Chapter 34: Hooded Unknown
After the events down in the secret waterways, with Sora obtaining the Oathkeeper Keyblade and his new ally in Charizard, Sora gathered his allies in Sonic, Donald and Goofy to return to Hollow Bastion. Their mission was simple, to aid Silver and seal that Keyhole tight to stop the spread of the Heartless.
As agreed, Kairi remained behind on Traverse Town in the company of Tails, Rouge, Omega, Aerith, Yuffie and the rescued princesses prisoners of Hollow Bastion. She would be safe and protected thanks to her new friends, but also G.U.N - who had Traverse Town now on a lockdown, for the protection of everyone.
The Guardians Units of Nations defended the streets against the Heartless, who were popping up like pesky weeds. However, the firepower and intervention of G.U.N soldiers and operatives kept the world safe for now. Once the crisis was averted in Hollow Bastion, G.U.N would allow folks to return home, if they had a world to go back to.
The atmosphere aboard the Gummiship was tense, each member of the valiant quartet grappling with the weight of their impending mission. Donald, with steady hands and unwavering determination, expertly navigated the vessel through the swirling currents of space, his focus unwavering despite the gravity of their task.
Beside him, Goofy stood vigilant, his keen eyes scanning the vast expanse of the cosmos for any sign of danger. With every heartbeat, he remained ever vigilant, ready to spring into action at the first sign of trouble.
Behind the stalwart duo, Sora and Sonic exchanged wary glances, their minds consumed by thoughts of the trials that lay ahead. The fate of countless worlds hung in the balance, their success or failure hinging on their ability to seal the Keyhole and thwart Ansem's nefarious schemes.
Yet amidst the tension, a spark of camaraderie flickered to life—a shared moment of respite in the face of adversity. Sora, ever the optimist, couldn't help but smile as he spoke of his newfound ally, Charizard, a gift from Pokémon trainer Wally.
"So, you got a Pokémon now, huh?" Sonic remarked, his tone filled with curiosity. "That's pretty sweet."
Sora's smile widened as he proudly displayed the Ultra Ball containing his fiery companion.
"Charizard is a great ally," he affirmed, the faintest hint of pride in his voice. "Strong, fast, and he can shoot fire."
"Now, that is seriously cool," Sonic replied in awe, he was taken back by what this new Pokemon ally could do. "I can't wait to see him in action, hopefully torching Ansem's backside into surrender."
"We have a strong team to summon if we need backup," Donald interjected from the pilot's seat, steering through the lanes between worlds in haste.
"Gawrsh, who do we have now, Sora?" Goofy inquired, turning to his friend with a sheepish grin. "Your summon team is so large now, that I can't remember all their names."
Sora chuckled softly at Goofy's forgetfulness, patiently listing off their formidable allies one by one. As he spoke, the weight of their mission seemed to lift, replaced by a sense of solidarity and camaraderie.
"We have AiAi, Billy Hatcher, Vyse, Axel, NiGHTS, and now Charizard," Sora recounted, his voice brimming with confidence. "Each one ready to lend their strength to our cause in their unique way."
"Woah, that is a dream team right there," Sonic marvelled, his eyes alight with excitement. "What an all-star lineup. Maybe once this is all over, I can invite them to something fun back on Mobius."
"Like what, Sonic?" Sora inquired, his face showing curiosity looking to the blue hedgehog. "What are you thinking?"
"Oh, ya know, some fun activities, like tennis or even racing," Sonic proposed, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Gotta keep spirits up, right?"
"Wouldn't you win in a race though?" Goofy questioned, his gaze now fixed on the speedy hedgehog. "You're a fast one, Sonic."
"Goofy's got a point," Sora added with a grin. "They don't call you the 'Blue Blur' for nothing."
Sonic, ever the sportsman, reassured his friends with a casual wave of his hand.
"I'd make it fair, of course," Sonic assured them, his mind already racing with possibilities. "I would get a kart or car... or something. Heck, everyone can have one."
Donald, still focused on navigating their celestial path, couldn't help but express his excitement at the prospect of trying out new activities.
"Sounds like fun," he exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Goofy and I would love to come and try out our skills."
"Ah-hyuck, you bet ya Donald," Goofy agreed wholeheartedly, his excitement matching Donald's own. "It's always good to try a hand at new things."
"Just remember to invite us, okay Sonic?" Sora requested, his voice filled with hope. "I'm sure Kairi, Riku, and I would love to see Mobius, once everything has been dealt with."
"You bet, Sora" Sonic affirmed, his determination unwavering. "I would need my pals there to test their skills."
At that moment, the weight of their mission seemed to lift, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose and determination. They were not just allies bound by circumstance—they were best friends, united in their quest to save the countless worlds threatened by the encroaching darkness.
Their journey had tested them in ways they could never have imagined, but through it all, their friendships had only grown stronger. Together, they had faced insurmountable odds, battled against impossible foes, and emerged victorious time and time again.
As the silhouette of Hollow Bastion loomed on the horizon, Donald's voice broke through the silence, his words carrying a sense of urgency.
"Hollow Bastion ahead, ETA 5 minutes," he announced, his eyes fixed on the task at hand.
With determination burning in their hearts, Sora spoke the words they all knew to be true.
"Let's finish this," he declared, his voice ringing with conviction.
Sonic nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon in front of him.
"All for one," he proclaimed, a vow of solidarity that echoed through the void.
"And one for all," Goofy chimed in, his voice steady and resolute.
HOLLOW BASTION - GRAND HALL - GIANT HEART
Inside the Heartless-infested Hollow Bastion Grand Hall, where the Giant Heart with an ominous rhythm, a ceaseless torrent of inky darkness spilt forth, threatening to consume the very essence of the castle. Amidst this chaos, Silver stood resolute, his every movement a testament to his unwavering determination to stave off the encroaching shadows. Harnessing the power of his psychokinesis abilities, the enigmatic time traveller from the distant future was pushing back the relentless tide of Heartless, preserving the fragile balance between light and darkness.
However, as the relentless assault of Heartless persisted, Silver's resistance began to falter, his once indomitable spirit waning beneath the weight of endless battle. With each passing moment, he felt the inexorable drain on his energy and strength, his limbs heavy with exhaustion from the ceaseless exertion required to repel the shadowy horde. Every gesture, every outstretched hand to invoke his psychic abilities, felt like a Herculean effort, his mind straining against the encroaching darkness to maintain the fragile barrier between worlds. Despite his resolve, Silver's resilience was being tested to its limits, the very essence of his being stretched thin as he fought to hold back the relentless tide of darkness.
"I can't give up!" Silver's voice echoed with unwavering defiance amidst the chaos. Though the verdant glow of his abilities flickered with strain, he persisted in pushing his powers to the brink, determined to thwart the relentless onslaught of Heartless pouring through the gaping maw of the Giant Heart, where the Keyhole beckoned ominously. "The many worlds, the future, my friends...They are counting on me. I can't let them down!"
Just then, a horde of Large Body Heartless attempted to breach the Giant Heart, seeking escape into the Grand Hall where Sora once battled Ansem-Riku and rescued Kairi's heart through selfless sacrifice. With a powerful surge of psychokinetic energy, Silver repelled the bloated adversaries, but some managed to break through, testing his resolve. Determined to hold the line, Silver continued to push them back, channelling more psychic energy until a flickering green aura enveloped the lumbering foes. With his strength waning, he clung to his psychic grasp, refusing to let them advance further.
"Oh, you're not getting through!" Silver's voice echoed with determination, his hands raised high as he summoned all his strength to thwart the advance of the Heartless horde. "Take this!"
With the rounded Heartless ensnared in Silver's verdant psychic grasp, the time-travelling Hedgehog concentrated his mind, exerting immense pressure upon the trapped creatures. With a resounding burst, they dissolved into a swirling mist of dark, dusty smoke, liberating the hearts held captive within. The sheer force Silver applied to his adversaries showcased his remarkable ability to focus and channel his powers with unparalleled precision.
As the last remnants of the Large Body Heartless dissipated into the air, Silver released a heavy exhale, feeling the weight of his exertion bearing down upon him. With a weary sigh, he felt his legs give way beneath him, forcing him to sink to one knee. The relentless expenditure of energy had exacted its toll, leaving the time traveller drained and vulnerable.
"I cannot falter," Silver murmured weakly, his gaze fixed upon the ground as he struggled to maintain his resolve. "I must continue the fight... to protect my home."
However, from the depths of darkness, a voice mocked the time traveller.
"Are you done meddling in the past, hedgehog?" The voice taunted, his voice was deep and it cut through the scene like a knife.
"Never!" Silver said with defiance, moving his head upwards to seek the voice. "I failed once, I won't fail here!"
"Ah, your time-travelling exploits triggered a calamity of errors once before, didn't it," the voice continued to taunt and mock the fatigued Silver, still perched on one knee.
"It was my fault, I couldn't stop it!" Silver muttered wearily, shaking his head as he grappled with his fatigue. Yet, despite his weariness, a fierce determination blazed within his heart. "But that's precisely why I am here – to put an end to all this!"
Suddenly, an eerie figure materialized from the shadows, its presence looming ominously near the exhausted Hedgehog, a chill swept through the air. With each word spoken in its crisp, deep tone, the figure exuded an aura of malevolence that sent shivers down Silver's spine.
"But were it not for your interference, my existence would remain but a whisper in the shadows," it intoned, a curious blend of gratitude and ominous foreboding lacing its tone. "Thus, I extend to you my gratitude."
"Shut it," Silver groaned, his muscles straining as he slowly attempted to rise to his feet. "You are a creation born of manipulation and deceit. Countless have suffered at your hands, lives shattered by your very existence."
"Is that why you have returned from your broken future?" the figure mused, its tone dripping with a sinister curiosity. "To seek vengeance upon your friends for their failures, or perhaps to rectify your own mistakes?"
"I came back to stop originally Maleficent and now the threat of Ansem," Silver declared, the weight of exhaustion pressing down upon his weary form. "But if you are a indeed part of him, I will stop you as well."
"Ah, the ambitions of mortals, always reaching beyond their grasp," the stranger murmured, his words laced with a sinister undertone. "But know this, hedgehog: the darkness you seek to vanquish is not confined to a single vessel. It flows through the very fabric of existence itself. And try as you might, you cannot escape its grasp."
"You sound just like him. Cryptic as hell!" Silver scoffed in annoyance, trying to power as much psychic energy as he could muster.
With resolve burning bright within him, Silver's green aura flickered rapidly, preparing for the inevitable clash with the enigmatic figure who seemed to know too much about his past failures. However, the hooded stranger remained silent, his actions speaking volumes as he conjured an orb of crackling energy from his black-gloved hand, causing the very air to ripple around it.
Silver's golden eyes narrowed in determination as he braced himself for the impending confrontation. No matter how cryptic or formidable his adversary may be, he knew he had to continue pushing back against the encroaching darkness, even if it meant facing it alone. However, the time-travelling hedgehog was not alone, as backup had just arrived.
"Hey, creep!" a voice echoed around the Grand Hall. "Leave my pal alone!"
Silver's heart surged with relief as the familiar voices echoed through the Grand Hall. With renewed hope, he turned his gaze to see his steadfast companions—Sonic, Sora, Donald, and Goofy—ascending the stairs to stand by his side. A wave of gratitude washed over Silver as they joined him, their presence bolstering his resolve.
The hooded figure turned slightly, its attention drawn to the heroes entering the scene. The crackling orbs of energy coming from his hands dematerialized for the moment as they observed the four allies coming to Silver's aid.
"Ansem!" Sonic's voice rang out, his fists clenched in readiness for battle. "I see you've decided to show yourself again!"
"That name rings familiar," the hooded figure responded, their voice cold and cryptic, as if shrouded in shadows.
Sora's brows furrowed in confusion as he exchanged a glance with Silver, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.
"You're not Ansem?" Sora questioned cautiously, his grip tightening on the Keyblade at his side.
The figure's attention shifted to Sora, its piercing amber-orange eyes emanating an eerie intensity from within the depths of its hood.
"You remind me of him," the hooded figure stated coldly, each word laced with an unsettling mixture of recognition and intrigue.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sora questioned, confusion etched on his face.
"He's just trying to fool with ya," Goofy remarked, calling upon his shield to his hand, and turning his gaze to Sora.
"Yeah, he's nothing but trouble!" Donald added, summoning his staff as it crackled with magical energy.
Silver didn't say anything, but his gaze turned to Sora, showing support for his ally. His golden eyes knew more than he was letting on.
"This guy must be working with Ansem!" Sonic declared, as he could feel his speedy energy building up, ready to take down this foe. "He's here to play mind games with us. It won't work pal!"
"Ah, Sonic the Hedgehog," the hooded figure replied, his voice mocked the blue blur.
"You know me?" Sonic retorted, his green eyes piercing through the hall to this enigmatic figure in front of them.
"I have heard whispers," the figure replied with an air of chilling certainty, its words resonating through the hall like the distant echoes of an ancient prophecy. "Of a blue hedgehog, a fleet of foot and bound by fate, whose legend transcends the boundaries of worlds—a myth woven into the very fabric of existence."
Sonic's expression hardened, his emerald eyes narrowing in suspicion as he regarded the hooded figure before him.
"Well, here I am, living proof," Sonic declared boldly, his voice resounding with unwavering confidence. "And I'm not just a story. I'm the real deal, ready to take down anyone who threatens my friends and our worlds."
Sora, sensing the need to break the gripping standoff, stepped forward with a determined expression on his features.
"Why don't you shed some light on your identity and your purpose here?" Sora's voice carried a note of urgency, his eyes probing the depths of the hooded figure's obscured visage. "Are you in league with Ansem?"
Suddenly, the hooded figure's hands surged with power once more, and the orb of energy erupted again from their gloved hand, crackling with renewed intensity.
"I am my own entity," the figure declared cryptically, its voice resonating with an unsettling certainty.
In the blink of an eye, the hooded figure swiftly aimed the crackling orb at Sora. Reacting instinctively, Sora summoned his Oathkeeper Keyblade, holding it aloft just as the energy surged towards him. The air crackled with anticipation as the orb collided with the blade, sparks flying in all directions.
With a determined push, Sora deflected the orb, sending it hurtling into the rafters of the tower. Mortar and stone rained down around them as the energy dissipated harmlessly.
The hooded figure regarded Sora with a mixture of fascination and curiosity, his gaze lingering on the Keyblade wielder.
"Sora, are you okay?" Sonic's voice broke through the tension, concern evident in his tone.
Sora nodded, his grip firm on his Keyblade as he assumed a defensive stance, readying himself for combat against this powerful foe.
The hooded figure fixed his piercing gaze on Sora, his words chilling and cryptic.
"You are not whole," he stated ominously, sending a shiver down Sora's spine.
Sonic cut through the enigma with his trademark directness.
"Cut the cryptic nonsense, pal. What do you mean by that?" he demanded, his impatience evident in his voice.
Donald and Goofy exchanged stern glances with their allies, their determination clear as they prepared for battle. Sora tightened his grip on his Keyblade, his resolve unwavering as he maintained his defensive stance.
Silver, though weary, began to emanate a green glow once more, readying himself for the impending confrontation.
The hooded figure, undeterred, summoned orbs of crackling energy to his hands once again. His voice carried an unsettling certainty as he addressed Sora once more.
"You are incomplete. Allow me... to test your strength," the hooded figure declared cryptically, his intentions shrouded in shadows but unmistakably clear: he sought to engage in combat with Sora and his companions, to gauge the extent of Sora's power and perhaps uncover hidden truths buried within him.
With a resolute nod, Sora accepted the challenge, his grip on his Keyblade tightening as he braced himself for the impending confrontation. The rest of the group, united in their determination, pierced through the tension with unwavering resolve. What did this hooded figure want with Sora? What secrets lay concealed beneath his enigmatic façade? Only through battle would the answers reveal themselves.
THE HOODED MAN
(Battle Music: Disappeared - Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix)
In the heart of the Grand Hall of Hollow Bastion, the pulsating Giant Heart cast eerie shadows as the battle unfolded. The hooded figure, wreathed in darkness, conjured orbs of crackling energy in both hands, his intentions veiled in malevolence as he launched himself at Sora and his companions with blinding speed.
With a flurry of darkness, the orbs exploded into giant force fields, sending shockwaves rippling through the air and knocking Sora and his friends back. Sonic, ever the embodiment of speed, attempted a Spin Dash, aiming to counter the assault with his own momentum. But before he could connect, the figure vanished, leaving Sonic hurtling towards the unforgiving wall nearby.
"WOAH!" Sonic's cry echoed through the hall as he collided with the wall with blistering speed, the impact jolting through his body.
Undeterred, Sora unleashed a barrage of strikes with his Keyblade, each blow crackling with energy as he sought to pierce the darkness surrounding their foe. Donald, standing at a safe distance, cast powerful Thundara spells, crackling arcs of lightning lancing through the air.
Meanwhile, Goofy charged forward with his shield held high, his Charge attack resembling an unstoppable locomotive hurtling towards their adversary. Yet, the hooded figure proved elusive, teleporting around the room with increasing speed, a dark cloud swirling around him as if fuelled by his malevolent intent.
"This guy is fast," Sora called out, his voice tinged with frustration as he struggled to keep up with their elusive foe.
"It's not just speed," Sonic remarked, brushing himself off from the impact with the wall. "He's using some sort of teleportation trick."
"Show off..." Donald grumbled under his breath, his concentration unwavering as he unleashed another Thundara spell in an attempt to catch the teleporting foe off guard.
"We've got to slow him down, fellas!" Goofy exclaimed, his determination unwavering despite his failed charge attempt.
Silver, still fatigued but resolute in his determination to aid his friends, strained to trap the hooded figure with his psychokinetic powers. Yet, despite his best efforts, the foe's swift movements proved too elusive to contain.
"Darn it!" Silver exclaimed in frustration, his exhaustion evident in his voice. "I'm too fatigued!"
Witnessing Silver's plight, Sora acted swiftly, throwing up his Keyblade and channelling healing magic towards his exhausted ally.
"Silver!" Sora shouted out, commanding his healing spell to cure his silver ally from the future.
As the warmth of Cure washed over him, Silver felt a surge of renewed strength coursing through his weary limbs.
"Thanks, Sora," Silver replied with thanks, as he could feel his strength returning.
Seizing an opportunity, Sonic tapped into his own speed, launching himself forward with his light-speed dash attack. The blow struck true, sending the hooded figure sliding back under the force of Sonic's assault.
"Bulls eye!" Sonic called out. "Someone jump on this opportunity to strike!"
Sensing an opening amidst the chaos, Sora pressed forward with a flurry of slashes, his Keyblade cutting through the air with precision and purpose. Each strike was fuelled by his unwavering determination to shield his friends from harm and overcome their enigmatic adversary.
However, the hooded figure was not to be underestimated. With a swift motion, he unleashed his orbs of crackling energy once more, aiming to strike Sora down. Yet, the spikey-haired hero's instincts kicked in, and he anticipated the attack. With strategic finesse, Sora evaded the oncoming assault, employing his Dodge ability to deftly roll from the danger and escape harm's way.
"That was close!" Sora said to himself, trying to get to a safe distance.
Donald added to the onslaught, unleashing fiery Firaga spells that erupted around their foe in a blaze of heat and light. With Goofy and Silver poised to join the fray, the heroes seemed on the brink of victory.
Yet, in a moment of desperation, the hooded figure once again vanished, teleporting to the other side of the room to gain distance and regroup.
"Running away, are we?" Sonic's taunt rang out, echoing through the hall with a mixture of defiance and disdain.
"Impressive," the figure remarked, a hint of amusement colouring his tone. "But there is a lot more to come."
"Get ready," Silver declared. "He's not done yet!"
The hooded figure summoned red ethereal blades from his hands, spinning closer to Sora with wild and violent intent. Sora, ever vigilant, raised his Keyblade in a defensive stance, using his guard ability to block the flurry of strikes. The clash between Sora and the hooded figure intensified, the air crackling with the intensity of their duel.
As the battle raged on, Sonic's determination burned brighter than ever. With a swift motion, he reached into his quills and retrieved his Fira Ring, feeling the fiery power surge within him like a blazing inferno.
"Time to turn up the heat!" Sonic declared, his voice brimming with confidence and determination.
With his determination ablaze, the blue hedgehog began to charge up a fiery spin dash, the flames swirling around him like a vortex of power. Sonic understood that this attack required time to build up, each passing second allowing him to gather velocity and intensify the flames engulfing him. As he revved up for the attack, every moment counted, his focus unwavering as he prepared to unleash his full strength upon their elusive adversary.
Observing Sonic's fiery charge, Goofy and Donald sprang into action, each using their unique abilities to aid Sora and provide Sonic with the time he needed to unleash his attack. However, their efforts were met with resistance as they were struck by the hooded figure's red ethereal blades, sending them staggering backwards from the force of the impact.
Silver, struggling to maintain focus amidst the chaos, sought to use the debris scattered around the Grand Hall to strike at their elusive foe. However, as he witnessed Sonic revving up into a fiery ball of energy, he held back, recognizing the opportunity to coordinate their efforts for maximum impact.
"Sonic!" Silver's voice rang out above the tumult. "Do it now!"
Locked in a fierce physical duel with their elusive adversary, Sora's senses sharpened as he heard Silver's command nearby. Darting his eyes around the room, he spotted Sonic's fiery ball of speed, primed and ready to be unleashed.
"READY!" Sonic's declaration sliced through the tension, his spin dash reaching maximum velocity as he prepared to unleash his devastating assault.
With lightning-fast reflexes, Sora knew he had to act swiftly to avoid the impending collision. Channelling the power of his Keyblade, he unleashed a flurry of precise slashes, aiming to create an opening while harnessing his own agility to evade the oncoming attack.
"GO!" Sonic's voice rang out, and he unleashed the fiery spin dash, hurtling towards the hooded figure with blistering speed.
As Sonic's fiery spin dash hurtled towards them with blistering speed, the velocity of the fireball was nothing short of breath-taking. Flames trailed behind it like a comet streaking through the night sky, illuminating the hall with its fierce intensity.
With a deft twist of his body, Sora evaded the oncoming assault, his movements fluid and precise as he danced out of harm's way. As the fiery spin dash whizzed past him, he taunted the hooded figure with a smirk.
"See ya!" Sora's words were laced with confidence as he watched the fireball streak towards its intended target.
The hooded figure, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, was unable to brace themselves for the full force of the attack. With a deafening roar, the fiery ball of super energy struck true, sending shockwaves rippling through the air with a force that seemed to shake the very foundations of the Grand Hall.
The chamber erupted in a blinding explosion of fiery light as the hooded figure was lifted off its feet by the sheer force of the impact. Illuminated by the intense blaze, the figure crashed into the nearby console with a resounding thud, echoing the earlier collision with Ansem-Riku.
"Stay down!" Sonic taunted.
However, the hooded figure, though struck hard by the fiery assault, refused to stay down. Rising from the battered console with an air of determination, they brushed off the debris and stood tall once more. Sonic's incredulous exclamation echoed through the hall.
"No way!" Sonic exclaimed, his disbelief mirrored by the others.
Without hesitation, Donald and Goofy charged forward, their determination unwavering as they sought to press their advantage. But as they closed in on their adversary, the hooded figure's demeanour shifted, anger flickering in their hidden eyes like a storm gathering on the horizon.
With a swift motion, the figure unleashed a wave of dark energy, sending Donald and Goofy staggering back with a cry of pain.
"Ahhh!" The two protectors of Disney Castle cried out in unison as they were propelled backwards, landing with a thud on the hard stone floor.
"Donald, Goofy!" Sora called out, his voice laced with concern as he rushed to their side.
However, the impact seemed to have taken its toll on the duo, leaving them dazed and disoriented from the force of the blow. Silver, witnessing their plight, turned his attention to the hooded figure, his resolve hardened.
"I will eliminate you, as I should have eliminated my past mistakes!" Silver's voice rang out, filled with determination as his body began to glow with the unmistakable green aura of his psychokinetic powers.
Sonic, still recovering from the powerful spin dash, exchanged a bewildered glance with Sora at Silver's declaration. Yet, as they watched the silver hedgehog power up, a glimmer of hope stirred within them.
With a fierce determination, Silver focused his psychokinetic powers, drawing upon the debris scattered around the chamber. Stones, shards of metal, and broken fragments of the console lifted into the air, swirling around him in a whirlwind of potential energy.
With a mighty heave, Silver launched the makeshift projectiles at the hooded figure, each one hurtling towards their target with deadly accuracy. But the hooded man was one step ahead, his orbs of crackling energy pulsating with formidable power.
With a casual flick of his wrist, the hooded figure swatted away the debris as if it were mere dust, effortlessly deflecting each projectile with his powerful orbs of energy. The stones and shards clattered harmlessly to the ground, their momentum quelled by the sheer force of the hooded man's counterattack.
As Silver's frustration mounted, his determination only intensified. With a steely resolve, he focused his psychokinetic powers once more, this time using them to levitate himself off the ground. With a surge of energy, he began accelerating towards the hooded figure, his intent clear: to engage his adversary head-on and put an end to this battle once and for all.
But the hooded figure, ever one step ahead, reacted with lightning-fast reflexes. With a swift motion, he used his speed to intercept Silver's approach, his orbs of crackling energy pulsating with power as he swatted away the incoming hedgehog.
The force of the impact sent Silver hurtling backwards, his form twisting and tumbling through the air before crashing down the stairs to the level below. The resounding thud of his landing echoed through the chamber, a stark reminder of the hooded figure's overwhelming power.
"SILVER!" Sora's voice rang out, filled with concern for his comrade.
"Sora," Sonic interjected, his gaze steely as he assessed the situation. "I think it's time for a summon."
Sora nodded in agreement, understanding that they needed all the help they could get to stand a chance against their formidable enemy. With a swift motion, Sora reached into his pocket and retrieved his Ultra Ball, a tool of summoning that held the key to calling forth his new powerful ally.
"Charizard, lend me your strength!" Sora called out, his voice echoing through the chamber.
With a swift motion, he hurled the Ultra Ball into the air, releasing a burst of blinding light as it opened to reveal his fiery companion.
With a mighty roar, Charizard emerged from the ball, flames flickering from its tail as it glared defiantly at the hooded figure. The air crackled with tension as the powerful Pokémon joined the fray, ready to lend its strength to Sora and Sonic in their time of need.
"I see," the hooded figure muttered, his gaze flickering momentarily as he assessed the unexpected addition to the battle. "This will be enjoyable."
But Sonic, undeterred by the hooded figure's cryptic words, stepped forward with determination.
"Enough of this," he declared firmly. "It's over, pal!"
"Come at me," the hooded stranger retorted, his voice laced with a hint of challenge.
With a fierce determination, Sonic charged towards the hooded figure, his momentum building as he prepared to unleash his signature homing attack. But just as he closed in on his target, the figure vanished into thin air, leaving Sonic to land with a frustrated grunt.
"Gah! Stop teleporting!" Sonic growled, his frustration mounting with each elusive dodge.
Meanwhile, Sora swiftly assessed the situation and issued commands to his trusty Charizard.
"Charizard, use your speed! Try to grab him and use Seismic Toss when you get the chance!"
Responding to Sora's command, Charizard nodded solemnly before taking to the air with a powerful flap of its wings. With flames trailing behind it, the fiery Pokemon darted towards the hooded figure, its eyes locked on the elusive target.
As Charizard closed in, the hooded figure continued to evade Sonic's attacks with ease, his teleportation abilities proving to be a formidable obstacle. Sonic's frustration only grew as he struggled to land a single blow on their disappearing adversary.
"I thought you were the fastest thing alive, hedgehog?" The hooded man taunted.
"Stop that!" Sonic called out, his voice laced with annoyance. "Speed is supposed to be my thing, not yours!"
As Sonic's frustration reached its peak, the hooded figure seemed poised to teleport away once more, evading yet another of Sonic's attacks. But before he could vanish, Charizard, sensing an opportunity, swooped in with lightning speed, his strong but short arms wrapping tightly around the hooded figure.
"Way to go, Charizard! Sora cheered, his eyes lit up with excitement. "Now... SEISMIC TOSS!"
Charizard nodded in understanding, his grip on the hooded figure unyielding as he soared high into the air above the Grand Hall. With each powerful beat of his wings, Charizard circled around, building up momentum for his devastating attack.
From below, Sonic watched in awe as Charizard prepared to unleash his move, his admiration mingling with surprise at the speed and agility of their fiery ally.
"Woah," Sonic exclaimed, his voice tinged with admiration as he witnessed the incredible display of power unfolding above him.
"NOW, CHARIZARD!" Sora shouted out, telling his comrade to end this battle.
With Sora's command ringing out, punctuating the tension-filled moment, Charizard responded without hesitation. With a deafening roar, the fiery Pokemon nosedived towards the cold ground below, the hooded figure still tightly gripped in its formidable grasp.
"Incoming!" Sonic called out, dashing out of the way of the incoming move.
As they descended, Charizard's speed seemed to intensify, the rush of air whistling past them as they hurtled towards the earth below. With every passing moment, the ground loomed closer, the anticipation building with each passing second.
"This cannot be," the hooded man remarked in disbelief, as he knew the impact and force when hitting the ground would be powerful.
Then, with a thunderous crash, Charizard slammed the hooded figure into the ground with all his might. The impact was so fierce that it created a deep crater in the floor, the surrounding stone cracking and splintering under the force of the blow. The room shook with the sheer power of the seismic toss, the very foundations of the chamber rattling with the intensity of the attack.
For a moment, the chamber was engulfed in silence, the echoes of the seismic toss reverberating through the air. Then, slowly, the hooded figure began to stir, struggling to rise from the depths of the newly formed crater. But Charizard stood poised and unwavering, his fiery gaze locked onto his fallen adversary. With a resolute determination, Sora raised his Oathkeeper Keyblade, ready to command his loyal companion to deliver the final blow.
"Charizard, end this with Flamethrower!" Sora's voice echoed through the chamber, his command firm and unwavering as he directed the fiery Pokemon to unleash its devastating attack.
"Blaze him up!" Sonic's enthusiastic cheer rang out, his encouragement fuelling Charizard's resolve as he prepared to execute Sora's command.
With a mighty roar, Charizard unleashed a torrent of searing flames from his jaws, the intense heat enveloping the hooded figure within the crater. The air crackled with energy as the Flamethrower attack surged forth, engulfing their adversary in a blaze of fiery destruction.
For a moment, the chamber was illuminated by the brilliant glow of the flames, casting long shadows across the stone walls. The heat was intense, the air thick with the smell of burning ozone as the flames licked at the hooded figure's form.
As the attack subsided, the chamber fell once more into silence, the echoes of the Flamethrower attack fading into the air. And as the smoke cleared, it became clear that the battle was finally over.
With a triumphant roar, Charizard stood tall, his flames burning bright with victory. The hooded figure lay defeated at his feet, no longer a threat to their world.
"It was super effective!" Sonic taunted, a smirk playing on his lips as he relished in their hard-earned victory. "He's going to need a burn heal after that one."
Sora chuckled, a sense of relief washing over him as he looked upon their fallen adversary.
"Let's hope he learns his lesson and thinks twice before messing with us again."
RANK: A
As the hooded man lay in the crater, seemingly defeated, Donald, Goofy, and Silver re-joined the group, their presence a welcome sight after enduring heavy hits during the intense battle. As they gathered around Charizard, Silver's curiosity piqued.
"Who is this?" he asked, his gaze shifting between Sora and the fiery Pokémon. "What is this creature?"
"Meet Charizard," Sora replied, grinning proudly. "He's a Pokémon."
"A Pokémon?" Silver echoed, his brow furrowing in confusion turning to Sonic for guidance.
But before Sonic could respond, the hooded figure rose from the depths of the crater, seemingly recovered and unfazed by the intensity of their previous battle. His cold voice pierced through the tension-filled air, and his eyes locked on Charizard with an unsettling intensity.
"A fascinating creature," the hooded figure remarked, his tone laced with a hint of admiration. "Perhaps we shall have the opportunity to duel again someday?"
Charizard let out a low growl in response, clearly unimpressed by the hooded figure's words. Sora, however, remained focused on their mysterious adversary.
"Are you going to tell us who you are?" Sora questioned, his gaze unwavering as he confronted the hooded figure.
Sonic stepped forward, his voice dripping with a hint of menace.
"Yeah, spill it, or Charizard will be more than happy to give you another ride," the blue hedgehog remarked, with Charizard growling and nodding in agreement.
The hooded figure regarded the heroes with an enigmatic gaze, his hood obscuring his features as he contemplated their inquiries. After a moment of silence, he spoke, his voice calm and composed.
"It is beyond your comprehension, for now," the hooded figure replied cryptically, his words hanging in the air like an ominous warning.
"Start making sense!" Sora demanded, his face scowled in frustration.
However, before he could receive a satisfactory answer, the hooded figure began to vanish, his form dissipating into wisps of darkness.
"Until we meet again," the hooded figure added, his voice echoing through the chamber as his presence faded from view.
Sora clenched his fists in frustration, his mind swirling with unanswered questions. As the heroes stood in the wake of the hooded figure's departure, a sense of unease lingered in the air, a reminder of the mysteries that still awaited them on their journey. With a determined resolve, Sora turned to his companions, his gaze filled with determination.
"We'll find out who he is and what he's up to," Sora declared, his voice firm with resolve. "No matter what it takes."
"I'm sure we will cross paths with him soon enough," Sonic remarked. "We always seem to run into the cryptic and mysterious types."
Goofy turned to Silver, his curiosity burning bright in his eyes.
"Do you know that fella in the hood?" Goofy questioned, his voice carrying a note of concern.
"Yeah, why was he giving you a hard time when we found you?" Donald added, his brows furrowed with curiosity.
"Also, what was with that line back there?" Sonic chimed in, his tone laced with curiosity. "Eliminating past mistakes?"
Silver shook his head, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. There were some things that he couldn't divulge to the group, for their own safety.
"It's nothing," Silver replied, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone. "He was just trying to get under my skin, that's all."
"He did seem a bit mysterious," Sora added, his curiosity piqued by the encounter. "But we'll figure it out eventually. For now, let's focus on the task at hand."
"Sora's right," Sonic interjected, his voice echoing with determination. "We have to seal that Keyhole inside that giant heart."
With a nod of agreement, Sonic gestured towards the Giant Heart, its pulsating energy casting colourful hues around the Grand Hall. It seemed to beckon them, its rhythmic hum filling the air with anticipation.
Silver took the first steps towards the Giant Heart, the swirl of colours dancing around it like a mesmerising symphony.
"I have been holding back the Heartless as they've entered this room through" Silver revealed, pointing towards the Giant Heart. "Before you came, the numbers were getting too much. But, after that appearance from that hooded figure, it seems much calmer for some reason."
"Rather odd, don't ya think?" Goofy replied, trying to make sense of the calmness. "I would think Heartless would be starting to crawl out once again."
"Maybe that hooded figure can control them?" Donald questioned, looking to the group.
"Perhaps," Sonic said with a shrug.
"Regardless, we need to get to the Keyhole inside the portal," Sora replied. "It's the only way to stop the Heartless and Ansem's plan."
"I think something pretty powerful is behind there," Silver added, turning back to the group, taking his gaze off the swirling portal of colours.
"How do you know?" Donald asked eagerly.
"I can feel it," Silver remarked, his voice carrying a weight of certainty. "A powerful dark force is lingering, protecting the Keyhole we need to seal."
"Benefits of being a psychic, huh?" Sonic quipped, a hint of jest in his tone.
Silver shrugged in his response, "Guess so," he replied.
"Well, whatever is behind there, we can handle it," Sora reassured, his confidence unwavering.
Silver nodded, his golden eyes scanning the group.
"Well, we should get to it," Silver remarked, now turning his gaze back to the Giant Heart.
"Got worlds and your future to save, right?" Sonic said with determination.
Silver didn't say anything, but his expression was serious as he nodded in agreement with Sonic's remarks.
"Let's go," Sora declared, taking the lead.
With determination in their hearts, the group made their way through the swirling colours of the Giant Heart, venturing onto the other side. What awaited them on their mission to seal Hollow Bastion's Keyhole was a mystery, but they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, united in their quest to protect the worlds, stop Ansem and secure a brighter future.
TO BE CONTINUED!