Stalwart Blade

The Stalwart Blade is an Emblem Heartless that is found in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. It is one of the bosses at Olympus Coliseum and Twilight Town.

Design
A Stalwart Blade is a large, humanoid Heartless covered from head to toe in faded red and white armor. The armor on its legs sport white spikes and steel blue highlights. Its helmet sports two short, white spikes and a long, twisted, black antenna. A small opening in the front just barely exposes the Stalwart Blade's black face and glowing yellow eyes. Its most notable features are the orange, interweaving blades in place of each of its hands. It has two Heartless emblems, one on each of its shoulder pauldrons.

The Stalwart Blade's name reflects its resistance to magic and its skill with defense, as "stalwart" means "firmly built". It also references the blades on the Heartless's arms. Its Japanese name, "Strength Blade", references its great power.

Strategy
Like most arm-blade knights, the Stalwart Blade attacks with sliding thrusts, spin attacks, and drop bomb attacks. It becomes stunned and dizzy after its own attempts. Dodge its attacks, then counter during its malaise. It recovers quickly, so be ready to jump or dodge roll away. Hit it with Aero spells to stun it for longer periods of time, creating more chances to hit it.