Alright, I knew changing it to just Kingdom Hearts would be a good idea.
Takuya: Yeah, but I'm not in the character filter anymore.
RDF1: It's a sacrifice worth making for the good of the viewers.
Takuya: Doesn't mean I have to like it.
RDF1: Just get to Hallow Bastion.
Takuya leaves.
Dx: He does have a point you know.
RDF1: And so do I. That is: Kingdom Hearts has so many stories that a new one is bound to get their attention. Not to mention when you add Digimon to the mix.
Alright, time for chapter three. I've decided to have 100-Acre Woods be a side-world, not really covered considering how long Sora actually stays in there, and have two other worlds go with it this chapter. Considering the first world is Olympus Coliseum, then this will probably double the word count for the story, but that's just how good it is.
And, just so you know, I'm not adding every single scene in the game. Just most of them I deem good enough, or I happen to like a character or two in that scene. Like with the scene between Axel, Namine, and Riku.
Also, for everyone who I know is wondering about how Axel and Riku know about Xion, then let me put it this way: for this story, Namine only made everyone forget Xion temporary, like for a week; enough time for Roxas to merge back with Sora before remembering Xion.
Disclaimer: Don't own what I haven't previously mentioned.
(Chapter Start)
(Recap)
"It's been awhile," said Takuya, "I need a break from doing that again."
"We won," said Sora.
"So you think," said Xaldin, from the doorway.
Beast charged, followed by Sora, Donald, and Goofy, but Xaldin bid them 'Farewell,' and left via a dark portal.
"What did he want here?" asked Beast.
"He's with Organization 13," said Sora, "They probably wanted to make you into a Heartless.
"So they can get control of the nobody in you," finished Goofy.
"You're alright!" shouted Belle, who was trapped on the balcony out back.
The Beast apologized, and Belle accepted the apology. Suddenly the Keyblade appeared in Sora's hand, and he knew what was happening. He recognized the Rose in the dimension of the gateway, and unlocked the road to the next world.
"What happened?" asked Beast.
"The gate is open," replied Donald.
"It means we're needed in the next world," added Takuya.
After saying their goodbyes, Sora's group returned to the Gummy Ship. However, before they could go anywhere, the ship moved by itself back to Hallow Bastion. Where their next adventure awaited.
(Recap End)
When they landed, they headed over to Merlin's house, to see what's up. As they got close, they saw a few Heartless walk out and disappear before they could get close. They headed inside to see Merlin on the floor.
"Well now," groaned Merlin, "Took your time, did you?"
"Like we could rush back here fast enough," replied Takuya.
"What happened?" asked Sora.
"I happened to stumble across this in the Zero District," said Merlin, pulling out a familiar book to three of the four companions.
"Pooh's story book!" exclaimed Sora, happy that his friend is okay.
"Winnie the Pooh??" wondered Takuya, doubting how the book had any relevance to what they were doing.
"Yeah," said Sora, "He and I had lots of adventures when I was in his world last.
"What about Christopher?" asked Takuya, "I thought he has Pooh's companion?"
"That is a story for another time," said Merlin, "Right now, I need to find Leon and the others. They need to hear the rest of this story."
Merlin left to find the other members of the Hollow Bastion Restoration committee.
"I wonder how Pooh's doing," wondered Sora.
"Want to find out?" asked Donald, opening the book.
"Go for it," said Takuya, "I'll stay here."
After Sora went inside the book, Donald placed it on the bookstand. Takuya relaxed in a nearby chair while Donald and Goofy went outside to wait for Leon and the others. Heartless soon appeared, and Flamon called out for Sora to return as he knocked Heartless out the door.
"SORA!!" shouted Donald from outside, who was battling more heartless alongside Goofy.
Sora and Flamon headed outside. Goofy turned to them.
"What about the book??" asked Goofy.
Sora and Flamon then realized their mistake and turned around in time to see more Heartless carry the book out.
(AN1)
Flamon then used his tail as a lasso and gripped all three of the heartless together, allowing Sora to grab the book back from them, before he destroyed the three of them.
Sora returned inside the book while the rest of them returned it to its place on the bookstand. Merlin returned from filling in the others. Merlin handed Takuya his membership card while they and Donald and Goofy waited for Sora.
"Couldn't wait for an old wizard, could you?" remarked Merlin, when Sora returned, "These youth today."
"Sorry," apologized Sora.
"Everything okay?" asked Takuya.
"Not really," said Sora.
"What going on?" asked Goofy.
"It seems Pooh's lost his memory," replied Sora, "And not just me. He's forgotten all his friends as well."
"That is a problem," said Takuya.
"One that I feared," replied Merlin, opening the book, revealing most of the pages blank, minus Pooh's house, "The Heartless have stolen most of the pages from this book. You'll need to travel the worlds and find them in order to fix things there."
"We're on it," said Sora, determined to help his friend out.
"Here," said Merlin, handing Sora the Baseball Charm, "Use this to call upon a friend when the time is needed."
So, they left Hallow Bastion to make way to the next world, Olympus Coliseum.
When they landed in the world, they found themselves in a drearier place than where they intended.
"Wow," said Takuya, "Either someone has given a facelift to this place, or it needs one."
"I think we're in the wrong place," said Sora.
"The Coliseum's that way," said Donald, pointing to the stairs.
"No, really?" quipped Takuya, "I thought it was through those doors marked 'Entrance to the Underworld.'"
(AN2)
"The Underworld!?" exclaimed the other three.
"AAAHHHH!" shouted a voice from the doorway.
Everyone saw a young woman running away from Heartless when she fell. By the time the four of them got there, the Heartless had returned beyond the door. Sora offered her a hand up, but she refused it, getting up a brushing herself off.
"I'm fine," said the woman, "And you're supposed to be?"
"Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Takuya," said Sora, introducing his team to the woman, "We came to see Hercules."
"You know Wonderboy?" asked the woman.
"Yeah, cause we're heroes too," boasted Donald.
"You mean 'Junior Heroes,' Donald," added Goofy.
"Don't put me with them," said Takuya, "I'm still trying to figure that part out."
"Looks like we have a friend in common. Name's Megara," said Meg, "But my friends call me 'Meg.'"
"How's Herc doing?" asked Sora.
"Fighting everyday, nothing really changes with Wonderboy," replied Meg, "I was heading to ask Hades to give Herc a break."
"Hades!?" exclaimed the three Junior Heroes.
"I didn't think being friends with Hercules meant having to face the Lord of the Dead himself to try to get him a day off," teased Takuya.
Meg blushed, before speaking, "Try to keep this between us. Wonderboy would flip if he knew I was down here."
"That's okay," said Sora, "We'll handle it. You head back before Hercules notices you're gone."
So, Meg headed back to the Coliseum while the guys headed down towards the Underworld. They worked their way down, fighting Heartless again, when they saw a member of Organization 13 run by. They followed him, hearing him cry out 'Run away!!' before leaving via a portal of Darkness.
"Okay…" said Sora, doubtfully.
"I'll bet that was the most courageous member of the organization!!" said Takuya, sarcastically.
A small dark orb with a book design within it appeared before them.
"I don't think we need to mess with that," said Takuya.
"Yeah," agreed Sora.
"Let's move on," said Goofy.
"We gotta find Hades," said Donald.
So, they decided to move on.
Meanwhile, in the depths of the Underworld…
"Where do they dig these freaks up?" wondered Hades, wondering about this 'Organization' that had been moving about the past year or so, "Geez louiz."
(AN3)
"Oh, there nothing but trouble, the whole lot of them," said Pete, having learned more about them since first meeting them months ago, "So, uh, what are you going to do about Hercules? That fighter's beaten every monster you throw at him. Instead of sending him a living fighter to kill, send him a dead fighter to save him the trouble."
Hades nearly snapped at him, before realizing the depths that this plan could go.
"That's not a bad idea. And I know just the warrior," said Hades, moving towards a special dungeon pit in the Underworld.
As the four travelers made it further down the Underworld, their courage seemed to be diminishing.
"HADES!!" shouted Sora, "COME OUT!!!"
'Oh yeah,' thought Takuya, 'Why not just call the Grim Reaper to make us permanent residence.'
He realized what he just thought, and added, 'Might as well go with the Lord of the Dead, at least we have a shot against him.'
(AN4)
They continued their way towards Hades' lair, continuing to take out the Heartless with slightly more difficulty than before, their strength beginning to wane on them. Even Flamon couldn't use his Tail as a whip anymore.
As Hades, his minions, and Pete gathered towards that special Dungeon Hades thought of earlier when Pete asked, "What's down there?"
"Oh, just worst monsters and bad guys out there," replied Hades, "And I'm bringing out one of their toughest players."
Hades summoned forth his powers and called forth Auron, one of the toughest fighters ever to die in his home world.
(AN5)
"Here's the skinny," explained Hades to Auron, "I let you out, another chance at life. In exchange, battle Hercules to the death in a tournament match."
Auron regarded him for a moment, before smirking a bit.
"This is MY story. You're not apart of it," replied Auron, bringing out his sword.
(AN6)
"Are you forgetting who you talking to!?" demanded Hades, "I am the LORD OF THE DEAD!!!"
"Hunh," dissed Auron, "No wonder no one wants to die."
"YOU ARE FIRED!!!" shouted Hades, turning red and charging at him.
Auron blocked with his sword in time for Sora and the others to make it in the room.
"Hades!" called out Donald.
"You again," replied Hades, not liking the three of them, even after a year.
"Fight!" demanded Auron, charging back at Hades.
Hades blocked his strike and managed to overpower him. Sora got between the two of them before Hades could send Auron back to his prison.
"Get up!" urged the Keybearer.
Sora, Donald, and Goofy tried fighting Hades, only to find themselves unable to harm him.
"Something's not right," said Sora, feeling his strength draining away.
"What's happening to you guys," said Flamon, getting between them and Hades.
"That's right," said Hades, "Did I forget to mention: Heroes are Zeroes in the Underworld. Comes with the Territory."
Hades charged in, hands aflame, before Flamon summoned the rest of his power to block Hades from attacking. Auron managed to recover and join them.
"I'll hold him off," said Flamon, struggling against Hades' flames, "Get out of here!!"
"But what about you!!" said Sora.
"I'll be fine! GO!!!!" shouted Flamon, summoning more strength against Hades.
Auron grabbed Sora and dragged him away, "He's right. Hades has too much advantage here!"
"TAKUYA!!" shouted Sora, as he left against his will.
Flamon's strength ran out just in time to be sent back against the wall.
"I'm impressed," said Hades, "I'd figure you'd be a hero-type since you are with the Keyblade brat."
Flamon chuckled, turning back into Takuya, "Who says I'm not. Since both of our powers are based off of flame, I figured I could use your power against you. Kind of backfired considering you a Go Hades d and all."
"That it did," said, summoning his flames once more and let 'em loose on Takuya before going after the others.
(AN7)
Meanwhile, Sora, Auron, Donald, and Goofy were battling their way out of the Underworld. Sora used a Limit Breaker with Auron when the Heartless were getting too close. When they got halfway, they decided to stop and rest for a second before they continued on.
"Are you some kind of hero?" asked Sora.
"I'm no hero. I'm just a…" replied Auron, and continued at Sora's confused look, "Auron."
"Huh?" asked Goofy.
"My name," replied Auron, his patience wearing a bit.
"I'm Sora," said Sora.
"Donald," added Donald.
"Goofy," finished Goofy.
"It seems the fates planned for us to meet," said Auron, "Maybe you need a Guardian."
"Guardian?" said Sora, feeling insulted, "Thanks, but No thanks."
Auron seemed impressed by Sora's spirit, having stood up to him without hesitation.
Hades stopped chasing him to see what happened to Takuya. When he returned, he saw Takuya missing, and Pete looking flabbergasted.
"What happened to him?" demanded the Lord of the Dead, "I would know if I killed him, and I didn't."
"That's the thing," said Panic, "Your flames were stopped by a wall of Earth."
"Then, his thingamabob glowed, and he grabbed it before hightailing it out of here," added Pain.
Hades' eye twitched, before calling out to Cerberus, telling him to go after the escapees.
Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Auron managed to make it the entrance. They tried opening the door, but it wouldn't budge. They saw a Keyhole, which Sora unlocked, allowing them to go through. Donald and Goofy made it through when a barrier went up, blocking them from helping Sora and Auron. Sora and Auron turned around to see Takuya running like he had a Dog-Devil on his heels. Cerberus showed up a few seconds later, all three of his heads hungry. Takuya hit the barrier and fell back. He managed to sit up, gasping for air.
"I don't think I can help this time," gasped Takuya, trying to get his breath back, "I need time to recover my strength."
"We got it covered," said Sora, as he and Auron got between him and Cerberus.
Takuya could only watch helplessly as Sora and Auron were fighting Cerberus, barely managing to hold on. Sora then jumped straight at Cerberus. Using his Key to block the two side heads from biting him. The third head reared back, only for Sora to jump off the other two heads, forcing all three to hit each other. Sora followed up with 'Dog Paddle' to knock all three heads to the floor. He called for another Limit Breaker with Auron to finish the job.
"Not bad," said Takuya, his breathing slowing down, "Now let's get out of here."
The Barrier dropped and all three of them made it through before Cerberus could get cognitive enough to reach them in time before the door closed.
"They came to see me," said Hercules, as they entered, "They came to see a hero. I can't let them down."
Meg sighed, wondering if Wonderboy actually wanted this.
"Don't worry Meg," said Hercules, getting up, "What does a Hero need rest for?"
Meg could only watch as the first person she cared about in a long time walked off to another exhausting fight.
Meanwhile, back in the Underworld, Auron had managed to slip away from the others unnoticed.
"I have a feeling we'll be seeing him again," said Takuya, "Let's get out of here. If I stay here any longer I'm bound to die of gloominess."
The other three chuckled as the four of them made their way up the stairs and out of the Underworld.
After seeing Sora's Keyblade in action, Hades asked Pete about the extent of it, which Pete explained what Maleficent had told him.
"So, that Keyblade works on ANY lock?" asked Hades, for confirmation.
"That's right," confirmed Pete.
"Have I ever told you about the 'killer' coliseum we have down here in the Underworld. The one upstairs is child's play by comparison."
"Then that's where we're gonna end that Jerk's winning streak."
"One problem," said Hades, "My brother, Zeus, in all his infinite wisdom, locked it up for 'safety reasons'."
Pete expressed his dislike for that. Hades just chuckled evilly, allowing Pete to figure out what his plan was.
"Bingo," said Hades, "All we gotta do is swipe that key and boom. We open the Underdrome."
"Hate to tell ya, but that Key is kind of particular. I won't work for just anybody."
"I think I have that covered," replied Hades, his mind churning on the other possibilities to open the Underdrome.
He pulled out a figurine of Meg and chuckled menacingly.
Elsewhere, Meg felt a chill go through her spine and she didn't like it.
Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Takuya managed to make it to the courtyard of the Coliseum.
"Kind of brings back memories, don't it?" asked Goofy.
Sora and Donald smiled at the thought of all the tournaments they won. They headed for the door in front of them only for it to open before they got there. An exhausted Hercules had opened the door and walked a few steps before noticing them.
"Sora! Donald! Goofy!" said Herc, feeling new strength at seeing new friends, "When did you get here?"
"Hey Herc," said Sora.
"Who's your friend?" asked Hercules, walking up to them.
"This is Takuya," said Sora.
"Nice to meet you. Looks like you're on another adventure, Sora," said Herc.
"Tracking down some friends, wiping out some Heartless," replied Sora.
"Junior Heroes always busy," said Hercules, giving Sora a handshake.
"You know it."
Everyone reconvened inside, where Herc asked if they found their friends.
"Still working on it," said Sora, before Takuya interrupted him.
"But we ran into Hades on our way up here," said Takuya.
"How far down there did you go for Hades to notice you guys?" asked Hercules.
"Far enough that we couldn't fight him without hurting ourselves," said Takuya.
"Any ideas on getting around that?" asked Sora.
"Well," said Hercules, "There IS the Olympus Stone. That protects heroes and all non-villains from losing their power in the Underworld."
"Mind if we use it?" asked Sora.
"Not at all. I'll see if my father, Zeus, can lend it out," said Hercules, "may be what you need. But that's not enough to get the edge over Hades down there."
"We still gotta try," said Takuya.
"I've got another match today. How 'bout you guys get some training in with Phil before heading back down to the underworld."
"Sounds like a good idea," said Sora, Donald, and Goofy.
So, while Hercules went up to Olympus, Sora and the others went to see Phil, who was in the training arena, setting up another training session.
"Hey champ, how ya feeling?" asked Phil, not looking at 'Herc', "The fans won't like to see a worn out hero. Remember what I said: Victory in the games comes down to two words: Eat, bathe, sleep."
Sora, Donald, and Goofy laughed, thinking the same thing: Same old Phil.
'Wow, this guy is a trainer of heroes?' wondered Takuya.
Phil turned on them to throttle whoever was laughing at him, when he saw three familiar faces.
"HEY!!" said Phil, excited, "If it ain't my three favorite Junior Heroes."
"Looking good, Phil," said Sora.
"Never better," replied Phil, before noticing Takuya, "Where'd you get this guy? He looks ready to make hero already!"
"WHAT!?" cried Sora, Donald, and Goofy.
"Huh?" asked Takuya intelligently.
"Yeah, this guy's seen more than enough action," said Phil, before shutting up as to not reveal the secret of a True Hero to Sora just yet. He knew the kid had it in him, but he had to find it for himself.
"That's not fair!" said Sora, "We've seen plenty of action."
"Anyways," said Phil, wanting to change subjects, "What's happening?"
"We're gonna take on Hades," said Goofy.
"HAHAHA!! Are you nuts!?" laughed Phil.
"Don't laugh," said Donald, "We're serious."
"Well, you got nerve. That counts for something," said Phil, "In the mean time, why not get some training in before you head back down there."
So, Sora went to training with Donald and Goofy watching from the sidelines. Phil turned to Takuya, anticipating a question.
"Why am I ready to make hero?" asked Takuya.
"You've faced your demons and won. I can tell that just from looking in your eyes," replied Phil, "You're heart's in the right place. Now, you got figure out what that place is and you'll make it."
"Do you remember Roxas?" asked Takuya quietly.
"Yeah, and Xion too," said Phil, "Gave each of them a bit of training before they disappeared."
"Well, if you can understand this," said Takuya, "Then Sora's training never really stopped at all."
"You mean??" asked Phil.
"How was that Phil?" asked Sora, who was finished with the first session.
"Don't get cocky, kid," said Phil, not missing a beat, "You can relax when ALL the training's done."
"Fine," said Sora, returning for the second training session.
"Yes," said Takuya, picking up where they left off, "Just don't tell him. He isn't ready yet."
"Alright," said Phil.
By the time Sora was done, Hercules had returned from Mount Olympus, a frown on his face. The others approached him.
"I gotta an errand to run real quick," said Phil.
"Where to?" asked Sora.
"None of your beeswax," replied Phil, before walking off.
"So," asked Takuya, "I take it we can't use it?"
"Worse," said Herc, "My father said someone in a black robe managed to steal it this morning."
"Demyx," said Takuya, "That's who we saw earlier."
"We'll get it back," promised Sora.
"What about Meg?" asked Hercules, "You see her?"
They shook their heads no.
(AN8)
Hades chose to pop in at that moment.
"What's wrong, your Hero-ness," quipped Hades, "Feeling under the weather?"
"Like you did anything to stop it," countered Takuya.
"Semantics," replied Hades, "I thought staying in shape was part of the hero job description… you know what I'm saying?"
"Unfortunately," said the 'not-quite-a-hero-according-to-Phil'.
"Seems your dear, sweet little Nutmeg as gone and gotten herself lost in the Underworld."
"You mean you kidnapped her," said Hercules.
"Maybe," replied Hades nonchalantly, "But it's semantics."
"Of course it is," remarked Takuya, liking the Lord of the Underworld less and less.
"But don't leave," continued Hades, "That is, if you don't want to leave those poor, helpless, citizens to the Hydra."
"That you let loose in the first place," said Sora.
"Semantics," said Hades, "Tomato, to-mah-to."
"COWARD!" yelled Hercules.
"Can't all be heroes, right?" replied Hades, returning to the Underworld.
"We'll handle it," said Sora.
"Go for it," said Hercules, "I'll take care of the Hydra and meet you later."
Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Takuya headed down to the Underworld, hoping to find Meg quickly.
(AN9)
They got down to the Underworld, only to find Phil on the ground.
"PHIL!" shouted Sora, rushing over to him.
"What happened, man?" asked Takuya.
"I saw the guy in the black robe. I chased after him. He noticed me and before I knew it, I was seeing stars."
"That's Demyx for ya," said Takuya.
"Let's go," said Sora, leading the way down to the Underworld.
They battled their way through Heartless moving further into the Underworld, the curse taking its toll on them.
"We better find that stone soon," said Sora.
"You're telling me," added Flamon, "I don't know how much longer I can hold this form."
They pushed on through until they found Demyx. He noticed them as they entered the room.
"YOU!!" said Demyx, taking off his hood, "Wait a sec… Roxas? ROXAS!?"
"Come again?" asked Sora.
"Oh well, time for plan B," said Demyx.
"Say what now?"
"Let's see here," said Demyx, taking out an instruction card, "'If subject fails to respond, then use aggression to liberate his true disposition'… Right."
"You need instructions to talk to someone?" wondered Flamon.
"Did they ever pick the wrong guy for this one…" finished Demyx, pulling out the Olympic Stone.
"Give that back, you thief!" demanded Goofy.
"Now that's just plain rude," said Demyx, activating the stone so he could use his powers in the underworld, as he wasn't a true villain.
Flamon got ready to battle when data wrapped around him, turning him back to Takuya.
"Of all times," sighed Takuya, "Looks like you're on your own."
"We can take it from here," replied Sora.
Demyx used his guitar to summon water clones of Nobodies, and sent them after the Junior Heroes. Sora, Donald, and Goofy managed to defeat them under 50 seconds.
"Not bad Roxas," said Demyx, impressed with Sora's increased skill.
After the battle was over, Demyx continued, "Roxas, come back to us."
Takuya stepped forward, "Try looking elsewhere, Demyx. And don't forget to leave the stone behind."
"Whatever," said Demyx, "I told them they had the wrong guy."
He disappeared in a portal of darkness.
"What was that about?" asked Sora, "And who's Roxas?"
"A traitor to the Organization," replied Takuya, moving to pick the stone up, determined not to look at him, "Don't know why they confusing him for you."
Takuya handed the stone to Sora, who lifted it up to the sky. The Olympic Stone glowed as it restored their strength.
"Nice," said Flamon, having changed forms immediately upon his strength returning.
"We're back in business," said Sora, "Now, let's find Meg."
They continued their way down the path to the Underdrome, not knowing what they would eventually do.
(AN10)
Sora opened the Underdrome and they entered it. When they got down there, they found Meg, tied up, and Hades waiting on them.
"Now that's what I call a key," applauded Hades, "Gee, thanks for the help, now have a nice day."
"GET BACK HERE!" said Flamon, rushing after him, only for him to disappear, "COWARD!!"
"Look who can't fight in the Underworld?" taunted Pete, Heartless with him.
"Better look harder," said Sora.
"You guys protect Meg," said Flamon, summoning flames around himself, "I've got Pete."
A voice rang out: DIGIVOLUTION!
FLAMON DIGIVOLVE TO…
AGUNIMON!
Agunimon stood ready to battle. The Heartless charged forward, only to be stopped by Sora, Donald, and Goofy. Agunimon charged forward, igniting his fists along the way. Pete summoned his shield.
"Pete's invincible," said Pete, narrating in third person.
"Think again," said Agunimon, "PYRO PUNCH!"
Agunimon sent two fireballs at Pete, sending him back against the wall, before following up with sweeping kick and a punch to the face, sending Pete sprawling across the ground.
"Whoa!" said Hercules, who had just arrived.
"What?" replied Agunimon, "He said he was invincible. I just wanted to test that. Guess he isn't."
"I'm not through yet," said Pete, getting up.
"Really," said Hercules, standing next to Agunimon.
Pete took a good long look at everyone he was fighting. He decided to do the smart thing and cut his losses.
"Get me OUT OF HERE!!" shouted Pete. He ran for the exit as soon as he could get up.
"Wimp," said Agunimon.
"What about the Hydra?" asked Sora.
"Taken care of," replied Hercules.
"Let's make sure," replied Agunimon, rushing out the Exit.
By the time Sora and the gang made it out of the Underworld, Agunimon was dodging two of the Hydra's three heads, while attacking the third with another Pyro Punch.
"About time you guys made it," said Agunimon, dodging another attempt at being eaten.
"Well, sorry we can't run as fast as you can," countered Sora, bringing out his Keyblade.
Agunimon blocked attacks from one head, only to get slammed by another into the third's mouth.
"AGUNIMON!" shouted Sora, Donald, and Goofy, as they rushed to help their friend.
After slicing off the other two heads, the third one began burning at the base, before blasting off from the body. BurningGreymon flew up, covered in guts, but would live.
"That's the last time I let something eat me again," said BurningGreymon.
Soon, the three heads turned into seven, and BurningGreymon was once again resorting to dodging heads, literally. Pegasus flew down and allowed Sora to climb on. On the back of Pegasus, Sora was able to knock out the heads of the Hydra was BurningGreymon dodged them, leaving them vulnerable. After hitting all seven, BurningGreymon and Sora landed.
"Stay back," said BurningGreymon, "You do NOT want to be near me when I burn him up."
Sora willingly obliged, getting out of range before BurningGreymon enveloped himself in flames.
"WILDFIRE TSUNAMI!!!" shouted BurningGreymon, letting loose the flames at the Hydra, effectively finishing it off.
BurningGreymon turned back into Takuya before falling to one knee again.
"Whew," said Takuya, whistling, "That was tough fight."
"I let everyone down," said Hercules, depressed, "I'm just a failure."
"So, you're gonna quit then, huh?" asked Takuya, walking over to him and Meg, "I thought a Hero kept fighting, even when he's down. Unless you're a quitter."
"Dreams are for rookies," said Hercules.
"'Quitting' is for rookies, kid," said Phil, "I'm willing to go the distance."
"And I'll be there too, right by your side," added Meg.
"Thanks," said Hercules, feeling better, if only a little bit.
"Even Heroes need rest," said Sora, "If Hades or the Heartless show up, let us know."
"We'll help Herc stay rested," added Takuya.
"Cause we're heroes," boasted Donald once more.
"When did you three make hero?" teased Meg.
"We'll save that for another time," said Sora.
Sora brought out the Olympus Stone to give to Herc when it started glowing. Sora brought out the Kingdom Key and opened the next pathway.
"Hey Sora," said Hercules, feeling his strength returning thanks to the Stone, "I think my father wants to give you something."
A bolt fell from the sky and turned into the Hero's Crest Keyblade.
"Nice craftsmanship," said Takuya, looking at the Keyblade in detail before giving it to Sora, who placed it in Hyperspace.
Sora and the gang said their goodbyes and returned to the Gummy Ship.
Meanwhile, at Disney Castle…
Queen Minnie was browsing the Library when Chip and Dale, having returned after giving the Gummy Ship to Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Takuya, ran up to her.
"Queen Minnie," said Chip.
"It's HORRIBLE," followed Dale.
"What's happened?" asked Minnie.
"It's the Cornerstone! There're thorns everywhere!!" said Dale.
Upon reaching the room of the Cornerstone of Light, there were indeed thorns growing slowly but surely around the room.
"Oh Mickey, I wish you were here," said Minnie, "Donald, Goofy, please hurry."
Another world had opened up, and Donald and Goofy were excited to visit it. They landed at Castle Disney and disembarked.
"So, this is your castle," said Sora, looking around a bit, "Must be nice to be home, huh?"
"What's wrong?" asked Takuya, before getting a bad vibe himself.
"Something just doesn't feel right," replied Goofy.
Chip and Dale had noticed the Gummy Ship land and rushed to meet them.
"Thank goodness you're back," said Chip.
"It's terrible," said Dale, "Heartless have shown up here!"
"Queen Minnie's waiting for you in the library!"
"MINNIE!?" said Takuya, before racing out of there.
"What was that all about?" asked Sora.
"After we left the Gummy Ship to you guys, we returned home," said Chip.
"Queen Minnie wasn't surprised to hear about Takuya," added Dale, "She said he had visited once before last week. Something about a delivering a letter from the King."
(AN11)
"Let's see what the queen wants," said Sora, heading up the stairs.
True enough, Heartless were in the Courtyard of Disney Castle, and the three of them began again to fight Heartless. Sora merged with Goofy again into Valor form, this time with Hero's Crest in his left hand and took down as many Heartless as possible as they moved through the Courtyard. As they got close to the library, they saw Flamon destroying about six more Heartless in one attack before retreating into the Library. They hurried to the Library as well, closing the door behind them. When they got inside, Takuya and Minnie were hugging like old friends.
"What took you guys," said Takuya, standing up after releasing Minnie.
"Your Majesty," said Donald, "Queen Minnie, we're at your service."
"Thank you for getting here so quickly," said Minnie.
"Did you happen to summon us?" asked Goofy.
"Where's the King?" asked Sora, tactlessly.
"Excuse him," said Donald, "He's Sora.
"Nice to meet you Sora," said Minnie, "But niceties will have to wait. We have a problem. The Heartless have begun showing up here as well. And I forgot to tell everyone about them in all the hurry of getting you here."
"We'll go tell 'em," said Donald.
"Sora," said Goofy, "Stay here with Queen Minnie. She shouldn't be left unprotected."
"Go guys," said Takuya, "We got this handled."
After Donald and Goofy left, Takuya turned to Sora.
"Have you ever heard of a 'Defend and Destroy' mission, Sora?" asked Takuya.
"Yeah," said Sora, "We learned about them back at school on the Islands."
"Good, cause that's what we have on our hands here," continued Takuya, moving towards the door.
"Before we go," said Minnie, "I found these a while ago when I was waiting for you to get here. I take it they're important."
Minnie handed over a few pages from the Winnie-the-Pooh Book to Sora.
"Thanks your majesty," said Sora.
"Alright, Sora," said Takuya, "Here's the mission: You defend Queen Minnie while I destroy the Heartless."
"Why you?" said Sora.
'Because my powers won't further the Organization's plan of Kingdom Hearts,' thought Takuya, but replied "Because I have more power to use and holding it back wouldn't be a good idea."
Sora paled a bit, remembering the power Takuya wielded. Keeping it back didn't seem like a good idea, so he agreed.
Takuya nodded and opened the door and rushed out, taking out Heartless left and right as Agunimon. Sora proceeded cautiously as he took out any lingering Heartless that escaped Agunimon's attack. When they got to the door, Minnie unsealed it and they went inside; however, more Heartless were already there.
"Not here too!" gasped a frightened Minnie.
"Not for long," said Agunimon, "SLIDE EVOLUTION!!!"
Data wrapped around Agunimon and Takuya became BurningGreymon.
"PYRO BARRAGE!!" shouted BurningGreymon, taking out a dozen Heartless in their path, "Go! Now!"
BurningGreymon took to the air as Sora and Minnie moved through the room. BurningGreymon took out any Heartless that dared get close enough to Sora and Minnie. One got past him, only to be destroyed by Sora. When they made it to the throne, BurningGreymon turned back into Agunimon and landed next to Sora.
"Hey," said Sora, "Still a battle to be fought."
"Show him, Minnie," said Agunimon.
Minnie pushed a secret button and the whole section of floor they were standing on began to move, lighting shining from the floor. The light destroyed the rest of the Heartless when it fully shone through.
"Whoa," said Sora, impressed.
"It's probably the most effective defense against the Heartless," said Agunimon, changing back into Takuya.
"Down here is the Cornerstone of Light," said Minnie, "It has protected Caste Disney in the past, but I'm afraid something's happened."
Sora and Takuya walked down with Queen Minnie to see the thorns that have covered the room.
'Why does this reminded me of Petaldramon?' wondered Takuya, 'Oh yeah, plant-based things surrounding the room.'
"I wonder why this is happening now," said Minnie, "I've looked up everything I could think of in the Library, but I didn't find a thing."
Suddenly, green flames appeared, and Maleficent appeared in ghostly form.
"MALEFICENT!" shouted Donald.
"That's Maleficent!?" said Takuya.
"What are you doing here, Maleficent?" asked Minnie.
"I'd thought I'd change my home address," said Maleficent, "The Hallow Bastion is getting too bright for my liking, so I thought I'd darkened Castle Disney instead."
"Get out of here," said Takuya.
"Very well," said Maleficent, "But I will return, once Castle Disney has been changed to suit my darkness perfectly."
And with that, Maleficent was gone.
"Dang," said Takuya, "If only we had an idea of what was happening."
"Why don't we go ask Merlin?" asked Goofy.
"Yeah," said Donald, "He knows more than any book could tell us."
"Go," said Takuya, "I'll stay here to protect the queen. Even in here, we can only stay safe for so long. Hurry!"
"Right," said Sora.
He, Donald, and Goofy left on the Gummy ship and headed to Hollow Bastion.
"I've seen the King," said Takuya, "He's trying to find the Organization's world so we can reach it and put a stop to them."
"I know that with everyone's help, the worlds will be safe once more," replied Queen Minnie.
Takuya and Minnie spent the next ten minutes or so waiting on Sora and the gang to get back by catching up what had been happening. Takuya was getting to the part about Auron when they heard Donald's voice.
"…Heartless in every part of the castle," said Donald, appearing with Sora, Goofy, and Merlin, "The Queen is in danger!"
"I don't think I've seen better timing," said Takuya, joining them with Minnie.
Merlin took one look at the cornerstone and the thorns around it and didn't like what he saw.
"Someone's tampering with this world's natural order," said Merlin, "And they're using the power of Wood to secure the changes as well."
"You mean!?" said Takuya.
"Yes," said Merlin, "Someone's gotten access to the Spirits of Wood and is using them for evil purposes."
Merlin called forth his magic and summoned a door.
"What's that?" asked Sora.
"That, my boy, is the gate to a very special world. Unfortunately, there are two of these gates and it seems as if someone has found the other gate. They're using that gate to access that world and messing up this one."
"Well," said Sora, "Let's go stop them."
"Hold on," said Merlin, "Just remember: that world and this one are linked. Anything you do wrong in that world can have grave consequences with this one."
"I'll make sure they don't do anything stupid," said Takuya.
"One more thing," said Merlin, "You must lock that other door so no one can use it for evil again."
"Right, said Sora.
Sora opened the door and the four of them stepped through, not knowing what waits for them.
(Timeless River)
The door opened and threw out the four of them.
"Next time," said Takuya, getting up, "I'm jumping through."
"That's the Cornerstone of Light," said Goofy.
"Why's everything black and white?" asked Sora.
"You travel to different worlds, and your worried about your coloring??" asked Takuya.
"Why does seem like," asked Donald, "Like…?"
"Déjà vu?" guessed Goofy.
'Well, special world = time travel I guess,' figured Takuya in his head.
"Really?" said Sora, "Have you been here before?"
"Whoa, 10 o'clock guys!" said Takuya, noticing a very familiar someone rushing by in a hurry.
"Hey you! See any bad guys around here?" asked Pete.
Sora, Donald, and Goofy immediately pointed at him.
"WHY I OUGHTA!" declared Pete.
Takuya stepped between them, "Whoa there. Sorry about that. My friends are mistaking you for someone else."
"I don't have time for wrong place, wrong time," said Pete, heading off, "I'll let you off with a warning this time.
"That was our villain, Takuya," said Sora.
"I know he seems mean," said Takuya, turning around to face them, "But if you got a good look at him, you'd realize he didn't even know you guys, especially you Sora. I'd say that Pete has no clue about the Heartless OR Maleficent."
"But what about…?" started Sora.
"If you want the truth," said Takuya, "Then go on to the Pier."
Sora sighed as he, Donald, and Goofy went after Pete. Takuya sighed himself.
"Sometimes, you gotta learn the hard way."
"Good to know," said a voice from behind him, "I've learned to knock you out before you can change form!"
Takuya turned around to see the Pete he battle before in the Underdrome. Before he could do anything, Pete decked him, knocking him out and dragging him to his old boat. By the time Sora, Donald and Goofy returned, they couldn't see Takuya.
"Where is he?" asked Sora.
"Maybe he's in one of those doors," said Donald, pointing at the four doors that had appeared.
So, they went through each of the doors, taking out Heartless with the Mickey Mouse of the past, but couldn't find Takuya.
"Where could he be?" asked Donald, before Goofy cried out.
"The Cornerstone!!" shouted Goofy.
They turned and found that the Cornerstone was missing. They looked towards the waterway and saw Pete laughing evilly before heading back to his old boat. A few seconds later Pete came running by, chasing after Pete. He stopped when he noticed the others.
"Hey," said Pete, "I just found the pipsqueak what stole my boat. He had that kid on there too. He looked out of it."
"TAKUYA!" shouted Sora.
"Come on," said Pete, "If ya want your friend back, then follow me!"
Pete raced to the waterway with Sora, Donald, and Goofy behind him. When they caught up with Pete, he was arguing with Pete about his boat.
"Your future's on the line if you don't get out of my way!" said Pete, knocking Pete back and turning towards the others, "And if you guys are smart, you'll stay out of my way, otherwise your friend will…"
Pete turned to where he placed Takuya, only to find no one there.
"Where'd he?" asked Pete, before being knocked out by a Thunder spell from Sora.
Sora then jumped on the crane and held himself there while he took out the sides of the crate. After destroying it, Pete fell into the water. He got to shore and ran for the door he came through. The three of them went after him, only to find him being confronted by Pete. They battled alongside Pete against Pete and managed to defeat him. He muttered something about payback and left through the door. Sora locked the door, so it couldn't be used for evil ever again. Pete turned to the others.
"Thanks for that," said Pete, "Who was that guy anyways."
"That's a secret," said Goofy, preventing Sora from spilling the beans.
"Secret eh?" replied Pete, "I have a feeling I'll find out eventually. For saving my boat, I'll let you pilot it back to return the Cornerstone. Besides, my first mate, Mickey, is late."
When they got back to the boat, Takuya was waiting for them.
"About time you guys got back," said Takuya.
"Where were you?" asked Sora.
"Around," said Takuya, remembering what happened.
(Flashback)
When Takuya came to, he found himself on the bridge. He looked at who saved him, only to find Mickey Mouse.
"Thanks, Mickey," said Takuya.
"How do you know my name?" asked Mickey.
"Let's just say you have an interesting future ahead of you."
They turned and saw Sora and the others take on Pete with Pete's help.
"I think we better secure the Cornerstone of Light," said Takuya.
"I agree," replied Mickey.
They jumped off the bridge and hopped on the boat before Sora and company made it back.
(Flashback End)
Donald pulled on the whistle cord for the boat, making smoke come out of the whistles. The smoke formed the Monochrome Keyblade, which Sora sent into Hyperspace. They returned the Cornerstone of light to its proper place and returned through the door back to the present (or future).
(Disney Castle)
The thorns began disappearing when the door reopened. All that was left was two small figurines that glowed and went into Takuya's D-Tector as soon as he walked through the door.
"Well, that ends that," said Takuya, looking at the spirits in his D-Tector.
"Welcome back," said Minnie, "Thanks to you, the Castle is protected once again by the Cornerstone of Light."
"Good work guys," said Chip and Dale.
"Now, I hope everything went alright in there," said Merlin, "Nothing too outrageous, right?"
"Yeah," said Takuya, "Nothing out of the ordinary."
"Just doing our job," added Sora.
Daisy entered the room, and Donald ran up to her, only for her to yell at him for missing out on their last date.
'A year is pretty late to miss a date,' thought Takuya.
Sora's Keyblade glowed, as well as the Cornerstone, allowing Sora unlocked the next pathway.
"Well, that's our cue that we're needed in the next world," said Sora.
"Before you go," said Merlin, "Take this. I have a feeling it will help you on your journey."
Merlin gave a boost of magic to Sora, allowing him to access Wisdom Form by merging with Donald.
"See ya Minnie," said Takuya.
"You're welcome to visit any time," said Minnie.
So, the group of four left Castle Disney in search of the next world in trouble.
(Chapter End)
Well, that was a long chapter.
Interestingly enough, we kind of covered three worlds, if you consider the Timeless River a different World than Castle Disney.
Alright time for the Character reviews:
Name: Sora
Keyblades: Kingdom Key, Star Seeker, Hidden Dragon, Hero's Crest, Monochrome
Drives: Valor, Wisdom
Name: Hercules
Occupation: Hero of his world, Son of Zeus
Weapons of choice: his mind, his strength, and his sword
Keyblade: none
Name: Phil
Occupation: Trainer of Heroes
Keyblade: None
Weapon of choice: the Heroes he trains
Name: Megara
Nickname: Meg
Occupation: (unknown)
Name: Minnie Mouse
Alias: Queen Minnie
Occupation: Queen of Disney Castle
Weapon of Choice: Light
Name: Pete
Occupation: Boat Captain
Weapon of choice: his fists
Name: Daisy
Occupation: friend of Queen Minnie
Weapon: her mouth
Name: Kairi
Occupation: Princess of Light
Keyblade: (none right now)
Other information: best friend and love interest of Sora as well as best friend of Riku
Name: Namine
Occupation: Memory Witch
Weapon of Choice: Manipulation of Memories
Affiliation: Nobody of Kairi when Sora became a Heartless
Alright, time for Author notes.
AN1: Well, the book anyways. A different Heartless have gotten away with the pages already.
AN2: I feel like do this every time someone has to check himself or herself every step of the way. The sarcastic part, I mean.
AN3: I guess Hades has been paying attention the past year or so.
AN4: A walking skeleton or the Lord of the Underworld, which would you pick?
AN5: How he ended up in the Underworld is beyond me.
AN6: Auron, for my lack of knowledge on him, happens to be one of my fav. characters for this one epic line he has.
AN7: Yeah, I'm gonna leave this a cliffhanger. You'll find out what happens later.
AN8: I really hate it when people put 'nod their heads no' or 'shake their heads yes'. It's nod=yes and shake=no. Get it straight people.
AN9: Yeah, like they're gonna find Meg in five minutes. Good luck trying to do that.
AN10: Which would be opening up a place for about five or six Tournaments and hundreds of fights to take place.
AN11: Well, back story FTW!!! Also, the scene with Takuya happens a few days before Roxas finds Sora, so don't think that it's only been like hours or something between those two scenes. I will say that it takes a few hours for Sora to wake up after Roxas returns to him, given that Namine had to finish putting back together Sora's memories in that time.
Okay, I think that's it. I won't be updating tomorrow simply for the fact that I have other stuff to do.
Dx: Wow, you actually have a life? Someone call the presses!!
(Smack!!)
DragonX falls down unconscious.
Okay, until another time…
Later,
RDF1