Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

The portal snapped shut behind them with a final hiss, leaving Helios, Kurai, and Skuld standing on the edge of a sprawling plateau high above jagged mountain peaks. The air here felt thin and alive, humming faintly under an eternal twilight sky where no sun or moon dared shine. At its center rose a grand forge carved directly into the mountainside, its ancient architecture thrumming with energy as if it had a pulse of its own.

Rivers of molten metal glowed bright orange, the heat so intense it seemed to press against their skin even from a distance. Towering anvils and colossal hammers moved of their own accord, striking and shaping invisible projects with rhythmic precision, as though guided by unseen hands.

Skuld's eyes widened as she took in the surreal spectacle. "It's… it's like the whole mountain is hotter than last time."

Kurai, however, only gave a dismissive glance, her silver eyes narrowing. "Functional, nothing more. I expected more. I guess I was hiding last time, and the memories looked better."

Helios smirked faintly. "Don't let appearances fool you. This is where gods come to beg for weapons. Power like this isn't for show—it's for creation."

The heat intensified as they stepped forward, the ground vibrating faintly beneath their feet. Then a deep, resonant clang echoed across the forge, followed by another and another, like the heartbeat of some titanic beast.

At the center of the forge stood Hephaestus himself. The god of fire and craftsmanship was an imposing figure, his muscular frame covered in soot, his fiery purple-red beard glowing faintly in the forge's light. His right leg was encased in a silver brace that resembled a column pillar, yet it didn't slow him as he raised a massive hammer and brought it down on a glowing bolt of lightning before him. Sparks erupted in all directions, briefly illuminating his intense, focused expression.

He noticed them then, his deep-set eyes flickering like molten gold. "Helios." His voice was gravelly, layered with the weight of stone and fire. "The mortal who had the audacity to drag me from my work once before. And now… you return, with company."

Helios bowed slightly, his tone respectful. "Lord Hephaestus, it's a pleasure to see you again. I wouldn't trouble you unless it was vital."

The god's gaze shifted to Kurai, who met his stare coldly, unflinching. "And you bring a being of shadow that pretends like it's a living thing. Interesting."

Kurai's voice was smooth, almost taunting. "Can you forge as well as you boast, god of fire?"

A booming laugh burst from Hephaestus, sending ripples across the molten rivers. "A sharp tongue. I like her already."

"She's the reason I've come," Helios said as he handed over Hecate's letter. "I want you to forge keyblade armor for her. One that embodies her nature and power."

Hephaestus stroked his ember-lit beard as he read the letter, smirking. "Another job for a mortal? Hah! You're full of surprises, boy. I ought to refuse just to see what you'd do… but crafting for being of shadow, and making Hecate owe me? That's too tempting to resist."

The god gestured with one massive hand, beckoning them closer. "Come. The forge is ready, and her armor won't be forged in ordinary flame."

As they stepped forward, the heat became suffocating. Sparks fell around them like dying stars, and the thrum of the forge grew louder. Kurai's expression didn't waver, but Skuld shifted uneasily. Helios exhaled, knowing the discomfort from the heat was only going to get worse.

The forge roared like a living beast as Hephaestus guided Helios, Kurai, and Skuld to its heart. Sparks and embers danced high into the twilight sky, their glow reflected in rivers of molten metal flowing below. Towering anvils and colossal hammers shifted and struck, their rhythm hypnotic, a symphony of creation that only gods could command.

Hephaestus' molten-gold gaze fell on Kurai. "Stand there, shadow being. If you want armor worthy of you, you must offer me a piece of yourself. I do not forge for those who won't bleed for their craft."

Kurai's silver eyes narrowed. "Take what you need, but don't waste my time."

She raised her palm, and a tendril of inky darkness unfurled like a living serpent. It condensed into a pulsing core of deep violet light, radiating raw power. The air thickened, heavy with her essence.

Hephaestus grinned, baring teeth like cracked stone. "Oh, she's got fire. This will be fun."

He grasped the core with his massive, soot-covered hand. Shadows hissed against his skin, but he held firm, slamming the core into the molten crucible. The forge roared louder, its orange glow shifting to an eerie violet-black as Kurai's essence merged with the celestial ore.

The god's hammer rose and fell in flawless arcs, sparks bursting in storms with each strike. He worked with a ferocity and precision that left even Kurai silent, her arms crossed as she watched her soul take form in the hands of a god.

Piece by piece, her armor was born:

Helmet: Smooth, contoured, crowned with slender horn-like ridges, and a visor like oil-slicked glass glowing faintly violet.

Chestplate: Interlocking black plates with arcane glyphs glowing deep amethyst, a subtle heart core pulsing at its center.

Pauldrons: Jagged yet symmetrical, cracked veins of purple crystal running across their surface.

Gauntlets: Articulated and clawed, with wisps of shadow trailing from her fingertips.

Greaves: Sleek, lightweight, yet armored with sharp edges, glowing lines flowing down to talon-tipped boots.

Cape: Black and split into thirteen strips, each tipped with jagged blades that shimmered like obsidian.

Skuld could barely look away. "It's… it's beautiful and terrifying all at once. It's more menacing than my own."

Helios nodded slowly. "It fits her nature well."

Finally, Hephaestus stepped back, wiping molten sweat from his brow. "It's done."

The armor floated toward Kurai, each piece orbiting her before snapping into place, shadows wrapping around her like a lover's embrace. When the transformation was complete, she stood taller, her presence radiating a quiet, coiled menace.

She flexed her fingers, shadows flickering along the claws. "I must admit this is perfect," she whispered, her voice calm but edged.

Hephaestus let out a booming laugh. "Hah! A fitting skin for a future queen of darkness, don't you say? Tell Hecate she owes me dearly for this."

Helios placed a hand lightly on Kurai's armored shoulder. "You wear it well."

Kurai's silver eyes flicked toward him, softening for only a fraction of a second. "It feels… right. Not only does it amplify and contain my power within me. Wearing this, you can't sense my power."

"Good," Helios murmured. "You'll need it where we're going."

The god gestured toward the edge of the plateau. "Take your prize, mortals. And remember—I rarely forge for a being more than once. There will be no other time, even should Zeus himself command it."