Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

Helios's smirk faded, his expression hardening as he met Kurai's gaze head-on. "Nothing's changed," he said firmly. "But this isn't about what I want anymore—it's about what's necessary. I can't afford to risk my cover by going there myself, and I need eyes inside that castle. This is the only way."

Kurai's form pulsed, its voice dropping to a low, almost accusing tone. "You've always justified your actions as necessary, but now you're crossing a line. You used to want to avoid harming these people, yet here you are, willing to manipulate them like chess pieces. Is that really who you've become?"

Helios leaned forward again, his gaze cold and unwavering. "If Cid gets hurt, it's on me. But I'm not asking you to harm him, only to guide him. A temporary possession, nothing more."

Kurai remained silent for a moment, its shadowy form shifting like smoke. Finally, it spoke, its tone tinged with reluctant amusement. "I'm starting to like this part you, Helios. Very well. I'll do as you ask—for a price."

Helios's smirk returned, though there was no humor in it. "What do you want?"

Kurai's form rippled, the shadows around it deepening. "I'll handle it," it said smoothly. "But in exchange, all I ask is that you make your promise to me your next priority. It's a first for me but I now find this form limiting."

Helios's smirk deepened as he nodded, agreeing to Kurai's terms. "Fine," he said smoothly. "Once this is done, your request becomes my next highest priority. Now, let's move. We'll find Cid and get this over with."

Picking up the disk, Helios extended his hand, summoning a dark corridor. The swirling shadows coalesced into a doorway, its edges shimmering faintly. "After you," he said, his voice carrying a faint trace of sarcasm as he motioned for Kurai to follow.

The shadowy entity gave no response, its form shifting like smoke. "How considerate of you," Kurai murmured before slipping through the corridor, its inky presence barely discernible against the dark backdrop. Helios followed close behind, the corridor sealing shut behind them.

They emerged in Cid's workshop, the air heavy with the scent of machine oil and faintly acrid from the hum of electrical components. The space was cluttered with tools, half-finished projects, and glowing monitors displaying lines of code and schematics. Cid was seated at a desk, his back to them as he fiddled with a small, intricate device.

Helios turned to Kurai, his voice barely a whisper. "You know what to do. Make him see me as Ansem."

Kurai's form pulsed faintly, then surged forward in a silent wave. It merged seamlessly into Cid's body, disappearing completely. For a moment, Cid's movements faltered, his head tilting slightly as if listening to something distant. Then he turned, his eyes clear and focused, now seeing Helios as Ansem the Wise.

"Well, this is a surprise," Cid said, his voice warm and respectful. "Your Majesty, what brings you here at this hour?"

Helios suppressed a smirk, adopting a calm, authoritative demeanor befitting the figure he was impersonating. "Cid," he began, his tone steady and composed, "I need your help. There's a matter that requires discretion—something I fear my apprentices may be involved in."

Cid's brows furrowed in concern. "Your apprentices? What kind of matter are we talking about?"

Helios stepped closer, holding up the disk between his fingers. "I believe they may be engaging in activities that could be... unethical. I lack evidence to confront them directly, but if my suspicions are correct, they may be hiding something within the castle."

Cid's frown deepened as he set the device in his hand aside. "That's a serious accusation, Your Majesty. What can I do to help?"

Helios extended the disk toward him. "Take this," he said firmly. "It contains a program that will scan the castle's systems for any irregularities. The next time you're called to the castle, I need you to install it discreetly. It will gather the information we need without raising suspicion."

Cid hesitated for a moment, taking the disk but eyeing it warily. "You're asking me to sneak into the castle's systems. That's not exactly my area of expertise, Your Majesty."

Helios offered a reassuring smile. "That's why I've enlisted the help of a young man—Helios. He has already proven resourceful and trustworthy. He'll assist you by creating a distraction when the time comes, ensuring you have the opportunity to install the program without interference."

Cid tilted his head, his expression puzzled. "Helios? The lad staying with Merlin? I didn't realize you were working with him."

Helios nodded, maintaining his composed façade. "I've entrusted him with this task because I believe in his capabilities. You needn't concern yourself with the details—he will ensure everything goes smoothly."

Under Kurai's influence, Cid's initial skepticism melted away. He nodded, slipping the disk into his pocket. "Alright," he said, his voice steady. "If you trust something this important to the kid, then I'll trust him too. When the opportunity arises, I'll do what you've asked."

Helios offered a slight bow, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Cid. Your assistance in this matter is invaluable."

As Cid turned back to his desk, Helios took a step back, his expression cool. With Kurai's possession ensuring Cid's compliance, the plan was moving forward as intended. Now it was just a matter of waiting for the right moment.

Kurai's voice echoed faintly in Helios's mind as he stepped through another dark corridor, leaving the workshop behind. "Interesting, isn't it? The ease with which mortals can be... persuaded."

Helios smirked faintly, his amber eyes glinting in the dim light of the corridor. "As long as it gets the job done and he remains safe, I don't care how it happens."

Kurai chuckled, a low, sinister sound that lingered in Helios's thoughts. "Just remember, Helios, every pawn you move leaves a trail. Make sure you're not the one left exposed when the game ends."

Helios's smirk faded, his expression growing serious. "I'm aware. Now focus on your part. I'll handle the rest."