Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

Skuld nodded and motioned for Zack to follow her. "Come on. Let's just do what he says."

As the two left the room, Helios turned back to Cloud. The newly awakened young man sat motionless on the bed, his gaze fixed on nothing in particular. Helios sighed and sat down across from him, his mind filled with thoughts about how to rehabilitate Cloud.

When Skuld and Zack returned, they brought a tray laden with food—fresh bread, roasted meat, and fruits. They set the tray on the small table in the corner of the room and handed plates to everyone.

Helios placed a plate in front of Cloud and began eating deliberately, his movements slow and purposeful. Cloud's vacant gaze shifted to Helios, and after a few moments, he mirrored the motions, picking up his utensils awkwardly and taking small bites of food.

Zack watched the interaction with a mix of fascination and concern. "He's like a kid," he muttered under his breath.

Helios didn't respond, focusing instead on ensuring Cloud ate enough. Skuld sat beside Zack, her brow furrowed with worry as she observed the scene in silence.

When the meal was finished, Helios stood and cast a sleep spell on Cloud. The man's eyes fluttered closed, and he sank back onto the bed, his breathing steady and calm.

Skuld broke the silence, her voice trembling slightly. "What's wrong with him? Why is he like this?"

Helios leaned against the wall, crossing his arms as he answered. "Like I said before Cloud's heart was damaged—shattered in places, in a sense. The area of his heart that was broken has been healed, but it's blank. He's like a newborn child in some ways. It'll take time for him to relearn basic things, let alone regain any semblance of who he used to be."

Zack frowned. "So… he's alive, but he's not really himself. Is that what you're saying?"

Helios nodded. "Sort of, it's more like his head is hazy and it'll be a while before it clears. But this is better than the alternative. His heart needed to be saved, and this was the only way to do it."

Skuld looked down at her hands, her expression conflicted. "Is there a chance he'll ever be the person he was before?"

Helios's gaze softened slightly. "Yes, but it'll take time and the right circumstances. For now, what matters is that he's okay. That's more than most people get after what he's been through."

The weight of Helios's words hung heavily in the room, and for a moment, no one spoke. Finally, Zack broke the silence with a small smile. "Well, if he's like a kid, maybe he just needs some good old-fashioned inspiration. I could teach him a thing or two about being a hero."

Helios smirked faintly. "I was just about to suggest that. You two take him for walks and training when you can. He's fragile right now, so try not to overwhelm him. Don't ask him any questions but talk to him."

Skuld managed a small smile as well, though the worry in her eyes remained. "We'll do our best," she said softly.

Helios nodded. "Good. Now I'll leave him to the both of you. I'll head back to watch Sephiroth's match and the two of us will head somewhere afterwards. So Skuld make sure to take care of Cloud and don't let him out of your sight."

The room fell quiet as Helios finished speaking, his words hanging in the air like a weight none of them could shake. Zack gave an exaggerated thumbs-up, trying to lighten the mood. "No pressure, right? Babysitting a guy who is like a child—what could possibly go wrong?"

Skuld let out a soft laugh despite herself, though her eyes betrayed lingering worry. "We'll manage. Just… be careful, Helios. I have a feeling things aren't going to stay quiet for long. Those monsters showed up here after all."

Helios smirked faintly. "When do they ever?"

With that, he turned and left the room, the door curtain closing behind him. The dim light of the setting sun filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the room. Skuld and Zack exchanged a look, both feeling the akwardness between the two.

Zack clapped his hands together, his characteristic optimism shining through. "All right, buddy," he said, turning to Cloud. "Let's get you moving. The first lesson of being a hero: you can't sit around all day. Heroes take action."

Cloud, still groggy from the sleep spell, blinked slowly and tilted his head at Zack's words, his expression blank but curious. Skuld couldn't help but smile softly as she watched Zack's enthusiasm.

"Let's start small," Skuld suggested, her tone gentle. "We'll just walk around the room a bit, okay, Cloud?"

Zack helped Cloud to his feet, steadying him as the man wobbled slightly. "Easy there, big guy," Zack said, grinning. "Baby steps."

Cloud's movements were sluggish and uncoordinated, but he followed Zack's guidance, taking halting steps across the room. Skuld walked beside them, in case of any surprises. The sight was both heartwarming and bittersweet—a once-healthy young man reduced to this fragile state.

"See? Not so bad," Zack encouraged, giving Cloud an approving nod. "Keep it up, and you'll be running laps in no time."

Cloud's lips twitched faintly, almost forming a smile, though it was fleeting. Skuld noticed and felt a flicker of hope. "He's trying," she said softly. "That's a good sign, right?"

"Absolutely," Zack replied. "The guy's got the heart of a fighter. He'll bounce back—we just have to give him time."

Meanwhile, Helios strode through the streets of Thebes. The intermediate tournament should be wrapping up right about now so he was making good time. The streets were quiet, most of the city still captivated by the tournament at the Colosseum.

Cloud's heart was saved, but stabilizing him would take time. He would heal perfectly so long as there was enough stimulation. However, Helios did not wish to waste time here since the first of his two objectives was complete. In a week or so his second would also be complete and they would have to leave. By then he would need to get Zack so involved in Cloud's recovery that even after they left it could continue without them.

As he approached the Colosseum, the faint roar of the crowd grew louder. The sight of the packed stands and the electrified atmosphere. As he found a seat he saw Sephiroth walk on stage with his blade in hand.