The streets of Atlantis shimmered under the soft glow of the Heart's crystalline energy. Its light refracted through intricate aqueducts and canals, sending dancing ripples across stone walkways and the curved walls of towering buildings. Lush greenery peeked from terraces and balconies, blending with the ornate architecture in a seamless display of life and technology.
Kida moved gracefully ahead, her pale blue eyes bright as she spoke animatedly to Milo, the language of Atlantis flowing like music from her lips. Milo, wide-eyed with excitement, scribbled notes in his journal while trying to keep pace. Occasionally, he would glance up to ask her questions, which she answered with a smile, her voice carrying both pride and a hint of melancholy.
Trailing a few paces behind, Helios and Kurai walked in silence. The dark gleam of Kurai's eyes mirrored the cold sheen of her armor's choker as she moved, seemingly uninterested in the Atlantean marvels surrounding them. Helios, however, wore his usual faint smile, his eyes scanning their environment with a detached curiosity. It was as if he was savoring every moment yet keeping his thoughts to himself.
Rourke and Helga followed next, their boots striking the stone in unison. Helga's sharp eyes lingered on the details of Atlantean craftsmanship, while Rourke's gaze remained fixed on the two silent figures ahead of him. There was something about Helios and Kurai that unsettled him—something in the way they carried themselves, too poised, too unconcerned. He also felt a chill from the two whenever they were near.
As they passed a series of elegant bridges arching over flowing canals, the two guards assigned to Kida and Milo moved closer to hear their conversation, leaving Helios and Kurai briefly unattended.
Rourke seized the chance.
He gestured subtly to Helga, and the two quickened their pace, closing the gap between them and the quiet pair. Helios seemed not to notice, his gaze fixed on a waterfall cascading into an iridescent pool. Kurai remained still, the faintest hum of dark energy curling around her fingertips before dissipating as if it had never been.
"You two are awfully quiet for strangers in a place like this," Rourke began, his voice calm but edged with suspicion. "So why don't we make this simple? How did you get here, and why are you really here?"
Helios turned his head slightly, his cold blue eyes meeting Rourke's with a mild, almost teasing glint. "Simple? That's not the word I'd use for you, Commander."
Rourke's jaw tightened, but Helios continued before he could speak. "As for your question, I could give you an answer… but wouldn't it be more exciting if you figured it out yourself?"
Helga's hand twitched near her hip, where her sidearm rested.
Kurai's cold voice sliced through the thickening air. "You should take my advice, Commander. Curiosity kills."
The faint rustle of fabric and steel accompanied Rourke's next motion. His fingers brushed the grip of his gun, and in that instant, Helios moved—not with haste, but with eerie precision. His hand shot out, wrapping around Rourke's wrist with a deceptively gentle grip.
"Now, now," Helios said softly, his smile still in place. "We wouldn't want you to ruin the moment, would we?"
Rourke's hand was still pinned in Helios' grasp, fingers twitching against the smooth leather of his holster. The commander's jaw tightened, veins standing out on his neck.
"You've got quite the grip for a wanderer," Rourke growled, forcing his voice low enough not to draw the attention of Kida or Milo ahead. "Almost… unnatural."
Helga, standing just off to Rourke's side, shifted her weight, and her fingers brushed her sidearm. "Then perhaps you can let go before we make decisions neither of us wants to regret."
Helga's arm jerked as her fingers curled around her weapon, but she froze as she felt the icy press of a blade's edge against her neck. She didn't even see Kurai move—the slender shard of darkness had simply appeared, its point poised beneath her chin.
"Don't," Kurai murmured, her tone as sharp and cold as the weapon itself.
Helga froze, her breath hitching as the blade's edge pressed just enough for her to feel its chill.
Rourke's eyes darted to Helga and then back to Helios. "You think you've got the upper hand?" His voice was steady, but his pulse betrayed him.
"I don't think so," Helios replied calmly. "I know. And trust me—this isn't the moment you want to test that knowledge. Here's an answer to a question you didn't ask. I'm pretty ruthless."
The world seemed to hold its breath as tension coiled tight between the four of them. For a beat, no one moved. The only sound was the faint murmur of water from nearby canals and the distant voices of Milo and Kida conversing animatedly ahead.
Then, with a flick of his wrist, Helios released Rourke's hand. "Relax, Commander," Helios said, stepping back with an easy grace. "You don't want to ruin this delicate little truce, do you?"
And then Milo's voice called out from ahead, breaking the standoff like a stone tossed into still water.
"Hey! You're falling behind!"
"Ah, duty calls," Helios said lightly.
Kurai's blade evaporated into wisps of shadow as she straightened, turning away as if nothing had happened.
Helga exhaled sharply, muscles tense.
Rourke flexed his fingers, his knuckles still aching. "This isn't over," he muttered.
Helios smiled warmly, though his eyes remained cold. "Of course it isn't."
Helios turned, his smile softening. "Ah, forgive us." He stepped past Rourke and Helga without another glance. "Wouldn't want to make our hosts wait."
Helios shot Rourke a final amused glance before striding forward to join Milo and Kida.
"Apologies for the delay," he said smoothly. "Shall we?"
Rourke flexed his fingers, his knuckles pale as he glared after them. Helga remained silent, her lips pressed in a thin line.
The two stood frozen a moment longer before Rourke let out a sharp exhale. "Those two… they're not ordinary people."
"No," Helga agreed softly, touching the side of her neck where the blade had hovered. "Not by a long shot. They seem used to taking lives."