Helios felt as though the water itself had hardened around him, pressing against his body, constricting his thoughts. The corrupted soldiers, their vacant eyes glowing faintly with the parasite's dark power, circled around him. At their head stood King Triton, eyes empty and controlled, a tragic puppet now wielding power against his own will.
Ariel remained bound, unconscious but alive—a thin thread keeping Helios tethered to caution. Ursula smiled broadly, the parasite's triumph radiating darkly through her twisted form.
"Choose wisely, Helios," Ursula taunted, her voice coldly serene. "One wrong move and the girl dies. Try to flee, and she dies. The trident, Helios—retrieve it along with Triton's head and bring it to me. Only then will she live, and you'll be allowed to leave."
Beside him, Kurai's stance tensed further, her darkness barrier still protecting them. Her voice sliced sharply through the tension. "What are you? I'm talking to whatever it is that is manipulating that body."
"I have no idea what you mean," said Ursula with a cold, serene smile.
Helios' jaw tightened, eyes locked unflinchingly upon Ursula. His mind raced, strategies and possibilities tumbling through like rapid currents. "What do you want?" he asked grimly.
The parasite-controlled Ursula laughed mockingly. "I'm merely carrying out the will of something infinitely greater than either of us. Do not pretend innocence, emissary. Your path has always been tangled in shadows deeper than even mine."
"Helios," Thalen whispered urgently, "We have to do something."
Helios remained silent, rapidly analyzing their narrowing options. If he surrendered the trident, Atlantica would fall. If he refused, Ariel would die immediately. Each choice was disastrous to the basic plot he wished to maintain, yet inaction would doom them all.
Slowly, deliberately, he lowered Equilibrium. His voice was steady, a mask of careful control. "Let us discuss this reasonably, Ursula, or whatever your name is. A compromise."
"Compromise?" Ursula echoed with dark amusement. "I don't see the need for compromise. You're in no position to bargain."
"You want the trident, fine—but I will only give it directly to you only after you release Ariel unharmed. As for Triton's head, what will you give me in exchange?" Helios offered, his voice edged with careful diplomacy. "If you truly seek leverage, this ensures compliance. Harm Ariel, and I have no reason to comply."
Ursula tilted her head, eyes narrowed thoughtfully. The parasite behind those eyes calculated carefully, intrigued. "Clever attempt at persuasion. But what assurance do I have?"
"My word," Helios replied simply. "My survival, and my goal, depends on maintaining a balance here. Killing Ariel ends our discussion and triggers chaos. You lose your leverage, Triton may go mad with grief, and you lose your primary tool."
Ursula considered momentarily, her calculating gaze unsettlingly intense. Triton's corrupted form moved slightly forward, imposing and silently threatening. Finally, she smiled thinly. "An amusing argument, and not without merit. Very well—I'll humor you. Release the girl first—but attempt betrayal, and every life in Atlantica pays the price."
With a dismissive flick of Ursula's wrist, darkness withdrew from Ariel. The girl fell softly into Thalen's waiting arms, still unconscious but breathing evenly.
Thalen cradled her gently, relief flashing briefly across his face. "She's safe for now."
Kurai remained tense, voice sharp and cold. "Helios, don't be naïve. She won't honor agreements."
Helios glanced subtly toward her. "Trust me."
Ursula watched, delighted by the fracture forming within their fragile alliance. "Your companions doubt you, Helios. Perhaps wisely. But your move is clear. Retrieve the trident now, or I will unleash Triton and his army on his own people."
Helios nodded slowly, carefully measuring each step forward. "I'll return shortly."
Ursula's smile widened cruelly. "Don't delay. My patience is limited."
Helios swam upward, leaving Kurai and Thalen guarding Ariel within the oppressive chamber. His mind churned urgently, quickly considering desperate plans. Ursula's knowledge about Maleficent deeply unsettled him. It meant someone beyond this world was meddling—and he needed answers swiftly.
Outside Ursula's lair, beyond hearing, he halted sharply, casting wary eyes around him. The twisted coral landscape offered no comfort, only gloom.
"Going somewhere?" a low voice whispered mockingly from shadows nearby.
Helios pivoted sharply, raising Equilibrium. From the darkness emerged an image of Maleficent herself, shimmering faintly as a spectral illusion, her eyes glittering with dark amusement.
"How interesting," she purred softly. "You appear troubled, Helios."
"How does Ursula know about us?" Helios demanded sharply, suspicion flaring immediately. "Your little deal is causing me quite a headache."
Maleficent merely chuckled quietly. "This has nothing to do with me. Whatever interference you are facing seems to have been drawn here by you. It seems you underestimate how many powerful eyes are watching you. Someone else plays a far greater game than either of us."
"Then why appear now?" Helios questioned coldly, suspicion clear in his narrowed eyes.
"To offer a new deal," Maleficent replied smoothly. "Ursula's threat is grave, but you must not allow Atlantica to fall completely. That is our deal, and I'm sure even with your sharp mind, you can't see a way out. However, if I can disrupt the mind control, you may have a chance."
"In exchange for?" Helios snapped. "We both know you wouldn't—"
"Now is hardly the time for such a thing," Maleficent interrupted coolly. "Remember your true purpose here, Helios. This world's fate is a necessary price. To make good on your bargain you simply need to owe me another small favor."
She vanished abruptly, leaving only lingering echoes behind. Helios clenched his jaw, frustrated but focused. Maleficent's cryptic warnings only confirmed deeper manipulations he'd suspected. His situation was far more perilous—and complicated—than anticipated. In the place where she vanished, a green and black orb floated in her place.
He returned swiftly, gripping the trident along with Maleficent's orb. A risky gamble to owe the evil fairy another favor, but this was his best remaining option.
Ursula watched him approach with cold satisfaction, eagerly awaiting his offering. Helios held out the trident confidently, meeting her expectant gaze steadily.
"Here's your prize," he stated evenly. "Release the people."
Ursula grasped the trident. Instantly, her expression darkened as she pointed it at Helios. Her eyes flared with a mocking glee. "I don't think so."
"I fulfill my end of our bargain," Helios retorted calmly. "The trident is yours—as promised."
But Ursula released her power outward, and a violent darkness enveloped the room. Kurai reinforced her barrier, struggling against the brutal surge of power. Thalen held Ariel protectively.
Ursula lifted the trident and fired a powerful blast at Helios. Helios raised his keyblade to block, but the blast knocked him into the wall made of coral. Ursula then ordered Triton and his corrupted warriors to attack as they lunged forward, weapons in hand.
"Now let's get started," Ursula's distorted but calm voice, filled with malice. "I will tear this world apart—starting with all of you."