Chapter 27

As Xehanort's words echoed through the dimly lit chamber, he and Even turned their attention to the nearest console. Xehanort's fingers danced over the keys, entering commands that began a slow hum of machinery, lights blinking to life as if awakening from a deep slumber. The dormant equipment around them surged with latent energy, illuminating the eerie glow that bathed the room in shades of green and blue. Their shadows stretched ominously across the walls, like specters watching over their dark work.

The two men worked in silence, occasionally exchanging knowing glances as they recalibrated machines and reviewed data that flickered across the monitors. They moved in sync, bound by a shared ambition that transcended ordinary scientific curiosity. For both Xehanort and Even, this was more than just experimentation—it was an act of defiance against the constraints that Ansem the Wise had imposed.

As the machinery's hum settled into a steady rhythm, Xehanort leaned back, his gaze fixed on the central chamber. "We'll need a subject soon," he said, almost to himself. "We still haven't been able to replicate those creatures that consume hearts yet. We're missing something I just don't know what."

Even raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "The townsfolk have grown wary, and with Ansem still overseeing his 'guardianship' of Radiant Garden, we cannot risk too much attention. However, if we were to proceed with someone new, someone without a clear past…"

Xehanort's eyes flashed. "Helios," he murmured, his voice laced with intrigue.

Even looked surprised but thoughtful. "He does carry a significant aura of darkness, yet he conceals it well. If his memories are truly lost, he might be more susceptible than others, open to influence like that young girl our master keeps within the castle Subject X."

Xehanort allowed a small smile. "Yes, he could be our key to understanding the link between the heart and memory. With this data, I could unlock hers and my own memories."

Even hesitated, his rational mind flickering with a rare moment of caution. "We must however tread carefully. Our teacher would not condone this path, and annoying man Merlin has taken charge of the boy."

Xehanort waved a dismissive hand, his expression resolute. "Merlin is a mere nuisance; he lacks the vision necessary to see beyond his own narrow view. The heart holds much dormant potential, and it is our task to unearth it. We'll proceed carefully, but we must have the boy to continue."

Even inclined his head, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Then I shall make preparations. I will invite Helios to visit the castle with Cid again."

Helios was jolted awake by the persistent knocking and muffled shouting at the door. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he stumbled out of bed, disoriented but curious. Who could be this eager to see him so early in the morning?

Yawning, he reached for the door, and as he pulled it open, he found himself face-to-face with a grinning Lea and a rather sheepish-looking Isa.

"Morning, Helios!" Lea's excitement was palpable. "We're here to keep our promise, remember? Hanging out, just like I said! You got it memorized right?"

Isa sighed, offering Helios an apologetic smile. "Sorry about this. Lea thought the best way to keep his word was by waking up the entire neighborhood."

"Hey, I didn't wake up the whole neighborhood! Just you," Lea countered, then looked at Helios with a guilty grin. "Maybe just you and anyone within a three-house radius."

Helios stifled a yawn and waved a hand. "No worries. Just give me a minute, and I'll be ready."

He gestured for them to come inside, and Lea bounced in eagerly while Isa followed with his usual calm demeanor. Leaving them in the front room, Helios disappeared into his bedroom to get dressed. He chose a black and white checkered dress shirt with short sleeves and slipped on a sleeveless white hoodie adorned with intricate black designs that formed the shape of a crown. After pulling on his well-worn blue jeans, frayed at the bottom from years of wear, he took a quick look in the mirror, satisfied with his outfit.

When he stepped back into the room, Lea gave an approving whistle. "Now, that's a good look, Helios! Way better than yesterday's," he said with a grin.

Isa scoffed, folding his arms with a smirk. "And suddenly Lea's an expert on fashion. What's next? He's giving tips on fine art?"

"Oh, please," Lea shot back, rolling his eyes. "I'm just saying he looks great!"

Helios chuckled, stepping between them before their bickering got any further. "All right, all right. Let's head out before you two start wrestling right here in the front room."

Once they were outside, Helios took a deep breath, savoring the cool morning air as the city began to wake up around them. "So, what's the plan?" he asked, glancing between the two.

Isa raised his hands in mock surrender, nodding toward Lea. "Don't look at me. This was all Lea's idea. He's the one dragging us out here, so you're better off asking him."

Helios turned to Lea, who hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck as he searched for an answer. "Well… I, uh…" he started nervously, realizing he hadn't thought the day through as well as he'd intended. "I figured we could show you around, you know, just… hang out. You're new here, so there's plenty of stuff to see…"

Lea's nervous rambling was clear enough for Helios to piece together the real plan—or lack thereof. He hid a smirk and nodded understandingly. "Sounds like a great idea, Lea. But how about we start by grabbing some breakfast?"

They arrived at the cozy diner where they'd met Yuffie, and the owner greeted them with a friendly wave as they walked through the door. The warm smell of fresh pastries and brewing coffee filled the air, instantly making Helios realize just how hungry he was.

As they slid into a booth by the window, Lea glanced at Helios. "So, do you have any munny? Or, y'know, a card?" he asked, a grin creeping onto his face.

Helios tilted his head, slightly confused. "A card? What do you mean?"

Isa gave Lea a look before turning to Helios with a more serious tone. "Right, I guess Merlin hasn't filled you in on the details. So here's how it works. Moogle shops are pretty much everywhere in the city now. They came up with this system—a card that tracks how much munny you have. You can swipe it to buy things without having to carry munny everywhere. Now, most businesses here take it too."

"Yeah," Lea chimed in, leaning back and pretending to yawn. "It's all very fascinating and super boring. But hey, since you don't have a card yet, looks like breakfast is on us today!"

Helios felt a bit embarrassed. "I'm sorry about that. I don't usually head out much, so I didn't even know about this card thing…"

Isa shook his head, giving Helios a reassuring smile. "It's no problem, really. You're new here, so it makes sense that you wouldn't know everything. Take it slow, figure things out as they come. There's no rush."

"Exactly," Lea added, slapping Helios on the back playfully. "What are friends for if they can't spot each other breakfast once in a while?"

Their orders arrived soon after, each plate loaded with fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sizzling strips of bacon. The three of them dug in, laughter and conversation flowing easily as they enjoyed their breakfast. Helios felt a surprising comfort with them—a normalcy he hadn't experienced since the destruction of his town Nightfall and the death of his parents.

As they polished off the last bites, Isa wiped his mouth with a napkin and nodded toward the door. "Right. Now that we're fueled up, let's head over to the nearest Moogle shop and get you set up with that card."