Chapter 11 - Hades
OUTSIDE OF THE COLISEUM, SORA STARED DOWN AT THE PURPLE STONE IN HIS HAND AS IT FAINTLY GLOWED. Ever, standing beside him, tilted her head curiously. "What's it supposed to do?"
Before he could finish his sentence, the stone suddenly lit up, sending a surge of energy through his body. His Keyblade glowed, and crackling arcs of electricity began to dance around it. Sora jumped in surprise, almost dropping the blade. "Whoa! What was that?!"
Donald nodded with approval. "You've learned the Thunder spell! Try it out."
"Thunder, huh?" Sora said, gripping his Keyblade tightly. He pointed it towards the sky. "Here goes nothing. Thunder!"
A crackling bolt of lightning shot down from the sky, striking the ground near Ever. She jumped back and shielded her eyes from the bright flash, and when she looked again, there was a faint, smokey scorch mark on the ground.
Sora turned to the group with a wide grin. "Did you see that?!"
Ever, crossed her arms. "Thanks for the warning, next time give me a heads up!"
The sound of slow clapping echoed around them, followed by a deep, sarcastic voice. "Bravo, kid. That was truly electrifying."
Sora, Ever, Donald, and Goofy turned toward the source of the voice to find a tall, blue-flamed man leaning casually against a nearby column with a smug grin etched on his sunken, pale face.
"Who are you?" Donald glared, pointing at him.
The flaming haired man chuckled, pushed himself off the pillar and walked to them. "Whoa, hold on there, fuzz boy. Wait, let me guess. You want to enter the games, right?" He walked behind us and placed his hand on Sora's shoulder. "Well, then, here, get a load of this." He held out his sickly, gray skin and two Entry Passes- appeared in his hands with a- poof!
"A pass?" Sora asked.
"One for you and one for the girl." He said handing him the pass then handing Ever the second one. She looked at the slip of paper for a moment and cautiously took it, eyeing the mysterious figure with suspicion. Something about him didn't sit right with her.
Brushing it off, she followed the crew back where Phil was and showed him our passes.
"Hey, how'd you get those?" Phil questioned while looking at the passes.
"Can we enter the games now?" Sora asked.
Phil blinked. "Well..I guess so. We start with the preliminaries. You ready?"
Sora, always the one ready for action, said, "Yea, let's go."
Let's go blow this popsicle stand.
Ever stood in the center of the arena, she had her bow and arrow ready to fire. She scanned the arena for anything that might give them an edge. Beside her, Sora gripped his Keyblade, determination written all over his face along with Goofy and Donald with their weapons.
The sound of the announcer's voice echoed across the arena, amplifying the excitement. "Welcome to the preliminaries!"
Ever didn't need to glance at Sora to know he was ready to go. The familiar fire in his eyes told her he was ready for anything.
"Match 1 - Shadow Scout!"
The gate at the opposite end of the arena clanged open, and seven Heartless stepped forward, their eyes gleaming with malice.
"Ready," Sora said, giving Ever a quick nod.
"Ready as I'll ever be," she replied, her voice steady as she pulled back her bowstring. She was ready to unleash her arrow the moment she saw an opening.
Unleashing an arrow, she struck down one of the armored ones and it disappeared before Sora and the others jumped in and striked the other and they all had them gone within seconds.
It was easy peasy.
Donald hopped up and down and cheered. "Yippee!"
They moved to the sidelines and rejoined Phil, who was standing near the scoreboard.
He gave them an almost approving glance, though his tone remained as tough as ever. "You're no heroes yet, but you're not doing too bad. Guess it's a good thing you came to me for coaching."
Ever's attention shifted when she noticed a tall, muscular guy walking past them. His spiky golden-blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to scan the area with intensity. His wine-colored cape fluttered behind him as he strode confidently.
The group watched him pass, but as he turned his head, his gaze lingered on them for a moment. There was something about the look—frustration, maybe—and then he turned back, continuing on his path.
Everly couldn't help but glance at Sora, then back at the guy. My, he is good looking, she thought, her mind lingering on the stranger's presence. Scratch that he's hot.
Sora noticed the look in her eyes as she watched the man pass by. A slight frown tugged at his lips, but he quickly masked it. "Who was that?" Sora asked, trying to sound casual.
Everly blinked and quickly refocused. "Oh, no idea."
Phil looked at the twins and crossed his short arms. "Something tells me he'll be a tough one to beat. Who knows, maybe you'll end up facing him."
Ever eyes opened wide in surprise and glanced back where the guy was still walking. She and Sora exchanged a curious look, both sensing that something important had just entered their path. Sora tilted his head slightly, his usual playful demeanor faltering for a moment as he turned his attention back to Phil.
"You think we'll face him in the games?" Sora asked, a bit more serious now.
Phil snorted, unimpressed by the stranger's appearance. "Could be." Don't worry too much about him," Phil said, breaking her reverie. "Focus on the next match."
"How many matches do we have to do?" Ever asked.
"Seven."
Joy.
The gate opened again, and this time, a wave of Heartless emerged in a coordinated formation—larger, more aggressive, and faster than the previous round.
Meanwhile, in the shadows of the arena, the golden-haired guy- Cloud watched the scene as he watched Ever and Sora battle the Blue Revenge on match number five.
"Those little punks are your next opponents, okay?" Hades says, turning to Cloud. "Now don't blow it. Just take them don't look like much," Hades continued, pacing behind him. "But don't be fooled. That boy has a nasty habit of ruining plans, and little miss twinkle toes? Let's just say she's got a spark of her own. Anywho, you take them out, and I'll hold up my end of the deal."
Cloud scoffed. "The great god of the Underworld is afraid of a couple of kids? Sorry, but my contract says–"
Hades cut him off. "I know! You think I don't know? I wrote the contract! I know it says you're only required to kill wonder boy Hercules in this tournament. But you've gotta fight to get to him. Come on. Hey, it's like that old goat says: Rule eleven: It's all just a game, so let loose and have fun with it! I mean, a casualty or two along the way is no big deal, right?" He chuckled.
Cloud turned slightly, his icy blue gaze landing on him. "Fine, as long I get my end of the bargain."
Hades smirked, his flaming hair flickering. "Relax, my boy. You help me out, and I'll make sure you get what you're looking for."
Cloud turned and walked out, saying nothing.
"Match Six: Team Sora versus Cloud Strife!"
Ever's eyes widened as the guy from earlier stepped into the arena, his massive Buster Sword resting easily on his shoulder
We have to fight the hottie? Ever thought. Her heart was racing, not from fear,
Donald and Goofy positioned themselves on either side of Sora and Ever, all of them facing the opponent.
The match began, and Cloud was the first to move, charging at them with speed. His Buster Sword cleaved through the air, creating a shockwave that sent them spiraling. They barely had time to react as Cloud's sword came down in a powerful arc.
"He's fast!" Goofy yelled, ducking just in time as the massive sword swung past him.
Sora barely managed to parry the next swing with his Keyblade and cast the new thunder spell.
Ever, regaining composure, quickly notched an arrow and released it with precision. The arrow flew through the air, aimed straight for Cloud's unprotected side. But with a swift, calculating almost movement, Cloud swatted it away with the flat of his sword, not even flinching.
"Nice try little girl," Cloud said, his voice unbothered.
Ever scowled.
Sora, now with his blade raised high, summoned his strength and charged forward with a shout. "Let's go, guys! Focus on the openings!" He swung at Cloud, narrowly dodging another devastating slash from the Buster Sword.
Cloud parried the blow effortlessly and followed up with a swift kick that sent Sora sprawling to the ground. "You're going to need more than that," Cloud said coolly, his eyes glimmering with a challenge.
Ever's heart pounded in her chest, but she couldn't let it get to her. She shot another arrow, this time aiming for Cloud's legs. It was a desperate move, but maybe it would slow him down.
The arrow found its mark, catching Cloud's leg for just a moment. The impact wasn't enough to cause any real damage, but it gave them the opportunity they needed.
Sora quickly got back to his feet, calling to Donald and Goofy.
"Donald! Goofy! Now's our chance!"
Donald cast a spell, and the ground beneath Cloud's feet erupted with a burst of ice, momentarily freezing him in place. Goofy took the opportunity to charge in with his shield raised, slamming it into Cloud's side and knocking him back a few steps.
But Cloud wasn't done yet. He wiped the ice off his leg, he swung his Buster sword sending more waves powerful enough to send everyone scattering.
"Not bad," Cloud said, though the faintest hint of respect could be heard in his voice. "But not enough to beat me."
Ever exchanged a glance with Sora, both of them silently agreeing that it was time to take things up to the next level. They needed to outmaneuver him, use his strength against him.
"We're not backing down," Everly said, her voice steady. She drew another arrow, this one imbued with a new energy.
Sora stood ready, his Keyblade raised. "Let's do this."
They charged in, side by side. Cloud raised his Buster Sword to meet them, but instead of engaging directly, Sora feinted to the left while Ever launched her energy-infused arrow at Cloud's right side. At the same time, Sora swung his Keyblade, aiming for Cloud's unguarded flank.
Cloud's eyes narrowed. In an instant, he pivoted, deflecting the arrow with a swift flick of his sword and blocking Sora's strike with his sword. But just as he did, Ever followed up with a quick strike from her bow, catching him off guard with an electric blast.
It wasn't enough to defeat him, but it slowed him down just enough for them to land a decisive blow.
Cloud fell to the ground, groaning in pain.
Ever steadied her breathing, relief washing over her as she believed the fight was finally over..or so she thought. The ground rumbled underneath. "Huh?" Everyone looked over to see a giant three headed vicious beast with dark fur and glowing purple eyes.
"C-cerberus." Goofy stuttered.
Sora grabbed Ever's wrist firmly, pulling her back as the three-headed Cerberus unleashed a deafening ear piercing roar that shook the entire place with smokey black substance billowing out.
A man she had never seen before with pumpkin colored hair held in place with a band with big biceps. She watched him charge up to the Cerberus and lifted it up Iike it was light as a feather.
He's strong.
"Hercules!" Phil said.
The Muscular guy, Hercules glanced at him, "Phil, get them out of here! Now!" He then turned his concentration back to the beast.
"Everly, let's go!" Sora tugged on her wrist and the two ran back inside the Coliseum with Donald and Goofy in front of them, yelling their heads off.
Once back in the lobby, Phil wiped his forehead. "Whew, that was close! That was Cerberus, the guardian of the Underworld. Herc should be able to handle him. But then again, maybe not….This does not look good."
Ever sees Sora running towards the entrance to the Sora from the corner of her eye, "Sora, where are you going?"
Phil stepped in. "Kid, you're not entering the arena, are ya? This ain't just some match. This is for real!"
"I'm not afraid," Sora said. "You can decide if we're hero material or not." He gestured for Donald and Goofy to follow him, determination in his every step then looked at Ever. "Everly, stay here.
Her eyes widened in protest. "What? No way!" She tried to follow, but Sora turned and placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks.
Sora shook his head. "I need you to stay safe."
Her jaw clenched, her frustration evident. "I can handle it, Sora. I told you I can do things for myself "
Sora tightened his grip. "Everly, this thing's is not like one's you fought!"
"I don't care!"
"Please Evy,," Sora pleaded. "Please."
Ever was uncertain, wanting to stand by her brother. Finally, after doing a mental battle in her head she hesitantly nodded. "Fine. But I do not like this."
After Sora, Donald and Goofy went back out to battle the Cerberus.
Phil stood by Ever who had her arms crossed, "That kids got guts, lots of it."
She snorted. "Tell me about it."
Phil looked up at her with a smirk. "You don't sound too surprised."
She shrugged, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Nope. He's always been like that—charging into danger without using his brain. It's kind of his thing."
The Satyr chuckled, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "He reminds me of Herc when he first started training."
Ever out a small laugh, though her arms stayed crossed. "I can see that."
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted when Hercules burst into the room, carrying Cloud slumped over his shoulders, unconscious.
From outside, another roar erupted, but this time it was followed by the unmistakable clang of Sora's Keyblade.
While everyone was preoccupied, Phil left to check on Cloud. Taking advantage of the distraction, Ever quietly slipped away from the group. She made her way to the entrance of the arena, her steps light and determined. Standing there, she watched as Sora, Donald, and Goofy fought the monstrous beast.
On the far side of the arena, Ever spotted the man with blue-flamed hair from earlier. His eyes locked onto hers, and a wicked grin spread across his face. A shiver ran down her spine as she felt the weight of his gaze, a dark energy radiating from him. She winced, feeling the same pain tugging at her heart.
What's going on with me?
Her chest was tightening with a feeling she couldn't explain. The air around her seemed to pulse with an eerie energy, and the sight of the blue-haired man only amplified the strange sensations coursing through her. She had felt it before, but this felt different, sinister—almost like it was calling to her.
The sharp pain tugged at her heart again, and she could feel the darkness attempting to take root. It was as though something inside her was fighting for control, battling to dim out the light within her.
She glanced back at the blue-haired man, who was still staring at her, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. Is he doing this?
She closed her eyes and clutched her necklace and began doing the technique she was taught. Picturing the bright light within her, she began to focus, pushing back against the growing darkness that clawed at her. She felt the warmth of the light flowing through her, steadying her breathing as she recalled the calming technique. Her fingers tightened around the necklace, grounding herself as the light grew stronger.
Slowly, the suffocating pressure began to lift. As Ever opened her eyes, she noticed the man was no longer there.