Total Eclipse of the Heart: Part 8 – Black Gigas Rising – Somewhere within the Dark Rift a power gathers itself.
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.

Engulfed by the silver creature, I feel its body and mine merging. Others are coming my way, drawn by my call. The Elders had altered them. Made them to carry their lives forward, to keep the no-longer fertile Silvite race from dying out. Trained to seek out Silver crystals, trained to consume and become one with the life those crystals represented. Trained only to consume when commanded. As I command them now.

They join with me as I once joined with Zelos. Indeed, they are the same thing as Zelos had been. I could not, I think, do this if I had not already done so with the Silver gigas, so long ago. It is agonizing and it is slow. At last, however, I – like the Black gigas that forms in the depths of the Dark Rift – am many become one, rising high above the station that contains those I love best in this world. A great, spherical mass that requires no eyes with which to see.

"Ramirez no" It is Fina, her eyes wide and frightened. I can see her through the window, so very small and fragile below me. Ilchymis' expression is different and I know he comprehends what Fina cannot. That this is part of my penance. I am not going to bring down the Rains of Destruction on the world. I am going to save it.

Silently, I gather the station up, wrapping myself around the building and the ground beneath it. "It is time to go home," I say.

***

The battle raged furiously. Five gigas at once was more than Vyse ever wanted to face and yet he and the others had no choice. Blueheim fell first, crashing into an island. Then Recumen. Three left and Vyse wondered if they'd make it. Even with the Delphinus backing up the Far Horizon their chances were slim.

Then, suddenly, the sky overhead went dark. "Damn!" Marco gasped. "It's Zelos!" His tone mixed terror and anger both. "DAMNIT!" His clenched fist struck the console before him hard.

Vyse looked upwards, saw the huge silver sphere descending towards them. It wasn't quite the same as it had been. Only one silver crystal gleamed from one side, like a giant eye. Then a voice spoke from the ship's communicator. "Captain Vyse. Your Majesty. Request you take on Plergoth and Grendel. I will handle Yeligar."

The voice was Ramirez'. "What the" Vyse couldn't help but gasp, even as Enrique's voice came over the speaker, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"

"What was necessary. This is not the only danger. We must finish this and quickly." Ramirez sounded tense, his voice echoing strangely. "Please I have not earned your trust But I cannot defeat what comes next alone."

Vyse sighed, saw rebellion in Marco's eyes, but said, finally. "We're on Plergoth, Ramirez. Enrique?"

The Emperor's voice was equally resigned. "Taking on Grendel."

***

From inside the station, contained within the new Zelos, Ilchymis watched the monitor that was somehow showing what Ramirez' was seeing. "Sister? Ilchymis? Are you all right? I can't take the time to leave you in a safe spot," the young Silvite's voice came to them through a speaker.

Fina was trembling, partly in reaction, partly in fear. "I'm fine. Ramirez, are you sure?"

"I'm sure of nothing anymore. But I don't think anything but Zelos at full power is going to take on the black gigas alone. I need help, and that means I need the other crystals, and I need the Delphinus and the Far Horizon." A soft, tired laugh came over the speaker. "Given, of course, that I can convince them."

Ilchymis nodded his understanding, then realized Ramirez couldn't see it. "Take it one thing at a time."

Looking at Ilchymis, Fina smiled wanly. "He's right, Ramirez."

"It begins. This is going to be a rough ride." An explosion quickly followed, tossing Zelos' body around and forcing Fina and Ilchymis to clutch at the nearest solid object. "Ouch. That hurt." A blast of fire burst out and struck Yeligar. "Take that, you bastard."

"Can we help?" Ilchymis asked, worriedly.

"Some healing spells now and then, please. Not yet though. Don't waste your magic on the small damage." Ramirez said tensely. "Damn. Can't use the full attacks. We're too close to the Delphinus."

"Those attacks do a lot of damage to everything in the area too," Fina pointed out.

With a wry laugh, Ramirez agreed. "This is going to be a long fight then. Keep me together, please."

***

I strike and strike. Electricity blasts me over and over again and I sometimes feel as if I'm just going to fall apart any minute. I can't afford to. I cannot lose again. Not when I have Ilchymis and Fina aboard. Not when the Black gigas prepares to leave the safety of its nest.

My strength drops, then rises as my passengers use their magic to heal me. They're using everything they have for me and I will not fail them.

Yeligar grasps me in its claws and I throw it off with difficulty, nearly hitting the Far Horizon as I do.

"Hey. Be careful over there," Vyse yells at me. In a way, I'm relieved to hear that. It means he trusts me well enough to fuss at me. That he considers me an ally. Whether or not he still will when I am done and when I tell him what I want is a question I cannot afford to ponder. Not with Yeligar on me.

I long to use Moon Lament, but Fina is right. If I am to keep this world safe I cannot do so with an attack that would destroy far too much of a world already badly damaged. I dodge a stone thrown by Grendel, then strike again with another fire spell.

Then, at long last, Yeligar falls.

***

Vyse took a deep breath as Plergoth dropped downwards. That had not been an easy fight, the harder because he'd no idea what the purple gigas was capable of. Its predecessor had not been in any condition for battle, when he'd found it in the Lands of Ice.

Glancing around, he was relieved to see Grendel collapsing onto the island from which it was fighting the Delphinus. They'd won. Even Yeligar was down and Zelos was floating slowly towards them.

Somehow, Vyse was reminded of a child, diffidently approaching its angry parent. He couldn't help but say, "Ramirez, stop sidling over and come here."

A faint wry chuckle came over the speaker. "You're not going to fire?"

"Not if you can come up with a really good explanation." Vyse didn't add that he didn't think the Far Horizon was up to another fight, not with Zelos. Not even a Zelos powered only by Ramirez' silver crystal.

"I'd be pretty interested in an explanation, too," Enrique noted as the Delphinus took up a position nearby. "I'm not absolutely certain this counts as serving Valua's best interests."

A sigh from the speaker spoke of great weariness. "Can you meet me on that island? It will be easier to explain face to face."

***

Ilchymis smiled at the group of men and women approaching them. Then Aika was running forward and embracing Fina, closely followed by Vyse. Enrique arrived a moment later, turning the moment into one large hug.

Behind them, Ramirez, having withdrawn himself from Zelos and asked the great silver creature that remained to wait some distance away, sighed softly. "They're going to hit me. I know they are."

"They have reason to be frightened," Ilchymis answered, gently. "But I think they will listen."

At last, their concern over their friend resolved, Vyse and the others turned and looked at Ramirez. Vyse crossed his arms over his chest and tapped his foot. "Well?"

"Captain, Your Majesty. Those gigas were nothing compared to the thing that is forming in the Dark Rift," Ramirez said, wasting no time. "If you will not believe me, then listen to what Fina has to say."

Fina nodded, putting a hand on Vyse's arm. "Vyse, I saw it through the monitors of our station. I don't know that it's really a gigas, but it might as well be. And it is huge."

"It is bigger than Zelos was, I think. Bigger than Zelos ever could be." Ramirez continued. "It is too much for Zelos alone. It may be too much for Zelos even with the crystals of the other gigas. But I don't think it's going to give us a choice."

Marco stepped forward. "You're saying you want us to trust you and that thing with the crystals, aren't you?"

"Yes." Ramirez nodded, looking directly at the young sailor. "Trust me with them and fight at my side within the Rift."

"Within?" Enrique whispered. "Why?"

"Because, the Rift is the only place I could use my full power, and the full power of Zelos, without risking the lands around. The storms that surround it will mitigate the force of the blows, prevent them from spreading." Ramirez looked at them and Ilchymis saw the ache in his eyes. "I have not earned anyone's trust. I have no right to expect it. But I beg you. Because if you do not, I will have to take Zelos in alone and pray that it will be enough."

Enrique eyed him for a long silent moment. "And if I order otherwise?"

"Majesty, I accepted your judgment. I accept your punishment. But you were in my place. If you knew a thing approaches that could do more damage than I ever did in my pride, could you allow even that to stop you from trying to prevent it? You asked me to protect Valua's interests. It is not in Valua's interests, or, indeed, Arcadia's, to allow that thing loose."

***

I watch my accusers, my judges and my executioners. My fine words mean nothing and I think they realize it. I have no defense. Zelos is far from me and I have not brought even a portion of him with me for my protection. I must let them choose, because if they do not trust me in this, there may be no hope left.

Slowly, Vyse and Enrique look at each other. Then Vyse steps forwards, holding out the red, and purple crystals, even as Enrique holds out the blue and green. I have already taken Yeligar's, though its power alone would never have been enough. "Go. We're with you."

I look at them for a long moment and nod, taking the gems and absorbing them into my being. "Thank you," I say. There is nothing else possible to say.

As I turn, I hear Ilchymis behind me. "Where are you going," I demand, not turning. Not daring to look at him.

"With you. You concentrate on fighting. I'll concentrate on keeping you in one piece." I turn, look at him and see a wry smile on his face. "Ramirez, there's no safety in the world if we fail. Let me do my part to make sure we don't."

"I have done nothing to deserve you," I tell him. "And everything not to. But" I nod, unable to say anything more. "Let's go."

I summon Zelos to me and become him once more.

***

"I cannot be sure, of course," Ramirez' voice came through the speakers, words coming in a rush that seemed driven by awareness of approaching death. "I think Galcian was human to start with. A Valuan sailor, perhaps? One of the first to try the Rift."

"That's what his records say. He wasn't the first to try it, but he was the first to come back, though he never made it through," Enrique's voice answered. "So he came into contact with the black loopers then?"

"Sounds likely," Vyse agreed, glancing sideways through the view port at Zelos. The silver gigas was reshaping itself even as they moved, streamlining its form into something that resembled a vast sword. "Er Nice look."

"Like something out of a nightmare," Marco muttered.

"I heard that, Marco," Ramirez answered.

"You're ever sooooo welcome."

Enrique spoke gently. "Enough, you two. Ramirez, are you saying the loopers wouldn't be attacking if it weren't for Galcian?"

"I don't know. They may have found someone else, if not him." Ramirez sighed. "My memories through Elder Prime are limited and very confused. My Crystal was only a small shard off of his after all, though it's grown since then. Still, what I can remember is that the Rift appeared after the Rains fell."

"The black loopers created it?" Vyse asked.

"That would make sense," Ilchymis said, voice echoing oddly through the radio. "They seem to have some immense powers, but they can't leave Deep Sky. Only the Rift has similar conditions."

Fina bit her lip and Aika put an arm around the Silvite girl. "Then this is just our own work coming back on us, isn't it? They raised the Rift because of us, didn't they."

"I'm afraid that may be so," Ramirez said softly. "I'm sorry, Fina."

"We can't let them win, but I wish there was some way to convince them" Fina bowed her head and Vyse reached out to put a hand on his friend's shoulder. It had been so hard on her before, knowing the first Rains had been her people's fault. Knowing that the Elders had planned to start that entire thing over again.

"If you think it can be done, by all means, try," Ramirez said and it surprised Vyse to realize that the Silvite meant what he said. "As will I. It's Galcian that's the real problem."

Vyse considered that. "You mean that he's really controlling all this?"

"He's using them as he uses everything in his path. Loopers don't usually have any interest in fighting, will generally run when confronted. The looper that we met in Soltis ran as soon as the Galcian guise was dropped. I wonder if he impresses a part of his Self onto them, forces them to change their shape, all while the real Galcian hides within the Rift?" A motion not unlike a shrug shuddered along Zelos' massive form. "It may not matter."

"At least I can guess one thing. The last thing Galcian would want would be a ship that could pass through the Dark Rift anywhere. He must have hoped for a chance to destroy the Far Horizon."

"And misjudged in his belief that you wouldn't be able to find your way through Deep Sky without using the Vortex." Enrique answered. "We weren't sure it could be done either."

"Quite likely," Ramirez agreed, slowing to a stop as they approached the Rift. "Are we ready?"

"As ready as we're going to be," Enrique answered. "The Delphinus can't make it through except via the old path, though."

"Then we'll stay with you," Vyse answered. "Good luck, everyone. Let's go."

***

Ilchymis watched the darkness grow as Zelos entered the Rift. Ramirez had kept a portion of the moon station he'd engulfed earlier – leaving only the segment with the lifebank behind on an island beneath the Silver moon – creating a safe spot within himself for the healer. The Silvite was projecting images of what was outside into the monitors. It was a peculiar feeling, almost no sense of motion at all, and he felt completely safe.

Though I won't be if we lose. And wouldn't be no matter where I was. "How are you feeling?"

"Like a rather large silver gigas," Ramirez answered dryly.

Ilchymis put a hand on the wall and wished he could reach out and touch what lay beyond it, that he could comfort it. "That's not what I meant." He had to admit, though, that it had been a foolish thing to ask. "Do you need any more healing?"

"No. Save your strength for the battle," Ramirez answered, voice a bit tense as he worked his way past the huge mossy plants that filled the quieter spaces of the Dark Rift. Here and there they passed the wreckage of a ship. For another long moment he was silent, then, "To answer your real question, though, I feel scared. And glad that you're here. Even if you came just to make sure I didn't do anything foolish."

Ilchymis smiled wryly. "You know that's not the only reason."

"Mmmm. Perhaps," Ramirez agreed softly. "Though I am at a loss to explain what it is you think you see in me." His sigh seemed to rumble throughout Zelos' body. "Perhaps, someday, I will." The words 'given that we survive this' were left unsaid, but they seemed to hang in the air nonetheless.

***

The winds that buffet me have little real effect on a form as huge as mine, yet they are inescapable reminder of what I have endured in Deep Sky. I have to fight to ignore them, each step of the way.

It is with some relief, therefore, when we come into a vast, still, area. The center of the vortex is like the eye of a great storm. Its silence is that of a cathedral, a grove beneath the green moon's light, or the depths of Mount Kanzai. At its center is a behemoth. From a distance it does not seem like much, but as we approach I realize just how large it is. Even Zelos is dwarfed by the thing that hovers there.

I slow, as does the Far Horizon and the Delphinus. Partly to examine the situation, partly out of sheer unadulterated awe. Nothing living should be so huge. It revolves slowly above the vortex below that is, I realize, the source of the rift. The source of the rift and the black loopers who, even now, gather to enlarge the monster we face. I can see them streaming up through the vortex, merging in with the body.

It is not the same as my merge with Zelos. My body and that of all the other Silver creatures have become one. You could not identify one part by searching through the whole. Whereas each individual looper remains separate from the other. They simply press together, tiny grains of sand forming a vast monument, held together by a force I do not understand.

"That's where the Black Moon Stone was that I discovered when we came through here the first time," Vyse says over the radio. "Wanna bet it's at the center?"

"I stopped betting with you the day you beat me at poker five times in a row," Enrique answers. "What do we do?"

I am silent. I have no idea what to do. Aside from its slow spin, the thing seems immobile. If it intends to attack, it is holding off for some unknown reason. Perhaps it is not yet at full power, though if its size is anything to judge by, I don't know why it would need more strength. Aside, perhaps, from the fact that Galcian is not one to operate on a small scale.

It is Fina who asks, "Is there a way to capture one of the loopers? Try and communicate with it before it can join with the rest?"

"That may be possible," I answer, narrowing my Self even further. "I can try."

***

Vyse glanced sideways at the Silver gigas hovering between the Far Horizon and the Delphinus. It looked even more like a sword than it had before, long, narrow, widening at the far end. Near the point another shift was occurring and he realized, No. Not a sword. A fish. A nerath eel. He's going for speed, not power right now. "The question is, can you catch one without hurting it?" he asked.

"Again. I can try."

Darting forward, the Silver gigas aimed itself below the giant looper colony, only to be thrown backwards as it drew close. Spinning out of control, it was halfway across the Rift's Eye before it could stop itself.

"Are you okay?"

"There is a strong wind near that vortex," Ramirez answered, sounding a bit breathless. "It was unexpected. I believe I may be able to out fly it, however, now that I know it's there."

"All right," Enrique agreed. "Go. If this is a battle that can be avoided, then we have to try."

Again the Silver gigas flung itself forward, but so quickly that it was through and past the rising cloud of black loopers before Vyse could blink.

"I have one" There was an explosion striking out from the giant looper colony that struck the Silver gigas amidships, tossing it sideways and driving it into one of the many rocks that floated within the Eye.

***

Ilchymis clutched onto the wall, the huge crash echoing in his ears, followed by the sound of a man trying desperately not to cry out in pain. Automatically casting a healing spell, he sighed in relief when the groaning turned to a soft moan that became a whispered, "Thank you."

"That's what I'm here for. What happened?"

"The gigas took exception to my capturing one of its parts. I'm not sure if I got too close or if it actually knew what I was trying to do"

"You got one, though?" Ilchymis asked, and was shown an image of a small silver walled area similar to the one he was in, but empty of anything but a single black looper. The creature was furious, throwing itself against the walls of its prison with a determination that reminded Ilchymis of an animal in a cage.

Ramirez' words echoed Ilchymis' fear. "It's just going to hurt itself in there," he said softly. "I don't think anyone's managed to contain a looper before."

"Is everyone all right?" Vyse's voice came through the 'radio' Ramirez had formed for his passenger. "Ilchymis? Ramirez?"

"Aside from some bruises," Ilchymis answered, "I'm fine. I did a spell to repair Zelos, so we should be well enough for the moment. We do have a problem, though. The looper Ramirez caught is uncooperative. I'm afraid it's going to kill itself trying to escape."

"Oh no" The speaker was Fina, her worry sounding clearly despite the static. "Ramirez."

"I know. I have to let it go." Ramirez sounded grim. "There's no point in holding it under these conditions."

The image Ramirez was displaying for Ilchymis showed the wall slowly opening, revealing a pathway out. When the looper, apparently too confused to notice the escape route, kept banging against its prison walls, those walls ever so slowly moved and shifted, until it rose, like a bubble, to the Silver gigas' surface. Only then did the looper stop fighting, pausing, floating above its captor with a startled air – or so it seemed to Ilchymis.

Though it's hard to tell what a looper is feeling when it has no expressions. Still, it is just staring at us. I wonder what's going on in its head.

"Go on," Ramirez said grumpily. "Scat. If you won't let us talk to you, then get moving."

There was a moment of silence, then the thing nudged the huge gigas. Not a blow, as if it were attacking, but a small, tentative, touch. "Ramirez" Ilchymis said softly. "Don't attack it"

"I'm not planning to. But what should I do?" Ramirez asked plaintively.

Again Fina's voice came over the intercom. "Brother? Wait there. We're coming."

***

Slowly the Delphinus and the Far Horizon move in beside me, dwarfed by my size as we all are by the Black gigas that still forms at the center of this storm. It won't be long now. We simply don't have much time. Still, if anyone can get the black loopers' attention, it is Fina.

She leaves the safety of the Far Horizon with only Marco and her new pet – Seilon – to protect her. If I did not know that for all her fragility she is still a formidable opponent I would worry. As it is, I hold my tongue and wait for her.

The black looper is skittish at the approach of strangers. It seems odd to think that it fears the little ones more than something of my great bulk. But then, perhaps that bulk makes it less afraid, for it may think I cannot act nearly as quickly as it can. For all I know, I cannot.

Still, it seems to have decided to investigate the oddity around it, rather than flee. For all their shyness, loopers in the Middle Skies seem to have a strong sense of curiosity. This one is no exception. It is nosing me, small touches that I barely feel against my surface.

As Fina's life ship pauses near to the black looper, I notice a subtle change in those loopers forming the giant at the center of the Eye. It has, I realize, stopped moving. More, I think we now have its attention.

Instinct makes me react, shifting my form as swiftly as possible to a giant shield between the giant and the others. My change is barely in time as another of those gravity waves that the looper had used on me before strikes my surface. This time, though, I'm ready and braced for the blow. "Fina hurry."

"As quickly as I can, Ramirez. I have to get its attention, first."

I go silent, not wanting to interrupt the delicate negotiations Fina attempts. Instead I keep an eye on the behemoth that seems to be staring, malevolently, in our direction. It is not attacking, but I do not trust it. Then I notice something else moving. Dwarfed by the Black gigas, I don't see it at first. Only when it is halfway between us and the gigas do I realize.

Something has summoned rajas from the depths.

To Be Continued...

Author's Notes:

The Black gigas/looper colony, is inspired by the final villain in the first TV season of Lexx.