Episode 175: Lexaeus, the Taciturn Stalwart
We open up to a room with Xaldin and Lexaeus, sitting in a room alone. They were mostly silent for the most part. Xaldin turned to look at him.
"You've been quiet, Lexaeus," Xaldin said. Lexaeus turned to look at him. "Something on your mind?"
"I was just thinking back, Xaldin," Lexaeus said.
"Thinking back? Thinking back to when?" Xaldin asked.
"Thinking back to when we were human. You and I were both guards all those years ago. You and I were only beginning when we first met," Lexaeus said.
"I remember it well, Lexaeus. It felt like only yesterday that we met, but the years has passed between us since them, and you and I have grown stronger since then," Xaldin said.
"I do. When I met you, Braig humorously said I was a giant because of my size," Lexaeus said.
"It made you laugh if I remember correctly. But why bring up such a memory now?" Xaldin asked.
"It only came to me just recently. And I thought I'd share it with you," Lexaeus said.
"Perhaps. If I still had a heart, I would have treasured such a memory, but alas neither you nor I have one. But, Axel and Roxas here," Xaldin said.
"This has not unnoticed. They keep pursuing in this imaginary friendship. Like us, they lack emotions," Lexaeus said.
"Agreed. Saïx would try anything about it," Xaldin said.
"And what of Sora and Kairi? It has come to my attention that two of his friends have joined them, the Pokémon Watcher and the other girl," Lexaeus said.
"You refer to Ash and Leaf? This is a problem. I have no doubt Lord Xemnas knows by now. Whispers have a way of reaching higher up," Xaldin said.
"Agreed. Marluxia, Demyx, Axel, Zexion, Vexen, and Xigbar, each had a hand in dealing with him," Lexaeus said.
"But none of them have succeeded. I suppose that you and I might have a turn next," Xaldin said.
"Yes," Lexaeus said. "Perhaps, I shall have it." Xaldin said nothing as Lexaeus leaves through a corridor of darkness.
The scene switches to Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Tracey, Sakura, and the Pokémon were sleeping soundly next to a small lake. They began waking up when the sun was shining down on them; well, not everyone were up and about. Sora was still sleeping like a baby. Kairi found it cute and she approached her sleeping boyfriend. Sora slowly opened his eyes and sees Kairi looking back at him.
"Whoa!" Sora yelped. He got up and she giggled. "Geez, Kairi, that old gag again?"
"It never fails to make me laugh. Anyway, good morning, lazy bum," Kairi said.
"Morning, Kairi," Sora said. They kissed each other good morning. "Sleep well?"
"I always do. And I always dream of you," Kairi said. Sora found that to be very sweet.
"What did you dream about?" Sora asked.
"Oh, just this," Kairi said, giving Sora a kiss on the lips. Sora kissed her back.
"Some dream," Sora said.
"You dream of me, don't you?" Kairi asked.
"Ever since we met," Sora said. This made Kairi smile. Ash turned to the couple.
"It's about time you woke up. We could use some breakfast. The Pokémon are getting hungry," Ash said.
"Right," Sora and Kairi both said. "Jinx!"
Sora helped Kairi make some breakfast for everyone. They even made Pokémon food for the hungry Pokémon, waiting patiently for their meal. Luckily, there was plenty to go around. Everyone happily ate their meal as something large came jumping out. It was a giant Magikarp, and it was flopping around.
"Look at the size of this Magikarp," Ash said. Kairi felt sorry for the gigantic fish Pokémon, and she decided to catch it.
"How about I take a chance with him, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"Go ahead," Sora said.
"Thank you. Jumpluff! Use Sleep Powder!" Kairi ordered. Jumpluff sprinkled blue sparkling powder at the giant Magikarp and fell right to sleep. Kairi took out a Pokéball and threw it. The giant Magikarp flows inside and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Kairi's Pokémon Box goes off and it asked if she wants to keep the giant Magikarp with her. She chose to send the giant Magikarp right to Professor Oak's lab.
"Nice one, Kairi," Leaf said.
"Thank you, Leaf," Kairi said, smiling.
A little later, Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Tracey, Sakura, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu continued onward. Sakura looked in the sky. Kairi and Leaf noticed right away.
"Is something wrong, Sakura?" Leaf asked. Sakura looked at two of her friends.
"No, it's nothing," Sakura said. Kairi and Leaf weren't buying it.
"Sakura, you know you can tell us anything. It's no good keeping it all bottled up," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Well, I-" Sakura said. She knew Kairi was right, but she didn't know how to say it, but she knew what she wanted to say. "I've been thinking about this for a while now, but I wasn't sure when to say it."
"What are you talking about?" Leaf asked. Sakura had to let it out now.
"I was thinking of going on my own Pokémon Journey as soon we reach Ecruteak City," Sakura said. Kairi and Leaf looked at each other.
"When did you decide that?" Kairi asked.
"It was a short time after we left Olivine City. It's been sticking with me for a while, and I thought of telling you and the boys before we got to my house," Sakura said.
"How would your sisters react, Sakura?" Kairi asked.
"Well, I'm worried they would just say no to me after everything that's happened; I mean everything related to Team Rocket, the Heartless, and Organization XIII. And that fight with Trickster before you, Sora, and that mystery boy destroyed him," Sakura said.
"It was for us all," Leaf said.
"Your sisters were okay with you coming with us just so you can learn. The Eevee you had evolved into an Espeon because you worked to make her strong," Kairi said.
"She's right. I know Ash and I weren't there, but you saw how well Sora and Kairi handled that Heartless that attacked your home, twice. Not only has your little Eevee evolved into a beautiful Espeon, but the other Eevee you caught evolved right into a Sylveon, a Leafeon, and a Glaceon, because of you," Leaf said.
"And I know they'll be proud of you. But if you want to go on your own journey, that's your choice. You shouldn't have to ask for permission from me or Sora, Sakura. We're going to support you, and I know your sisters will, too," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"And if Karen was still with us, I know she'll support you, too," Kairi said. Sakura was glad she has some supportive friends.
"Thank you, Kairi, Leaf," Sakura said.
"Kairi, Leaf, is everything okay back there?" Tracey asked from ahead. The girls quickly caught up with the boys.
"What took you so long?" Sora asked.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Pichu," the Shiny Pichu said.
"Pichu," the Spiky-eared Pichu said.
"You didn't see any Heartless or Nobodies back there, did you?" Ash asked.
"No, we were just having some girl-talk," Leaf said.
"Yeah, some girl-talk," Kairi agreed.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped, despite being a male Pokémon.
"If you say so, ladies," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Let's get the show on the road," Sora said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Tracey, Sakura, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu continued on when they heard a woman scream coming from somewhere. And judging by loud the scream was, it sounded very close.
"Help! Someone help!" The woman's voice yelled. They all rushed in action. They stopped and gasped when they saw that it was an elderly woman being attacked by a group of Nobodies. It consisted of Dusks, Creepers, and Knights. "Go away, you horrid creatures!"
"Nobodies!" Ash exclaimed, summoning his Fire Red Charizard.
"We gotta help that lady!" Kairi said.
"You're right! Those Nobodies aren't gonna get away with it!" Sora said, summoning his Kingdom Key. Kairi and Leaf have summoned their Keyblades as they rushed over. "Sakura, Tracey, get her to safety!"
"On it!" Sakura said.
A Knight was about to strike her, but Kairi rushed at the Nobody and clashed her Destiny's Embrace against the Nobody's axe sword.
"She specifically told you to go away!" Kairi said. The elderly woman was awestruck when Kairi helped her. "Get to safety, ma'am."
"Right this way," Tracey said.
"Thank you," the elderly woman said. Sora, Ash, Leaf, Pikachu, and Angel stood beside her.
"Now we got you," Kairi said.
The Knights swung their axe swords down, but Kairi blocked again with her Keyblade as Sora threw his Kingdom Key, hitting the Knight, and a Dusk, destroying them. Pikachu shocked a Creeper with a Thunderbolt while Angel destroys a Dusk with Iron Tail. A Knight threw its axe sword at Ash, but he jumped and grabbed it. He threw it back at the Axe Knight while Leaf casts her magnet spell and pulls some of them in. She then threw her Keyblade, destroying the Nobodies caught in it. Kairi held her Keyblade and she slashed at the Dusks and Knights. Several more Knights have arrived. Kairi raised her hands with her Destiny's Embrace as magical orbs shot straight up, hitting the Nobodies, destroying them all.
"Everyone okay?" Sora asked.
"I'm okay," Ash said.
"I'm alright," Leaf said.
"So am I," Kairi said.
"Chu," Pikachu said.
"Vee," Angel said.
"I gotta say, Kairi, I was amazed you pulled that off," Ash said.
"To tell the truth, it surprised me, too," Kairi said.
"Thank you, children. Thank you for saving my life," the old woman said.
"We're just glad you're okay," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel agreed.
"But what happened?" Kairi asked.
"I was out on a joyous stroll when a band of those horrid monsters appeared and attacked me for no reason. I never been so scared in my life," the elderly woman said.
"You didn't see anyone with them, did you? Anyone wearing a black hood?" Kairi asked.
"No, I didn't see anyone else, but all of you," the elderly woman said.
"That wouldn't been too easy," Sora said.
"Chu," Pikachu agreed.
"But I am grateful for you for coming to my aide," the elderly woman said. She smiled. "Why don't you all come to my house and I can reward you for your courage."
"That's not necessary, ma'am," Leaf said.
"Oh, but I insist," the elderly woman said as she led the group right back to her house. Once inside, she poured tea for all of them. And she prepared some cookies for them. "Here you go. I hope you'll enjoy."
"Thank you. That's very kind of you," Tracey said.
"Oh, and I have one more thing," the elderly woman said, bringing out a Pokémon egg. It's light green and dark green spots on it. She hands it to Kairi. "I would like you to have this egg, dear."
"An egg?" Kairi asked.
"Yes. I found this egg only just recently, but I won't be able to care for this little one. And I decided on letting you have this little one since you seem very capable of taking of it," the elderly woman said.
"Thank you, ma'am. I promise to take care of the Pokémon that hatches from it," Kairi said.
"And I will ever be so grateful, my dear," the elderly woman said.
Kairi sent Farigiraf over to Professor Oak's lab just so the egg will hatch and there would be room for the newborn Pokémon.
After a brief stay, Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Tracey, Sakura, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu continued on their way.
Lexaeus was watching from afar.
"Their powers are even stronger than I thought. I must put a stop to them," Lexaeus said in his thoughts.
It's a few moments later that Sora and Ash decided to have a practice when they made a stop. Ash took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"You're going in, Ariados!" Ash called out. His Pokéball opened and an Ariados came right out to battle. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Larvitar!" Sora called out. Larvitar came right out to battle.
"Larvitar," Larvitar said.
"You have the first move, Ash," Sora said.
"Ariados! Use Shadow Ball!" Ash ordered. Ariados fired Shadow Ball right at Larvitar.
"Dodge it, Larvitar, and use Rock Slide!" Sora ordered. Larvitar dodges Shadow Ball and unleashed Rock Slide right at Ariados.
"Dodge it, Ariados!" Ash called out. Ariados dodges Larvitar's Rock Slide by jumping. "That's great! Now, use Spider Web!" Ariados unleashed a sticky thread at Larvitar and he was struck in it.
"Larvitar!" Larvitar yelped.
"Use Shadow Ball!" Ash ordered. Ariados fired Shadow Ball and it struck Larvitar hard. "Use Smart Strike!" Ariados came at Larvitar with its front legs giving off a silver glow and comes at the Rock Skin Pokémon.
"Try to get out of there!" Sora called out. Larvitar tried to wriggle loose, but the thread of Ariados's web was too strong. Ariados struck Larvitar hard and he hits the ground hard. "You okay, Larvitar?"
"Lar," Larvitar answered weakly. The Rock Skin Pokémon stood right up on his feet and then started to evolve. Everyone were awestruck by the suddenly evolution. Larvitar has become a Pupitar.
"Larvitar evolved!" Sora said, taking out his Pokédex and scanned him.
Pupitar, the Hard Shell Pokémon
The evolved form of Larvitar
Type: Rock/Ground
Pupitar creates a gas inside its body that it compresses and forcefully ejects to propel itself like a jet. The body is very durable. It avoids damage even if it hits solid steel.
"All that training paid off," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Gotta hand it to you, Sora, you raised your Larvitar well. Let's how well your newly evolved Pupitar can handle this. Ariados! Use Smart Strike!" Ariados came at Pupitar with a Smart Strike.
"Dodge and use Crunch!" Sora ordered. Pupitar creates a yellow aura shaped like a pair of curved fangs, which then bites down Ariados.
"You okay, Ariados?" Ash asked. Ariados nodded. "Okay, use Shadow Ball!" Ariados forms a ball of shadow and fired it at Pupitar.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pupitar dodges Ariados's Shadow Ball.
"Keep firing Shadow Ball!" Ash ordered. Ariados kept firing Shadow Ball again and again until Ariados lands a hit. "Use Smart Strike!" Ariados came at Pupitar and lands a heavy hit. Super-effective! Pupitar was taken down. Sora ran up to Pupitar.
"Are you okay, Pupitar?" Sora asked.
"Tar," Pupitar answered weakly.
"Get some rest, Pupitar. You've earned it," Sora said, calling Pupitar back. He and Ash walked up to each other. "Great job, Ash."
"You too, Sora," Ash said.
They shook hands. Tracey and the girls smiled at the friendship between them.
"You delude yourselves," a new voice spoke. They all turned around and saw Lexaeus. The axe sword is about a meter long, and has a blue handle roughly half the length of the blade. The top and bottom of the handle end in spikes resembling those on the Nobody logo. The blade is mostly black with a red edge and several other red patterns decorating it. The top of the axe sword blade curves noticeably and the tip is flat and fans out. The bottom edge of the blade is serrated. It also sports a strange, square, pale yellow guard on the opposite side of the handle as the blade. This guard is decorated with black lines on the corners and a thin, red "X" on the top side. Considering the size of the blade, this guard may act as a counterweight. This axe sword is known as the Skysplitter.
"You're with Organization XIII, aren't you?" Sora asked.
"Yes. You have done well to make it this far. You have shown real potential in using your Keyblades, and that deserves respect," Lexaeus said.
"Why are you trying to get rid of me so badly?" Sora asked.
"That is of no concern to you. What you need to know is that your journey ends here. And I, Lexaeus, shall end it!" Lexaeus said as a red and black aura rises up from underneath. Everyone all braised themselves. Lexaeus raises the Skysplitter and swings it down. Pillars of rocks erupts from the ground. Everyone scattered when the rocks came at them.
"I'm gonna guess this guy's element is earth," Sora said.
"It seems very obvious," Ash said.
"Pika," Pikachu said. He launched a Thunderbolt at the Nobody, but he swings his axe sword to block it.
"Pathetic," Lexaeus said, coming at Pikachu, but Ash came and gave him a kick. "Can't run!" Lexaeus slams the Skysplitter on the ground as rocks erupts from underneath. Sora came at Lexaeus, but he grabs him and then threw him. Leaf leapt to save him, but she gets hit in doing so.
"Nice catch, Leaf," Sora said.
"My timing was a bit off," Leaf said. He threw the Skysplitter up in the air. It falls back down, heading right at Ash. He dodges, but he's hit by the impact.
"This guy is strong," Ash panted.
Down below, Team Rocket is spying the group fighting Lexaeus.
"I found the twerps, but you wouldn't believe who's down there with them," James said.
"Juding by the get-up, he's gotta be from Organization XIII," Meowth said. Jessie growled in anger.
"Why do they have to stick their noses in where they don't belong? The twerps are ours to mess with, and nobody's else's; not even those Nobodies!" Jessie said.
"How about we give that big oaf a lesson he will not forget!" James said. Wobbuffet popped out again.
"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet said.
Lexaeus was about to swing the Skysplitter again when some bombs came raining down. He looked around.
"Who's there?" Lexaeus asked. Team Rocket laughed as they made their appearance.
"Prepare for trouble, we are here!" Jessie said.
"Make it double, we will make you cower with fear!" James said.
"To protect the world from devastation!"
"To unite all peoples within our nation!"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
"To extend our reach to the stars above!"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket's blasting off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"
"Meowth! That's right!"
"Wobbuffet!"
"Mime!"
"Get out of here, you morons! You three don't stand a chance against him!" Sora said.
"For once in your lives, listen to him!" Kairi said.
"No way! We came here to do just one thing, and that's snatch Pikachu!" Meowth said.
"And this big lummox isn't going to stand in our way!" James said.
"Is that so? You will regret your bravado," Lexaeus said, throwing the Skysplitter at their balloon, making it crash down. They get up and they're extremely peeved.
"How dare you do that to us!" Jessie said.
"You're going to pay through the nose!" Meowth said.
"And we know how to do it!" James said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Victreebel! I choose you! Give this guy a good chomping!" Victreebel came out and chomps on his head once again. "DON'T CHOMP ON ME, CHOMP ON HIM!"
"YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING!" Lexaeus roared as he rams into Victreebel with James still in his mouth. Victreebel spat him out.
"How dare you do that! Victreebel! Use Leaf Blade!" James ordered. Victreebel came at Lexaeus with a Leaf Blade, but he grabbed the Fly Catcher Pokémon by the vine and swings him around and around.
"I believe this is yours!" Lexaeus said, throwing it back at James.
"I should have know you'd muck it up! I'm gonna fix it!" Jessie said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Arbok!" Her Pokéball opened and Arbok came out. "Use Poison Sting on him!" Arbok fired Poison Sting at Lexaeus, but he uses his axe sword to block it. "Use Wrap!" Arbok wraps his body around Lexaeus, but he easily overpowered the Cobra Pokémon with his muscles gave him a punch. He lands right in front of Jessie.
"What do you fools have to accomplish by standing in our way?" Lexaeus asked.
"A lot!" Meowth said, coming at him with his claws out. Meowth attempts to scratch at him, but Lexaeus just grabbed him by the back. "Take that, and that, and that, and that and..." He paused, "...that?" He sheepishly chuckled as Lexaeus just looked at him. "Has anyone ever told you that you got nice eyes?" Lexaeus wasn't amused. "Hey, can't ya take a joke?"
"I'm not laughing," Lexaeus said, throwing Meowth back at Team Rocket. Meowth knocked Jessie and James down on their backs.
"This isn't how I thought it was planned," Meowth said.
"I'm starting to agree with Meowth here, Jessie," James said.
"Hey, don't blame me, it just came very quicky!" Jessie said. Lexaeus slammed the Skysplitter down as a rock pillar erupts and sends Team Rocket flying.
"That definitely didn't rock, no pun intended," James said.
"Who writes your A-material?" Jessie asked.
"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Team Rocket shouted as a star twinkles in the distance.
"And now, where were we?" Lexaeus asked as Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Pikachu, and Angel readied themselves for whatever's coming. Unknown to them, the hooded figures arrived to the scene. The hooded young man stand up and he summoned two Keyblades in his hands. One is shaped like Espeon's tail which is curled at the end. The tip of the tail acts as the Keyblade's teeth. The hand guard is like a Pokéball. The token is Espeon's head with a white star. This is the Colosseum of Light. The other Keyblade is shaped like Umbreon's tail which has a gold star at the end. The hand guard is shaped like a Pokéball. The token is Umbreon's head with a gold star. This is the Colosseum of Darkness.
"Twilight Meteor Shower!" The hooded young man shouted. The hooded young man swings his Keyblades in the air as white and gold stars came raining down onto Lexaeus. Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Pikachu, and Angel were shocked to see the stars to appear and strike him. He knew it didn't come from Sora, Kairi, Ash, or Leaf.
"It can't be," Lexaeus said.
"Where did those stars come from?" Ash asked.
"Don't look at me," Kairi said, shrugging her shoulders.
"Lexaeus is distracted! Get him!" Sora said.
"Right!" Ash agreed.
They came at Lexaeus as he blocked with the Skysplitter. Sora managed to come at him.
"You're finished!" Sora yelled.
"Don't mock me!" Lexaeus yelled, hitting Sora with the Skysplitter. He goes flying and lands on the ground.
"Sora!" Kairi gasped.
"You are stronger than I thought, but you're too much trouble," Lexaeus said. He brings his axe sword down. Just then a rock pillar about to erupt from under him, the hooded young man quickly appeared and grabbed him. He was too fast for anyone to see. He grinned.
"Sora's alright!" Tracey said. Lexaeus quickly looked to see Sora was in one piece.
"Impossible!" Lexaeus said.
"Lexaeus!" Kairi shouted as she came at him. He managed to push her back. Kairi came at him again, but with a barrier surrounding her and it struck Lexaeus. He was surprised by the sudden burst of magic coming from her.
"Your magic has grown even stronger. I shall retreat with this result today, but the next time we cross paths, the results will not be the same," Lexaeus said, leaving through the corridor of darkness.
Sora opened his eyes and looked around.
"Where's Lexaeus?" Sora asked.
"Gone. Lexaeus took off. Kairi managed to give him quite a push," Leaf said. Sora looked at Kairi.
"Kairi?" Sora asked.
"I did. I think he was just as surprised as me," Kairi said. Sora smiled.
"You're full of surprises, Kairi," Sora said.
Just then, the Keyblade wielders were suddenly healed of their injuries as a green glow appeared.
"My injuries! They're gone!" Ash said.
"Who did that?" Leaf asked.
"Like I know," Ash said.
"You think it might have been Riku, Ethan, Kris, or Lyra?" Sakura asked.
"If it was, then why didn't any of them come and help us fight them?" Leaf asked.
"That's a good question," Kairi said.
"Whoever it was, I'm sure grateful to him or her," Sora said.
The hooded young man returned to his vehicle with the hooded girl waiting for him before they took off.
They may show up again, but when? We're gonna have to wait and see as we go on.