The wind whispered through the garden path outside Merlin's cottage, rustling the flowers and herbs with gentle fingers. The stars above Radiant Garden glimmered like quiet sentinels, watching a world slowly decay.
Helios stood in the shadow of a crooked tree, his jacket brushing against the damp tree. The soft light spilling from the cottage window cast a warm glow onto the garden path, dancing with the flicker of the hearth fire inside. Through the glass, he saw them—Skuld and Aqua—seated at Merlin's circular table, cups of tea in hand.
The letter he had left for them sat opened between them, creased at the edges. Aqua held her cup with both hands, the steam rising toward her thoughtful expression. Skuld sat across from her, staring down at the parchment as if the words might shift again.
Helios remained silent.
There was a part of him that wondered if he knocked, opened the door, and rejoined them; what would they do?
But even now, after all that had passed, that distance between them hadn't closed. Not truly. The battles fought, the choices made, and the scars left behind had carved their own boundaries. He missed them even Aqua's blatant suspicion.
He took a breath, steadying his fatigued body.
Then, without a word, he lifted his hand and opened another corridor of darkness—a swirling void edged with pale light. He didn't look back as he stepped through. The portal sealed behind him with a soft snap, leaving the garden undisturbed.
Only the stars saw him leave.
Inside, the air was quiet, punctuated only by the occasional clink of porcelain against wood.
Skuld blinked and glanced toward the window. "...Did you see that?"
Aqua followed her gaze. "See what?"
"I thought I saw someone." Skuld leaned slightly, her eyes narrowing, but the garden was empty. "Never mind. Just a shadow. I guess I'm just tired."
Aqua didn't question her further. Instead, she gently placed her cup down and nodded toward the letter. "So, what do you make of it?"
Skuld sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Honestly? I don't know anything about 'Sleeping Worlds.' It's the first time I've heard of it." Her voice was sharper than intended, but softened as she added, "He should've just told us in person."
Aqua gave a faint smile, one that didn't reach her eyes. "That's never been his way. I'm sure he has more secrets than there are stars in the sky."
"Yes," Skuld agreed, folding her arms. "He always acts like he's doing us a favor by staying distant. I hoped he trusted m… us."
Aqua rose and walked toward the hearth, staring into the flames. "I think… Helios knows that people like you—people who fight—don't always agree with what he does. It's a kind of protection."
Skuld frowned. "Is that what you think he was doing? Protecting us?"
"I think it's what he told himself."
The younger woman stood, crossing the room. "Well, it's not helping. This letter is cryptic. I don't even know what he's trying to get us to do. Why is he so interested in knowing about these sleeping worlds?"
Aqua turned, her expression hardening slightly. "Then let's find someone who can tell us."
Skuld arched an eyebrow. "Merlin?"
Aqua shook her head. "Merlin means well, but he sides with Helios more often than not. I need another opinion—someone outside this circle."
"Who?"
Aqua's voice grew quieter. "A retired keyblade Master. One of the most powerful I've ever known."
Skuld blinked. "Who?"
Aqua nodded. "A man named Yen Sid. He used to train keyblade wielders before he became a recluse. But he still has knowledge—old magic, history, prophecy. If there's something hidden in what Helios wrote… he'll know."
Skuld looked hesitant for a moment, then sighed and gave a short nod. "Alright. When do we leave?"
"Now," Aqua said.
They cleared the cups in silence, working with the quiet familiarity of friends used to long journeys and sudden departures. Aqua activated her armor and it appeared and covered her piece by piece, her movements practiced and efficient. Skuld did the same, the Keyblade armor forming over her in shimmering bands of light and steel.
Together, they stepped out into the open courtyard. The night air kissed their skin, cool and sharp.
Aqua summoned her keyblade in a glimmer of blue light. Holding it in both hands, she aimed its tip toward an open space above the grass. A brilliant white beam shot out, crackling with electricity and divine power, rending the fabric of space.
Before them, the portal formed—white and swirling, a gateway between worlds.
"The Land Between Realms," Aqua said. "Yen Sid waits beyond this."
Skuld hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward.
As the two disappeared into the light, the stars above shifted—and somewhere, far beyond the reach of this world, Helios walked alone in Olympus, arriving at his house only to hear a large explosion.