Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

Chapter 18

As Helios slowly awakened from his deep slumber, he felt a searing pain coursing through his entire body. Every muscle and bone ached, reminding him of the fierce battle he had endured. With great effort, he managed to sit up, his breaths shallow and labored. He winced and grabbed his head as he felt a splitting headache that lasted for a few seconds before vanishing.

Summoning his remaining strength, Helios extended his trembling hand, palm open, and focused his thoughts. In a flash of electrified darkness emanating a radiant light at its center, his keyblade materialized before him. It was a sight he had not been able to fully appreciate during the chaotic battle.

He gazed upon the keyblade, its two-toned color scheme of black and silver catching his eye. The blade itself appeared as if it had been forged from two distinct halves, seamlessly merged together in perfect equilibrium. The handle boasted an intricate design, with spiraling black and silver details intertwining in an elaborate pattern. Its teeth formed the outline of a black sun with a silver moon nestled within.

Helios marveled at the craftsmanship, realizing the significance of this weapon in his hands. The keychain, shaped like a black sun with a white moon nestled within, symbolized the delicate balance between light and darkness. The charm, though small in size, displayed remarkable detail and was crafted from high-quality metal.

A smile crept across Helios' weary face as he admired the keyblade. It was a fitting name that came to his mind—Equilibrium—a testament to the design's representation of the harmony between opposing forces. He hoped that this keyblade would grant him the power to navigate the treacherous path ahead.

Though his body still throbbed with pain, Helios found solace and strength in the presence of Equilibrium. It would be his guiding force as he faced the trials and battles that awaited him. He steadied his grip on the keyblade, preparing to wield it with all the determination he could muster.

However, as Helios attempted to channel the darkness through Equilibrium, the strain proved too much for his weakened state. His trembling hand lost its grip, and the keyblade slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground. He sighed in frustration and exhaustion, realizing that he needed to rest and recover before he could fully harness the power of Equilibrium.

The Heartless still lurked in the darkness, and his journey to restore what he had lost seemed daunting. Accepting his limitations, Helios made the difficult decision to lie back down, closing his eyes to rest his aching body. He knew that he needed to gather his strength and regain his focus before he could continue his mission.

With Equilibrium by his side, he found solace in knowing that he had a powerful ally waiting for him when he was ready. Helios drifted into a deep sleep, his dreams filled with visions of battles yet to come, and the hope that he would rise again, stronger and ready to face the challenges that awaited him.

As Helios gradually woke from his deep slumber, his eyes blinked open to find Kurai floating nearby, its piercing gaze fixed upon him. Groggy and disoriented, Helios couldn't help but remark, "You know, it's kinda creepy to wake up and find someone staring at you."

Kurai's dark energy rippled gently, almost resembling amusement. It replied, "Apologies if I startled you. I was merely keeping watch over you while you rested."

Rubbing his eyes, Helios struggled to sit up, his body still sore and weary from the battles he had faced. He groaned and stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles. Turning to Kurai, he asked, "How long have I been out?"

Kurai's response carried a sense of uncertainty. "If we were to use the concept of time from the realm of light, it has been approximately two days. However, time is not as linear or consistent in this realm of darkness."

Helios nodded, his mind processing the information. He understood that time operated differently in this distorted realm, where minutes could feel like hours and hours could pass in an instant.

Feeling a lingering soreness in his body, Helios decided to summon his keyblade once again, hoping to gauge his strength and test his abilities. He extended his hand, focusing his thoughts and conjuring Equilibrium in a flash of electrified darkness with a center filled with light. Gripping the keyblade firmly, he felt a surge of energy flowing through him, although he still felt somewhat weakened.

With Equilibrium in hand, Helios pondered Kurai's previous demonstration of opening a dark corridor. He recalled how Kurai had guided him through the process. Turning to Kurai, he asked, "Can you show me again how to open a dark corridor? I want to see if I can do it myself."

Kurai nodded in approval. "Very well. To open a dark corridor, focus on where you wish to go and envision a path connecting the two locations. Picture it in your mind, and then channel your darkness through the keyblade, guiding it to shape the corridor."

Helios closed his eyes, picturing a specific location he desired to reach. He imagined the destination clearly, feeling the connection forming in his mind. With a deep breath, he channeled his darkness through Equilibrium, willing it to shape a dark corridor that bridged the gap between his current location and the envisioned destination.

To his surprise, as he opened his eyes, a flickering dark portal materialized before him. It pulsated with a faint, ominous energy, promising a passage to another place. Helios turned to Kurai, a mix of astonishment in his eyes. "I did it! I opened a dark corridor!"

Kurai's dark energy shimmered with satisfaction. "Indeed, you have made great progress. Now, step through the corridor and trust in your instincts to guide you to your chosen destination."

Helios took a deep breath, mustering his resolve. He stepped towards the dark corridor, its mysterious depths beckoning him forward. With Equilibrium still in hand, he entered through the portal, ready to venture forth into the next leg of his journey.