Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

Chapter 26

Helios chuckled, playing along with Cid's light-heartedness. "Of course, Cid. Merlin might have found me first, but your work seems just as interesting. Besides, I'm always up for learning more about technology and, well, just about anything in this world."

Even gave a brief nod, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Curiosity is a powerful tool, young man. Proper guidance can lead to great things. But be mindful," he added with a touch of gravity, "curiosity can also lead you down paths from which there is no return."

Helios met Even's gaze, he almost couldn't stop himself from laughing due to his foreknowledge about Even doing just that. "I understand, and I'll keep that in mind," he replied, feigning innocence. Even who would become Vexen in the future a man obsessed with experiments and understanding till the day he was destroyed.

Cid stretched and gave the machine a satisfied pat. "Well, now that this thing's back in action, I say it's time to hit the road, kid. Let's get you back before Merlin starts sending out search parties."

As they turned to leave, Helios caught a glimpse of someone entering the room from the corner of his eye. It was Xehanort who had then over Terra's body, his white and yellow eyes signature reminder that he belonged to darkness. He wore the lab coat and composed expression he always carried, a mask hiding his dark intentions. Helios knew better than to stare, but although subtle and nearly non-existent he could feel the darkness that seemed to emanate from the man's presence, even from across the room.

Xehanort acknowledged Cid with a brief nod before turning his attention to Even. "Is the console operational now?" His voice was smooth, almost soothing, yet Helios only felt a chill up his spine.

Even nodded. "Yes, Xehanort. Cid and his new apprentice have restored it."

"Good," Xehanort replied, his eyes flicking briefly toward Helios, studying him with a curious intensity. The look was brief, yet sharp enough that Helios felt it pierce right through him.

Helios forced himself to remain calm under Xehanort's scrutiny, giving a polite nod before looking away. Under the weight of Xehanort's Helios' mind began to wonder if this Xehanort had regained his memories as Master Xehanort yet or was his amnesia still in effect.

"Let's go, kid," Cid muttered, nudging Helios toward the exit. Helios didn't need to be told twice.

As they walked away from the castle, Cid glanced back, making sure they were out of earshot before he let out a sigh. "That Xehanort's an odd one, isn't he? Gives me the creeps every time I'm around him."

Helios feigned a casual shrug, though inside he agreed completely. "Yeah, something about him seems... off," he replied carefully.

Cid nodded in agreement. "You're not wrong there. Always talking about stuff way over everyone's head, and he's got a way of looking at people that makes your skin crawl. Like he's not really looking at the guy in front of him but a toy he can do with as he pleases." He paused, glancing at Helios. "Merlin's been looking out for you, right? So take my advice, kid. Keep your head low when you're near that one. Oh and don't head to the castle with me or Merlin tagging along."

"I'll keep that in mind," Helios responded, fully understanding the caution in Cid's voice.

Back at Merlin's cottage, Helios took a moment to compose himself, letting the familiar comfort of the warm, book-filled space wash over him. Now calm he immediately began his magic practice until Merlin returned to the house.

The flickering lights cast long shadows as Xehanort and Even descended into the cold, dimly lit corridors of the castle's underground section. Their footsteps echoed against the stone walls, accompanied only by the distant hum of machinery reverberating through the sealed-off tunnels.