Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

"Skuld," Helios said, his voice calm but carrying an edge of urgency. "I need your help."

Skuld blinked, tilting her head. "My help? With what?"

He gestured toward Cloud, his tone grave. "Do you see him? His heart is damaged—broken, even. If we don't act soon, he won't make it."

Skuld's eyes widened, and she stepped closer to the cot, looking at Cloud's pale face. "That's terrible," she whispered. "What can we do? Is there a spell to fix it?"

Helios waited a few seconds for dramatic pause, carefully choosing his words. "Not exactly," he said slowly. "The only thing that can mend a broken heart is another heart—one strong enough to stabilize it. But… it's not without risks."

Skuld turned to him, her expression earnest. "What kind of risks?"

Helios leaned forward, his gaze locking with hers. "If we connect his heart to someone else's, that person might feel some of his pain—hearts have a way of sharing the things we want buried without our consent. It's a deep connection, and it requires a heart full of light and compassion to counteract the damage that was caused."

Skuld's brow furrowed, her hands clenching into small fists. "But… if it will save him, shouldn't we try?"

Helios smiled at her innocent willingness, as he nodded. "Your heart is not only pure but hold much compassion, Skuld. It's untouched by even the smallest amout of darkness. If you're willing, you might be able to help him."

Skuld hesitated, looking back at Cloud. Her expression was conflicted, a mixture of fear and concern. "Will it hurt him more if I try and fail?" she asked softly.

"No," Helios said firmly. "If it doesn't work, his condition won't change. But if it does work… you'll be giving him a chance to survive."

She turned back to Helios, her eyes searching his for reassurance. "You're sure this is the only way?"

Helios hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. "It's the best chance he has."

Skuld took a deep breath, her small hands trembling slightly. "Okay," she said, her voice steady despite her fear. "Tell me what to do."

Helios stood, summoning his Keyblade. Its gleaming form caught the dim light, and he held it over Cloud's chest. "First, you need to focus," he instructed. "Picture your heart reaching out to his. You're not giving your heart away, just sharing a part of its strength. Draw his heart into yours. Imagine your heart wrapping around his and protecting him."

Skuld nodded, closing her eyes. Her hands hovered over Cloud, and Helios felt a faint ripple of light emanate from her. The glow grew brighter, soft rays of light extending toward Cloud's chest.

Helios watched intently, his heart pounding as the light enveloped Cloud. Why was he unable to use light so easily. Helios then felt the connection forming—a fragile bridge between the two hearts. Through that bridge, Cloud's heart exited his body and entered Skuld's.

Cloud's breathing evened out slightly, his color returning faintly. Skuld gasped, her hands shaking as the light dimmed, the connection settling into place.

"It's working," Helios murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You're stabilizing his heart."

Skuld opened her eyes, her face pale but determined. "Is it enough?" she asked breathlessly.

"For now," Helios replied, dismissing his Keyblade. "You've bought him time. His heart will rest safely inside yours until we can find Zack."

"Zack?" Skuld repeated, confusion knitting her brow.

Helios nodded, his tone softening as he explained. "He's the person who can fully heal Cloud's heart. Unfortunately, he's not here. But when the time comes, we'll find him."

Skuld's breath hitched as she looked between Helios and Cloud. Despite her exhaustion, a faint smile touched her lips. "I'll keep his heart safe," she promised quietly.

Helios smiled as he patted her on her shoulder, "I know. For now, don't push yourself. Rest and if you feel any pain or weird sensation inform me immediately. While I do want to help the boy I don't want to harm or lose you."

Skuld nodded quietly, her gaze lingering on Cloud for a moment before turning toward Helios. "I'll let you know if anything feels strange," she promised, her voice soft. Then, with a faint smile of gratitude, she left the study, her steps slow but steady as she made her way to her room.

Helios watched her go, his caring expression fading to reveal a composed one. Once the door closed behind her, he turned his attention to Cloud's unconscious body. With a small sigh, he hoisted Cloud up carefully, draping the comatose man over his shoulder. "Let's get you settled," he murmured, his tone more to himself than to his silent companion.

He stepped out of the study and headed toward his room, his pace deliberate and his senses heightened. The moment he turned the corner into the dining area, however, he stopped abruptly. Sephiroth was seated at the dining table, his imposing presence filling the room despite his relaxed posture. His piercing eyes met Helios's, glinting with a quiet menace.

Helios tightened his grip on Cloud instinctively, his expression remaining neutral. Sephiroth rarely left his room, and Helios knew this sudden appearance wasn't a coincidence. The air between them felt heavy, and Helios didn't need Kurai's influence to sense the tension and growing dark energy.

"What are you up to?" Sephiroth asked, his voice smooth but carrying an unmistakable edge. His gaze dropped briefly to the unconscious Cloud before returning to Helios's face, his expression darkening.

Helios's heart raced, but his face betrayed none of his nerves. Instead, he smiled faintly, adopting a tone of feigned casualness. "Nothing much," he said evenly. "Just saving both your lives. What are you up to?"

The faint humor in his tone seemed to do little to amuse Sephiroth. The air around him darkened perceptibly, a massive wave of oppressive energy radiating from him. The shadows in the room seemed to ripple as Sephiroth's presence grew more menacing. "Do you think I'm playing with you?" Sephiroth asked, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. "I'm in no mood for you foolish games."

Helios felt the overwhelming surge of darkness pressing against him like a physical force. Without hesitation, he summoned his Keyblade, spinning it in a fluid motion to cast a shimmering barrier that enclosed the dining area, isolating it from the rest of the house. The radiant energy clashed with Sephiroth's oppressive aura, creating a tense equilibrium in the space between them.

"Let's not destroy the house," Helios said calmly, though his grip on his Keyblade tightened. "It's not mine and I don't think Maleficent would appreciate us waking her."