WE'RE BACK FOLKS!🎉🎉🎉🎉
I'm going to be busy this weekend. And I was busy last weekend. So I'm sorry I didn't post this a few days sooner. But I managed to see Sonic The Hedgehog 2 last week. And holy Blue Chili Dogs! What a good film! 8 out ot ten! 😁
"GO SEE IT IF YOU HAVEN'T! OR I'LL HUNT YOU DOWN AND BEAT YOU WITH A MARIO BROS DVD CASE!" Maverick exclaimed.
Also after this chapter. We'll be going back to house in the woods under the name of Sanders. Because a certain bear had the name over their front door and he lived under it. 😉
"Leave a comment if you're alert enough to know that reference." Maverick winked.
But first. Let us finally concluded the Hercules arc in this story with one final visit. The one based in the Kingdom Hearts II video game.
"Dude. You're not gonna bring up the trailer?!" Maverick reminded the author.
OH SHIT I FORGOT! GUYS! THEY JUST RELEASED A TRAILER FOR KINGDOM HEARTS IV! IT'S FINALLY HAPPENING! 🎉🎉🎉😄
"And Spike no longer looks like a cartoon with mutated feet!" Maverick beamed.
"Hey!" Sora yelled in the background.
So go see it if you haven't and let me know your thoughts on that as well!
Before we begin. Let's answer some comments
SPYRO 101: Thank you for helping out with this chapter once again! Yeah. Blake and Judy deserved a happy ending. Also the Guardians won't be needing Von Drake's portal. Because they have one of their own in Aiden's lair. 😉 👍
RustyPete12: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the fight. I always imagined a Kingdom Hearts game with a Heartless Kangaroo as a boss battle in Zootopia. I hope they do something of thst equivalent when they visit that world in the video games. 👍
olehbilenko93: Thank you! I appreciate your support. 👍
Alright! Now that we're all here!
LET'S GET DANGEROUS!😎
Hercules Rises Again!
Out in the far reaches of space...
(Culture Club - I'll Tumble 4 Ya)
As the Highwind II Gummi Ship floated and hovered out in the far reaches of space. Maverick was outside floating and using his neon and ice abilities to form cleaning tools and construct car washing mechanical constructs to wash the ship. It's been a long journey, so far and it's always essential to keep the ship shiny and clean.
It's also the morning after everyone got on the ship and left Zootopia. Which means they have another world to go to and another link to connect for the gateway to the Nobodies home base world.
Downtown we'll drown
We're in our never splendor
Flowers
Showers
Who's got the new boy gender
I'll be your baby
I'll be your score
I'll run the gun for you
And so much more
I'll tumble 4 ya
I'll tumble 4 ya
I'll tumble 4 ya
I'll tumble for you
I'll tumble 4 ya
I'll tumble 4 ya
I'll tumble 4 ya
Once Maverick was done wiping the front window. he hovered back and crossed his arms, remarking his work and how it gleamed.
"There. Shiny like Canada's economy." Maverick quipped before he hovered himself inside.
Once the door hatch opened in the ship. Maverick flew into the airlock entrance and the door closed. Then the secondary hatch opened for him once the air filled the airlock. Then Maverick shifted back into Aiden and walked inside the check on the team at the lower deck lounge area.
Donald, Goofy and Baby Groot were eating snacks and watching TV. While Sora was reading a DC comic book at the lunch table.
Kairi and Victoria were sitting at the sunken island couch with their shoes off. Kairi was repainting her toenails while Victoria was texting on her phone.
"Alright. She gleams once a gain." Aiden declared in a Scottish accent about the ship.
"You do know that the ship has its own auto cleaner right?" Victoria deadpanned as she was texting.
"Ah well. A baby still needs a Daddy's love, not a dishwasher. It's the little details that count." Aiden remarked as he went to the bridge to grab some refreshments. Which was a green lime fanta soda can.
"Pfft. I'll never understand men and their obsessions with their vehicles." Victoria muttered while still texting.
"So Aid, where are we heading this time?" Sora asked while setting down his comic book.
"And how many more worlds until that quantum pattern thingy is done?" Kairi asked as she leaned back looking over at the boys. Letting her toenails dry.
Aiden took a swig of his soda and sat down at the table to speak.
"Yeah about that. I got some good news and some seemingly mild bad news. It depends on how you see it really." Aiden gave them the heads up.
"Well for Donald, it's probably end of the world bad news" Sora joked.
"Hey!" Donald snapped from his seat, while Kairi giggled at her boyfriends antics.
"Just get on with it." Victoria sighed as she looked towards Aiden.
"Anyhow. The good news is, I had an epiphany this morning." Aiden started.
"Did it hurt?" Sora inquired smugly.
"Blow me. Anyway, when I circled back around every world we've been to on the map. Including the worlds I've been to during the Shi'ar war and the worlds Spike and the two stooges have been to in their first journey. I've connected a certain selection of worlds that can definitely make a quantum pattern. Thus we finally got ourselves a gateway to the Nobodies' home base." Aiden stated.
"That's great!" Sora beamed and backed down looking skeptical. "Wait...What's the bad news?"
"We have at least three or four days before the gateway finally opens." Aiden responded.
This caused Sora to sigh in exasperation.
"Of course. It can never be easy can it?" Sora said with a touch of exasperation.
"But wait, what worlds are we talking about? Will we have to travel to each one?" Kairi asked, wondering if there were any other catches.
"Not really. Because we've been to those worlds already. It triangulates our signatures from our previous visits to those worlds to make this possible. Since all we're doing now is cooling our heels and waiting for the portal to open. All we can do now is deal with any loose ends and a list of errands we left to gather stardust." Aiden suggested a plan.
"Well if that's the case, why don't we stop by Olympus to see how Hercules and the others are doing?" Sora suggested as he sat up in his chair.
"Yeah, the last time we were there, Hercules seemed depressed about the hydra destroying the Coliseum." Donald said with a sad look.
"Gee, I hope he's feeling better after all that." Goofy said.
"Me too. He shouldn't be holding that incident over himself. It wasn't his fault." Kairi said with sympathy.
"Alright well. No better time than now when we've got nothing to do." Aiden agreed.
"Hang on. If you could connect previous worlds to new worlds. Did we even need to go to the Marvel World and Zootopia?" Victoria asked, wondering.
"Technically yes and no. Those two extra worlds we've been to actually helped me discover this algorithm and it's not like we weren't needed there, given all the good we have done." Aiden responded.
"I agree. Besides, we did a lot of good in those worlds. Helping Spider-Man and Doctor Strange." Kairi listed.
"Helping those kidnapped dog boxers." Donald added.
"And helpin Blake to get hitched with Judy. Ahyuck!" Goofy added.
"Not to mention making sure the organization didn't interfere with Belle and Adam breaking the curse." Victoria commented on their last visit to the Beast's Castle.
Or now called Prince Adam's Castle. Soon to be called King Adam's Castle.
Just then, Sora's phone rang, catching everyone's attention.
"That's odd. Who's calling?" Sora said, pulling out his phone and answering it, opening up video chat.
And when he saw who it was, it brought a smile to his face.
"Roxas! Xion!" Sora exclaimed, getting his friends' attention as Roxas and Xion were indeed on the other end of the call.
"Hey Sora."Roxas said with a wave.
"Good to see you again."Xion smiled.
"We called to let you guys know Dianex will be waking up real soon. His cerebral reconstruction is 90% completed...At least that's what the computer said." Roxas stated on the phone.
"Well when he does. Make sure Queen Elsa, my Mom is there when it happens . If Vegeta wakes up with an urge to attack. He won't attack her." Aiden cautioned and advised.
"It's okay. Dee won't hurt anyone, I know him. With the Organization no longer controlling him he has no reason to." Xion stated out of defense for the boy she loves.
"We know that. But since he still has Aiden's neon and my electricity abilities, we need to take any precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our loved ones." Victoria stated in response looking at the phone.
Roxas and sighed at that.
"If that makes you feel better. But I'm sure your precautions won't be necessary." Xion said, a small smile on her face. "He wouldn't do anything that might put my safety at risk."
"I'm with her on this one. My memories from my time in organization might still be a bit fuzzy. But I do remember One time back in those days, Dianex swore he would sooner castrate himself with a rusty chainsaw before intentionally hurting Xion." Roxas said, making everyone cringe at the thought. "And sadly, I believe he would go through with it."
"I think he'd make me a eunuch first. Or used to." Aiden muttered to himself.
"Look at it this way. When Elsa sees Dianex, a 'ex-Nobody who looks like her son' finally wakes up. She'll add a crap ton of compassion to go with the police tape." Victoria added.
"I am Groot." Baby Groot added with a shrug.
"Oh please. The Snow Mom would 'baby' a bag of chips if they had my face on them." Aiden retorted to Baby Groot.
Xion looked down wondering and looked back up at the phone. "You promise the Queen won't hurt him?" She asked out of concern for Dianex.
"Cross our hearts and hope a rat dies." Aiden quipped an assurance as he crossed his heart.
"You have our word." Victoria assured them as well.
Roxas and Xion shared a glance before nodding in agreement. They faced the screen with small smiles.
"Okay. We'll trust you on this." Roxas said.
"Especially since you did give us a second chance at life." Xion said.
"More like your first chance and experience in life, but I digress. Also Rox? Your memories are still compiling but it shouldn't be long before you gain all of your own memories and not Spike's here. Let us know as soon as you do." Aiden informed Roxas.
"We'll be at Olympus Coliseum if you need to call again. Let us know if everything changes." Sora added.
This caught Roxas' attention when Sora mentioned their destination.
"Wait. Did you just say the Olympus Coliseum?" Roxas asked, getting everyone's attention.
"Very good, it seems your hearing works perfectly. I was a bit worried about possible bugs in the replica program. " Aiden quipped, making everyone roll their eyes.
"That's what Sora. Why do you ask?" Victoria asked.
"Well, it's because I've been there before." Roxas admitted, surprising everyone.
"You were?" Kairi asked, earning a nod.
"When was this?" Sora asked.
"It when we were still with the organization. Right Roxas?" Xion asked, remembering being told alongside Dianex about Roxas' Trip to the Olympus Coliseum.
"Yeah. It was another scouting mission. But when I was there, I met this guy named Phil, who thought I was there for training, and decided to train me to become a hero." Roxas admitted, shocking quite a few of the guardians.
Aiden didn't have any words. So the TV was on Robot Chicken with the episode where M. Night Shyamalan stood at his door saying the famous lines.
"What a twist."
Conveniently.
"It must've been when Roxas, Xion and that Axel guy were around collecting hearts for them. Before we came along." Goofy figured.
"Won't do them any good now with Strange's spell. That's for sure." Victoria pointed out that they took care of their own heart collecting problem.
"Still. We'll be heading to that Nobody world soon to stop them before they figure out another way to get ahead of us." Sora stated.
"And we'll be ready when that time comes." Roxas smiled stating that they'll go with them to help soon.
"That's right. We got your back. And I'm sure Dianex will be more than willing to help us stop the Organization for good" Xion said with a confident smile.
"Alright. Thanks guys." Sora smiled before they hung up.
And ended the call with Roxas and Xion.
"In the meantime. We better go check on the Greek Man Of Steel and see if he's got his head back in the game." Aiden suggested the team's next step.
"Alright. Let's get going." Sora said getting up from his seat.
Right behind you Sora." Kairi said as she got up and grabbed her boots and followed him out of the lounge area.
"Let's go Donald." Goofy said, getting up, followed by Donald.
"Right Goofy" Donald followed Goofy out.
"Well, this should be fun." Victoria said, grabbing her boots and looking at her boyfriend.
With all of that said and done. The guardians went up to the bridge to fly the Highwind II towards the world of Greek Mythology.
Down at the Underworld Entrance...
Sora and the Guardians were beamed down to the Underworld entrance platform between Hades' domain and Olympus.
They looked around and were confused.
"Hey what gives?!" Donald scowled.
"What are we doing back here?" Sora inquired.
"I don't know. I told IRIS to beam us down to Herc's location." Aiden answered as they walked around looking.
"Well. He's either here or we'll be." Kairi figured.
"Hey guys! Look!" Goofy pointed out across the horizontal river of death.
There in the distance, they saw what looked like a Colosseum, but gothic and dark looking.
"What's that?" Goofy asked as they looked at the structure.
"The Underdrome." a voice to their left said, making the guardians turn to see Auron walking towards them.
"Well, if it isn't Sling Blade. You're looking well." Aiden greeted with a quip, earning a nod from Auron as he was standing next to them.
" What exactly is the Underdome?" Kairi asked curiously.
"Fiends of the underworld once clashed there... Battle after battle." Auron went on to explain. "But Zeus didn't like the senseless violence, so he locked the place up."
"How did it get unlocked?" Sora asked as they looked at the structure.
"Some fool must have broken the seal." Auron answered, getting Aiden and Victoria's attention as they figured out what happened.
"What an idiot." Sora muttered nervously.
"Should we tell him?" Victoria whispered to Aiden.
"Let's see if he can figure it out on his own." Aiden whispered back.
"So, where are you going, Auron? We should catch up!" Sora suggested, not having heard Aiden and Victoria.
"If you need something to do, go help your friends." Auron said, getting all their attention.
Just then as Auron walked away. The team noticed Hercules and Meg walking down the steps from Mount Olympus. Poor Hercules still seemed to be pale and depressed while Meg was standing next to him as his support.
Hercules noticed the team was back and gave them a weak but genuine smile. Mostly a sad one.
"Hey." Hercules greeted them.
"Yo! Lois. Clark. Don't ask what that means. You missed a lot, we've been through a lot but nuff said." Aiden quipped a greeting as the team walked over to him.
"So. How are you feeling, Herc?" Sora asked.
"Well... same routine." Meg muttered with sadness but exasperation. "Wonderboy here thinks his hero days are over. And Phil thinks it's all in his head."
The guardians all shared looks before turning back to Hercules and Meg.
"Gawrsh, Herc. We know you're a hero!" Goofy said, trying to encourage Hercules.
"Yeah, one mistake doesn't change the fact that you're still a great hero." Kairi said with an encouraging smile.
"That's right... Blunderboy." Everyone heard someone say. And they recognized the voice.
"Oh great. The Landlord's here." Victoria groaned as they turned to the source of the voice and saw Hades appear in a puff of smoke.
"How can you mope on a momentous day like today?" Hades said with a condescending smirk. "The Underdrome's back, and you are gonna fill the stands."
"I thought Xerxes' army would fill that in for you. Or at least the Ravagers." Aiden raised an eyebrow.
"Wrong underworld, Ricky." Hades deadpanned before he approached the team and added. "And after all, your fans won't settle for anything less than a certified hero."
Hercules balled his fist and glared at Hades. But his glare weakened believing that he failed the fans when the Olympus Coliseum collapsed.
"I mean, if you're not up for it, you could just, oh I don't know. LOSE!" Hades mused as he appeared with his arm around Hercules who shrugged him off.
"I bet you'd like that!" Sora spat.
"How bout you go suck Satan's balls BlueBerry Barbecue!" Aiden snapped.
"Excuse me? Hey, I'm not a selfish guy. I'm not like those high and mighty snobs up on Olympus." Hades said, sounding like he was offended. "I stand for the masses! And have I got a massive idea!"
Hades put a nasty grin as he spun around and looked towards the Underdrome with his arms outstretched like a statue.
"The games, ladies and gentlemen... Are back! Yours truly, Hades- the one and only Lord of the Dead- brings you the ultimate games, to celebrate the reopening of the ultimate coliseum!" Hades shouted out with a spin. "We'll finally answer the age-old question: who deserves the title "Ultimate Hero"?"
The guardians just glared at Hades as he spouted out his little idea.
"These games are gonna settle the debate once and for all! The winner reigns supreme. Of what, you guessed it! The Hades Cup!" Hades shouted, throwing his arms out dramatically.
"Does this guy ever shut up?" Victoria whispered to Aiden.
"He makes car salesmen look lazy." Aiden quipped as Hades turned back towards the group, specifically Hercules.
"And I assure you that the "Great" Hercules will be there. Otherwise..." Hades paused, glaring menacingly at Meg, making her flinch. Hercules saw this and stepped in front of her to guard her from Hades who spoke sinisterly. "You'll never see your girlfriend again."
"Low life!" Kairi snapped angrily at Hades who disappeared in a puff of smoke a moment later.
"Heh! You're too kind Sweetie." Hades' voice echoed out as he disappeared.
Just then. Two of Hades' flunky emps named Pain and Panic walked over to the team and got their attention.
"Hello fighters! Just talk to us if you wanna enter the tournament." Panic stated.
"His Most Perniciousness is feeling kinda charitable, so don't worry about dying or anything. Consider yourselves lucky." Pain beamed as the two emps walked towards the edge of the platform near a large gothic looking boat.
"Uh. What does 'pernicious' mean?" Goofy pondered while scratching his head.
Donald shrugged in response because he sure didn't know.
"Could we address the elephant in the room?" Victoria inquired to the team about the lock they broke during their last visit when they went down to rescue Meg from Hades' dark hold.
"Yeah, right. I mean, How could this have happened?" Sora asked, gesturing to the Underdrome.
"Were we really responsible for this?" Kairi asked softly.
"Guys we're in hell. Nothing bad happens here for any good reason." Aiden pointed out, since the underworld is considered the Greek hell.
"Isn't it obvious though? Hades kidnapped Meg so we could open that lock earlier. Which was the lock to this 'underdome'. This whole thing just screams his elaborate charade!" Sora figured out.
"Damn. That guy would make one hell of a democrat." Aiden remarked about Hades.
"Still what do we do? We can't just leave that place open for anyone to take part in fighting and losing. Any fighter could end up losing their soul down here." Kairi stated looking worried.
"They won't. Because we're participating." Sora declared looking confident.
Which made the team look shocked.
"WHAT?!" They all exclaimed.
"I AM GROOT?!" Baby Groot exclaimed the same thing.
"Spike with all due respect but...ARE YOU HIGH?!" Aiden bellowed.
"You can't be serious! We shouldn't be playing Hades' games!" Victoria scowled.
"This is what he wants!" Donald snapped.
"No, Hades wants us to lose in the games. So, if we just keep winning, eventually, Hades will have had enough and come down to face us himself. At that point, we can take him down for good, and the Coliseum will go too." Sora explained his idea, which left his friends wide eyed.
"That. Is a very suicidal, bat-shit crazy plan." Aiden deadpanned and smirked. "I love it."
"Meh. What do we have to lose in the place where everyone's lost?" Victoria shrugged in agreement.
"Let's go for it!" Kairi beamed.
Then with everyone in agreement. They all went over to Pain and Panic. Even Meg came along wanting to stand by and watch to make sure her Wonder Boy would be okay.
"Where do we sign?" Sora asked, looking confident as the two emps smirked sinisterly.
After that...
Once Hercules and the Guardians signed up for the Hades Cup. They went over to the chartboard to see the fight line-up.
"Who do we face first?" Hercules asked.
"Eh some person or group called Spin Strike?" Victoria inquired.
"Who names themselves after a fighting move?" Kairi titled her head giving the sign a weird look.
"I dunno. Ironfist?" Aiden shrugged.
"Look. Auron is in the tournament too." Goofy pointed at the name in the line-up. "Uh oh! We might have to fight him in the finals!"
"I bet he's a real hero, huh?" Hercules commented.
"Technically no. Hades had Ol' Slinger rise out of his deepest dungeon. He referred to him as the 'mother of all bad guys'." Aiden pointed out.
"Come on Aid. I don't think Auron's a bad guy. He did help us after all with Cerberus." Sora reminded Aiden.
"But don't worry. You're still the main hero of this world, Hercules. Don't forget that." Kairi encouraged Herc.
"Maybe before." Hercules sighed looking down in depression. "Now I'm just a wash out-"
"STOP THAT!" Donald exclaimed to cut him off.
"Achem!" Pain called over to the team. "You all coming or what?"
"No need to pay! The Ferryman took the week off in Pompeii!" Panic added.
The team ended their conversation and made it over to the boat. So they can sale over the the Underdome and start the first match.
Down at the Underdome Arena...
Once the team made it to the Underdome. It was Sora, Donald, Goofy and Hercules' turn to take on a group of Heartless in the first round. Sora stepped up from behind the steel gate and looked around at the gray and lifeless arena that had mostly ajd audience of skeletons cheering like humans up at the concession stands.
Sora swallowed a bit as this place was giving everyone a little bit of the creeps.
"Give em hell Spike." Aiden encouraged Sora from the entrance.
"I am Groot." Baby Groot pointed out that they already have it.
"Oh. Okay then...Give em Oakey Oaks then." Aiden stated instead and muttered an explanation. "Worst world to live in."
"You got it Aid." Sora gave him a thumbs up.
Then Donald. Goofy and Hercules went out to join him as Kairi. Victoria, Aiden and Baby Groot out back to watch the fight.
They were about to fight a pair of Yellow Opera Heartless. Wizard Heartless. Shaman Heartless and spiky looking Large Body Heartless.
The fight started as Sora showed finesse as he slashed through multiple Shaman Heartless. Knocking their masks aside to flip and take on two Large Body Heartless from sliding underneath and slashing from behind.
Goofy blocked all attacks from Wizard Heartless and tossed his shield like a Frisbee to stun them and then shield bash them to the ground.
Donald kept casting a thunder, fire and ice spell to take down all the heartless standing in his way.
But Hercules tripped several times as he tried to take on three Large Body Heartless. Still he got back up and delivered mighty punches and kept tossing his Heartless out of the ring.
As soon as Hercules finished off the last of the Heartless. The match was over and the crowd of dead skeletons cheered for their victory. In spite of all this though. Herc was still feeling hopeless because of his lack of perfection and pride he once had for himself.
Sora. Donald and Goofy walked over to Hercules to check on him.
"How did it go out there, Champ?" Sora asked optimistically.
"Ugh. I'm just not what I used to be. I'm sorry to drag you down Guys." Hercules said sadly as he was catching his breath
"Don't throw yourself to the towel yet Herc! We need you out there!" Sora protested against Hercules' hopelessness.
In spite of the team's confidence in Hercules. He still didn't believe he still got what it takes to face anything. But that didn't mean he couldn't try.
"Keep trying, Wonder Boy. You still got it. I know you do." Meg whispered looking over to Hercules from where she was standing.
Victoria and Kairi were up next along with Hercules. They went over to the chartboard to see the details on the next match. Which were the semifinals.
"It seems we're going up against something called Bad Alert." Kairi read the details.
"Are they any good?" Hercules inquired.
"I doubt that they're even good at fighting." Victoria stated.
once the semifinals started. Victoria and Kairi were up against a group of Minute Bomb Heartless and a large Red Nocturne Heartless.
Hercules tried the first swing once the round started. But once he threw his fist. Three Minute Bomb Heartless blew up in his face.
"Ugh!" Hercules was knocked down to the ground.
Then Kairi and Victoria flipped and used their athletic fighting moves to swing and slash at the Minutes Bombs knocking out of the ring. Then Victoria sent fire balls at several more and Kairi slid over and boosted Victoria in the air. Then she struck the Red Nocturne Heartless with lightning.
Thus the semifinals were won.
Once the battle was over, the rest of the team came over to congratulate Victoria, Kairi and Hercules. But Hercules was sitting down on the ground looking despondent that he didn't even help during that fight.
"Nice going Kairi! You were great!" Sora cheered, giving Kairi a high five.
"Thanks, Sora!" Kairi said just as excited.
"You were a killer out there too babe. Though, Is it just me, or was I even in one of these fights?" Aiden inquired.
"Guess you just weren't fast enough." Kairi said smugly.
"First come, first serve, Frosty." Victoria teased smugly.
"Oh burn!" Aiden said with a smirk.
"Looks like we all made it to the finals!" Sora said excitedly.
"Yeah we did. Now all we have to do is win!" Kairi said, just as pumped as her boyfriend.
"And If we win, we'll all be heroes!" Donald cheered.
"Oh, that's why you're so happy." Goofy said with a chuckle.
"We can't stay Junior Heroes forever, you know." Sora said, smirking.
"I'm with Sora, there." Kairi agreed.
"Well, we look forward to you guys joining us in the Hero Club." Victoria said encouragingly.
"Though, we'll probably be at a higher Hero status than them, though." Aiden joked.
"Hey!" Sora said, pretending to be offended while Kairi giggled.
All the while, Hercules just sighed in self loathing.
"I'll try not to mess things up." Hercules muttered to them, getting their attention.
"Enough Already!" Donald snapped out in irritation. But Hercules just pointed behind them.
"Look over there." Hercules said, making the guardians turn towards the entrance, and saw Auron standing there. "He's our final opponent, right?"
"Looks that way." Victoria muttered.
"Auron!" Sora called out getting Auron's attention as he turned in their direction.
"And you are?" Auron said to them, as if he didn't know them at all.
"Huh?" Sora said, confused.
"Auron?" Goofy said, just as confused.
"Don't you remember us?" Kairi asked, looking concerned.
"I must defeat you and atone for my crimes." Auron said sternly.
"Hey!" Sora called back as Auron turned and walked out, leaving Sora and the others confused and concerned. "What was that all about?"
Later at the cave of the dead...
As the team was led back over to the Underworld Entrance for break time. Aiden had a plan to find out what was going on with Auron. So he gave Baby Groot his gummi phone and tasked him to go and find out what was going on.
Given that Baby Groot is very small, he won't be spotted.
So Baby Groot carried Aiden's gummi phone in his arms and thankfully he got the phone on mute, so the noise or any incoming call won't get the little tree discovered.
Baby Groot followed Auron all the way to the cave of the dead entrance, which was behind a large revolving stone door with blue hieroglyphs on it. When the doors opened for Auron, Baby Groot sprinted from behind and was careful not to get too close.
When he made it inside, the doors closed and Baby Groot hid behind a rock. Then he held up the phone which had the team on facetime call.
"Alright. Let's see what he's up to." Victoria whispered from the phone.
It would appear inside the entrance hall of the cave. Auron was standing before Hades, as if he was standing before a judge.
"Okay, let's review. State your crime prisoner." Hades said to Auron.
"I exist. That is my crime. It is... Inexcusable." Auron stated with a monotone voice.
"Ooh, good, very good." Hades said with a satisfied smirk as the guardians watched on from the screen.
"What's wrong with Auron? He's never acted that way before" Sora whispered to his friends.
"I don't know. But how can existing be a crime?" Kairi whispered back as they continued watching the two.
"Okay, so you made one lousy mistake: you exist. But hey. I'm a forgiving guy. You keep your end of our little deal, and I'm willing to overlook a transgression or two." Hades said with his back facing Auron.
"I understand. Defeat Hercules." Auron simply said.
This earned a nod from Hades as he turned his head to Auron.
"And his meddling friends." Hades said, turning back to Auron.
"What? No, only Hercules." Auron replied back, making Hades cross his arms.
Hades responded by resting his arm on Auron's left shoulder.
"Oh, don't tell me you've forgotten who's in charge?" Hades said before grabbing Auron's shoulder.
Auron groaned in pain as magical sparks started forming. And on Hades' other hand, appeared a small figure that looked exactly like Auron, and dark wisps of energy and sparks surrounded the figurine.
"Hercules and his meddling friends. Are we clear?" Hades said more firmly.
"We're clear, Hades." Auron gritted out.
"Lord Hades." Hades corrected with an evil smirk, pressing down on Auron's shoulder.
"Lord Hades..." Auron gritted out before Hades took his hand off his shoulder, and the sparks and dark energy vanished.
"Good. Now go." Hades ordered.
Auron turned to leave, forcing Baby Groot to retreat back to the others. He ran out the door just as Auron made it through the large stone exit. And Baby Groot ran back to meet up with the team that were standing on by the chartboard.
"Good work young Splinter." Aiden said to Baby Groot as he hopped on to his shoulder and handed his gummiphone back to him.
"I am Groot." Baby Groot said with a bow. Translated: "Thank you, thank you. I'll be here till Tuesday."
"So Hades is controlling Auron the whole time!" Sora exclaimed to his friends.
"As an Underworld contingency plan." Aiden figured.
"That miserable monster." Kairi said with a tinge of anger.
"He'd probably take that as a complement." Victoria snorted about how despicable Hades is.
"I know. I just can't stand the sight of Auron doing that lowlife's bidding." Kairi sighed and firmly stated. "We gotta help him."
Just then Auron walked right past them. Sora reached out to talk but he ignored him and the rest of the guardians before he left.
"C'mon, let's go after him!" Donald suggested.
"Too late." Aiden gestured at the boat. Where Auron was leaving on, heading towards the Underdome to fight.
Sora didn't feel good about this. Because he and the team will more than likely have to fight Auron in order to win and stop Hades. Or to survive to say the least.
"What's wrong, guys?" Hercules asked as he walked up to them, getting them to turn to him.
"Auron's in trouble! It's like Hades brainwashed him!" Sora said with distress in his voice.
"He's using some kind of a statue." Goofy explained.
"You know something? That sounds kinda familiar..." Hercules said in thought.
"You mean you've seen something like this before?" Kairi asked.
"Once. Quite some time ago." Hercules went on to explain. "I think Hades may be using the statue to hold Auron's free will hostage."
"What do we do?" Donald asked.
"See if you can find that statue. It's gotta be somewhere in the Underworld." Hercules stated.
"Right. We're on it!" Sora said with a nod.
"Tell me you're not thinking of Leaving." Hades said, suddenly appearing right next to the group. "You've got a match coming up."
"S'cuse me, Lord Deathwish. But the adults are talking. No goths allowed." Aiden responded sarcastically.
"Meh. Styx and Stones. Barely felt that, Ice Pain." Hades shrugged in response.
The 'Styx' reference was intentional.
"You know what?" Hercules got their attention as he grinned confidently at Hades. "I'll fight Auron in the final. One on one?"
"Herc? What are you doing?" Aiden muttered with his teeth gritted nervously.
"Oh you will?" Hades inquired.
Hades turned around and began to think over the idea.
"I'll draw things out to buy you time." Hercules whispered to the others.
"But-" Sora started to say but cut himself off when Kairi put her hand on his shoulder.
"Let's trust he can do this. While we do our part." Kairi said to Sora, earning a nod and small smile.
"Just hurry back. I know you can do it." Hercules quickly whispered back as Hades turned back around to address Hercules.
"Congratulations! You've got a deal." Hades said with a smirk.
"Thanks" Hercules said with his own confident smirk.
"On one Condition!" Hades exclaimed, catching everyone's attention. "The Keyblade, here, and his trusty friends have to meet the winner in one final clash, whaddya say?"
"That'll drive the crowds wild..." Hercules stated.
"It'd better. I promised the crowd the event of their afterlives." Hades stated as the boat with Pain and Panic stopped by them.
"And herith arrives thy catch." Victoria snorted with her arms crossed.
"You know there are other ways to entertain the scum of hell down here. Didn't folks ever try Twitter? CW? Oh, how about someone starts Howard Stern early?!" Aiden quipped a few ideas.
"Oh, don't worry. Those are already on my list. Just got to wait for some dumb schmuck to invent modern media in this world." Hades said with a wave of his wrist. "It's gonna be a killer!"
"Oh oh oh! Don't forget about Seth McFarlane!" Aiden beamed.
"In this world his name is Aristophanes." Hades deadpanned and got back on subject. "Anyhow. Herc? Kiddo? Let's roll."
Hades gestured Hercules onto the boat as they sailed away from the Guardians towards the Underdome. Hercules was sitting on the boat while Hades stood behind him leaning over the edge feeling confident.
"Suckers! You, for me, the rest is smooth sailing." Hades mused to himself.
As the boat was almost gone. Aiden snickered a bit.
"Dumbass. Too bad he forgot about TMZ." Aiden smirked mischievously.
"I didn't! Thanks for reminding me, Mavmunch!" Hades echoed from across the river of death.
"GODDAMN IT!" Aiden exclaimed, feeling bummed out.
"Let's head out. Hercules and Auron's lives are at stake.." Sora suggested.
"Lead the way, Sora." Kairi and the others nodded as they ran out through the Cave of the Dead.
Back over at the Underdome...
The fight against Hercules VS Auron had already begun as Ol' Herc was fighting on the defense while Auron was on the offense. The crowd was going wild as it was anyone's fight at this point.
Hades was up on his throne watching and observing the whole thing. Marveling at the sinister tension as he was eating a hellish looking snack in a dish.
"Now that is Entertainment!" Hades exclaimed, as the two clashed.
Over to the side, watching the fight progress were Meg and Phil, who wore concerned expressions on their faces, worried for Hercules.
Meanwhile down at Hades' Chamber...
Just as the Guardians made it past the Valley of The Dead. Aiden knocked a Defender Heartless across which busted down the doors.
Then the Guardians ran inside and began to ransack the chamber to look for the statue. Hercules was doing his best to keep the crowd and Hades busy while the Guardians were there inside the Lord of the Dead's chamber. With everyone distracted, they won't be discovered before it's too late.
Sora looked over and saw the statue on a pedestal.
"Got it!" Sora exclaimed and ran over to grab it.
But when he grabbed it.
"Whoa- Bzbzbzbzbzbzbzbzzbzbzbz!" Sora exclaimed as the statue started to electrocute him. Buzzing and twitching around as he kept a good grip.
"Sora!" Kairi called out in concern.
"Hold on, I'll help him!" Goofy exclaimed, grabbing on to Sora's arm. "Whoa-Bzbzbzbzbzbzbzbzbzbzbzbzbzbzbzbz!"
Goofy was shocked as well. Donald groaned and grabbed onto Goofy's leg, only to be shocked as well.
"Bzbzbzbzbzbzbzbbbgbgbgbgbgbgbgrgglgprpelgprlflrlrl~ What's going…..On!?" Donald exclaimed while being shocked.
"Woohoo! A stun orgy! I wanna play too!" Aiden beamed as he grabbed Donald's arm and he was being shocked and buzzing with them "Bzbzbzbzbzbzbzbzbz!"
"Ugh. Boys." Victoria groaned as she facepalmed herself.
Suddenly, the shocking stopped and everyone started hearing voices.
"It is not too late! Let us turn back!" A mysterious voice said.
"Yes, but I... I cannot accept it." Auron's voice said.
"Where is the sense in all this? But... There must be another way! Your deaths will mean nothing! You must live." The mysterious voice spoke.
A flash of light later, and the voices stopped, with the statue in Sora's hand.
Not bothering to ponder over the voices, Kairi ran up to Sora out of concern.
"Sora, are you guys okay?" Kairi asked, putting a hand on Sora's shoulder.
"Yeah….we're….we're good." Sora replied with a reassuring smile before looking towards the statue in his hand. "I get it. This is what belongs in Auron's heart."
"Gawrsh, he musta had a pretty rough life." Goofy said.
"Yeah... But in the end, that's really what made him stronger." Sora said in with a smile
"I know the feeling." Victoria said. And Aiden also knew the feeling.
"Then we better make sure to get it back to him safely." Kairi said with her own smile.
"Yeah, let's give it back!" Donald exclaimed.
All conversation stopped when they suddenly sensed something wrong, and turned to see Nobody Dusks surrounding them.
"Nobodies? Where did they come from?" Sora exclaimed as he and the others got ready to summon their weapons for battle.
"Pfft! Big whoop. We just killed thousands of their neighbors across the Multiverse." Aiden scoffed as he conjured multiple strings of neon.
The neon strings wrapped around all the Nobody Dusks as Aiden yanked to pull them together. Then Sora rushed in and slashed his keyblade across them. Slicing them in half.
Then twenty more Dusks appeared. So Victoria rushed in and formed multiple fireballs into a puddle. Then Kairi came in and slammed her keyblade down in front of them to cause a lightwave to project the fire balls toward the Dusks. Blasting them all down with fire.
Then Donald and Goofy stood on their guard expecting more to come. But no more Nobodies came. As the Disney Duo dropped their guard.
"Hey! What gives?!" Donald scowled, inquiring why the fight stopped.
"Maybe we busted their chops?" Aiden inquired.
"Who cares! Let's go! We got the statue!" Victoria urged everyone to hurry.
"Right! Let's move guys! Herc and Auron needs us!" Sora agreed as they all ran for the exit.
And they ran as fast as they could back to the Underdome. Ready to stop the fight and end Hades' mischief once and for all.
Back over at the Underdome...
Hercules and Auron were clashing swords at each other as Auron was trying to bring the Son of Zeus down. Needless to say, despite his one arm. Auron could definitely fight.
Soon Hercules' sword was knocked from his hand and Hercules was up against the end of the ring which led to a bottomless cliff. Hercules looked back and halted as his foot was near the cliff.
Then he looked forward as Auron was about to bring his sword down on Hercules' head. But Hercules used his strong hands to grip and hold Auron's blade back from finishing him.
"Now! Finish him!" Hades ordered from his throne.
Auron pushed down harder with his sword, causing Hercules to begin to struggle, as the blade inched ever closer to him.
"Auron, no!" Sora's voice called out, getting everyone's attention.
"What!?" Hades exclaimed shock, seeing the guardians standing by the entrance, with Sora holding the statue.
"Hey, Auron! This belongs to you!" Donald called out as Sora tossed the Statue towards Auron. Once it reached above Auron's head, the statue bursted like a magic firework, and the sparks rained down on him, making him glow for a brief moment.
When the glowing stopped, the sword's decent halted. Hercules noticed this, and hesitantly removed his hands from the blade, and it's tip landed on the ground next to him.
"Whew…" Hercules sighed while kneeling on the ground, relieved that it was over.
Auron stood straight up, a calm look on his face.
"Guardians of the Multiverse." Auron simply said in his usual monotone voice, letting them know he was back to normal.
"Alright!" Sora said happily fist bumping the air.
"We did it!" Kairi exclaimed smiling.
"Auron's back to normal!" Goofy exclaimed.
"Oh boy!" Donald cheered.
"Glad to have you back big guy." Victoria said with a smirk.
"You had us going there for a moment, Jackie Sling!" Aiden quipped.
"I am Groot!" Baby Groot cheered, saying 'welcome back!'
Hades was not too happy about this, as he turned red and his flame hair rose up.
"Why those little-" Hades seethed before turning back to his blue color and rose from his seat and spoke down to Auron as the guardians ran up to Auron and Hercules. "Ugh, prisoner! What happened to our mutual agreement? I can give you a clean slate, but you gotta work with me."
"Maybe you didn't hear me." Auron said with his back to Hades before slowly turning to the God of the Underworld. "This is my story, and you're not part of it."
"So what now, Blue Beetle Juice? You gonna cry?...Those are tears, right? Or are they hot gas drops?" Aiden mocked as the other Guardians laughed.
Hades turned red again and let out a scream of anger as a torrent of flames and smoke surrounded him. When the flames and smoke dissipated, he was gone. Then an explosion of flame and smoke occurred several feet away from the guardians. And when it dissipated, Hades stood before them, an angry look on his blue face.
"THAT'S IT!" Hades snapped with his arms thrown about in anger. "This game is over, I've played by the rules so far."
"Really, you played by the rules?" Victoria muttered her disbelief.
"Okay. I confess! I was hoping Wonderboy would lose, but it was still a fair fight!" Hades claimed, waving his arms at the group. "C'mon, is that really so wrong?!"
"Really? A fair fight?" Sora said with a smirk as Donald and Goofy laughed.
"If that was a fair fight, I'd hate to see a rigged one." Kairi said with a chuckle.
"Oh and what's with the fire? Oh I forgot, that's where he used to live." Aiden quipped a mockery of Hades' hair making them laugh.
"Laugh, laugh, laugh all you want, heheheheheh! Because the laughing is about to stop." Hades said, moving his arms like he's halting the playing of a band. "Wanna know why? Because now we're gonna play by my rules."
Hades smirked evilly and snapped his fingers, and the large stone door behind him rose up, revealing the well of Souls.
Suddenly, everyone heard Meg scream, and turned around to see her disappear in a puff of smoke from the audience seats. The guardians looked around them to see where she went.
"Meg!" Hercules shouted, getting their attention, and turned to see Meg being held in the air by rings of smoke, over the well of Souls.
"Hercules!" Meg desperately called out to him as she was held over the ominous green glowing well.
"Hey, I warned you right from the get-go. You don't compete, you lose the girl." Hades said with a sinister look, before snapping his fingers, making the smoke disappear, making Meg drop into the well with a scream.
Hercules ran past Hades and towards the edge of the well.
"NO!" Hercules cried out as he ran towards the edge. "HANG ON!"
Hercules then dived head first into the well after Meg. Making the team look horrified that Hercules might get stuck down there. Hades turned back to the others with his smug, sinister look.
"Looks like Wonderboy has dropped out of the standings." Hades said as the door behind him lowered.
The guardians and Auron glared angrily at Hades, all pissed at what just happened.
"Well, you've still got us to deal with!" Sora exclaimed angrily.
"You crossed a line you Psycho! And you're going to regret it!" Kairi exclaimed just as angry as they all summoned their weapons, with Sora and Kairi switching into their armor.
Hades then teleported behind them in a puff of smoke, making them turn around to face him.
"Oh, yeah. This is gonna be good." Hades said, a confident look on his face as he faced the guardians.
"I hope you got a good swing with that one bicep." Aiden stated to Auron
Then Aiden shifted into the Maverick and his friends shifted into their armored forms. Victoria even shifted into Blaze as they went into their fighting stance
"I intend to." Auron answered as he stood into his fighting stance.
"Bring it Guard Dogs." Hades' gestured to them to come on and fight. Then Hades turned red for this fight.
Then the team ran in all at once as they all took a slash and swing at Hades'. Only for Hades to swing his arms around sending a heat wave to knock them all down.
"RAAAGH! Blaze roared as she dove in to dlash her keyblades into Hades six times then shifted her keyblades into hard flame fists to punch him multiple times. But Hades barely felt it as he waved his hand knocking her aside.
Kairi and Sora then came in to slash their weapons but Hades scoffed as he weakly waved his hand, causing them to be knocked down again.
"WAAAAK!" Donald screamed as he and Goofy ran in from behind Hades.
But Hades smirked as he held a smoky end out like a foot. Causing the Disney Duo to trip and Tumble on each other.
"Woa-Hoah!" Goofy and Donald yelped as they fell to the ground.
Then Maverick flew in and dashed into Hades. Zooming multiple times trying to use all of his strength to bring him down. But nothing was working.
"Yawn. Let me know when you get something." Hades mocked and yawned as he stood there while Maverick gripped his neck with both arms. But Hades was still standing there unphased.
"Quick acting like an arrogant high leveled super saiyan pussy! And TAKE IT LIKE A MAN!" Maverick bellowed as he tried pulling his head off.
Still nothing.
Then Maverick jumped off Hades and flipped as he landed in front of the Lord of the Dead.
"Alright then, Lord of the Dicks. Time for Melon Farmers to pay the Ferryman." Maverick declared as he pulled out a Heartbinder.
"Wha?" Hades inquired about the joke. With his eyebrow raised looking confused.
"It's a metaphor. Because you gather souls like a truck full of melons..." Maverick tried to explain. But shook his head and continued. "Nevermind! Have a breeze!"
Then Maverick used the Heart Binder to summon a friend from back home. Which was the giant monster snowman. Marshmallow.
Marshmallow landed from the sky and dropped down in the ring. Then he stood up as spikes formed around his body and he held his massive ice claws out.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOR!" Marshmallow roared at Hades
But Hades just stood there looking smug with his arms crossed. He scoffed in response before Hades snapped his finger.
"Uh oh." Marshmallow's eyes widened. Before a wave of fire and black smoke circled around him.
Then when the fire and smoke faded as quickly as it came. Marshmallow was now a puddle on the ground. Before he vanished.
Back home at the ice palace...
Olaf was in the main entrance of Elsa's ice palace. As he was running around giggling and chasing after three Snowgies which he considers his little brothers.
When suddenly a large puddle of water appeared in the corner and fell on the ground. Then it magically formed back to Marshmallow who gawked and stood there.
"Oh hi Marshmallow! Where did you go?" Olaf asked optimistically.
"Don't ask." Marshmallow groaned as he walked away.
Back at the Underdome...
Maverick just stood there looking at where Marshmallow disappeared. Granted he knew Marshmallow was okay and would appear back to where he left off. But no one had enough magic and fire to melt him before. Not even Blaze could melt Marshmallow.
"Mav. You do know that you roast marshmallows, right?" Hades deadpanned with his arms crossed.
Meanwhile Pain and Panic were up at Hades's throne sitting on the their own seats watching the fight. And they both looked confused.
"I don't get it." Pain looked confused.
"Maybe he looked like a marshmallow?" Panic shrugged confusingly.
They didn't know the giant Snowman's name.
Back down with Maverick. The armored keyblader still looked shocked as he looked back at Hades. Then back where Marshmallow stood. His head turned fast back and forth picking up speed each time like a cartoon trying to fathom what he saw. That his head made wind noises.
And then Maverick raged.
"THAT! DOES IT!" Maverick bellowed
Then Maverick ran and slammed his eight neon glowing fist into Hades' face.
***BREAK!***
"Ouh! Oh-hoh!" Maverick grunted as he collapsed on his knees gripping his broken hand. "CANADA!"
Then Maverick tested his brochand only to see it was flopping around. "That's not good." He muttered.
"Kid, c'mon." Hades deadpanned from behind Maverick.
"Cockshot!" Maverick beamed as he turned to throw his left fist into Hades' crotch.
***Bong noise! BREAK!***
"D'OH!" Maverick yelped before he whimpered humorously. "Oh your poor wife…."
"I'd stop if I were you." Hades suggested bemusingly.
Then Maverick stood up and backed away as he was holding his arms out a bit. Holding out his broken hands as they sagged like broken puppets.
"All the dinosaurs feared the t-rex." Maverick stated as his arms and broken hands mimicked a t-rex.
Then Maverick jumped and spun as he tried to deliver a spinning kick with his right leg to Hades' face.
***Bang noise. BREAK!***
"WOOUGH! OH! HO!" Maverick yelled as he collapsed on his back holding his broken hands and leg up.
Pain and Panic stuffed some laughs as the situation was hilarious.
"I PROMISE THIS GETS WORSE FOR YOU BIG BOY!" Maverick bellowed.
"Oy. Talk about embarrassing." Hades face palmed himself. "Kid, stay down."
Maverick struggled to stand back up as he turned over on his stomach. Then he teleported and stood up and started hopping on his left leg. While his broken limbs flopped.
"You ever hear of the one-legged dude in the ass-kicking contest?" Maverick quipped as he was hopping in front of Hades who was looking down.
"Do you have an off switch?" Hades asked looking annoyed.
"Yeah it's right next to the prostate. Or is that the 'on switch'-" Maverick almost quipped.
"Alright I'm done." Hades held his hand up causing Maverick to float and spin slowly.
"Wooooooooah...I'm not tall enough for this ride!" Maverick exclaimed as he was spinning much faster.
Until...
***THUNDER STRIKE!***
Maverick's body was then viperized by Hades. Until only his head was left. Maverick's eyes twitched as his head fell to the ground in front of his team.
"AIDEN!" Sora gasped seeing his friend disfigured and left with just a head.
"My...Whole...Life...Flashing before my eyes...Holy shit I was awesome!" Maverick groaned as his head was still on the ground.
"AIDEN!" Blaze screamed in horror and ran to his head and picked it up with tears in her. "Oh my God, Aiden!"
Kairi grasped, holding her hands in front of her mouth in horror at seeing her friend in such a state.
Donald and Goofy looked sick to their stomachs at the sight. Auron just stood there with his eyes slightly widened.
Baby Groot crawled on to Blaze's shoulder, looking down at Maverick's head in concern.
"I am Groot…." Baby Groot said with great concern.
"Hey, don't worry about me, Caesar salad. I'll be fine in a bit. You know this is not the first time I was left with just my head." Maverick said, trying to reassure not just Baby Groot, but Blaze as well. "Right now, we got to teach that hothead about fire safety by putting him out."
"Kid, if I were you, I'd quit while you are a head." Hades said humorously before laughing evilly.
This earned glares of pure anger from the whole team, but they knew retaliation right then and there without a plan would just make their situation more dangerous.
"We can't win." Sora gritted out, even though he didn't want to admit it.
"Not at this rate." Kairi got out after collecting herself from seeing Maverick's current state.
"How come?" Donald snapped in frustration.
"Because it's his Underworld." Auron said monotone like.
"Gee, then how do we beat him?" Goofy asked, concerned for his friends.
Hades was about to make a retort but heard the door behind open loudly, he turned to see the well of Souls in view.
"I think a true hero should be able to help!"
Hades and everyone heard the sound of Hercules' voice, making Hades turn back around to see Hercules glowing, with Meg held in his arms bridal style.
"But... You..." Hades stammered out, stunned to see the sudden turn of events.
Hercules just smirked.
"I owe you one, Hades." Hercules stated as he stopped glowing, his trusty steed landing next to him and the guardians running to his side. "I didn't hesitate to give my life for Meg's. Just like last time. And then, I remembered: A true hero is measured by the strength of his heart."
"Eeeeh...Crap that was sooooo cheesy, I think I feel the milked peroxide down below." Maverick moaned in response but added optimistically. "But nonetheless true."
Hercules and Meg looked over to Maverick as Hercules set Meg down on her own two feet. And they both gasped at the sight.
"Mav?!... Holy cow! What the hell happened to you!?" Hercules got out with great shock.
"Geez, kid! Hades sure did a number on you." Meg said with just as much shock.
"Well I tried putting my head in the game...Nope that was it." Aiden said humorously, making his friends groan, but they were glad he seemed to be doing fine despite his current state.
"Don't worry. His body will grow back." Blaze reassured the two as well as the rest of the team.
"So I'm guessing you're now back in your prime now, Herc?" Sora asked while grinning at Hercules.
"You bet. I forgot about my father's philosophy and lost my way. But that's a mistake I won't make again." Hercules said proudly as he smiled at the Guardians.
"Just don't do any more crazy stunts like jumping off cliffs again, okay?" Kairi said optimistically.
"Well, it just goes to show you Kairi." Hercules leaned in and said quietly to her. "People always do crazy things, when they're in love."
Kairi and Sora blushed and chuckled at this.
"Waaaait...Was that an innuendo? You heard it folks! Herc is dirty! No wonder he's naked in France!" Maverick quipped out loud referencing the images at the Louvre. Then he pondered. "Or was that Hades?"
"Hahahahahahahaha!" Everyone laughed at this which irated Hades.
"WHAT IS SO FUNNY, YOU IMBECILES! HOW DARE YOU GET A HAPPY ENDING! HOW DAAARE YOOOOU!" Hades raged as he turned red against and blazed with flames around him.
Blaze quickly strapped Maverick to the side of her waist belt and she summoned her keyblades. As the other team members did the same.
They were all still in their armored forms. As the Guardians and Hercules clashed with Hades yet again.
Pegasus quickly flew Meg out of the ring as this fight was about to get wild.
Donald and Goofy shot out ice spells to put out the fire all around the ring. While Hercules ran in and punched Hades to the side. Causing Hades' to stagger and turn blue.
Then Sora and Kairi came in and slashed their keyblades at Hades in a spin attack. Which this time hurt.
"Yow! Hey watch the hair!" Hades exclaimed.
Then Blaze struck a large bolt of lightning down on Hades which was her rage against what he did to her boyfriend.
"Thizzzzzzz doezzzzzzzn't Meaaaaaanzzzzz A THING!" Hades buzzed as he was being zapped.
Then Kairi came in and delivered a hard kick knocking Hades into the air and Sora delivered multiple slashes and even performed a Sonic Blade strike as he zoomed past Hades Multiple times.
Auron than came jumped and slashed his sword multiple times into Hades and delivered a kick which send him hurling back down to the ground. But Hades raged as he got back up, but he was still blue
Blaze then ran up and delivered multiple hard fast electronic punches to Hades' face which hurt. Each punch delivering a fury of a girlfriend's scorn.
Then Hercules then ran in for a finale and delivered a knee into Hades' groin.
"OOP!" Hades squeaked as his eyes nearly popped out and gripped his crotch as he muttered in a high pitched voice. "Right in the idols."
Then Hercules gave Hades an uppercut punch and threw a hard forward thrust punch. Sending Hades out of the ring and over towards the edge of the Well of Souls. On the other side of the ring.
Hades stood up, holding his chest in pain.
Sora attempted to hit Hades again, but he teleported away, but towards the edge of the Well of Souls.
Hades groaned and panted as he took steps back.
"Ugh... It's... Not over... Yet..." Hades panted out, but stopped when his foot went over the edge of the well, making him stumble, trying to catch his balance, only to slip back.
"Woah- hey ah! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAH!" Hades screamed as he fell into the well of Souls, trapping him within.
Pain and Panic ran to the edge of the well, looking down into it as their boss was washed away in the current of death.
"Ohh! Hades is not gonna be happy when he gets outta there!" Panic stated looking afraid.
"You mean, 'if' He's outta there!" Maverick echoed from the fighting ring. since he heard them.
Pain and Panic looked at each other and their eyes lit up with joy.
"If. 'If' is good." Pain and Panic both smiled and said simultaneously.
"Eh. He might later. Who knows, who cares?" Maverick's head muttered.
With that said. Hercules and the Guardians defeated Hades at his own game in his dwelling place.
"Guardians. We're done here." Sora stated in his armored form as they shifted out of their armored form.
But Blaze remained in her form as Maverick was stuck as a head in his form for now. Then the team and Hercules started walking out of the Underdome. As they made it to the boat. They sailed across the River of Death.
"You should know Herc. We sort of are the reason the Underdome opened up in the first place." Sora stated as he was being honest. "Hades had Meg trapped behind the lock to that place. It was the only way to save her."
"I know Sora. It wasn't your fault. You saw for yourself. The Underworld only plays by Hades' rules. By now it's over." Hercules assured Sora.
"Still. If I never see this place again for as long as I live. It'll be too soon." Blaze remarked.
"Tell me about it." Kairi agreed.
"Does this mean we're not getting the Hades Cup?" Maverick wondered.
Baby Groot smirked as he held up a blue sapphire like trophy with wings at the end. Which was the Hades Cup?
"I am Groot?" Baby Groot smugly asked with a smirk. Translated: "You mean this?"
"You little devil." Blaze smirked back at the little tree as she and Maverick were so proud of Baby Groot.
Later on at the forest near Thebes...
The team. Hercules, Meg. Phil and Pegasus took a breather as they exited out of the Underworld stairway and made it to the forest. As the sun was setting over the sky. The entrance to the Underworld finally closed and vanished in thin air.
"Good riddance to that dead dump." Phil stated cynically looking back at where the entrance was.
"I'll say." Meg snorted with her arms crossed. "I've been breathing those fumes for too long."
"I'll be right back. Aiden and I will meet you at the Coliseum." Blaze stated to the others as she walked away while calling in IRIS to beam her and Maverick's head up to the ship.
"No worries. Take your time babe." Maverick assured while his head was still strapped to Blaze's waist belt. And he was getting a good view of her swinging hips. But keeping it to himself.
"Enjoy the view while it lasts, Chilly Boy." Blaze scoffed at her boyfriend.
Nothing could fool her.
"Awe. How did you know?!" Maverick pouted
Which Blaze found to be cute. Then she and Maverick's head were beamed back up to the Gummi Ship so Maverick could be fixed. And to hang the Hades Cup in their ship's trophy case
"So Auron, what's next for you?" Kairi asked the warrior as he stood in front of her, Sora, Donald, and Goofy.
"Yeah, what'cha gonna do now?" Donald asked.
"I lived my life defending others. But now... There's no one left to protect." Auron said looking down, before raising his head up, a small smile on his face. "Maybe... It's time I shaped my own story."
"Yeah... You deserve it, Auron- after everything you've been through." Sora said with an encouraging smile.
"Sora's right. You've more than earned this second chance" Kairi said with her own smile.
Auron gave a snort of humor at their kind words.
"I suppose I should thank you." Auron said to them.
"Not at all." Sora said to him with a no problem gesture.
"Fine" Auron said, turning around, making Sora, Donald, and Goofy slump in exasperation while Kairi giggled at their antics.
"I mean, sure, you could thank us a little..." Sora said to Auron.
"You should say what you mean." Auron said with his back to them.
"You know, you really should, Sora." Kairi teased her boyfriend.
"Very funny, Kairi." Sora groaned, making Kairi giggled.
Auron turned around to face them again.
"I guess I could spare a few words." Auron said, facing the guardians. He paused for a moment before saying what he wanted with a small smirk. "Thanks for meddling."
This caused all four to slump in exasperation, though Kairi still had her smile, knowing Auron was just messing with them.
"Hey, what's that mean?" Sora called out to him.
Auron just walked away, with a smirk on his face, as Sora crossed his arms and shook his head while Kairi just giggled at her boyfriend's silliness.
Later that night at the Olympus Coliseum courtyard...
Sora and the team made it back to see some Greek construction workers and several Centaurs and other mythical creatures working on the reconstruction of the Olympus Coliseum. Even removing all the debris that couldn't be spared or repaired.
Hercules had his arm around Meg as they admired the sight of the Coliseum being reconstructed. It will take some time. But it will be back to its former glory once again soon.
Sora and the team walked up to Hercules as it was almost time to leave.
"Thanks again, Guys. You're the best." Hercules thanked the Guardians of the Multiverse while Meg at her arms wrapped his muscular one.
"Excuse us for meddling." Donald grumbled sarcastically as his arms were crossed.
"Awe...Sounds like somebody's feathers are a little ruffled." Meg teased softly looking down at Donald.
"When are they never ruffled?" Kairi teased with a giggle.
"Ha ha ha." Donald faked a sarcastic laugh.
Then suddenly two light rays beamed from behind the team as everyone looked back to see Aiden and Victoria appear after being beamed down from the Highwind II.
Aiden was back and so was his body. Every part back and not just a head anymore.
"Wuzzuuuup! Team, Gladiators, Junior Heroes. What did I miss?" Aiden greeted everyone.
"Aiden!" Sora exclaimed happily.
"You're okay!" Kairi exclaimed as well.
"You had us very worried!" Goofy said to him.
"Don't ever scare us like that again!" Donald exclaimed.
"Good to see you back on your feet Aiden." Hercules said with a smirk.
"More like back on your body, Kid." Meg commented with her own smirk.
As Aiden and Victoria walked over to the team. Aiden began to tell them how he got his body back...By using dramatic license.
"Yeah it took some doing. I was taken to some professional medics who nearly gagged and died at that sight of me. But I inspired them that they could fix anything including a head." Aiden started retelling the whole details dramatically. "They had to find maybe twenty different donors. Make the right calls. Use the right tools. And how I endured. So much-"
"I used a curaga spell and a couple of elixirs to make his body grow back instantly." Victoria stated as she amusingly interrupted Aiden, making him slump.
"Ugh...Killjoy. Anyhow, where's Sling TV? " Aiden asked, noticing Auron wasn't around.
"He left shortly after you two beamed back up to the ship." Goofy explained.
"He gave us his thanks before he left though." Sora said nonchalantly.
"His exact words were 'thanks for meddling'." Kairi said, imitating Auron's voice at the end before giggling.
"Meh. He was giving us way too much credit." Aiden quipped and teased. "They should really call us 'Meddlers of the Multiverse'. The pricks who will brighten your day and pick up the dirt without permission. Trust me it's my nine to five."
"Well, it's not completely off. We are pretty good at meddling." Kairi said with a teasing smirk while looking at her boyfriend.
"Yeah, I guess we are." Sora said, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish smile.
"So. What's next for the Meddlers of the Multiverse?" Hercules asked confidently and amusingly.
"We're getting there. The final match is just beyond the Horizon. We're just matching a few stops, running a few errands along the way." Aiden answered wittyly.
"That and a lot has changed since our last visit, and it's barely been a month." Victoria remarked.
"For example. The five dollar footlong and the red velvet cake have now been yoked." Aiden gestured over to Sora and Kairi.
"Yeah. They're now a couple. Ayuck!" Goofy mused about Sora and Kairi's relationship.
"We know. We got the memo from them smooching backstage." Meg smirked with her hand on her hip.
"You're a lucky dog, Sora." Hercules winked teasingly as he slugged his shoulder lightly.
Sora and Kairi blushed as the former rubbed his arm nervously and the latter shoveled her shoes and giggled timidly.
"Are you turkeys trying to put me out of a job?!" Phil exclaimed as he walked up to the group. "If you keep acing every challenge, Champ, who am I gonna train?!"
"Aw, you can't abandon me now, Phil! I gotta be at the top of my game in case Hades shows up again." Hercules said to his coach.
"Oh, that reminds me, speaking of training, Phil." Sora started, getting Phil's attention. "Do you remember training a friend of ours?"
"That depends, what's this friend's name?" Phil asked.
"His name is Roxas." Sora answered, now really getting Phil's attention.
"Roxas? Hmmm...Oh yeah! I met a kid by that name a little while back . That weird kid with the blonde hair due and the black robe. Yeah he had a keyblade like yours and I trained the young rookie thinking he was a warrior Hercules scouted to become the next big hero. I was bummed out when I found out otherwise but I thought he had potential." Phil told Sora the details and asked. "So what's he to you?"
Wondering why Sora asked about Roxas.
"He's Sora's Nobody. Or was. Now Roxas is human like the rest of us." Kairi answered optimistically.
"No kiddin eh? I coulda swarn that Kid got the 'junior hero' from someone else." Phil grinned with his arms crossed.
"Hey, are we true heroes yet?!" Donald asked, getting in Phil's face.
"Yeah! C'mon, Phil, how 'bout it?" Sora asked excitedly, standing next to Donald.
"Better give them your verdict before their hearts stop beating and their heads explode." Aiden joked, with Kairi giggling at Sora's eagerness.
"Lemme see now..." Phil said, scratching his chin, as if he was thinking it over. "Well, you're not wise enough... Not quite... Seasoned enough..."
"Okay, okay, we get the hint!" Sora exclaimed, an exasperated and frustrated look on Sora and Donald's faces.
"Look kid, it's not my call!" Phil said, his fists on his hips.
"Aw, phooey." Donald groaned, disappointed, with Sora slumped over slightly.
"Course if it was, you'd have no problem. I'd make you all heroes, in a heartbeat!" Phil said with his back to them.
Sora and Donald shared an excited look.
"Really?!" Sora asked excitedly as Phil turned back to them.
"Say it again!" Donald said to him.
"On second thought, if those are your "hero" faces, you still got a lotta work to do." Phil stated before he started walking away.
"Hey, what do you mean?" Donald asked, walking fast to catch up with Phil.
"Go away!" Phil said before running off, Donald chasing after.
"Phil!" Sora called out, running after him too.
"Leave me alone!" Phil called back as he kept running.
"Oh, Sora…" Kairi said with fond exasperation and a soft smile on her face, watching her silly boyfriend.
"See that?" Meg said to Hercules, pointing up at the sky.
"Well, whaddaya know." Hercules said with a smile.
Kairi looked up and noticed too, making her gasp and smile.
"Sora, Donald, Goofy, come here!" Kairi called to them, getting their attention. They ran back to Kairi.
"What's up Kairi?" Sora asked. Kairi just took his hand in hers and pointed to the sky with her free hand.
"Look up Sora!" Kairi said softly with a warm smile. He looked up along with Donald and Goofy, and gasped, a smile spreading to his face, he burst into joyful laughter and grabbed Kairi by the waist, spinning the two of them about, making Kairi giggle and laugh in joy as well while Donald and Goofy jumped around in joy.
Phil was in the background, crying with pride and joy as up in the sky, the stars rearranged themselves to show an image of Sora, Kairi, Donald, and Goofy standing in poses alongside Aiden, Victoria, Groot, and the previous guardians of the Multiverse behind them.
Sora, Kairi, Donald, and Goofy have become true heroes.
Today. Hercules had gained his confidence back. Our heroes defeated Hades once again and good triumphs over evil once again in the Greek world. Some days even heroes like Hercules will reach their low points time and time again. But a true hero learns to rise above all expectations when they are at their lowest. And the measure of their strength is tested.
The guardians have faced many battles and they know they're not done yet. But Organization XIII will soon answer for all that they have done and they will meet their end.
Because the Guardians of the Multiverse are stronger than ever. The stars have now proclaimed them all. True Heroes!
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS!🎉🎉🎉🎉
"You do know that Gladiators are Roman and not Greek, right?" Blaze inquired.
"I was being ironic and hypothetical, alright?!" Maverick exclaimed.
So yeah. Hercules is back in his prime. Maverick survived a cringe Deadpool reference from both the video game and the movie. And we're almost there to the final battle.
Also I hope I described the Heartless spawns correctly. I know I've replaced some, it's just I've had to scroll through long lists and I could never get the names of all the types of Heartless. So I had to settle. Also I know the Nobody spawns kept coming in the original game. But I think after fighting thousands of Heartless in Hollow Bastion and everyone leveled up. I doubt it should take that long to beat dozens of Nobody Husks.
"Not with me. That's for sure." Maverick remarked.
Anyhow. Thank you all so much for reading.
Like! Comment! Fave! Follow! You know the drill!
And as always Disney/Square Enix fans!
FISTBUMP!👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊