Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

After what felt like an hour of pouring through Merlin's books, Helios finally found the spell he had been searching for. It was tucked away in the latter half of a thick tome on advanced magical practices, its pages filled with complex diagrams and ancient script. The spell detailed a method for transforming oneself into a form suited to the world they were in—an Adaptation Spell, as it was referred to in the text. Unlike the transformation magic Maleficent had shown him, which required an intricate understanding of the creature's essence, this spell relied on harmonizing with the world's unique energy, essentially requesting it to shape the caster into a form appropriate for that environment.

Helios scanned the detailed instructions, his sharp mind working to piece together the complex mechanics. The spell was vastly different from Maleficent's method—it didn't demand control over instincts or an understanding of the creature's essence, but it came with its own challenges. The caster had no say in the form they would take, and the transformation was entirely dependent on the magical rules of the world they were in. Atlantica might shape them into mer-creatures, while Halloween Town could turn them into supernatural beings. It was adaptable and versatile but also unpredictable.

The sheer complexity of the spell made it clear that mastering it would take significant time and effort. Helios leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as he readied himself to delve into the intricate process.

Just as he was about to continue reading, a soft knock at the door broke his concentration. Frowning slightly, he closed the book and stood, his movements deliberate as he made his way to the door. When he opened it, he was surprised to find Skuld standing outside, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.

"Skuld?" he asked, stepping aside to let her in. "Is everything okay?"

Skuld nodded, stepping into the study and glancing around curiously. "I'm fine," she said softly. "I just… I hadn't seen you all day, and I was wondering what you were doing."

Helios gestured to the cluttered desk, covered with books and scattered notes. "I've been researching magic," he explained. "Trying to learn a few new things."

Skuld's eyes lit up with interest as she moved closer to the desk, her gaze scanning the array of books and papers. "You know magic?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

Instead of answering, Helios raised a hand and muttered Aero under his breath. A faint shimmer of green energy surrounded him as he cast a basic wind spell, gathering the scattered papers on the desk and neatly stacking them in one corner. Skuld gasped, her eyes wide with amazement as she watched the magic in action.

"That was amazing!" she exclaimed, turning to Helios with a bright smile. "I want to do that too!"

Helios couldn't help but smirk at her enthusiasm. "You already can," he said, his tone calm but encouraging. "You've just forgotten how. If you want, I can help you relearn it."

Skuld's excitement grew, and she nodded eagerly. "Yes, please! I want to learn magic again!"

Helios gestured for her to take a seat at the desk, and she quickly obliged, her energy infectious. He pulled out a smaller book of basic spells, flipping through the pages until he found one suitable for a beginner. The spell he chose was a simple illumination charm—easy enough to cast but requiring focus and a clear connection to one's magic.

"Magic isn't just about words or gestures," Helios began, his voice steady as he explained. "It's about intention. The spell you cast is an extension of your will. Your heart and mind need to work together to direct your magic."

Skuld nodded, her eyes fixed on him as she absorbed every word. "Okay," she said. "What do I do?"

Helios pointed to the book, where the spell was written in clear, simple terms. "This is an illumination spell. It creates a small orb of light that you can control. Start by focusing on the energy inside you. Picture it like a light—small, but powerful. Then, imagine that light appearing above your hand. Say the words in the book while keeping that image in your mind."

Skuld glanced at the book, her brow furrowing in concentration as she read the incantation. She extended her hand, her fingers trembling slightly as she focused. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and began to speak the 'Light'.

At first, nothing happened, but Helios watched patiently, offering no criticism or correction. Skuld tried again, her voice a little steadier this time. A faint spark of light flickered at her fingertips, and her eyes snapped open in surprise.

"I did it!" she exclaimed, the spark fading as her concentration broke.

"You almost did," Helios said, his tone encouraging. "Don't lose focus. That energy and spark you felt just now is your magic responding to you. Try again, but this time, try to hold on to it."

Skuld nodded, eager to try again. She closed her eyes again, repeating the process. This time, the spark grew into a small orb of light, hovering just above her palm. It flickered like a tiny flame, casting a warm glow over the room.

Helios allowed himself a small smile. "Well done," he said, his voice carrying a note of genuine approval. "That's a good start."

Skuld beamed, her pride evident as she stared at the glowing orb. "It's beautiful," she murmured, her voice filled with awe.

"That's your magic," Helios replied. "It's part of you. You have a pure heart so of course it'll be beautiful."

Skuld looked up at him, her eyes shining. "Thank you, Helios. I never thought I'd be able to do something like this again."

Helios nodded, his expression softening. "You've always had the potential, Skuld. All you need is practice to relearn it. Magic isn't something you master overnight—it takes time and effort. But if you keep at it, you'll get back to where you were."

Skuld extinguished the light with a small flick of her wrist, her confidence growing. "What can I learn next?" she asked eagerly.

Helios chuckled, holding up a hand to slow her down. "One step at a time," he said. "Work on that spell for now. Once you've mastered it, we'll move on to something a little more advanced."

She nodded, though her excitement was palpable. "Okay! I'll practice a lot—I promise!"

Helios stood, ruffling her hair gently as he moved toward the desk to organize his notes. "Good. Just don't overdo it. Magic takes energy, and if you push yourself too hard, you'll burn out."

As Skuld practiced the illumination spell, Helios watched her with a look of caution. She was learning quickly, but he knew the path of a Keyblade wielder—especially one tied to the light—was fraught with challenges. For now, he would guide her, protect her, and ensure she was ready for what he planned for her.

After a while, he glanced at the clock and realized how late it had become. "That's enough for tonight," he said, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "You've done well. Get some rest."

Skuld nodded, stifling a yawn as she stood. "Okay. Thanks again, Helios. Goodnight!"

"Goodnight, Skuld," he replied, watching as she left the study.

As the door closed behind her, Helios returned to the tome on transformation magic. The spell he was researching was ridiculously complex and it was a one-time use spell. Basically once cast it would always affect whoever it was cast upon. This would take longer than he thought. Pick up the tome he left the study and headed straight to his room. There was so much to be done yet so little time.

For now, though, he allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. Teaching Skuld had reminded him of the importance of building strength—not just his own, but hers as well. He needed allies and training Skuld should allow him to figure out the best way to train them in the future.