Episode 384: Lucario and the Evil Emperor Part 3
Well, here is the third and final chapter of the Lucario and the Evil Emperor arc, which means we are one chapter away from the promised Sinnoh journey will begin, so be sure to enjoy this chapter to the best of your abilities. The final battle should be something. So, here it is!
On the very next morning, their mission for Palamecia continues as Lucario leads them to their destination.
"How further are we?" Arthur asked.
"We should already be halfway there," Kidd said.
"The question is, would Mateus be expecting us to come knocking on his front door?" Elaine asked.
"I would say yes. Because there's no way he wouldn't think we would show up and be ready for us," Wes said.
"Then, we'll have to be ready, too. After all, he waited centuries to come back out, so we might as well crash his coming out party," Sora said.
"I'm down with that," Lyra said.
"Yeah, we kinda owe him one, but what if he brought friends with him? What if Garland and those other bad guys came with him?" Chase asked.
"We're gonna have to be ready for them, too. And we'll give them a beating of their lives," Riku said.
"Yeah!" The other Keyblade wielders agreed.
They kept following Lucario down the trail to Palamecia until they came to a stop. Everyone stepped out as they looked at Lucario.
"Why did you stop?" Kairi asked.
"This is where that one battle took place," Lucario said. Roxas spotted a Time Flower in front of them.
"Look, a Time Flower," Roxas said. Everyone looked at the flower and wondered if it'll work for Roxas if it worked for Sora.
"Roxas, why don't you give it a try?" Ash suggested.
"You sure?" Roxas asked.
"We will never know it unless we try it, right?" Xion asked.
"Only one way to find out," Roxas said, touching the Time Flower. It responds to Roxas and it showed them a vision of the past that has taken place.
"You're a fool to side against us, Darcel. You are one of the finest dark knights the world has ever produced, and you would make a great asset for the Empire. There is no need for you to die," the general said.
"I would rather be dead than to serve a mad emperor," Darcel said.
"So be it! Kill them both!" The general commanded. The soldiers attempted to attack when an aura blast struck the soldiers. The blast came from a Lucario using Aura Sphere.
"Sir Aaron," Lucario said through the aura.
"Lucario, my student. Good of you to come," Sir Aaron said.
"I will always come whenever you need me, Master," Lucario said.
"Kill that Pokémon!" The general ordered as Houndoom wearing Palamecian armor came at and attacked. One of the Houndoom fired Flamethrower, blinding Lucario.
"Lucario!" Sir Aaron exclaimed. Lucario bested the Houndoom with Aura Sphere.
"Don't worry about me, Master. I am using your teachings to guide me," Lucario said as he blasted one of the soldiers with Aura Sphere.
"Must I do everything myself?!" The general roared as he rushed to kill the blinded Lucario when Sir Aaron stabbed him from behind with his sword.
"You will not touch him," Sir Aaron said, pulling the sword from his back. The general lays on the ground, bleeding out and dying.
"Long live Emperor Mateus," the general said his final words before he died.
The vision ceases, leaving the whole group shocked.
"Man, that was quite a vision," Chase said.
"And brutal. I have never seen so much bloodshed in my life," Kris said.
"It was more intense than the movies," Ethan said.
"We saw Firion, Guy, and Maria, but who was that other guy?" Brendan said.
"That was Darcel. He happens to be my ancestor," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"How close are we to the empire?" Leaf asked.
"Very close. I can sense it. I don't have any doubt that he is already expecting us," Lucario said.
"You don't think he could send someone or thing to deal with us, right?" Chase asked.
They heard a roar coming their way.
"Does that answer your question?" Michael asked.
"What was that?" May asked.
"It sounded big," Lyra said.
"And it sounded close," Roxas said.
They listened for whatever was coming for them. What they saw is a large, purple, canine-esque creature with two bull-like horns and a flowing mane. It gave out a loud monstrous roar.
"What is it?" Elaine asked.
"A behemoth," Lucario said.
"It's not a Pokémon, is it?" Chase asked.
"No, it's not," Riku said.
"What is a behemoth, exactly?" Elaine asked.
"A behemoth is one of the most powerful monsters in existence. Many warriors have come across this beast, but not many have lived to tell of it," Lucario said.
"I was afraid you would say that," May said.
"We're almost there, and that monster is in our way," Sora said.
"You're not thinking what I think you're thinking, are you?" Wes asked.
"Yeah. We take it down," Sora said.
"Just what I thought. Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Ash, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Chase, Elaine, Michael, and Arthur summoned their single Keyblades as Sora, Kairi, Riku, Leaf, Brendan, May, Wes, and Rui each summoned two.
Sora held his Kingdom Key and a new Keyblade. This Keyblade's design is based on the Kingdom Key, but the blade, hilt, and teeth are gold and the guard is red. The Token is the Super Smash Bros symbol. This Keyblade shall be known as the Super Smash Key.
Kairi held her Destiny's Embrace and a new Keyblade of her own. This Keyblade is pink and purple with one of the pieces of the Triforce acting as the teeth. The handguard is gold with a blue gem at the rainguard. The token is the complete Triforce. This Keyblade shall be known as the Triforce Princess.
Rui held her Star Seeker and a new Keyblade. She held a cream-colored Keyblade. The teeth are made up of Plusle and Minun's tails, and the guard is a match for Plusle and Minun's coloring. Left side is red with a plus and the right side is blue with a minus. This Keyblade shall be known as the Plus and Minus.
"What do you say, Sora?" Leaf asked.
"Get it!" Sora shouted.
With that said, the Keyblade wielders attacked the behemoth with their Keyblades, but it swiped its claws at them, making them scatter. Lucario fired an Aura Sphere at the behemoth, hitting it. Kairi casts a crystal spell, hitting it as Sora casts a fire spell, also hitting it. The behemoth snapped its jaws at them, so Wes crossed his two Keyblades and slashed at the behemoth, but its hide was too thick.
"This thing isn't even tickled!" May said.
"It's gotta have a weakness," Chase said.
"Easier said than done! The behemoth's hide is harder than steel!" Lucario said.
"We'll just hit it until we find it," Arthur said.
"Arthur's right. We gotta take it down, no matter what," Sora said. The behemoth came at Sora, but Lucario fired Aura Sphere as Sora came at the behemoth and struck it in the eye. The behemoth roared as it charges at them again. Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Marill, Volt, and Maple attacked the behemoth, but they didn't find it easy to defeat it. Sora prepared to cast a spell, but he casts a different spell. He lets out an azure orb of energy, much to his surprise. It struck the behemoth in the face. (Aura, Aurara, Auraga) "Aura. Did I just use aura?" Sora shuts his eyes and his two Keyblades emits the same azure glow. Sora then unleashed a fire spell, hitting the behemoth, but it was from aura (Aura Fire, Aura Fira, Aura Firaga). Sora then unleashed a blizzard spell, and it was also made from aura (Aura Blizzard, Aura Blizzara, Aura Blizzaga). Sora then casts a thunder spell, but it was, you guessed it, aura. (Aura Thunder, Aura Thundara, Aura Thundaga) The behemoth roared, glaring at Sora intensely. It then started to come at Sora, so Sora came at the behemoth with the Kingdom Key and Super Smash Key and slashed at the behemoth.
"Sora, that was awesome!" Lyra said.
"Now isn't the time to he awestruck, Lyra! We have a monster to slay!" Arthur said.
"Let's try it together!" Ash said.
"Come on!" Ethan said.
"Now!" Brendan said.
Chase and Elaine struck it first, and then it was Brendan and May. Wes and Rui slashed at it at the same time as did Michael and Arthur. Ethan, Kris, and Lyra slashed at it next. Next was Riku and Naminé. Next was Ash and Leaf. Next it was Roxas and Xion. Finally, it Sora and Kairi with the combined might of Pikachu and the other Pokémon, including Lucario. The behemoth roared in agonizing pain and then fell on its side.
"Is it dead?" Ethan asked.
"It's not moving," Naminé said. Sora had a look at it and he sees no signs of life in the monstrous creature.
"It's dead. Its aura just died along with it," Sora said.
"So, you can use it like your ancestor can," Rui said.
"Yeah, but Mateus isn't going to give up yet. That monster is probably just the start. He might have some more of those things in there," Chase said.
"Chase is right. He's only getting started," Sora said.
"We're gonna have to be ready for them, too. And we'll give them a beating of their lives," Riku said.
Meanwhile, Mateus is watching from a magical projection.
"Oh, you will? Well, I'll be sure to show you my hospitality upon arrival, Guardians of Kingdom Hearts. Just do not disappoint me," Mateus said.
After defeating the behemoth, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Wes, Rui, Michael, Arthur, Kidd, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Marill, Volt, Maple, and Lucario continued on, venturing through the land, keeping their eyes opened for any other surprises the evil emperor would send their way. The Keyblade wielders still had their Keyblades out, looking around.
"It's quiet. Too quiet. I always wanted to say that," Chase said.
"How can you have a sense of humor a time like this?" May asked.
"Just saying what I was thinking," Chase said.
"Still shouldn't make any jokes, Chase," May said.
"Don't get distracted, you two. We need to be a hundred percent focused," Riku said.
They kept on going right until they have finally reached their destination.
"Is this it?" Kris asked.
"Yes, this is Palamecia," Lucario said.
"Well, this is it. The enemy is the one place I don't wanna be," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Given the situation, our choices are pretty limited," Wes said.
"Yeah, I know, but it doesn't mean I have to like it," Sora said.
"None of us likes it. This place is screaming with evil," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"You don't think he knows we're here yet?" Elaine asked.
"Welcome, my most honored guests," a voice echoed.
"Yeah, he knows," Roxas said.
"Show yourself, Mateus!" Lucario demanded.
"In due time. I just wanted to bid you welcome to my once glorious empire. That is until it was destroyed as you can see," Mateus said. He laughed. "Of course, it won't be destroyed for long. Especially after I have remade it into my image!"
"I don't think so, you evil narcissist!" Leaf said.
"Oh? And why would not think so, of I may ask?" Mateus asked.
"Your empire isn't going to be making any comebacks anytime soon!" Ethan said.
"And we're gonna make sure it doesn't!" Lyra said.
"Marill!" Marill said.
"You failed to take over the world once, and you're going to fail again!" Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"That remains to be seen, but I doubt that a band of disgusting, little worms such as yourselves would be a match for me. But I am currently preoccupied at the moment, so I thought you should enjoy some entertainment. And please, try not to die so soon!" Mateus said as several reanimated Palamecian soldiers came staggering out, either holding or dragging their swords.
"Are these..." Kris said.
"They're zombies!" Kidd gasped.
"Even the dead are not free from his perversion for power," Arthur said.
"Take 'em down! Don't let any of these ghouls out of the gates!" Sora said.
"Destroy every one of them!" Lucario said.
Not needing further convincing, the Keyblade wielders engaged the undead soldiers with their Keyblades. The ghouls raised their swords to attack, but they each cast an aero spell, pushing the undead warriors back. Kris managed to cut one in half. The legs kept on going as the torso started to crawl up to her.
"Ew! You're gross!" Kris said, casting a fire spell, burning the zombie. Pikachu smacked one with an Iron Tail as Eevee fired a Shadow Ball. Ash and Leaf casts a stone spell, rushing them. Lucario fought his way through as the rest of them were fight. Sora took out the Chocobo necklace and he held it, making it glow.
"Power!" Sora shouted. Boco then came running out. Sora got on the Chocobo's back and rode on its back, dealing with every undead soldier that crossed their path.
May casts a magnet spell, pulling some of them in as Brendan threw his Delta Emerald Rayquaza at the soldiers, and then his Omega Ruby Groudon. Both Keyblades came back before Brendan slashed them with both. Lyra's Keyblade emits water as she threw it. Marill fired her Water Gun, hitting the soldiers. Wes struck down some as Rui spins around with her two Keyblades. Angel fires a Swift as Maple rushed at them with Veevee Volley and Volt attacks with Pika Papow. Xipak and Celeste unleashed a Thunderbolt and Swift combo as Leaf casts a blizzard spell. Ash slashed at one as several more surround him. He is saved by Roxas as he slashed through several and Xion casts a gravity spell, crushing the with their own weight. Arthur clashed his Keyblade against the undead soldiers. Naminé struck down one, unaware of another coming for her, but Riku saved her by casting a dark fire spell. Chase and Elaine struck down some that came at them as Michael casts a water spell, hitting them. The fight lasted until the last of the Palamecian undead soldiers were defeated.
"I am never watching zombie movies again," Michael said.
"Kairi and I are already ahead of you on that," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said. Naminé noticed Lucario wasn't with them anymore.
"Where's Lucario?" Naminé asked. The rest of the group noticed Lucario's absence.
"He was just here," Xion said.
"You don't think he's..." Ash paused.
"Gone to the palace? I wish that I couldn't say it," Sora said.
"Lucario is going after Mateus on his own?" Kris asked.
"No," Rui said.
"Yes. He's going to finish what Sir Aaron, Firion, Maria, Guy, and Darcel started a long time ago," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu agreed.
"Then, we'll have to go and help Lucario out," Brendan said.
"Yeah, before it's too late," Chase said.
"Yeah. Mateus probably thinks we're done for, but that'll be his mistake. He's expecting us to come, so we won't keep him waiting any longer. So, we''re heading for the palace," Sora said.
"I agree. And you're going to lead your Union to battle, Sora?" Arthur asked.
"Can't we settle this for another time?" Sora asked.
"No, we should settle it now," Riku said.
"Riku's right. And it's only fair Sora becomes the leader of our group," Kairi said.
"He lead us far even before the Master took us in as her apprentices," Namine said.
"So, let's all have a vote. All in favor of Sora leading the Guardians of Kingdom Hearts, raise your hands," Wes said as he and the rest of his fellow apprentices raised their hands. Kairi especially was voting. "All oppose?" Everyone lowered their hands.
"Then, it's decided," Kidd said, walking up. "What do you say?"
"Yeah, what do you say, fearless leader?" Chase asked.
"Well, okay, you twisted my arm. I'm only accepting the position as leader for now, but I get to pick my second-in-command. And it's going to be Riku," Sora said.
"Me?" Riku asked.
"Yeah. You helped me out more times than I can imagine, so I know you're going to do so. And you're most qualified for the job," Sora said.
"I accept," Riku said.
"So, as my first act as leader, I say we storm the palace!" Sora said.
"You heard him, everyone! Let's go!" Riku said.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
"Eevee!" Eevee said.
Complying with their newly elected leader, the Guardians of Kingdom Hearts have run off to assist Lucario in the fight against Mateus.
Up ahead, Lucario has reached the palace gates. Lucario stopped as he knew this was the place Sir Aaron trapped Lucario inside it.
"This is the place. I may not know how Sir Aaron defeated you in the first place, but I will not allow you to escape, Mateus," Lucario said, entering the palace.
Over to Kidd, she made contact with Banks.
"Kidd, I've been waiting for you to call back. What did you find out?" Banks asked from his end.
"The Guardians of Kingdom Hearts went off to the Palamecian Palace. That's where the emperor is hiding out," Kidd said.
"You're not getting in? I thought you would be where the action is," Banks said.
"Not yet. I'm gonna need you to give me the layout of the palace just so I can watch from the outside. I'll get in when it gets ugly," Kidd said.
"Alright, just give me a second," Banks said. Kidd waits for a few seconds. "Done."
"You're a lifesaver," Kidd said.
Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Wes, Rui, Michael, Arthur, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Marill, Volt, and Maple arrived to the palace gates.
"There it is. The palace gates," Riku said. Elaine noticed another Time Flower next to the gates.
"Look, there's a Time Flower," Elaine said.
"Arthur, I think it's your turn," Xion said. Arthur touches the Time Flower and it shows a vision of when Sir Aaron, Darcel, Firion, Maria, Guy, and Lucario arrived to the palace gates.
"The emperor's end is imminent," Firion said.
"Yes, but can we do it?" Maria asked.
"We have to. The world depends on our victory. Only when the evil emperor is defeated can we truly be free," Darcel said.
"Indeed," Sir Aaron said.
"We shouldn't wait any longer," Guy said.
"I agree. Let us go," Lucario said.
"No, Lucario. Not this time," Sir Aaron said. Lucario was shocked to hear Aaron say those words.
"What do you mean, Master? We've both prepared for this, so why not?" Lucario asked. Sir Aaron didn't answer him, so he held the staff as Lucario flows inside the crystal.
The vision ceases, leaving the group stunned by what they saw.
"Did we just see-" Ash paused.
"The moment Sir Aaron sealed Lucario in the staff, just like he said," Sora said.
"Could it be maybe Lucario was right about Sir Aaron the whole time?" Wes asked.
"We shouldn't jump to conclusions, Wes. Maybe there's a reason why he did what he did," Kairi said.
"What reason could it be?" Lyra asked.
"We can worry about that later. Mateus is inside, and we're gonna put an end to his reign of terror before it starts again," Sora said.
Lucario marches his way to the throne room and enters inside, and he sees Mateus sitting in his old throne.
"Well, well, well. Sir Aaron's loyal pet. I was expecting his descendants and the rest of the Keyblade wielders to come here. Could it be that they're dead?" Mateus asked.
"Oh, I highly doubt that, Emperor. But this is a matter that you and I will settle here and now. I may not know how the conflict between you and Sir Aaron went on, but the outcome will most certainly end in your defeat," Lucario said.
"You think a Pokémon like you can stand a chance against the most powerful man on this earth? You foolish creature. You have no idea what power I possess. I possess more power in a single finger than you do in your whole body. It is more than enough to destroy you. And I will make certain that not a trace of you is even left behind," Mateus said. He sends out a crimson orb of energy at Lucario, but he dodges and rushes at Mateus and sends out an Aura Sphere, but Mateus, creates a barrier, using his staff to create a whip wrap it around him. Mateus sends Lucario flying against a wall. Mateus laughed evilly. "Just as I thought. You do not stand a chance against me. Even your power of aura cannot save you, Lucario. And neither can your master."
"I don't need Sir Aaron to defeat the likes of you, Mateus!" Lucario said, coming at the emperor, but he uses his magic to stop Lucario and send him across the floor.
"Now, refresh my memory, because I believe I am having a hard time understanding this. If memory serves, you were not present when Sir Aaron and his cohorts have come to confront me. Am I right?" Mateus asked. Lucario grits his teeth. "Of course. It's because you were sealed in his staff. Could it be that he has abandoned you?" He laughed again, knowing he was getting a raise out of Lucario. "How deliciously cold-blooded." Lucario growled.
The group raced through the palace, searching for Lucario, but Sora was able to follow Lucario's trail.
"How much further are we, Sora?" Leaf asked.
"We're halfway there. It won't be long," Sora said.
Just then, some demons came to attack, but they were struck down before moving forward.
Back in the throne room, Lucario is slammed on the floor.
"You're a stubborn, Lucario. But do not worry. Your pain will end very soon. But it have to," Mateus said.
"What do you mean?" Lucario asked.
"I could spare your life. That way, I can be your master instead of Sir Aaron. Renounce your loyalty to your queen and serve my new empire as my general," Mateus said.
"Never! I would rather die before I would ever call you master," Lucario said.
"Then, so be it!" Mateus said, sending out several purple arrows and aimed them at Lucario. They all shoot out at Lucario, unaware of someone grabbing Lucario at the last second. Smoke sizzles where Lucario was. He chuckled evilly. "Such a waste."
"Of your attack? That is something the two of us can agree on, Mateus!" A familiar voice said. Surprised, he saw Sora, holding Lucario.
"You!" Mateus exclaimed with disdain.
"What's wrong? You surprised to see me here?" Sora asked. Mateus then chuckled again.
"Hardly. In fact, I knew you and your meddlesome friends would survive the onslaught of my deathless soldiers," Mateus said.
"I wouldn't call them 'deathless', Mateus. Now, they're nothing but dust," Sora said.
"I see," Mateus said.
"You know, there's something that just doesn't sit right with me. Palamecia was once a small kingdom, until it became an empire and its emperor decided that ruling a single kingdom wasn't enough, so he decided that he wants more. So, what gives, Mateus? Why do you want more?" Sora asked.
"I would be more than happy to oblige you, my dear boy. You see, Palamecia was small and weak, so I overthrew its last king and became the first emperor of Palamecia, but even that wasn't enough for me. You see, in order for my empire to grow, I had to conquer other kingdoms and lands and make them my own. But the only problem I faced was that the lands were full of humans and Pokémon. They are two creatures that I have absolute abhorrent for. Humans and Pokémon are weak and inferior beings, while I, alone, am the one who is superior to rule you insects," Mateus said.
"Insects?" Sora asked.
"He's even more of a horrible man than I thought," Elaine said.
"I built my army with humans, Pokémon, and the foulest of demons to overthrow every kingdom in the world, until I had power everything I see. Therefore, I would recreate the world in my own image," Mateus said.
"And that's what you're gonna do again. You're gonna rebuild your empire and start conquering again just like you did before. But we're not gonna let you do it," Sora said.
"Sora," Lucario said.
"You are a brave child, Sora. You and your cohorts have done well to make it to my palace, but I'm afraid you cannot stop me. I am more powerful than any enemy you have ever faced," Mateus said.
"I fought, Ganondorf, Count Dracula, the Grim Reaper, Xehanort's Heartless, Xemnas, the Dark Masters, and the Demon Lords. They were tough customers and they still lost the fight. And that's what you're going to do," Sora said.
"Is that so? Then, I will succeed in where they had failed. I will personally kill you all! And with you out of my way, then I will take this world with ease," Mateus said.
"Even if you do kill us, it won't be an easy thing to do, 'Your Majesty'.. There's something you're overlooking," Kairi said.
"And am I overlooking?" Mateus asked.
"There are going to be some people who won't be afraid of you," Ethan said.
"Yeah, they'll stand up against you and fight," Chase said.
"Oh, they will fight, and they will die," Mateus said.
"They'll die fighting," May said.
"They'll die to protect everything that matters to them," Ash said.
"You can go ahead and do your worse, because we're not scared of you!" Lyra said.
"You will be," Mateus said.
"We don't scare easily," Wes said.
"And you're about to find out why," Michael said.
"Get him!" Sora said. With that said, the Keyblade wielders all engaged Mateus, so he swings his staff to clash against their Keyblades. He pushes them all back.
"Thunder X!" Mateus shouted, casting a powerful thunder spell. The Keyblade wielders scattered and they came at the emperor. They each tried to land a hit on him, but he overpowered them with ease. "You insects aren't even worthy of being crushed by my very foot. But your valor is admirable, though I would have made you and offer to serve my new empire as my generals, but you would undoubtedly turn it down."
"You're right, we would have," Arthur said.
"It's almost a pity. But your mere existence is already a plague, so as my first official decree after so many centuries, you will be executed for your crimes against the Palamecian Empire. And you will all die by my very hand. And I would begin with you, Sora, but that would be too easy for my taste, because you haven't suffered enough. So, I have come up with a better compromise," Mateus said. Sora knew what he meant by what he said.
"No, don't you even think about it!" Sora said.
"Too late!" Mateus said, summoning a spear and aims it at Kairi. He sends it right at her.
"Kairi, no!" Sora gasped. Lucario quickly acts by saving Kairi's life by firing Aura Sphere, destroying the spear. Mateus turned to Lucario.
"You are a soulless monster, Mateus. You always were and you always will be," Lucario said.
"I will take that as a compliment, but I have wasted enough good manners for the likes of you," Mateus said. Sora casts an aura spell, hitting Mateus on the back. He turned to Sora, holding his Kingdom Key and Super Smash Key in his hands.
"Was that you being polite? I didn't see a single thing polite about you," Sora said. He came at Mateus with his two Keyblades. Mateus swings his staff at him, so Sora blocked him and he have the evil emperor a kick in the gut, but he quickly recovered and grabbed Sora by the throat.
"YOU DARE TO KICK ME?!" Mateus roared as he began to squeeze his neck. Sora was struggling to breathe. Lacario unleashed another Aura Sphere as Pikachu fired Thunderbolt at Mateus. Sora coughed from being chocked.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
"Are you alright, Sora?" Lucario asked.
"Yeah, thanks to you and Pikachu," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"And I'm not giving up just yet," Sora said. Mateus became irritated by Sora's determination and he angrily scowled at him.
"You are every bit like Sir Aaron! You just don't know when to give up!" Mateus said.
"I know someone who's a lot like that. He didn't know when to quit either," Sora said. He held his two Keyblades. "Because had something to fight for, just like I do."
"And what are you fighting for?" Mateus asked.
"For my friends, for my Pokémon, for my family, and for the world. I won't let you take it over!" Sora said.
"And I will not let you get in my way!" Mateus yelled, casting his Thunder X spell, but Sora casts his reflect spell as Pikachu forms an Electro Ball and hurls it at the emperor. Lucario gave Mateus a hard punch, but Mateus swings his staff and he attempts to impale Sora on it, but he dodges it. Sora uses his two Keyblades to knock his staff out of his hand and he destroyed it. Sora then fired a beam of light right through Mateus's chest. He screams in agonizing pain. Sora crosses his Keyblades and he jammed him into the wall. Mateus then fell to the ground. Sora builds up the power of aura and he unleashed an aura blast onto Mateus.
Outside, Kidd and her two Weavile witnesses it from the inside.
Over to Cameron Palace, Lady Ilene witnessed an azure light from the distance, knowing what it meant.
"Can it be?" The chamber maiden asked.
"It is, Jenny. Sir Aaron's power was passed down to his descendants as I have always known it would," Lady Ilene said.
Back at the palace, Mateus lays on the floor, heavily injured and he coughed.
"How could it be? The Ketchum bloodline has once again, defeated me," Mateus said.
"You failed to take over the world, just you did the last time. Your reign of terror ended before it could start again," Sora said.
"Savour your victory while you can, Sora, because I will be back to destroy you another time," Mateus said, vanishing.
"And we'll be ready for you," Sora said.
"Is Mateus gone?" Chase asked.
"For now. I think he was weakened, so he fled," Sora said.
"So, now what?" Brendan asked.
"I think we should destroy this place completely," Sora said.
"Destroy it?" Michael asked.
"There's no other option but that," Sora said.
"I agree. If Mateus were to return, then we must make sure he doesn't have a home to return to," Lucario said. He noticed Sir Aaron's gloves. "Can it be?"
"Can what be?" Riku asked.
The group followed Lucario to the gloves.
"These are Sir Aaron's gloves," Lucario said. He then saw a crystallized body. Lucario knew whose body it was. "Sir Aaron!"
"It's him," Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu said, spotting the Time Flower.
"Another Time Flower. Maybe, it can provide us with a clue," Sora said, touching it.
They saw a vision to where the previous battle took place.
"Well, well, well, it appears I have visitors. Or should I say, unwanted intruders," Emperor Mateus said.
"Emperor Mateus. Your reign of terror ends today," Sir Aaron said. Mateus laughed evilly.
"Is that so? It's rather amusing that a band of insects like you believe you can defeat me and my empire. You insects aren't even worthy to be crushed by my foot. Guards, I summon you!" Emperor Mateus shouted. Just then, the guards entered the throne room from the side. The guards wore black armor with horns on both sides of the heads. "Kill them!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The guards said as they engaged the group of warriors.
They all engaged the guards as they clashed their weapons against their blades. Darcel gave one a kick in the gut as Sir Aaron unleashed a burst of aura, hitting several of the guards. Firion struck down one with his sword as Guy chopped him with his axe. Maria shot one with her arrow. The guards fought fiercely as Sir Aaron stabbed one with his sword and pushed him off. They kept on fighting until the last of the guards were dead.
"You're fresh out of guards, Your Majesty," Sir Aaron said.
"So, it seems. I shall the pleasure of killing you myself," Emperor Mateus said, standing up. "I order you to..." He unleashed a blast of lightning, "DIE!" The warriors are pushed back as Sir Aaron creates a barrier of aura and uses it to protect himself and his comrades.
"This will not last for long, but we mustn't give up," Sir Aaron said.
"Everyone would have died over nothing if we die here," Darcel said.
"I won't let it happen. We mustn't give up," Firon said.
"I agreed. We came too far to give up," Sir Aaron said. He sends out lightning made of aura and uses it to push back the emperor's lightning attack.
"You cannot hope to defeat me!" Emperor Mateus said.
"Yes, I can!" Sir Aaron said, pushing back. Mateus screamed as he goes flying. Sir Aaron unleashed a burst of aura, hitting him. Sir Aaron then comes at Mateus and struck him. He groaned in pain. He then laughed in pain.
"Is that the best you insects can do?" Mateus asked.
"It is," Sir Aaron said, holding out his hand. "And more!" He unleashed a beam of aura, hitting him and weakened him greatly.
"I-I-Impossible! How can this be?" Emperor Mateus asked.
"Your oppression ends here today. You and and your empire have lost," Sir Aaron said. Matues laughed evilly again.
"You think so, do you? Well, you might as well just think again. I may have been defeated today, but mark my words, I will again return one day. And when I do, you will not be here to stand in my way," Emperor Mateus said.
"Maybe, but someone like me will be here to stop you, Mateus. And that is a promise," Sir Aaron said as Mateus vanished in a huff of yellow smoke.
"We have done it," Darcel said.
"Yes," Sir Aaron said, fell to his knee. Darcel and the others noticed.
"Aaron!" Darcel gasped and he saw the wound and how great it was. "You're wounded!"
"Maria, can't you heal him?" Guy asked.
"No. His wound is too great to be healed," Maria said.
"Aaron," Firion said.
"It's alright. My time has come," Sir Aaron said.
"Aaron, don't say such things. You must live. Your wife and your children are waiting for you," Darcel said.
"Tell them to live for me and tell them of my love, won't you?" Sir Aaron asked. Darcel was silent until he replied.
"Yes, Sir Aaron. I will," Darcel said as the vision ceased.
"Sir Aaron," Sora said.
"So, that's how it happened. Mateus must have wounded him greatly and he died from his wounds. He was truly a hero," Arthur said. Lucario looked at Sir Aaron's body.
"Master, please, forgive me for ever doubting you," Lucario cried.
"Well, at least Mateus didn't do that to any of us this time," Rui said. Lucario then fell to his knees.
"Lucario!" Sora exclaimed. They went over to Lucario and they saw a wound on Lucario's side. "No. Lucario, why didn't you say anything? I would have helped you out."
"There was nothing you could have done for me. It is time for me to go, but at least I will die, knowing the truth," Lucario said.
"No, don't say that! We can help you! We know some healing magic, and we can heal your wound," Sora said.
"The wound is way too severe even for a cure spell, Sora. It's too late," Rui said.
"She is right, Sora," Lucario said.
"There's gotta be something I gotta do for you, Lucario," Sora said.
"You have already done enough for me, Sora. If it weren't for you, I would never learned how to trust again. And it was because of you that my faith in Sir Aaron was restored, even if it was for a short time," Lucario said. Sora placed his hand down, touching the Time Flower, showing one more vision. It shows Darcel, Firion, Guy, and Maria leaving. Sir Aaron lays next to where Lucario lays.
"Lucario, forgive me," Sir Aaron said.
"I do, Master," Lucario said.
"Please understand. I had to seal you inside the staff. I knew if I didn't you'd follow me here. Despite all of your training, you still wouldn't stand a chance against Mateus. I knew he would either use you as a shield or he would kill you as a way of making me suffer. And you would suffer the same fate as I am about to. I only wish you could have known the real story," Sir Aaron said.
"I understand," Lucario said.
"One day you will be released in a distant and more peaceful time. What would it be like? I wonder if..." He coughed. "I have no regrets. My journey has been good. I served a beautiful queen, and raised a wonderful family. And you and I shared many adventures. Those memories will always be with me. And your heart will forever be connected with mine even in death," Sir Aaron said.
"Master, if only you could hear me, I want to you what you mean to me," Lucario said.
"Lucario, farewell. You were more to me than just my student, you are my closest friend," Sir Aaron said.
"I feel the same..." Lucario said.
"Who knows? It could be...one day...we will see each other again. I hope so, my friend," Sir Aaron said, taking in his dying breath. Tears flowed through Lucario's eyes.
"Aaron, my friend. I'm sorry for failing you," Lucario said.
"No, you didn't fail him, Lucario. You proved yourself to be a true guardian," Sora said.
"Thank you, Sora. Thank you for everything. Now, I must go. Sir Aaron is waiting for me. Farewell, Guardians of Kingdom Hearts," Lucario said as he died, crystallizing with Sir Aaron's body.
Tears flowed, having to witness the death of a Pokémon with their own eyes.
With their mission completed, the group have left the last remains of the Palamecian Empire and buried Sir Aaron and Lucario along with it.
"Banks, I think the world doesn't need to know about the whole return of the emperor and the Keyblade wielders with it," Kidd said.
"You sure, Kidd? Think of the publicity," Banks said.
"Trust me, it's better this way," Kidd said.
"Okay, have it your way," Banks said.
After returning to Cameron Palace, Sora and the rest of the group told the queen of what had happened and how Sir Aaron really died. Lady Ilene knew he did truly died a hero. In a private ceremony as the group wore their ballroom attire, Sora kneels before Lady Ilene. She held a sword to knight him.
"Sora Ketchum, it saddens me that the world can never know of your heroism, but you have saved not only my kingdom, but you and your friends have saved the entire world. So, I hereby knight you, Sir Sora Ketchum," Lady Ilene said, tapping the sword on his shoulders. "Arise." Sora stood up.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Sora said.
"No, Sir Sora. Thank you for allowing us to keep our freedom, our future, and our lives," Lady Ilene said. An applause goes off as Sora turned to them. "Now, we will now begin our celebratory ball. Sir Sora and Lady Kairi will have the first dance." Sora liked that one as Sora took Kairi by the hand and danced with his girlfriend on the dance floor.
"I know you wanted this dance ever since we got here, Sora. Sorry we didn't get to have it," Kairi apologized.
"Don't worry about it, Kairi. I'm just glad I had it with you. At least I got to have it just by saving the world...again," Sora said.
"Yeah. But think I can say something?" Kairi asked.
"Sure," Sora said.
"You look very handsome in that attire," Kairi said.
"Yeah, and you look beautiful. Just like a real princess," Sora said. Kairi smiled as she and Sora then have a passionate kiss before they resumed dancing.
The other couples then joined in on the dance all through the night.
On the next morning, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Wes, Rui, Michael, Arthur, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Marill, Volt, and Maple took their leave of Rota and back to Pallet Town. In the portrait of Sir Aaron, Lucario was mysteriously added on.
In the afterlife, Lucario is reunited with Sir Aaron.
"Lucario," Sir Aaron said.
"Master. Forgive me," Lucario said.
"There is nothing to forgive, my friend. I'm just glad to see you again after so long," Sir Aaron said.
"Am as I, Sir Aaron. Your descendant Sora has brought us together again," Lucario said.
"Yes. He touched your heart, like I have known he would the moment you were released," Sir Aaron said.
"He has realized his gift, Master," Lucario said.
"Yes, now we will watch over Sora and those fighting beside him. And hope for a future for them," Sir Aaron said.
Emperor Mateus has failed to take the world for his own again, and Lucario has shared the same fate as Sir Aaron, so now all that is left is the journey for the Sinnoh region will soon begin. And this is where we will end it for now.
