Total Eclipse of the Heart: Part 5 – Descent – What secrets do the ruins of Soltis still hold?
By
Deborah (Kosagi) Brown

Skies of Arcadia and all associated characters are copyrighted to Overworks and Dreamcast. They just hang around my Gallery to cause trouble.

Vyse eyed the bridge of the Far Horizon with a critical eye. Not yet out of experimental stage, the metal was dark and unfinished, looking much more like old Valuan style of engineering than the Delphinus. Still, it had all the salient parts and – in the end – that was what was important.

Glancing at his crew, Vyse noted with approval that they looked fit and ready. Aika, Don, Marco, all waiting at their posts, as were a number of Valuan sailors and soldiers Enrique had sent along to assist. The rest were elsewhere aboard the ship, some old comrades returned to his side, others newer crew just learning the ropes. Everyone was nervous, he knew, but he had every confidence in their readiness. "All right," he said, not being one for long speeches. "Let's go."

"Engine room, prepare to depart," Aika said into the speaker. "All stations, report." As various voices responded, declaring their status, Vyse turned to the wheel. He'd already run a few test flights on the ship, to get a feel for her handling, and he knew she still steered like a large and unwieldy tank. Hans and Brabham were working on that, but they simply didn't have the time to wait.

"Captain, all stations report green status," Aika said finally.

Nodding, Vyse took a deep breath. "Very well. Far Horizon Launch."

The sound of metal straining and scraping filled the room. Then a slight lurch as the ship cast off from its moorings and slid out of its dock, floated slowly through the hidden bay and out into Valua's Great Circle. As delicately as possible, Vyse guided the ship towards the center. In the midnight darkness, the only light was from the yellow moon and scattered constellations.

"She's handling better, Hans," Vyse said into the speaker. "Still a bit balky, but I think we'll be okay for the moment."

"Brabham and I will work on improvements as we travel. But not until we've tested the engines and the hull for Deep Sky," Hans answered. "Everything's ready for the attempt, sir."

Vyse nodded. "Close all shutters. All hands, prepare for a rough ride. Going down to Deep Sky now."

Slowly the great ship dropped downwards.

***

Ilchymis watched the monitor that showed what lay outside the ship. The yellow moon's light was fading slowly. This wasn't the first time they'd gone into the depths and he knew – sort of – what to expect. Still, it was unnerving when the only light in the monitor's image was from the searchlight that barely pierced the clouds that were beginning to surround them. The ship was rocking and the engines roared around them.

Glancing sideways at his companion, he saw the pale haired man's face grow blank and strangely calm. Yet He's terrified. Remembering that the man who'd sold Ramirez' crystal to him had said it had been found tossed upon the upper winds of Deep Sky, he knew this must be agony for the Silvite to look at again.

"Ramirez. I may as well start teaching you first aid."

Emerald eyes turned to look at him with a vaguely sardonic look. "I'm not going to collapse in terror."

"No, but there's no point in dwelling on it, either. It's going to be at least an hour before we reach bottom. There's nothing to see in the monitors except clouds." He was careful not to offer more, understanding that Ramirez was uncomfortable with kindness. No matter how much he might need it.

A faint chuckle escaped the Silvite's lips. "Yes, well I've seen more than my share of those," he admitted. "What first?"

"Let's start with broken limbs. Having spells and healing potions like Sacrulen can make this kind of thing moot, of course, but you never know when you'll be caught without either." Ilchymis pulled out a chart and began to lecture.

***

The lecture only holds my interest because it is better than thinking about what's outside. Somehow I cannot loose myself of the notion that the winds of Deep Sky are howling for my return, that they will reach through and take me back. That I will never escape again.

It's foolishness, of course. Foolish fancy brought on by guilt and fear. I know that I do not deserve this respite. That I do not deserve even this weakened existence. Know it and fear to lose it, none the less. I despise that fear and yet am curiously grateful to Ilchymis for acknowledging it without catering to it. He offers distraction, not a comfort I do not yet deserve.

Strange that I think I will ever deserve comfort. A part of me wants it. Wants to weep and curl up into a tiny ball. It would be so easy to give up and I realize he was right when he said I needed him. I would fall forever if he didn't keep catching me.

I listen to him silently, taking in every word.

***

A faint *thud* drew Ilchymis attention from the lecture. Ramirez was nothing if not a good student and they'd gotten through most of the bones in the human body, as well as a number of first aid treatments that could be used in an emergency. As the emerald eyes flicked sideways to the monitor, Ilchymis stopped and moved to look as well.

Vyse's voice echoed over the intercom. "Crew. We have touched bottom. We do have one problem, however. Normal navigation methods are useless here. We could go back up, then down nearer Soltis, but I'd rather not announce our presence quite so obviously. Does anyone have any thoughts on how we can find our way in this muck?"

Ramirez leaned forward and touched the communication button. "Captain? I may be able to assist in that much. Soltis will be a treasure trove of silver moonstones. I should be able to sense them. If nothing else, I certainly can guide us to the lands beneath the silver moon."

Vyse was quiet a moment before finally saying. "Come up to the bridge then. In the absence of any better ideas, we'll follow your lead."

***

Vyse watched the Silvite walk onto the bridge without expression. The others weren't quite so sanguine over Ramirez' presence and their reactions were obvious in their faces. Aika wasn't so bad – she knew how much Fina had loved her kinsman and was willing to give the man at least this one chance – but the others showed their distaste for the man who'd killed so many. Marco's eyes never left the pale-haired man's face and he spat as the fragile figure passed him. Even Don didn't look too happy.

And I don't even want to know what the others are thinking, Vyse thought, glancing at Enrique's soldiers. They had the most reason to hate and their eyes on Ramirez promised instant death should the Silvite make one false move.

Watching the Silvite walk, though, Vyse thought it unlikely Ramirez would. His stride was slow. Not hesitant, but deliberate, as if each step required great thought to achieve. It occurred to Vyse that Ramirez was not well, that he had not yet recovered the strength that had once been his. That black outfit of his doesn't help, either. He's skinnier than he was before. Like a wraith about to blow away in a strong wind. Glancing over at Ilchymis, who had entered behind the Silvite, he saw worry on the healer's face. He's not getting better, is he?

It was Aika who said something first. "You look like death warmed over. Are you all right?"

A faint smile crossed Ramirez' face. "I am death warmed over. And no. I'm not. But there's nothing you can do." He moved to stand before Vyse. "Captain."

"Ramirez. Which way do we go."

Emerald eyes closed in concentration. Then, at last, Ramirez pointed. "That way."

As Vyse steered the ship in the required direction, Ilchymis asked, "This is going to take a while?"

"Most likely. The sense is faint." Vyse noted the way the Silvite spoke, with a studiedly casual air, as if he were speaking to someone he barely knew, instead of the healer who had put so much time into his recovery. Vyse glanced at Aika, warning the girl with his eyes not to say a word. Her expression said she wasn't pleased.

"I'll get you a chair then. There's no way you can stand long enough."

"If you insist."

***

Going into the meeting room attached to the bridge, Ilchymis chose a chair and turned to take it back out to the Silvite. Before he reached the door, however, it opened and he found himself confronted by an irritated Aika. Stepping through the door and closing it, she glared at him, hands on her hips. "Ilchymis. Why are you letting him treat you like that. He owes you his life"

"I owe him mine in return," Ilchymis pointed out mildly. "And I know why he's doing it."

At the young Blue Rogue's confused frown, Ilchymis sighed, setting the chair down, and gave the girl a direct look. "Aika. He's a proud man."

"He has no right to be proud."

Ilchymis rubbed at the bridge of his nose. "So you think he's a puppy who needs his nose rubbed in his mistakes for the rest of his life?"

Aika shook her head. "I didn't say that. I just don't think he should treat you the way he does. He shouldn't be acting like you barely exist."

Ilchymis spoke slowly and gently. "Aika, he has been traumatized. Not just by what Galcian did to him. Not just by the results of his mistakes. By months alone with only his mistakes for company. By months of self-loathing. By months of imprisonment in what amounts to solitary confinement. Months of nearly total sensory deprivation. Everything overwhelms him now. Every sense is heightened, everything he feels is amplified. He can barely cope, I think."

"He treats everyone else better than he treats you."

"He's not afraid of anyone else."

Aika's eyes widened in shock. "Afraid? Of YOU? When it's everyone else who hates him?"

"Of course." Ilchymis smiled tiredly. He'd been slowly coming to this understanding in the last week. Ramirez' wish to avoid him. His wish to keep the healer at a distance. A student of more than just physical ills, Ilchymis had realized what drove the Silvite's behavior and had accepted that it would take time, time and a toughening of a spirit still too damaged by all it had borne for Ramirez to find his way. That and the healing of his body. So much of the mind depends on physical health and there's so little left of him now.

Continuing his explanation, Ilchymis said, "Aika. He knows his crimes. He fully expects to be hated. He can deal with that hate because he feels it is what he deserves. What he cannot deal with is compassion. You remember how he reacted when Enrique judged him? He could never have taken forgiveness. He wants to be punished."

Aika paused. She wasn't a stupid girl, just hot-headed and quick-acting. "And you've forgiven him I know you. You don't hate people. Not even the other nobles."

"That's because I hide from things instead of confronting them. You're right though, I don't hate him. Somehow I can't. Despite what he's done, I find myself liking him. He senses that and senses that I want to help him. He's afraid to let himself be helped."

"So he fights you."

"And himself," Ilchymis agreed. "He wants help but he's so certain he doesn't deserve any that he fears to take what's offered. So I let him treat me the way he does and he lets me put my hand beneath his elbow and catch him when he starts to fall." He shrugged. "I hope one day he will be able to open up. That one day he will heal. For now, though I'm willing to be there for him." Turning, the healer headed for the door with the chair.

"Ilchymis?" Aika asked softly. "Do you love him?"

For a long moment Ilchymis was silent. Her question was a good one, and he knew his answer needed to be too. "Not yet. Not unless he wants me to. When he's ready to be loved. When I am giving my love to someone at least whole enough to love in return. Then Yes. I think so."

***

I can feel my moon somewhere high above me. Even here in Deep Sky, so very far from its light, its tug on my soul is present. Too far away to be any comfort or source of strength, it is still there and still enough to guide my steps.

My eyes on the gauge, I murmur corrections to Vyse. He is steady handed. A skilled pilot, even in the darkness that surrounds us. The murk is thick and we must move slowly, avoiding jagged reefs that would rip even our strengthened hull. Every so often we must stop and fight, attacked by one of the deep dwellers, the rajas. DeLoco had fought with them before, describing them as huge flat fish that dwarfed even his beloved Chameleon. The Far Horizon is well equipped though, and while the battles are not easy, they are winnable.

At last I begin to feel another tug on my consciousness. Silver crystals lie somewhere ahead of us. I feel a hunger for them. The Cupil part of me, not quite fully assimilated, longing to find, consume and grow. It is a need created within Cupil's kind and I use it to guide me.

Suddenly I feel something coming at us. Something close kin to me, but much larger and much more powerful.

***

"Vyse. Prepare for battle."

Glancing sideways at his guide, Vyse saw the thin fingers tighten on the arms of his chair. Ramirez' intent look towards port was clue enough for the Blue Rogue. "Battle stations! What is it, Ramirez?"

"A Silver creature. Or rather creatures. They've merged into one large beast in order to attack." Ramirez looked at Vyse. "I think you may have battled its like before. I wasn't paying much attention at the time, but I sensed one that day" His voice trailed off and his eyes closed momentarily. When they opened, they held determination. "That day I brought the Rains down."

Vyse knew how hard it had been for Ramirez to say those words and he merely nodded. "I remember. I thought it was a defense mechanism, but never mind that. Aika? Prepare the cannons."

It wasn't really a difficult fight. The creature had power, but not enough. Not against the firepower of the Far Horizon. To Vyse, though, it was a battle that held a great deal of significance. "We're near to what's left of Soltis, aren't we?"

"It seems likely," Ramirez agreed. "The question is, how could anyone be in there?"

Vyse turned and looked at one of the soldiers. "Bring in the prisoner."

As the woman saluted and walked out the door, Ramirez said, softly. "I can think of only one possible person this could be. Alphonso?"

"He managed to survive," Vyse said quietly. "Yes. We didn't tell you"

"Because you weren't sure whether or not I could be trusted." A thin, tired, smile crossed Ramirez' face. "I don't blame you."

"We haven't told him you're here, either," Vyse noted, looking at the Silvite directly. "Just in case he was able to communicate with whomever sent him." He took a deep breath. "He doesn't know what ship this is. Doesn't know where we are. I want him kept in the dark for as long as possible." He gestured at Aika, who switched off the monitors. "Wait in the meeting room. We'll call you when we're done with him."

***

Ilchymis checked Ramirez' pulse and nodded in satisfaction. It wasn't any slower than it had been so far, but neither was it racing out of control. Searching for Soltis hadn't required any physical exertion, fortunately, and what the Silvite needed most was rest. Rest he isn't taking and won't be convinced to take.

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not," Ilchymis disagreed. He looked at the fragile looking man sternly. "If there's an entrance you're going, aren't you?"

"I can't stay behind. Fina needs me." Ramirez answered.

"You can't go, either. Not in your condition. You'll drag them down." Ilchymis knew that his words hurt but he had to be firm. Ramirez couldn't be allowed to ignore the obvious any longer. "I wish you'd tell me what's wrong. I might be able to help."

Dead silence.

Ilchymis tried another tack. "Will you let your pride be Fina's downfall? If she needs you, then you owe it to her to be as strong as possible."

Ramirez' hands were shaking. "You do not play fair."

"Of course not. Not when there are other, more important, things at stake." Ilchymis sat across from the Silvite, looking into the emerald eyes and watching the pale face quiet into an expression of resignation. "Well?"

"I didn't have the strength to cast Silver Resurrection." At Ilchymis' widened eyes, Ramirez smiled, a small, wry little smile. "I used my life force to do it instead."

"I know what it means to cast Spirit magic that way," Ilchymis pointed out, a bit put out. Particularly considering that it had been for him that Ramirez had practically crippled himself. "For the Moon's sake, why didn't you just say so? You know I have supplies that would help."

Ramirez looked at him, puzzledly. "You do?"

"Of course! Icyl seeds Paranta seeds Maybe a few Zaal seeds too." Ilchymis shook his head. "You didn't know?"

"If I ever knew of such thingsI have forgotten. What are they?"

"They increase strength, willpower, power. All of which tie together in Spirit magic." Ilchymis sighed. No wonder Ramirez had been so weak. The wonder was that he hadn't simply fallen over into utter despair. It occurred to Ilchymis that it was only because of Fina that the young Silvite was able to function, that he was fighting his weakness simply because he needed to save his kinswoman. And why does that sadden me? Am I so selfish that I want him to fight for me, instead of for someone he has every reason to love?

Shaking off his self-annoyance, Ilchymis continued, "Wait here. I'll go get the seeds."

***

I stare down at the tiny objects in my hand. They seem like nothing, tiny little wisps that surely cannot hold such power as Ilchymis claims. Then, shrugging, I swallow one. I don't really feel different.

"Take them all. You'll need it."

Obediently, I do so, though I have such doubts. Doubts that are, sadly, made certainty. I feel a bit stronger but not much. Strong enough to fight. But not to fight Galcian. I look at him, see sorrow in his eyes as he realizes what I'm going to say. "You don't nearly have enough. Don't waste your supplies."

Ilchymis slumps. "I don't have any more, anyway. I don't understand. They don't increase your strength by much, I admit, but ten seeds each ought to have been enough for any human" He looks at me, worry in his dark eyes.

I smile wryly. "Need I remind you that I'm not really human? I'm essentially a Silver creature with a human mind." I stand up. "For what it's worth, though, I think I will be strong enough to protect myself. I will have no magic and little stamina, but that will have to be enough. Perhaps it is only right. Only fair. I was always too proud of my strength." It isn't easy to admit even that much, but it has been my pride that has been my downfall. Somehow I must cast it aside. "I shall simply have to learn to depend on others more."

"You'll be doing plenty of that," Vyse says from the doorway. "Alphonso has agreed to show us the way in. Come on."

Ilchymis rises. "I'm coming too. Let me get my supplies." At our simultaneous looks of surprise, he gives me a direct look. "You will need me all of you will to heal you."

I shake my head. "You are no fighter."

"True. But I will not be there to fight. I will be there for support." He looks at Vyse with a stubborn expression. "Don't leave me here, Vyse. I have spent too much of my life running from confrontation."

***

Vyse held on to the steering column of the tiny converted life ship and guided it in through a small opening in the wreckage of Soltis, eyes on the monitor that showed him what lay outside the heavily shielded ship. It's still hard to believe something so small could take the immense pressure of Deep Sky. Brabham and Hans were – pure and simple – geniuses. Too bad their genius couldn't extend to a larger life ship, or more of them in such short time. I could use more people on this one. It might have been wiser to take his strongest people with him, but he needed Alphonso as a guide and Ramirez' ability to sense Silver Crystals would be invaluable. As for Ilchymis, the healer was right that they would need support.

Inside the passage, the gauges shows a shift in pressure the further in they went, as the pressure slowly decreased. "Your people were incredible engineers," he commented to Ramirez. "Do you know how they could build something that could take the kind of damage this place has to have and still remain so functional?"

Ramirez shook his head, pale head bowed and Vyse and Ilchymis shared a worried glance at each other as the Silvite answered. "No. None. My memories from Elder Prime were limited. My crystal was only a shard off of his." He sighed, glancing at the monitor. "But I would say this area is part of the Shrine, rather than Soltis itself. It looks familiar. Fina and I used to play here."

Vyse thought he heard a faint sadness in the Silvite's voice, but something Ramirez' expression said he would accept no sympathy.

Alphonso stirred. "You'll want to go that way," he said. "They – Galcian and his Shadow warriors – brought me out there." The cyborg's voice was shaky, more than a little scared.

Looking at the former Admiral, Vyse wondered if he was going to hold up. "You can stay with the life ship, once we disembark," he suggested tentatively.

"No." Alphonso's voice held sharp note. "You shouldn't trust me to do that. I might get too scared and run off." He stared at his hands, the mechanical one twitching slightly. "I know what I am, Vyse. A coward. A greedy, selfish, coward."

Surprisingly, it was Ramirez who said, "If you were just that, you wouldn't be here. No amount of persuasion would get you in this ship. Unless you're also a traitor." His emerald eyes rose to look at Alphonso, mild question in them.

"I could be that too. Without even knowing it. Galcian knows where I am. He has to. I still think this is an incredibly stupid enterprise." Alphonso answered.

"Brabham replaced your cybernetics, remember? Galcian may have figured you'd betrayed his location, but he can't know much more. Everything that they gave you is gone." At Alphonso's shudder, Vyse added, "Don't borrow trouble, Alphonso. We can't avoid it, just try our best to win."

The trouble was, he was getting more than a bit nervous himself. He wanted to believe they had a chance. Wanted to believe that Galcian wasn't just waiting for them to show up. He didn't believe it for an instant. He was pretty sure that this was a bright, shiny, hook that had "Vyse the Idiot" written all over it. He only hoped his plans to counter any trap would succeed.

And that Fina would be all right.

***

Ilchymis stretched his arms and legs quickly to get rid of the stiffness as the group disembarked from the life ship. Putting a hand out to help Ramirez, he dared the Silvite with his eyes to say one word in protest. Rather surprisingly, aside from a single, sharp look from those green eyes, Ramirez accepted the help.

"Which way, Alphonso?"

The cyborg pointed, then glared at his hand, which was shaking. "I really wish I had Antonio," he muttered. "I always feel so much better when it isn't my skin on the line." He glanced at Vyse and added, a bit wryly. "Well, only half the amount of skin left, I suppose."

Ramirez snorted softly. "We are a fine bunch," he said. "A coward, a weakling, a healer and a hero. The only one of us really capable of fighting is Vyse – who is going to need a whole new title if we manage to survive this foolishness."

"Hmmm. But what possible title could one have after Legend?" Vyse wondered aloud as they started down the hallway.

"Vyse the Unstoppable?" Ramirez put in. "Vyse the Immovable Object?"

"I liked Vyse the Annoying, myself," Alphonso managed to say, voice shaky, eliciting a mock shake of the fist from the Blue Rogue.

"Vyse the God?" Ilchymis asked, to Vyse's obvious discomfort.

"No. Not that. NEVER that." Vyse shuddered. "Oh, I know. Vyse the Doomed to Fight Bigger and Bigger Monsters."

"You'd never get it all on your tombstone," Alphonso jibed.

"Hell." Vyse mused another moment. "Even better. Vyse the Still Alive, Thank You Very Much."

"Amusing. And very unlikely." The voice was not theirs and Ilchymis spun around, staring up and down the hallway. A figure was approaching them, tall, dark, with a cocky smile on his face. Unchanged, as arrogant in his power as ever before.

Galcian.

To Be Continued

Author's Notes: Well, if the Shonen Ai source wasn't obvious before it better be now. Ilchymis just seemed to me to be the most likely among the characters (aside from Fina) to find sympathy for Ramirez, a sympathy I think he needs, if he isn't going to fall into an utter angst wallow for most of the dang fic.

Nathan: Bingo. I have much of this written in rough draft. So all I need to do is go through the next section and clean it up, check it for continuity errors (they still creep in, dang the little brats) and make sure things are making sense. And you're not the only one missing Fina. Never fear, she shows up sometime in the next couple of chapters.