Chapter LXXXIV: The trials of the Coliseum Final part I

Racing fast in the air Nozomi was riding on board Pegasus with Hercules and the others since her energy had been dearly drained after the battle with the dragon heartless.

She was fuelled now by horrible anxiety and urgency for the safety of Oralee but also for that of Saria and Ori who had now been reclaimed by Hades, as they continued to plough through the clouds towards the coliseum she whispered to herself, "everyone! Oralee please be okay! Please…" Cait sith hearing her on her shoulder as she said this dug his nails a little more into her shoulder as he too was just as distressed for his princess.

Riku and Mickey behind her were silent for they too were just as anxious for Oralee's safety as well as for Meg and Phil who had been left behind, this fuelled Hercules all the more as he urged for Pegasus to run on forwards as he spoke out, "c'mon Pegasus! We've got to move!" Hearing his friend and master telling him this, the white winged horse neighed loudly as he pushed himself harder.

Finally together they all broke through the cloud cover, as below them immediately was the coliseum in full view with its still as ever pristine sandy marble pillars.

Seeing it Nozomi couldn't wait any longer as she immediately jumped off of Pegasus' back and started to descend down using her own wings as she jumped quickly from orb to orb.

Seeing her leave like that Riku cried out to her, "Nozomi!" However the king knew without telling him that it was useless to try and stop her, for when her mind was set nothing could hold her back.

Making it down onto the earth in moments Nozomi ran forwards looking around for anyone at all, ahead then she saw Phil and Meg together. Immediately she ran towards them both as she cried out, "guys!"

Hearing her despite his painful state Phil sat up as he began to shout out, "hey twinkle toes! What has-"

But then he was interrupted as Nozomi called out again, "are you both okay! What's happened here! Where is-"

Suddenly then Cait sith unable to hold himself back any longer jumped off of her shoulder as he cried out running forwards, "her highness! Oralee! Where is me-"

But then he was interrupted as then that one person above all others cried out to him, "Cait sith!" Looking then he saw much to his relief and happiness was Oralee as she ran out of the coliseum doors looking breathless.

Rushing towards her quickly Cait sith jumped and once more landed in Oralee's arms as he then hugged her tightly as he cried out, "yer highness! Yer highness! Yer okay! You're all right! You-" But then as he turned to look up at Oralee's face he saw that though there was a small smile of happiness at his return there was also a great sadness too. Puzzled at this he began to ask, "yer highness…?"

At once her smile faded away as Nozomi came over finally as Pegasus Hercules Mickey and Riku reached the ground, she began to say, "Oralee you're okay! What happened here and-"

But then she was interrupted as Oralee looked at her horribly saddened as Nozomi and Cait sith finally noticed what were tear marks on her cheeks as she told them both, "it's Vincent! Hari has…" with that she started to weep once more as her pain and guilt echoed throughout her as everyone gazed at her dumbfounded.

Inside the coliseum Oralee, Phil and Meg had relayed to them what had occurred while they were gone as they finished with a long moment of silence as everyone absorbed the information that they'd been given.

Finally after this moment of silence Riku was finally the one to break it first, "so basically Hari arrived here, hurt Phil and tried to take Oralee back?"

Shuddering as she heard this Oralee squeezed Cait sith a little more as he looked at her concerned.

Riku feeling bad was quiet once more but then Phil carried on though he too didn't like it either, "yeah that's right, then after getting that fatso out of them ropes she tried to do just that but then-"

It was Mickey who interrupted him as he said, "she had a change of plans?"

Meg nodded, "yeah that's it, she said he would be a better choice for the situation and then she…she struck him with her horrible power, practically nearly shredding him to near death… after he couldn't take anymore she made Pete carry him and they both vanished into a cloud of darkness."

They were all quiet once more but then Nozomi frustrated at Hari's heartless actions cried out, "but why? Why Vincent! What is it that she-"

But then Hercules went to answer that question himself for her, "it must be for Hades… he must have something planned, another deal no doubt for us… he was never one to accept total defeat," He spoke as he was angered himself at what had transpired.

Not liking this one bit Nozomi spoke up once more venting her frustration," but it's still horrible! What is it that she wants or even Hades now! What-"

However she was interrupted again as Oralee told them looking up, "she told me…"

At this everyone looked at her with shocked eyes, but then Riku spoke up as he asked, "what?"

Pausing still feeling horrible Oralee told them all, "she told me… that, that she wants us to meet her in the Underworld… if want to see Vincent again."

Hearing this information Hercules replied instantly, "so Hades does have something planned for us!"

However Mickey was silent as he didn't think that was quite it as his hand was to his chin in thought, Riku noticed him do this but he knew that this wasn't the time to ask so only listened on as then Nozomi spoke up, "the Underworld? Where's that? How do we get there?"

It was now Meg's turn to speak up as she said, "I know how to get there, but it's a very long, dark and treacherous path."

At these words it was then that finally Cait sith spoke up as Oralee relaxed her grip a little as he said, "a long path? We don't have the time ta be long lass! We've gotta save that Vincent lad along with Saria and Ori! Who knows what them creeps might be doin at this moment! If we hesitate now we-"

Hearing him Nozomi too was just as desperate as she spoke up interrupting him, "Cait sith we all know that! I know that! And I mean we all wanna get there as fast as we can but what can you expect to get us there ultrally quick? A sky rocket or something?"

Listening to their little quarrel as it continued it was then that the referee entered once more as Hercules told them, "Calm down you guys, I can get us all there, and quickly too, so there's no need for you to both panic."

Blinking as Nozomi stopped her complaints in moments looked at Hercules as she asked, "you can? But how?"

At this Hercules revealed a secretive smile as he replied, "you'll see when we get there."

Silent as she heard him say this Nozomi had no idea whatsoever what it was that Hercules has planned, but she knew that what ever it was that she could trust him, so she spoke once more, "okay then," with that she looked to Riku and Mickey as she told them, "let's go guys!"

But then as they all started to leave with Meg and Hercules along with Cait sith following them it was then that Oralee spoke up breaking out of her hesitation, "please let me go with you!"

Turning around startled Nozomi and then others looked at her silently, but then it was Cait sith who spoke up as he ran to her and put his hands on her lap, "but yer highness! It's too dangerous for ya! I don't wanna lose you again and we-"

But the small cat was interrupted as Oralee spoke up, "I don't want to be left behind this time! It's my fault Vincent was taken! He protected me and… I, "she then looked down as she felt her pained heart as she remembered the way he had protected her from the giant and Hari too," I couldn't do anything for him…" she then looked back up determined and told them, " so I have to go! I'm partially responsible for this."

Hearing the princess as she made this brave little speech Phil stood up as he then added standing next to Oralee, "yeah I agree with ya there, plus you guys have gotta bring me too, yer gonna need a real ref for whatever happens and plus I gotta see if you guys can finally be deemed worthy to be called heroes."

Listening to them both it was clear that they were resolved no mater what, so knowing that Mickey sighed as he spoke after a few moments, "well I guess there ain't no stoppin any of you fella's is there huh?"

At this both Oralee and Phil nodded and as they did this it was then that Riku spoke, "well since we've got a full crew now, we might as well get going."

Cait sith hearing him agreed as he then jumped and hopped onto Oralee's shoulder happily as he said, "right ya are there snow drops! Now let's get movin' guys!"

Nozomi nodded as she headed forward and opened the doors for everyone, "we've got to save Ori, Saria and Vincent!" With that they all proceeded out the coliseum doors and walked on to the entrance to the Underworld.

Meanwhile down in those very depths, Pain and Panic avoided another fireball from their master as he shouted infuriated, "we were so close!" After dodging the dangerous blast they both quivering in fear raised their heads as they watched Hades.

Hari and Pete stood some distance behind him, looking at the lord of death Pete was shaking in his boots as now it seemed that Hades had become an enraged volcano, watching him with her cool as ever green eyes Hari was silent as the enraged tantrum continued, "and why did we fail?"

With that he then lifted the bottle that contained Saria and Ori who looked at Hades petrified from within it as they held onto one another as his golden eyes blazed down upon them both, "because the two of you puny little worms just had to go so soft and noble!" Finishing at this point he gazed down again at their scared forms.

Pete looking at him didn't know what to expect at all as he only continued to stare at Hades quietly, but then suddenly Hades turned and hollered at him and Hari as his eyes seared into them both, "and just what the hell were you two doing!"

Backing away immediately at this hellish force of the lord of death all Pete could do was stare at Hades petrified with fear while all Hari did was continue to stare at him unfazed as he carried on, "I gave you simple instructions! Take old one eye, then get that princess! Then what do you do! You bring me back a tattered red tramp!" Looking at Pete hatefully for a few moments as he saw him terrified he then turned his gaze to Hari," and you told me that wonder boy's powers were going to be completely gone! You promised me-"

However he was then interrupted by Hari's cold logical voice as she explained to him, "it is not I nor my accomplices fault that Hercules managed to recover."

Looking at her still gritting his teeth Hades barked at her angrily, "what!" Pete was quiet still as he could only pray that she wouldn't say anything to further upset the table.

Hari still with her arms folded then carried on with her explanation, "I definitely was able to cut the link within his heart that was the connection to his divine capabilities, but unfortunately it seems that his heart was able to connect it back again."

Staring at her Hades then asked, "Connect back again?"

Hari nodded as she then said, "yes, there was probably some kind of incident or perhaps a dire need or desire to use his strength again which was able to over come my powers and connect itself once more, though of course it would have been painful to do it in the process."

Listening to this information though it didn't please Hades at all in the slightest as he retorted, "well great! Just great then! And you think that explanation is going to make me feel better!"

Hari was quiet then as she continued to stare at him quietly as it was clear what the answer was without her having to say so, so she let him continue, "you promised me a chance! You promised me victory! And now… now we-"

However then Hari interrupted him again as she told him, "We still have an opportunity."

At this everyone looked at her dumbfounded with silence and surprise, looking at her Hades breaking out of his surprised moment he asked, "you said what?"

Continuing to stare at him with her cool eyes Hari then told him, "I said there is still an opportunity for you to win, if I am successful at what will come next."

Pete was baffled at this, what did she mean from 'what will come next?' What did she have planned, Hades looking at her then illustrated that question himself as he asked, "and what is that exactly?"

With that Hari removed her crossed arms as she then walked over to Hades and moved her head as she leant forwards and whispered to him quietly at what it was that was going to occur.

Watching on from a distance all Pete could do was stare on, he looked to Hades expression as he listened to Hari's plan, at first his expression was irritated but then after some more words his eyes widened as he looked amazed… finally after a few moments Hari finished her explanation as she looked at him with her cold seriousness still there. Quiet for a moment as Pete saw Hades' amazed expression wondered to himself 'what on earth it has Hari him?' but then Hades spoke as he asked, "you could do that?"

Hari simply nodded as she replied, "yes, if I am successful."

Further quiet for a moment Hades amazed expression lingered but then it changed as Pete saw a sharp tooth fanged smile emerge from him as he said, "well then… looks like we do still have a little ace up our sleeves…"

Pete confused at these words was still wondering what on earth was going on, but before he could question either of them there was suddenly a rumble in the ground that caused him to look to the side as well as Pain and Panic, as they looked on with widened eyes.

Hari and Hades though turning to look at the approaching force both knew instantly who was approaching them as then looking with her cold eyes, Hari spoke, " and now it begins."

Then at the very end of these words there was suddenly a huge crash as rocks and debris were sent flying everywhere along with a huge cloud of dust, then it suddenly all cleared away as it revealed a huge monstrous beast that Hades knew all too well. Cerberus, but what made him different than normal were the passengers that rode on the back of its three enormous heads (Nozomi Riku and Mickey), all three of the heads snarled infuriated as Hercules sat upon the centre head holding onto its ears.

Then after a few more moments Pegasus emerged from behind as he landed on the ground next to Cerberus looking on just as fiercely with Oralee, Cait sith, Phil and Meg upon his back.

Looking at the group of heroes as they arrived on their unusual modes of transportation Hades was now though perfectly relaxed as he spoke out holding the bottle in his hand, "oh well look who's here? Man you guys certainly know how to make an entrance don't you?"

Everyone puzzled at his relaxed reaction however quickly looked on at him with fierce determination, it was then that Hercules spoke out, "Hades!"

But then Nozomi carried as she stood up on the left Cerberus head as she summoned the Starseeker and told him, "Release Ori, Saria and Vincent right now!"

Hades hearing the pint size commanding him only smiled more as he replied, "oh and… why's that?"

Saria hearing her friend in the depths of the bottle tried to voice herself but it was impossible as the bottle stopped any chance of sound escaping, Ori seeing her depressed as she sunk to her knees comforted her as he looked up to Nozomi again with a silent desperateness.

Nozomi gritted her teeth angry at this mockery as she also saw Ori and Saria's predicament as she stared down at him, but then Mickey spoke up for her as he told the lord of death, "we're not joking around here Hades!"

But then hearing the small mouse king Hades simply waved his hand as though making the seriousness fly away as he replied relaxed still, "who ever said I was jokin around…" there was silence again as the answer was all too clear, but then seeing that it was time to get down to it Hades continued, "c'mon why don't you guys all follow me?" He said as he then started to move away with Hari following closely behind him.

At this thinking it was really weird Riku responded, "Follow you?"

Hades then turned his head as he replied, "that's right, I've got a little proposition for you all."

With that he started on his way again followed quickly by Pain, Panic and Pete who were all still unsure themselves at what he and Hari had cooked up together.

Watching as Hades walked away in his still strangely relaxed manner no one had any idea whatsoever what it was that he had planned, so watching them Cait sith spoke up, "so what now lads?"

Hercules hearing him then replied, "We follow them."

With that everyone nodded at once as they all started to walk forwards together though Nozomi and Cait sith were careful to stick close to Oralee as they all cautiously followed Hades.

Moving out of a cave mouth of some kind everyone then came forwards to see in front of them a huge green swirling bottomless vortex of some kind that swirled angrily. Looking at it Hercules recognised in moments as the same thing that he and Sora had sent Hades into so many months ago, looking at it again now it still made him nervous to even see it.

Everyone seeing it themselves looked at the horrible thing with the same mixed emotions, Nozomi seeing it put a hand to her mouth as she spoke, "man that's nasty!"

But then looking up she noticed something glowing slightly with silver light, looking up she then saw a sight that made her call out in moments, "Vincent!"

At once everyone hearing her all looked up then to see the same sight she had seen, indeed it was Vincent who was sprawled unconscious and still within a silver sphere of light, he was clearly badly damaged with his red cape even more tattered then already was with scars and scratches all over him.

Seeing him caged like this everyone was shocked, but then Hades spoke as he mocked Nozomi still standing beside the edge of the vortex, Hari still by his side with Pete and his other two minions with him, "very well observed there, soot girl, looks like you've got eyes after all."

Hearing him mocking her Nozomi immediately became angered as she then called her keyblade quickly and ran forwards shouting, "why you!"

Seeing her rush forwards Riku called out reaching his hand forwards, "Nozomi don't!"

But it was too late as she launched her attack as she made to make a jumping slash, quickly seeing her do this Pete, Panic and Pain scattered out of the way however suddenly Hades vanished in a puff of smoke in moments, seeing this startled Nozomi asked, "what the-" but then she was suddenly struck from behind by a blow from Hari as she was sent falling into the vortex. Everyone seeing this became panicked as Oralee cried out loudly, "Nozomi no!"

Phil called out quickly too, "twinkle toes!"

Feeling the blow from the attack and hearing the cries of her friends Nozomi gasped loudly as she quickly got her bearings back together as she spun and flew into the air once again as her wings came out. Then she quickly ascended, everyone seeing her do this as she emerged from the mouth of the vortex all sighed with relief.

"Well that's thank goodness," Meg spoke glad but then suddenly as she said these words there was a rumble in the ground as then huge dark grey rocks from all over flew into one place and created a platform like arena. Seeing it everyone watched as it hovered over the bottomless vortex that was underneath it as it pulsed with purple light.

Seeing this Nozomi asked puzzled, "what is-" but then she was cut short as when she tried to jump back over the edge a huge barrier emerged making her bounce back, recovering from the ricochet she quickly asked, "huh what the heck is this?" Cautiously she approached the barrier that now surrounded the pit as she tapped it gently and saw it glow at her touch, looking at it she then looked at the others who were just as puzzled as she was.

Cait sith then spoke up, "what's goin on ere?"

Glad to know she could at least hear her friends Nozomi responded just as puzzled, "I dunno? Why am I the one who is-"

But then she was interrupted as then Hades told her," you're gonna be in a little match now babe."

Hearing this Nozomi turned her head and looked up then to see Hades hovering over her next to the silver sphere that contained Vincent, seeing him Nozomi replied to him confused, " a match?"

Then suddenly in front of her Hari appeared as she told her, "That is correct."

Her sudden appearance making her jump Nozomi gasped as she then quickly jumped away from her and landed on the platform that had been created for them, as she got up hastily quick Nozomi saw that Hari too had now descended though she landed with more grace and ease as her metallic wings folded back into her.

Everyone watching as the two of them landed on the platform, looked on in silence as Hades descended and landed on the platform himself with Vincent still in the sphere beside him. Looking at Vincent in his imprisoned state still made Nozomi angered but she listened quietly as Hades relayed his little arrangement to her, "now here's what we're gonna have happen here, you and miss cool girl here are gonna have a match and the winner takes all."

Hearing him say this Nozomi asked curiously," take all?"

But then at these words Hades revealed the bottle that contained Ori and Saria and popped it open, in moments the two lights that were her friends rushed out in a mist like wind as it connected to the sphere and forced them both to enter. Ori and Saria materialised in moments as they smacked the sphere trying to call out to her still. Seeing this she cried out, "Saria! Ori!" But it was too late as once more Hades ascended into the air with the three imprisoned captives as they were forced to watch the match from above.

Watching as they were taken above Nozomi was silent but then she heard Hari speak once again, "I expect you understand what Hades means, do you not? Nozomi?"

Hearing her speak she was quietly irritated at her cool tone, for she knew practically nothing about this girl, but she knew she still hated her for what she was causing, so she replied trying to be cool herself, "of course I did… but you'll have to enlighten me, what exactly are you going to win from this little match?"

Hari listening to her little query bowed her head as she closed her eyes and made her reply, "well as you already know, Hades obviously does not care for those nobodies, nor Vincent," she then looked up again opening her cold eyes, "and neither do I."

Gritting her teeth at this Nozomi held herself back as she listened to Hari's cold answer, "so… what we have arranged is thus, if you are able to be win against me then your friends will be free and unscathed with no strings attached…"

Assuming this all ready Nozomi felt irritated that this girl was treating her like a child as she then made her go on, "and what exactly do you get?"

Seeing that her opponent wished to know Hari told her simply," if I am victorious… your princess will be ours once more… but more than that, I shall take your treasure power and all…"

Hearing this last part Nozomi was baffled, 'treasure?' She thought to herself, what treasure could she be talking about? But then looking to her right hand at the very weapon in her hand she immediately came up with the assumption as she replied smiling, "oh sure all right then…" with that she pointed her keyblade at Hari in a fighters stance as she told her, "if you can beat me that is!"

Seeing her do this stance Hari immediately did the same as she too pointed her own keyblade 'the one winged angel," at her, her green eyes in sharp cold focus.

Riku and Mickey both hearing this though really knew what Hari's words meant as Riku tried to call out to her, "you idiot! Don't agree to that! You don't know what-"

But then he was stopped as the barrier around the vortex shone more and instantly became sound proofed stopping any sound from their side reaching Nozomi's ears. Hades watching on from above simply cleaned out one of his ears as he spoke bored, 'I think that's enough of the pleasantries, now it's time to rumble!" He shouted out loudly waving his arms as the battle instantly commenced.