Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

Chapter 29

Even's usual aloof expression was softened by a slight, almost courteous smile as he approached. Helios kept his composure, bowing his head slightly. "Good day, Sir Even," Helios said, his tone polite. "I was actually just looking for some friends to help me find Cid's place. Merlin mentioned he wanted me to meet him, but... I'm not sure where he lives."

Even chuckled softly, an oddly restrained sound. "Cid doesn't exactly have a home address that he shares. He tends to set up his workspace wherever he sees fit. At the moment, he's commandeered a small workshop not far from the city's outskirts." He tilted his head thoughtfully. "I could guide you there myself. It's along the path I was headed on, in fact."

Though Helios hesitated, aware of the potential dangers of spending too much time alone with Even, he couldn't turn down such a straightforward offer. "Thank you, Sir. I'd appreciate that."

They walked side by side through Radiant Garden's winding paths, which grew quieter as they moved toward the city's edge. Even maintained a dignified pace, his steps measured and his eyes observing everything around them with a critical, calculating gaze.

"So, Helios," Even started, his tone casual yet probing. "Tell me, how are you finding Radiant Garden? Adjusting well, I hope?"

Helios kept his response cautious, as always. "It's a beautiful place. I've been welcomed warmly, which has been... more than I expected."

Even nodded, his expression impassive. "Radiant Garden is a beacon, in some ways," he said, more to himself. "A city brimming with light... even if it has its fair share of shadows."

They reached a cobbled path lined with modest homes and workshops, and Even motioned toward one of the largest buildings, its walls covered in ivy and its door slightly ajar. "Cid should be inside," Even said, gesturing toward the workshop. "Please, go on in. I'd love to stay and chat further, but I have my own duties to attend to."

Helios inclined his head in thanks. "Thank you for your help, Sir Even."

With that, Even left, striding down the cobbled path with his usual air of detached curiosity. Helios watched him go, his mind racing. Even's veiled curiosity was almost unsettling—there was something more to his interest that Helios couldn't yet pinpoint. Shaking off the feeling, Helios pushed open the door to Cid's workshop.

The space inside was cluttered but functional, a chaotic mix of tools, gears, and what Helios guessed were spare gummi ship parts scattered across the tables and shelves. Cid was hunched over a particularly complicated-looking device, his goggles pulled over his eyes as he squinted at a small, sparking wire.

"Hello, Sir Cid," Helios greeted, making his way through the maze of machinery.

Cid looked up, lifting his goggles with an exaggerated grin. "Ah, there's my helper! Good, 'cause I'm gonna need all the extra hands I can get today. Also, drop the polite talk kid just call me Cid." He motioned Helios over to a desk piled high with parts. "See that over there? That's the start of a prototype engine I've been workin' on for a new gummi ship model. Thought I could use a second set of hands to get it up and running."

Helios eyed the various bits and pieces, an array of metal components that looked both foreign and fascinating. Though he had little experience with machines, he'd always been interested in learning.

"Sure, I'd be happy to help. Where do you want me to start?" he asked.

Cid handed him a small wrench and a handful of bolts. "Here—take these. We're gonna start by attaching this cylinder to the main frame." He gestured to a piece of equipment that looked like a turbine, its metal surface gleaming in the dim workshop light.