Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

The scent of fresh bread and sizzling meat filled the kitchen, curling out into the hallways like a warm invitation. Zack stood at the stove, whistling a cheerful tune as he flipped thick slices of bacon with practiced ease. Beside him, Skuld carefully arranged plates of fruit and bread on the long wooden table.

Helios leaned lazily against the doorframe, arms crossed, his hair still damp from a quick morning wash. "I didn't know you could cook so well, Zack," he remarked, his voice warm with amusement.

Zack shot him a grin over his shoulder. "I don't just swing swords all day, you know. Gotta keep the team fed somehow." He winked. "Besides, what's the point of saving the world as a hero if you can't eat good food or have to do it on an empty stomach?"

Cloud sat silently at the end of the table, one hand resting on his knee, his new Buster Sword, given to him by Zack recently, leaning against the wall behind him. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze tracked Zack's every move with quiet approval.

Thalen was even more still, seated across from Cloud. His blue eyes flicked briefly to the door as Sephiroth entered, his long coat swaying faintly with each measured step. Kurai followed silently, her crimson eyes cold and unreadable.

"Took you two long enough to get here," Helios said casually, sliding into a chair. "You two looked like you were about to kill each other out there."

Sephiroth's expression didn't change as he took his seat, but he inclined his head slightly. "Kurai's form is improving. Her armor compensates well for her deficiencies, but her technique still needs refinement."

Kurai sat opposite him, crossing her legs neatly. "You talk like a teacher," she said coolly.

"I am teaching," Sephiroth replied, his tone as flat as polished steel. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have survived three minutes."

Skuld placed a plate in front of Kurai with a faint smile. "At least you're trying. That's what matters in the end," she offered gently.

Kurai didn't reply, though her hand flexed slightly around her fork.

Zack carried the last plate over and dropped into the chair beside Helios. "So, Sephiroth's mentoring now? Never thought I'd see the day. He never does it for me, no matter how much I ask."

Helios chuckled, his silver eyes glinting. "I think Sephiroth's starting to like her. He clearly doesn't like you."

Kurai froze mid-bite. Her silver gaze snapped to Helios, sharp as a dagger. "Don't say ridiculous things."

Helios raised his hands innocently, though his grin widened. "What? I'm just saying—it's rare for Sephiroth to take an interest in anyone. Maybe you're growing on him."

"Enough," Kurai said coldly, her voice like a blade drawn across ice.

Helios only laughed harder. "Ah, don't mind it so much. Moments like this are fleeting, Kurai. Enjoy them while you can—even if they make you uncomfortable."

Zack slapped the table with a bright laugh. "Helios, you're asking for a keyblade to the ribs."

Cloud smirked faintly, a rare flicker of expression crossing his face. Thalen remained silent, though his eyes lingered on Kurai for a moment longer than usual before dropping back to his plate.

Kurai didn't speak again, but her glare softened just slightly as she turned back to her food.

As the group ate, Zack filled the silence with his easy energy. "You know, we should do this more often. Feels like a proper little family, huh? Breakfast together, no heartless or monsters in sight—just us."

Skuld smiled warmly. "It does feel… peaceful."

Helios nodded. "Don't get used to it. Peace doesn't tend to last forever."

"Maybe not," Zack agreed, "but that's why we enjoy it while it's here."

Sephiroth set down his utensils and folded his hands, his eyes resting on Kurai. "Your aggression is commendable, but it leaves too many openings. Precision is more important than force."

"You sound like Helios," Kurai murmured, her tone cool but not entirely dismissive.

"Helios is reckless. I am not," Sephiroth said bluntly.

Helios arched a brow. "Hey, I heard that. I'll have you know I'm very precise in my chaos."

Sephiroth ignored him, continuing, "That's a contradiction. If you wish to avoid injury, then you must master economy of motion. Your armor shields you, but it will not always close the gap between strength and skill. I could easily bypass it if I wanted to."

Kurai studied him quietly, her expression unreadable behind her crimson eyes. "Then I'll learn."

"Good." Sephiroth's voice held no warmth, but there was something in his gaze—a faint spark of acknowledgment, perhaps even approval.

The rest of breakfast passed in relative calm. Zack carried most of the conversation, asking Skuld about her healing magic and telling stories of past battles with his usual upbeat flair while trying to hit on her as she refused.

When a bowl slipped from Skuld's hand and clattered to the floor, she winced. "Sorry—lousy grip."

"Lousy luck," Zack said cheerfully, crouching to help her pick it up. "Happens to the best of us."

Cloud spoke then, his voice low but even. "I'm improving, too. I only dropped it twice."

Skuld blinked at him, surprised by the rare encouragement. "…Thanks."

Helios leaned back in his chair, observing the group with a faint smile. "Feels like we're finally settling into a rhythm."

"Enjoy it while you can. We leave as soon as you're healed," Kurai said softly, almost to herself.

Zack clapped his hands together. "Alright! Who's up for training after this? Maybe we'll all take a shot at Sephiroth and see how far we get."

"Not it," Cloud said flatly.

"Absolutely not," Skuld added with a nervous laugh.

Kurai stood gracefully, her plate already cleared. "I'll take my leave. Call me if you're planning something worthwhile."

Sephiroth rose as well, his coat swaying faintly. "I'll accompany her."

Helios watched them go with a faint smirk. "See? Definitely starting to like her."

"Helios," Zack warned lightly, "you're gonna get yourself killed teasing her like that."

Helios only laughed. "She wouldn't kill me. Not yet, anyway."