Lea

Lea is the human form of Axel. In Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, he appears as a teenager and a close friend of Isa. He appears as an adult in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, in which he chooses to become a Keyblade wielder under Master Yen Sid.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Lea lives an idyllic life alongside his best friend Isa on the world of Radiant Garden, and conspires with Isa to break into Ansem the Wise's castle for the sake of mischief. The pair walks past the town square shortly after Terra and Aqua have left Radiant Garden, where Lea notices Ventus drop his Wooden Keyblade and hands it back to him, as Isa impatiently watches. Lea teases Ventus for using a "kid" weapon, and proudly shows off his frisbees while challenging Ventus to a sparring match. Ventus readily accepts, to Isa's amusement, and easily defeats Lea. Though Lea tries to claim the match is a draw, Isa chides him and the three leave to part ways, laughing. Lea vows to Ventus that they will meet again, as they are now friends, a comfort that prompts Ventus to decide to keep making friends. As they walk away, Isa asks Lea why he keeps befriending strangers, and Lea answers that he wants to live forever in the memories of everyone he meets. As they near the castle, the pair look up to it and Lea checks if Isa is ready to begin.

Sometime after Terra-Xehanort is defeated and taken in by Ansem, Dilan throws a struggling Lea and a resigned Isa out of the castle as Aeleus looks on. Afterward, the pair go to the Castle Town to buy sea-salt ice cream from Scrooge McDuck, and they look up to the sky as they eat. From thereon, sea-salt becomes Lea's favorite flavor of ice cream.

Between Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
One day, Lea and Isa successfully snuck into the castle. They found their way into the Heartless Manufactory, and travelled down the spiral stairs underneath the castle, emerging into a dark hall lined with cages. Having second thoughts as they felt a presence, Lea and Isa wanted to run but they were stopped and beckoned by the faint voice of young girl in the darkness, and they befriended her. After that day, Lea and Isa continued to sneak into the castle whenever they could and visit the girl. Lea wanted to do more and free the girl from her cell, so he and Isa infiltrated the castle one day to save her but she was gone. They searched for her during their subsequent visits but she was nowhere to be found. Lea and Isa approached Ansem the Wise to become his apprentices and learn what happened to the girl.

They were in Ansem the Wise's computer room, where their hearts were consumed by darkness and transformed into Heartless. However, their strong hearts and wills allowed their bodies and souls to continue on as Nobodies. Organization XIII recruited the pair, naming them "Axel" and "Saïx" and inducting them in as Numbers VIII and VII, respectively. However, the two joined the Organization with the intention of taking it over in order to find their missing friend.

At some point during Sora's journey, he destroys Lea's Heartless.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
Some time after Axel sacrifices himself to give Sora safe passage to The World That Never Was, Lea has a dream of Roxas reminding Axel of the promise he made to him and Xion, to always be there to bring them back, and he awakens in Radiant Garden, with his memories of his time as Axel intact. Discovering that four of the founding members of Organization XIII, Aeleus, Even, Dilan and Ienzo, have been recompleted as well, Lea notices that Braig and Isa are missing and decides to look for them. After talking with Aeleus in Ansem the Wise's study, he finds out there is no one else in the Castle. Deciding to check the castle grounds, Lea is told by Aeleus not to bother. Ienzo explains to Lea if Braig and Isa were recompleted, they would have appeared in the same place as the others. This makes Lea wonder if Braig and Isa could have been "blasted off to some other world", which Ienzo explains is possible if the world they came from no longer exists when they are reborn; they'd reappear in Traverse Town or a similar place if that was the case. Lea then finds the remnants of Ansem's notes about the Door to Darkness, and leaves to bring back Braig and Isa, without telling Ienzo and Aeleus how, complaining that he always gets stuck with the icky jobs.

Lea uses a Corridor of Darkness to travel to Disney Castle, hoping King Mickey would help him in his search. From inside the Corridor, he disrupts the hostage situation taking place in the library, blocking Maleficent's attack against Mickey, Donald, and Goofy and distracting Pete long enough for Queen Minnie to escape his clutches. Once Maleficent and Pete are gone, Lea reveals and introduces himself to Mickey and his friends. Revealing his motives, Lea asks for their help in his search. Lea travels to the Mysterious Tower with Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, being brought up to speed regarding Sora and Riku's Mark of Mastery exam and Xehanort's inevitable return. Seeing they need more help, Lea requests that Yen Sid make him a Keyblade wielder, shocking everyone present. Yen Sid warns him that the road he has chosen will not be easy, but Lea decides to "jump right in" anyway. He is then helped with his training by Merlin, along with Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, by using their magic to compress the time his training would take.

Learning of the danger everyone else is in, Lea arrives in The World That Never Was, just in time to save Sora from becoming Master Xehanort's final vessel in the new Organization XIII. His appearance shocks Xemnas and Xigbar, the latter of whom calls him "Axel". Lea explains that when he was Axel, he promised Roxas he would always be there to bring back his friends and intends to make good on it, then jokes to Master Xehanort that he had plotted his "script" so well, but forgot to "write the sequel". Lea is attacked by a hooded member wielding the Lunatic. After deflecting the attack, the member's hood blows back to reveal Saïx, leaving Lea shocked to see his former friend as one of Master Xehanort's vessels. Regrouping with Mickey and Riku, Lea gives up on correcting people about his name and says they should escape while they have the chance. After Donald and Goofy arrive and defeat Xehanort's guardian, the new Organization begins disappearing, its members returning to their proper place in time. As they leave, Lea shares a final look with Saïx.

Back in the Mysterious Tower, Riku decides to go back into Sora's dream to awaken him. Lea tells Riku if the darkness gets him again, then he will be there to get him out, joking that "Dark Rescue" is his middle name. After Riku succeeds in awakening Sora, Lea then joins him and the others in a tea party while Riku is recovering. Once Riku wakes up and Yen Sid declares him a Keyblade Master, Lea tells Riku that he'll catch up to him in no time and become a Keyblade Master as well. Despite Sora and Riku's disbelief, he explains that he came to the Mysterious Tower to learn how to wield a Keyblade and even planned to be using one when he showed up to save Sora and Riku, but hasn't been able to summon it yet. Wondering if the problem is in the way he moves his wrist, Lea tries one more time and successfully summons his Keyblade, shocking everyone present.

Afterwards, Lea soon returns to Radiant Garden.

Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-
Yen Sid mentions that Lea is undergoing further training with both Merlin and the three fairies. When Kairi wonders who Lea is, Mickey explains to her that Lea was once Axel, much to her shock, but clarifies that he is on their side.

Before Kingdom Hearts III
As Lea continues his training, he is joined by Kairi, who is also beginning to undergo training in the art of the Keyblade. During their time together, Lea constantly apologizes to Kairi for kidnapping her back when he was Axel. Initially apprehensive about him, Kairi begins to warm up to Lea during their training, seeing him as someone she cannot bring herself to hate when she learns that he also has a friend that he was trying to save. Lea sometimes finds himself staring at Kairi's face, and when she would ask him the reason behind his stares, Lea is unable to explain himself, but feels like it is something he should remember.

Kingdom Hearts III
Lea and Kairi continue their training in the special world Merlin brought them where time does not matter. When he catches Kairi writing a letter to Sora, she admits it is more for herself. Lea then presents Kairi with some sea-salt ice cream to celebrate them both summoning Keyblades. Kairi catches Lea staring and inquires if he is trying to remember what he forgot, to which he confirms. As Kairi gets excited to duel in the ring, telling him "Don't hold back, Lea. Promise?", Axel has a vision of Xion and cries from overwhelming emotion, though he cannot remember her. When Kairi expresses concern, Lea apologizes and dismisses it before apologizing once more. Kairi tells him to stop apologizing and he relents only on the condition she calls him Axel from now on, to which she agrees to.

Sometime later, Lea is gazing out to watch the horizon when Kairi greets him, revealing her new clothes and haircut. When Kairi points out he wears still wears the black coat, despite Riku bring them new garbs, Lea states that he is fine with his clothes. Kairi then confides in Lea about her desire to free Naminé, a sentiment he shares in regards to Roxas. He proceeds to tell her about this a young boy he met when he was younger whom he became fast friends with, but disappeared. He confesses he nearly forgot about him until Roxas showed up and saw they were identical, though he never told Roxas, afraid he would also vanish on him. Concerned that Ventus has forgotten him, Kairi assures him that Ventus does remember him.

Back at Master Yen Sid's Tower, Lea attempts to standout and make sense of everything while the others seemingly ignore him. When Lea asks where he fits in, pointing out does Ventus and Roxas are identical, Ventus looks surprised before smiling. Lea is caught off guard and admits how crazy of a story everything is and that everyone already knows each other and it's an insane amount to get memorized. Ventus responds "Sorry, Lea" surprising the latter. When Lea expresses disbelief Ventus reassures him of course he remembers as they are friends and he can't believe Lea is a Keyblade wielder like him. When Sora asks "Axel, you know Ven?" Ventus is confused who is Axel, causing Lea to reaffirm everything is a huge brain-ache. As the group decides their next course of action to save the missing members Lea pledges to get Roxas back.

Later Lea sits on the clocktower in Twilight Town, eating sea-salt ice cream while holding two others. He expresses regret he hasn't rescued Roxas yet when Saïx appears, remarking shouldn't Lea be saying goodbye to his real home. Lea is surprised to see Saïx who assures he's not there to fight and to relax. Saïx then swipes an ice cream and Lea protests to which Saïx points out he can't eat them all. He asks why Lea bought three, one for Roxas and perhaps two for good luck and Lea scoffs he doesn't know, he felt like it.

When Lea demands to know why Saïx is there he recounts how they used to sneak into the castle when they were still friends and befriended a girl there. In order to rescue the girl Isa and Lea apprenticed under Ansem the Wise but failed as she disappeared one day. Saïx says Lea gave up but Lea insists he did not pointing out one day they were apprentices, then Ansem the Wise disappeared, and the next day they were Nobodies, and after that they were working for Xemnas. Lea insists he couldn't keep up and Saïx reveals following Xemnas, Xehanort's Nobody, was the only way to find out what happened to their friend whom he used as a lab rat. When Lea asks if Saïx has found her he admits there's no trace and he started to think they'd just imagined her and decided to follow a new path. Lea insists that Saïx wise up and just give up on helping Xehanort to which Saïx jabs that Roxas is like their mysterious friend: gone forever. Lea refuses, declaring he'll get all their friends back, including dragging Saïx back home. Saïx proceeds to point out Lea's upside-down tearmarks, which stopped him from crying, are gone and Lea scoffs he no longer needs them. Lea insists Saïx get lost as he'll clobber him tomorrow to which Saïx says he expects no less and disappears.

The next day Lea travels with the other Guardians of Light to the Keyblade Graveyard. After righting after fighting thousands of heartless the group is attacked and overpowered by Terra-Xehanort. When Terra-Xehanort goes to attack Kairi Lea throws himself between them and is slammed into a rock, falling unconscious while Kairi and Riku try to tend to him. A wave of heartless is unleashed and swallows the group. After Sora manages to rescue everyone's hearts using the Power of Waking they return to the Keyblade Graveyard. Lea proceeds to lead the charge back to the battleground. When they are surrounded by a swarm of heartless once more Master Yen Sid appears and opens a path so they can progress to fight Xehanort's chosen thirteen.

Lea and Kairi pair up to fight Saïx and a hooded figure wielding a keyblade. Sora soon joins them and aids in the fight until Saïx overpowers them. As Saïx rushes to finish Sora and Kairi Lea defends them while yelling "Stop it! Isa!" but is pushed back by the beserker. Xemnas then appears and condemns Lea for becoming a traitor when he used to be the one Xemnas sent to deal with them. When Xemnas asks if he has any last words for his superior Lea sasses that he was never his superior. Lea attempts to attack Xemnas who blocks his keyblade with ease, breaking it, before ruthlessly attacking Lea with energy beams. As he prepares to dispatch Lea the hooded figure stops him, claiming they need him alive. Xemnas clarifies they only need his heart and recalls they were once "friends" so she should kill him. Bewildered Lea asks "who are you" as the figure, shaking, prepares to strike him down but Sora intervenes, pleading not to do it and insists it's alright and she can stop now before calling the figure "Xion." Xion proceeds to breakdown and struggle with her memories to which Xemnas calls her a useless puppet and kicks her, revealing her face as her hood falls. Seeing her face jars Lea's memory and he calls out her name. As Xemnas prepares to destroy her Lea grabs his leg to stop him but is promptly kicked away. As Xemnas stands over Xion, Lea helpless to stop him, a heart escapes Sora and Roxas reappears, using a replica as his vessel, declaring "hands off my friends."

Xemnas proceeds to kidnap Kairi and leaves the group to fight the still beserker mode Saïx. Lea, given his injuries from Xemnas, is forced to stand back, Xion and Roxas aiding Sora in his place. When the battle with Saïx concludes Lea rushes over to his collapsed friend who asks why he looks so sad. When Lea expresses disgust at what the Organization reduced Saïx to, the latter remarks he thought Lea outgrew the marks under his eyes as it looks like he needs them. Lea demands Saïx drop the whole act and says he thought it was all for their missing friend which Saïx affirms was true in the beginning. Saïx says he sacrificed everything to track her down but Lea went and made other friends, Roxas and Xion, leaving two of them behind. In his anger he lost all sense of purpose to which Lea insists he didn't forget them and Saïx agrees Lea wouldn't do that. Saïx proceeds to admit he was jealous before collapsing in Lea's arms as he begins to fade. Lea tells him "see you, Isa" to which Saïx responds "see you, Lea" and fades away. Having made amends with Saïx Lea tells Sora to go after Kairi before wondering what to do now. Xion promptly begins to cry and while Roxas attempts to comfort her Lea awkwardly remarks he should have brought some ice cream. The three laugh before embracing and crying, finally reunited.

As Sora prepares to go after Master Xehanort Lea reappears with Roxas and Xion, apologizing for the delay. He joins in with the others to use his Keyblade on Master Xehanort. After Sora defeats Master Xehanort Lea and the others appear along side him in Scala ad Caelum. Sora uses Lea and the other's light with the χ-blade to purify Kingdom Hearts before being transported back to the Keyblade Graveyard.

Later on in Twilight Town Lea sits on the clocktower with Roxas and is joined by Xion and then Isa who hands out sea-salt ice cream. Hayner, Pence and Olette also join before the shadow of a Gummi Ship falls over them. He is then seen on the Destiny Islands playing frisbee with Isa and Ventus. As the game comes to an end he stands with the others to watch Sora and Kairi from afar.

Design
During his youth in Radiant Garden, Lea looks about the same age as Ventus. His hair resembles his Nobody's, but shorter and with the spikes styled upward. Lea has a slight, a trait he also shares with Axel, though Lea's is more noticeable. Lea's eyes are also more of a blue/green color than Axel's striking green. He wears a sleeveless orange jacket with a white, sleeveless shirt underneath, and tan, baggy pants with red and white sneakers and black socks. The pockets of his jacket are a much darker shade of orange than the rest of it. He also wears a yellow and brown around his neck. The pattern of this keffiyeh changes abruptly near Lea's neck, from stripes to a very organized checkerboard pattern. Similar to Braig's scarf, the tip of Lea's keffiyeh is frayed slightly. He bears a curious resemblance to Hayner.

After being revived following Axel's demise, Lea wears the black coat he wore during his time as Axel and appears identical to his former Nobody, only lacking the tear-shaped markings below his eyes, and having a slightly darker skin tone.

Personality
As a teenager, Lea is mischievous and childish. He conspires with Isa to sneak into Ansem the Wise's castle and flailing childishly upon being caught and thrown out by Dilan. Lea is smug and sarcastic, as shown he teases Ventus upon meeting him and exhibiting a competitive streak by challenging the latter to a duel. Lea seeks to live forever through the memories of those he meets, and he promises to always be there for his friends. Due to this, Lea often says, "Got it memorized?" as a catchphrase, emphasizing his desire to be remembered by those he meet. Lea values his friendship with Isa, who he considers his best friend. However, after turning into Nobodies, their friendship became strained, with the two friends drifting apart due Isa's personality changing too much after he became Saïx. In spite of this, Lea shows concern for Isa and sets out to find him when he notices that Isa is missing after the Organization XIII members are restored as humans in Radiant Garden. Retaining his memories from his time as Axel, Lea continues to treasure his friendship with Roxas as he considers to be Sora a friend since their respective Nobodies were best friends. As an adult, Lea acts as cocky his Nobody counterpart. He retains his competitive streak, demonstrated when he challenges Master Xehanort while defending Sora and states that he intends to compete with Riku in the art of the Keyblade. After his restoration, Lea is often referred to as Axel by Sora and his allies, much to his exasperation, prompting him to correct them. Eventually, Lea relents to being referred to as Axel after Riku addresses him by the wrong name.

Abilities
As a teenager, Lea is not physically shown fighting, though he has an offscreen spar with Ventus and loses. His weapons during that time consist of two red frisbees with black edges, each adorned with a Bomb design, which later influence the chakrams Axel wields during his time in the Organization.

Upon reaching adulthood following his Nobody and Heartless's destruction, Lea wields his Nobody's Eternal Flames chakrams, and after Sora and Riku's Mark of Mastery exam comes to an end, he reveals his ability to wield a Keyblade that bears features from his chakrams, the Bond of Flame and Frolic Flame Keyblades, having received a magically compressed training session from Yen Sid, Merlin and the three fairies.

Trivia

 * In an issue of Famitsu PSP+PS3, Lea's name was misromanized as "Lia". It was also once misspelled on the Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep official website, though it was later corrected.
 * Although it was a joke, Lea's statement that he should have been friends with Ventus rather than with Isa foreshadows future events. In the future, his Nobody would choose to become friends with Roxas rather than stay friends with Saïx, Isa's Nobody.