The golden sun dipped toward the horizon, casting long, warm rays over the cracked Colosseum floor. Dust and embers still drifted through the air like lazy fireflies. Helios lay sprawled on his back, panting and sore, his limbs aching from the brutal exchange with Sephiroth.

The barrier that had surrounded the battlefield shimmered weakly, its energy flickering like a dying flame. Then, with a flash of light and the low hum of magic being dispelled, it collapsed completely.

"Finally, you guys is done," grumbled a familiar voice.

Phil strutted onto the field, his hooves clacking against the stone. Hercules walked beside him, steady and calm, followed by a robed woman—the priestess who had cast and reinforced the barrier during the match. Her staff glowed faintly in her hands.

"You two almost wrecked the whole place again," Phil said with a huff, arms crossed. "It's a good thing this arena's seen worse, or you'd both be banned from sparring here again."

Helios laughed weakly. "Sorry, Phil... Can I get some healing? Pretty sure I'm one bad breath away from a rib snapping. Actually, it might have already snapped."

Phil rolled his eyes but waved the priestess forward. "Hey, sweet cheeks, help this knucklehead out before he turns to ash."

The priestess looked displeased at being called that, but she still knelt beside Helios and began casting gentle healing spells. Warm green light spread over his bruised body, slowly knitting together muscle and easing the tight burn in his chest. Helios let out a sigh of relief as sensation returned more comfortably to his limbs.

"Thanks," he muttered.

"No problem," she answered before standing.

Phil clapped his hands together and leaned forward. "Alright, Mr. Top-Contender. Are you ready to tell me who did the damage to you? Don't tell me the guy in second place of the best damn tournament we ever hosted got beat up this badlt by some nobody."

Helios chuckled and sat up with a wince. "No one beat me. I just had... an unfortunate accident. Happens every once in a while."

"Uh-huh," Phil grunted. "Sure. You keep your secrets, pal. I've been around long enough to know when someone's dodging a story. But fine by me, you earned the mystery this time."

Helios stretched slowly, testing his limbs. The worst of the pain had subsided, but a lingering stiffness clung to his bones. Still, he was mobile. That was what mattered.

He gave Hercules a nod and a respectful glance at the priestess. "Thanks again. I'll be heading back."

Phil gave a two-fingered salute. "Don't die on the way back. We need you in one piece to fight in the arena."

The walk back to the mansion was quiet. The path through Olympus shimmered with golden twilight, and Helios let himself breathe in the calm. The rush of battle always left a strange hollowness, one that only rest or reflection could fill.

As he stepped through the gates and into the mansion, a familiar voice called out.

"So, how's the rehab going? Are you okay? Do you need me to heal you again?"

Skuld stood near the hallway with her arms crossed, trying to look unimpressed but unable to hide her concern.

Helios gave her a half-smile. "Doing well. A few more days and I'll be back to tip-top shape."

Skuld smiled back, visibly relieved. "Just don't go getting beat up like you did on the first day again."

"No promises. Sephiroth has never been one to take it that easy even if he's holding back," he teased, waving over his shoulder as he headed to his room.

Once inside, Helios closed the door, toed off his boots, and tugged his shirt over his head. He glanced toward the bathroom—he needed a bath—but exhaustion pulled at his bones. With a grunt, he dropped onto the bed face-first.

He only meant to rest for a moment.

But when he flipped over and opened his eyes, someone was standing over him.

A shadow framed in moonlight.

Kurai.

She looked down at him with her usual cold expression, arms folded. Her eyes traced his bare chest, then slowly, without a word, she reached down and pressed her hand over his sternum.

A chill ran through him.

"Looks like you've healed well enough," she said, her tone cool and distant. "In that case, we should head to the Underworld. It's time to collect your prize. We're done here."

Helios smiled up at her, the corners of his mouth quirking. "Your hand's cold... but it feels kinda nice. I like it."

She blinked once. Her hand twitched at his words.

Then she yanked it back as if burned. "You shouldn't say things like that. It's unpleasant."

Helios laughed softly, closing his eyes again. "It's not a compliment. It's an observation. I'm tired. I'm hot. A cool sensation can only feel nice."

Kurai said nothing at first.

She turned slightly, arms folding behind her back as she stood silently beside his bed. The silence stretched out, thick with something unspoken.

Finally, she said, "You should bathe and then rest. I'll be nearby when you're ready to go."

Helios gave a soft nod. "Thanks."

Her silhouette faded from view, melting into the shadows of the room.

For a while, only the faint rustle of the curtains and the whisper of the breeze outside filled the room.

And Helios slept, the exhaustion of the battle finally giving way to stillness.