Disclaimer- I do not own Kingdom Hearts or any of the Disney worlds in this story or anything except my characters, monsters, some Keyblades, and this plot. They belong to their respected owners and I respect their works. Also this is my first fanfic, so please take it easy on me. Also I have not yet played KH3.
Hello all you Keyblade fans out there and thank you for joining us at this momentous occasion. What occasion you may ask, why that be that my story here has just reach double digits. Yep, my little story is now ten chapters long. They grow long so fast. (Balin: Are you crying? Me: No, I'm just sweating through my eyes.) Also I am sorry for not writing for such a long time, my screen cracked and needed to be fixed. But I have been doing lots of research in my forced vacation. Lots and lots of research. Anyway, let the games begin.
Chapter 10: Olympus Coliseum and Underworld
The group approached the new world after defeating another blockade and got their first good look at the world. On top was a coliseum that rested in the clouds and below that was a pillar of black stone (see picture from KH2). They landed in the courtyard near the coliseum.
(Olympus Coliseum) After they landed they heard a yell and followed it and found a short sater and a burly man surrounded by Eclipsed. There were several Husks, Pluckers, and some Bulky Glories. The Bulky Glory had the body of a Large Body Heartless, but it was buff. In it's front was armor that was tightly tied to it's body. In it's left hand was a small, round shield and in it's right was a giant, t-shaped claymore. It had red eyes that although where hard to see, gave an expression of anger. The Eclipsed symbol was in the middle of the breastplate. The group quickly summoned their weapons and jumped into the fight.
"Sora? No, you're not Sora. Who are you two?", asked the man.
"Live now, talk later.", said Max. The fight then began. The group and the man quickly took care of the underlings with the man just using his hands to punch the enemies into oblivion, and then the Bulky Glories attacked. They began by throwing their shields at the four who quickly dodged rolled out of the way. Balin hit the front of one dead on, and it just bounced right off. The Bulky Glory then tried to swing its claymore at the surprised Balin, but Alanine was able to cast Reflera on him just in time. Alanine then knew that these guys could not be hit from the front and then had a brilliant idea.
"Thunder!", yelled Alanine as he cast the spell. Then several bolts of lightning came down on the Bulky Glories's heads. This instantly destroyed the enemies. The group then meet up with the sater and the man.
"You guys are really good. Hi, I am Hercules or Herc, and this is my teacher and friend Phil, the great trainer of heroes.", said Herc.
"Hi, I'm Balin and this is Alanine and Max.", said Balin.
"So how come you two can wield Keyblades? The only one that I have seen able to wield one was Sora.", said Herc (I am writing the shorthand version of his name. It is just what is going to make writing this faster.).
"We don't know how. Wait.. you know Sora?", said Alanine.
"Yeah, we are good friends.", said Herc.
"Is he here?", asked Balin.
"No, he and his friends just left not too long ago.", answered Herc.
"We just missed him.", said Balin and Alanine.
"Wait, you said he left with friends, who are they?", asked Max.
"Their names were Donald and Goofy.", answered Herc.
"That means that dad was here. At least I now know that he is ok.", said Max.
"But hey, they may be back to compete in more games and while you are here, maybe you three can help us. You see, soon after Sora left and closed the Keyhole here, more Heartless like the ones we fought appeared and we don't know how that can be.", said Herc.
"Those weren't Heartless, those were Eclipsed. But even if they are different enemies, closing the Keyhole should have made them not be able to come here, unless….", said Alanine.
"There's a second Keyhole here.", said Alanine and Balin.
"But wait, there is only one Keyhole for every world, so unless there is another world here…", said Balin. He then looked at Herc and saw that he had a look of horror. "There's a second world isn't there?"
"The Underworld. This world has two hemispheres to it: this one and the other is the Underworld. They are technically one world but are two parts.", answered Herc.
"So that means that this second Keyhole is down in the Underworld and are coming up through up here from down there. So if we seal it, it should stop the the Eclipsed. So where is this Underworld?", said Alanine.
"It is down that way, but you can't go down that way yet. You see Hades is down there and he will try to stop you.", said Herc.
"Hades?", asked Max.
"He is the god of the Underworld and not a very nice one either. He has been trying to kill me since I was a baby just because my father is Zeus. He will try to take you down and no offence, but you three are not strong enough yet to beat him. Also you will be fighting him down in his home turf, the very area down there will drain your strength. There is a way to counter that, but I will need to go to my dad to get the Olympus Stone. I guess as I do that, you guys can train with Phil and get stronger. Then once I'm back all four of us will go down there and seal this Keyhole. Does that sound like a plan?", said Herc.
"Yeah, let's do that.", said Max, Balin, and Alanine. Then Herc left and the three turned to Phil.
"You three kids are the new recruits. You guys did show some promise during that fight. Maybe one day you three will be true heroes", said Phil.
"What do you mean one day? We are heroes. We have already save tons of people.", said Max.
"You are not yet there, that's all. You just haven't earned your stripes yet. But I do know something that will help. Two words: training.", said Phil.
"Two word?', said Balin and Alanine. Phil then took them to the arena to train them. Balin had to hit barrels into other barrels and learned Arts Arcana. Alanine had to hit targets from afar with his magic and learned Areo (the 358 Days/2 version.) Max had to block attacks that came from all angles and learned Trera Aura (it works like Riku's Dark Aura, but instead of a wave of darkness, it sends out a small earthquake.) After the training, the three boys were panting to try to catch their breath.
"Not bad boys, not bad, but you are still not at hero level yet. It takes a lot more than physical strength to be a hero.", said Phil.
"What else do we need?", asked Balin.
"You need a good head on your shoulders and, more importantly, a good, strong heart. Those are the things that make a hero and one knows when one is a true hero when they are willing to sacrifice themselves to save others. That is how a true hero is made.", explained Phil. Just then Herc came in.
"Are you guys ready to go?", asked Herc. The three then nodded. "Then let's go." They then walked to the gates that lead to the Underworld. Balin, Alanine, and Max went in ahead. "See you later Phil."
"Hey kid.", said Phil. Herc turned around to see him. "Take good care of those three. There is just something special about them."
"Don't worry, I will." said Herc. "Hey guys, wait up." , said Herc as he ran to catch up to the others.
(Underworld)
When they entered they found underground caverns that were dark, gloomy, and most importantly, full of spirits of the dead. In other words: creepy (Nyah!). They then continued going deeper and deeper, occasionally fighting Eclipsed (same enemies as they had up top) and knocking the spirits out of the way. Then Balin and Alanine fell to their knees. Herc and Max ran to their sides.
"I thought you said that the stone would stop the Underworld from draining their strenght.", said Max.
"It is.", said Herc. "I was afraid of this, the Underworld is affecting their minds. Being down here with the dead is hitting hard on their will. Balin, Alanine, I need you to think of your home or your family or something completely positive."
"But we don't know where our home is or who our family is, we don't know anything. How can we go on without this important piece of us?", said Alanine.
"But you do have someone who is close to you two, don't you?", said Herc.
"We do. We have Sora, Riku, and Kairi. But, we don't have a lot of memories with them.", said Balin.
"Maybe if I share my story and you think of them, then that could counter the Underworld.", said Herc.
"That sounds like a great idea.", said Balin and Alanine.
"But wait a moment, why am I not affected?", asked Max.
"Because you know yourself and that gives the Underworld less ammunition against you.", answered Herc. "Now lets be on our way." Herc then began to talk about his past. "I was born on Mount Olympus. My father, Zeus, and my mother, Hera, lost me the night I was born. I was stolen from them and made mortal, but some how, I retained my strenght. I was then taken in by my adopted parents and was raised by them. I had it a little rough growing up because everyone thought I was a freak because of my unbelievable strength. I always felt that I belonged somewhere else and then I was told that I was adopted. I then left to find out who I was and when I reached the Temple of Zeus, I was able to talk with my dad and find out who I was. He told me that the only way for me to become a god again and return to Olympus was to become a true hero. I then traveled to Phil and learned from him and got stronger. Then we traveled to the Coliseum and started competing in the games there. Then one day I met her, Meg. I fell in love with her the first time I saw her and I think she loves me, but she tries to hide it. Then, not too long ago, I meet Sora and his friends and with their help I was able to defeat Hades." Then suddenly several White Brotherhoods appeared. The White Brotherhood had the body of a White Mushroom and had a cloak that resembled that of a Gambler. It had red eyes that gave an expression of happyness. The group readied their weapons, when they heard a voice.
"No, no, my friends. We mean you no harm. we just want to play.", said one of the White Brotherhoods. "We have fun games to play and we will help you."
"What kind of games?", said Max.
"Games of charades with magic, games of keeping us up in the air, games of chance with dice, and games of tag. So will you play?", answered the White Brotherhood.
"Ok. We will play.", answered Balin. Alanine did magical charades with one, Balin played tag with another, Max played with other in a keep-up, and Herc did a game of chance. After they were done, everyone's spirits were once again high.
"Well that was fun. Now here is the help we promised.", said one of the White Brotherhoods. A portal then appeared in the wall. "This will take you straight to Hades. He will show you to the Keyhole. Bye." They then disappeared in puffs of black smoke. The group then stepped through the portal and found that they were in the throne room of Hades.
"Why, isn't this a pleasant surprise. Now I don't have to hunt you down and destroy you four.", said Hades.
"Hades, wheres the Keyhole!", demanded Alanine as the group summoned their weapons.
"Make it through my first wave and I maybe in the mood to answered some questions.", said Hades. "Eclipsed, attack!" Then several Husks, Pluckers, Sir. Charges, and Bulky Glories appeared. The group then quickly defeated the Eclipsed.
"How is it that you can control Eclipsed?", said Alanine.
"Why that is because of my new friend, Master Zanheart and as for the Keyhole, defeat me and my friend and I may make a deal with you three.", said Hades. He then snapped his fingers and out of a near by black abyss came the Wind Titan.
(Cue boss music)
"If that is how it is going to be, then let the games begin.", said began the fight by sending fireballs into the Wind Titan from his throne that made the fireballs bigger and send them at the group. The group then dodge rolled out of the way. We need to take the Wind Titan out first. Everyone, to the sky." They then summoned their gliders.
"What about Herc?", asked Max.
"I've got it. Pegasus, to me!", said Herc. Then the white winged horse, Pegasus, flew out of nowhere and went straight to Herc, who grabbed on and mounted as he flew by.
"Nice horse. Now let's take care of this windbag.", said Max. They then flew circles around the Wind Titan, firing lasers and dodging the fireballs and flying debris.
"We can't win like this. We need to get inside it. Balin, you and Herc take it down from the inside and me and Max will keep it busy.", said Alanine. Balin then hopped off his glide, transformed it back to a Keyblade, and landed on Pegasus's back. Alanine and Max then shot a path for Herc and Balin to fly thru. Herc and Balin then entered the Wind Titan. After they entered, they saw a dark red glow coming from below them. They flew toward the glow and found a dark red pulsing jem.
"There's this things heart. Let's take it down herc.", said Balin. Herc and Balin than did multiple flybys, but it only left little scratches. "It's not enough. We need a big blow out attack and I think I have an idea."
"Is it dangerous?", asked Herc.
"Most definitely.", answered Balin.
"Is it crazy?", asked Herc.
"Possibly.", answered Balin.
"Is it desperate?", asked Herc.
"Oh yeah.", answered Balin.
"Will it work?", asked Herc.
"Most likely.", answered Balin. "So you in?"
"Does Phil not know how to count words properly.", answered Herc.
"Good. Now I need you to hand me your sword.", said Balin. Herc then handed his sword to him. "Now here comes the questionably crazy bit, I now need you to throw me at the heart."
"I thought you said it was only questionably crazy!", said Herc.
"Just trust me on this. I know what I am doing.", said Balin. "I hope." (The last part was quietly to himself.)
"Ok. But don't die on me, if you die, I'll kill you.", said Herc. He then grabbed Balin and threw him at the heart. As Balin flew thru the air, he sent waves of light at the heart. As he neared the heart, he stopped sending waves of light and began to spin with the blades out in front of him and drilled through the heart. The Wind Titan collapsed outward, sending an updraft toward Balin that flew up on it. Then he and the heart began to fall. Balin then threw Herc's sword at the heart, which made it hit the ground first and lodged the sword in it. As soon as it hit the ground, cracks formed on the heart. Balin then did a super fast dive at the heart and at the last second, he striked Herc's sword and dodge rolled over the heart as it shattered into a million pieces. Then darkness covered the shards and out came a single dark crystal. It started to float up into the air.
"Oh no you don't.", said Hades. He then teleported to the crystal and grabbed it. It then disappeared in his hands and darkness began to surround Hades.
"So you want more darkness, well I will grant this request.", said a voice from everywhere and nowhere. The voice belonged to Xanheart. Then Hades became cocooned in darkness. When he emerged, Hades was now completely black, even his flame hair was black. In his left hand was a blade made of dark fire and in his right was the Keyblade, Total Darkness. As soon as he landed on the ground once more, the entire place became cloaked in darkness. "I am Hades, the Great Titan. Prepare for your destruction.", spoke Hades with Xanheart's voice.
"You still look like a Hades to me.", said Herc as he and the others landed.
"It doesn't matter who or what you are, because we are going to kick your butt anyway.", said Alanine.
(cue boss music)
Hades began the battle by disappearing and reappearing behind the group and swung his swords at them. Balin and Alanine quickly raised their Keyblades to block the attack and then dodge-rolled away. Then Herc and Max attacked as Balin and Alanine went back, but Hades blocked their attacks and then sent a wall of dark fire at them. Alanine then quickly cast Reflera on Herc and Max to send the attack back at Hades followed by an Aero. Hades used his blades to dissipate the wall of fire, but the Aero hit him on the head putting out his hair. As Hades hair went out, the flame blade disappeared. The group then rushed in and unleashed combo after combo on the weakened Hades. Then Hades was able to relight himself and push the group back with a wave of force.
"Balin, summon Olaf. I have an idea.", said Alanine.
Balin then took out the charm that Olaf had given them and tossed it into the air and pointed his Keyblade at it, shooting a beam of light at it. "Olaf, we need you.", said Balin. Then a storm cloud that was snowing appeared and then the lovable snowman Olaf came.
"Olaf cast Blizzard on my Aero.", ordered Alanine. Olaf did just that, creating a mini hail storm. Hades tried to deflect it, but was unable too. As a result, he was frozen and rendered unable to move. The group then moved in and unleashed combo after combo once again. Then once again Hades regained his strength and forced them back once more.
"Prepare to be annihilated!", yelled Hades as he began to draw all the darkness in the area to himself and began to grow ginormis. He then took a swing at Balin and Alanine, who then dodge-rolled out of the way.
"He's too big. We need a Trinity Limit to take him down now. I have an idea. Herc, we need you to throw me and Alanine at his head.", said Balin.
"You know that this is crazy right?", asked Alanine
"Yes.", answered Balin.
"Alright, just making sure.", said Alanine. Then Herc grabbed them by their feet and began to spin. Then he let go of them and sent them flying toward Hades's face. As they soared through the air, Balin and Alanine began to spin with their Keyblades out in front of them before they made contact with Hades. The impact from the attack sent Hades down to the ground, leaving his face wide open for attacks. As soon as Hades fell, Max, Herc and Olaf started to attack the head, followed by Balin and Alanine with a devastating cross-cut attack. Hades then shank back to normal size and darkness began to swirl around him.
"You are not going to take me down!", yelled Hades in his normal voice. Then he changed back to his normal colors and the darkness then swirled around the blades he was wielding. He then threw the blades up into the air, which then shattered in pieces. Then two dark crystal shards appeared from where the blades had shattered. The shards then floated up and disappeared. The group then turned their attention back to Hades.
"We have played your game and won. Now tell us, where is the Keyhole.", demanded Balin.
"You haven't won as long as I have a trick up my sleeve.", said Hades. He then snapped his fingers and out of a puff of smoke appeared a girl in a purple dress with red hair. She looked as if in a deep sleep.
"Meg.", whispered Herc as he ran up to the girl. "What have you done to her?!"
"It's not what I did to her, it's what you did to her. You see, she and I had a deal. She would do anything I said until I released her in exchange for the soul of someone she cared about. It was going great until you came along and made her fall in love with you. She then went against our deal because she couldn't hurt you. So I was forced to take her soul. She is down that pit right now.", answered Hades. "But tell you what, you go down there and stay and she will come back and I will reveal the location of the Keyhole to your friends. Do we have a deal Hero Boy?"
"Deal.", answered Herc.
"Herc no! Don't do it!", yelled Max.
"I have to, for her.", responded Herc before he jumped into the pit.
"Herc!", yelled the group.
"Yeah, yeah, tragic. Now for your part of the deal. The Keyhole is on the back of my throne. But don't think you will get to it.", said Hades before a golden glow began coming from the pit Herc jumped into. Then from the pit emerged a golden glowing Herc with Meg's spirit in his arms. "How? Only a god could have survived."
"My sacrifice for Meg has restored my godly powers. So thank you.", responder Herc before he punched Hades into the pit. "Now don't you two have something to do?" With that said, Balin and Alanine then went behind Hades's throne and just as Hades said was the Keyhole. They then summoned their Keyblades and closed the Keyhole. They then came out and saw Meg waking up.
"Herc, I can't believe that you would do that for me.", said Meg.
"Of course I would, I love you.", responded Herc. "Now let's go home." He then called Pegasus and the others summoned their gliders and the group then flew out of the Underworld. As soon as they came out, Herc and Meg flew in the direction of Mount Olympus and Balin, Alanine and Max flew back to the Coliseum.
(Olympus Coliseum)
As soon as they landed, Phil came and greeted them.
"Hey guys, you're back. And in one piece I see. But where is Herc?", said Phil.
"Right here.", answered a voice. The group turned around to see Herc and Meg landing and that Herc was no longer glowing. "I decided to stay here. And Phil, these three earned the right."
"I see what you mean. Follow me you three.", responded Phil as he motioned for Balin, Alanine, and Max to follow him inside. Once inside, he grabbed three gold medals and and a scroll. He began writing as he spoke. "To Balin, Alanine, and Max. I hereby dub thee three to be junior heroes."
"What do you mean by junior?", asked Max angrily.
"That is as high as I can give you. It is not my call on True Hero or not.", answered Phil. "Anyway, these are for you three. These medals will give you unlimited access to the games. So any time you want to test yourselves, come back here."
"Thanks." replied Balin as he took the medals and put them in the bag. "But soon we will need to go. There are a lot of worlds out there that need our help. Friends we need to find. And memories to get back."
"I get it. But first, stay the night here and gather your strength and I will gather some supplies for you three. And that isn't a suggestion. Just around the corner are some rooms."
"Yes sir.", said Alanine sarcastically. The group then went around the corner and claimed rooms for the night. "Night guys."
"Night.", replied Balin and Max. The group then settled down for the night. That night Balin and Alanine had another weird dream. They saw a brown lion with a spiky mane and a necklace with a crown. Somehow Balin and Alanine just knew that it was adult Sora in lion form. He looked as if he hadn't slept in days. Then out of a portal of light came a pink lioness that they knew was Kairi.
"What are you doing here? I've got the search here under control.", said Sora.
"Because you need to get some sleep. I'll take the search from here and you go home.", answered Kairi.
"Kairi, you know I can't do that. I have to find them. I need…", replied Sora.
"You need to get some sleep Sora. It used to not be a problem for you, in fact it was a problem to keep you awake. So go home before I have to drag you home.", interrupted Kairi.
"Ok Kairi. But if you find them…", replied Sora.
"I will come and get you.", finished Kairi. Sora then opened a corridor of light and stepped into it. "Where are you two?" Just then Balin and Alanine woke up to a knocking on the door. The two quickly got dressed, met with Max, and headed into the main room. There was Herc and Phil waiting for them.
"Here's the supplies I promised.", said Phil as he tossed a bag at the groop. "Some Potions, Hi-potions, Mega-potions, Ethers, Hi-ethers, Mega-ethers, Elixirs, and Mega-elixirs. You know, the works. I also threw in 2000 munny. That should hold you three for a bit."
"I also have something for you.", said Herc as he pulled out a charm. It was a white pegasus. "With this you will be able to summon Pegasus when you need him."
"Thank you, both of you.", said Balin as he grabbed the items and put them in the bag. "But now it's time for us to go." The group then stepped out and put on their armors. "Until we meet again."
"Hey kids.", yelled Phil to the group. "I've got one word for you three, be careful."
"We will do our best.", replied Alanine. The group then summoned their gliders and left the Coliseum.
Another chapter bites the dust. Once again I am sorry for wait, but what is done is done. This next chap will have lots of firsts in it: first world transformation and first non-Disney or Square Enix world are some examples. What is this new world you may ask, well here is your hint: A gizzard is like a heart and a heart is like a gizzard, both can have the seeds of Ga. Anyway, please comment and may your heart always shine brite.