Chapter 30

As Helios left the workshop, he pondered on the connection he'd begun forming with Cid. It was clear that Cid, while gruff and blunt, was one of the few people around who didn't try to pry into his past or question his motives—an ally who was genuinely interested in his well-being like Isa and Lea.

Walking through the familiar paths of Radiant Garden, Helios' thoughts were interrupted by Kurai's voice resonating in his mind.

"That scientist, Even… You were wise to be cautious. He reeks of heartless but the scent is somewhat different, a dangerous quality. I assume they're close to succeeding in making these Emblem Heartless as you call them. However r they must be missing something," Kurai murmured, its voice an ethereal echo in his mind.

Helios nodded inwardly. "Well, it's been a long time since we chatted. What's the occasion? Although you haven't said much I'm sure you're watching that we're getting closer, Kurai. Between Cid's Gummi Ship and the knowledge we're gathering, we'll be able to get what I need before things go south here."

Although no emotion radiated from Kurai's voice Helios figured it was pleased. "I am only speaking to you because the wizard's gaze has moved from you. It seems he has other things to worry about. Just remember, Helios, that even small details matter. Throughout my existence, I learned that the smallest detail can unravel even the most well-thought-out plans. I'd advise caution especially now when there is an unseen tension hovering about the city. Hmm, the wizard returned so we'll speak another time."

Approaching Merlin's cottage, he opened the door, and the room was filled with the comforting, almost tangible scent of old books and herbal tea. Merlin sat in his armchair, leafing through a thick tome, and looked up with a smile as Helios entered.

"Ah, there you are! You're back rather late," Merlin said with a knowing twinkle in his eye. "I trust your day with Cid was fruitful?"

Helios nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "It was… surprisingly enlightening. He's working on some incredible things. I did have a bit of trouble finding his workshop."

Merlin chuckled. "Yes, he is rather brilliant when it comes to his inventions. And he has a great respect and interest for the worlds beyond Radiant Garden." He motioned for Helios to sit, his tone shifting to something slightly more serious. "There is something I've been meaning to discuss with you, Helios."

Curiosity piqued, Helios took a seat, giving the wizard his full attention.

Merlin's expression softened as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Ah, First I should apologize. I never actually mentioned where Cid's workshop was located, did I?" Merlin chuckled, a touch embarrassed. "I'm terribly sorry, my boy."

Helios waved a hand dismissively, smiling. "No worries, Sir Merlin. It was a bit of an adventure finding it, anyway. I enjoyed it."

As he turned to head to his room, Merlin cleared his throat, stopping Helios. "Before you go, I should inform you—I'll be away for a few days. It's a matter requiring my attention, so you'll have the cottage to yourself."

Helios nodded, managing to keep his expression neutral as he wondered if this was some test from Merlin. "Of course, Sir Merlin. I'll keep everything in order, I promise."

Merlin beamed, clearly pleased. "Splendid! You're quite the responsible young man, Helios. I have every confidence you'll be just fine. Just keep up the good behavior you've shown so far."

"Will do," Helios said with a polite nod.

As he headed to his room, he wondered if Merlin's absence would be an opportunity for him—or if it was a trap meant to reveal something about him. Either way, he knew he'd have to keep his actions measured.

The following morning, Helios stretched as he got out of bed, feeling refreshed. Merlin had already left, the cottage eerily quiet in his absence. After breakfast, Helios stepped out, glancing around as he adjusted his jacket. He noted that Kurai was still silent, and he surmised that Merlin had somehow arranged a way to continue observing him even while away.

He headed for Cid's workshop, but as he turned a corner, he nearly collided with Even.

"Well, we meet again, Helios," Even greeted him, his eyes holding that same probing curiosity.

Helios gave a polite nod, though he couldn't shake the discomfort he felt around the scientist. "Good morning, Sir Even."

Even smiled, falling into step beside him. "It seems we're always heading in the same direction."

Helios noted the subtle but unmistakable intent in Even's gaze. "Is there some special project going on nearby?"

Even chuckled, a calculated glint in his eye. "Ah, well, any such projects would be classified. Only Master Ansem himself and his pupils have access to certain facilities." He paused, studying Helios with a thoughtful expression. "But if you were interested, I could recommend you. Your curiosity and perspective seem well-suited for our work."

Helios shook his head politely. "Thank you, but I don't think I have the necessary skills for that level of research. Besides, I'm kept quite busy assisting Cid and Merlin."

Even raised an eyebrow, his chuckle soft yet amused. "A pity. I feel you and I would find many of our philosophies quite aligned."

They reached Cid's workshop, and before Helios could excuse himself, a small boy approached them, wearing the same lab coat as Even. The boy's striking steel-gray hair and bright blue eyes caught Helios's attention.

Even sighed, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Ienzo, I told you to wait in the lab. Why are you out here?"

The boy, silent and seemingly unbothered, simply looked at Helios with an unblinking gaze. Even sighed, taking the boy's hand with a resigned expression. "Well, we must be off now. Farewell, Helios."

As they left, Ienzo glanced back at Helios for a lingering moment before allowing himself to be led away. Helios couldn't help but wonder why the boy stared at him, knowing this child would grow into Zexion, one of Organization XIII's most manipulative members. Ienzo would grow to be as brilliant as he was cunning, and the thought of the child's potential was both intriguing and chilling.

Putting the encounter out of his mind, he entered Cid's workshop. The instant he stepped inside, a loud explosion resounded through the space, and he was hit by a thick cloud of smoke and dust.

"Cid!" Helios called out, coughing as he tried to fan away the smoke.

A hacking cough echoed from the far side of the room. "Over here, kid! Just… don't breathe too deep!"

Squinting through the haze, Helios finally spotted Cid, his face and hair dusted with soot but grinning as if nothing were amiss.

"What on earth happened?" Helios asked, his voice half-laughing, half-concerned.

Cid coughed again, waving off the dust. "Ah, just a minor setback. Tried to run some extra power through the Gummi Ship's engine, but, well… guess I gave it a little too much juice."

Helios couldn't help but laugh, though he kept it quiet, not wanting to make it too obvious. "Maybe just a tad."

Cid chuckled as he took off his goggles and dusted himself off. "Aye, well, trial and error, as they say! Anyway, you're just in time. I could use a hand reassembling a few things before the next test." He handed Helios a wrench and gestured to a table cluttered with various tools and metal components. He then opened all the windows to air out the workshop.

As they got to work, Cid showed Helios the adjustments he'd planned for the engine. Helios listened carefully, impressed by the man's tenacity despite the setback. For the next hour, they worked side by side, with Cid occasionally explaining the mechanics in more detail. Helios found himself increasingly engrossed in the work, the intricacies of Gummi technology fascinating him.

Once they'd completed the repairs, Cid leaned back, giving the engine an appraising look. "There we go. She's all set for another go."

Just as they were finishing up, the workshop door creaked open, and Lea and Isa peeked in, both raising eyebrows at the mess.

"Whoa, what happened in here?" Lea asked, stepping inside and surveying the sooty scene.

Isa smirked. "Looks like you two had a little too much fun with that engine. It is an engine right?"

Cid laughed, not the least bit embarrassed. "Yes, it's an engine. We're just doing a bit of testing! Science is all about experimentation, right?"

Helios grinned, giving a nod to Lea and Isa. "Glad you guys stopped by. Want to stick around for the next test?"

Lea's eyes lit up. "Are you kidding? Watching things blow up is half the fun!"

Isa rolled his eyes, but he stayed by the door, his curiosity apparent. "Let's just make sure we're at a safe distance."

Cid, looking unfazed, gave the engine one last once-over before starting the test. They all watched with a mix of anticipation and apprehension as the engine whirred to life. This time, it ran smoothly, emitting a low hum and a faint blue glow.

The group let out a collective breath of relief. "Looks like we got it right this time," Cid said, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.

Lea clapped Helios on the back. "See, you're not just some new guy; you're practically an engineer already!"

Helios chuckled, appreciating the praise. "Couldn't have done it without Cid's guidance."

They spent the rest of the afternoon in the workshop, talking and joking around as they helped Cid fine-tune a few other components. It was a rare, simple pleasure—one that Helios savored as he realized just how much he enjoyed this growing bond with his new friends.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Radiant Garden, Cid set his tools aside and stretched. "Alright, boys, time to wrap it up for today. Thanks for the help."

Lea, Isa, and Helios nodded, saying their goodbyes to Cid before stepping out of the workshop together. They walked through the quieting streets of Radiant Garden, their voices mingling with the sounds of the evening.

Isa turned to Helios, his usual stoic expression softening. "You've been here only a short while, but it feels like you've always been one of us."

Lea grinned, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, it's like you just fit. Radiant Garden's got room for you, Helios. Got it memorized?"

Helios felt a sadness spread through him—a feeling he experienced when the darkness took everything from him. He looked at his friends, his voice filled with calm as he recalled the thing yet to happen here. "Thanks, both of you. It means a lot. I wish you both all the best."

Lea and Isa exchanged confused glances, Lea furrowing his brow. "What's with the serious tone, man? You're not going anywhere, right?"

Helios smiled, forcing himself to shake off the sadness. "Nah, I just… appreciate you guys, that's all."