Helios awoke to a dull ache settling deep in his muscles, a lingering reminder of the brutal battle in the Realm of Darkness. Every inch of his body protested as he shifted, but he ignored it.
Remembering the fight Helios thought of what he could have done better. His fighting style was pretty solid and he was sure in keyblades alone he could slightly overpower Aqua but one magic came into question he would lose. Aqua could use magic in a way he couldn't even come close to and there was also the fact that she could coat herself and keyblade in magic to activate different battle styles or command styles as they were called in the game. Her Spellweaver was one such thing and even Skuld seemed close to being able to use one he definitely needed to understand and incorporate that ability into in fighting style.
Sitting up, he rolled his shoulders, grimacing at the stiffness in his joints. That fight took a lot more out of me than I thought.
With a sigh, he raised his hand and cast Cura over himself. A warm green light flickered across his skin, soothing his body and melting away the aches. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough.
Though by his magic his clothes were mended from the night before. They still bore the scent of darkness. He cast a cleansing spell, the familiar glow sweeping over his attire, returning them to a pristine state.
Satisfied, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood.
Across the room, the three Moogles were huddled together, scribbling notes and sketching out ideas for future synthesis. Their tiny hands darted across parchment, their bat wings fluttering as they whispered excitedly to each other.
Helios cleared his throat.
"Morning, kupo!" one of them greeted, turning with a cheerful bounce.
"Morning," Helios replied. "Do you guys have a shower I can use? I really need to get cleaned up."
The Victorian-dressed Moogle adjusted his tiny monocle and puffed up proudly. "Of course, kupo! We're renting the building next door. You can use the facilities there."
Helios arched an eyebrow. "Renting? You guys are really making yourselves at home, huh?"
"Business is booming, kupo! We've got a restaurant and clothing stores set up already beside this synthesis shop!" the Moogle chirped.
Helios smirked but didn't argue. Instead, he followed the Moogle into the adjacent building, a cozy two-story structure similar in style to their own.
Inside, the air was cool, the walls lined with simple furniture, bookshelves, and a few crates of supplies.
"This way, kupo."
Helios stepped into the bathroom and wasted no time stripping off his coat and tossing it onto a nearby rack. He ran another cleansing spell over his clothes before stepping into the shower.
The moment the hot water hit his skin, he exhaled deeply, feeling the warmth seep into his bones.
The chill of the Realm of Darkness had clung to him like an invisible weight, its oppressive presence never fully leaving his mind. But here, under the steaming cascade, that feeling finally began to fade.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Helios felt alive again.
When he finished, he dried off, pulled on his refreshed clothes, and headed back to the Moogles' house.
Breakfast was simple—bread and soup again. But after the exhausting battles they had been through, the warmth of the meal was more satisfying than a feast.
As he ate, Helios glanced out the window.
A soft golden glow bathed Traverse Town, the ever-present night sky flickering with distant stars. No sun, no rising dawn just the eternal twilight that made this world unique.
"What time is it?" he asked between bites.
"Morning, kupo!" one of the Moogles replied.
Helios sighed. The lack of a real day-night cycle here was something he'd have to get used to about this world.
He decided to wait a few hours before heading out. If he was lucky, Aqua and Skuld might find him first.
But if not—he'd start searching.
After finishing breakfast, Helios stretched, cracked his neck, and summoned his Keyblade before stepping outside.
The cool air greeted him, carrying the faint scent of rain-soaked stone and warm lantern light.
Turning back to the Moogles, he waved. "I'll be out for a while. I'm looking for a few friends."
The Victorian Moogle adjusted his monocle. "If you find more synthesis materials, bring them back, kupo!"
Helios chuckled as waved. "Yeah, yeah."
With that, he set off.
First District.
Helios started here. Traverse Town's central hub. Stores lined the streets, their neon signs flickering with a warm, nostalgic glow.
People walked about—survivors from fallen worlds lucky enough to end up here, merchants, and a few travelers passing through.
Helios scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces.
Nothing.
No Aqua. No Skuld. Not even Leon and his group yet. He guessed they might still not have arrived yet due to how time moves.
He clicked his tongue and moved on.
Second District.
The moment he stepped through the large wooden doors, the atmosphere shifted.
This area was quieter, its towering buildings casting long shadows. Fewer people roamed here, and the distant hum of neon signs filled the air.
Helios moved cautiously, his eyes flicking across the rooftops and alleyways.
Back in the Realm of Darkness, he had tried to open a Dark Corridor to return to Olympus, but the Dark Hide's sheer presence had destabilized it, and he had no way of knowing where they would end up.
To think it would be Traverse Town of all places.
Ironically, this was where Sora's journey truly began and now, it was his starting point too.
Third District.
Helios pushed through another large set of doors, stepping into a wide courtyard lined with stone walkways and intricate carvings.
His eyes swept across the area.
Nothing.
But then—
A faint glow caught his attention.
A small, flickering light in a window nearby that should have been empty according to his memory until Leon and the other commandeered it later in the future.
His eyes narrowed.
It wasn't strong a guarantee but it was enough to check it out.
But he did sense magic and it felt familiar.
Without hesitation, he walked toward the source.