Darkness Rising By Chibi Nataku

Disclaimer: In no way do I hold claim over any of the characters of Kingdom Hearts, who are currently owned by Square. Despite my attempts to grab hold of even a cardboard cut-out of my favourite characters, my efforts have fallen short so they will probably always remain under rights of Square (the world is so unfair :P)

AUTHOR'S NOTE: ' indicates a dream-like voice, and indicates the speech of Zax 'cause...well, only Cloud can usually see and hear him.

AUTHOR'S WARNING: This fic has been bumped up to a yaoi pairing between Sephiroth and Cloud. You have been warned so proceed at your own risk. So far, it is merely some shounen-ai, but it might turn a bit more in later chapters.

Chapter 12 - Hercules, Hades, and Harbingers of Darkness

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Hades shifted himself more comfortably on his silk pillow as his eyes scanned over the scroll floating in the air in front of him. His eyes narrowed as he read the information finally gathered about his blonde warrior peon, and he was forced to lean back in his chair as he quickly figured out what kind of prize he had his hands on. A twisted grin quickly took over much of his features and his fingertips touched together as he began to formulate ideas and think over this new information.

"So, that is what a planetary Strong Heart looks like? He's not so tough." His grin only intensified as he continued to read the information. "And that crazy lunatic sniffing after Blondie's boots is his light fallen into shadow. How...very interesting." His gaze shifted to his vast black ceiling, weighing up the information now dropped into his hands.

He was now very aware of why the blonde warrior was so hard to kill and to track down. It appeared that he had a Strong Heart in his grasp, but that the planet, which the blonde represented, was becoming interference to his plans of absolute world domination by trying to take Cloud back. The planet had even sent out a representative, a faction of itself, to retrieve the blonde from his grasp. He knew that he had felt something very different enter is realm only a few days prior, meaning that contact with the blonde had been made.

"Hollow Bastion..." The mere mention of the name rang warning bells in his mind, but he silently ignored them as he thought about just how powerful the blonde warrior would be as a Heartless...that demon creation of uncontrollable darkness might. He had watched the confrontation between the two Generals of Hollow Bastion, and he had been drawn to the winged demon that had made a dramatic appearance, watching the power that the creature had exhibited. How he wanted to get his hands on that creature to exploit and use at his own whims.

However, he recognized the danger of Hollow Bastion. That was the planet that the brat Ansem was from, and was determined to keep it alive until...whatever ultimate goal the stupid show-off had. Not only did Ansem want Hollow Bastion untouched, and that the keyblade brat was to be kept off of the planet for an indefinite period of time, but Ansem also warned him to keep Hollow Bastion's Strong Heart alive and perfectly safe until a specified time. He was distinctly aware of what might happen should he urge the blonde into full demon-hood, that Hollow Bastion would be crushed under the weight of its Strong Heart's darkness.

But, to have such a creature under his thumb...

Hades looked up sharply when he felt a strong presence enter his realm again, his grin fading slightly as he could hear boots marching down the hallway to his throne room. Oh, how he hated visitors! He growled in slight aggravation and banished the scroll away to look at it again at a later time, his grin quickly returning as one of his favourite peons shoved open the door of his throne room and stepped fully into view of him.

He sighed as he felt the sudden influx of power into his realm, the screams of millions of souls being forced to take their place under his supervision. His fingers twitched as they sparked with new-found power, his hair flicking red as a shiver ran up his spine and his realm automatically expanded to accommodate the new souls that would forever remain under his control and feed him power.

Soon, his gaze refocused, and he regarded the silver-haired man stalking silently across his floor towards him. He quickly quirked an eyebrow at the sight of blood spattered all over his peon's face, noting that Sephiroth was actually spattered with blood all over and the silver-haired man's gloves were drenched up to the elbows in quickly drying blood. It appeared to him that only the crazed General's hair was the only untouched part and still flowed in a feather-like manner down Sephiroth's back.

"Welcome back, Wonderboy. It looks like you had some fun playing tag with ants." Hades smirked when the silver-haired man set a basket down in front of him, quirking an eyebrow before waving a hand and tossing the lid from the top. He leaned out of his throne over the basket, his gaze shifting up to regard Sephiroth when he had finished examining the contents of the basket. "I always like it when my psychopomps bring me happy presents...but, what the hell is that?"

Sephiroth slowly crossed his arms across his chest and leaned over to regard the basket before sighing contently. "It is the head of an arrogant woman who thought that she could defeat me. I took it from her slowly so that she could enjoy the taste of my blade."

Hades glanced down at the basket again. "Well aren't you just a sociable dancing monkey. I am guessing that you never played nicely as a child...perhaps you weren't hugged enough." He looked between Sephiroth and the basket before leaning back into his throne, studying the silver-haired man closely before clearing his throat. "Kay, you brought me a present for the first time...a wacked-out head in a basket...so what do I, the greatest god to ever jump from his father's mouth, owe to this bloody occasion...and if there is blood leaking on my stairs, you are so going on walky duty!"

Sephiroth snorted and hopped into the air to seat himself, his gaze never leaving Hades. He did not completely understand what the big deal about such a threat would be, nor did he really care enough to really be concerned about it either. He casually gestured to the basket again. "I am proving that the world is destroyed and that my end of our bargain is fulfilled. Now that I have proven as such, you cannot harass me to do more of your bidding."

"Hey, I can harass you whenever I want since I'm the god here and you're my meat puppet." Hades conjured up a puppet of meat and made funny little gestures by pulling on each string with his fingers. To make it more believable, he placed two meat bangs and a long sword on his little puppet. "See? My meat puppet...meaning you, Wonderboy."

"Not for long. I will soon have my canary safely tucked in my arms, and my contract will be nothing but a distant memory." Sephiroth flicked some blood from his fingertips and crossed his arms, gaze fixed on Hades' flickering red hair before a smirk pulled at his lips. "I've worked for you enough, given more of my time and abilities to you without much complaint or demands. Now, I want to be free of this contract since it is now hindering me from grasping Cloud."

Hades quirked an unimpressed eyebrow and nearly growled at the arrogance of his peon. He wondered when he had let his guard slip enough where the crazed lunatic could think of defying him. "Luckily, you have no rights, Wonderboy. I own you, so you stay where you are, serving me and kissing my feet when required."

Sephiroth felt his eyes narrow and his fists clench at his sides, a flicker of anger shifting across his face. "I think not. I want Cloud, and you have done nothing but hinder me. I'm now wondering why I didn't just grab him after butchering a few of your useless peons." He let his feet return to the floor and ran a hand over the hilt of his sword, eyeing Hades. "Now, you end my contract willingly or I end it by getting Ansem to order it..."

Hades felt his face go red with anger, and he had to restrain the urge to just blow his top, but he grabbed the armrests of his throne instead. "How do you know that little brat, Wonderboy? I thought only Zeus...and half of the other gods and goddesses...were into little boys."

"If you weren't such an idiot, you might have actually looked into Ansem a little more." Sephiroth crossed his arms across his chest and smirked arrogantly. "Ansem is..." He actually had to struggle to admit his common lineage with his older brother, since he didn't like to admit any relation to Ansem, but if he could use his brother to get out of his contract, he would do it. "...Ansem is my brother...my older brother."

Hades felt all the colour return to his face, and he blinked a few times before finally bursting into hysterical laughter, nearly falling from his throne. He only managed to right himself after nearly ten minutes of laughing, but his facial colour had turned a strange shade of red as he was forced to wipe a few tears away. "...Oh Wonderboy, you are finally starting to get a personality! And here I thought you were as lost a cause as Spiky..." He managed to right himself and return his facial colour to normal before sighing heavily. "Really, how do you know that insolent brat who thinks he can rule over me...the greatest god in all the land!"

Sephiroth sighed heavily and wondered why he even bothered anymore. He should just go to Ansem and get a release of his contract. "I'll be sure to inform him what you think of him the next time that I see him...which will be in about five minutes." He turned on his heel and started to stalk out of the room, stopping when Hades seemed to...almost hastily call him back. "Don't worry, I'm sure Ansem will take your opinion in stride...like any mad scientist would."

Hades again called Sephiroth back before scrutinizing the man fully, noting the silver-haired man's extremely serious expression. He had wondered why Ansem, in their last meeting, had ordered him to have a looser hold over Sephiroth, but he had never really thought that the two men were related in any way. Obviously, this rather small detail was about to put a huge crimp in his plans unless he could get the silver-haired man to make a mistake in front of Cloud. He did not like the potential of losing Sephiroth, but he was even more turned off the idea of being ordered to release the silver-haired man by Ansem.

He sat back in his throne when Sephiroth began a slow but purposeful walk back in front of him, sighing heavily and rubbing his forehead. "You are going to give me grey hair by the end of this meeting and I already dye it enough as it is." He lifted a hand and brought Sephiroth's contract to hand before looking over at the silver-haired man in disgust. "Alright, this is the best that I'll do for you, Wonderboy. You have one more task to fulfill if things in my tournament go sour. Understood?"

Sephiroth smirked and slowly nodded his head, pleased with these results. He had had enough of serving Hades, and he was currently trying to get his hands on Cloud to prevent the darkness from taking the blonde over any further. "This may have potential to please me. What is it that I must do?"

"If the keyblade wielding brat manages to win my tournament...highly doubtful... you have to step in and challenge that brat. Just wipe the floor with him and you are free to go." Hades gritted out, tossing the silver-haired man's contract away in a random direction, shaking his head when the parchment impacted with a monster of his realm. "Once you are done fighting the keyblade wielding brat, your Spiky bird will walk right to you."

"Right into my grasp...right where he should be." Sephiroth sighed longingly and nodded his head, resting one of his arms on the Masamune. "I agree to these terms of my contract ending. I'll take care of that brat, and you end the contract in time for my canary to fly into my arms."

Hades quirked an eyebrow. "You know...this obsession can't be very healthy. It is kind of creepy...kind of like Hera creeps me out. I think you should really get your head checked out because you have obviously been hit there too many times." He made shooing motions with his hands, not wanting to have to silver-haired man too close to him, his features twisting into disgust. "You be in that tournament and take out that kid out if he gets through the Hades Cup...do you need me to repeat that? You kind have that lost, stupid look on your face?"

Sephiroth scowled and turned away from Hades, waving a dismissive hand in the air as he walked towards the door and opened it, glancing back over his shoulder at the god, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "My canary had better come to me unharmed, or you will pay personally."

He stepped from the room as Hades opened his mouth to reply. He let the door slam behind him before he allowed a contented sigh leave his lips as he leaned back against the black door, resting his head against it. "Soon, my little canary...you can rest your wings in my grasp..."

Not so fast, cursed child. We have a slight problem with your little plan. Zax grinned when Sephiroth looked at him sharply, wiggling his fingers in a greeting before pushing himself off of the wall he had leaned himself against. He swaggered his way over to the former General, his grin not faltering even as Sephiroth scowled at him. Glad I caught you in such a good mood, pops.

Sephiroth crossed his arms and continued to glare at the dark-haired man. "My mood was good until you showed up. What is it you want this time...Zax?"

Zax laughed slightly and scratched the back of his head, grinning like an idiot since he really didn't want to be away from Cloud at the moment. However, he trusted that the blonde was alright conversing with Leon. His eyes twinkled with delight as he found Sephiroth now calmly regarding him. Cloud's doing better. He nodded to himself as he watched Sephiroth's expression soften at the mention of the blonde. And we have become aware that you have figured a way out of your contract as well as a final meeting with Cloud.

"I have. Soon enough we shall battle like old times, and I make no promises about losing to him." Sephiroth lifted a hand when the dark-haired man started to protest, dismissing the other man's words with a shake of his hand. "However, I have agreed to work with you. Like you, Cloud is my priority. He is mine, but he is no good to me dead."

Zax sighed heavily and shook his head. Cloud being dead doesn't help any of us because if he dies from the darkness, we all go with him...not that we've told him that, but still. He regarded Sephiroth and grinned again. We of the planet request that the battle with the keyblade master be...fixed in a sense. We need to you to let the boy pass so that he may seal Kingdom Hearts. He bit his lip slightly and crossed his arms, looking up at the black ceiling before idly kicking at the ground. Geez, Cloud would have been a great keyblade master. He was so close to it to...

Sephiroth quirked an eyebrow at the dark-haired man's rambling, before he recalled up some information that he had read from Ansem's diary, that the keyblade chooses a master randomly but can transfer to a stronger heart if it comes in contact with another strong heart. He rolled back on his heels and leaned against a nearby wall, eyes fixed on Zax. "Not only do you want me to lose to Cloud, but now you want me to lose to some kid?"

...Yeah! That's a great idea. We're glad you suggested it. Geez, you aren't so bad, pops. Zax laughed a little nervously when Sephiroth's expression remained less than impressed with his suggestion. He lifted his hands as he tried to explain the planet's position to the silver-haired man. Look, we know this is a difficult request to make of you, but if you kill that kid, Kingdom Hearts will never be closed...meaning the Heartless will never stop coming. We need that door closed and that boy is the only one that can do it.

"Won't the keyblade just choose another master if that one dies?" Sephiroth asked, keeping his patients as much as possible. The prospect of gaining a losing streak did not impress him at all, but he would listen to Zax's reasoning before he made a decision on whether it was worth losing. "A dead brat means the keyblade could get into Cloud's hands, since he is a strong heart."

Zax began shaking his head as soon as Sephiroth started speaking, sighing heavily. The keyblade will never choose Cloud...not with his taint running so deep. Sure, it would be great if Cloud got the keyblade, but he could probably never use it because he is struggling too resist the darkness...the keyblade would probably abandon him and find someone else... someone who possibly has never lifted a sword before. His glowing gaze met the former General's equally glowing gaze as he bit his lower lip slightly. No, that kid knows how to use the keyblade, so we need him to get to Kingdom Hearts and seal the doors.

Sephiroth slowly nodded, drinking in all the information before staring at his hand as he thought over the information. He shook his head slightly as he let out a sigh of exasperation, his gaze lifting back to regard the dark-haired man. "Hades has be contract set up so that I fight and kill that brat before it ends."

Zax waved a hand in the air, digging up Sephiroth's contract and reading the contents over before grinning even more and pointing at one line in particular. Nope! It says here that your contract ends if you fight the kid. It says nothing about having to kill him or beat him. He showed Sephiroth the contract, pointing at the line in particular.

Sephiroth looked at the line and quirked an eyebrow. Somehow the writing seemed different from Hades' hand writing, and he looked at Zax. "That isn't Hades' hand writing...some one has changed this contract."

Zax snickered and nodded his head. Let's just say the planet has some powerful connections in high up places. I managed to convince Loki, guardian of Atlantis, to request a favour from our good temperamental pal Zeus. After Zeus found out what Hades was planning, he immediately granted us our favour, which was to change the contents of your contract. I think Zeus is mad though...so Hades...might be in a wee bit of trouble, but I haven't heard any explosions so far. He grinned and transported the contract away again, leaning close to Sephiroth. Will you help us out and let the kid win in a battle against you?

"You are asking a lot of me, guardian. I am not one who likes to be used." Sephiroth growled out, reaching out to grasp Zax's sweater. "And I don't see much in it for me."

Zax pulled out of Sephiroth's hold and took a step back, not at all angered by this slight refusal. He had already spoken to the planet and terms had already been made up as to what it could give Sephiroth in return for helping. If you do this, you can have your battle with Cloud and finish it the way that you want to, though we are certain of the victor. He folded his arms across his chest, gaze locking with Sephiroth's cool one. Also, should you lose your life to Cloud, the planet will keep your soul until Kingdom Hearts is sealed at which time, you will be returned to your previous state of being...meaning alive. He smiled slightly when Sephiroth's eyebrow rose. Not only that, we of the planet...grant you access to our strong heart when Hollow Bastion is free of the Heartless threat. We shall not inhibit any actions to take to make contact with the strong heart...you may be Cloud's only hope anyway.

"So, if I let some kid win, you will let me fight Cloud, bring me back from the dead if I lose my life to him, AND give me complete access to him on Hollow Bastion?" Sephiroth bit his lower lip and had to fight the urge to rub his hands together when Zax nodded at him. He instead smirked very broadly and pushed himself off of the wall he was leaning against. "I think we may have ourselves a deal, guardian. One child's life for your terms." He held out his hand to shake on the deal, nodding his head when Zax shook with him.

Zax smiled and nodded his head at Sephiroth before turning away and starting to wander down the hallway. He needed to check on Cloud, though he felt the blonde still safely talking with Leon, probably working out their odd differences. He glanced back at Sephiroth and waved a hand. See you on the flip side, pops. Don't mind the bright lights and the many voices when you get there.

Sephiroth quirked an eyebrow before scowling. "You make it sound like I'm going to lose to Cloud...that I have no chance of defeating him."

Funny thing that... Zax smiled and waved his hand before disappearing entirely, returning to where he could watch Cloud, leaving Sephiroth to ponder his words. If the General figured out that fact that Cloud could not lose, he knew that Sephiroth would not be happy at all. He already knew the end of the showdown of fate of the Generals of Hollow Bastion, but it would be a bloody battle indeed.

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Cloud shook a blonde spike out of his eyes as he leaned over his raised leg to adjust one of the belts on his pants, his fingers working almost mindlessly over the task. He eventually stood back up and let his leg slip from leaning on the bench in front of him, his hands moving to the belts around his waist as he makes certain all the buckles are tight and the bracer around his right hip was securely in place.

Beside him, Leon was mimicking his actions, and Cloud was aware of the several stares both of them were receiving, especially considering the most either he and Leon had exchanged were grunts to questions asked by Hades. They had occasionally glanced over at the other, shrugged shoulders several times, and grunted at each other. It appeared that their similar behaviour was getting stares for the other warriors, and it was bugging Hades who kept accusing both of them of doing it on purpose. Of course, after Hades had made the accusations, both Cloud and Leon did it more to bother to god, and they eventually drove Hades away from them.

Cloud glanced over at Leon who was now sitting sharpening the standard issue gunblade of Hollow Bastion. He could tell that there was something on the younger man's mind, but he was not about to question since this tournament was a fight that they were both about to lose. He ran his hands over his blade before lifting it in the air and swinging it from side to side several times, the muscles in his arms bulging as the massive piece of metal arched gracefully through the air. After feeling the blade's weight, he swung it up and over his shoulder, strapping it to his back before flexing his shoulders and arms.

"General." Leon called softly, still not used to calling the blonde anything else since he had grown up his entire childhood with the name 'General Strife' waved about him. In his family, no one was allowed to call the blonde warrior by anything else, since Cloud was a hero of the lower districts. He doubted that he could ever call the blonde by anything else but General, and it was apparent that, even though the older man requested the use of a first name, Cloud has accepted his inability to do so at this point.

He glanced up at the blonde, finding Cloud's attention elsewhere, having not heard him at all. He knew the General was an intense fighter, and it made him hold in a smile at how much the blonde had to remind both of them, probably more for Cloud's sake, that they were going to lose today. He sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his blue eyes watching the blonde next to him before he cleared his throat. "General."

Cloud blinked at the sound of Leon's voice, his gaze shifting down to regard the younger man. He shifted his weight when it became apparent that the brunette wished to speak with him about something, his body turning to fully regard the younger man. He quirked an silent eyebrow, indicating that he was listening to anything that Leon said to him, lifting a leg to lean on the bench, one of his elbows resting on the raised leg and his hand used to support his hidden chin.

Leon shifted his weight, his gaze shifting from the blonde next to him to the floor before he finally just sighed heavy. "Aerith spoke highly of you. She considers you her father despite the lack of real relation." He cocked his head to the side slightly, considering his words for a moment before continuing to speak. "Though she never says it to you, I've heard her speak about you, except she doesn't call you by your first name...She refers to you as father."

Cloud was wondering where this little conversation came from and where it was going since he now seemed a little lost. Why would Leon tell him such things? He already knew Aerith's fondness for him. "Is there something specific you are getting at?"

Leon again shifted slightly. He was never very good at asking things, especially not from someone like General Strife who merely had to look at him for his knees to consider shaking when he was a child. "General...you are her father, not bound by blood, but by the strong bond between you." He drew in a long breath before finally forcing himself to stand, turning to face the blonde warrior. "General, I would like permission to court your daughter."

Cloud knew that both of his eyebrows went straight to his hairline, not expecting this sort of question out of the brunette. He merely stood leaning on his elbow, blinking in slight shock as to what question that he was just asked to answer, probably looking a little bewildered in the process. This was probably the strangest thing that he had been asked by any man, but he silently regarded Leon in a newer...better light.

Slowly, he stood upright, letting his raised foot step back onto the ground, staring Leon down until the younger man looked away from him. He silently took a step forward and lay a hand on the brunette's shoulder, forcing their gazes to meet again. He lifted his chin out of his cloak, his expression neutral as he regarded his adoptive daughter's suitor, probably her first. "There has been no suitor for her affections bold enough to face me and ask for permission, and I find it ironic that the same man who hated me not so long ago now forces himself to face my possible disapproval."

"General, I know the timing is off, but this may be my only chance to ask." Leon replied, his eyes still locked with the glowing gaze of the blonde across from him. He shrugged his shoulders before taking a deep breath. "I love your daughter...there's no way around it. I would give her the world, but I will not make moves for her affections if I do not meet your approval...as is the way of the lower districts of Hollow Bastion. As her father, I request your leave..."

It was Cloud's turn to sigh heavily and his gaze drifted away from Leon, his hand slipping back to his side. He could not really believe that Leon was keeping up with the formalities of their planet, but he silently approved of them nonetheless. His gaze eventually flicked back to the younger man, studying Leon before finally nodding to himself. "My daughter is a sweet woman, where I would see nothing but the best for her. I wish to see a smile light her face once more..." He looked back to the floor before nodding his head a few times. "I approve of you, Squall Leonheart. You have my leave to court my daughter. Take back your name with honour and bring the light back to Aerith's smile."

He smiled as he felt relief flood the younger man and started to walk around the bench, moving towards the fight arena before stopping. He stood with his back to the younger man for a few seconds before suddenly drawing his blade and swiveling, the thick metal stopping inches from the brunette's throat. "However, if you hurt her, I will hunt you down like a dog and allow you to feel my blade once more." When Leon nodded at him, he withdrew his threat and restrapped his blade to his back, shifting his shoulders comfortably. "I...may not be here when Hollow Bastion is returned to its glory. If that is the case, bring order and peace again. Aerith would like that."

"General, what are you saying..."

"We have a fight to lose." Cloud interrupted before walking off, leaving Leon standing in the locker room. He knew that his words struck true, that after he completed all of his missions, he may just lose his life in the process. He took comfort in the fact that a good man would take care of his adoptive daughter, and he hoped that Aerith would find happiness even if he was not around to see her warm smile anymore. So long as Hollow Bastion was free and Leokas' daughter was safe, he could rest his weary soul in whatever pit of hell he would land himself in.

Leon watched the blonde stalk away, nodding his head silently in respect of the older man. He sighed heavily, one of his most frightening feats accomplished, though he knew that none of his discomfort showed on his face...still, he knew that General Strife could read him easily, better than any other man. He would be certain to help the blonde out as much as possible for the growing debt that he had, first his attempt to kill the General and now approval in regards to Aerith. He would protect her, defend Sora, and keep an eye on Hades. He needed the General's help in freeing Hollow Bastion, almost as much as the blonde required his aid, though their requests were more of the silent nature, only a quick glance, nod of the head, or shift of weight explaining volumes between them.

Slowly, he picked up his gunblade and headed up after the General as he heard their names being called, meaning that they were about to both face a humiliating yet very important fight. He stopped at the older man's shoulder, passing a silent glance over at the blonde before resting his hand on the hilt of his blade, reaching up to scratch his scar, silent determination settling between the two of them.

Cloud closed his eyes briefly, reminding himself for about the hundredth time that this was a battle that he was required to lose. He had never lost willingly before, but this battle required his full attention to keep his darkness in check so that Sora could pass him by. He had more pressing matters to deal with, like removing his contract before Hades managed to trick him into staying around longer. He could no longer afford wasted time since his darker self now seem to haunt his dreams even when he was awake. He needed to get back to Hollow Bastion before he was fully taken over, and this was one big step in doing so.

Slowly, he took his first step out into the fighting arena, glowing gaze staring straight ahead as Leon fell into pace beside him. He slipped his chin deeper into his cloak as his gaze fell on Sora, Donald and Goofy, all of their faces set in a sort of grim expression, one that spelled instant defeat. His gaze eventually fell to Leon as they both stopped at the same instance, standing side-by-side, an intimidating force for any opponent to have to face down. He smirked when the duck swallowed nervously under both his and Leon's hardened gaze.

"Nice to see you again, Sora." Leon said coolly, lifting his sword to tap it against his shoulder before glancing at the General at his side, both of them looking hauntingly dominanting, the type of fighters that children dream about being when they grow up. And he could tell that Sora was slightly intimidated by them, not as much as Leon would have first thought, but still turned off by the sight of them. "I hope that you are doing well. It appears that we are going to be your opponents for today. Don't hold back against us because we will definitely not be pulling our punches. The Heartless don't take it easy on the Keyblade master and neither will we."

Sora slowly nodded his head, looking between the two fighters, wondering whose insane plan it was to put Cloud and Leon together as a fighting team. He clutched the keyblade tighter in his hands, glad for its strength as well as the help of his companions beside him. He knew that this would be a difficult fight, but he was determined to give it his all and strive for victory. Even if he could take down one of these warriors, it would be a great feat that he could be proud of himself for.

He nodded his approval at the two warriors across from him before a grin overtook his features. "I won't go easy on you guys if you don't go easy on me. Just give me a challenge, and I will be happy!"

"Arrogance will get you killed." Cloud replied softly before unstrapping sword from his back and immediately jumping back when the bell rang to initiate battle, landing easily on the balls of his feet as his gaze flicked to Goofy who was charging him. Nodding his head, he leapt into the air at the dog, aiming carefully. He blinked when his attack was blocked, his sword sliding off of the metal shield before slamming into the ground, carving a sizable hole into the stone. He grunted as the edge of the shield was then slammed into his ribs before he managed to pull his blade free, gaze flicking to the dog immediately. "Alright, you have my attention."

Cloud took a step forward to meet Goofy's next attack, parrying the blow harmlessly away before bringing his sword in a diagonal slice before he hit two move times, yet only one of his blows actually landed. He jumped back several feet as soon as his attack was over, settling back on his heels before allowing his gaze to flick to Leon, quirking an eyebrow to find both Sora and Donald attacking the brunette.

Leon grunted as he was hit hard with a powerful ice spell, his forearm going numb briefly as his gaze flicked over to the sudden appearance of the keyblade, lifting his own blade to deflect the blow from impact, grunting softly under the strength. He quickly swiveled his blade in his hands and slashed at Sora, pulling his blow so that it was slower and less powerful than he could usually hit with, being forced to take a step back at Sora parried his hit back at him. He winced at the sudden feel of the keyblade smashing into his ribs below his guard and another ice spell struck him in the back. He dropped to one knee, wincing as pain raced up his body before grunting as the keyblade pummeled his shoulders, knocking him back a few feet.

He had to hold in a smile at how well that Sora had improved, since this was supposed to be a serious fight, not one that was pre-determined. He knew that this beating that he was receiving was part of ensuring the freedom of the universe from the Heartless as well as aided the General's chance of vanquishing the darkness from Hollow Bastion and restore order. The pain that he was forcing himself to not retaliate to was well worth the thought of freedom, and he was more than willing to take one for the team in order to allow for Sora to pass them by to the next round of battle. However, he appreciated the fact that Sora was so good with the keyblade, and it made this defeat seem a little less humiliating.

Sora landed on the flat of his feet as he brought the keyblade back at the ready, smiling as Leon climbed to a standing position again. He immediately launched at the other brunette, rolling to the side to avoid a fireball before smashing the keyblade into Leon's legs, buckling the older man as Donald forced Leon back again with a fireball. He jumped up to his feet and ran at Leon again, intent on taking down at least one of these veteran warriors that he was stuck in the ring with. Again, he avoided a blow from Leon's sword by bringing his keyblade up in time to parry the hit before throwing his strength to off balance the older man, his smile on growing as he found himself in a winning position.

He was impressed with himself, that despite being stuck in the ring with both Leon and Cloud, extremely talented warriors of their own right, he was in the position to win if he put in the effort. His improvement with the keyblade must have been better than he first thought as well as his team combinations. It was certainly not that he was ripping the pair apart, since Leon had gotten him with more than a few good hits on both him and Donald, but he found it so much easier than it had played out in his head before the battle.

He was shocked that Cloud did not move to help Leon, nor Leon to Cloud. The two were separate warriors fighting in the same ring but were not partners for a common victory. He found it strange that they only passed a few glances, almost glares, at one another, like after this battle they would fight each other. He had heard from Aerith and Yuffie that there was a strong dislike between the two, but he would have thought that they would have at least worked together for the tournament. Obviously, he had assumed wrong and had misjudged the strength of the discord between the two of them. In some ways, he was just waiting for them to suddenly attack each other at the distance that they kept from each other. Still, he was not about to pass up on this opportunity.

Leon grunted as he was yet again hit with both a spell and the keyblade, and he would have been impressed at the synchronization between the two if he wasn't the one at the end of both attacks. Yet, he forced himself onward, his sword swinging out with deadly accuracy to smack Donald away several feet, sending the duck closer to the General who glared at him in return for the favour. He finished his own glare at the General just in time to parry away one of Sora's hits, but his numbed right arm still gave the advantage to the young brunette who was immediately back in his face and smashing through his weakened guard. He grunted again as his already tender ribs received yet another beating, wincing at the sound of cracking bone.

He was forced to stumble back a few feet as he landed hard on his back, only warrior instincts forcing him to roll back to his feet again. He wrapped an arm around his broken ribs and spat out some blood to the stone, his gaze lifting to find Sora charging him again. However, he held up a hand to stop the fight and let his sword fall from his grasp, setting it in front of him in the manner of common gesture of defeat. "I'm finished..." He whispered softly, playing up the humiliation of defeat before glaring over at the General who now faced a double team but was obviously having a little more trouble accepting the planned defeat.

Cloud's glowing gaze shifted to find Leon defeated and Sora now charging him. He sighed and rolled his eyes in exasperation before shooting a dark glare at Leon. "You're useless." He spat angrily at Leon as he raised his sword to guard against all of the oncoming attacks, using the full height and width of the metal to his full advantage before swinging his sword in a wide arc, forcing all three of his opponents away from him. After the swing, he swiveled the blade above his head before letting the tip touch down on the ground, and he found himself surrounded at all sides, a showdown that he intended to lose with as much dignity that he could manage.

He stared down his three opponents as Leon silently sulked from the ring, pleased that they had both managed to play up some discord and distrust between them. He had not planned on sharing a glaring match with Leon, but he found that it had played out better to give Sora the illusion that they refused to work together. He had forced distance between them in the fight, just to allow Leon a better beating while he tested out Goofy's abilities, all of which he was impressed with.

His gaze immediately widened as a silent signal was issued between the trio and they all attacked him at once, a lightning spell arcing towards him as Goofy's shield came up to smash into his right shoulder to prevent him from moving away from the spell while Sora charged him head on. He lifted his sword, using the flat side against Goofy's shield to push the dog away from him and took a step forward to meet Sora's attack while taking some of the damage of the lightning spell that send trembles up his legs. His demonic hand lashed out to seize Sora's attack in the air, stopping the intended blow from meeting with his shoulder.

However, the moment that his demonic hand closed around the keyblade and the hit was stopped, he felt searing pain race up his left arm as the keyblade reacted against the darkness in his hand. He felt the light of the keyblade race along the black veins on his back, shoulders, and legs, setting his entire body in a convulsion of agony as he dropped heavily to one knee, unable to support his weight any longer. Yet, his hold on the keyblade remained for some reason that was beyond him, allowing the pain in his body to continue. He could no longer control the muscles in his body as began to suddenly seize on him, a small pained cry leaving his throat as he finally let go of the keyblade and fell forward to rest on his hands and knees.

He remained shaking in the middle of the trio, having never experienced anything that painful in all of his life that he could remember. His eyes refused to refocus and his elbows threatened to give way at any moment, but he managed to hold himself from falling completely. All he could hear was silence, but he was not certain if it was because he could not hear anything anymore or that everyone in the ring merely stood in dumbfounded confusion to the sudden violent reaction in his body.

Yet, the silence did not last long in his mind as he found himself no longer alone. He felt the brush of soft leathery wings around his shoulders and almost worried hands on his back, trying to draw him back upright. He shuddered heavily as he became very aware of his darker self's anger and hatred for the keyblade. 'Go. It was meant to be this way.'

'Cursed keyblade...we will rip it from that punk's hands and crush his miserable head in our hands! We are not to be taken lightly, and death with flood this place when we paint the walls red with that brat's blood!' The demonic Cloud whispered harshly, gathering the other blonde into its arms as it continued to mutter black curses at the keyblade. It looked down as Cloud started to pull away from its hold. 'Lovely, you are injured. We will take care of you and destroy that insignificant whelp.'

Cloud shook his head and pulled away from his darker self, putting a few feet of distance between them. 'No, it was meant to be like this. I will lose to Sora, and, if this is the way it must be, so be it.'

The demon's eyes narrowed considerably. 'We do NOT lose.' It spat before waving a hand in air, a twisted smirk pulling at its lips as black tendrils wrapped around the other blonde's legs, arms and torso. It took a step up to Cloud before letting a demonic finger run down the other blonde's cheek before it bent and kissed the other, chuckling as Cloud recoiled from the darkness on its lips. 'So sweet, my lovely. We will be sure to make you scream for us when he run our bloody hands down your perfect body....' It stood straight, glowing gaze shifting to regard Sora. 'For now, we will utterly destroy the fools that stand against us and prevent our opening of the doors...Kingdom Hearts!'

'No! I won't let you do this! It has to end like this!' Cloud struggled against the darkness holding him, managing to pull one of his arms free as he contested the strength of the darkness to get back to his feet, his eyes widening as his arms and shoulders were seized painfully by smaller hands and he found himself staring back at empty black orbs, two shadow children holding him. However, his gaze switched back to his darker self who watched him with an almost bored neutrality. 'I won't lose to you!'

Demon Cloud's face contorted into a mock pitying pout as the other blonde struggled to get free. 'Rest, lovely. Your time will come after we have united together and your wonderful body has stopped begging for us.' It winked at the other blonde before turning back as Cloud was dragged back screaming in anger, a crooked smirk forming on its features. 'Save those lungs, lovely. We'll be sure to make a much better use out of them later.'

Sora jumped back as the blonde fell, holding the keyblade at the ready, yet too shocked to attack Cloud again. He had never seen the keyblade react like that other than to the Heartless, and he knew for a fact that Cloud only had a small fragment of darkness, surely not enough for a violent reaction like that. His gaze flicked to the keyblade in his hands before looking back at the downed blonde, not certain if he should end the fight by attacking again or allowing Cloud time enough to recover again. He noted that even Leon looked worried from the stone steps nearby.

However, he remembered the last time that he had allowed Cloud to recover, the explosion of power, the fight that had cost him both of his fighting partners when the blonde went slightly mental. He really did not wish a repeat of that fight so he forced determination forward as he ran at Cloud, lifting the keyblade high to smash into the blonde's shoulders and hopefully drop Cloud altogether.

Sora was shocked when cold glowing eyes raised to meet his own, and he nearly felt repelled by the sudden lack of warmth that surrounded the blonde in front of him. He was equally shocked when Cloud backflipped away from his hit, gaze swiveling to regard the blonde that seemed so different from the cool calm General of Hollow Bastion...so much eviler. "Cloud...?"

"Oh yes, cupcake." Cloud responded coolly, the wing on his back emerging and flapping several times to remove the kinks from the muscles supporting the appendage. He took a sinister step forward, his foot slipping underneath the hilt of his blade and flipping it back to his hands, a cool cocky smirk pulling at his features. He was strangely amused by the confused and horrified looks that he was receiving and swiveling the sword around his hand, gaze fixed right on the young brunette. "We are bored with you, cupcake...so, we have decided that a little blood finger painting is in order." He set his footing into the ground and concentrated slightly, bringing the darkness forward around his body as red energy crackled, eyes flicking open to stare at Sora. "Farewell."

Sora leapt to the side just in time to avoid the blonde's sword from impaling him as Cloud began to rise from the ground. He immediately swung the keyblade down on the blonde's shoulder, his eyes widening in sudden realization as he found the blow deflected off of the crackling red energy that surrounded the blonde. He felt his breath catch in his throat as he was slammed hard with Cloud's sword, flying back several feet before finally landing on his back. He looked up just in time to see the blonde bearing down on him again, and he felt himself almost sickened by the haunting cruelty that Cloud's glowing eyes held.

He closed his eyes as the blonde's massive sword swung down, raising the keyblade in a half-attempt to deflect the blow, his eyes widening as Goofy suddenly leapt into Cloud's path and shielded him from the hit. He immediately rolled to his feet and swung the keyblade at the blonde, again surprised when the blow was deflected when his sickness only grew with the realization that Cloud could probably not be injured in this state. "Goofy, he can't be hurt! Just run for now!"

Sora immediately took off at a sprint across the arena, trying to put some distance between himself and the blonde warrior, rolling to the side when he felt Cloud closing in on him, narrowly avoiding a hit. He pushed himself back up to his feet before looking over his shoulder to find Cloud again bearing down on him and jumped to the side, allowing the blonde to overshoot him. He instantly ran from the blonde, resting the keyblade across his shoulders as Goofy again made movements to give him time to flee. However, he turned and faced Cloud when Donald yelled a warning at him, the keyblade lifting to parry the blow aimed at him, surprised by the strength that the blonde put into the hit.

He was knocked from his feet under the weight of the blow, falling back to lie on his back from rising to sitting position, gaze locking with Cloud's cold one. He lifted the keyblade in front of his face in a weak attempt to protect himself as the blonde smirked at him when he suddenly remembered a message that he had forgotten to deliver so long ago.

Why he felt the urge to state the message now was beyond him, but he needed to try anything to get Cloud to come down from this state. This was the only thing that he could currently think of while facing down death. "Don't Cloud! Aerith told me to tell you not to do anything rash! She said there would be people besides her that would be sad if something were to happen to you!"

Cloud shook off the words as something that a desperate simpleton would speak as he lifted his sword in the air, ready to crush the pitiful whelp. He swung the blade down just before his eyes widened as heavy, yet determined hands landed on his mental shoulders and ripped him back from control. He turned to regard the other blonde who was still mostly covered in tendrils of darkness, but fighting back still. 'Stop this, lovely. The whelp means nothing to us. Go and rest yourself while we take out the garbage.'

'No, Aerith needs me. I will free Hollow Bastion, and not even you will stop me from that. When the planet is free, perhaps then will you and I have another meeting. I won't let you win right now, not when I am so close.' Cloud pulled his darker self back further in his mind before stepping up to take control again and forcing the darkness from his mind and back again. 'Aerith...You always know how to breech the darkness with your warmth and smile. Thank you....'

Sora gasped as the blade swinging towards him once again stopped in midair, eyes opening to find the blonde slowly returning to stand in front of him, all of the crackling energy gradually dissipated, and Cloud, General of Hollow Bastion, was again standing in front of him, looking tired, but back. He immediately jumped to his feet as Goofy rushed the blonde, readying the keyblade again until he found Leon suddenly between them and Cloud. "Leon?"

"It's over! This fight is over." Leon stated while waving his hands in the air to stop all attacks as he felt the General slowly sinking to the ground. His gaze immediately met with that of Sora. "You have your victory. The General is defeated so stop attacking." He winced as he let his hands fall back to his sides and brushed against his broken ribs, but he nodded his head when Sora dropped off the intended attack.

Cloud forced himself back to his feet slowly, blinking when Leon helped to support his weight, slightly breathless from the fight against his darkness. He lifted a hand and let his sword fall to the ground, showing that he admitted that he was defeated and would fight no more in this tournament. He silently nodded at Leon thanks for helping before finally pushing himself off of the other warrior's shoulder and once more stood on his own two feet, raising his glowing gaze to Sora. "Win. I have other battles that require my attention." He immediately turned, picked up his sword, and walked away to the locker room to collect the Nailbat for his final battle against Hercules, shaking the disorientation from his mind on the walk.

Sora moved to follow Cloud, not certain that the blonde was alright. He again was stopped by Leon stepping in his path, their gazes meeting on equal terms. "Is he going to be alright?"

Leon placed his hands on his hips and glanced over at the retreating back of the General before turning back to fully regard Sora, Donald, and Goofy. "The General carries the weight of his world on his shoulders. Let him go." He said softly before nodding at Sora and also beginning to walk away. "Good fight, Sora...and good luck on the rest of your battles."

"Right! I will do my best!" Sora called back to Leon before turning to regard his next opponent, determination written all over his face.

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Cloud stood silently facing his locker when Leon approached from the fighting arena, his fingers working mindlessly to attach his newest weapon to his belt. He set his chin deep into his cloak and his thoughts remained stationary as he checked all of his straps, clothing, and belts, though he was vaguely aware of a dark presence pacing in the back of his mind at the edge of his consciousness.

He looked up when Leon stopped beside him, gaze shifting to regard the younger man before slipping down to what the brunette was holding out to him. He instantly recognized a healing potion and shook his head, his gaze returning to his locker before he shut the door. "You are more injured than I am." Cloud stated when Leon continued to hold the potion out to him.

"You are fighting again today, and I am not. You need this more than I do. I can take the time to go back to Traverse Town and get another one." Leon sighed in slight frustration when the blonde again refused his offer before just seizing Cloud's hand and forcing the potion into the older man's hands. "Take it, General."

Cloud looked down at the potion before sighing in aggravation and tucking it away, not in the mood to be fighting with the younger man at this point. "Keep an eye on Hades and Sora. I don't have much time to get this done."

"Was that really the darkness that took you over?" Leon asked quietly.

"Yes." Cloud replied simply, not really willing to elaborate on that fact. He casually strapped his sword to his back and turned to regard Leon fully, their gazes meeting. "Take care of Aerith for me."

Leon silently nodded. "Take care of yourself, General. I would hate to have to fight you again when you are flying around like that." He grinned slightly and patted his sword fondly, nodding to himself when he found a small smile pulling at the edges of Cloud's lips. "Don't let go, General. You carry the weight of the planet on your shoulders."

"I know." Cloud replied softly as he lifted a hand and gathered dark energy around himself before pulling the teleportation spell over his body. He vaguely wondered where Zax had gone, surprised that he had not seen or sensed the dark-haired man nearby at all today.

He opened his eyes in time to know that he was falling, through the foliage of a tree no less, blinking as he found himself narrowly missing tree branches on his decent towards the fast approaching ground. He sighed in exasperation to his inability to master teleporting in a normal manner and reached out a hand to grasp a nearby tree branch, grunting as he swung and was forced to bring his other hand up just to steady himself.

He remained holding onto the branch for a few seconds before finally flexing his wing and beginning a more graceful decent to the ground, sighing when his feet made contact with solid ground again. He passed a glare up at the offending tree before beginning to walk in search of Hercules for their first and last real encounter. He was in the mood for taking out some aggression on another creature, and it just so happened that he could do so on Hercules. All he had to do was find the demi-god.

So he wandered around the small forest, all of his senses scanning for any sign of Hercules. He eventually left the small forest to step out into a vast field of rich green grass, his gaze finally falling on his target at the far end of the field, training. His hand went to his belt as he began stalking through the knee-length grass, not bothering to cover up his noise as he approached.

He almost casually pulled the Nailbat free as he closed the distance between himself and the demi-god, allowing all of his pent up aggression and frustration to his current situation to rise to the forefront of his mind as Hercules turned to regard him. He set the Nailbat on his right shoulder and stopped when they were a few feet away, shifting his footing as the veins in his back and legs slipped a little deeper thanks to his dark mood and need to get out a little frustration on the other man. "I've been looking for you."

Hercules was surprised to see the blonde, especially in his training grounds. It was rare that anyone visited him in this place, and even rarer that it was someone from the Coliseum. He wondered if the blonde came up here to train with him, though by the look that Cloud wore, he was not certain if it was for training. Still, he would be kind to the blonde as it was his duty as a hero. "Hey there, I'm surprised to see you, Cloud."

"That's General Strife to you." Cloud shifted his weight from foot to foot, gaze never leaving Hercules, and he really began to hate that almost constant smile. He focused on that mild annoyance so that he could ignore the fact that he was about to murder an innocent man in order to further his own selfish goals of getting released from his contract. If he didn't think about that fact, he would be able to crush Hercules easily, but it was a rather callous way of thinking. Still, he hated losing and it was about time that he showed off some skill in the manner of fighting.

"Alright...General." Hercules ran a hand down his arm, slightly uncomfortable with the sudden coolness around him. He couldn't really place the feeling, but it felt like the temperature around him had suddenly dropped, a feeling he definitely did not like. "So, what can I do for you? You are obviously here for a reason, and I doubt it is to spar with me since there is the Coliseum for that."

Cloud shook a blonde spike from his eyes and glanced over at the Nailbat set on his shoulder, his eyes lazily moving back to the demi-god across from him. "I'm here to settle the battle that we have yet to fight. And after that fight is won, I will take your life." He winced as his skin felt a little colder than normal and the black veins threatened to dig deeper into his being. He could vaguely hear his darker half pacing nearby like a caged animal, but he ignored it.

Hercules stood silent for a few moments, trying to figure out where he had crossed this man so wrongly in the brief time that they had known each other. He was slightly uncomfortable with the casual death-threats that he kept getting from the blonde, who felt like a good warrior in his mind. Still, he was not about stand down from a death-threat, especially not when the man across from him seemed to be looking for a fight. He had no weakness, so he was fine in a battle with Cloud. "If you wish to spar with me, I have no problem with that. However, I don't really appreciate your method of challenging me. They seem more like you are threatening my life."

"I am threatening your life." Cloud stated coldly, finding himself sounding too much like Sephiroth at this point. However, he was aware of his dark self on the move in his mind like a prowling wolf skulking in the shadows, waiting for the opportunity. For the first time, he allowed it, his gaze flicking back to notice a shifting in his shadow. "I have a contract to fulfill, and you are currently the only thing standing in my way of ending it. Your life is forfeit as far as I'm concerned."

"A contract? Could it be...Hades employed you?" Hercules immediately dropped down into a defensive stance, now fully aware of why the blonde was so edgy around him all the time. He should have known that Hades would try to off him again.

Cloud smirked slightly and nodded his head. "So, you are finally catching on. Your life to end my contract." He shifted the Nailbat from resting on his shoulder to resting against his thigh as he began a stare down with Hercules. He shifted his weight until the blade on his back moved more comfortably and his wing slowly made its appearance above his cloak, taking his first step to the left, forcing Hercules to move to the right to keep the same distance between them. Slowly, he began to force them to circle each other, keeping the Nailbat posed for an opening to make strong contact with any part of Hercules' body. Yet, he found that he had the demi-god's full attention at the moment.

"Oh! I didn't miss the party! Oh, thank me for that!" Hades stepped out from behind a tree and brushed off his robes, a maniacal grin pulling at his features to see the blonde facing off against Hercules. He drifted over a little closer, wanting to feel the full pleasure of Hercules' bloody defeat that had been long time coming. "Hey, Blondie, you didn't tell me when you were going to lay my holy smack-down."

"Hades!" Hercules shifted his attention away from the blonde as Hades appeared nearby, his brows knitting together in anger. "What is the meaning...!?"

Cloud's eyes narrowed as Hercules finally removed some attention from him and immediately swung the Nailbat with deadly accuracy and speed, the molded wood smashing a crushing blow into the sandy-haired man's jaw, the audible cracking of bone echoing around the silent field along with the overjoyed laughter of Hades. However, he was concerned with none of that as the Nailbat in his hands shattered under the strength of his blow, sending splitters scattering around the field as he jumped back a step and his hand right hand settled on his sword, pulling it in front of him. "Your death for my freedom. It's nothing personal, but you must be destroyed. Omnislash...."

'All old useless dogs must be put down at some point, lovely.' Cloud's darker half called before Cloud caught a sudden movement from his back, like his shadow had suddenly jumped up. Cloud suddenly blinked as he found himself looking over Hercules' falling shoulders to find his demon self flying at the demi-god in the same manner as he was. For a moment, he thought it was an illusion, that it was just his mind playing tricks on him and taunting him with what he was becoming, but he knew that not even his mind could rip something like that out. The smirk that flickered on his darker self's face also assured him of the fact that the demon was in fact there. 'Let us double-team with the famous omnislash, lovely.'

Hades rocked back on his heels as he was suddenly faced with two powerful peons charging Hercules' falling form, both of which were moving too quickly for normal mortals to capture. He could feel the power radiating off of the demonic blonde as both bore down on Hercules, dark strands of darkness slipping from the demon's form as the distance suddenly closed and both men raised swords in the same manner. "Wow, I should have brought popcorn...and a towel. There is going to be a lot of blood on the floor after those two are done with Jerk-ules. I wonder if I can keep both puppies...though I think both need a little neutering...god forbid they breed." He cringed slightly. "I'd have spiky, brainless punks with no personality...just having one is bad enough."

Cloud flew into the Omnislash, his sword swinging down with lightning fast movements that were mirrored by his demonic self. Each step, each stroke of the sword, each shift of weight was perfectly mirrored as he performed the extremely technically difficult movements, all of the first fourteen sword strokes hitting brutally before he leapt back a step. His gaze met with that of his demonic self as they both took to the air for the final powerful blow, pulling their swords back as if about to hit one another before they both turned their attention down to Hercules, their blades slipping beside each other as they landed the last hit.

'He had no chance, my lovely.' The demon chirped almost too happily as it stood straight again, lifting a foot to pin the downed Hercules to the ground, its large wings folding neatly at its shoulders. It casually stepped up to the other blonde, its dark leather clothing moving with every shift of muscle before its cold gaze shifted back to regard Hades who had grown silent with the sight of the both of them standing together. He leered at Hades before attempting to slip an arm around the other blonde's waist. 'We make the greatest team, lovely.'

Cloud shoved his darker self away from him, glaring as the demon that slipped in behind him and kissed his neck before he could prevent the action, again swatting the demon away from being in direct contact with him. He passed a glare over his shoulder, blinking when he found his darker self merging with his shadow before disappearing entirely, his gaze immediately flicking back to Hades who, for once, seemed unable to speak.

Instead, he walked towards Hercules' fallen form, flipping the unconscious and thoroughly beaten demi-god so that he could look down on Hercules' face. His gaze flicked to Hades as he raised his sword in the air, ready to remove the demi-god's head only upon the order from Hades.

Hades grinned and folded his hands in front of him, more than a little pleased with both the defeat of Hercules, his long-time enemy, and the appearance of the blonde's other more... desirable side. He couldn't have asked for more on this day, except possibly the destruction of the keyblade master, but he knew that Sephiroth was now taking care of that. He looked between the blonde and the helpless demi-god at Cloud's feet. "I don't harass you to stand there, Blondie! I want some heads to roll...well, only one at this point, but I hope you can use that hunk of metal well enough to not miss on this. If you do miss, you're fired."

Cloud silently rolled his eyes before looked down at Hercules and nodding his head at the unconscious warrior. "The demon was right...you had no chance. It's nothing personal, but I need to get home before...before Aerith's smile fades from my memory." He shifted his weight as he brought his sword down with deadly accuracy, closing his eyes at the sound of metal cutting cleanly through flesh before he felt his blade suddenly stop before the cut was fully made, eyes snapping open to look down at the glowing neck of Hercules. "What the...?"

Hades stalked over to figure out what had suddenly happened, glaring down at Hercules who just wouldn't die for him. "Geez, Jerk-ules, just die!" He rolled back and considered why Zeus' useless son, the thorn in his side for years, just wouldn't die at the blonde's hand. He glanced between the blonde and Hercules before sighing in exasperation. "Must I do everything myself?" He looked at the blonde warrior and made some shooing motions with his hands. "This is a job for a real god, Spiky, and since you aren't a god...thank the gods, excuse my slight curse...I will have the honour of getting the last hit and taking all of the credit for it."

He dusted his hands together and glared at Hercules before grinning and lifting a hand at the demi-god's chest, covering his eyes with his other hand. "Oh, I can't look. This is simply too tragic! The loss of my nephew!" He immediately pulled his hand away again and grinned maniacally over at the blonde warrior. "Oh, who am I kidding! I want to see this blubbering waste of space splatter!"

"Hades! What in the Underworld are you doing?!" A loud, dominating voice bellowed, full of accusation and anger.

Cloud immediately swiveled on his feet, holding his sword at the ready as he was faced with another god, and he knew exactly which one it was without having to be told. "Zeus..." He silently bowed his head out of whatever respect he could muster at this point, letting his sword tip rest in the ground as the powerful god seemed much too focused on Hades at this point.

Hades pulled his hand back at the sudden appearance of his younger brother, and royal pain in the behind, Zeus. "Oh, it's...you!" His gaze switched down to Hercules before his fingers fumbled together as he began to think of an excuse as to why he was about to slaughter Hercules. His gaze then switched from Hercules to Cloud and a devious smirk pulled at his lips as Zeus began to stalk over to him. "Zeus, little brother and virgin slayer...oh wait, that wasn't the right thing to say in public..." He looked at Cloud again. "I just showed up to stop that little punk kid from hurting my dear nephew! I was just about to cast him down in the Underworld and exact horrifying punishments...blah blah blah. Don't worry, I have the situation under control...or I did before your ugly self showed up."

Cloud took a step back as Hades now seemed intent on blaming the entire thing on him, which was only partially true. He looked away when Zeus' gaze fell on him, but he was surprised when he felt no anger in that gaze. He lifted his eyes, and he became very aware that he would receive no punishment for his actions in the defeat of Hercules.

Zeus glared at Hades, stopping when they were only a few feet apart, crossing his arms in front of him. He sighed heavily when the other god began to fidget nervously and nodded his head over to the blonde warrior. "He is free of you. His contract is void as of this moment in time." He lifted a hand when Hades was about to issue some rude comment, silencing the other god. "And YOU are in a lot of trouble. Loki has informed me of the happenings of the Underworld and your plot to kill my son and overthrow me! How many is it now, Hades? Five? Ten?"

Hades set his hands on his hips, his own intolerance suddenly rising. "Oh please, give me some credit here, Zeus!" He pulled a dusty scroll out of his robes and quickly flipped through it before tucking the scroll back in the safety of his robes again. "To date, I've made eighteen attempts to de-throne you for my own selfish egotistical self and another twenty-two attempts to get rid of that miserable brat you call an illegitimate son!"

Zeus looked down at Hercules before glancing back at Hades. "Hercules is my legitimate son, Hades."

"Oh come on, with as many as you have, how in the heavens can you even keep track anymore!" Hades replied heatedly, huffing softly when Zeus glared at him.

Cloud took a quick step away from this potentially violent scene, and he was suddenly glad that he had no sibling to bicker with. He stopped in his tracks when Zeus suddenly looked at him and his chin slipped more into his cloak before he watched the thunder god nod at him, and he got the distinct feeling that he was being dismissed by Zeus, allowed him freedom to do as he pleased with. He bowed his head deeply in thanks and immediately turned away, leaving Zeus to bicker with Hades.

He stalked a distance away so that he could avoid listening to the two gods arguing before stopping and gathering his breath, readying himself for a return to the Coliseum, for the trials ahead, for the...

'Showdown of Fate awaits us, lovely. Let us show darling what we are made of.' The demon spoke softly, waiting for the perfect opportunity to take over.

"It's time to go home." Cloud replied, shoving his darker self away from his mind before gathering his energy for another teleportation.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Yay! It didn't take me an extreme amount of time to get this chapter done! I am so happy and now, the moment everyone (well, maybe not everyone) has been waiting for. Next chapter is "The Showdown of Fate", the most complicated battle between Cloud and Sephiroth. Oh boy, that is going to be a doozy to write, but I will do it!

And yes, some yaoi is coming up to. I've been slacking a little bit with the serious storyline, but next chapter will have a little bit too. I'm not sure if I'm up to writing a lemon, but I haven't decided. I'll jump/fall over that hurdle once I get there.

I hope all of you enjoyed this chapter, and thanks for all the awesome reviews. They are sometimes the only things that keep me going writing!