Chapter XIV: The Zeus Cup: A Hero Emerges

Nightshroud: Ah yes, Mr. Fipp, the tournaments in KH2 were a bit annoying, weren't they? Just wondering, did you like the Heartless better in the first or second KH? I personally like the Heartless from the first one better, especially Wyvern! I wish I owned a Wyvern... Anyway, on to the finals of the Zeus Cup!

"All right. On with the next match. It's the Destined Four against the Black Brigade!"

The four took their place as ten Shadows, seven Darkballs, and three Neoshadows appeared.

"Begin!"

The Neoshadows melted into the ground as the Darkballs flew forward. Reyna jumped in the air and spun around, her whip slicing through three Darballs before she lashed it out and took out five Shadows.

"Ice Needles," called Fayt, sending a blast of ice needles that pierced through one of the Darkballs. Then he slashed through two Shadows, then stabbed another. Namé used Spell Impact to destory the other Shadows, then drew two of the Darkballs in with a magnet spell, then finished them with a thunder spell. Tyson slashed through the last Darkball when a Neoshadow popped out and cut his cheek. He ducked as another flew over his head, then he slashed the one that scratched him. Reyna turned and threw her whip out, stabbing the Neoshadow. The last one emerged behind her, byt Fayt leaped and slashed through it in midair.

"The winner is the Destined Four!"

The crowd cheered for them as they waved. Phil quieted them all down, then said, "And now for the final round. The Destined Four against Valon!"

The crowd cheered wildy as the competitors took their places.

"And now, begin!"

"Don't blink," said Valon with a smirk. In a moment he ran across the arena and planted a fist in Tyson's face. He stumbled back, and threw his keyblade at him. Valon easily stepped to the side, but as it flew past Namé cast a magnet spell and drew it back so that it hit Valon in the back. As he was knocked forward, he put his hand out and flipped over Tyson. He kicked him in the back, sending him sprawling to the floor. Fayt rushed up and slashed at him, but he blocked it with his arm guards (a layer of metal under his gloves). Then he kneed him in the stomach, grabbed his neck, and slammed him into a pillar. Reyna struck at him with her whip, but he caught it around his wrist and pulled on it, throwing her across the arena.

"Reyna!"

Namé ran over and used Spell Impact, but Valon flipped into the air and then punched at her.

"Reflega!"

The shield caught his punch, but then he smirked.

"Titan Fist!"

The fist with his ring grew bright red with a powerful aura around it. The shield began to crack, and it suddenly shattered. Valon caught Namé when Fayt ran up and slashed at him. He dodged it, then threw Namé into him and the two fell backward.

"Pearl!"

Reyna shot the magic ball of light that blasted Valon, throwing to the ground. He hit the ground with his fist, sending off shockwaves that threw her backwards. The three sat bruised and beaten as Valon approached them.

"Sorry, mates, but it looks like this is it."

His fist glowed and he threw a punch, but suddenly Tyson dived in and caught it with his keyblade.

"Huh? 'ow'd he-"

"Don't hurt my friends!" he said, throwing Valon back. Valon kicked the ground, sending a shockwave that knocked the keyblade from Tyson's hand. But instead of retrieving it, Tyson ran up and punched Valon as hard as he could in the cheek. Valon stepped back a few steps and touched his cheek where Tyson had hit him. He looked surprised at Tyson, who was breathing heavily and staring him down. Valon suddenly smiled and laughed.

"I must say, your hook ain't so bad. And defending your friends like that really touched me heart. So kid-" and he ruffled Tyson's hair a little, "Let's make you hero for a day, eh?"

Tyson blinked as Valon walked off the field and casually waved without looking back.

"You...did it?" asked Fayt.

Tyson didn't know how to answer, so he remained silent until Phil announced, "The Destined Four win the tournament!"

Confetti flew through the air as they were handed the Zeus Cup trophy. They weren't as happy as they would have liked to be, since it was more like Valon forefeited out of pity. But as the crowd cheered, they got into it more. But they weren't able to enjoy it long, because they had to be on their way, and a certain hero needed healing.

After Namé healed Hercules, Phil thought it best that he got some rest. Before he left, Herc said, "Be careful, you guys. That Kronos Stone has a deeper meaning than you realize. Keep care."

They waved as he walked off. "A deeper meaning..." thought Reyna.

"C'mon, we have one more stop in this area," said Fayt.

"What's that?" asked Namé.

"Halloween Town."

Hercules-

The legendary hero, Zeus's son, who was turned into a mortal, but found that true strength lies in your heart. He fought against Valon, but the ancient powers of the Kronos Stone were able to overpower him.

Phil-

A satyr who trained Hercules to become a hero. He's a bit short on manners, but a loyal friend nonetheless. He aslo runs all the tournaments at the Coliseum.

Valon-

One of the top members of the Organization. He easily overcame Hercules, and even the four heros were no match for him, but he seemed touched by Tyson's dedication to his friends.