Okay, don't know if its good or not but I guess, here goes. Not that I would say my writing is good quality in the first place. Haha :)
Whew, College is stressful. Just a little more and I can survive this hellish place. *Sighs* Hopefully.
Sorry (to those who are possibly still reading this) that it took so long. Lots of project, assignment, research and whatnot. The fact that I procrastinated and distracted by playing Red alert 2 in my free time did not help in finishing this chapter. Also it was because I felt I wasn't in the mood to write. And feel free to write what needs improved and what was wrong with it and how I could possibly improve the quality. :)
Sorry if I mistype some of the words or even some sentences doesn't make sense. I probably overlooked them while typing it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts franchise nor do I profit from it. This is only for entertainment (and stress relief).
It was very surprising when the hybrid found himself particularly a circular place in front of a staircase which lead to the large double doors of a strange downward curving white and gold castle connect to chains on top of spires. With the sunny weather blazing down on him, the chains reflected the lights and enabling him to see that the castle was in a very mountainous area.
It was another world, that much he knew but that was it. One that didn't seem familiar to him yet a pulse, deep within his chest said he know of it. How he knew that was another strange thing. For all the boy knew it could be an image generated by his dream but no, he thought shaking his head. He knew that it was a world.
He thought about it being one of those strange dreams like the one that gave him the ability to use the Keyblade but it wasn't because he can speak. He felt relieved at that. This world, Sora commented silently, it's beautiful. It's the most beautiful world I'd ever seen. He thought breathing the fresh air and the boy shivered in delight! The sunlight that bathe the brunet hybrid rejuvenated and gave him life. An infinite energy.
The air was so pure it was devoid of anything. Just plain air. Nature. The world was vibrant with life! Yet, despite all that, the young lion felt a twinge of sadness that he couldn't call as to why.
With his musings, he somehow found himself walking forwards for no reason. It was as if an outside force was compelling him but Sora could not just deny it. The lion boy couldn't know if it was good or bad, but he followed it. Without hesitation, the boy entered the castle. The castle was quiet but he could feel someone inside. Sora caressed the white walls gently thinking how much history the world must've seen.
Not with his senses but with… he really couldn't put it into words. Just that his heart guided him to wherever the pull was. It was like an invisible string. That's it. An invisible string… pun intended, stringing him along. He was at a throne room with three chairs at the head of the room and on the wall behind the chair was a stained glass that brought the light in.
A hand clutching his chest, he groaned. It pulsed. Not with pain. But with longing. Sadness. Why!? Why am I feeling like this? The brunet wondered. He'd never been to this world, so why? His chest beat faster and stronger than lightning as it was where the feeling was the strongest. It called out to him. His self. His very being. The sadness was enveloping him.
"Is anybody here!?" His loud voice echoed inside the empty throne room. There was nothing there but her could feel its presence. There and not there at the same it and it was making him feel like he was going mad.
Silence. Nothing replied.
Sora kept glancing around just to see if anyone would appear soon. The hybrid just knew that. He put the question why for later.
Stiffening, he turns around this time to face the three chairs and lo, sitting on it was a blue and gold suit of armor. It positioned itself as if it was sleeping. A very queer sight. Who sleeps with their armor on?
"Hello," the Keyblade wielder called but the person did not reply.
When he approached it, he shook the man behind the armor but wouldn't budge and the hybrid was sure that there was somebody inside since it felt heavy.
"Hello?" the boy tried again but to no avail. "Are you okay?"
No reply was received by the boy.
"You!" Sora whipped around when he heard a voice filled with malicious intent said to him. It was powerful and cold. Powerful that he could feel his fur stand erect and his body shiver on its own. The light dimmed and outside the winds rustled as lightning adorned the darkened sky.
He thought for a second that it was the voice that granted him the power of the Keyblade. But it was not. This one was the opposite of it. It gave feelings of fear. Anxiety. Anger. Wrath. Fear. It echoed in even in the chaos of the sudden weather change that it made him shiver slightly.
"Who's there!" replied the half lion Keyblade wielder already in a defensive stance.
A very grated breathing echoed all around the big room and his ears twitched in reaction. Whoever it was, they were taking their sweet time on observing him.
Chains rattling reverberated the throne room. "You! You provide him sanctuary! Yet you chain me like the beast that you are!" Snarled the voice.
Beast! He thought angrily of how this, person taunted him.
"Show yourself!" the brunet half lion demanded. He would not take it lying down when someone say it. But he calmed down and thought ashamedly when he felt part of him agreed to the term. Am I really a beast? He had asked himself and a yes resounded in his mind. You can only kill! The hunter. You would have killed him if the Heartless did not get him first.
He shut down those words but it was futile! The more he did so, the more it came back stronger! Beast! Killer! You want to save everyone and every world yet you are unable to save yourself!
Whispers of his deeds flashed in his minds' eye. No! He screamed internally closing his eyes denying them any footing on his mind. He promised himself to never repeat it again! Why does the regret come back stronger!?
Beast!
Monster!
Witch boy!
Words of others muttered from very far away but it felt like it caressed his ears as it said so.
"Shut up!" Sora screamed with his tears just right the edge of his eyes. Ready to flow down but he denied it so.
"Do you see now?" the voice said. "You are a hypocrite! Chaining me yet you still roam freely! If I am to be chained then so should you!"
I'm different from you! he ought to scream but none came out as he closed his eyes.
"Are you really, Sora?" Said the voice and derisively saying his name. Snorting in disgust. "Look into your heart. All those people-"
"Shut up!" I didn't mean it! I only meant to defend! I do not want to be feared! I only want people to know me!
This voice laughed. The echo made it ten times menacing amidst the rambunctious environment. "Yes! Release your power! Let it out and embrace who you are! Let the destruction that you really are out lest it consume you."
"What are you talking about!" Sora didn't have any power. He doesn't and never will. His only power was the ones he… shaking his head, Come one Sora, focus. Don't let him get to your head.
"Have you no grasp of what you have inside of you?" he asked, (Sora was sure it was a he just because) but when still no words came from Sora he continued; "Such potential yet such great naivety. Even with acceptance your potential cannot be realized if you still forego such power by denying it from your memories!" The invisible person clocked his teeth.
"If you won't wield it," he declared. "Then I shall!"
The winds in front of Sora swooshed and he saw the air swirled in front of him. A ghostly figure composed of black smoke fusing together until it formed a black humanoid figure and came to an existence. He could see red lines running through it. Chains rattled as it, whoever it was, looked like a prisoner.
It couldn't fully form and remained only mostly a blurry human smoke hybrid but looked solid enough. Its right hand raised forward and dark wisps gathered. A brief light and Sora backed away in a slowly and hitting the chair which the armor laid was now empty!
Surprise etched its way both mentally and physically, his mind shut down from the shock and his mouth gaped at the sight. Key… Key... Keyblade!? How does this person has it? Questions built up on him but none came out of his mouth. Didn't they say that the Keyblade wielders of the past were lost? Only King Mickey is the last?
The Keyblade it held in his hands was longer than the Kingdom Key. Its color blacker than the darkest night sky with red outline especially its tip or teeth possessing a cog-like shape with an eye at its center, from what he could see.
He could feel the arrogance the person in front of him had. It smirked at his reaction and pulsed his power making Sora choke. It reeked of darkness! So much darkness in one person. Both Keyblade and wielder buried by the scent of darkness.
The Keyblade pulsed like a beating heart.
Swallowing his fear, he raised his left arm and summoned his own. The hybrid wielder hid his surprise when his left arm moved on its own but it came more of a surprise when it was an unknown Keyblade was gripped by his hands. Still, it came to him that even though it was on his left hand it was strangely comfortable there.
His Keyblade was black with longer reach than the Kingdom Key too but still of lesser length than the opposing wielder. It has strangely designed teeth and the hilt composing of two bat-like wings extending downward with a blue diamond placed on the center of the hilt.
He couldn't identify the name. It was annoyingly on the tip of his tongue or mind. O- he thought but was cut off before he could know what its name was.
Sora couldn't see much of his enemy's expression but he felt the grin, an excited grin, on him.
"Now we're talking," Smoke man said excitedly in a stance reminiscent of Riku with his sword arm raised behind him and the weapon pointing forwards with the left hand poised forwards. "Use your anger. Don't deny it kid otherwise it'll never be a challenge."
He kept a cool head. Or at least tried to and was only half successful.
His smoky enemy disappeared in a flash and Sora just greatly and barely had enough time to prepare a proper defense as the opposing Keyblade warrior appeared in upwards in front of him like he came out of a jump. His downward strike had the brunet lion boy gritting his teeth when it hit his defense as his knees buckled and his hand shook on the strength behind the attack. He's strong and fast!
Once more he disappeared and for once his senses could not locate him. The hybrid only for him to detect the almost quiet shifting sound behind him and he rolled left as a zooming sound came from where he used to be. Sora knew he was out of his league in facing this guy but he would not surrender. Determination brushed away his fears and uncertainty since he was never one to back away from any challenge.
He rolled once again when the enemy brushed where he was but he then jumped then turned to see if he was still there but his unknown enemy was gone. The hybrid was vulnerable midair and he realized this too late as he found himself landing harshly and skidding the floor his head hitting the wall.
Sora's vision blurred and tried standing up but his joints creaked in complaint. Glaring at the person in front of him just being relaxed. "Is that all the power the new Keyblade wielder possessed? Guess anyone can just wield it nowadays," he said shrugging.
The brunet lion's glare intensified and he stood proudly despite his injuries. After minutes of staring, he ran first on the offense this time. It grated him that this, whoever he was, was taking him lightly because his stance didn't change.
Sora met the other's Keyblade but his strikes, fast as they were, was met easily with his defense. At this Sora knew he was being played at and that angered him. The hybrid lost his cool and he was gritting his teeth because all of his strikes were easily deflected. He put more strength into it as the mysterious Keyblade wielder backup and the brunet lion boy knew it was because he was being looked down upon, thought of as easy that his opponents was just playing him.
When his opponents jumped away from their clash he ought to he could feel his movements slowed down by a large degree! It was like traversing on water. Sora glared helplessly at that insufferable smirk his enemy had.
The hybrid wielder was at the mercy of his man and he showed it obviously but utile as it is (Sora knew it well), still the brunet Keyblade wielder tried to move but cannot.
His enemy walked slowly, taunting him with its sauntering towards him and Sora damned him. Cursed with everything he knew. He was a foot away from him when a bright light blinded him. It washed over him and overwhelmed the darkness that this man had.
The man clicked his tongue in annoyance and said, "Of course you would interfere. Go back to sleep!"
It was silent but who was this person talking to? Questioned Sora.
"Just like you," he said emphasizing the second word. "He's scared of his own power! Why have power when you don't use it."
The light intensified, "Fine, fine. You win for now," said him angrily but he looked resigned like he was unable to do something. "Another day I suppose. You got lucky brat, next time you won't be fortunate." The mystery wielder glared at Sora.
When the light returned to its source the Keyblade wielder disappeared in a circle of shadow wisps and enveloping everything that he screamed as it was like his strange dream all over again with the darkness hugging him.
It was laughing! It laughed as he tried in futile to removed it away and the Keyblade was of no help as it seemed to not radiate light.
Sora suddenly moved and his hand automatically swung that someone screamed angrily.
"Hey! What's the big idea, Sora!?" Donald shouted.
There, a foot away from him, he clutched his chest worriedly feeling his heartrate was erratic and his breath swift. Wiping his forehead with his hand, the hybrid was shock that he hadn't noticed he had the Kingdom Key in his hands but immediately willed it away.
What was I dreaming? He thought about it for a second and frowned when he had no idea what it was. It… it was on the edge of his consciousness but he cannot remember. Dammit.
"Are ya okay, Sora?" the ever worrywart Goofy inquired with his eyes staring deep into his. "Ya' were awfully screaming and squirmin' in your sleep."
"I…," replied Sora but stuttering for a second. "I am now. It was just a nightmare."
"Do you want to talk about it? You're still on your whatch'a ma call it? Furry mode."
The hybrid didn't bother to correct the duck as he checked himself. Donald was right! He was in his beast form! Damn it. Why? Sora thought as he deactivated it before the influx of information causes him headache in the what he thought as morning. "Uhm, thanks guys. But I think I'll be alright now," the hybrid reassured the two by giving them a huge grin.
The two didn't believe him base on the dubious looks they'd given him but the hybrid thanked the two that they had decided to drop it and return to piloting the ship.
After a quick eat and bath he went to relieve Goofy of his post. It was only him and Donald on the cockpit.
"Hey Donald," Sora started the conversation. "Do Goofy and you ever know where we are going when going to other worlds?"
"Nuh uh," replied Donald quickly. "It's all guess work where we're going but his majesty did have data on other worlds so we could consult it if needed."
That got Sora to wonder why don't they have a map and so, he asked it.
Donald was thoughtful for a while. Focusing ahead. They had been attack two time the yesterday and it had been a whole three hours of being on alert that by the end of it he felt somehow tired. Those Heartless were… well, heartless. So determined to blow them up!
"It's futile. King Mickey," stated by Donald and pausing as he maneuvered away from a huge rock. "When he searched for the three missing Keyblade wielders, he traversed many worlds. Along the way he mapped it but that data doesn't seem to match with the pathways we have right now."
"So, we're really going blind, huh."
"Pretty much."
"Maleficent," Sora inquired. "Who is she?" That thought popped from time to time on their journey and he had no image as to what leader of their enemy looked like.
"A fairy of great darkness," the mage explained to him.
A dark fairy? Aren't fairies supposed to be good? Or at least that was what was told back on the islands. The fairy that roamed Destiny islands, unseen by everyone, was the one that brings blessing to all the life on the island. The food, fresh water, and everything on it down to the last animal.
"Once on a journey, she met him on her own world. She was explained as a horned fairy in black holding a staff and her being pulsing with the essence of darkness."
Sora relaxed in his chair with his hands behind his head, as he was on the gun placement. "Then why didn't King Mickey just destroy her?"
Donald shook his head simply, "It isn't that simple. Didn't we tell you that we cannot interfere with the world order?" Sora nodded at his question. "Destroying that dark fairy counts as one of those since he was not of that world. At least that time because she didn't threaten the other worlds yet."
"That blows," he sighed. If she were destroyed then all those other worlds wouldn't have to fall.
"Olympus," Sora read the name of the world. It was consisted of a yellowish gold temple floating on a cloud. He was excited as to what the world was and just looking at it the hybrid couldn't identify what it would be like. Unlike Tarzan's world.
Once they got out of the ship they soon found themselves in a square and in front of them was two giant statues with the swords drawn and meeting with its tip. The wall to the column were golden in color. It was another breathtaking world and he could see it was unlike Wonderland, Deep Jungle and Traverse town. It had its unique flavor to it.
They moved towards the door, the one between the two statues. A shocker was what greet the brunet Keyblade wielder because their fixing something on the wall just beside an entrance was a stubby and short half person half goat judging by his hoof.
Could this be my original world? Could there be more people more like me but only half something? Were his excited thoughts. Oh, he couldn't wait for more on this world! Sora could barely keep himself from vibrating on the spot but his tails expressed his emotions very clear.
Looking around, trophies were placed on the rectangular indents on the wall.
The three of them walked towards the man to see what he was doing.
"Oh, you're here. Good."
The lion was about to correct asked if he was expected but the goat man continued speaking, "Could you push that slab of stone?" the man ordered and he gawked at the sheer size of it! He was strong but not that strong! Still he had to try and do it. Giving up was not his forte.
He looked at Donald and Goofy then just shrugged to do it. Pushing the damn thing with all his strength it he could hear its rumbling as it slides forward but it was a pain to just to maintain the power behind the action.
"It's too heavy!" Sora complained.
"Too heavy!?" says the man in disbelief. "What're you-" the goat man's face fell when he looked at him. "Oh, who're you three?"
"This here's Sora," said Goofy. "Donald and name's Goofy!"
"Just call me Phil." The goat man eyed Sora's form greatly. "So where are you three from? Especially cat boy there." Gesturing at Sora.
"Far away," the lion boy replied grinning with his hands behind his head.
"I assume you're here for the tournament too?"
Phil turned back to whatever it was he was doing. Ooh, Sora loved tournaments and he wouldn't miss one. The boy grinned at Donald. "Yeah we are."
Phil snorted, "Well, you can't! I got three words for you pipsqueaks: Heroes only!" The half goat man pointed at the instructions he was putting and yeah, there it was. A small print of words just below the words rule and regulations. But they are heroes! After all they saved Wonderland and Deep Jungle. "You see, this here's the world-famous Olympus coliseum and heroes from all over the world to compete and fight ferocious monsters. And you ain't got
"Hey! Who you callin' pipsqueak!" Sora said annoyed.
"Oh yeah!" Their mage said crossing his arms, "You got three heroes standing in front of you!" Judging by the way Phil was reacting they weren't selling really well.
"Yeah," Said Goofy proudly as putting an arm around his shoulder. "Sora her is the Keyblade's chosen!"
"Hero!?" Phil said unbelieving. "That runt!?" Phil reared his head back in laughter and his belly bounced in his laugh. Sora growled gnashing his teeth and his claw just twitching to show the man what he was capable of. The hybrid tried breathing but it was harder to relax as of late. It was like the hybrid was stressed but he hid his unease easily enough.
Sora rolled his eyes, "Yes, we're heroes. You probably didn't hear of us because you are so busy setting the tournament. We are experts in monster termination!" He proudly declared pounding his chest and embracing his talk of great pride to better his acting.
Phil was not moving on his stance of not as he looked at them doubtful. "Hmm," the goat hummed scratching his chin in thought. "I'll see it when I see it. Alright, I'll test you."
His grinned widened when Phil declared this. "Yeah!" He said air pumping his arm.
They were led to the coliseum but the place was devoid of life except for them. The places' architecture was unique and he already expected that just from the outside of it. Still, even though he like it he preferred Wonderland for its unique brand of craziness.
There on the large tiled box ring on the center were barrels set up on elevated grounds on top of the column. An obstacle course, was what immediately was what he concluded.
"All right cupcake!" Phil shouted. "This here's the ring and I want you destroy all these barrels in your best record time."
"Easy enough," Sora smirked.
Phil raised his brow in challenge to his statement. "Okay, you gotta do this alone." The lion boy nodded at this. That wasn't a problem for him, he'd face worse things that Phil's barrel challenge.
When the goat man blew the whistle he immediately cast a thunder and capturing many wooden barrels in its attack radius. He was surprised to see it only shake a bit and only scorch marks to show for its attack.
"Did I forgot to tell you?! That right there is made from Olympian tree bark! It's hard enough to bounce your measly spells! Ha!" Phil shouted from the bleachers and Donald reacted badly to the man's deviousness.
Summoning his key shaped weapon, he launched a fireball at a lone barrel but the half lion didn't stop there, he swung his Keyblade and he heard it shutter on his strike prompting him to follow the nearest ones. Sora then jumped and casted a thunder spell again and the barrels jiggled only as a result but he landed on the center of six barrels then spun. Cracking all at once on his attack.
When all was said and done every barrel was now turned to wooden debris on the coliseum. "And stop!" said Phil clicking the timer.
That wasn't so hard, the boy thought wiping a few sweat on his face. "So, what's my time?"
"Two minutes and ten seconds," he said. "Not bad."
Sora smirked.
"So, can we enter the games now?" a very irrate Donald tapping his foot said.
"You still can't."
"What!?" The hybrid can't believe after all his words he'd still deny them. Didn't he already show his prowess in battle?
"Two words," Phil said slowly. Clarifying his earlier statement with great emphasis. "Still. Not. A. Hero."
Sora's emotions came rising back up and it was a great exercise to maintain a normal façade. "What?" he said a little calm than he's shown. The boy breathed through his nose discretely harsh. "I thought that was implied? You test us then if we qualify then you'd let us enter."
"Nope," Phil crossed his arms and shook his head. "Why don't you try out for the next Olympic games."
Sora was furious when as they exited the coliseum. Liar! He called Phil along with some undesirable names and words. That goat man wasted his time for nothing! Nothing! He raged.
Donald and him more often than not may not agree on somethings but on this little matter they agreed that Phil was just plain rude to them earlier as they grumbled their annoyance. Among the three of them the Knight was the only relaxed one.
"A rather stubborn old goat," someone said from behind. Looking at whoever he was, the man was wearing a black toga and was tall with a pale com. He even had a blue fire for a hair. "Wouldn't you say?"
Sora could smell darkness off the man like a beacon and he shivered at this as his furs stood. The man reeked of darkness but not the Heartless kind of darkness, a different one. He couldn't explain how but just that it was very distinct from the Heartless. The darkness was not very stinky like Heartless but more like a weirdly cook food he described it as best as he can.
"Who are you?" Donald said to the now approaching flaming man.
"Wait, wait, wait! Hold on boys," Flame man said gesturing with his two hands as if to stopping them. "Let me guess. You wanna enter the games."
Sora was suspicious of the man who walked around him and grasped his shoulder and he was resisting the urge to move away from him. "What's it to you? Besides we can't trust someone who didn't introduce themselves."
"Name's Hades, god of the underworld, dead. Pleasure to meet you, yadda yadda yadda," he said flippantly. "That's not important. What's important is you want to join the games, right?" Sora nodded at his query.
"Have I got a surprise for you." With a flick of his fingers a golden ticket appeared on his hand. Still, that's not what was important to him right now. What was important was he realized why this Hades guy smelled like the Heartless. He was a dark being, a god of the dead.
"A pass?" Goofy said.
"Yeah yeah, it's yours. Free," Hades said as he walked away and waved at them. "Good luck. I'll be rooting for you shorty."
Before Sora could say anything about his angle the man disappeared behind the doors.
He would think about it later but for now, the boy grinned as he waved it excitedly in his hands. Looking at Goofy he smiled and Donald had this crazy glee on his eyes, a silent agreement on all three of them agreeing unanimously to go back and join the competition.
It was a good feeling for Sora when Phil couldn't deny them to enter when they showed him the pass. He smirked at the man as he asked them where they got it. The lion boy hybrid didn't deign him with a response as they enter the coliseum.
So here they were now, looking at fellow competitors fighting Heartless to his great surprise as the people cheered for the warriors. Maybe it was for the violence since the one that got first, a skilled man with a freaking large sword named Cloud Strife, kills one with his huge weapon in a flash the crowd roared in excitement. Either the event was a blast and the crowd's reaction only made that better. It was a wonder for Sora why these things didn't go wild and just tried to destroy the world already. Not that the brunet hybrid wants that to happen but he guessed it was a fortunate thing that they were just participating in the games instead. Still, he'd keep a tight eye on the Heartless unless they pop a fast one on them.
Many warriors older than them soon followed the man but most of the competitors was bested by the Heartless and forfeited.
When it came their turn, shadows, soldier and large body Heartless was their opponents. Looking at his two friends they nodded. With that Donald started it off with a thundaga as he and Goofy went in for the kill. Jumping with the support of the dog knight's shield as a spring board he landed and with a single vertical slash killed the Large body and the stabbed a shadow by reverse gripping the Keyblade.
Another large one came for him but with Goofy's shield it was rebounded and he retaliated with a blizzard freezing its front to which he then seconded with a fire. From three directions came three Heartless with the one behind him but he flipped back bypassing the ambusher on his behind and they didn't have enough time to catch him upon landing but a round object passed by them before he could strike them down. Following its direction, it was Goofy's that was thrown. "Nice on Goofy!" the boy complimented. Goofy behind his lackadaisical attitude was a very talented Knight. It was no wonder he was chosen as Donald's partner, they make a great team.
"Stopga!" Donald shouted. Sora gawked at the way the Heartless stood still. "Finish 'em now!" The Royal Wizard said urgently.
The crowd shouted in applause after their first round and Sora with a wide grin and made a show of twirling the Keyblade and hoisting it on his shoulder.
It was Cloud Strife's second round and as usual he was skilled disposing of the Heartless quicker than the three of them could. Sora amazed as he was by the man was also scared and excited at facing such an opponent because with a person like him, the brunet lion Keyblade wielder could find his limits as to where he currently stood.
Round after round they fought the dark creatures and their competitions lessened by each round and by the time the tenth round came, it was only them and Cloud Strife who survived the ordeal of the Heartless.
They stood far apart from each other but he sized the man up and thinking of way how the three of them could defeat him. After seeing his fights, he'd no doubts that Cloud the meat cleaver carrying swordsman was not using his full power at all. Maybe not even a portion of it. Sora could say the same about him but he could feel his fatigue settling in and he didn't dare drink a potion unless he or they needed it.
Cloud was poised ready as soon as the ref calls it a go. They were too and he gave Goofy a look, he was thinking along the lines of Goofy will be play an important role as it was him that will keep the swordsman at bay while he and Donald support him.
Their Knight gave a serious nod.
When the fight was signaled as a go Goofy ran past him meeting Cloud's large sword with his own shield as he and Donald casted spells of their own. The duck conjured a Blizzaga and for the hybrid he cast an Aero on the shield wielding knight.
With Cloud being kept busy by Goofy, Sora thought this as a chance to strike but the black adorned swordsman drew back his blade to swipe at him. Blocking it with his Keyblade he was nearly thrown aside by the force behind it and he was shocked just realizing how utterly strong Goofy was behind his unknight like clothes to be able to equal their enemies' attack. The ice spell broke quickly like a glass on the background.
He could only grit his teeth as he mustered all his strength to keep it from knocking him back but it was futile since he could feel himself sliding backwards so he with a quick thinking jumped and summoned a wall to use as a platform then jumping some more then rotating midair to see him clash with Goofy again as he expertly weaved through Donald's spell or tore it in half. The knight and swordsman fought, shield against sword. Every blow was matched by Goofy skillfully.
"Fire!" Sora chanted launching a fiery ball towards the man seeing as he was distracted by the two. Cloud for his part sidestepped to the left and dashed towards their mage who could only cast a reflega to him at bay. He saw Goofy threw his shield like a boomerang at their opponent and Sora planned to blow him by a thunder spell.
Cloud didn't flinch and he only swiped away the defensive spell and knocking the shield away too just as Sora landed softly. The hybrid didn't waste any time as he dashed back into the fray and with Donald in deep trouble he threw the Keyblade clasping his hand together he fired, to his shock, a bigger blizzard spell than he usually does.
The hybrid wielder tried not to flinch when the ice screeched on impact and he slide forwards greatly using the ice trails to dash forward faster then flipping and rotating midair with his claws outstretch. But all he got was air with Donald behind him.
Not a word was uttered by him before a nearly silent swish behind him was heard and a thud sound made the ground tremble as metal clashing against metal followed it. Goofy's grunting was now evident as he was being pushed back slowly. Sora moved to support him as he moved to the sides and quickly fired a fireball at his target using his free hand as he did a diagonal slash but again, his Keyblade met the sword and Goofy took a chance but Cloud jumped back.
We are getting nowhere! He thought breathing somehow heavily and wiped his sweat quickly. Cloud is more skilled than the three of us combined. He fought the urge to grin and calming his errant tail as excitement filled him. Doubling as it was from the start now that he was in it personally. The man didn't as much as one word speak.
Besides him, to his right, Donald breathed rather heavily and Goofy on the opposite side was still fresh like Cloud was. Discretely, he pointed a finger to himself, more like a twitch really but Sora knew his companions understood it that he will lead the next assault. Plans had been made by Donald in case verbal interactions was impossible, just like the situation they are in.
With that Sora ran without preamble and their blades sparked in contact as they both clashed once again but this time he hoped that his plan will work. A small single upwards quirk of his lips as his tail, pulled the man's feet backwards. The young half lion grinned unabashed as Cloud was tripped and was now falling. His friends' footsteps followed as the air was slice with Goofy's shield and Donald struck with a thundaga.
As for Sora, he continued his assault but he was greatly impressed as the silent swordsman backflipped using his free hand alone. Sora leaned backwards as the sword nearly impaled him! The man defended against the thunders by using his shield not bothered with his metal sword being a conductor for the electricity.
The brunet lion was running towards Cloud again when he pulled back his sword like a preparation for a stab but he shouted in terror as Cloud zoomed past him and a harsh metal clanging echoed followed by a skidding sound. He quickly turned around just in time to see the blond swordsman now aiming for him! "Wall!" Sora shouted and consequently seconded by a reflect. The screeching destruction of his first defense was the only sign he got as he not so soon found himself rolling on the tiles and dirt with lots of grunting.
Pain struct him greatly and it overwhelmed his thoughts as he rolled over and over again. It freaking hurt too much. His tail, left arm and chest hurt severely that it took a lot of effort to stand even with his very blurry vision. The colors mixed and match as silhouettes danced as his ears ringed. Only through his sense of smell did he know that three scents were close that he concluded it was already a melee fight. Which meant they were at a great disadvantage since he and Goofy were their teams short range defenders with Donald providing long range attacks.
Swiftly grabbing a megapotion and chugging it without forethought, he could feel his energy returning and his bruises lessening. His senses became normal in no time that he didn't think about returning the favor to Cloud.
Thrice. That was how many he got to use it now on his journey and he knew he would rely on it on future if things go sour. The boy may not like it but he has no choice.
He could feel himself becoming undone and done. The crowd's cheering in happiness became like thunders of the heavens and the scent too much for him too process and compartmentalized. His back, experiencing throbs of pain like a whip beating his spine but he could only grit his teeth in determination. It was a great mental challenge to just restrain himself.
It was with great roar that Sora charged faster with his swelling anger as his driving emotion jumping over Goofy and smashing the Keyblade overhead Cloud who defended his attack managing to make him skid backwards by his pure strength. Still it was not enough. Sora screamed as more power flowed in him that was strong and turbulent as a storm! This power hurt him. He simply could not stop it and the boy was both attracted and sickened by the feeling. Attracted for Sora felt as if a missing piece of him came back and sickened as it now lay in front of him sending him teetering him on the edge of darkness. Masterless and free this power was.
Sora roared into the sky. He willed it! He can do it! Sora felt power rushed in him and he looked at his arm. His claws shined in the light as his wrists absorbed it with its greyness. The feeling was strange as he looked at it by turning it over and over. Fascinated by it. What was I supposed to be doing? Confusion muddled his mind as he tried to remember what was it that he was doing but couldn't. It was nagging him.
Looking ahead Sora saw two strange animal walkers fighting a cleaver man. He licked his lips at the sight of the duck. It looked tasty.
Strange, he said to himself because when he flexed his back pain came from it.
"Sora!" the duck called as they ran towards him with the cleaver man not far behind with a look in his eyes that he was targeting him. Did he know them? The transformed Sora tried to remember. Ah, he thought in joy and anger that he remembered somehow. They were part of his pack. Right?
Anger flared as he how dare someone attack what was his!? He'll rue the day he did. Giant cleaver knife or not! The wild Sora roared at the man and he grinned when he saw the man tremble in his power as he flew back with the knife stopping his sliding. Angry he may be but he loved a good challenge.
"How dare you!" shouted Sora. No one hurts his pack. No one hurts him!
Swiping his claws at the man, dark energy from is hands launched at this man at an alarming late but his prey cut it down with a swipe of his knife.
Sora smelled the two animals and found out he was right. They were his as the two had his scent on them. He nuzzled the two gently and stood on all fours growling at the one who dare hurt those belonging to his and dashing towards him.
Queerily, his target grew wings too. A single wing. When the man brought down his sword upon him, the emotion driven cat hybrid held it on one hand as he slides back by its force and he could feel pain flaring on his left arm. He then brought his free claw to get back at him but this human proved to be stronger as he caught it no problem. Even so, he could feel their hands shaking as they battled for strength. Smirking, Sora didn't give the man a chance as he hurriedly seconded it with his free hand but the man was strong to defend himself against his power.
His senses detected his two strange packmates catching up to him and the duck chanting spells just as Cloud backed away as the dog stood in front of him to cover him from another piercing strike of the man that sent his ally careening back to him which he caught.
"Thanks Sora," said the dog.
Not one to just give up pursuit, the wild form of Sora dashed forward chased Cloud launching waves of dark energy from his claws that was rebounded by the swordsman easily but rumbling of thunder.
They fought long and hard and now Sora along with his packmates stood wearily in front of a now nearly defeated Cloud on his knees. The wild form of the brunet hybrid was crouching on all fours baring his sharp canine teeth and Donald's harsh breathing right next to him as he used his staff for support and Goofy was the one that the least tired of them three since he was only huffing roughly with hands on his knees. It was long and tough and the three of them sustained many injuries but sheer teamwork had done it and defeated his prey.
Cloud had a looked that said defiance. A silent defiance as he didn't utter on word on their fight. The crowds all around them cheered. Their shouts like a symphony of thunder, earthquake and cyclone to Sora's sensitive hearing.
Approaching the beaten man, he had only enough time to as he jumped back when a giant clawed foot smashed Cloud causing dust clouds that blinded them upon impact.
He growled back at a three-headed monster that was threatening them. Smoke billowed out of its mouth and glared at them with its red eyes. The creature reeked of darkness, the very same scent that Hades had.
"Cerberus!" a civilian shouted as everyone then ran in panic. The crowd was in chaos running out of the place but Sora ignored that for glaring at the monster that dared take his target from him.
This giant three-headed dog and him had a stare down before Cerberus snapped at him but a new presence, a man wearing a light armor stopped the middle heads' jaw with its bare hands alone. The man radiated great power.
Ignoring the strange man words, he jumped. From his claws releasing those dark claw waves that cut through the air then followed it by putting his palms together crossly. "Take this!" With a feral scream, the wild form of Sora fired a flame with dark purpled hue mixed to it. He saw his pack fighting with him when he landed as the feathered one called forth reflect barriers to blow away the fires of Cerberus while the dog threw the shield.
Sora launched wave after wave of dark waves towards the three-headed predator that made it howl in pain and followed a punch by the man which sent it crashing to the wall creating a thick smoke.
Using his sensitive sense of smell eh registered the dog still attached to it and the man now carrying the injured cloud away from the battle. The man said something but he ignored for.
"Kid! I've got two words of advice for ya: Attack!" the goat man said as he ran away with the strong man.
"Look out!" He roared a warning at the two when fire cut through the air and also his balance when a great wave shook the earth with an earth-shattering roar. Cerberus proclaimed that he was the strongest but Sora wouldn't accept that. The boy will prove his strength to the bigger predator.
Somewhere he heard the mage cry as he was most likely hit by the fire amidst the now dissipating smoke. It was confirmed by Goofy's call of Donald.
Detecting a fire headed straight for him he cut it down with a dark wave and subsequently followed it with a loud chanting, "Thunder!" The element boomed as a dark yellow thunder hit Cerberus' body which arched throughout its all body making it roar a curse at Sora as one head glared at him.
The dark creature roared altogether as continuous explosions came from the ground. It chased them as the noise got near them. "Reflect!" he cried just as a pillar of dark energy hit his defense sending him flying.
His hands shook. Cerberus was tough, but not as tough as Cloud. Holding his hand out, he didn't know if it as possible. The brunet hybrid had to beat Cerberus to prove he was superior to him in every way and his thoughts chaotic and free will separate elements in each hand. The left glowed fiery red as the other one was surrounded by vapor. It was hard keeping his concentration on two spells at one as his head felt like bursting. "Take this!"
Sora's twin spells hurled towards the two head but wasn't overall affected by it. Donald's large fireball sent it back as Goofy from the stands jumped on its back and bashed Cerberus on his unguarded side.
Sora ran towards the dog fists clench, then jumped when it caused another tremor. Pulling his fist back, he, with all his might poured all he had to one single punch on its left head that made it cry in pain. The enraged boy then grabbed its skin, using it to propel himself in the air by pulling upwards like those vines from Deep Jungle and preparing for another punch.
His punch caused it to stagger making him lose his balance on its back. "Blizzaga!" Cried Donald which the sound screeching ice hitting its face.
A few more minutes of fighting the damn dog the three of them in front of Cerberus who was glaring defiantly at them before three pair of eyes closed and he fell unconscious. It was also of this moment that Sora's vision darkened and fell into the ground.
Blurred imaged rolled around him. A brown man stood in front of him slurring his words.
"-right?" A man's voice said.
"Shroow, wash shoshe," another replied.
The scene was a whole lot of blurs before he slightly came to his senses and hearing, "yor Cherows." Was all he heard before sleep overtaken him.
Sora woke up with a killer headache. His body was also in pain. Aside from sitting he couldn't do pretty much anything without his body complaining. What happened? The fight against Cloud was blur. I can't remember a thing. He shuddered. It was that same thing all over again.
"Sora, you're awake!" Goofy said happily entering his quarters. "Ya had us worried back ther' when ya collapsed."
He ignored the pain and gave Goofy a wide grin, "Yeah, sorry just tired. Overstimulation of my senses tends to let that happen. What'd I miss?"
Goofy chuckled, "Well, let's see 'ere." The man tapped his chin. "Phil named us Junior Heroes and allowed us to play in the next games. His apprentice Hercules, the one that rescued Cloud is gonna be joinin' then." Junior Heroes was better than nothing. Next time they were there, he'd bag that title of Hero and a trophy.
"Yeah! It's gonna be fun when we come back there!" He winced when pain flared in his arms as he was air pumping in joy. "We showed Phil, huh?"
"Oh yeah," Goofy suddenly said pounding his palm with the other. "Cloud said he'd like to talk to ya nex' time."
Sora yawned and looked on the other worlds that glowed as stars. "G'night Goofy. I'm going to rest first. Body's still sore."
"Night, Sora," the dog smiled at him and left him alone as he recuperated with the worried thought that he lost control of himself again.