Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

Helios recognized Cid immediately as he walked out of the door. He had played the Kingdom Hearts game and was familiar with Cid's role as the gummi ship engineer. The man Cid would be responsible for building gummi ships that allowed Sora and the gang to travel through space to reach other worlds. However, since this was their first time meeting in person, Helios decided to act like a stranger and not reveal his prior knowledge.

Helios approached Cid with a polite smile. "Hello there! I'm sorry, but I don't believe we've met before. My name is Helios. I'm new to this place and I currently live here."

Cid raised an eyebrow, eyeing Helios with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. "Huh, guess that explains why I've never seen you around before, kid. I'm Cid, resident scientist."

Helios nodded and smiled at Cid's bragging. Besides gummi ships, Cid was also versed with technology and computers a skill Helios lacked so befriending him would be useful. "Wow, it's a pleasure to meet someone as great as you, sir. If you're looking for Merlin, he headed out this morning, and said he would be back until late in the night."

Cid's expression softened slightly as he listened to Helios. "Merlin, huh? Yeah, he's always off doing his own thing. Can't say I'm surprised. Well, thanks for the heads up, kid. I needed his help but I guess I'll just have to tinker around until he gets back."

Helios nodded understandingly. "Well I'm here and if you need any help with anything, I'm pretty handy with tools and technology. I'd be happy to assist you if you'd like sir."

Cid's eyes narrowed, studying Helios intently. "You've got some skills, huh? Well, I could use an extra pair of hands around here. Alright, kid, show me what you've got."

Cid told Helios to follow him as he walked toward the castle in the center of the town. This castle belonged to Ansem the Wise and it was where he and his apprentices conducted their experiments. Most importantly it was the current location of Xehanort.

'I think it's a bit early to head to the castle, but this is the best chance to create a reason for being able to enter the castle later in the future. I'll just do my best to avoid drawing too much attention to myself,' though Helios.

When they arrived at the castle two men were guarding the entrance and blocked it with their weapons an axe and a spear. They wore grey uniforms with white cuffs and a red heart on the chest. There were blue hearts on the cuffs of both of their gloves.

The man holding the axe had very angular and strong features, with a square chin, straight nose, and sharp cheekbones. He had blue eyes and somewhat small eyebrows. His hair was ginger and slicked back into messy spikes.

The man holding the spear had hair that was black and worn in long dreadlocks. Most of his dreads were tied into a low ponytail, but one dangling over the right side of his face. He also had thick sideburns, thick eyebrows, and violet eyes.

"Hold, state your business," said the man holding the axe.

"Really, Aeleus you see me every other day. Do ya gotta ask me this question every time?" asked an irritated Cid.

"State your business," repeated the man named Aeleus.

"It'll go faster if you just do it," said the other man holding the spear.

"Sure, Dilan I'm here because your boss demanded me to come fix up a broken computer. This here is Helios he'll be assisting me today," answered Cid.

"You may both pass. Do as Master Ansem asks and leave," said Aeleus.

"Sure, whatever. Come on, kid," Cid said, striding ahead.

"O…oh yes, sorry. I'm coming," Helios replied, hurrying to catch up with Cid.

For a moment, Helios had spaced out, looking at the real-life versions of Aeleus and Dilan who would later lose their hearts. They would become superior nobodies of the organization Lexaeus who had the epitaph of The Taciturn Stalwart and Xaldin who had the epitaph of The Whirlwind Lancer.

As Helios followed Cid into the castle, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and intrigue. The realization that he was standing before individuals who would later become key figures in the enigmatic Organization XIII made him feel something he couldn't explain.

Inside the castle, Helios and Cid navigated through the corridors until they reached a spacious chamber filled with various machinery and equipment. In the center of the room stood a large computer console, its screen displaying complex diagrams and data.

Next to the machine was a young man with dirty blond hair, that was long with two slightly shorter bangs that framed his face. He also had rather large, bright green eyes. He wore a long white lab coat, grey vest, white collared shirt, and a purple ascot. He also seemed to wearing black pants and silver-lined boots.

"Sup Even. So whatcha got for me this time?" asked Cid

"Ah yes. I suppose I should respond with a 'sup' too yes. Regardless the main computer seems to be having some problems, so Master Ansem requested that I call you." said Even

Helios observed the interaction, noting the professional and cordial atmosphere of the room. He stood by, ready to assist Cid with whatever was needed.

Cid leaned over the computer console, examining the diagrams and data on the screen. "Alright, let's take a look at this problem then," he muttered to himself. Helios watched, intrigued by the intricate technology at play and Cid's skilled expertise.

Even turned his attention to Helios. "And who might you be young man? I'm Even I suppose it's nice to meet you. I handle the technical aspects around here."

Helios nodded, extending his hand in a friendly gesture. "Pleased to meet you too, Mr. Even. My name is Helios. I'm here to assist Cid in any way I can."

Even shook Helios' hand with a smile. "My what a polite young man. Let's see if we can get this computer back in working order."

As Cid and Even delved into the technical issues of the computer, Helios observed, absorbing as much as he could about their methods and troubleshooting process. It was a valuable learning experience, and he couldn't help but marvel at the advanced technology that Ansem and his apprentices had at their disposal.

After a period of intense focus, Cid straightened up and grinned. "There we go! Fixed it. Just needed a bit of tinkering."

Even chuckled, relieved. "Excellent work, Cid. Your skills are as reliable as ever."

Cid waved it off with a grin. "No big deal. Just doing what I do best."

Helios hadn't done much but hold what Cid told him to hold and type whatever Cid instructed. As they wrapped up, Cid turned to Helios. "You're a handy one to have around. Thanks for the help, kid."

Helios smiled warmly. "It was my pleasure. I like doing things like this so if you ever need help then I'm always up for a challenge."

Evan chimed in, his curiosity was evident. "You mentioned earlier that you're new to this place. Where are you from?"

Helios pretended to hesitate for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I... don't remember much about my past. It's all a bit hazy. But I've been staying with Merlin, trying to find my place."

Evan nodded understandingly. "Well, we're a diverse bunch here, all with our own stories. You're welcome among us, Helios."

Cid clapped a hand on Helios' shoulder. "Hey now, don't go poaching Merlin's little helper without his permission. Besides, if the kid's gonna join anybody it's gotta be me right kid?"