Olympus Coliseum - The Underworld Part 1
The sun beamed across the world of the Olympus Coliseum, its golden rays illuminating the grand stone pillars and casting long shadows across the famous battleground. The golden light gave the place a radiant glow, highlighting its timeless majesty and the strength it symbolised.
Since our heroes' last visit, a new kind of energy buzzed throughout the Coliseum. This wasn't just another day of training or preparation for Hercules—this was something far bigger. Thanks to a collaboration between a group of formidable warriors calling themselves The Virtues, Phil and Hercules had worked tirelessly over the past year to create something truly monumental: the Virtue Cup.
The idea had been simple enough—to bring together the greatest fighters across worlds to honour the alliance between these new allies and the Coliseum itself. But getting it all in motion was no small feat. From sending and receiving countless invitations, to planning the logistics of an event of this magnitude, every step had been a challenge. Now, with the tournament mere hours away, everything was finally in place.
Inside the grounds of the Coliseum, Hercules stood in the centre of the arena, locked in an intense sparring match with his newest ally and rival, Akira Yuki. The arena itself was empty for now, the stands silent save for the echoes of their movements, but the anticipation for the competition ahead hung thick in the air.
Akira, clad in his iconic white gi with a black belt, moved with a calm intensity. His sharp, focused eyes never left Hercules as the two traded blows. Herc swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for precision and power, but Akira dodged with effortless grace, countering with a swift palm strike that just grazed the demigod's side.
"You're strong, Herc," Akira said, his tone even and focused. "But strength alone isn't enough. You've got to control the flow of the fight."
"And you've got to be ready for anything, Akira!" Hercules replied, his grin never fading as he feinted with his sword and lunged forward.
On the sidelines, Phil paced excitedly, his hooves clattering on the stone floor as he barked encouragement.
"That's it, Herc! Keep it tight! And Akira, show him why you're one of the Virtues!" he bellowed, supporting both men in their training.
Standing nearby, three of Akira's fellow Virtues watched with keen interest. Pai Chan stood with her sharp gaze fixed on the sparring match. Her iconic blue and yellow fighting attire complemented the neatly tied buns on each side of her head, giving her an air of focus and precision. Next to her was Wolf Hawkfield, a towering wrestler clad in his signature blue and red trunks, complete with matching knee and elbow pads and gloves. With his massive arms crossed and a calm yet imposing presence, Wolf looked every bit the seasoned brawler. Finally, there was Sarah Bryant, her striking blue combat gear gleaming under the sunlight. Her confident stance and cool, assessing gaze exuded quiet authority.
"Not bad," Pai remarked, her voice calm but critical. "Herc's got raw power, but he's leaving himself wide open."
"Raw power's not a bad thing, though. The Demi-God's got heart—and he's not afraid to take risks," Wolf replied, his deep voice rumbling like thunder.
"True," Sarah interjected, her tone measured. "But Akira's showing him why discipline beats brute strength. Herc's got potential, though. If this is him holding back, I'd hate to see him go all out."
"Hey, don't count Herc out just yet, Sarah!" Phil said, turning to look up at his towering allies. "This kid's got a habit of pulling through when it matters most. And speaking of pulling through, I sure hope those invites got to the right folks!"
"You mean these 'Junior Heroes' you've been talking about?" Pai asked, raising an eyebrow. "Are they really as good as you say, Phil?"
Phil's expression turned serious, his voice brimming with respect.
"Oh, they're good, all right. Sora, Donald, and Goofy—they're ones to watch, I tell ya. Last time they were here, they helped fend off Cerberus during the Phil Cup! And let me tell you, they don't quit, no matter what gets thrown at 'em."
"And this 'Blue' guy you keep mentioning? What's his deal?" Wolf questioned, tilting his head down towards Phil.
"Blue—that's what I call Sonic," Phil explained. "Fast as lightning, cocky as they come, but the guy's got the skills to back it up. He would've won the last Phil Cup, if he hadn't—uh—sort of run off."
"Sort of ran off?" Sarah asked, intrigued, her arms crossing over her chest.
"Yeah, yeah. He went off chasing some voice in a dark portal," Phil answered. "Apparently he heard a friend calling out to him, so he bolted headfirst. And who followed him? Mr. Brooding himself, Shadow."
"Shadow..." Wolf began, his deep voice thoughtful, "he was a past winner of the Phil Cup, right? I saw his name on the winners' list in the lobby."
"Yep, he was," Phil confirmed with a nod. "Shadow's the real deal. Would've made a heck of a dent in the Hercules or Pegasus Cup too, if he'd stuck around."
"Will he be here for the Virtue Cup?" Pai asked, leaning forward slightly, her curiosity piqued.
Phil sighed, his tone turning regretful.
"Afraid not," he replied bluntly. "I got a response from some yahoos over at this outfit called G.U.N.—they've got Shadow tied up on some big mission. Top secret, of course. Figures."
"Shame," Sarah said, tilting her head thoughtfully. "Sounds like he would've been a tough competitor."
"He would have been one of the favourites," Phil admitted. "But don't you worry. Even without him, this Virtue Cup's shaping up to be legendary. And if those Junior Heroes and Blue do show up, it's gonna be one for the history books."
Pai smiled, glancing at the sparring match as Hercules and Akira traded blows.
"Well, they'd better bring their A-game. The Virtues aren't going easy on anyone."
"You bet," Wolf added with a grin. "Here's hoping they live up to the hype, Phil."
"They will," Phil said confidently. "I know they will."
The Virtue Cup was just hours away from its grand beginning, the anticipation building with every passing moment. Yet, unbeknownst to Phil and the others eagerly awaiting their arrival, the heroes he had placed so much faith in—Sora, Sonic, Donald, and Goofy—had taken a fateful misstep. Instead of arriving at the Coliseum's grand entrance, they had been drawn into the shadowy depths of the Underworld, where a far darker challenge awaited them.
Underworld
The journey from Hollow Bastion to the Olympus Coliseum was no easy feat. The Lanes Between were teeming with swarms of Heartless ships, each wave seemingly more relentless than the last. But with Donald at the helm, his skilled piloting combined with the Gummi Ship's newly upgraded arsenal, the team managed to fight their way through. The ship's fine-tuned weapons swept aside the Heartless ships with precision, clearing a path to their destination.
When the shimmering image of the Olympus Coliseum appeared on their navigation system, the team let out a collective sigh of relief. However, things didn't quite go as planned. As Donald brought the ship down to dock, it became apparent that they had arrived at a different entrance than expected. During their last visit to this world over a year ago, the ship had landed outside the grand golden doors leading to the Coliseum's courtyard. This time, though, their surroundings were vastly different.
As the group disembarked and ventured forward, the air grew heavy, thick with an ominous stillness. Shadows blanketed the ground, and sharp, jagged rocks jutted out from the earth like skeletal fingers. The edges of the terrain oozed with an eerie purple liquid that shimmered faintly in the dim light.
The group stopped in their tracks, their eyes scanning the unsettling landscape.
"Huh?" Sora muttered, his brow furrowed as he turned to his companions.
Goofy scratched his head, glancing around nervously.
"Are ya sure this is the Coliseum?" he asked.
Sonic folded his arms, his gaze sweeping across the bleak surroundings.
"This doesn't look like the place we arrived at last time, guys."
Caliburn floated beside the hedgehog, his tone as regal as ever.
"This place seems rather bleak and depressing, wouldn't you say?"
"Sure does," Sonic agreed, a faint scowl crossing his face.
Donald huffed and pointed ahead.
"It's that way!" He affirmed loudly, his finger aimed at a set of stairs spiralling upward in the distance. The group began to follow the duck.
"Oh… guess we were a little off," Sora replied, his tone more at ease now.
"A little? I'd say we're way off. Blame Donald for that one, pal," Sonic retorted with a teasing tone.
"Hey! I'm the one who got us here in one piece!" Donald stated firmly, with annoyance in his tone.
Caliburn's eyes glowed faintly as he floated closer to Donald, his voice carrying a dry edge of amusement.
"Indeed, though one would expect a royal mage to possess a keener sense of direction. A bit more precision would not go amiss, would it?"
Donald stopped in his tracks, flailing his arms wildly, his feathers practically bristling with frustration.
"I said it's that way, didn't I?!" he quacked loudly, his voice echoing through the cavern.
"Gawrsh, no need to get all ruffled, Donald," Goofy said with his usual calm demeanor, adjusting his shield. "Let's just head up those stairs and see where they lead."
"Yeah, let's go," Sora agreed, stepping forward to lead the group. But before anyone could move, a piercing scream shattered the tense silence.
The group froze, turning towards the sound. From the darker depths of the cave, a slender woman came running toward them. Her long, dark auburn hair swayed with every hurried step, and her lavender toga flowed behind her like a banner. She looked frantic, her eyes wide with fear, and behind her came a pack of snarling, rabid dog-like Heartless.
The woman stumbled, tripping on the uneven ground. She fell to her hands and knees, the Heartless closing in with their glowing yellow eyes and jagged teeth.
"Heartless!" Sora shouted, summoning his Keyblade in a flash of light.
Caliburn zipped into Sonic's gloved hand as the hedgehog immediately dashed forward.
The group sprang into action, chasing after Sonic toward the fallen woman. The Heartless paused, their snarls turning into growls as they sensed the approaching heroes. But instead of standing their ground, the creatures barked once more and turned tail, vanishing into the shadows.
The woman, still kneeling on the ground, looked up just as Sonic skidded to a stop in front of her. He extended a hand, his confident smirk doing little to hide his genuine concern.
"Need a hand?" Sonic asked casually.
The woman hesitated. She took Sonic's hand reluctantly and stood, brushing dirt off her toga as she straightened herself.
"Thanks," she said, her voice slightly shaky but laced with defiance. "But… I'm fine."
The rest of the group arrived moments later, their weapons still at the ready. The woman glanced over them, her expression shifting from disbelief to something guarded. Folding her arms, she raised an eyebrow.
"And you're supposed to be…?" the woman asked sharply, folding her arms as her gaze swept over the group.
"Name's Sonic," the hedgehog replied with his usual cocky grin, thumbing toward the companions behind him. "And these are my friends—Sora, Donald, and Goofy."
"And don't forget me," Caliburn interjected, his regal voice cutting through the introductions like a well-placed slash.
"Oh, right," Sonic said with a chuckle, releasing his grip on Caliburn. The sword floated beside him, its presence almost commanding. "And this here's Caliburn."
"A pleasure to meet you, fair lady," Caliburn said, dipping slightly in the air as though executing a formal bow.
The woman's eyes widened at the sight of the floating, talking sword. For a moment, her disbelief was evident, but she quickly masked it with a raised brow and a hint of skepticism.
"It talks, huh?" she said dryly.
"He does a lot more than that," Sonic replied with a smirk. "But we can get into that later."
"That's right," Sora chimed in, stepping forward. "We actually came to see how Hercules is doing. He's a friend of ours."
"You know Wonderboy?" the woman replied, her tone softening slightly.
"Of course, 'cause we're heroes, too!" Donald declared proudly, puffing out his chest.
"A-yuck! Don't ya mean junior heroes, Donald?" Goofy corrected, grinning cheerfully.
Donald's feathers ruffled in frustration, and he rolled his eyes at the remark.
"Junior heroes?" Caliburn questioned, his glowing eyes narrowing as he turned toward Sonic. "What exactly does that mean?"
"Oh, it's just something our friend Phil—Herc's trainer—called these guys when they first met," Sonic explained.
"And he called you a lazy hedgehog, if I remember correctly?" Sora said with a teasing grin.
"This Phil sounds wise indeed," Caliburn remarked bluntly, his voice carrying the weight of genuine approval.
"Hey! Don't side with Phil," Sonic retorted, his brow twitching in annoyance. "I showed him just how 'lazy' I wasn't."
"I look forward to meeting this Phil," Caliburn replied, his tone almost playful. "Perhaps I'll console him on having to deal with such a challenging Knight."
Before Sonic could fire back, the woman let out a soft laugh, catching everyone's attention.
"Hey, what's so funny?" Sonic asked, turning to her with a hint of confusion.
"Oh, nothing," she said, her laugh trailing off as she composed herself. "It's just… looks like we've got a friend in common."
"I guess we do, if you know Herc," Sora said with a nod. "So… what's your name?"
"Name's Megara," the woman replied, her confident smile returning. "But my friends call me Meg."
"Hmmm… Megara," Caliburn mused, his tone thoughtful, almost scholarly. "A name of Greek origin, is it not?" "Meaning 'grudge' or 'fury'?"
"That's right," Meg answered with a nod.
Sonic, Sora, Donald and Goofy turned to stare at the floating sword, clearly impressed by his insight.
"Impressive knowledge for a sword," Meg admitted.
"Hold on, wait a sec," Sonic said, scratching his head. "How does a sword from a fairy tale know all this?"
Caliburn floated slightly higher, his regal voice firm but patient.
"Knowledge of heroism spans realms, Sonic. Even swords forged in enchanted lands bear witness to the great legacies of other mythologies. The stories of the Greeks are among the most enduring and influential tales of valour, tragedy, and triumph."
"Okay, okay, I get it. You're sharp—literally," Sonic quipped, flashing his signature grin. Despite the jab, his tone carried genuine admiration.
"How's Herc doing, anyway?" Sora asked, turning his full attention to Meg.
"Wonderboy? He's been duking it out at the Coliseum every day," Meg replied. "You know, 'A hero's work is never done' and all that."
"You can say that again," Sonic chimed in with a grin.
"A knight—or a hero, like Hercules—must always be prepared," Caliburn added, his tone carrying its usual air of regal wisdom.
Sora furrowed his brow, his curiosity and concern evident.
"Why's he been fighting every day?" he asked.
Meg sighed softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
"Well, let's just say a new crowd has rolled into town. They've been working with Wonderboy and Phil to put together this big new tournament. Supposed to be a real game-changer."
"A new tournament?" Donald's voice rose with intrigue, his feathers fluffing slightly.
"That's right," Meg confirmed, glancing toward him. "I don't know all the details, but it's supposed to be something special. Wonderboy's been training like crazy for it."
"Sure has to be special if Herc's training that hard," Goofy said with a thoughtful nod.
"But... he's pushing himself too hard," Meg added, her tone tinged with worry. "He's ready to drop, but he just keeps going."
"Rest is a fundamental component of proper training," Caliburn noted, his voice lined with caution.
"Yeah, even heroes need to take a breather now and then," Sonic agreed.
"If only he'd listen," Meg sighed. "But it's not just the new tournament… Some of the opponents? They're bad news. Really bad."
"Bad news?" Sora asked, his grip tightening on the Keyblade.
"Yeah," Meg said, her voice lowering. "Special deliveries from Hades himself."
"HADES?!" Donald squawked, feathers bristling in alarm.
"Hades," Caliburn repeated, his voice steady and thoughtful. "A truly deviant character, known for cunning and treachery."
"That's the one," Meg replied, crossing her arms.
Sonic glanced around at the jagged rocks and bubbling pools of purple ooze surrounding them, the oppressive atmosphere unmistakable.
"So… I guess that means we're in the Underworld?" Sonic asked, gesturing to the bleak scenery.
"Not the deepest depths," Meg admitted, "but close enough."
"Great," Sonic said with a wry grin, his sarcasm cutting through the tension. "Just where I wanted to hang out today. Nice parking, Donnie."
Donald grumbled incoherently, refusing to take the bait.
"So, why are you down here, anyway?" Goofy asked.
"I was hoping to see Hades," Meg said, her tone hesitant. "Maybe get him to ease up on Wonderboy. If anything happened to him…"
"Gawrsh," Goofy said, his eyes wide. "Sounds like you're more than just friends."
"I must concur with the Captain," Caliburn said, his tone even yet pointed. "I detect an affection for Hercules in your words, Lady Megara."
Meg's face turned slightly red as she stammered, "Oh… uh, I mean…"
"Ha!" Sonic exclaimed with a teasing grin. "You do like him, don't you?"
Meg's blush deepened, and she opened her mouth to respond, but Sora quickly intervened.
"Let's stay focused," he said, steering the conversation back on track. "We'll go have a little talk with Hades. I'd hate for anything to happen to you on your way to see him."
Meg blinked, surprised.
"You really want to do that?" she questioned.
"Sure," Sora replied, his determination clear.
"Plus, we owe Hades a clobbering or two from the last time we were here," Sonic added.
"What went on?" Meg asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Ah, the usual with someone like Hades," Sonic replied casually. "He tried to lure my pal Knuckles to the dark side during the Phil Cup, and he worked with all kinds of shady villains that tried to make our lives miserable."
"And let's not forget," Goofy added, "he set Cerberus on us. That dog nearly trampled poor Cloud!"
"But we took care of that mutt!" Donald declared proudly. "And Knuckles helped us too!"
Meg's smirk returned slightly.
"Sounds like you've been through a lot," she admitted. "You sure you know what you're getting into?"
"We've got this," Sora assured her. "Just leave Hades to us."
"We accept this quest, Lady Megara. It shall be an honour to confront this vile figure on your behalf," Caliburn added.
Meg hesitated, then nodded as she spoke.
"Thank you," Meg said, her tone softening. "But let's keep this whole 'chat with Hades' thing between us, okay? Wonderboy doesn't need to know."
"Our lips are sealed!" Goofy said with a cheerful salute, his wide grin reassuring.
"A chat with who?" Sonic added with a smirk, one brow raised mischievously.
Meg couldn't help but let out a small laugh, shaking her head at their antics.
"All right, then," she said, stepping aside and gesturing toward a shadowy cave entrance ahead of the group. "Through this cave, you'll find the room Hades is in. Just be careful."
"Thanks," Sonic replied with a thumbs-up.
Meg crossed her arms, her expression turning serious.
"The Underworld has a way of sapping your strength. It's not just the Heartless you've got to watch out for—it's this place itself," she warned.
"Thanks for the heads up," Sora said with a firm nod.
"We'll look out for each other," Goofy added, his shield resting confidently on his arm.
"This realm of death and despair will not deter us from our quest, Lady Megara," Caliburn declared, his regal voice cutting through the tension.
Meg arched an eyebrow, her smirk returning.
"You sure know how to sweet-talk a girl, don't you?" she said teasingly.
"A knight's words must carry the weight of his honour," the sword replied.
"Oh brother..." Sonic sighed, shaking his head.
"Glad to hear that," Meg replied, her smirk softening. "Good luck, boys."
The group nodded in unison, their resolve clear. Without another word, they turned and began their march toward the ominous cave, the shadows within seeming to beckon them forward.
Cave of the Dead - Entrance
The heroes stepped cautiously into the Cave of the Dead, a vast cavern where the walls were black and jagged. Dim stone lanterns hung on the walls, their eerie blue flames flickering. The atmosphere was suffocating, heavy with an unnatural chill. Wisps of pale, white light floated briefly in the air, only to disappear as if swallowed by the oppressive gloom.
Sora led the group forward, gripping his Keyblade tightly, while Goofy and Donald stuck close behind, their eyes scanning the unsettling surroundings. Sonic, as always, tried to lighten the mood, even as his fur bristled at the eerie ambiance.
"Well, this place is just fantastic," Sonic quipped, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "A real vacation spot."
Caliburn floated steadily beside him, his regal demeanour undeterred by the oppressive setting.
"Your sarcasm is noted, Sonic," the blade replied, his tone as sharp as his edge. "Though one might argue that it is misplaced. A knight must rise above discomfort and remain steadfast."
"Oh, I'm steadfast, all right. Just call it my way of making this death pit a little less miserable," Sonic replied.
"Your 'way,' as you call it, does little to inspire heroism," Caliburn retorted, his glowing eyes narrowing slightly. "However, your resilience is commendable—if not unorthodox."
Donald, who had been quietly gripping his staff, let out a quack of annoyance.
"Can we save the back-and-forth for later? This place is creepy enough without all the chatter."
"Donald's right," Sora agreed, scanning the area ahead. "We need to stay focused. Meg said the Underworld can sap our strength. If we're not careful, we could get caught off guard."
"Gawrsh," Goofy murmured, his voice soft but serious as he adjusted his shield. "I sure don't like the feelin' of this place."
As the group ventured closer to the looming cavern opening, a chill ran through the air. Wisps of dark mist coiled upward from the ground, and with a sinister hum, several balls of darkness materialized before them. From these shadowy orbs emerged a pack of Heartless dogs. Their glowing, swirling yellow eyes pierced through the gloom.
"It seems those canine Heartless that chased Lady Megara earlier have returned," Caliburn noted, floating back into Sonic's grip with an air of calm readiness.
"Looks like they've got a bone to pick with us," Sonic said, spinning Caliburn once in his hand as he took his stance. "Ready, buddy?"
"Always," Caliburn replied, his tone steady. "Though I suggest we tread carefully—these creatures may lack discipline, but their ferocity should not be underestimated."
Before Sonic could reply, one of the smaller blue Heartless dogs, slightly less threatening in appearance, wandered closer to the group. Unlike its larger counterparts, this one didn't seem immediately hostile. It tilted its head curiously, letting out a small bark that echoed faintly through the cavern.
"Aww, this little guy doesn't seem so bad," Goofy said, lowering his shield slightly with a cautious smile.
"Don't be fooled!" Donald quacked, gripping his staff tightly. "It's Heartless. They're all bad!"
The small dog's ears twitched, and it turned toward Donald with an almost offended look. It let out a low growl, its blue aura intensifying. Suddenly, it barked loudly and jumped forward, snapping its jaws at Donald's feet.
"Hey! Back off, you mutt!" Donald yelled, hopping back.
The dog howled, and its larger companions joined in. Their synchronised barks created shockwaves that rippled across the ground, forcing the group to spread out.
"Great job, Donald," Sonic said with a smirk, slashing at one of the larger Heartless dogs that lunged toward him. "You really know how to make friends."
"I didn't do anything!" Donald shouted, swinging his staff to fend off another dog that was snapping at him.
Goofy stepped forward, using his shield to block one of the shockwave barks.
"Gawrsh, these fellas sure are barkin' up the wrong tree!"
Sora leapt into action, Keyblade in hand, striking at one of the dogs that had lunged toward Donald. The Heartless yelped as it was knocked backward, dissolving into darkness.
"Focus, guys!" Sora called out. "They're trying to split us up!"
Sonic dashed through the fray, Caliburn gleaming in the light of the cavern. He delivered a series of rapid slashes to one of the larger Heartless, its form breaking apart into dark mist.
"These guys are quick, but they're no match for speed and precision!"
"Precision, perhaps," Caliburn said, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "But your technique could still use refinement, Sonic."
"Now's not the time for refresher lessons, buddy!" Sonic retorted, dodging a shockwave bark and countering with a powerful slash that sent another Heartless crumbling into darkness.
Meanwhile, the smaller blue dog Heartless locked its glowing eyes on Donald, barking furiously as it lunged again. Donald squawked in frustration, swinging his staff wildly.
"Why is it picking on me?!" he quacked.
Goofy jumped in, knocking the smaller dog back with a well-timed shield bash.
"Maybe it don't like loud quackin', Donald!"
"Very funny!" Donald shouted, casting a Blizzard spell that froze another Heartless mid-jump.
Sora, Sonic, and Goofy quickly took down the remaining dogs, their combined efforts overwhelming the snarling pack. The final Heartless let out a low growl before vanishing into black mist, leaving the cavern eerily silent once more.
As the group regrouped, Sonic wiped his forehead with the back of his glove.
"Well, that was a nice warm-up," he said with a playful tone.
"A knight must always be prepared," Caliburn said, his tone as steady as ever. "Though I dare say, your skirmish with the smaller foe was quite... entertaining."
"That thing had it out for me!" Donald remarked with annoyance.
"Maybe it just thought you were too loud," Sonic teased with a grin.
"All right, let's keep moving," Sora interjected, suppressing a laugh. "We've still got a long way to go, and I'm sure that wasn't the last surprise Hades has for us."
The group pressed onward, the route ahead beckoning them deeper into the Underworld's darkness.
Cave of the Dead - Passage
The group entered the next labyrinth of the Underworld, the air thickening with every step as they advanced further into the shadowy depths. Suddenly, a figure darted past them, moving so quickly it was little more than a blur. Cloaked entirely in black, with the hood of their long coat pulled up to obscure their face, the mysterious figure exuded an unmistakable air of danger.
The group froze in their tracks, watching as the figure rounded a corner and disappeared from view.
"The Organization!" Donald quacked, his feathers bristling.
"Yeah," Sora replied, gripping his Keyblade tightly, his voice steady but tense.
Sonic, always quick to act, pointed ahead with Caliburn in hand.
"Come on, let's follow that creep!"
Without waiting for a reply, Sonic dashed forward.
"Wait for us, Sonic!" Goofy called out, as he hurried after the hedgehog.
The group sprinted after Sonic, rounding the corner and emerging into a long, tunnel-like passage. The oppressive atmosphere grew heavier here, the air almost crackling with dark energy. The only illumination came from the faint, flickering light of the stone lanterns lining the walls, their eerie blue flames casting elongated shadows that danced across the jagged rocks.
Sora's eyes scanned the passage, searching for the figure, but the cloaked individual was nowhere in sight.
"Did we lose them?" Sora wondered aloud, his voice echoing faintly off the cavern walls.
"Keep your guard up," Caliburn warned, his regal tone cutting through the stillness. "This labyrinth may hold more dangers than just the figure you pursue."
As if on cue, the shadows ahead began to writhe and shift. Dark forms rose from the ground, coalescing into snarling shapes. Bad Dogs emerged first, followed by a swarm of Shadow Heartless.
"Looks like we've got company!" Sonic called, raising Caliburn defensively.
Donald gripped his staff, his beak tightening into a determined scowl.
"They're not gonna stop us now!"
"Gawrsh, more of 'em," Goofy muttered, raising his shield as he moved into position.
"Let's take 'em down!" Sora shouted, raising his Keyblade.
But as he adjusted his grip, he felt something in his pocket. His brow furrowed as he reached inside and pulled out the Boomerang Charm Merlin had given him earlier.
The charm shimmered faintly in the dim light, its intricate patterns catching his eye.
"It's the charm!" Donald exclaimed, pointing at it excitedly.
"Gawrsh," Goofy said, leaning closer. "I reckon it's the summon, Sora. Looks like it wants to help us."
"Oh yeah, like Merlin said back when he gave it to you: concentrate on it with all your heart," Sonic remarked.
"You can do it, Sora the Squire," Caliburn added, showing support.
Sora looked at the charm, determination flaring in his blue eyes. He nodded, closing his hand around it and focusing his energy. The charm began to glow, brightening the dark cavern with a radiant golden light.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the tension, its thick Aussie accent turning every head.
"G'day, mate! Seems like I've been summoned."
[Two Up - Ty the Tasmanian Tiger Begins Playing]
The glowing light dimmed, revealing a figure stepping forward with effortless confidence. Ty the Tasmanian Tiger emerged, his bright orange fur shining under the dim cavern's light. Dark brown stripes lined his back and tail, adding to his rugged, adventurous vibe. Clad in his signature red shorts, he twirled two intricately carved Ironbark boomerangs in his hands, the smooth wood gleaming with craftsmanship.
"Wow," Sora muttered.
"Wait… it's a tiger? Wielding boomerangs?" Sonic mused aloud.
Ty turned his head, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he smirked over his shoulder at the hedgehog.
"Close enough, mate," he retorted, his accent adding charm to his words. "I'm a Tasmanian Tiger. And you're a blue hedgehog wielding a sword. Guess we're even, eh?"
Sonic's lips quirked into a grin.
"Touché," the hedgehog replied.
"Now," Ty said, turning his focus to the snarling Heartless ahead, his grin widening. "Let's get to work. Crikey, these creatures look like they're keen for a tussle."
The Heartless wasted no time, lunging toward the group. Ty's smirk shifted into a determined grin as he hurled one of his Ironbark Rangs.
The rang spun through the air with a sharp hum, striking a group of Shadows mid-leap and scattering them into mist. Ty leapt forward, catching the returning rang with ease before throwing it again. This time, it struck a Bad Dog, sending the snarling creature tumbling back into darkness.
"That's awesome," Sora called out, slashing a Shadow Heartless into dark mist.
"Not bad!" Sonic called out, dashing forward with Caliburn raised. The hedgehog slashed a pair of Shadows in a wide arc, following up with a spinning kick that sent a third flying into the cavern wall. "But I'm not letting you steal all the thunder!"
"Keep up, mate," Ty quipped, seamlessly switching his boomerangs to his crackling Zappyrangs, which glowed with electric energy.
He tossed them into a pack of Heartless, the projectiles releasing arcing bolts of electricity that stunned and disoriented the creatures. Ty darted in, his powerful bite taking down a nearby Bad Dog, which burst into a puff of dark smoke.
"Fire!" Donald shouted, casting a fire spell that erupted into a bright blaze, consuming a cluster of Shadows. "Let's show this tiger what we've got!"
"A-yuck! He's already showin' us some tricks," Goofy said cheerfully, bashing a Bad Dog away with his shield. "Sure glad he's on our side!"
Ty caught his Zappyrangs mid-air, then reached behind him and pulled out his icy Blizzarangs. The frosty boomerangs sparkled as he twirled them effortlessly.
"Let's cool things down a bit, eh?" Ty remarked.
"He's totally copying my style?!" Sonic exclaimed, as she slashed Caliburn through another Heartless.
The Blizzarangs spun through the air, freezing any Heartless they touched in blocks of ice. Ty darted around the passage, throwing the boomerangs in a crisscross pattern that encased several Bad Dogs in frozen prisons.
Sonic noticed the change in weapons and raised an eyebrow.
"Okay, now you're just showing off!"
"Concentrate, Sonic!" Caliburn barked demandingly, his regal tone cutting through the battle.
Ty, mid-throw, tilted his head toward the talking sword. His eyes widened briefly before a grin spread across his face.
"Crikey, a talking sword! You've got yourself a right ripper there, mate."
Sonic chuckled, swinging Caliburn to slice through a frozen Bad Dog, shattering it.
"Thanks, I guess," he replied.
"What did he say?" Caliburn asked, his tone confused but dignified.
"Relax, Caliburn. It's a compliment," Sonic assured him.
Meanwhile, Sora swung his Keyblade to knock back a group of Shadows that had surrounded Donald. Sora activated his Sonic Blade ability, slashing through the foes at top speed, breaking them apart into darkness.
"What's a ripper? Is that good?" Sora asked, looking to Ty.
Ty laughed, hurling his Blizzarangs at the remaining Heartless.
"Means 'something awesome,' mate. Like a beaut, a top-notch kinda deal."
"Uh… sure," Sora replied, still a little lost in translation but grinning nonetheless. He twirled his Keyblade, taking down the last Shadow with a fluid combo.
With the battlefield cleared, Ty caught his Blizzarangs mid-air. He turned to the group with a toothy grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Well, that's how it's done, mates. Not bad for my first round, eh?"
"Not bad at all!" Sora said, giving Ty a cheerful thumbs-up.
"Impressive indeed," Caliburn remarked. The sword's tone carried a rare note of respect. "Your mastery over those… boomerangs, was it? Quite remarkable."
"Cheers, mate," Ty replied with a playful nod. He spun his Blizzarangs one last time before they disappeared.
"So, what's your name?" Goofy asked, adjusting his shield as he stepped forward.
"Name's Ty," the Tasmanian Tiger replied, resting his hands on his hips. "And what about you guys?"
"I'm Sora," Sora began, gesturing to himself with his free hand.
"Donald Duck," Donald confirmed with his usual confidence.
"Name's Goofy," Goofy said with a friendly grin. "Nice to meet ya, Ty."
"Name's Sonic. Sonic the Hedgehog," Sonic chimed in, flashing his signature smirk. He raised his arm slightly, showing off the regal sword in his grasp. "And this here is Caliburn."
"A pleasure to meet you, Ty the Summon," Caliburn greeted, his voice tinged with regal formality. "Your skills with those boomerangs were quite remarkable. A most unique weapon."
"Thanks, mate!" Ty replied, his grin widening. "These beauties were made by my mate Julius. He's a real genius. Smartest koala I know."
"A koala made those?" Sora asked, tilting his head in surprise.
"Too right," Ty confirmed. "He's always tinkerin' with somethin'. Gave me a whole arsenal of 'rangs for just about any situation. Frosty ones, fiery ones, electric ones, you name it."
"Sounds like a handy guy to have around," Goofy remarked.
"That he is, mate," Ty agreed. "Back home in Rainbow Cliffs, we're always gettin' into adventures. You've gotta stay prepared, y'know?"
"Rainbow Cliffs?" Donald asked.
"Yep, my home turf," Ty explained, crossing his arms. "It's this lush, colourful spot filled with critters like me—and some not-so-friendly ones. We've got jungles, rivers, mountains, beaches, cliffs... the whole shebang."
"Sounds great. But Ty, how did you become part of this summon charm?" Sora asked with curiosity.
"Well, that's a bit of a tale, Sora" Ty began, rubbing the back of his neck. "My mate Maurice—he's a cockatoo and a real character—made a deal with your wizard mate, Merlin. Said I'd be lendin' a hand if things ever got hairy out here."
"A cockatoo got you into this?" Sonic asked, raising a brow.
"Too right," Ty replied with a laugh. "Maurice's always dabblin' in somethin'. Reckon he thought this would be a bonzer way for me to stretch my legs, see the worlds out there. And hey, looks like he was right. Nothin' like a bit of Heartless-bashin' to stay sharp."
"Guess we owe Maurice a thanks," Sora said, smiling. "You're definitely gonna be a big help, Ty."
"Righto!" Ty replied, giving a thumbs-up. "Anytime you need me, just give that charm a squeeze, and I'll be there faster than a roo on a hot tin roof."
"Well, welcome to the team, Ty. Sounds like you're gonna fit right in," Sonic added with a grin.
"Cheers, mate," Ty said with an easy smile. "But, looks like my time's up. Catch ya later!"
In a burst of golden light, Ty disappeared, leaving behind a lingering warmth that seemed to brighten the gloomy cave for just a moment longer.
"Well," Goofy said, adjusting his shield, "that Ty fella sure seems like a nice guy!"
"Yeah," Sora agreed, tucking the Boomerang Charm back into his pocket.
"Let's just hope the next time we call him, it's somewhere a bit sunnier," Sonic quipped, glancing at the oppressive gloom around them.
"Agreed," Donald huffed. "Now let's keep moving. We got to find Hades."
With that, the group pressed onward, their resolve strengthened by their newest ally, even as the shadows of the Underworld loomed ahead.
[Two Up - Ty the Tasmanian Tiger Stops Playing]
Meanwhile - Hades's Chamber
In the heart of the Underworld, Hades lounged on his oversized throne, tapping his fiery blue fingers against the armrest. The oppressive atmosphere crackled with dark energy, mirroring the irritation evident in the lord's ever-flaming hair, which flared higher with each aggravated motion.
"Where do they dig these freaks up?" Hades muttered, rubbing his temples as though the weight of his endless problems was just too much. "Geez, Louise."
Nearby, Pete shifted awkwardly, his bulky form hunched slightly as he scratched the back of his head.
"Aw, they're nothin' but trouble, the whole lotta 'em," Pete grumbled, his gravelly voice carrying a blend of annoyance and nervousness. "So, uh… what're ya gonna do about Hercules? He's been takin' down every fighter ya throw at him like they're paperweights. At this rate, the Underworld's gonna be standin' room only!"
Pete paused, noticing Hades glaring daggers at him. Swallowing hard, he quickly backpedalled, his tone softening.
"Uh, I mean… not that you can't handle it. I'm just sayin', maybe, uh… maybe you should pick someone already dead and save him the trouble?"
Hades' eyes narrowed slightly, his expression shifting from annoyance to intrigue. He stroked his chin thoughtfully as Pete's words settled in.
"Dead…" Hades mused. "Dead is good."
He stood abruptly, his long robes billowing dramatically as he pointed a finger at Pete, who flinched and took a step back.
"And I know just the warrior," Hades declared, his voice dripping with sinister confidence. His grin widened, gleaming teeth stark against the dimly lit chamber as his mind spun with schemes.
The oppressive darkness seemed to deepen as Hades' laughter echoed off the jagged walls, sending shivers down Pete's spine. From a nearby corner, Pain and Panic peeked out from behind their makeshift cover, their wide eyes darting nervously toward each other.
"Uh… whoever it is," Pete muttered under his breath, tugging nervously at his collar, "I hope they're worth the trouble."
Part 1 of the Underworld is complete!
This is shaping up to be a long and exciting storyline at the Olympus Coliseum, and I've got so much planned for the Virtue Cup.
A huge thank you to everyone for the reviews, favourites, and follows on this story—it truly means the world to me. Your continued support and enthusiasm for this saga have been a massive inspiration throughout this journey, and I'm incredibly grateful to all of you for sticking with me.
This chapter introduced some fantastic new characters, including Meg, the Virtue Fighters, and Ty the Tasmanian Tiger. Ty's debut as a summon was particularly fun to write, and I think his Aussie charm added a unique flavour to the group dynamic. His skills with the boomerangs—and his banter—really made him shine.
I also wanted to revisit and expand on key moments from the first story, tying the two adventures together. For instance, the call back to Knuckles being tricked by Hades and the battle against Cerberus, as well as Sonic's heroic decision to venture into the dark corridor to save Amy, with Shadow following close behind. These moments connect past events to the ongoing narrative, showing how the characters' actions continue to ripple through their world.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I loved writing it. There's a lot more to come in Part 2.
Stay tuned—the next part will be out sooner than later! Thank you all for your ongoing support, and I'll see you in the next chapter.
Cheers!
Disclaimer: Ty the Tasmanian Tiger is owned by Krome Studios, and the Virtua Fighter series and its characters are owned by SEGA.