Of course, there was another group having their own adventures as the trio of Sora, Donald, and Goofy who arrived on Olympus Coliseum not long ago meeting Phil and attempting to show the goat man just how capable the boy was. Sadly, while he did acknowledge the boy was no slouch, he refused to let them enter the Tournament so now the three simply decided to watch from the stands much to the duck's annoyance. "What's the point of this, we should be out there finding The Kind." He grumbled while munching on a bag of popcorn he bought.
Sora though was all too happy to relax after that crazy time in Wonderland. Meeting Alice and having to help her avoid being arrested by The Queen of Hearts the group managed to defeat a strange heartless they named a Trickmaster and then took her home along with sealing up a Keyhole. Although he was bummed Phil wouldn't let him enter maybe just watching could be fun and give him a goal to look towards. "Aw come on Donald it can't hurt to take a short break. We'll watch the Tournament and then immediately get back to searching, cross my heart and hope to die." The boy theatrically stated bringing a finger over his chest.
Goofy who was enjoying a nice Hercules Soda did also wish to continue their search, but knew their new friend also needed a chance to breathe. As the father of a young man who recently entered adulthood, he understood teenagers shouldn't always be under so much pressure and while they had to save the Worlds that didn't mean Sora had to lose what it meant to be a teen. So, he was fine with spending a few hours at most relaxing and enjoying himself as long as it meant his friend could be happy.
The first match saw Hercules the titular hero of this World fight a random Knight who was defeated with ease the brief display making the boy whistle at how easy he had defeated his opponent. "Boy no wonder Phil went on about him, the guy broke a sword with his bare finger!" He said amazed by the display.
The rest of the round one match-ups were boring by comparison all except the final one where a man who looked not of this World just by the way he looked with blond spiky hair, blue eyes, and a red cape walked up carrying a large Sword in what looked to be bandages. Effortlessly he defeated his opponent only doing a few simple moves nearly slicing the man to pieces. Sora had an odd feeling about the guy wondering who exactly he was. "Now that's what I'm talkin about." He heard a voice say and turned to see a little behind the stands stood a large blue man with a strange hairdo that immediately gave Sora a bad vibe. Perhaps adhering to the philosophy of curiosity killed the cat the boy told his companions he would be back soon and then proceeded to walk up to the strange man. Seeing the boy coming the blue man gave him a disinterested stare. "Hey kid what can I do for ya?" He questioned with a tone that reminded the boy of that sleazy boat salesman he met once years ago that tried to con him out of this munny if not for Riku's more practical mind.
Still he was determined to get some answers and so asked away. "Um I heard you say something about the guy who just won like you know him." And that seemed to change the guys tune who now wore a cocky smile.
"Oh ya mean ole head in the clouds, taught him everything he knows." Sora wasn't sure whether that was simple boasting, or he actually meant it. "Found him one day looking for some help and now he's my ticket to nothin but success." Whoever he was he liked to talk.
He may not have been known as the intelligent person around, heck his school grades could account for that, but Sora was intuitive, and he could see this man was up to no good. "Uh that's good to hear, what's your name?"
At that the fire on the man's head momentarily went orange nearly causing Sora to back away before it settled into its cooler blue once he took a good look at the boy. "No wonder ya didn't know my name must be some sort of traveler." He inferred noticing how similar to his prized fighter the kid stood out like a sore thumb compared to everyone else on the World. "Hades lord of the dead keeper of souls. Ever wanted to know who died when well I'm your God." He bragged twirling his fingers to reveal a skull that he tossed into the boy's lap with Sora immediately throwing it off.
To say the boy was freaked out by that was an understatement, not everyday you end up speaking with a guy who rules death. "Nice to meet you, I'm Sora." He introduced and for a moment considered putting his hand out for a friendly handshake before remembering that this guy could probably do an assortment of things to instantly kill him. "So, you must really be glad to see your guy making it through the first round, do you think he can beat Hercules?" He questioned curious at the unknown warrior's strength.
Hades at that did put a hand up to this chin contemplating the answer for a few moments. "Well Hercy jerky isn't exactly what I'd call a pushover, but let's just say I've got everything figured out kid. No matter what happens wonder boy is goin down." He assured looking quite dastardly and sending enough red flags to make a building inspector blush.
Deciding it was best to get some distance Sora politely took his leave. "It was uh nice meeting you Hades, hope everything goes well." And went back to his friends with the God brushing off that little encounter too enamored in his own self-assured triumph to notice anything else. Meeting back up with Donald and Goofy he wondered if maybe they had any idea about that ominous being. "Hey guys I'm back."
Being handed another bag of popcorn by Goofy the dog decided to question him. "Good to have you back Sora, where'd ya run off to?" He asked curious at what could have distracted his friend considering it was his idea to watch the Tournament.
Explaining his meeting with the apparent lord of the dead Donald certainly seemed suspicious at what Hades had said. "Sounds like a villain to me, maybe that guy is his lackey." The duck now glaring at the swordsman from afar with skepticism.
Yet Sora wasn't too sure about that, but he had not spoken to this stranger so perhaps that was possible. There was one thing he knew though, "I need to go talk to him." Earning a look of disbelief from the Court Magician.
Before he could say anything though it was Goofy who spoke up. "Gawrsh Sora are you sure that's a good idea?" Receiving a nod from the boy the dog seemed to also decide. "Well ya can't do that with Hades watching, hey Donald how's about we go keep him company while Sora talks?" And then Goofy whispered a plan in his ear earning a mischievous laugh from the duck and the two went off to buy the boy some time. A few minutes later Donald in hiding extinguished Hades' head flames and the God grew angry now turning around and leaving to search for who dared to do that to him.
Seeing his chance Sora hastily made his way over to where the stranger stood all alone. Without even opening his eyes the man spoke somehow knowing he had been approached. "Go away." He stated in a monotone voice.
The boy was not swayed by those words and simply introduced himself. "I'm Sora, who are you?" He asked.
The man remained silent for a quarter of a minute before speaking again. "Cloud, now leave I have a battle to prepare for."
Still Sora would not intent on figuring out a bit more about this man. "Yea I heard from Hades you are meant to take on Hercules, from what Hades said he taught you everything he knew." That earned a derisive snort from Cloud but nothing else and so the teen continued. "I figured, so why is it you want to beat Hercules?"
Cloud considered if he should answer but decided it was best to set the record straight before any wrong ideas were spread about him. "I don't really care about him Hades does, I'm just a hired gun who gets what he wants after this Tournament is done with."
That answered one question in Sora's mind that this Cloud wasn't just some lackey or henchman. "But what do you get out of it?" The man refused to answer as that was a secret only he and perhaps Hades would know. Sora knew he didn't have much time left as he could see the lord of death beginning to make his way back. "I wouldn't trust Hades if I were you, from he said even if you lose, he's got a plan up his sleeve." The boy advised and quickly left before he could be noticed by the God. Making his way back to the stands for the last of the semi-finals he spotted Donald and Goofy who were patting down their clothes a bit but other than that they looked alright. "Thanks guys."
At that Goofy chuckled. "No problem Sora that's what friends are for." He replied and the group sat down watching the Tournament where once again Cloud came out victorious. After a short break to allow both fighters to rest it was time for the finals with Cloud and Hercules stepping up both ready to fight.
To say it lived up to the hype would be an understatement. Hercules for being a hulking muscle man was no meathead using his superior strength and strange power to play a smart defensive game. Constantly digging his heels in refusing to give Cloud any chance to control the tide of this battle as he managed to defend against his powerful attacks and would counter with a punch of his own sending the leaner fighter on the backfoot. Yet the swordsman was not one to give up and continued on pressing the attack as he looked for any weak spots relying on his greater speed and trained precision to slowly chip away at the mighty hero.
As Hercules attempted to swipe at the mortal with his own sword Cloud jumped high up displaying a great deal of agility now aiming his sword downwards ready to slice through his opponent and end this match. Sensing danger the hero he hopped back just managing to avoid it as the bandaged buster sword pierced the ground with even a bit of darkness emanating from the spot. Clearly Hercules instincts were had been correct and now decided it was time to bring out his full power. "Time to get serious." Summoning a yellow aura that surrounded him the man attacked with a ferocious flurry of fists that Cloud could barely defend against pushing him further and further back until he was cornered.
Gripping his blade tightly Cloud too saw he needed to go all out if he wanted to win. "Get ready." Suddenly a black wing emerged from his cape and sparks of energy cackled as the warrior began to hover. Now gliding through the air with ease the man circled around Hercules his speed far too fast to be tracked by the hero allowing Cloud to attack his sides and back with unrelenting force and now it seemed the tide of battle had been changed in his favor. But to say it was over would be premature as summoning his strength Hercules did have one last trump card up his sleeve. As the bandaged sword once again came at him suddenly the area around both lit up with yellow, and before Cloud could manage to properly defend an explosive wave of energy came out from the hero on all sides with the swordsman caught up in the explosion. The energy was so bright everyone had to shield or close their eyes, seconds later everyone could finally see again as the energy dissipated.
The first thing everyone noticed was Cloud sprawled out on the floor seemingly done while Hercules was on one knee having put most of his power into that attack leaving him drained. For a moment Phil went to announce the winner when the swordsman's body moved and with a groan, he used his sword to rise back up clearly exhausted yet unbeaten.
Hades watching over this decided now was the time to strike. He had used his prized fighter well and knew even if he won that would just create a problem later on, afterall he wasn't exactly honest and once Cloud figured out the lord of the dead couldn't exactly make well on the deal then the God would have another pain to handle. With a snap of his fingers he opened a large corridor and out came his ever so loyal pet Cerberus. "Go get em." He ordered and with a growl the large three-headed mutt attacked. Although the two tried to defend themselves being not only surprised but tired made it difficult as the animal quickly had them on the backfoot. Hades although he wished to watch suddenly felt someone appear behind him. "Can't ya see I'm busy?" He looked at the witch who had come at perhaps the worst time.
But the witch was unperturbed. "Come, we must meet with the others to discuss forwarding our plans. The King and Keyblade Wielder are beginning to cause issues, we must hasten our progress on finding The Princesses before it is too late." She informed.
The lord of the dead was not at all happy about having his triumph interrupted, but he also wasn't foolish enough to ignore pressing matters. So instead he chose to summon his two minions Pain and Panic to watch over and give him the details of the slaughter about to happen. "Fine let's get going, I've got a schedule to keep and this better not take too long." The two left and in hindsight that was a major mistake as they then were not there to witness for themselves who would join in.
Back with Cloud he brought his sword up trying to defend against one of the dog's heads when suddenly it was hit by a fire spell forcing the animal to back away for a moment at the unexpected attack. Suddenly he found himself assisted by that same boy he met earlier who held a strange sword he had never seen before. "What are you doing?" He could only ask in confusion.
Taking a moment to look at the man Sora smiled and in that moment, Cloud could have sworn he saw someone else. A man with those same bright blue eyes full of cheer and heroism that inspired him so long ago, the one who in his final moments gifted this once glorious sword held tightly in his fingers, the man who had been his hero before everything crumbled "Helping you." Sora replied and went back to facing Cerberus, meanwhile Donald and Goofy had went to assist Hercules with the dog using his shield to knock the central head away while the duck summoned a thunder spell to shock the left noggin.
Together the five managed to defeat the over-sized puppy with Goofy acting as the defender shielding the others from attacks that would otherwise cause major damage, Donald supporting the team with magic to slow down the large beastly mutt, Hercules acting as the muscle with even in this tired state managing to overpower Cerberus, and the two Swordsman focusing on striking from up high dealing out massive damage with their blades although it was clear Cloud even being weakened was leading the charge his power and techniques far above Sora. Yet the boy was no slouch managing to pull off a few good maneuvers of his own thanks to his many years of practice with Riku on Destiny Islands. The end came when the two delivered a combined slash to the central head making the dog fall on its back as Hercules summoning the last of strength managed to lift it up. "Now get to back to the underworld where you belong!" He yelled and with a mighty throw sent the dog careening into the atmosphere soon becoming a tiny blip in everyone's eyes as it disappeared.
With the arena destroyed and everyone panting nevertheless all five even the stoic blond found themselves smiling managing to ward off this threat. Hercules taking a few moments to relax his muscles for one of the few times in his life quite sore after a battle then focused on the three newcomers who had helped him. "Thanks, not sure we could have done it without you." He acknowledged.
Needless to say, Sora was pretty happy to be thanked by such a famous figure. "No problem, we heroes gotta look out for each other." Sora turned to go check on Cloud, but it seemed the man had vanished.
Soon Phil came running out making sure Hercules was all right and then regarding the three he had previously brushed off. "Gotta hand it to ya kid those were some slick moves. Guess you three are a bit more than I gave ya credit for." After a bit of consideration, it was decided that as a sign of respect for their contributions the three would be made Junior Heroes and if they performed well could someday look at becoming a True Hero one of these days. "Oh, yea Herc before I forget can ya move this thing for me, been gettin in the way all day." With a simple push the hero did so revealing a Keyhole that Sora was quick to seal. "Three words, crazy sword ya got." The goat man stated and the three after saying goodbye left.
But before they could exit the group found Cloud waiting by the doors. "You fight well but you're inexperienced and weak. Even so are you still going to try and be a hero?" He strangely inquired.
Without even a moment's hesitation Sora replied, "Of course, I won't give up no matter what." His resolve unbreakable and again Cloud was reminded of his former friend who too strived to become a hero even at the cost of his own life.
After a minute of silence, the blond opened his eyes staring into Sora's. "Then you have a lot to learn and I can teach you what you'll need to know." The man had seen the boy's skill that was like untempered steel, from that fight he could recognize Sora on his own could only get so far. He needed someone with experience to guide him and teach him the true way of the blade, and while he may not be the best candidate the Soldier refused to simply stand by and let another hero die in vain. For a moment the boy was surprised not expecting to hear this from the stranger, yet without a second thought he held out his hand. Looking down Cloud brought his own out and, in that moment, the two became teacher and student a fourth member joining their motley crew to save the Universe.
AN: I imagine quite a few of you are surprised at this direction. I always felt certain FF Characters were completely wasted in the series and Cloud is certainly one of them when we factor in a bunch of possibilities and even the character of Zack from BBS. So I thought the idea of Cloud the jaded veteran seeing this would be hero who reminds him of another hero could make for an interesting way to both explore him and a bit more history on the lore of Radiant Garden that houses so many of our beloved FF Characters. And also it's another major example of how just a few simple changes can cause massive butterfly effects since not only is Sora at this point weaker than his Canon counterpart due to these events happening far earlier but him and Cloud did not start out as enemies/rivals so it eventually leads to this. For those who did think things on Sora's side would just go the same and remain simple repetition I hope this has confirmed this story will not be a simple retread.