Chapter 25: Trapped in Dracula's Castle
In the mysterious tower, Eilonwy is training with her rapier while casting some magic spells while the Alicorn, as well as seven dwarves are watching her train.
"Very well done, Eilonwy! You're betting getter, er, getting better." One of the dwarves, who is wearing glasses said.
"Golly, the way she moves, she's full of grace, it makes me wanna smile more." The other dwarf, who is smiling said while other dwarf also smiling nods.
"She thinks she's not as good, but I think she's amazing." The other dwarf blushing said.
"Bah! I ain't impressed! All she's doing is movin' that thing around! Nuttin' special!" The other dwarf angry said.
"Don't lie, Grumpy! You know she's... ACHOO...! She's great!" The other dwarf sneezing said.
"Huh? What's that? Oh, did I miss her training again?" The other dwarf sleeping asked.
"You have done well, Eilonwy and you have also done well with your missions." The Alicorn said.
"I appreciate your words, Princess Luna. Thank you and you seven as well." Eilonwy said.
"Why you've nothing to thank for. Why, when you were first brought here..." The first dwarf was cut off.
"I said we didn't want ya around, but Doc, Luna, and even Yen Sid insisted and I just got used to you being here." Grumpy said, crossing his arms.
"Okay, Grumpy, whatever you say." Eilonwy said.
"Say, Eilonwy, have you found your friend yet during your missions?" The smiling dwarf asked.
"Oh, no, Happy. I haven't. I just hope he's still out there somewhere." Eilonwy said.
"I sure hope you'll find him soon. I think he might be lookin' for you too." The blushing dwarf said.
"I sure hope so, Bashful." Eilonwy said.
Just then, three faries wearing red, blue, and green arrive.
"Hello, Eilonwy." The red fairy said.
"Flora, Fauna, Merryweather, it's great to see you." Eilonwy said.
"Oh, yes it is. Sadly, it's not a casual meeting." Fauna said.
"Master Yen Sid has a new mission for you." Merryweather said.
"Oh, okay then." Eilonwy said.
"Be careful, Eilonwy." Doc said.
"Please come back safely." Happy said.
"We'll wait for you." Bashful said.
"Wake me when she comes back." Sleepy said.
"Hmph! I don't care if you come back safely or not! I don't wanna see you again!" Grumpy said, crossing his arms and turning away.
"Be goo...goo...ACHOO! Be good now." Sneezy said while Dopey nods.
"I still don't agree with Yen Sid's methods, but I shall look forward to hearing your results." Luna said.
"Thank you. I promise I will be back." Eilonwy said, leaving.
Arthur, Sora, Donald, Goofy, Twilight, Tod, Tor, Amity, Kirby, Katara, Robin, and Maka and Soul leave Halloween Town and return to the Gummi ship to head for the next world.
"So, world to go to next?" Katara asked.
"Good question. I guess we'd better go check to see if there's another one." Donald said.
"Okay. Let's get moving." Sora said.
The Gummi ship starts flying while shooting down Heartless ships and dodging space obstacles and meteorites while passing through a row of rings and after a few minutes of flying, something appears in front of the Gummi ship and it's what looks like a black and red portal.
"Gawrsh, what's that?" Goofy asked.
"It looks like some sort of portal." Twilight said.
"Could be one of those portals to take us to a new world?" Arthur asked.
Just then, the Gummi ship starts sucking into the portal.
"Whoa, the hell's goin' on?" Soul asked.
"The ship! It's being sucked into that portal!" Donald said.
"This could be a trap!" Robin said.
"Donald, get us outta here!" Amity said.
"I'm trying, but nothing's working!" Donald said, as the suction is getting stronger.
"It's no use! The portal's force is getting stronger!" Maka said.
"Everyone, hang on!" Arthur said, as the portal sucks up the Gummi ship into it.
(World of Demon Castle)
In what looks like a dark throne room, a man with pale skin, white hair and mustache, wearing black and red royal attire, black cape, and black cape is sitting on the throne and is talking to two figures, who are Dr. Facilier and Maleficent.
"This castle, it's more than just a mere abode, but a living creature of chaos itself." Maleficent said.
"Such a thing to defy the laws of man and logic. A perfect domain for the Prince of Darkness himself and a perfect place for the Heartless as well." Dr. Facilier.
"Your compliments are of no necessity, but enough talk. That is not why you are here. You seek the Keyhole to this world, yes?" The man asked.
"Indeed, but merely to bring it to..." Maleficent was cut off.
"Yes, the dark world of the Heartless itself. I, for one, approve of such a thing, as many hearts and souls would be trapped in that world for all eternity. It is my understanding that you too seek thr door to the heart of worlds?" The man asked.
"How did you come across that information?" Dr. Facilier asked.
"Hmhmhm, the way you too have: The Seeker of Darkness himself, but also a servant of the Death Lord. Such a thing has interested me. A door leading to the heart of worlds themselves. Whoever controls it controls its power and everything. I MUST have it." The man said.
"And that is why we have come to form a partnership, Lord Dracula." Dr. Facilier said, tipping his hat.
"Yes. We have a common goal. We are working to getting to the door itself. Join us, Dracula and we shall rule everything TOGETHER!" Maleficent said.
"And here is the best part; I even captured the ones, who will cause nothing but trouble for you. They are imprisoned as we speak. Consider them as a token of my offer of our partnership." Dracula said.
"I LOVE the way you think! However, they will..." Dr. Facilier was cut off.
"As this is my world, I see everything. I can watch their movements and what they will do. They will not survive my world and I shall ensure the Keyhole remains unsealed." Dracula said.
Meanwhile in what looks like a dark dungeon, someone is unconscious in a cell and it's Arthur, but someone starts licking his face to try and wake him up, which is Tod and Arthur starts opening his eyes.
"Ugh... What happened to me...? Where am I?" Arthur asked groggily and looking around, but then remembers. "That's right! We were going to another world, but then a portal appeared and sucked us up and now...we're here?" Arthur asked, looking around the cell. "Where's everyone else?" Arthur asked, but sees Sora also unconscious. "Sora!" Arthur said, running to the Keybearer. "Sora, wake up!" Arthur said, shaking the spiky haired teen.
Sora starts to open his blue eyes and his vision gets hazy, but it later clears and he sees Arthur.
"Artie...? How'd we end up here?" Sora asked.
"You remember that portal while we were heading for the next world?" Arthur asked.
"Yeah... Oh, yeah! It sucked us up and we couldn't get away! Just what was that about?" Sora asked.
"I'm not sure..." Arthur said.
"Whatever happened, we need to find a way outta here." A voice said and they see Twilight and with her are Donald, Goofy, Tor, Amity, Kirby, Katara, Robin, and Maka and Soul.
"Thank goodness you're all okay." Arthur said.
"Back at ya, Blondie." Soul said.
"C'mon, we gotta get moving. We can't stay here." Katara said.
"Katara's right. We have to leave right now." Donald said.
"Right." Sora said, but finds the bars locked down. "There has to be a way to break this thing down." Sora said.
"I think I have an idea." Arthur said, as the group ram at the bars together and they manage to bring the bars down and escape.
"We did it." Goofy said.
"Too early to celebrate." Robin said.
"Right, we have to move now." Amity said and Kirby nods.
"But wait, we don't have our weapons." Donald said, trying to find his staff.
"Oh, no! They must have been confiscated while we were in that cell." Maka said.
"Good thing they didn't take me." Soul said.
"And it looks like I still have my Keyblade." Sora said, summoning his Keyblade.
"Looks like we'll have find our weapons first." Arthur said, but Tod points at something and they see what look like floating hooded monsters carrying lanterns moving around the halls.
"Something tells me it won't be easy." Tor said.
"Don't worry, Maka, Soul, Am, Tod, and I can handle them, so can get your weapons." Sora said.
"Thanks." Arthur said.
(Field Theme: Demon Castle)
(Dungeon Halls)
(Information: Sneak your way past the enemies and get your weapons back!)
Arthur, Donald, Goofy, Twilight, Tor, Kirby, Katara, and Robin begin sneaking the dungeon halls past the hooded enemies while they backs are turned while checking cell after cell to find their missing weapons and later, they find another cell and find a chest, which Arthur opens, revealing to be Excalibur, Donald's staff, Goofy's shield, Twilight's tome, Tor's sword and shield, Kirby's hammer, Katara's waterskin, and Robin's bow and arrows.
"Finally, we got 'em!" Twilight said, as Sora, Tod, Amity, and Maka and Soul join them.
"Awesome! You got your weapons back!" Sora said.
"Yeah, now we can find a way out of this place. Giving me the creeps." Arthur said.
"I dunno. I'm somewhat diggin' this place." Soul said.
"Let's start by leaving this dungeon. I dunno who owns this place, but I get the feeling there's more to this place." Amity said.
"Yeah, like it's watchin' us or somethin'." Goofy said, looking around.
"Maybe, but we gotta get out of here. As quick as possible." Katara said and they nod.
(Information: Escape from the castle!)
The group start moving through the dungeon halls to escape, but then, the same hooded monsters with lanterns, as well as Wight Knight Heartless, Heartless with spiked red and blue armor and longer crimson claws, and bat like creatures with glowing red eyes appear.
"yOu ShAlL nOt EsCaPe FrOm ThIs CaStLe!" One of the hooded monsters said.
"Oh, great. So much for sneaking out." Donald said, taking out his staff.
"Then we'll do this the hard way!" Sora said, taking out his Keyblade.
"Good enough for me!" Tor said.
(Battle Theme: Vampire Killer)
(Information: Defeat the Heartless and other monsters!)
The hooded monsters known as the Pyromancers use their lanterns to unleash streams of flames while the Wight Knight Heartless attack with their claws, but Arthur casts Paralyze to stun them and then delivers three slashes with Excalibur followed by casting Frostra while Sora vertical slashes with Kingdom Key followed by a diagonal slash and then casts Thundra. The other Heartless known as Dread Soldiers attack with their long claws followed by a somersault slash attacks while the bat like creatures known as Vampire Bats fly around and deliver attacks with their wings, only for Twilight to cast Attractra to bring the enemies to her to unleash a magic blast while Donald casts Gravira followed by casting Earthra, but the Pyromancers shoot fireballs from their lanterns. Goofy blocks the fireballs with his shield and then uses Charge while Tor uses Dancing Blade, but the Dread Soldiers deliver spinning attacks with their longer claws while the Wight Knights deliver dancing attacks with their claws, only for Kirby to inhale a Dread Soldier, becoming Dread Solider Kirby and then attacks with his long claws. The Vampire Bats fly around and try to attack from above with their talons, only for Amity to summon a giant Abomination fist to deliver an uppercut while Maka uses Reaper Dance, but the Pyromancers unleash more flames to attack, only for Katara to unleash streams of water to counter. The Dread Soldiers leap around while attacking with their claws while the Wight Knights deliver spinning dance attacks, only for Tod to use Skullbash while Robin uses Arrow Rain, but the Pyromancers and the Vampire Bats keep attacking, but Sora uses Strike Raid while Arthur casts Voltra and they defeat the enemies.
"There, done." Soul said, reverting back to his human form.
"Now, let's..." Amity was cut off, as skeletons come to life and are carrying swords and shields while werewolves appear.
"Oh, come on..." Maka said.
"Now THIS?!" Donald asked.
"There's nooooo escape! You're DOOOOOOOMED!" One of the skeletons said.
"Here they come..." Twilight said.
"Bring it!" Tor said.
(Information: Fight off the enemies!)
The skeletons begin slashing with their swords while the Werewolves attack with their claws, but Arthur casts Hypno to make the enemies sleep and then diagonal slashes with Excalibur followed by Magic Pulse while Sora delivers four slashes with his Keyblade, but the Werewolves deliver spin slashes with their claws while the Skeletons deliver bashing attacks with their shields, but Twilight casts Quakra followed by casting Gale while Donald casts Fira. The Werewolves dash around and then lunge to attack with their fangs while the Skeletons leap to attack with their swords, but Tor uses Parry and counters to attack with his sword while Goofy uses Tornado while Tod uses Growl, only for the Skeletons to deliver double slashes with their swords. Amity uses her Abomination to use Shoulder Tackle while Kirby uses Hammer Spin, but the Skeletons bash with their shields and then flip attack with their swords while the Werewolves slash with their claws, only for Katara to use Freeze and then slashes with ice blades while Robin uses Windmill Bow while Maka uses Scythe Wheel. The Werewolves pounce to strike at the group with their fangs while the Skeletons spin slash with their swords, only for Sora to use Sonic Blade while Arthur uses Mjolnir and the group manage to defeat all the enemies, as they return to their normal stances.
"Well, that was new." Katara said.
"They didn't appear to be Heartless..." Arthur said.
"No, they oughta be the enemies of this world." Twilight said.
"Well, let's go before more come back." Sora said.
"Poyo!" Kirby said, nodding.
The group make their way through the dungeon halls and they later come across a door, but as they reach for the door, something appears and it's what looks like a giant black and blue orc monster with chains around its body, wearing spiked green armor, and carrying a giant hammer with spikes.
"Ugh, not ANOTHER one!" Robin said.
"PRISONERS NOT ESCAPE FROM LORD DRACULA'S CASTLE! MUST CRUSH YOU!" The orc said.
"Big, dumb, and ugly. Great combo, buddy." Soul said, getting into his scythe form.
"Let's beat this thing, so we can leave." Amity said, conjuring pink magic.
"Here we go..." Arthur said.
(Boss Theme: Shrouding Dark Cloud)
(Information: Defeat the Orc Jailor!)
The Orc Jailor begins swinging its hammer to try and deal damage to the group, only for Arthur to block and counter slashes with Excalibur followed by a roundhouse slashes and then uses Crescent Slash while Sora double diagonal slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Ripple Drive and then casts Water, but the Orc Jailor uses its chains to try and trap the group and then spin attacks all over with its hammer. Both Goofy and Tor block the hammer spin attack with their shields and then Goofy uses Goofy Turbo while Tor gets on his shield and delivers a spinning sword slash, only for the Orc Jailor to slam its hammer on the ground, causing a quake and then shock waves attack, but Tod uses Tackle to strike, only for the Orc Jailor to double swing its hammer followed by a slamming attack. Donald casts Blizzara followed by casting Thundra while Twilight shoots magic bolts followed by casting Quakra, but the Orc Jailor uses its chains to try and trap the group, who dodge, only for the Orc Jailor to leap at the group and tries to slam its hammer to strike while unleashing more shock waves. Kirby uses Hammer Somersault while Amity summons two giant Abomination fists, as they transform into hammers and crush together, but the Orc Jailor spins while swinging its hammer to try and strike the group, who avoid the spinning hammer swing and Katara uses Freeze and then sends out water blasts while Robin uses Arrow Rain while Maka uses Scythe-nado. The Orc Jailor continues to swing its hammer around to try and get the group, who manage to avoid the hammer attacks and Arthur delivers four slashes with Excalibur followed by a somersault slash while Sora uses Strike Raid and they finish off the Orc Jailor, who falls to the ground.
"That's it? That was easy!" Sora said, grinning.
"Let's go before..." Maka was cut off.
"Didn't yer parents teach you it ain't polite to leave without sayin' goodbye?" A voice asked.
"Oh, no..." Katara said, as they see Gideon.
"Oh, and it looks like yer new playmate kicked the bucket." Gideon said.
"Did you bring us to this world, Gideon?" Twilight asked.
"Actually, no. It was our new friend, the Prince of Darkness himself; Lord Dracula. Y'see, once yer in his castle, there's NO escape! Yer his new prisoners and I intend to keep it that way!" Gideon said, unleashing darkness, surrounding the Orc Jailor, who gets back up and is now all black while its eyes are bright yellow, the armor is now black, as well as the chains, and the spiked hammer is also black.
"You gotta be kiddin'!" Soul said.
"This isn't fair!" Amity said.
"Well, tough squash! Have fun, y'all!" Gideon said, disappearing in darkness.
"Here we go again..." Tor said.
(Information: Defeat Dark Orc Jailor!)
Dark Orc Jailor triple swings its hammer and then slams its hammer on the ground, unleashing dark shock waves, but the group dodge and Arthur aerial slashes with Excalibur followed by casting Frostra while Sora horizontal slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Blitz and then casts Earthra, but Dark Orc Jailor charges at the group while trying to bash with its hammer to attack, only for Tod to use Skullbash and deal some damage. Dark Orc Jailor spins while swinging its hammer while unleashing dark energy to attack the group, who manage to avoid, as Donald casts Fira followed by casting Gravira while Twilight unleashes magic blades followed by casting Gale, but Dark Orc Jailor leaps very high and then tries to slam its hammer at the group while unleashing dark waves. Goofy uses Goofy Bash while Tor uses Dancing Blade, only for Dark Orc Jailor to throw its hammer all over while leaving behind dark trails, but Kirby uses Hammer Throw to deal some damage while Amity uses her Abomination to use Hammer Fist. Dark Orc Jailor uses its hammer to unleash Skeletons to attack, only for Katara to use Ice Rain to attack the Skeletons and Dark Orc Jailor while Robin uses Cyclone Arrow, but Dark Orc Jailor swings its hammer while unleashing more darkness to attack, but Maka delivers three swings with her scythe followed by Reaper Dance, only for Dark Orc Jailor to jump high in the air to slam at the group.
Amity shoots three pink fireballs to strike at Dark Orc Jailor while Twilight unleashes magic orbs followed by casting Blazra, but Dark Orc Jailor summons a dark hole and jumps into it and reappears and sends out more Skeletons to attack while slamming its hammer to send out dark waves, only for Tor to uses Sword Spin to defeat the Skeletons and strikes Dark Orc Jailor itself. Dark Orc Jailor roars with rage and wildly swings its hammer while unleashing waves of darkness and then throws its hammer while leaving behind trails of darkness, only for Donald to cast Aero for protection and then casts Earthra while Tod delivers a tail whipping strike, but Dark Orc Jailor retaliates with spinning around while swinging its hammer and unleashing darkness, only for Maka to use Scythe Wheel. Dark Orc Jailor creates another dark hole and jumps into it and then reappears and unleashes orbs of darkness to attack the group, only for Goofy to block with his shield and then uses Tornado while Kirby uses Stone, but Dark Orc Jailor jumps high in the air to slam at the group. The group avoid the slamming hammer attack, as well as dark waves and Katara creates ice blades and delivers many slashes with them while Robin uses Windmill Bow, only for Dark Orc Jailor to throw his hammer while leaving trails of darkness, but Sora uses Sonic Blade while Arthur uses Mjolnir and they finish off Dark Orc Jailor.
Dark Orc Jailor roars in pain while falling to the ground and disappears in darkness.
"Finally done." Maka said.
"About time!" Donald said.
"Now can we PLEASE get out of this place?" Amity asked.
"Right, here we go." Sora said, as they go for the door, opening it and taking them to a different area.
(Garden of Illusions)
The group are now outside with the skies crimson red while a crescent moon is hanging in the sky and they are now in what looks like a garden with many giant roses, pulsating vines all over the ground and castle walls, many dead trees, black fog hanging in the air, and poison puddles on the ground.
"Gawrsh, just what kinda world did we end up in?" Goofy asked.
"I honestly don't wanna know, Goofy." Tor said.
"If we're outside, then there should be a gate." Arthur said.
"Find that gate!" Soul said.
"And avoid any poison if possible." Maka said.
The group begin moving through the garden while avoiding the poison puddles, but as they keep moving, a dead tree's branch starts to move and it touches Tod, making him growl.
"What's wrong, Tod?" Arthur asked, turning to see what Tod is growling at, but nothing.
"C'mon, we don't have time to play around!" Donald said.
The group start moving again, but the same dead tree's branch moves again and it touches Donald.
"Stop that!" Donald yelled.
"It's not me, Donald." Goofy said.
"Guys, come on." Katara said.
"We're wasting time if we stay around here." Amity said.
The dead tree's branch starts moving again, only for Twilight to cast Blazra on the tree branch, making the dead tree come to life while revealing an evil face with red eyes and sharp teeth.
"I knew something was playing a trick on us!" Twilight said.
"Ya like games, huh?" Sora asked, taking out his Keyblade.
"Well, here's a game you're gonna love!" Robin said, as Dire Plant Heartless, Gargoyle Heartless, and woman with snake hairs appear.
"It's got friends!" Amity said.
"Well, we have US!" Sora said.
(Information: Defeat the Heartless and monsters!)
The dead tree monster known as Wither Willow attacks the group with its branches and then unleashes wooden spikes while the Dire Plant Heartless fire seeds to attack, but Arthur casts Blazra to strike at the enemies followed by casting Voltra while Sora aerial slashes with Kingdom Key followed by casting Fira, only for the Gargoyle Heartless to fire blue fireballs while the snake hair monsters known as Gorgons use their snakes to bite. Twilight casts Shellra and then then unleashes magic blades while Donald casts casts Gravira followed by casting Blizzara, but the Wither Willow fires wooden needles to attack the group, who dodge, only for the Gorgons to try to turn the group into stone, but Tod uses Bite, only for the Dire Plants to unleash vines to attack. Tor uses Fire Mote on his sword and horizontal slashes while unleashing fire to deal burning damage while Goofy uses Goofy Bash, but the Gargoyles vanish and reappear and attack with their wings while Wither Willow attacks with its branches, only for Amity to shoot pink fireballs. The Dire Plants fire more seeds while the Gorgons slither around and use their snake hairs to bite and unleash poison, but Kirby uses Hammer Throw while Katara shoots ice needles, only for the Wither Willow to unleash more wooden spikes to deal damage, but Robin uses Arrow Barrage while Maka uses Scythe Throw. The Wither Willow fires more wooden needles to attack followed by unleashing wooden spikes from the ground, only for Arthur to deliver five slashes with Excalibur followed by casting Blazra while Sora vertical slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Blitz and then casts Fira and they defeat all the enemies.
"I dunno how many more strange enemies we'll run into, but the second we stay here, the more we'll encounter them." Tor said.
"Let's hurry and hopefully, we'll leave this crazy world." Katara said and they nod.
The group continue moving through the garden while dealing with the black fog and avoiding more poison puddles, but as they keep moving through the garden, they find what looks like a large pool of poison.
"Oh, no..." Arthur said.
"How're we supposed to get past THIS?" Robin asked.
"Twilight, Amity!" Donald said.
"Right." Twilight said, as she, Amity, and Donald cast a magic barrier.
"This is barrier should protect us from the poison, so we can cross." Amity said.
"But we need to hurry, we can't hold the barrier for too long." Twilight said.
"Okay, let's move quickly." Sora said.
The group start moving across the pool of poison, as Donald, Twilight, and Amity use their magic to keep the barrier going and later, they reach the end of the poison pool and are now on the other side of the garden.
"Finally, now where's that exit?" Soul asked.
"Somewhere." Goofy said.
The group keep going through the garden, but then, Kirby sees something and it's what looks like a blue shining orb.
"Poyo?" Kirby asked.
"What's that?" Arthur asked.
"Maybe something that might help?" Robin suggested.
"Hold on. Should we even touch it?" Katara asked.
"Better safe than sorry." Donald said.
"I don't think there's much of a choice, considering there's nothing left around here." Maka said.
Sora goes for the orb and touches it, transporting the group to a different part of the garden and they are now in what looks like an area with thorned hedges.
"Are we still in the garden?" Tor asked.
"Yes, but somewhere different." Twilight said.
"How big IS this place?" Sora asked.
"Look!" Donald said, pointing at three more glowing orbs.
"Three more?" Amity asked.
"But which one to choose from?" Goofy asked.
"Hmm, we should try the one in the middle." Arthur suggested.
"Okay, let's do it." Sora said, as they go for the middle orb, which teleports them somewhere else.
The group are now in a different section of the garden with more pulsating vines and black fog and they come across more Wight Knights and Gargoyles, who attack, but Arthur triple slashes with Excalibur while Sora delivers five slashes with Kingdom Key and they defeat the Heartless and keep going and they later find another glowing blue orb, so Sora touches it, sending the group somewhere and they're later back to the beginning of the garden.
"Huh?" Goofy asked.
"Are we back where we started?" Maka asked, looking around.
"It has to be different." Sora said.
"No, it does look like where we started." Katara said.
"Ugh, guess we'll have to pay attention to the orbs we touched." Arthur said and Tod nods.
The group go for the orb and touch, taking them back to the area with three orbs and this time, they go for the orb on the left, sending them to another section of the garden with pulsating roses, thorned hedges, and more poison puddles, where they find more Heartless and monsters, such as Gorgons and Wither Willows, but they defeat the enemies and they find another glowing orb, so Sora touches it, taking them back to the beginning.
"Oh, no. Don't tell me..." Robin stops talking.
"Not again!" Soul yelled.
"Okay, we should know the orbs we used. Let's try and pick a different one." Twilight said.
The group go for the first glowing orb again and then go for the next glowing orb on the right, taking them to another area with black fog and more dead trees, but they come across more Wither Willows and Wight Knights, only for the group to defeat them and they find another glowing orb, which they use to take them to another section of the garden with many puddles of poison and pulsating vines. As the groupkeep moving through the section, they come across Dire Plants and monsters that look like Goblins and they attack, but the group fight them off and keep moving, only to come across pulsating vines blocking the way, so Arthur, Sora, Donald, and Twilight use their fire to burn down the vines, allowing them to move on and they find another glowing orb. The orb sends the group to another section of the garden and they find many thorned pulsating vines, sharp roses, and a giant pool of poison erupting and as the group keep moving, they see Gorgons, Goblins, and Wither Willows appearing and surrounding the group.
"Outta the way!" Sora said.
"We're getting outta here one way or another!" Arthur said.
The Gorgons uses their snake hairs to bite at the group and unleash poison while the Goblins attack the group with their cleavers, but Arthur casts Hyrdro to protect himself from damage and then delivers four slashes with Excalibur followed by Magic Pulse while Sora vertical slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Ripple Drive and then casts Gravira, but the Wither Willows unleash wooden spikes from the ground and attack the group. Tod uses Growl while Kirby uses Hammer Spin, only for the Gorgons to try and turn the group into stone while the Goblins diagonal slash with their cleavers, but Maka horizontal slashes with her scythe followed by Scythe Wheel, but the Wither Willows attack with their branches while unleashing wooden needles. Tor blocks with his shield and uses his Fire Mote to deliver slashes with his sword while unleashing flames, dealing burning damage while Robin uses Arrow Barrage, only for the Goblins to spin slash with their cleavers while the Gorgons slither around and use their snake hairs to bite. Donald casts Stop, freezing them and then casts Blizzara while Katara double water whips followed by unleashing ice daggers, but the Wither Willows unleash more wooden spikes while the Gorgons try to turn the group into stone, only for Twilight to cast Hypno, making the monsters sleep and then unleashes magic beams. The Goblins leap to attack with their cleavers while the Gorgons unleash poison gas, only for Goofy to use Goofy Turbo while Amity uses her Abomination to create an axe and flail and delivers many attacks with them, but the Wither Willows attack with their branches while the Goblin slash with their cleavers while the Gorgons spread poison, but Arthur casts Voltra while Sora casts Earthra and they defeat the monsters.
The group manage to find what looks like a vined bridge, so they cross it, taking them to the other side of the garden and they find a gate and open it, taking them to another area.
(Courtyard)
The group are now in what looks like a courtyard and find a stone platform in the section with a red pentagram and they also find a door leading into a giant castle, but a purple magical barrier is blocking the door.
"So, we're in a world that has a giant castle?" Arthur asked.
"Didn't Gideon say somethin' about bein' prisoners in a castle?" Goofy asked.
"Yeah, this Prince of Darkness or whatever, but who cares. We need to find a way out." Tor said.
"I don't see anywhere else to go, but the castle." Robin said.
"You mean we have to go in there?" Donald asked.
"You chicken?" Soul asked, smirking.
"Don't be ridiculous!" Donald said.
"But HOW can we get in? It's blocked off by magic." Maka said.
"Hmm..." Twilight looks around to find five different sections of the courtyard. "Maybe if we check out some of these areas around here, we'll might find a way to open the door." Twilight said.
"It's worth a shot." Sora said.
"Okay, let's decide where to go first." Amity said.
The group begin moving through the courtyard and go for the first section, where they find imps and a pool of acid.
"Ugh, more monsters?" Tor asked.
"Wait, I think I have an idea. It's rather cruel, but..." Twilight stops talking.
"Eh, they're monsters. Who cares." Soul said.
Twilight uses her magic to lift the imps and throws them into the acid pool while Amity does the same thing and after the imps are in the acid pool, a portal appears, so the group go into it, taking them back to the main yard and they see a black flame on one of the points of the pentagram.
"Hey, a flame appeared." Goofy said.
"So, if we do something in different area,s more flames will be lit?" Arthur asked.
"Maybe. Let's give it a go." Sora said.
The group go for the next section of the courtyard, where they find Skeletons on a stone platform, so the group confront the Skeletons and Arthur slashes with Excalibur while Sora slashes with his Keyblade while Donald and Twilight use their magic while Goofy bashes with his shield while Tor slashes with his sword while Amity uses her Abomination while Kirby swings his hammer while Katara attacks with water while Robin shoots arrows while Maka attacks with her scythe and after defeating the Skeletons, another portal appears. The group use the portal to take them back to the main yard, making another black flame light another point of the pentagram.
The group head for the third section of the courtyard, where they find tombstones, as well as Zombies rising from the ground, so Arthur and Sora begin destroying the tombstones, making the Zombies vulnerable, allowing the group to attack the Zombies and defeat them, making another portal appear and the group return to the main yard while another black flame appears on another point of the pentagram.
The group head for the fourth area of the courtyard, where they find dead trees, as well as Vampire Bats, so Arthur and Sora attack the dead trees and destroy them, making the Vampire Bats vulnerable, allowing the group to attack and defeat them and another portal appears, taking them back to the main yard, as another black flame lights another point of the pentagram.
The group head for the final section, where they find torches that are unlit, so Arthur and Twilight cast Blazra while Sora and Donald cast Fira on the torches and after lighting the torches, another portal appears, sending the group back to the main yard, making another black flame light the fifth point of the pentagram, making the magic barrier disappear.
"It worked!" Katara said.
"Well, into the castle." Robin said.
"Who knows what we'll run into once we go inside." Arthur said, as they go for the door and open it, taking them inside the castle.
(Castle Foyer)
The group are now inside the castle and are in a giant foyer with statues and a giant staircase.
"Gotta say, I'm not really liking this place..." Twilight said.
"It's sorta gloomy and creepy..." Arthur said.
"We'll be fine, as long as we stick together." Sora said.
The group start to move through the foyer, but as they start moving, a black and red statue of a wolf like creature with demonic wings carrying a giant crimson axe starts coming to life and jumps to confront the group while slamming its axe.
"Wak! Live statue!" Donald said, taking out his staff.
"Outta the way or we'll remove you!" Tor said, taking out his sword and shield, but the living statue prepares to fight.
"Fine, hard way it is!" Maka said.
(Boss Theme: Destiny's Force)
(Information: Defeat Guardian Statue!)
The Guardian Statue double swings its axe and then delivers a slamming strike with its axe, only for Arthur to cast Hydro to protect himself from damage and then vertical slashes with Excalibur followed by a roundhouse slash and then casts Frostra while Sora triple slashes with Kingdom Key followed by a diagonal slash and then casts Thundra, but Guardian Statue uses its demonic wings to fly into the air and slams its axe to strike. Twilight conjures a barrier and then uses Barrier Surge to strike the living statue while Maka uses Scythe-nado, only for Guardian Statue to slam its axe to cause a quake to occur and then slams its axe again to make pillars come out from the ground, but Katara uses Ice Rain and rains down ice needles to deal damage while Goofy uses Goofy Bash. Guardian Statue delivers a giant swing with its axe followed by a leaping slamming attack with its axe, only for Tor to use Parry and delivers a sword strike followed by a shield bash while Kirby multi jumps and then uses Stone to crash down to strike, but Guardian Statue uses its demonic wings to fly around and swings its axes in the air. Amity summons two giant Abomination fists to deliver an uppercut while Tod uses Skullbash, only for Guardian Statue to slam its axe to make pillars appear and then spin attacks with its axe, but Donald casts Stop, freezing the living statue and then casts Water while Robin uses Cyclone Arrow.
Guardian Statue lights its axe with blue flames and then triple slams its axe while unleashing waves of blue flames, only for the group to dodge, but Guardian Statue uses its demonic wings to fly and then throws its axe to the ground, causing a blue fiery explosion, dealing great damage, but Katara uses her Waterbending to heal and then creates ice blades and slashes with them while Amity shoots three pink fireballs. Guardian Statue leaps all over the foyer to try and slam at the group with its axe, only for the group to dodge, but Guardian Statue keeps slamming its axe while unleashing more waves of blue flames, only for Twilight to cast Paralyze, stunning the living statue and then casts Quakra while Kirby uses Hammer Throw. Guardian Statue spins all over the foyer while covering itself with blue flames to try and get the group, only for Goofy to block with his shield and then uses Tornado to counter while Robin uses Arrow Barrage, but Guardian Statue flies around while swinging its axe to unleash more blue flames, but Maka uses Reaper Dance and multi strikes with her scythe. Guardian Statue retaliates with swinging and slamming its axe to attack the group with more blue flames, but Tor uses his Water Mote on his sword to use Dancing Blade while unleashing streams of water while Donald casts Blizzara followed by casting Earthra while Tod uses Tackle. Guardian Statue flies while spinning to attack with its axe while unleashing waves of blue flames, only for Sora to cast Aero to protect himself and then uses Strike Raid and throws his Keyblade four times and delivers the final Keyblade throw while Arthur aerial slashes with Excalibur followed by summoning Crystallia, who unleashes crystal blades and they finish off Guardian Statue.
Guardian Statue struggles to keep its balane, as it crumbles apart while dropping its axe and later, Guardian Statue decays and falls.
"Well, that's a castle welcome for ya." Soul said, reverting back to his human form.
"We'd better keep our eyes open for anything. This castle has to be full of surprises." Amity said and Tod nods.
The group begin moving through the castle foyer while using the staircase to reach the upper section and they find a door and open it, taking them to a different part of the castle.
(Castle Floor 2)
The group arrive at the castle's halls and keep moving, but Goblins, Skeletons, and Imps appear to attack the group, who fight them off and keep moving through the halls and later arrive at a room, where they find a river of acid and they find more Skeletons, who attack, but Arthur horizontal slashes with Excalibur followed by a diagonal slash and then casts Gale while Sora delivers four slashes with Kingdom Key and then casts Water and they defeat the enemies. Just then, something emerges from the acid pool and it's a Chimera, who shoots fireballs while its snake tail spreads poison, but Maka uses Scythe Wheel while Robin uses Arrow Barrage while Katara throws water discs while Kirby uses Final Cutter while Amity shoots pink fireballs while Tor uses Sword Spin while Twilight shoots magic bolts while Goofy uses Charge while Donald casts Thundra while Sora casts Blizzara while Arthur casts Frostra and they defeat the Chimera.
The group continue to move through the second floor of the castle and find another staircase and starts climbing up, taking them to another door, so they open it, taking them somewhere else.
(Chamber of Imprisonment)
The group arrive at what looks like a giant chamber full of chains and torture devices and as they begin moving, they run into Gorgons, Imps, and Skeletons, only for the group to fight them off and keep moving through the chamber, where they later come across a pedestal showing a young man with brown hair, wearing a blue sleeveless tunic with brown belts, white trousers, black boots, bandages on his arms, and a white headband trapped in chains while in a dormant state.
"Looks like we're not the only people in this castle." Tor said.
"Who's he and how'd he end up here?" Maka asked.
"I dunno, but we should try and free him." Arthur said.
"Do we have to?" Donald asked.
"Yes!" Amity and Katara yelled, making the duck mage sigh.
"Look, these chains are holding him in place. If we destroy them, we'll free him." Twilight said.
"Let's do it." Sora said.
(Information: Destroy the chains to free the man!)
Arthur and Sora begin attacking the chains with their weapons and later, they destroy the chains, freeing the man, but he's still unconscious.
"We destroyed the chains, but he seems to be still trapped." Goofy said.
"What can we do?" Sora asked.
"There is nothing you fools can do. Richter Belmont is my prisoner." A voice said.
"Hey, who's there?" Soul asked.
"I am the Prince of Darkness, Lord Dracula and you must be the foolish heroes that are attempting to escape. Your resistance is futile for you, as there is no escape from my domain." Dracula said.
"We'll find a way out, but you have to let this man Richter go!" Arthur said.
"You wish freedom for the Belmont? Very well, I shall allow it, but in exchange for one of you." Dracula said.
"Wait, what?" Katara asked.
"You mean one of us have to trade places with him?" Robin asked.
"Yes. Whoever touches the Tome of Imprisonment will become entrapped and Richter Belmont will be set free." Dracula said, as the group look at a black tome on a pedestal.
"Aw, phooey..." Donald said.
"But we can't just leave one of us behind." Sora said.
"This is really problematic. Who's going to choose to take Richter's place?" Twilight asked.
"I'll do it." Arthur said, shocking everyone.
"What?!" Amity asked shocked.
"Poyo! Poyo!" Kirby said, shaking his head.
"Why you, Artie?" Sora asked.
"Because we need to press on, but we can't leave him behind, so I think it would be better if I sit this one out. Not like I'm much useful to you guys anyway..." Arthur said.
"No, please!" Katara begged.
"There has to be another way!" Sora said.
"Sora, there is NO other way. I have to do it. Besides, I'm sure there's a Keyhole somewhere in this world and you're the only person, who can seal it, Sora. You guys can handle this world without me this time." Arthur said, going for the tome.
"We'll find a way to free you." Robin said.
"Don't bother. It's for the best." Arthur said, touching the Tome of Imprisonment. "I wish to take Richter Belmont's place and set him free!" Arthur said, as chains appear and wrap around the blond boy, sending him to the pedestal while Richter regains consciousness.
"Huh? What's going on? Who are you and what're you doing here in Dracula's castle?" Richter asked.
"I'm Sora. These are Donald, Goofy, Tod, Twilight, Tor, Amity, Kirby, Katara, Robin, Maka, and Soul. We arrived at Dracula's castle because were taken here and we're trying to escape, but that's when we found you and decided to save you." Sora said.
"And the only way to do that was to have one of us take your place and our friend, Arthur, chose to do that." Maka said.
"What?" Richter asked, looking to see Arthur in chains and unconscious. "Dracula, you vile devil! Looks like our best chance to save your friend is defeat Dracula himself. That was actually my mission before I got captured." Richter said.
"Oh, boy..." Donald said.
"Heh, take on the Prince of Darkness himself? Sounds fun." Soul said, smirking.
"Please let us come with you, Richter." Katara said.
"We may not look it, but we can handle danger." Amity said.
"Well, alright. Good enough for me. Now let's get moving. We don't wanna keep Dracula waiting, do we?" Richter asked, smiling.
"Hang tight, Artie. We'll get you back somehow." Sora said, as Tod decides to stay on the pedestal with Arthur. "Okay, Tod. You can stay here and watch Artie." Sora said.
"Let's get a move on. I got a feeling this castle's gonna throw more chaos at us." Tor said, as they leave the chamber.
Meanwhile at a different chamber of Demon Castle, someone is walking down the halls and it's Bete Noire, but as he keeps moving through the chamber, he hears someone coming.
"Tch, I know you're following me. Just show yourself." Bete Noire said and approaching the chamber is Eilonwy.
"So, you're the being of darkness that's helping the Prince of Darkness." Eilonwy said.
"Just one worm after another. I'm getting tired of dealing with 'em." Bete Noire said, unleashing his azure and crimson sabres. "So, you came all this way just to die? Which type of death you prefer? Swords or darkness?" Bete Noire asked.
"Neither choice works for me! I will defeat you!" Eilonwy said, unleashing her rapier.
"Bold words, but fighting me is just stupid. Now, I'm gonna show you why!" Bete Noire said, charging at Eilonwy.
"I won't let you escape!" Eilonwy said, who charges as well, as the two clash each other to fight.
Here's Chapter 25 and finally, after dealing with problems, I've managed to get this chapter finished. Hope this was worth the wait. That's it and time to be moving on with the adventure once again. That's all from me. Chapter 26 is coming. See ya later and have a good day. Also, if you suggestions on helping with Arthur's growth as a character, kindly let me know via review or PM me and please do tell me. Also, if you've favorited and followed Two Chosen Heroes, I'd suggest you move those over to this story, as once I'm done with this story, I'm gonna remove Two Chosen soon, so it's just me saying. Anyway, later.