Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

Chapter 39

Helios nodded, the smirk on his face unwavering. "Agreed," he said, his tone matching the careful control of Maleficent's own. Inside, he felt a rush of relief mixed with unease. The pact had been sealed, and with it, a chapter of his plan had taken a significant step forward. But he knew better than to underestimate Maleficent; their alliance was a sharp-edged tool that could just as easily turn against him if he misstepped.

Maleficent's gaze swept once more over the chamber, lingering on the glowing hearts and the figure of the captured Heartless on the monitor. Her eyes glimmered with dark intent, and Helios could almost see the wheels turning in her mind, plotting, scheming. She walked past him, her presence like a shadow that swallowed the light. "Very well, Helios. Let us begin your training soon. I will summon you when I deem it time. Be ready."

With that, she turned and swept out of the hidden lab, her steps as silent. As she reached the door she vanished in a blaze of green and black flames. Helios watched her go, the weight of the pact settling over him like a dark mantle. Once the echoes of her departure faded, the hum of the machines returned to dominate the silence.

Kurai's voice slid into his mind, low and pleased. "An alliance forged in darkness and ambition. How fitting. But take care, Helios. She is as formidable as she is cunning. One misstep, and you could find yourself the apprentice no longer needed."

"Trust me, I know," Helios muttered. "I don't need your warnings, Kurai."

Kurai's chuckle was dry, almost amused. "Just remember whose game you're playing, 'boy'. I'd hate to see you devoured by the very shadows you seek to command. I've invested too much in you my dear friend to see you end up useless."

Helios took a deep breath, steadying himself as he cleared the camera data, meticulously erasing any trace of his and Maleficent's presence in the lab. His fingers moved with practiced precision over the keyboard, ensuring that every security feed and digital log was wiped clean. Satisfied, he navigated through the files stored on the computer, sifting through the vast collection of data.

He discovered files that hadn't been on the computer he had copied earlier—notes on experiments involving hearts and what might happen if a heart were forcibly separated from its body. Though he already knew the outcomes of such experiments, seeing Xehanort's detailed hypotheses and research sparked a question: How did Xehanort create some of the more formidable Nobodies despite certain members among the Organization XIII like Xaldin, Lexaeus, and Zexion clearly lack the strength of heart that the others had? The data hinted at advanced theories on the heart and its manipulation, but the research was incomplete, fragments of a larger, more ominous puzzle. With this data, he might be able to turn even mundane hearts into formidable Nobodies.

Helios weighed the decision to take the files. Ultimately, he decided against it for now. Returning when Maleficent held control over Radiant Garden would be safer, and by then the data should be complete. Closing the files, he logged out of Xehanort's user account, using the master control password one last time to lock it again. He shut down the computer, leaving the lab as it had been before they entered.

Opening a dark corridor, he stepped into its shadowy expanse and reappeared just far enough from Merlin's cottage to avoid suspicion. He walked the final stretch, the night air biting at his skin, and as he approached the house, his breath caught. Maleficent was waiting outside, her imposing figure illuminated by the soft, silvery glow of moonlight.

Helios raised an eyebrow, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Let me guess," he said, his tone dry, "it will be my honor to house you until you find an appropriate lair, yes?"

Maleficent's eyes glistened with subtle amusement. "Quite," she said, her voice silky and imperious.

He shook his head, feeling a mixture of annoyance and resignation. With a flick of his wrist, he pushed the cottage door open and stepped aside to let her enter. She glided past him, her dark gown flowing as if carried by an unseen wind, and her presence immediately filled the small space. It was as if the room grew colder, the very air bending to her will.

Once inside, Maleficent's eyes scanned the cottage, taking in the shelves of dusty tomes, scattered magical artifacts, and the faintly glowing runes etched into the walls. A slight smirk touched her lips. "Charming," she said, though the word carried a hint of disdain.

Helios shut the door behind them, the latch clicking into place with a finality that seemed to echo through the room. He could feel Kurai's silent, watchful presence within him, its satisfaction palpable. Helios kept his composure as he met Maleficent's gaze.

"If we're to live together for even a short time," he began, choosing his words carefully, "there are certain rules we'll need to follow while staying here. The owner of this place Merlin left some wards and enchantments which may still linger, and we don't want to draw any unnecessary attention. So please refrain from using dark magic within this abode."

Maleficent's smile grew cold. "Do not presume to lecture me on caution, boy. Your importance lies in your knowledge. Overstep, and I shall remind you of your place."

Helios held her gaze, neither flinching nor submitting. "So long as you understand?"

There was a pause, a silent acknowledgment of the tenuous alliance they had formed. Maleficent's eyes softened, though only slightly, as she studied him. "You are currently more useful to me alive so I shall not kill you," she said, almost to herself. "But remember, boy, that value decreases with each passing day."

He nodded again, the weight of her words settling over him like a cloak. "Looks like we have an understanding."

The silence between them was charged, each weighing the other's intentions. Finally, Maleficent moved to one of the shelves, running her gloved hand over the spines of Merlin's ancient tomes. The small magical motes in the air shifted uneasily, as if sensing her presence.

Helios took a seat by the table. His alliance with Maleficent had added another piece to the puzzle—one that could either solidify his goals or shatter them beyond repair depending on how it was played.

Kurai's voice whispered softly, a lingering note of amusement in his mind. "A most interesting houseguest, wouldn't you agree?"

Helios smirked faintly, his eyes narrowing as he watched Maleficent pick up a crystal globe, the light from within reflecting in her dark eyes. "I hope you enjoyed the show," he muttered under his breath, knowing Kurai would hear.

Kurai's response was a low, satisfied hum. "I do not enjoy anything, but I can say this: she will be useful. And for now, that will suffice."