Pokemon - The Visionary and The Vagabond: Lysandre "L" Analysis
"I tried to save people--and the world--with the profit from this lab. But my efforts had no effect... The world was just too vast...and too full of fools that I couldn't save through my hard work alone... That's why I decided the only way to save the world was to take it all for myself." Lysandre
"I know that I was once among those who choose to take rather than to give... But that is no way to save the world. You must be the one who gives!" L
To describe Lysandre's character before Legends ZA could be done with a certain quote from a ProZD skit, "This world is imperfect. If only I could wipe away the impurities and make it as beautiful as me!"
When X and Y were first released, one of the game's weakest points was its main villain, Lysandre. Lysandre, the head of Team Flare, suffers from a lack of depth and subtlety, but the game expects you to treat his evil status as a twist reveal.
However, Legends ZA did something amazing...they gave Lysandre a personality. But in all seriousness, "L" is a glow-up from his XY characterization, and the game also retroactively improved upon his character in XY. I now consider Lysandre, or rather, L, one of the best Pokemon characters.
"Sycamore's pupilsโฆ
X: Let us live foreverโฆ That's right! I shall grant you eternal life! I'll give you the pain of endlessly waiting for a beautiful world to finally be built!
Y: The ultimate weapon is a flower that bloomed to no availโฆ Just like meโฆ But this ends here! I will show what its remaining power can do!" Lysandre's final words in either Pokemon X or Pokemon Y
"I believe Zygarde is wielding me as an instrument for the betterment of Lumiose. It intrigues me. And it bothers me none. After all, my wish has always been to make a more beautiful cityโa more beautiful world." L
In X and Y, we see Lysandre already deciding there is no use trying to save the world. To him, the solution is simple: He will take it all for himself and create a true "beautiful" world. A world where beauty shall last forever. Anyone who doesn't agree with him is "filth" and "unproductive" and deserves to die as a fool.
Underneath his supposed noble intentions for the future, Lysandre showcases his self-centered elitism. Team Flare is nothing more than French Nazis, for lack of a better description. Lysandre's obsession with "Chosen Ones" being the ones to forge a better world is laughable when you realize the "Chosen Ones" are Team Flare, a group of narcissistic aristocrats with terrible fashion tastes. The only way you can join Team Flare is if you're super rich.
However, despite his card-carrying villainous nature, there is a tragic layer to his character. He used to be a genuine philanthropist who tried to help the world with the funds he made. He even cried when he explained that Pokemon would not survive the Ultimate Weapon. He's also related to AZ as the descendant of AZ's brother, who hid the Ultimate Weapon.
An issue I take with X and Y is how they hide the more complex layers of Lysandre's characters behind documents and random NPCs you have to go out of your way to talk to. What we're left with is this insane lunatic ranting hateful speeches with nobody commenting on how utterly insane he is.
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon reveal a version of Lysandre who succeeded in his genocidal plot. Unlike his main timeline counterpart later on, he doubles down on his beliefs that he was in the right and sought to do the exact same thing in the main timeline. Unlike the main timeline, he rigged both buttons to activate without any regrets, and just when he's about to have an epiphany if he was wrong, he triples down on his insanity.
"People can be divided into two groups. Those who give... And those who take... It's just as how the Kalos region's two Legendary Pokรฉmon gave life and took life. I want to be the kind of person who gives... But in this world, some foolish humans exist who show their strength by taking what isn't theirs. They're fifth!" Lysandre
XY Lysandre was blinded (literally with his vizor in the final fight against him) by pride and arrogance to see the beauty in front of him.
USUM Lysandre smiles at another potential genocide, completely blind despite having his two eyes.
XY and USUM Lysandre flaunted his Mega Ring as a symbol of his status and self-righteousness.
"It's overโฆ Fools with no vision will continue to befoul this beautiful world. They will go on until the only thing left to do is squabble over the remaining scraps of hopeโฆ" Lysandre's post-final battle dialogue
"I had triggered my ultimate weapon to wipe out all the foolsโeveryone except Team Flareโฆ But at that moment, a bright light swallowed me and I wandered into this world. No matter. My purpose remains the same. Which world I'm in is not important. The only way to create a world where people live in beauty, a world without conflict or theftโฆ" Team Rainbow Rocket Lysandre
Legends ZA revealed that all this time, Lysandre is still alive... but he's a completely changed man, now known as "L". Lysandre has lost everything. He's now a homeless wanderer who is Zygarde's herald. A calmer man who has no problem being used as a messenger and ally of Zygarde... One could be skeptical of his genuineness. However, he turns out to be a genuine ally to the people of Kalos and Lumiose City.
Shockingly, Zygarde not only saved the Pokemon and people from the Ultimate Weapon...but Lysandre as well. He has partial amensia but by the end, he regained his memories to know what kind of man he was. That partial loss of his memories allows him to regain the empathy he lost and once again empathize with people and the world. Not only that, but just like his ancestor AZ, he's now cursed to live three thousand years. However, unlike AZ, instead of pursuing a unobtainable goal, he's going to chase smaller goals that'll result in a better world.
His left eye being whited out must be a nod to Odin. Given how Kalos has a lot of nods to Norse mythology, it's extremely fitting. My friend has this headcanon, which I approve of, that Lysandre dyed his hair red to preserve his idea of "beauty," and we now see what his hair actually looks like.
"The exact causality is unclear...but we can surmise that Ange's influence resulted in more wild Pokรฉmon gathering throughout Lumiose. Which led this cityโbuilt for humansโto become a place of harmony with these wild creatures. But now, we have separated Pokรฉmon and humans into different areas once more... I wonder... Is it right that we keep each other at arm's length with these holo-tech barriers? Perhaps we will find another way. I look forward to seeing what the people of this city choose." L
Legends ZA also took the time to show people who were personally affected by Lysandre. Corbeau wouldnโt be here if it weren't for Lysandreโs support when he was a kid. That moment where Corbeau still struggles to understand Lysandreโs unexpected insanity better portrays the shock of Lysandreโs evil reveal in XY than the game itself. Corbeau represents the positive impact Lysandre once had on Kalos, as Corbeau hopes to follow Lysandre's example. While Corbeau does lead the Rust Syndicate, a Yakuza-style mafia, any action he takes is to better Lumiose City.
"Well, that gentleman's name is Lysandre. He isโor wasโa very wealthy and generous businessman. He helped me out when I was a kid. Provided me with support since I had no family to rely on. I...don't know why he did what he did five years ago, or what he's been up to since. But if he's alive, that means I can repay him for everything he's done for me." Corbeau
However, Lysandre's actions and descent into insanity also hurt those around him. This is best seen with the former Team Flare members Grisham and Griselle, the children of Team Flare grunts. They truly believed in Team Flare's original goal of making the world a beautiful place and were ostracized for their parents' mistake. They feel a burden not only to redeem their reputations but also that of their team before Lysandre led them down a darker path. However, they're still stuck in the past with this obsession to clear their names over following through with their desired goals of a beautiful world without the extremism and insanity.
"As the world grows wealthier, the number of Pokรฉmon and people will only continue to grow, and that growth will invite new difficulties. In time, life will fill every corner of the planet, until no more life can be sustained. When there is only one of something, it cannot be shared. When something cannot be shared, it will be fought over. And when something is fought over, some must survive without it. The only way to create a world where people live in beauty, a world without conflict or theft, is to reduce the number of living things. My comrades in Team Flare, the time has come to lead the world toward a more beautiful future." Lysandre's Manifesto File 4: Our Shared Dream
His dialogue around his battle and after you catch Zygarde perfectly showcases how much Lysandre changed. I mentioned in my AZ post how XY is themed around life and death, along with the struggle of balance; Lysandre is another prominent example. In our reality, we see the corrupt, the greedy, and the elite take everything for themselves. Lysandre tried to be the one who gives instead of takes, but he ended up giving too much without understanding how people can truly thrive. He didn't think to ask why problems happen and how to stop them from happening in the future. In the end, he became the people he despised. With Zygarde saving the man once known as Lysandre, L is born. L now understands the importance of balance and how he should've focused on laying the seeds and groundwork for a successful future rather than throwing money to simply keep something afloat. He sees his three thousand year life extension not as a curse but as a gift for him to finally realize his dream. The drastic change from a materialistic, individualistic mindset to one dedicated to a world of cooperation is astonishing. Even his appearance reflects it: from a corporate Capitalist tech CEO outfit reflecting a harsher serious demeanor to a more humble, common attire that gives off a more relaxed air (I also love the X and Y patches on his clothing).
"A being that gives, and a being that takes... Both actions are vital to maintaining balance. But in excess, either could destroy it. My memories remain vagueโindistinctโyet there is one thing I know: Long ago, I tried to give too much. But my good deeds saw no reward. I wallowed in despair, in resentment...and I decided to take everything for myself instead! Then came Zygarde. A being that seeks to correct excessโto find moderation, to restore balance. I can only imagine that is why it would save meโthe one who'd fired the ultimate weapon." L
I love how L's animations are mainly references to his first fight with some homages and contrasts to his final fight in XY and his USUM counterpart. L's theme is one of the best themes in all of Pokemon. I love how it's just an expanded version of his XY theme, but in an orchestral major key. It truly embodies hope and redemption.
Half of Lysandre's team reflects both his current character and his new persona, "L".
Gyarados - It embodies Lysandre's nihilistic "survival of the fittest" mindset. Only the most capable of Magikarps can become Gyarados. If a Gyradaos undergoes a rampage, it'll destroy everything in its path. Its Mega Form can result in it becoming even more mindlessly destructive, but it'll still follow its trainer that it fully trusts. All of this can apply to Lysandre's mindless self-destructive streak, yet Mega Gyrados also signals the trust Gyrados has in its trainer, showing hidden depths to Lysandre's and later L's character.
Pyroar (Male) - Lysandre's hair makes him look like the lion Pokemon. The male Pyroar, the leader of the pack, fits Lysandre's status as the leader of Team Flare. It also represents Lysandre's lion motifs. His pride got in the way of seeing reality. His rebirth as L removed the lion's pride.
Mienshao - The "Martial Arts" Pokemon can attack rapidly to the point it can't even be seen. It also attacks using its fur, giving a deceptive appearance of what it can really do to its opponents. Once it starts attacking with its fur, it can't be stopped, which reflects Lysandre's single-minded obsession with his path being justified.
Honchkrow - The mafia bird represents Lysandre's selfishness and "take all for himself" beliefs. It has the Murkrow do all the food collecting and most of the fighting before it takes it all for itself and finishes the opponent.
L's new additions to the team (Sadly, Mienshao and Honchkrow seem to not have survived the Ultimate Weapon):
Sableye and Noivern - The two Pokemon symbolize how the loss of his left eyesight and temporary memory loss allows him to finally see the world and hear perspectives he blocked off for so long. Noibat, Noivern's previous form, can also be tought in Terminus Cave, the same location where Zygarde apperared in Pokemon XY.
Florges - A Fairy flower Pokemon that creates beautiful flower gardens, has a long life span...and ruthlessly deals with anyone who dare ruins its flower garden. A Kalos Pokemon of beauty and the evolution of Floette. Fitting of L, a descendant of AZ's brother.
Garbodor - A Pokemon of actual garbage; a Pokemon a lot of people deem "ugly"...and yet it's a Pokemon on L's team. Not only does he see the beauty in the world, but he also accepts its ugliness. After all, if everything is beautiful, then nothing is ugly and vice versa. However, even the ugly aspects shouldn't be shunned. There's either beauty within it or it helps us understand how to avoid the ugliness.
These two sentences in particular really highlight how L is a changed man for the better:
"Look at how we cooperate, human and Pokรฉmon. Perhaps there is a beauty to this world." L
Then the way L revealed his Mega Ring...goosebumps. In XY, Lysandre flaunted his Mega Ring, visibly boasting that he had mastered the power of Mega Evolution. In Legends ZA, he keeps his Mega Ring in his pocket. The faded Ring signifies how, presumably, up until this battle, he hasn't used it. For a brief moment, he looks at it. His look says everything: regret, memories, and sadness. Before he grips the Ring to once again unlock the genuine bond he has with his Gyarados.
The fact that L's dialogue after you beat him is the same as Lysandre's after his first battle is perfect. The fact that it's the same line, but in a different context, underscores how much the character has grown. Instead of a cold contempt reaction, he looks at you with a warm smile. You can see L briefly imitating Lysandre's reaction before smiling...it's just amazing facial animation.
An interesting note is how his USUM counterpart almost uses the same quote, but without saying "excellent," and he's gripping his hand with a frustrated face. He comes across as bitterly sarcastic to me, as his schemes for a "better world" had been foiled by your character.
"Excellent! I can feel the fire of your convictions burning deep within your heart!" Lysandre's (Your first battle with him), Team Rainbow Rocket Lysandre (minus the Excellent), and L's post-battle dialogue
In all three iterations, after the final battle with him, he reflects. In XY, he still believes there is no hope for humanity overcoming its flaws to create a beautiful future. In USUM, he briefly wonders if he had met your character if he could've been different...before doubling down in his insanity and proclaiming the self-righteousness of his genocide. In Legends ZA, he showcases the wisdom he has and realizes that perhaps if he had listened...he would've never become the man he once was.
"If that were possible, all wars would have ended long ago! I can only see one future! One where selfish, foolish humans think about nothing other than themselves and steal more and more from one another... It's a tragic future!" Lysandre
"Maybe...if my world has a Trainer like you, the path I chose could have been different... No! Nothing can change me now! If there is a path to creating a beautiful world, then that is the path I must take! Even if it means I can only save a handful of the old world!" Team Rainbow Rocket Lysandre
"This is why we battleโto reach understanding. Trainer to Trainer, Trainer to Pokรฉmon, and Pokรฉmon to Pokรฉmon. I suppose that is why AZ, like you, wished for the Z-A Royale to resume. Five years ago, a group of children stood against me in defiance. If I'd tried to understand them...perhaps I would never have fired the ultimate weapon." L
To conclude, Lysandre has become one of the most fascinating characters not only in Pokemon but in general that I've seen. While his character arc shares similarities with other non-Pokemon characters out there, the fact that he started out as a psychopathic doomsday billionaire and became a homeless vagabond is an unexpected character change. He and AZ give me FF character vibes. By losing an eye, he can finally see the beauty that was always there. XY may not have been the best-written game, but it still holds a place in my heart. Overall, in the base game, Legends ZA did an amazing job of recontextualizing XY and creating one of the best Pokemon games, which gave Kalos and some of its characters much-needed depth, like Lysandre.
The contrast of Lysandre saying adieu and L saying au revoir is peak character writing in retrospect. They both mean goodbye: the former is meant as a final parting, and the latter is meant to signal the possibility of seeing each other again.
In the world we live in, I felt really emotional when he pointed out how our connections are a miracle. It reminds me that we probably would get along with others who share our interests and match our wavelengths...but we'll never get to meet them due to distance and other factors. If there were more people like L, this world would be a more beautiful place.
"Pokรฉmon Trainers. I come to you by the Holo Caster to make an important announcement. Listen well. Team Flare will revive the ultimate weapon, eliminate everyone who isn't in our group, and return the world to a beautiful, natural state. Unproductive fools are consuming our futureโฆ If nothing changes, the world will become ugly and conflicts will raze the land from end to end. I repeat. We will use the ultimate weapon and wipe the slate clean. I'm sorry, those of you who are not members of Team Flare, but this is adieu to you all." Lysandre's message over the Holo Caster
"Now, it falls to me to ponder...what should I do with the three thousand years I must live?... That's only fair. It is not an answer I will find in anyone but my own self. But I know one thing. To this day, I yearn to create a more beautiful world...and I will yearn for it forever! I once thought that we could achieve that world by fullfilling the material needs of everyone. Now I know it is not so simple. An old proverb says it is good to feed the hungry, but better to teach them how to feed themselves. I had focused solely on what I believed the world needed. Yet I lost sight of how to make it so that people can truly flourish. Thanks to what you and your Pokรฉmon have done together, I have learned my lesson well. It is an outlandish dream, far beyond my reach...but with three thousand years' time, perhaps I can make it real. Much like AZ wandered far and wide across the world in search of Floette... I shall travel across vast reaches in search of ways to create the world I yearn for. When people manage to meet, it is a gift. Even living in the same time and place is no guarantee. The fact that we, and so many others, met and banded together to make Lumiose a better place...is something we should treasure. Barring some great change, I doubt we will meet again...but I will carry these lessons with me. Au revoir, my young friend." L
