Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

The past two days passed in a welcome lull, the calm punctuated only by the faint hum of magic during Helios' lessons with Maleficent and the quiet focus of his study sessions with Skuld. Maleficent's teaching had become even more rigorous, her sharp eyes and biting words ensuring Helios honed his control over dark magic. But he could feel himself improving, his spells becoming sharper, more refined.

In the evenings, Skuld joined him, her enthusiasm for learning a refreshing contrast to Maleficent's harsh demeanor. Together, they worked through spells and techniques, Helios guiding her while simultaneously practicing the complex transmogrification spell. Skuld had quickly mastered the light spell he had taught her earlier and had since moved on to working on magical control—adjusting the power of her spells with precision. She used the light spell as a safe practice tool, creating tiny pinpricks of light one moment and massive, sun-like orbs the next.

On the third morning, Helios was in the study, poring over his book as usual. Skuld entered quietly, sitting across from him. Helios glanced up, expecting her to start practicing her magic as she usually did, but instead, she sat still, fidgeting with her hands. Her unusual behavior caused him to set the book down, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly.

"Something on your mind?" he asked, his tone calm but inquisitive.

Skuld hesitated, her fingers twisting together as she gathered her thoughts. Finally, she looked up at him, her nervousness evident in her wide eyes. "Helios… can I go see Isa and Lea today?"

Helios blinked in surprise. With everything that had happened—Braig's attack, the incident with Xehanort and the apprentices—he had almost forgotten the connection Skuld shared with Isa and Lea. Part of the reason she trusted him in the first place was because he'd told her he was friends with them. He realized now that keeping her cooped up without seeing them might make her start questioning things.

"Sure," he said after a moment's thought, his voice steady. "But there's something I need to give you first."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black chain necklace. At the center of the chain hung a delicate raven-shaped pendant, its surface glossy and smooth. Skuld took it from him with curious hands, her fingers tracing the intricate design.

"It's enchanted," Helios explained. "The people at the laboratory are still looking for us. If you go out, there's a chance they might recognize you. This necklace will prevent that. I've combined an illusion spell, the hex of forgetfulness, and parts of the transmogrification spell into it. When you're wearing it, people won't notice you unless you want them to, and even if they do, they'll see someone else entirely."

Skuld's eyes widened as she held the necklace up, marveling at the craftsmanship. "It's incredible," she whispered. "You made this?"

Helios nodded. "I've been working on it as practice for something similar I plan to make for myself. This is the prototype so I'm giving it to you. The spell doesn't physically change your appearance—that's beyond my skill right now—but it alters how people perceive you. You'll look and sound like someone else to anyone who sees you."

He leaned forward, his expression serious. "But you must wear it every time you go outside. If you don't, you'll be vulnerable and they'll find you. Understand?"

Skuld nodded firmly, her fingers clutching the necklace tightly. "I understand. Thank you, Helios."

He gave her a small, approving nod before standing and closing his book. "Alright, let's get going. Isa and Lea usually hang out near the marketplace in the mornings. We'll start there."

Helios and Skuld made their way to the marketplace, the bustling energy of Radiant Garden alive around them. The sun bathed the cobblestone streets in a warm glow, and the cheerful chatter of townsfolk filled the air. Skuld adjusted the raven pendant hanging around her neck, the enchanted necklace keeping her true appearance hidden from prying eyes. Helios's sharp gaze swept the area as they walked, ever-vigilant for any sign of danger.

When they reached the market square, it didn't take long to find Isa and Lea. The two boys were near a fruit stall, their animated conversation peppered with Lea's exaggerated hand gestures. Helios and Skuld approached them, but the instant Lea noticed Helios, his expression twisted into a mixture of surprise and irritation.

"Well, well," Lea said, crossing his arms and narrowing his green eyes. "Look who decided to show his face. What's the matter, Helios? Too busy with your shiny new friend to remember the old ones?"

Isa, though less outwardly expressive, mirrored Lea's sentiment with a quiet glare. "You've been avoiding us," he said simply, his voice cold.

Helios's patience, already worn thin from the weight of recent events, snapped. Without a word, he raised his hand, muttering a soft incantation under his breath. A faint shimmer of light surrounded Lea and Isa, and for a brief moment, their eyes widened as the spell took hold.

The illusion that masked Skuld's true appearance dissolved like a mirage. For the first time, Lea and Isa saw her for who she really was—the girl they'd known and cared about. Skuld's dark hair, warm brown eyes, and unmistakable smile were revealed to them in full clarity.

The spell faded as quickly as it had been cast, and the illusion returned, hiding Skuld once more. Lea and Isa both stared at her, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief.

"Did I… did I just see what I think I saw?" Lea asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Isa's normally stoic demeanor cracked, his eyes wide. "X?" he murmured, almost as if he didn't dare believe it.

Skuld stepped forward, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. "It's me," she said softly. "It's really me."

For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Then, with a whoop of joy, Lea darted forward, pulling Skuld into a tight hug. "I can't believe it!" he exclaimed. "You're really here!"

Isa's reaction was more reserved, but the relief and happiness in his eyes were unmistakable. He stepped closer, his voice quieter but no less heartfelt. "We thought we'd lost you. Security at the castle got so strict we could come to see you and when we finally did you were missing.," he said.

Skuld laughed, a sound filled with pure, unfiltered joy. "I missed you both so much," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm sorry I couldn't find you sooner."

Lea pulled back from the hug, his hands still on her shoulders as he grinned at her. "You've got some explaining to do, missy. Where've you been hiding? I want to hear it all."