The Silicarite

Chapter 6: As Above, So Below (Battus)

"Work until the geode cracks."
-Silicarite expression meaning "Your efforts will make you beautiful."

Battus groaned, clutching his right arm tightly. He looked up at the hole they fell in from, definitely too far to climb back up to. The open mouth of the cave was at least fifty feet above his head.

"Gods damn it... will we ever catch a break?" He examined his arm. It was bruised, and bleeding, but otherwise intact. Damn, it hurt though. He wished he'd saved that emergency potion for himself, even if this wasn't a lethal injury.

"Mercury?" Battus grimaced, attempting to locate the fallen Silicarite in the dark, his eyes still adjusting to the dim environment. He sighed in relief again when a nearby boulder, glowing softly red, lifted itself from the cave floor. It lit up even more with subtle flashes, the translator responding in that robotic tone that had been keeping him company.

"Present. Various regions of my external structure have acquired several dozen microfractures, but it is merely cosmetic damage. I am functional."

"I'm sure the Silicarite ladies love a couple battle scars. Heh."

Tintin flipped itself over and wheeled towards them, giving Battus and Mercury a brief inspection, then turned and scanned the surrounding cave. That was a hardy little robot, Battus had to give it credit.

"Hey Mercury, when we were running from that thing, did you hear a little...?"

Up here!

"Uh... that!" Battus looked up, and noticed a tiny point of red light glowing softly, dropping in through the entrance they fell through. He squinted, trying to get a better look past the bright sunlight streaming in from above. It was almost lighting up the cave as it approached, descending in lazy spirals. The floating little ball of light made a little loop-de-loop before settling in the middle of all of them. Tintin began scanning it, but Battus and Mercury held perfectly still, gazing in wonder as they were bathed in soft pink radiance.

Welcome, I am glad you made it in one piece! I'm so excited to meet you! You can call me Crystal.

Words formed in Battus' mind, the message clearly emanating from this... red, nearly pink-ish light source.

"What are you, some kind of fairy? Or have I finally snapped, and I'm seeing things?" Battus rubbed his eyes.

I assure you, I am real. That much I do know. Although I am not a fairy, or a pixie, or a sprite, or any kind of creature like that, Crystal spoke with a light, feminine, almost ethereal voice. Or was that even her voice? This was confusing. Although somehow Battus could sense it was definitely a "her".

"If you are not any of the creatures you listed, then what are you?" Mercury asked. Crystal seemed to respond even before Mercury's translator finished speaking.

All in due time. But for now, just know that I'm a friend. And that we're looking for the same thing. The Crystalline Heart, right? I think I know where it is! Crystal's "voice" was accentuated by a pulsing glow, fading a little as the message ended. Battus looked towards Mercury, the Silicarite also turning towards him, and he could feel the silent exchange. Do we trust her?

You can trust me, I swear! Why would I guide you up top in the jungle if I didn't want to help? Besides, look! Crystal flew quickly through the air, and bounced harmlessly off Battus' chest one, twice, and three times, and he felt nothing more than an odd tickle. I couldn't hurt you even if I wanted to!

Battus rubbed the spot where Crystal made contact, an unfamiliar tingle left behind and slowly dissipating.

"Well, clearly she can read our minds anyways. And since we're all looking for the same thing, can't hurt, right?" Battus shrugged, looking to Mercury for its opinion. Mercury paused, seeming to consider the situation.