The sky above was beginning to gray, the stars fading under the pale shimmer of encroaching dawn. The forest still held its breath. Not even the wind dared stir.
Helios stepped from the trees like a wraith, cloak fluttering behind him. The weight of his conversation with Ratcliffe still pressed against his mind like a lingering shadow. If what the man said was true—if his connection to the Heartless had been usurped—it meant someone else was moving on this board.
Another hand. Another player. Who could it be?
His boots made no sound as he approached the Powhatan village, weaving through brush and broken leaves. What little remained of the battle's carnage still littered the outskirts: shattered spears, trails of soot, and ash that clung to the dirt like memory. It reminded him that even in victory, there was always a cost.
By the time he reached the outskirts of the camp, he found Aqua, Skuld, and Pocahontas gathered near a dimly burning torch. Their words were hushed, tense—planning, likely. Their heads turned as he emerged.
Aqua crossed her arms immediately, her gaze cool and sharp. "Where have you been?"
Helios offered his trademark smirk, raising both palms in mock innocence. "Took a little walk. Needed a breather. Decided to head to Jamestown where the settlers are."
Skuld tilted her head, a flicker of concern in her eyes. "Why Jamestown?"
Her voice wasn't accusatory. Just curious. But even that touched a nerve. Helios gave a casual shrug. "I was… interested in what kind of food they have over there."
A long silence.
Aqua blinked once. "You what?"
Even Pocahontas raised a brow.
Skuld's flat stare said everything. She didn't believe a word of it.
Helios laughed. "Look, don't judge me. I miss Traverse Town's stew and Radiant Garden's roasted meat. The food here? Let's just say it doesn't exactly light my fire."
Skuld nodded reluctantly. "It's very… earthy."
Aqua sighed. "We're not here for gourmet cuisine, but I'll admit it—it's not the worst reason I've heard for sneaking into enemy territory."
But the moment faded. Helios' expression changed, the shadows under his eyes hardening. "While I was there, I overheard something. One of the settlers said John Smith was captured. Taken forcefully by the tribe."
Pocahontas paled. "They're going to execute him at dawn."
"Ratcliffe plans to use this to light a fire under the settlers," Helios said. "He'll stir them into a frenzy, claim John's death was proof of your tribe's hostility. He'll move soon—maybe before sunrise."
Skuld's voice trembled. "So… we don't just have to save John—we have to stop a war. I thought we had more time."
Helios nodded. "Ratcliffe's going to unleash everything. And this time, he won't just summon a few Heartless. He'll most likely summon as many as his heart can command, and let them destroy everything. Tribe. Settlers. All of it."
Aqua clenched her fists. "We were planning to extract John quietly and confront Ratcliffe after, but if the settlers mobilize now…"
"Then we're out of time," Helios finished grimly.
Skuld looked to Pocahontas. "Can you talk to your father? Stop this?"
Pocahontas shook her head slowly. "Not now. He's furious. He believes John's betrayal led to Kocoum's death."
"And Ratcliffe will only make it worse," Helios said. "But I believe I can stall him and buy you guys some time."
Aqua's eyes snapped toward him. "What?"
"I'll go back. Plant doubt in the settlers. Sow confusion and try to slow them down. Ratcliffe thinks the tribe has magic enough to defeat the Heartless so he might hesitate depending on what I do."
Skuld frowned. "You'd be going in alone."
Helios gave a wry smile. "I've been alone most of my life. It's fine."
Aqua stepped closer, her gaze harder, and her voice a whisper loud enough for only Helios to hear. "Don't lie. You're enjoy this. Manipulating people. Twisting things. Using words like weapons. You enjoy darkness too much. Don't think I don't know what you're doing. Just because you've fooled Skuld doesn't mean you'll fool me."
He didn't deny it. Just looked at her with that unreadable smirk.
"Sometimes, the right word saves more lives than a blade."
"And sometimes," Aqua said coldly, "the wrong one starts a war."
A beat passed between them. Skuld reached out, gently touching Aqua's arm. "Let him go. He's right. If he can buy us time… we'll need it."
Aqua finally looked away. "Fine. But don't get caught. If they see you…"
"They won't," Helios said. "No one there has seen my face. Their food was also terrible by the way in case you're wondering."
Helios turned and vanished into the trees. Only the faint ripple of wind followed him, like a ghost whispering secrets into the dark.
Somewhere Deeper in the Forest…
Helios paused once he was out of earshot, leaning against a tree. His hand rested over his heart. He could feel something but he wasn't sure what. Was it his darkness? Before he could find out what it was the feeling disappeared.
Deciding to focus on what was important, Helios put the feeling out of his mind. Once he was done here Pocahontas should lose her status as a Princess of Hearts making room for Alice to awaken.
That would restore the seven.
Helios smiled he had to thank Sora and Kairi for this plan. He had waited until Pocahontas and John developed feelings for one another and now should something happen to her; her heart would seek refuge inside John's own heart. Release both hearts would then create a Nobody for both John and Pocahontas. They would be special like Naminé and Roxas.
That would be the perfect body needed for his plan.
So he'd let Pocahontas hope for love and peace with all her heart. Just long enough for him to get the piece he needed.
Back at the village, the torchlight flickered lower.
Skuld watched the horizon with tired eyes. "Do you think he'll be okay?"
Aqua didn't respond at first. Her hands were wrapped around her keyblade hilt, fingers tight. "I don't know. I never know with him."
"But you trust him?"
Aqua's voice was quiet. "No. I believe he wants the Heartless gone. I believe he wants to help... in his own way. However, those ways are dangerous."
Skuld looked down. "So you think he's after more."
"Yes," Aqua whispered.
As the first rays of dawn began to pierce the trees, Helios knelt in the shadows of Jamestown, watching the settlers stir.