Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

Keeping his composure, Helios played it cool and pretended not to recognize her. He raised an eyebrow and asked in a polite tone, "I'm sorry, but have we met before? Is there a reason you stopped me?"

Aerith's cheeks flushed with a tinge of embarrassment. She quickly apologized, her voice soft and kind. "I'm sorry for stopping you without introducing myself. My name is Aerith. I thought you might have seen someone I'm looking for."

Helios raised an eyebrow, pretending to ponder her description. "A girl with short, black hair and a metal headband with two green tassels? Wearing a green tube top, tan short-shorts, and a blue belt around her waist?" Although he knew that this description most likely referred to Yuffie he shook his head gently and replied, "I'm afraid I haven't come across anyone matching that description. But if I do encounter her, I'll be sure to let her know that you're looking for her Aerith."

Aerith's expression softened, appreciating Helios' willingness to help. She bowed slightly and offered another apology, her voice filled with genuine sincerity. "Thank you so much. I'm sorry for the intrusion. I'll continue my search then. It was nice meeting you, even if it was under these circumstances."

Helios smiled warmly, appreciating Aerith's polite demeanor. "The pleasure is mine. Good luck in your search Aerith."

With a nod of acknowledgment, Aerith turned and continued on her way, disappearing into the bustling crowd. Helios watched her go, his thoughts swirling with curiosity about the girl she was searching for. Yuffie, he thought to himself, recognizing the description and realizing the possibility of her involvement in the events unfolding in Radiant Garden.

As he resumed his walk through the city, Helios couldn't help but be reminded that there are other forces at play due to his encounter with Aerith. The other individuals had their own quests and motivations so he knew that his path would intersect with theirs sooner or later. So if he played it right he could keep an eye out and uncover Xehanort and Ansem the Wise's actions.

As Helios pondered his next move and the potential allies he could seek, his mind settled on the names Isa and Lea, better known as Axel and Saix in the future. They were once close friends and members of Organization XIII, but they had a deep bond with a girl who became a test subject of Ansem the Wise. They were motivated to uncover the truth and find a way to save her.

Helios decided that connecting with Isa and Lea would be a logical step. Their shared history and desire to protect their friend made them useful tools in his quest to uncover Xehanort and Ansem the Wise's actions. Perhaps they would be able to provide him with valuable information and insights.

Helios set out to find Isa and Lea, aware that their paths would eventually cross. He knew that time was of the essence and that this encounter would be crucial in uncovering the truth behind the mysteries surrounding Radiant Garden.

The only problem lay in how to encounter them. Helios was aware that their paths would eventually cross but he disliked wasting time especially when he was unsure as to how much time he had before Radiant Garden would fall into darkness. He knew that time was of the essence and that every wasted was crucial time he didn't have.

As he ventured through the city, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He figured it was Merline since Kurai still hadn't tried to communicate with him despite being outside the house. He could almost feel the weight of Merlin's gaze lingering on his back. But Helios remained focused on what he needed to do.

After walking around the town for an hour visiting familiar sights Helios came across the two he was looking for. Helios observed Isa and Lea from a distance, recognizing them by their distinct appearances. He carefully approached, making sure not to startle them. As he got closer, he noticed their intense conversation and decided to wait for a more opportune moment to introduce himself.

Isa wore a short-sleeved, navy blue jacket with a light blue stripe going along his shoulders to the ends of his sleeves. The jacket's collar is rather high and sky blue in coloration, as are the ends of the sleeves and the bottom hem of the jacket. There is a yellow-waning crescent moon symbol prominently displayed on the left breast of the jacket. Lea wore a sleeveless orange jacket with a white, sleeveless shirt underneath, and tan, baggy pants with red and white sneakers and black socks. The pockets of his jacket are a much darker shade of orange than the rest of it. He also wears a yellow and brown keffiyeh around his neck. The pattern of this keffiyeh changes abruptly near Lea's neck.

Finding a nearby bench, Helios sat down and pretended to be engrossed in his own thoughts. He watched as Isa and Lea continued their discussion, their gestures and expressions filled with a mixture of determination and concern. It was clear that they were deeply invested in their mission to save their friend.

As the conversation between Isa and Lea reached a pause, Helios seized the opportunity to approach them. With a friendly smile, he stood up and made his way toward the duo. "Excuse me," he said, his voice confident yet respectful. "I wonder if you could help me? Have you seen a girl with short, black hair and a metal headband with two green tassels?"

Helios used Aerith's request as a way to become acquainted with the two boys. Isa and Lea turned their attention to Helios, their eyes narrowing slightly as they assessed him. They exchanged glances before Isa spoke up, his voice cautious yet curious. "A girl with short, black hair and a metal headband with green tassels? Why are you looking for her?"

Helios maintained his friendly demeanor, meeting their gaze directly. "I apologize for the abruptness. I recently had a conversation with a woman named Aerith who was searching for this girl. She seemed quite concerned, and I thought I might be able to assist in some way. My name is Helios, by the way."

Lea's eyes flickered with recognition at the mention of Aerith's name. He leaned against a nearby wall, crossing his arms, and regarded Helios with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Aerith, huh? So she's looking for Yuffie? Why did she ask you and not us to help?"

Isa stepped in front of Lea with suspicion in his eyes. "Who are you? I don't believe we've ever met and we know everybody in this town. So where did you come from?"

"Ah, my apologies my name is Helios. I'm currently staying with an old man by the name of Merlin. As to why you've never met me I couldn't answer that. I was found by Merlin without any memories so I don't know anything about who I am." said Helios using what he knew about their female friend to craft a sympathetic story of his own to win them over.