Episode 383: Lucario and the Evil Emperor Part 2
That night, Sora and Pikachu stood before Queen Ilene as she presents Sora Sir Aaron's staff.
"This is the staff of the guardian that once belong to the great Sir Aaron and Spyro. According to our tradition the winner of the Pokemon tournament its name "The Aura Guardian of the Year. And is presented to this staff," Queen Ilene said, presenting the staff to Sora.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Sora said, accepting Sir Aaron's staff. "This is it. This is Sir Aaron's staff. The staff of my ancestor, and I'm actually holding it. Karen would be so jealous when she hears I'm holding it." It gave off an azure glow. "Huh?"
"Why did you betray me?" A voice asked.
"Wha?" Sora asked, looking around. He looked at the chamber maiden. "Did you say something, ma'am?"
"Not a word," the chamber maiden answered.
"Then who said that?" Sora asked.
"Now we begin the grand ball honoring Sir Aaron and our new guardian. Please enjoy yourselves, everyone," Queen Ilene said as the party guests began dancing. Sora sat in the chair beside the queen, holding the staff. Sora was bummed about not dancing with Kairi like be wanted, but he knew he had to make the best of it.
"May have this dance?" Arthur asked Kairi.
"You may," Kairi said as she and Arthur danced.
"Kairi, I want you to know, I don't plan to make Sora jealous," Arthur said.
"Don't worry, Arthur. Sora trusts you completely. After all, you and he are cousins," Kairi said.
"You're right. What am I worried about?" Arthur asked.
"Ah, man, I can't believe I'm spending the night sitting here like a Slowpoke fishing with its tail. I'm bored out of my mind," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Why don't you go have a dance with Angel? There isn't any point for the both of us in sitting here and looking bored," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Lucky," Sora pouted as he leaned back.
"Do not slouch! Sit up straight!" The chamber maiden scolded.
"Yes, ma'am," Sora said, sitting up straight.
"Remember, you are not allowed to leave this chair. As Guardian of the Year, you must sit there and look dignified," the chamber maiden said.
"Yes, ma'am," Sora said.
"Well, Sora doesn't look like he's having a ball," Elaine said as she is dancing with Chase.
"Well, he did win the tournament, so he had to sit in that chair. At least Karen isn't here, because Sora wouldn't hear the end of it," Chase said.
"Lucky for him," Elaine said.
The dance party went on Michael is helping himself with the food provided there as Lyra is sitting with Marill on a chair, watching the party on.
"Why are you just sitting there for? How about have some this food, wouldn't you?" Michael asked.
"I guess I could use something to eat," Lyra said. She turned to Marill. "You feeling hungry, Marill?"
"Marill," Marill said.
"Thought so," Lyra said as she stood up and began to eat.
Elsewhere, Kidd had entered a different room and she made contact with someone.
"Are you there?" Kidd asked.
"Hi, Kidd. How's the party?" A man's voice asked.
"It's fantastic. Too bad you couldn't be here," Kidd said.
"One of us has to keep this outfit running," the man said.
"For your information, I left the dance floor early. Anyway, I came across something you would never guess in a lifetime," Kidd said.
"I'm interested in hearing what you came across, Kidd, so lay it on me. I mean, this fortune is costing us a fortune as it is, and we're already in the red, so I hope you came across something promising," the man said.
"Trust me, this trip will definitely be a success. And if it is't, we can always go out and find real jobs," Kidd said.
"No thank you! I'm too old to work for a living," the man said.
"Don't sweat it, Banks," Kidd said. Banks laughed.
"Well, I'm working up a sweat anyway, so it might as well be literally," Banks said.
Meanwhile, over to a build, an elderly man is running on a treadmill, keeping in shape.
"You know the whole Keyblade thing that's gotten our organization in a buzz? I just got in contact with them. I got a look at the crown necklace and everything. It's Sir Aaron's descendant," Kidd said.
"Really? You sure?" Banks asked.
"I'm not joking. But he's not the only one. Arthur Ketchum was present there, too. I just saw him, so I'm going to need the file on the ones identified as Keyblade wielders, and a layout of the entire palace," Kidd said.
"Coming up. Just gimme as second," Banks said, getting off his treadmill. He transmit the information to Kidd in her visors.
Back at the palace, Kidd is now wearing a magenta and black leotard, a dark blue collar, black gloves and socks and black and gold boots. She received the transmission from Banks.
"Got it," Kidd said, looking over the file on Sora and the others. "Here they are."
"Exactly what Brian said, right?" Banks asked.
"Yup. Our friends in Radiant Garden did give us the info on them ever since the whole Digimon incident a while back. And it would have been ugly," Kidd said.
To those who are going to ask questions about this, Kidd's organization keeps tabs on not only legendary and mythical Pokémon, but also other occurrences such as things involving the Keyblade, the Heartless, Nobodies, and Unversed. They had looked into the Heartless attack on Rustboro City and interviewed Roxanne of the incident. She climbed out the window to have a better view of the Keyblade wielders.
Speaking of which, the party continued on as the couples of the group kept on dancing with the exception of Sora and Kairi.
The music ceases as Queen Ilene stood up from her throne.
"Sir Aaron!" The voice spoke.
"Who is saying that?" Sora asked in his thoughts.
"We will now pay one last tribute to Sir Aaron, our new guardian will now give the signal to start the fireworks," Queen Ilene said. Sora stood up and held the staff in the same pose as his ancestor. Outside, the fireworks goes off. The party guests are captivated by the fireworks.
"I believed in you," the voice said as the staff began to glow, alarming everyone. Sora especially was alarmed. The staff then started to move on its own.
"What is going on?!" Sora exclaimed.
"Is something the matter?" The chamber maiden asked.
"Yeah, the staff has a mind of its own!" Sora exclaimed as the staff glowed even brighter. A burst of energy erupts from the staff and a Lucario came out from it. Its eyes were shut.
"A Lucario," Wes said.
"It was in the staff," Rui said.
Lucario raises its appendages rattle as it sees through the power of aura. It then sets its attention onto Sora, thinking it was Sir Aaron due to his aura.
"Sir Aaron!" Lucario said, jumping to the throne and in front of Sora. "Why did you leave me behind?"
"It's telepathy," Sora said.
"Answer me!" Lucario said.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Sora said. Lucario hears Sora's voice and realizing it wasn't Sir Aaron's voice. Lucario opened its eyes and saw a completely different person in front of it.
"You're not Sir Aaron!" Lucario said. It looked around and ran outside. Lucario looked up and saw the fireworks going off, confused.
"Why are they celebrating? The kingdom is in danger! Palamecia is attacking! I need answers," Lucario said, taking off, looking around. Lucario ran through the familiar setting. It stopped and saw a familiar door.
(Flashback)
Sir Aaron is leading Lucario to the same door.
"Lucario, from now on, this castle is going to be your home and where you will train," Sir Aaron said.
"Yes," Lucario said.
"I'll teach you everything I have learned just so you can also learn how to be a user of aura," Sir Aaron said.
"Thank you," Lucario said.
"Yes, the aura is inside," Sir Aaron said. They nod to each other. "And soon, one day, you will learn to trust it." Sir Aaron opened the door.
(Flashback ends)
Lucario opened the door and stepped inside and walked in as the memories continued to flow. Lucario came to its former room, converted into a museum attraction. Lucario was confused by what it was seeing.
"Lucario," a voice spoke. Lucario turned to see Ilene along with 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, Volt, and Maple with her.
"Oh! Lady Rin!" Lucario said as the chamber maiden turned on the light.
"I'm afraid I'm not who you think I am," Ilene said. Lucario was further puzzled. "You see, my name is Lady Ilene, and Lady Rin was one of my ancestors." She approached the Pokémon and took it in her arms. "You've been asleep for a long time, Lucario."
"Is it possible?" Lucario asked.
"I am telling you the truth," Ilene said. Lucario backs away.
"But... I was just in this room just a few days ago," Lucario said.
"Please believe me, it seems to be days ago, but the reality is you haven't walked in this palace for centuries," Ilene said as Lucario looked into the nearest display case, horrified and confused.
"She's telling the truth to you, Lucario. Sir Aaron is my ancestor, too," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
The group made their way into the throne room to hear Lucario's side of the story.
"According to the story that was passed down, you vanished during the siege on the Palamecian palace. Would you care to explain?" Lady Ilene asked.
"The imperial army was relentless in their attack. Many soldiers from the rebellion were killed in the battle. I joined Sir Aaron, Darcel, Firion, Guy, and Maria in the battle right up to when we arrived to the imperial palace," Lucario said.
"Then, how did the fight with the emperor go down?" Ash asked.
"What?" Lucario asked.
"According to legend, Sir Aaron, Darcel, Firion, Maria, and Guy have stormed the emperor's palace and it was Sir Aaron who defeated him," Lady Ilene said.
"Impossible!" Lucario exclaimed.
"Well, that's what it says had happened," Chase said.
"Yeah, and the Palamecian Empire has fallen," Riku said.
"Sir Aaron trapped me inside the staff. He wanted the glory for himself!" Lucario said.
"Could it be that the legend is wrong?" Naminé asked.
"We will determine what is truth and what is fiction," Lady Ilene said.
"I will do what I can to help you," Lucario said.
"Lucario, one thing hasn't changed. This palace is your home. Feel free to stay here for as long as you like," Lady Ilene said.
"I am grateful, Your Highness. Thank you," Lucario said.
"Anyway, how could you confuse me for Sir Aaron? Does this costume make me look like him?" Sora asked.
"No. It was your aura. Yours and his are almost identical," Lucario said.
"It makes sense since he and Sora shares the same gene pool," Ethan said.
"You realize I'm in the room, too, don't you?" Arthur asked, irritated.
Just then, Mateus appeared before the group, making everyone gasped.
"Emperor Mateus!" Lucario growled. Mateus grinned evilly.
"Not now," Sora groaned.
"Well, well, well. It seems the celebration was cut short, but there will not be another one," Mateus said.
"Who are you and why have you come here?" The chamber maiden asked in a demanding tone.
"I had a feeling we'd see you again, Mateus?" Sora asked as he and the rest of the group, summoned their Keyblades.
"Now, now, put those away, children. I did not come here to fight," Mateus said.
"You're alive after all?!" Lucario growled.
"Ah, you're that Pokémon the aura knight had taken under his wing. It has been many centuries since we first met each other. But it was a pity that you weren't present during the final fight," Mateus said.
"What are you doing here, Mateus?" Riku asked.
"On second thought, we'd rather not know, because nothing you got in mind is ever good for us," Wes said.
"Indeed it is not good for you. I have come to make an announced that my empire will soon make a grand return, and I will finish what I began so many centuries ago," Mateus said.
"You will not. Because I will stop you and I will end your life like Sir Aaron should have!" Lucario said.
"You are a brave Pokémon, but you are no match for me. In fact, none of you could get the job done the last time," Mateus said.
"We'll just have to try harder," Ash said.
"Yeah, we took on Organization XIII, Black Sun, and ExDark, and we can take you on," Brendan said.
"Such a colorful imagination. But it will not save you," Matues said as he vanished.
"Where did he go?" Leaf asked.
People of Rota, I am Emperor Mateus, the rightful ruler of the world! Know this! I will rebuild the Empire of Palamecia and I will wipe away any oppositions against me! You will either bow down to my rule or you will face utter destruction by my hand!" Mateus announced in the air.
"Well, he made himself known," Michael said.
"You think he means what he said about rebuilding his empire?" Kris asked in a worried tone.
"Matues doesn't seem to be the type of guy who would go and make jokes," Roxas said.
"Pikachu," Xipak said.
"But where would he go?" Elaine asked.
"Most likely to his old palace," Lady Ilene said. Everyone looked at her. "It is likely he plans to resurrect his old empire and continue what he has began."
"But where is it from here?" Kairi asked.
"Just north from here," a familiar voice said. They saw Kidd enter the throne room.
"Wait a minute, I know you! Aren't you Kidd Summers?" Kris asked.
"Kidd Summers?" Chase asked.
"Who's she?" Elaine asked.
"Who's she?! She's the world's famous adventurer! She's done more world records than anybody in human history!" Kris said.
"Yeah, and I'm actually here to help you guys out on your mission to stopping Mateus," Kidd said.
"Wait, you're coming along?" Lyra asked.
"Yeah. The truth is, I kinda known about you Keyblade wielders for a while, looking into some of your last exploits," Kidd explained.
"How do you know about us?" Riku asked.
"That doesn't seem to be important right now. Right now, all that matters is stopping Mateus," Wes said.
"Wes is right. That's gotta be very important," Arthur said.
"What about Firion, Guy, and Maria? We should get in touch with them," Rui said.
"I don't think we can wait for them. It might take a while for them to get here to help us out," Xion said.
"We cannot afford to wait," Ash said.
"We'll have to head off in the morning," Kairi said.
"You are all welcome to stay for the night," Lady Ilene said.
A few hours later, Sora and Pikachu were wide awake as they spotted Lucario. Sora and Pikachu went up to Lucario, looking at the tapestry when Lucario slammed Sora down.
"Ow! Hey!" Sora yelped. "What was that for?"
"You snuck up behind me. That's the first mistake you shouldn't make," Lucario said.
"I'll keep that in mind," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"That Pikachu. Are you that Pikachu's master?" Lucario asked.
"Master? No, Pikachu is my friend and partner," Sora said.
"Friend?" Lucario asked.
"Yeah, I mean, wasn't Sir Aaron your friend?" Sora asked.
"I don't have any friends. And I don't want any," Lucario coldly said, walking away.
"Touchy," Sora said under his breath.
"Chu," Pikachu agreed with Sora.
"Still, what happened between the two of them? And how did it get so bad?" Sora asked.
Lucario wondered the castle and he spotted Riku and Eevee.
"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" Lucario asked.
"I could ask you the same thing," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Anyway, I heard you mentioning Darcel, right?" Riku asked.
"Yes. How is it relevant to you?" Lucario asked.
"Darcel was my ancestor like Sir Aaron is Sora's ancestor," Riku said.
"I had a feeling you were. I saw your aura same as Sora's. Do you have-" Lucario paused.
"The powers of darkness? Yeah, I do," Riku said, showing Lucario a small wisp of darkness. "But, I also have the power of light. I would like to know. How do you know Darcel?"
"Darcel fought alongside us during the war. Most of the dark knights have sided with the empire, but he refused. He didn't believe force was an answer for ruling over all, so the empire tried to have him killed along with us. But how do you know Firion, Maria, and Guy?"
"We met them in a different world, along with Mateus, and some other guys with him. We had some help in dealing with them and getting out. That would be Firion, Maria, Guy, and some other warriors helping us out against them. After getting out, I knew we were going to see them again rather if we wanted to or not," Riku explained.
"I see," Lucario said.
"Look, I don't know what happened between you and Sir Aaron, but Sora has nothing to do with it," Riku said.
"How would you know?" Lucario asked.
"Because I know him," Riku said, heading back in the room he was before. Lucario looked at Eevee before following him.
On the next morning, Lucario is leading the group toward the palace. Lady Ilene and the chamber maiden watched over them as the queen held the staff.
"May the spirit of the guardian protect them on their journey," Lady Ilene said. She kissed the gem. Lucario uses the power of aura to guide their way through.
"Guys, I've been thinking," Ash said.
"About what?" Ethan asked.
"Well, from what we got, Sir Aaron and Lucario can use aura, right?" Ash pointed out.
"Yeah," Ethan said.
"What about it?" Brendan asked.
"Well, I thought maybe since Sir Aaron can use aura, maybe Sora, Roxas, and Arthur can also use aura, too," Ash said.
"Really?" Sora, Roxas, and Arthur asked.
"You know it makes sense. I mean, since Roxas was Sora's Nobody, he should use it, too. Sora and Arthur are blood-related to him," Rui said.
"If they can, then Karen can as well," Elaine said.
"Okay, how about we slow it down a bit. We don't know about who can use what," Leaf said.
"What is aura exactly?" Chase asked.
"Aura is the essence of all living creatures. So, all the plants, the Pokémon, and even humans has aura," Rui said.
"Come to think of it, couldn't you use aura as well, Rui? I mean, you seemed to have that ability to know a Shadow Pokémon," Xion said.
"I don't know if I can use it the same way as Sir Aaron, but it could be possible," Rui said.
"Just about anything can be possible," Kidd said.
"She's right. We'll have to keep our minds opened," Naminé said.
Everyone agreed as Kidd kept on driving until she made a stop for Kairi to prepare a meal for everyone. Roxas was doing some fishing by a pond, hoping he would get a bite.
"I could use this as a distraction to take my mind off of troubles for a little while," Roxas said.
"Pikachu," Xipak said.
"I doubt I'll catch anything, but you'd never know when something will start pull-" Roxas felt a powerful tug, "-LING!" Roxas reeled in the Pokémon from the other end. "Man, it feels like a big one! You're not getting away from me that easily!" Roxas reeled it in and he managed to pull in a Barboach. It was big as a Magikarp. "A Barboach. Haven't caught one of those. Now's my chance." He threw his Pokéball, making Barboach flow inside. The Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. "Gotcha." He took out his Pokémon Box and sends it to Professor Oak's lab.
"Hey, Roxas, you done yet? Lunch is ready," Michael said.
"Coming," Roxas said as he and Xipak joined in.
Kairi presented Pokémon food for Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Charizard, Venusaur, Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Marill, Sceptile, Blaziken, Volt, Maple, Espeon, Umbreon, and Jolteon.
"Okay, lunch is served. Here's one for each of you," Kairi said, handing a plate to her friends when a Bonsly took the plate meant for Kidd. "What?" Kairi bends down and sees Bonsly eating some of the food. "A Bonsly. That isn't for you!" Bonsly then builds up tears in its eyes. Kairi wasn't buying it. "Oh, no you don't. I see through your Fake Tears." Bonsly then began to run off with the plate. "Come back with that!" As Bonlsy ran, Lucario took the plate from the Bonsai Pokémon, holding a red berry.
"Don't take things that are not yours. Eat this instead," Lucario said, offering the berry to Bonsly. The Bonsai Pokémon ate the berry and ran off. Bonsly ran behind a rock and looked back. Lucario smiled before looking up to the sky.
They continued the drive to Palamecia, following Lucario, going through the land. Sora and Pikachu looked out the side window.
They made another stop as Sora and Pikachu were looking around, unaware of something behind him. It is a yellow-orange bird with three-toed feet (two toes front-facing and one back-facing), large wings and a long neck. The bird let out a loud shriek, surprising Sora.
"Whoa!" Sors yelped. The rest of the group heard the shriek and saw it.
"What is that?" Lyra asked.
"Rill?" Marill asked.
"Is that a Pokémon?" Chase asked.
"Not any I've ever seen," Wes said.
"It's not a Pokémon," Lucario said, approaching it. "It's a different kind of creature. It's known as a Chocobo."
"A Chocobo? I heard of Chocobos, but I thought they were made up," Kairi said.
"No, they're real. Chocobos are mostly common around forests, so it's unusual to see one out in the open," Lucario said.
"Well, here's one out in the open," Sora said. The Chocobo gave off a yellow glow and made a transformation into a small necklace with a miniature Chocobo on the front. "What the? Did it just turn into a necklace?"
"Pika?" Pikachu asked.
"Too small to wear," May said.
"I wonder how I'll be able to see it aga-" Sora was cut off when it glowed and it sits right on him. "Never mind." The Chocobo looked right at Sora and he looked back at the bird. Sora thought for a moment. "I think I'll call you Boco." The Chocobo squawked with approvement. "Okay, Boco it is."
A few moments later, they came across a hot spring and decided to take a break before they get back on the road. The Bonsly from before hitched a ride with them.
"Hey there, little guy. Did you hitch a ride?" Chase asked.
"Bonsly," Bonsly said.
"You can hang with us if you want to," Chase said.
Lucario sat at a distance, looking at the group as memories kicked up again.
(Flashback)
Sir Aaron has removed his hat, cape, gloves, and boots.
"Why don't you sit down and soak your feet, Lucario? It's very relaxing" Sir Aaron offered.
"I'd rather not, sir," Lucario said. Sir Aaron laughed.
"You need to loosen up," Sir Aaron said.
"Yes, Master," Lucario said, sitting down and soaking his feet. Lucario beamed over warm the water felt on his feet. Sir Aaron caught on to Lucario enjoying it.
"Well?" Sir Aaron asked. Lucario regain his posture.
"It's nice," Lucario said.
(Flashback ends)
"Hey, Lucario, why don't you come in and have a soak with us?" Chase asked.
"Yeah, the water's fine," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu and Volt said. Lucario just stood up and walked away.
"I take it that Lucario doesn't want to," Sora said.
"Even the Master's Lucario wasn't this shy," Chase said.
"Hey, you guys. Look at that!" Kris said. They all turned to her.
"What's up, Kris?" Sora asked.
"That," Kris said, pointing up. Sora and Chase looked up and saw what looks like a flower. "It's some kind of flower."
"Better have a closer look," Sora said, climbing up.
"Sora's a pretty goo climber," Kidd said, soaking her feet.
"He climbs better than any Aipom or Ambipom," Riku said.
Sora reaches the flower and he touches it. As soon as he touched the flower, it began to glow. But he loses his footing and and he along with the floor, fell back in the water. Lucario's attention is caught.
"Sora, I didn't tell you to pick it," Kris said.
"Well, excuse me. I only touched it, but then I fell," Sora said.
"Maybe it'll be okay when we replant it," Chase said.
"You're right. We should do that," Kris said.
Lucario looked at the flower and recognized it.
(Flashback)
Sir Aaron and Lucario came across the same kind of flower.
"Look. A Time Flower," Sir Aaron said.
"Time Flower?" Lucario asked.
"This flower, through the power of aura can help you see the past," Sir Aaron said, touching it. It give off an azure light.
(End of flashback)
Lucario turned to the raging geysers.
After changing into their regular clothes, Chase digs into the ground, making it deep enough for the Time Flower.
"That should be deep enough," Chase said.
"Only one way to find out. Okay, Kris, let's see that flower," Sora said.
"Okay," Kris said. Sora touches it and the Time Flower began to glow. It opened up and showed the time Sora touched the flower and fell in the hot spring. It then closed.
"Did we just see what I thought we saw?" Chase asked.
"That happened a little while ago," Ethan said.
"You must have picked a Time Flower," Kidd said.
"What's a Time Flower?" Xion asked.
"It's a plant that Sir Aaron used to look into the past, but I always thought it was a myth," Kidd said.
"How does it work?" Brendan asked.
"If the legend is accurate, it responded because of the aura Sir Aaron and his descendants are all the same," Kidd said. Lucario was silent, staring at Sora.
"So, in other words, only Sora, Arthur, and their families can touch it," Naminé said.
"It seems that way since Sora was the one who touched it," Arthur said.
Later that night, Sora, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Wes, Rui, Michael, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Marill, Volt, and Maple sat around to make an important discussion. Arthur is excluded from the discussion since he's not Rei's apprenctice.
"So, which one of us gets to be leader?" Roxas asked.
"That is a very difficult thing to figure out since it was sprung on to us when we were heading for the Sinnoh region," Rui said.
"But we can't keep putting it off, guys. The Master thought one of us should lead the Union since every team has a leader rather than the Master," Michael said.
"Well, here's how I can put it. I think it should be Wes since he was the first of us to have a Keyblade," Brendan said.
"I hardly think I'm qualified for the job, considering that I have a bit of a dark past. I did used for Team Snatch until I ditched them," Wes said.
"Well, it then it should be Riku since he's the most likely," Ethan said.
"That's a good thought, but I already have someone else in mind," Riku said.
"Who?" May asked.
"I think it should be Sora," Riku suggested.
"Me?" Sora asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked.
"Why Sora, Riku?" Rui asked.
"Well, I figured it should be Sora since he's more of a leader than any of us. I saw my share of it like when we brought the fight to Organization XIII. So, it's only fair," Riku said.
"I second that," Naminé said.
"I totally agree," Leaf said.
"So do I," Ash said.
"Now, hold on, you guys, I didn't agree to start leading yet," Sora said.
"You shouldn't be quick to doubt yourself, Sora. I mean, you led us out some jams before, because we trust you and believe in you," Leaf said.
"And we know you believe in us," Ash said.
Lucario was listening in one them as the memories ran their course again.
(Flashback)
We have a look to when Sir Aaron was demonstrating an exercise for Lucario. He was wearing a blindfold, dodging logs as they swing at him.
"It's your turn, Lucario," Sir Aaron said, removing his blindfold. "You can do it. I know." Lucario nodded. Using the power of aura, Lucario manages to dodge the logs coming at him, wearing the blindfold. "Good. That's enough." Lucario jumped back to Sir Aaron's side. He and Sir Aaron looked at each other and smiled.
(Flashback ends)
"You humans are all alike!" Lucario said. They all looked at Lucario. "You can't be trusted!" Lucario started to walk away.
"Hey, wait a minute!" Sora said, going after Lucario. "What is that supposed to mean? I get that you don't trust me, but what gives?!"
"You're not cut out for leadership! You will only abandon your so-called friends just like Sir Aaron abandoned me!" Lucario argued.
"I would not!" Sora argued back.
"Your words mean nothing!" Lucario said. Sora summoned his Keyblade and he makes a wall of fire, blocking Lucario's path. He turned to Sora as he dismissed his Keyblade.
"Why would you think that I would turn my back on my friends? Tell me that at least! Was it because of you being in that staff for hundreds of years?" Sora asked.
"Why should that matter to you? His blood flows in your veins, so you and he are both alike!" Lucario said.
"Look, I don't know how it went down, but I wouldn't abandon anyone! I never have and I never will! I once gave my heart for Kairi just so I would keep her safe and I would do it again in a heartbeat! You can go ahead and compare me to my ancestor as much as you want, but just so you know, I am not him!" Sora said, walking away. Lucario looked into Sora's aura and he saw truth in Sora's words. Lucario then saw a memory of a Keyblade in Sora's chest and his brief moment as a Heartless. Lucario realized he was wrong to think Sora would turn his back on anyone.
Lucario stood by a tree as Chase and Volt came by after his spat with Sora.
"Hey, Lucario, I brought you a little snack, so it might cheer you up," Chase said, taking out a chocolate bar and broke off a piece. He hands it to Lucario. "I take it that you never had chocolate before, huh?"
"Never," Lucario said.
"When I was little, I had chocolate to help me feel better whenever I was sad or upset, so I figured it should do the same thing with you. It tastes great, too," Chase said. Lucario tastes the chocolate piece.
"It's delicious," Lucario said.
"Did it help?" Chase asked.
"It has," Lucario said, smiling. "Thank you."
"Anytime," Chase said.
That night, everyone went to sleep and Lucario stayed awake, looking up to the stars. Lucario thinking more of a past.
(Flashback)
Sir Aaron and Lucario looked up in the sky.
"Master, after the war, what do you intend to do next?" Lucario asked.
"Return to my family. I am sure they're anxious in seeing me again. And I feel the same way," Sir Aaron said. He turned to Lucario. "And I would like you to come with me just so I could introduce you to them." Lucario turned to Sir Aaron.
"Me?" Lucario asked.
"Yes. You would be a part of my family, Lucario," Sir Aaron said.
"And I would be honored to be a part of your family, Master," Lucario said.
(Flashback ends)
"Sir Aaron had love for his family. And that love has to pass on to Sora," Lucario said.
Over to Palamecia, Mateus is in the ruins of his old palace, walking in its halls.
"If only if these old ways could talk. They would speak of my greatness. To think, the most powerful empire in history was destroyed and then the world insults it by celebrating its destruction. They insult my greatness, but these insults will never again come when I rebuild my empire and take the world as my own, as it was always intended. The Guardians of Kingdom Hearts should already be on their way by now, so I will be sure they receive the best Palamecian welcome," Mateus said.
The quest for Palamecia is just about halfway over, so how will Sora and his friends be able to stand up against Mateus? Will they be able to defeat Mateus and save the world? What what happened to Sir Aaron after Mateus's downfall? The answer will come next time, so don't go anywhere.