Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

As Helios and Sephiroth stepped into the Underworld, the oppressive atmosphere hit them like a tidal wave. The air was dense, suffocating, and carried an eerie chill that seeped into their bones. Almost immediately, Sephiroth's movements slowed, and he clenched his hand, his usually effortless strength noticeably diminished. He glanced at his hand and then turned his piercing gaze to Helios.

"What is this?" he asked coldly, his tone laced with irritation.

Helios smirked, his expression calm as he continued walking. "Welcome to the Underworld, where the living are unwelcome. This curse weakens anyone alive. Your strength, your reflexes, even your resilience—it's all dulled down to keep you on the same level as the damned."

Sephiroth's grip tightened around the hilt of the Masamune. "Interesting. A handicap. How quaint."

Helios chuckled but didn't respond. Instead, he motioned for Sephiroth to follow him. They moved through the dark, winding passages of the Cave of the Dead, the faint whispers of lost souls echoing off the walls. Every step seemed to amplify the weight pressing down on them, but neither man showed signs of slowing.

Despite the oppressive atmosphere, the journey was eerily uneventful. The typical Heartless that roamed the Underworld seemed absent, and Helios walked with an unsettling confidence, as though he were familiar with the path.

Sephiroth's gaze swept over the dark corridors. "No ambushes, no obstacles… You've been here before."

"Enough times to know my way around," Helios replied casually. "Hades isn't one to bother with the little stuff when he knows we're heading straight to him."

The path eventually opened up into a massive chamber, its walls lined with jagged obsidian spires. In the center was the Underdrome, a colossal arena carved into the very fabric of the Underworld. Its dark, weathered walls pulsed faintly, as though alive, and the air buzzed with an ominous energy.

Helios and Sephiroth stopped at the edge of the arena, their eyes scanning the space. Then, in a puff of black smoke, Hades appeared. The God of the Underworld stood with his usual smug grin, his fiery blue hair casting flickering light across his sharp features.

"Well, well, well," Hades drawled, his voice oozing mockery. "If it isn't the kid again. And look, you brought a friend! I gotta say, I wasn't sure you were serious about this whole 'introducing a buddy to the tournament' thing. But hey, points for commitment!"

Helios smiled faintly, unbothered by the sarcasm. "I figured you'd appreciate some new entertainment."

Hades chuckled darkly, his flames flaring slightly. "Oh, I appreciate it, all right. I mean, look at this guy!" He gestured to Sephiroth. "Tall, dark, and gloomy over here looks like he walked straight out of a nightmare. What'd he do to you, kid? Steal your lunch money? Kick your puppy? Or, oh, wait—don't tell me." Hades leaned in, his grin widening. "He cut you up within an inch of your life, didn't he?"

Helios's smile didn't waver. "You're not wrong."

Hades threw his head back and laughed, his flames blazing a vibrant red for a moment. "Oh, that's rich! Mortals, am I right? Betraying each other over the pettiest things. Gotta love it."

Helios's expression turned thoughtful as he looked at Hades. "Speaking of betrayal… You're not planning to stop at the Underworld, are you?"

Hades raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And what makes you say that?"

Helios shrugged. "You're not exactly subtle. You rule the Underworld, but you're clearly not satisfied. If you were, we wouldn't be standing here. So, what's next? Mount Olympus? The mortal realm? The whole universe?"

Hades smirked, though the faintest hint of irritation flickered in his eyes. "You've got quite the imagination, kid. But hey, I'm flattered you think I'm that ambitious."

Helios's grin widened. "It's not imagination—it's observation. I'm good with faces, and yours screams dissatisfaction. Gods are greedy, after all. Just like mortals are petty."

Before Hades could respond, Sephiroth's voice cut through the air like a blade. "Are you two done?" His tone was cold, his patience clearly wearing thin. "I was promised a challenge, not a bickering match between fools."

Hades's flames flared red again, his expression twisting into a scowl. "Fools?" he repeated, his voice rising. "You've got some nerve, pal—"

He stopped himself, taking a deep breath as his flames returned to their usual blue. "You know what? Nah. Not worth it. Why should I get worked up over a dead man walking?"

Sephiroth's lips curled into a faint smirk, but he said nothing. "Let's not waste any more time," Helios said, his voice calm. "You wanted a show, right? Then let's get started."

Hades's grin returned, and he gestured toward the center of the Underdrome. "Oh, don't you worry, kid. The show's just about to begin."

Sephiroth surveyed the dark expanse of the Underdrome with an air of disdain, his sharp eyes taking in every detail of the bleak arena. The battlefield itself was a circular stone platform, eerily similar to the Colosseum above. However, instead of solid ground surrounding it, an inky black abyss stretched out endlessly in all directions, exuding an unsettling aura. The faint whispers of lost souls seemed to rise from the depths, creating an oppressive atmosphere that gnawed at even the strongest resolve.

The stands surrounding the platform were filled with the souls of mortals who had ended up in the Underworld. Unlike the jubilant crowds of the Colosseum, these spectators groaned and murmured, their faces etched with despair. They lacked the energy to cheer or jeer, their hollow eyes fixed on the proceedings like prisoners resigned to their fate.

Hades stood off to the side, his fiery hair flickering with amusement as he snapped his fingers. A puff of black smoke engulfed Sephiroth, and in an instant, he was transported onto the stone platform. He stood motionless, his Masamune resting lightly in his hand as his gaze swept the arena.

"Alright, folks," Hades announced, his voice dripping with theatrical glee. "Let's get this party started! Tall, dark, and gloomy over here is stepping up for the first round. And in the other corner…"

Another snap of Hades's fingers, and a massive Cyclops materialized in a swirl of smoke. The creature towered over Sephiroth, its grotesque form covered in leathery gray skin. One massive eye glared down at him, filled with rage and primal hunger. It carried a crude club made from a gnarled tree trunk, which it slammed into the ground with a deafening thud, sending small tremors through the platform.

"The Cyclops!" Hades boomed. "Big, bad, and ready to smash! Let's see if our pale friend here can handle the heat!"