The apprentices scrambled to obey, their movements frantic but purposeful. Braig took his position with a smirk, his arrowguns blazing as he shot down wave after wave of Heartless. Dilan and Aeleus fought valiantly, their weapons carving through the dark creatures with precision. But no matter how many they defeated, more emerged to take their place.
In the lab, Xehanort and Ienzo worked quickly to secure their research. The experiments they had conducted—separating hearts and bodies—were too valuable to lose. Xehanort's mind raced as he considered his next move. This attack wasn't random; it was deliberate. Someone had orchestrated it, and he intended to find out who.
Back in the cottage, Helios leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the screens. Due to such an attack, Xehanort had no other choice than to reactivate the cameras. The apprentices were fighting valiantly, but the cracks in their defenses were growing wider by the minute. Soon, Radiant Garden would fall, and the apprentices would be forced to use the device to flee. Everything was going according to plan.
Kurai's voice echoed in his mind, dripping with dark amusement. "You've done it, Helios. This entire world of so-called light will soon crumble under the weight of such arrogance. But tell me, how does it feel? Watching people struggle and fall, knowing you lit the spark? Does it feel nice?"
Helios's lips curled into a faint smirk. "It feels necessary. This was always how it had to be."
"Necessary," Kurai mused, its tone teasing. "Such a convenient word for someone who's become so comfortable with the darkness."
Helios ignored the taunt, his focus remaining on the screens. He watched as Xehanort barked orders, as the Heartless tore through the city, as the apprentices scrambled to salvage what they could. This was the turning point—the moment when Radiant Garden would become the Hollow Bastion he knew from the future.
The door to Helios's room swung open with a burst of green and black flames, revealing Maleficent's imposing figure. Her expression was stern, her eyes piercing as they locked onto him. "What have you done boy?" she demanded, her voice sharp and filled with authority.
Helios, seated at his computer, barely flinched. He turned his head slightly to regard her, his face calm and composed. "Your ambitions," he said smoothly, "are currently being realized."
Maleficent blinked in surprise, but the glimmer of satisfaction quickly overtook her features. Her lips curled into a smile, and soon, a laugh bubbled up from her throat. It started softly but grew louder, reverberating through the room with wicked glee.
Helios waited patiently, his expression unchanging as Maleficent reveled in the news. When her laughter subsided, she fixed him with a calculating look. "Tell me everything."
Helios leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in front of him. "The town has mostly fallen," he explained. "The Heartless have overrun the streets, driving the residents into chaos. However," he continued, his tone measured, "the castle still holds strong. The apprentices are fortifying their position."
Maleficent's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing. "And why does this concern me?"
Helios met her gaze evenly. "Because if you were to appear now and take control of the Emblem Heartless, you could tip the scales. The castle would fall, and by the day's end, Radiant Garden would be yours."
Maleficent's expression darkened as she stepped closer. "Do not presume to manipulate me, boy."
Helios allowed himself a small, knowing smile. "I'm not manipulating you. I'm informing you. What you do with this information is entirely your choice. But if you want to achieve your goal quickly, the path forward is clear."
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air. Then, with a flourish of green and black flames, Maleficent vanished. Helios scoffed, his mind already racing ahead to the next problem. Something didn't feel right. He should check on Skuld just to be safe
Helios strode to Skuld's room and pushed the door open, his heart sinking as he found it empty. His gaze swept over the neatly made bed and the absence of any sign of her presence. "Damn it," he muttered under his breath.
She must have gone to check on Lea and Isa. That could only mean one thing—she was heading for Yuffie's place, deep in the heart of the besieged city. "Why today of all day does she decide to cause trouble."
Helios cursed again, his mind racing. He opened a dark corridor and stepped into the city. The air was thick with darkness, the streets filled with the sound of Heartless scuttling and clawing their way through the remnants of the town. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to focus. Skuld would have to hold on while he handled two critical tasks.
The first task was to ensure Cid, Yuffie, Leon, Aerith, and Tifa escaped safely. They were necessary for the timeline to remain intact. If he could get them aboard the Highwind Gummi Ship, he could program it to head for Traverse Town.
He made his way toward Cid's workshop, his steps quick but cautious. He doubted the older man would still be there—it was likely he was already out in the city, helping with the evacuation effort. Still, it was worth a try.
The streets around the workshop were eerily quiet, the usual hum of life replaced by an oppressive stillness. Helios entered cautiously, his eyes scanning the room. As he expected, it was empty. He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Of course," he muttered. "Nothing can be simple. Why would it."
If Cid wasn't here, then Yuffie, Leon, Aerith, and Tifa would probably be out in the chaos, doing what they could to save people. He couldn't waste time tracking each of them down. He would have to handle this differently.
The second task was equally urgent. He needed to send Kairi to the Destiny Islands. If Radiant Garden fell and she remained here, the consequences could ripple far beyond his control. Luckily for him, someone like Kairi who was a princess of light was quite easy to find in a world teeming with darkness. Using his own light Helios sensed a large amount hiding in a small house on the outskirts of town. Luckily the heartless hadn't made it here yet.
Going inside Helios saw the child hiding underneath the table, as she hummed a soft tune. When she saw Helios, her face lit up with a bright smile. "Helios!"
He offered her a faint smile. It seems her grandmother must have hidden her here to protect her. But then why leave her by herself? It was strange but regardless now wasn't the time to answer such a question. "Kairi," he said gently, crouching down to her level. "I need you to come with me. We're going on a little trip. Your grandma asked me to take you to a special place."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement, though she tilted her head curiously. "A trip? Where are we going?"
"To a safe place," Helios said, his voice calm. "A beautiful place called Destiny Islands. You'll love it there."
She nodded eagerly, trusting him completely. Helios took her hand, summoning another dark corridor. As they stepped through, he couldn't help but feel sorry for the little girl. This child had no idea of the chaos consuming her home, nor the role she would play in the future. All he could do was ensure she reached her destination safely.
They emerged on a sandy beach, the waves lapping gently at the shore. The soft glow of the setting sun bathed the islands in golden light, a stark contrast to the darkness consuming Radiant Garden. Helios knelt down, placing a hand on Kairi's shoulder.
"This is your new home," he said softly. "You'll be safe here."
Kairi nodded, her wide eyes taking in the beauty around her. Helios then placed a hand on her head and used his memory hex. Due to her nature as a princess, Kairi exuded much light so Helios needed to use quite a bit of power to bypass her natural defenses. Soon Kairi fell backward all her memories of Radiant Garden now sealed. Picking her up Helios placed her somewhere safe and saw that two boys were rowing to the island before using a corridor to return.