Helios made his way back to Merlin's cottage, the recent confrontation with Lea and Isa still gnawing at him. The weight of what he had said to push them away hung heavily on him, but he knew it was necessary. The moment he stepped inside, the dim glow of the lanterns cast long, flickering shadows across the room. He sat down, trying to push aside the guilt that tugged at him, only to feel Kurai's presence stir once more.
"So, will you be leaving this world soon?" Kurai's voice echoed in his mind, smooth and detached.
Helios shook his head, staring blankly at the floor. "Not yet. If I disappear now, others will come looking for me, and that could change things in ways I can't control. But if I wait until Radiant Garden is overtaken by the Heartless and Maleficent's influence spreads, they'll think I perished along with the city."
Kurai hummed in approval. "Prudent. More time to study the equipment and secrets hidden within that castle, I presume?"
"Exactly," Helios muttered. "Once Maleficent takes over, the castle will be less guarded. She has no interest in science or technology, which will give me the chance to study and take what I need without interference." He paused, a question forming in his mind. "But I don't know when she's going to arrive. Kurai, is there another presence here, shrouded in darkness like mine?"
There was a brief silence before Kurai responded, its voice cool and steady. "Yes. There is one such presence in the town already, moving in this direction."
Helios's eyes widened. He hadn't expected her to be so close. The thought that she might be seeking Merlin crossed his mind, sending a jolt of urgency through him. "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" he demanded, his voice edged with frustration.
Kurai's response was cold. "You didn't ask. But now that you have, I will alert you to such information in the future. This presence will likely seek out the strongest source of magical energy in this world—a potential threat to themselves."
Helios nodded, stepping outside into the cool night air. The streets were quieter now, the soft glow of the lanterns casting long shadows that swayed gently with the breeze. He waited, his gaze fixed on the direction Kurai had indicated.
Then he saw her. Just beyond the halo of the nearest lantern, a striking figure appeared. She walked with a commanding grace, her dark dress shimmering subtly, as if it absorbed and reflected the dim light like starlight. Her long, dark hair flowed behind her in smooth waves, and her sharp, elegant features were both beautiful and severe, suggesting a powerful intensity. She bore a striking resemblance to her normal form with the exception that she didn't have green skin. She stood out, even in the stillness of the night.
Kurai's voice was a low whisper in Helios's mind. "That is her. The darkness embedded in her being is undeniable. She wields it as a weapon."
The woman stopped just outside the glow of the lantern light, her eyes locking onto Helios. She spoke, her voice smooth and controlled, with an undercurrent of menace. "Young man," she said, tilting her head slightly, "do you live in this quaint little house?"
Helios shook his head, his expression neutral. "No, I'm just looking after it until the owner returns."
A flicker of amusement crossed her eyes before she masked it with a serene, almost predatory smile. She exuded a presence that was both enthralling and dangerous. Helios studied her face, recognizing the telltale resemblance to the evil fairy Maleficent. The disguise was impressive, but not perfect.
Helios wasted no time. "You can drop the act, Maleficent."
For a moment, the woman's eyes flashed with surprise, but her smile didn't waver. It transformed into something sharper, more wicked, as she took a step closer. "I believe you have mistaken me for someone else," she said, her voice layered with mock sweetness. "My name is Malina, and I do not know of anyone who goes by the name of Maleficent."
Helios shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "Is that so? Because I have a proposition for the evil fairy herself. A deal, you might say, to hand over this land to her."
He felt the darkness within him stir, and he let it seep out slowly, a shadowy aura surrounding him as he spoke. Maleficent's smile turned predatory, her eyes gleaming with interest as she took in the display of darkness.
"Go on," she said, her voice now stripped of any pretense. The regal, commanding air she projected was unmistakably hers. "Let's hear this proposition of yours."
Helios took a step forward, meeting her gaze without flinching. "Radiant Garden will soon be yours for the taking, but you need more than the powers you wield to take control over it. Should you give me some time I promise you an army of darkness to control and use as you please."
Maleficent's expression shifted subtly, intrigue softening the sharp edges of her smile. "And what would you have in return fo this so-called army? I assume this deal requires something from myself."
"Yes," Helios said, his voice steady, confident. "I would like for you to teach me dark magic. Teach me everything you know and this world will be yours."
Maleficent's eyes narrowed, evaluating him with an intensity that seemed to probe for any sign of deception. For a long moment, silence stretched between them, the quiet night air crackling with a tension that felt almost tangible. Helios stood his ground, refusing to show any sign of hesitation. The dark aura around him pulsed gently, a reminder of the strength he possessed and the stakes of this gamble.
Finally, Maleficent tilted her head, a smile curling at the corners of her lips. "You offer darkness to a master of it, seeking a boon in return. Ambitious, aren't you young man?" She moved closer, the hem of her dark dress whispering against the cobblestones. "But ambition without proof is a fool's errand. Why should I believe that you, a boy barely known, could fulfill such a grand promise?"
Helios anticipated this challenge. He raised his hand, allowing a flicker of dark energy to dance between his fingers, casting long, shifting shadows. Soon the Heartless emerged and they tried to attack but the darkness from both Helios and Maleficent push them back and they stood still and waited. The air grew colder, heavier, as if the night itself held its breath.
"As you can see I already wield darkness," Helios said, his voice low and unwavering. "And I understand these creatures the Heartless better than you. They crave hearts and wish to devour them. We can control them with darkness when there are a few of them but when the darkness is overwhelming they will attack and try to consume our hearts. However, I have tricked the wisest people in the world into working on creating a new breed of these dark creatures ones that hold hearts and are tamer than these. Once they create them you'll be able to control thousands of them without the need of worrying they'll consume as much."
Maleficent watched him closely, the glow of her eyes reflecting the flicker of Helios' power. She seemed to weigh his words, her expression turning thoughtful. Finally, she extended one gloved hand, slender fingers tracing an invisible pattern in the air. A subtle spark of green magic lit up the night, a green flame blazed to life and surrounded Helios. "Why?" she said, her voice carrying a mix of intrigue and command. "Why would you offer me such power when you could easily take it for yourself? I see no benefit in this deal for yourself. A world and an army in exchange for spells."
Helios met her gaze, allowing a faint smile to form. "We all value different things. You want an army and a world. I do not so I'm offering it to you in exchange for what I need."