending thoughts for a speedy recovery from your injury. I'm also looking forward to following this series of videos all the way through. The thought that this is going to be an ongoing thing makes me happy 😊 You give us hope that Sora and Riku will find each other again in the end. (The theory that Sora told Kairi to "take care of Riku" before he disappeared is so perfect omg)

[@miqosandy]

Looking forward to more!!! great video once again, these are 100% my favorite videos to watch. Also hope your injury gets better soon ♥

[@Harmoon13]

The Riku is Gay video is the first video I saw of yours, and it's such fun time. Definitely looking forward to future videos you make. I hope your recovery goes well and you feel better soon. :)