Returning to Crescent Isle Brabham and Izmael were waiting for the ship's arrival with the greatest news of a new engine that would let them fly higher and lower than any Valuan or Nasr ship has ever dreamed of. Rita planned to help with the instillation but first she wanted to be a part of the meeting.
Vyse looked to their map of the world, "Duke has the Red and Purple Crystals. We have the Green and Blue Crystals. All that's left are the Silver and Yellow ones."
Fina reassured them, "The Silvite Elders already have the Silver Crystal. So we really only have to worry about the Yellow Crystal."
Aika smiled, "It looks like our mission is almost finished."
Karol was a bit concerned but, "But wasn't the Yellow Crystal located in the Maw of Tartas in Valua? Last time we went there, we couldn't get in because the opening was sealed."
Enrique nodded, "Yes, the Valuans have made several unsuccessful attempts at removing the seal…"
"But with the new engines we won't have to." Rita pulled out a few maps of her own, "Based on what geologists have managed to learn about Valuan Islands the lower layers of are filled with cracks and fissures. Big enough for the Delphinus to travel through."
Casey liked that idea, "So we get to steal the Yellow Crystal quite literally out from under Valua's nose and leave behind a dormant Gigas. Win-win all around I say."
Judith nodded, "And Ba'ul can help guide us through the tunnels to the Moon Crystal."
Yuri was looking to Estelle, "And what about Estelle? She hasn't exactly had a good record around the area."
"I…I'll be fine. We need to find the Moon Crystal. And with my connection I may be able to help, just like Ba'ul."
Judith stopped her, "The Entelexeia feed off of Moon Stone energy. There's no negative effect on them aside from being attacked by a Gigas."
Raven stepped over, "Not to sound rude or nothin' Estelle, but you were barely conscience when I saved you from Ramirez's attack. We can't worry about ya falling sick on us while we're down there. It'd be a pain ta go back once we're down there."
Estelle fell silent over the matter, however Enrique rested his hand on her shoulder, "You have done many amazing things since you left Valua. I think it wouldn't do any harm if you stayed here and rested while we retrieve the Yellow Crystal."
Estelle smiled, "Thank you, Enrique, but I've already come so far. I won't be sidelined any longer. I'm going and that's final. If I do start feeling uneasy I'll just go to the crew quarters to lay down."
Rita walked over to Estelle, giving her a very elaborate looking bracelet, "Here." She slipped it onto Estelle's left wrist, "I…I've been working on this one for a while now. He should curb the severity of your reaction to the Yellow Crystal or Gigas, in theory. We won't know if he works until we reach Valuan air space again."
"Oh Rita, thank you!" Estelle jumped and hugged her, much to the mage's surprise.
"N-No problem…"
Judith smiled, "And if we can destroy Yeligar then the world will be for the better."
Karol was confused, "Huh? I thought we were supposed to not wake the scary Gigas?"
"I know, but we've already destroy four of the Gigas already. I don't like leaving things half done."
"Four?"
Judith looked to the maps, "After you left the temple in Nasr, we reactivated Recumen and marched it off the ledge and into the Deep Sky where the pressure would do the rest. Even if it has survived down there all this time, Valua doesn't have the equipment to raise it."
Vyse didn't see any problems left for them now, "Alright then. After Brabham gets the new engine installed we'll set out first thing tomorrow morning."
Hans was covered in grease and oil, but he did a great job on the Delphinus. After cleaning up, Urala already had a hot plate of food waiting for him. "Thanks Urala. I can't wait to see the Delphinus soaring above the clouds…"
"It'll be very exciting."
Polly returned for more food to serve, "It'll be the first time for most of us to fly so high or low. I'm just hoping none of them are going to be too smashed to enjoy it," looking over to Domingo who was passed out after losing to Don.
Her husband was just relaxing on one of the stools, "We've been through a lot together. I think they've earned a break."
Polly grabbed him in a hug, "I suppose. And if we hadn't gone into the Dark Rift, we'd never have found each other again…"
Merida has been dancing on the little stage the bar had, wearing that red kimono and utilizing the lessons she learned from Urala and Moegi.
Rita couldn't seem to rest, even after her work on the new engine had been completed hours ago. Judith found her sitting next to the pool of water, gazing at the stars. "Something seems to be troubling you."
"Did Ba'ul tell you that?"
"In a way. He has a hard time understanding some facial expressions." Judith sat down next to her. "It's about the blastia you created for Estelle. He said it siphons Moon Stone energy in a small area around her. He's worried what will happen if the Black Moon Stone takes in too much energy from the Gigas or Yellow Crystal."
Rita looked to the water where Pinta's reptilian acquisition was happily swimming around, "I've been studying that ever since you and Ba'ul got me my samples. It's been one of the projects I knew I had to solve. It wasn't until our little visit to Myorzo was I able to design him properly for her. The energy released from the Black Moon Stone first disburses through the blastia, then…"
"Well I'm glad it helped."
"Hey…um…do you think…" Rita shook her head, "Never mind."
"I know of a researcher who actually lives above Valua's cloud cover. He said he was an exile, though he knows his herbs and magic. It would be foolish for us not to consider requesting his aid if anything serious ever happened to us. Well, good night. Try not to stay out too late."
Vyse and Yuri was both practicing their swordsmanship skills with Repede, Pow, Marco and Lawrence watching. Even with two swords Yuri was able to push their captain back, turning the situation around when he managed to get his hook around Yuri's crossguard.
"About time I saw you use that hook for something other than a zip line."
"You're still an amazing fighter Yuri. Though you're usually eager rush into a fight."
"Yeah, but talk is cheap." Yuri pushed back, freeing his blade to continue his assault. The battle continued until Yuri managed to break through Vyse's sword. "Damn, I didn't mean to do that!"
"Hey, it's alright. We've got more blades."
"Yeah, I know, but I've never cut through another sword before. That was both amazing and unexpected."
"You can say that again," Marco helping pick up the fragments, "You're lucky that merchant gave you such an awesome sword."
Vyse smiled, "Hey, maybe we can get him to help us." Yuri looked to Vyse slightly confused, "I mean the smith who forged your sword, he's a Yafutoman, however we never encountered any old smiths while we were there."
"Maybe Judy know where to find this recluse. I'm sure a guy with the name Ryu-Kan can't be that hard to find."
Vyse took the crew on a detour back to Yafutoma. With the new engines they were able to fly over the Dark Rift instead of having to fly through it. Judith took them south, away from Yafutoma and over another arm of the Dark Rift before they found a small island where a Yafutoman styled home took up much of the island's landmass, with a few trees around it.
Judith and Ba'ul seemed to have no worries about landing on the island, waving for the others to join her. Judith grabbed her spear and walked into the home like a she was coming home or visiting a friend.
Vyse and Yuri took a lifeboat to visit this legendary blacksmith. When the made it and entered the home they could hear the clang of metal and the heat of a forge at work. Even amid the banging they could hear an old man's complaints, "…how many times now have I told you about proper maintenance?"
"Then fortunately I'm not here for any repairs." Judith looked back to the entrance where Vyse and Yuri were. "I have a few friends who would like to talk to you."
This old man had to be Ryu-Kan even though the proper introductions hadn't been made yet. Though he would do so shortly, as he carefully looked over the two men. "Even though I don't know you, I can sense courage welling deep inside you. Perhaps you might be worthy of my attention. I am known as Ryu-Kan. I was once a sword-smith… now I am but a lonely hermit."
"I'm Vyse."
"Yuri Lowell."
Yuri didn't need to draw the blade to get Ryu-Kan's attention. Vyse looked to the weapon, "In a way, thanks to this sword, it feels like you have lent us your strength. We're hoping one as old as wise as yourself would be willing to lend us even more of your strength and skills."
Yuri handed Ryu-Kan his sword as the old smith drew it out to inspect. Ryu-Kan was very meticulous, pausing at a few nicks and scratches that covered the sword and how Yuri's been treating it. "You've seen many battles…"
"But we don't do so lightly. We're on a very important mission to protect the world."
Ryu-Kan sheathed the sword, "You are truly a brave and honest soul. This sword has told me its tale. Perhaps you are the people that I have been waiting for all these years in solitude."
Yuri took back the blade, "How can you tell?"
Ryu-Kan pointed to the sword, "You've tended to the blade well, however your battles still leave their marks. As well as on the sheath. Many defensive in nature. Very little blood has been shed, though you do seem to be an aggressive fighter. Not unlike another," his glance shifted slightly to Judith. "It's decided. I will travel with you, Young Ones. And I will forge you a blade unlike any known in this world! Judith, help me get my tools."
She complied, having already gathered most of them. "I think they can find or make you a new anvil and forge."
Flynn was getting conflicting reports about troop deployment from Admiral Ramirez and Gregorio. Ramirez claimed that all soldiers were pulled from the Great Seal but Gregorio heard no such orders from the Empress.
Sodia and Witcher both returned with some news from Leblanc. "Vice-Captain, it would seem that our forces have completely abandoned the Great Seal."
"Do we know anything? Why they were pulled back or who gave the command?"
"The only thing we've managed to confirm was that Admiral Ramirez gave the order and nothing else."
"Witcher, do you know anything about the Great Seal?"
Witcher had some notes with him, "Yes, though nothing that would be useful now. There have been many tests to understand the seal's properties and how it could be opened, however all attempts thus far have proven to be moot. Even the Moon Stone Cannon has been speculated to be unable to break the seal."
Everything that Flynn could think of meant that Rodriguez knew something was going to happen soon. "Sodia, do we know where these men have been posted to?"
"Most have been reassigned to Ramirez's fleet and they have already left for Dangral Island."
Flynn had only heard rumors of the base currently being constructed down in the Deep Sky. Though at times like this he wondered what Yuri would do and how quickly he'd make enemies of the Empire. "The Empire is falling to shambles…what are we supposed to do?"
"Have faith in their highnesses Enrique and Estellise." Admiral Gregorio approached them. "I know their only intentions are for this empire to shine once more. For now the four of us will be departing soon."
"Where are we going, Admiral?"
"We've been summoned by Lord Galcian to Dangral Island. As have the other admirals. Something important is about to happen. I'm ordering the rest of the fleet and the First Fleet to a very special location. If things are going as I fear then we may have to prepare for a different battle."
Heading off to Valua they kept to the upper skies, and Rita's new blastia was working. Estelle has yet to feel sick though things could swiftly change the moment they get closer to the Yellow Crystal. Continuing across Valuan air space Judith and Ba'ul continued through the upper skies toward a small island with a very Upper City styled building on it. Yuri turned to Marco, "You ever hear about a place like this?"
"Me? You were the soldier, wouldn't you know?"
Don however seemed to know, "He was probably in dippers when this tidbit ran through the barracks. Rumor was something about a child prodigy who fled Valua before they could force him into making weapons. Maybe this is where he's been hiding."
Ba'ul made a few passes around the building. "We'll find out soon enough."
Vyse, Rita, Karol and Don traveled to the building where Judith was waiting for them at the front door. Judith then used her spear to knock before stepping back. After a moment of hesitation the door opened to a man who couldn't any more than his early thirties with platinum silver hair. He was wearing a pair of glasses and robes not too dissimilar to those that Rita wore when they first met her.
"Well, well… I never expected to get visitors way out here! Come in, come in," he moved aside and opened the door further, "My name is Ilchymis. I have come to this island to further my studies of various medicines." Inside Ilchymis' home was a strange device at the center with lights flashing and tubes feeding in and out. He had a few tables and a desk set up with cases that lined the walls with rows upon rows filled with books.
Karol seemed amazed, "You're on this island, alone…to study?! You're quite strange…"
Rita slapped Karol's head, making him regret his words, "Well I don't think it's strange at all!"
Ilchymis smiled at Rita defending him, "Really now? I'm used to it. I've been called strange ever since I was a child. I was always asking question; Why does water float when it freezes? Why is the sky blue? But that brings to mind another question… What brings you all to this island, anyway?"
Vyse wasn't entirely sure, though he might have an idea, "I think you're familiar with one of my crew, Judith?"
Ilchymis nodded, turning to her, "Yes, I'm more accustom to seeing her in armor, but she and Duke have visited from time to time to acquire some of my medicines and herbal remedies."
"Then, I would like to ask you to join my crew. We are in need of a doctor…"
Ilchymis was quick to correct Vyse, "I'm no doctor. I'm a chemist… I study medicines and such. I am very happy that you would like to take me along, but I am sorry. I cannot travel with you."
Don stopped Ilchymis, "You're not just some researcher. You were 'the' researcher Valua wanted years ago." Don looked back, "Valua wanted his research to create bioweapons to defeat Nasr and repeal Air Pirates. At least that's what the old stories were that came out of the R&D division."
Ilchymis continued back to his desk, "Judging from your appearance and lack of uniforms, I'll assume you're not with Valua…"
"Some of us were," Vyse proclaimed, "but we're all Blue Rogues. And right now we're all on a mission to stop Valua."
Ilchymis stopped, closing the book he started to read. "Well everything your friend said is true. I was once a nobleman of Valua and I threw all of that away… Valua's desires for war was too much. As you can see I have no intention of returning to the world below."
Rita pushed Don aside, "Even so, what good will all of your research be if you don't share it? I know what drive you. That unquenchable desire to learn all that there is. I was a Valuan researcher who only used the empire for my own needs to explore and continue my research. But I knew that it was all at the expense of using everything I learned and twisting it into a weapon. I can no longer let that happen and now I'm working to undo all of that and bring about a new peaceful age where people like you and I can work without fear of our work becoming something far more dangerous."
It didn't seem like Rita's motivation was moving Ilchymis, though he turned back to one of his tomes, pulling it out of the shelf, "You cut me down to the core young lady. However, even if you claim to be against Valua I can't simply follow you. If I were to leave this island, I will only do so with those whose hearts are full of wisdom and love. Those capable of casting the Silver Magic Riselem, then I will follow."
Vyse smirked, "We've actually have two friends who can cast that spell. Fina and Estelle."
"Wh—what? You learned that incredibly difficult spell?" Ilchymis let out a small chuckle tot himself, "…I see. I've been waiting for people such as yourselves. Very well then, I will journey with you. I only hope that my research can be of some use to you."
Rita was quick to assure him, "With everything that I see here, you'll definitely be able to help." Rita then pointed toward Don, Vyse and Karol, "You three, help gather everything that Ilchymis needs for his work."
Karol turned to Vyse, "Since when did we become her pack mules?"
Don shrugged, "It's not like we're going to take the entire library." He paused as Rita and Ilchymis took quite a few books on their own. "Right?"
"I think we're going to need reinforcements…"
A/N: I always thought that Ilchymis should have had more problems about joining, given what is assumed from the quick bio that is given. Though people who research for research's sake do walk a very thin line of leaving a legacy that will be misused or helpful if one is left.
