Olympus Coliseum
First Appearance: KINGDOM HEARTS (2002)
Origin: Hercules (1997)
Ven arrives in Olympus to discover a satyr frantically running, as if from danger. He approaches him, only to be immediately shouted down. They are joined by a young man named Hercules, calling out for the satyr, named Phil. The noise brings unwanted company, as another boy arrives, begging to become Phil's student, who has quite a reputation for producing heroes. He rejects the boy's request, claiming that he has his hands full training Herc.
However, Phil does make a deal; if the warrior can prove himself better than Herc in the Games, he may replace him as his student. Seeing how distraught he has become, Ven offers to help Hercules train. Unfortunately, when the time comes for their fated match, Phil interrupts, raving about the Unversed heading their way. Ven dashes off to face them alone, so the two could finish their match. He makes it to the town and jumps into the fray, but with Hercules at his side having abandoned the match to help him.
In a sudden turn of events, it appears the warrior also threw the match. Brought to a standstill, Phil explains he would choose the one with the most heart and wouldn't hesitate to help others. The answer to that is obvious, and the warrior, introducing himself as Zack, admits defeat, though he reassures them that he won't give up his dream. With a final shared laugh ringing soundly in his ears, Ven sets off with newfound friends in his heart.
Emotionally exhausted and at a loss, Terra finds himself in Olympus Coliseum. He chances upon Hercules, overwhelmed by the Unversed, and rushes into the tussle to help him. Herc, impressed by Terra's strength, invites him to participate in the Games. Terra decides it may be worth his while, believing that it may aid him in his battle against the darkness.
He meets up with Hades, God of the Underworld, who advises he should embrace the darkness rather than combat it. He bribes Terra with information towards accomplishing this, if he were to enter the Games, which he agrees to. However, Hades has no intention of helping him. His real objective was to find a warrior he could use to defeat Zeus, god of Olympus. He would do whatever it takes to achieve it, regardless of the casualties.
Terra sweeps the competition all according to plan and claims his victory. However, as his seemingly defeated final opponent rises back up to face him with a dark aura coursing through his being, Terra realizes he's being controlled, speaking from experience. Right on cue, Hades appears proudly to reveal his entire scheme. Unwilling to stand for this injustice, Terra puts forward all his strength in liberating the boy. His plans foiled, Hades exits the arena, leaving Terra and the warrior, revealed to be Zack, behind.
Although the crowd cheers for their new hero, Terra insists otherwise. Zack however, maintains his position and convinces Terra that he has proven himself to be one, and that even he regards him as such. The two then make a promise to spar again without interferences in the future.
The Unversed waste no time in ambushing Aqua once she arrives. She steels herself for the battle and is joined by Phil, although he was trying to woo her rather than fight. Even so, it proved too much for him to handle, and he instead called for Hercules to take his place. When all was calm, Phil returns to entice her, although it was all for naught once Herc revealed that he wants to be as strong as Terra in order to become a true hero. Terra, that was why Aqua was here. She was looking for Terra.
Unfortunately, she had missed him long ago, and upon realization, she started to leave to continue her search. Phil however, refuses to give up, and tries convincing her that he may return to defend his title. Hearing that, Aqua changes her mind and requests entry into the tournament. It wasn't long before she makes it to the final, facing none other than Zack.
Zack explains to her about his connection with Terra, about how he had saved him when he fell victim to Hades' ploy, as well as the promise the two of them made to spar again, serving as his drive. Albeit jealous of the friendship between the boys, she doesn't hold back, and sends Zack flying to claim her victory.
At this moment, Hades appears, the gossip of another warrior demolishing the competition having reached his ears. He attempts to sway Aqua to the side of darkness, but to no avail. Enraged by the harm he did to Zack, and his malevolent plans involving her childhood friend, she goes headstrong into the final match. Although he summoned the Ice Colossus to aid him in battle, Aqua was able to defeat the two of them single-handed. After the match, Zack offers to take her out on a date to celebrate her victory. She politely refuses, and continues on her journey forward.
