Two days after the Blue Flame recognized Akira, Solaris and the group found themselves back in the clearing where Un'Claye had first appeared to them. Maron had ordered the Tokyo trio to stay with Era and keep the compound safe while they were gone. He had also told them to pay extra attention to Draco, and that Akira was allowed to use his newly acquired blue flames if it acted out of line.
"You think they'll show?" Maron asked, checking his equipment with practiced efficiency. Despite agreeing to the expedition, the ex-Delta operator maintained his characteristic vigilance.
"They've been watching us consistently," Solaris replied, his enhanced perception detecting the subtle energy signature that had become increasingly familiar. "They're here already."
As if summoned by his acknowledgment, the air in the center of the clearing began to shimmer. Un'Claye's form materialized gradually, their opalescent eyes reflecting sunlight in hypnotic patterns.
Solaris. Un'Claye greeted telepathically. Light Bearer. Their gaze shifted to include Eleanor and Maron. Honored companions.
"We'd like to see the city properly," Solaris stated without preamble. "Not just from the observation platform."
Un'Claye's expression brightened with evident pleasure. The Council of Keepers has been expecting your presence, they communicated. A formal introduction has been prepared.
"Ceremonial protocols," Maron repeated, his tone suggesting skepticism of anything that emphasized form over function.
It is our way, Un'Claye explained simply. The founder's return carries profound significance for our people.
Solaris exchanged glances with Eli, who nodded encouragement. "We're ready," he decided. "Lead the way."
Instead of approaching the stone entrance they had used previously, Un'Claye guided them deeper into the forest, eventually stopping before what appeared to be an ordinary hillside covered in vegetation.
"Different entry point?" Eli asked.
The ceremonial entrance, Un'Claye confirmed. Reserved for official visitations rather than observational assessments. The being placed their hand against an unremarkable section of the hillside, and to everyone's amazement, the solid earth rippled like water. The vegetation parted, revealing a passage that hadn't been visible moments before. The pathways recognize those who know how to ask properly. Everything is alive and conscious, after all.
The passage beyond differed dramatically from their previous route. Instead of rough-hewn tunnels transitioning to increasingly sophisticated construction, this entrance immediately presented an elegant corridor formed from polished white stone inlaid with crystalline patterns that glowed with a soft blue-white light.
"Oh yeaah," Eli noted, recognition flowing across her features as they walked. "I remember now—multiple access points with different security and ceremonial functions."
Your memory returns, Un'Claye observed with evident satisfaction. Each pathway serves distinct purposes in the city's design.
They descended at a gentle angle, the corridor occasionally opening into small antechambers decorated with beautiful murals depicting scenes Solaris found simultaneously foreign and strangely familiar—landscapes unlike anything on Earth's surface, numerous different ‘species’ of beings, both human and non-human, working in harmony, and architectural achievements that defied conventional physics.
"This depicts Tara," Solaris realized, studying a particularly detailed mural.
And its preservation through the Great Fracturing, Un'Claye confirmed, indicating scenes showing massive energy portals and beings guiding others through dimensional passages. Many actions during those final moments are recorded throughout our historical archives.
As they continued deeper, the corridor widened further, eventually opening into a magnificent chamber that elicited gasps from everyone except Maron, whose impressed reaction manifested only as a slightly raised eyebrow.
The chamber appeared to be a preparation room of sorts—circular in design with a domed ceiling from which crystalline chandeliers hung, casting rainbow light across polished floors. Along the walls stood elegant display cases containing what appeared to be ceremonial garments of extraordinary craftsmanship.
"What is this place?" Solaris asked, turning to Un'Claye.
The Vestment Chamber, Un'Claye explained. Traditionally, official visitors are provided appropriate attire before formal presentation to the Council of Keepers.
"You want us to change clothes?" Maron asked, his tone suggesting this represented an unnecessary complication to their mission.
It is customary, Un'Claye confirmed. The garments carry both symbolic significance and practical function within our ceremonial contexts.
"Let’s respect their traditions," Eleanor observed, her gaze already studying the impressive collection with scholarly interest.
Un'Claye moved to specific display cases, opening them with practiced movements. For Solaris, they removed a set of garments unlike anything he had seen before—a sleeveless tunic of material that seemed to flow like liquid gold, accompanied by fitted leggings of midnight blue fabric that appeared to contain subtle star patterns when viewed from certain angles. A cloak of similar material completed the ensemble, its surface shimmering with sunlight patterns despite the underground location.
"These are... for me?" Solaris asked, touching the material cautiously.
Created for the Sun God's return, Un'Claye confirmed. Maintained through generations in anticipation of this moment.
For Eli, they presented garments of complementary design—a flowing dress of silver-white material that captured and redirected light in mesmerizing patterns, accented with crystalline embroidery that formed complex sacred geometry across its surface.
"It's beautiful," Eli breathed, running her fingers over the intricate patterns.
For Eleanor and Maron, Un'Claye provided attire that reflected their respective positions—elegant but functional garments that maintained their dignity while acknowledging their supportive roles in the visitation.
"You expect me to wear this?" Maron asked, eyeing the deep emerald tunic with undisguised suspicion.
"Just put it on, mountain man," Eleanor advised light-heartedly, already accepting her own silver-gray ensemble with practical grace. "Consider it tactical camouflage for cultural integration."
Maron's expression suggested he considered this perspective valid, if grudgingly so.
They each changed in private alcoves adjoining the main chamber. Solaris emerged first, finding the garments fit perfectly despite having been created long before his arrival or even the birth of his body. The material felt simultaneously substantial and weightless, conforming to his movements with unexpected comfort.
"It responds to your energy signature," Eli observed as she joined him, her own attire transforming her appearance into something both regal and otherworldly. "The fabric is frequency-sensitive."
Eleanor emerged next, the silver-gray ensemble complementing her dignified bearing. Even Maron, when he finally appeared in the emerald tunic and fitted black pants, carried an unexpected presence despite his clear discomfort with ceremonial attire.
The Council awaits, Un'Claye announced, their telepathic communication carrying a formality absent from previous exchanges. They are prepared to receive the Sun God and his companions.
As they prepared to continue their journey, a new figure entered the chamber—tall and slender like Un'Claye but with skin that held a subtle golden hue rather than gray. They approached Un'Claye and communicated something that remained private between them.
"What's happening?" Solaris asked, sensing the exchange though unable to access its content.
The Solar Adept Assistant confirms final preparations are complete, Un'Claye explained, gesturing toward the new arrival. The ceremonial escort is assembled.
The golden-skinned figure bowed deeply toward Solaris, their opalescent eyes showing what appeared to be profound emotion despite their alien features. When they straightened, an ornate staff materialized in their hand—crystalline in composition with a stylized sun symbol at its apex.
The Solar Adept Assistant preceded them as they exited the Vestment Chamber through massive doors that opened automatically at their approach. Beyond lay a corridor far grander than any they had traversed previously—its ceiling soaring more than thirty feet overhead, walls composed of polished crystal that reflected their procession in kaleidoscopic patterns, floor inlaid with precious metals formed into complex mandalas that activated with subtle illumination as they passed.
"This is getting more elaborate by the minute," Maron observed quietly to Eleanor.
"Ceremonial protocols," Eleanor replied with the ghost of a smile. "Every civilization has them."
The corridor eventually opened onto a platform overlooking what appeared to be a massive central plaza within the underground city. From this vantage point, Solaris could see what must have been hundreds of thousands of people gathered below—a sea of expectant faces turned toward their position, screens floating in mid-air broadcasting their arrival to those too distant to see directly.
"That's... a lot of people," Solaris whispered, momentarily overwhelmed by the scale of attention.
They have awaited this moment across thousands of generations, Un'Claye replied simply.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
The platform beneath their feet began to move—separating from the corridor entrance to become a floating crystal carpet that descended gradually toward the central plaza. As they moved, Solaris noticed subtle energy patterns flowing through the crystal beneath them, creating a stable field that prevented any possibility of falling despite the absence of railings or visible support mechanisms.
The descent provided a breathtaking view of New Tara in its full glory—the crystal towers rising in elegant spirals, multi-level thoroughfares connecting various districts, gardens flourishing in designated spaces, and water flowing through controlled channels forming beautiful patterns throughout the city. The sheer scale of the architectural achievement was even more impressive from this perspective than it had been from the observation platform.
"This is incredible," Eli whispered beside him, her hand finding his as they descended toward the central plaza. "Look at what you helped create."
"What we helped create," Solaris replied.
The crystal platform finally reached the plaza level, settling with gentle precision before what could only be described as a palace—a magnificent structure of crystal and white stone that rose in elegant tiers, its central spire reaching toward the cavern ceiling hundreds of feet above. The crowd had parted to create a pathway leading directly to the palace entrance, lined on both sides by figures in ceremonial attire that Solaris somehow recognized as Solar Adepts.
"They're all watching us," he murmured, the weight of expectation palpable in the silence that had fallen across the gathered masses.
They see their founder returned, the Ancient of All Ancients, Un'Claye confirmed. Hope made manifest after countless generations of faith and cultivation.
As they proceeded along the pathway, Solaris noticed the expressions on the faces of those gathered—a mixture of awe, reverence, and what appeared to be genuine joy. Many reached out tentatively as he passed, not to touch but as if to confirm his reality through proximity alone.
The palace entrance loomed before them—massive doors composed of a single piece of crystal inlaid with gold forming a stylized sun symbol identical to the one Un'Claye had shown them on the genealogical display. The doors opened silently as they approached, revealing a vast throne room beyond.
Within the throne room stood a semi-circle of twelve figures wearing elaborate robes distinguishing them from the Solar Adepts. Behind them, a massive door at least fifty feet in height dominated the far wall, its surface inscribed with symbols that seemed to shift and change when viewed directly.
The Council of Keepers, Un'Claye announced telepathically. Guardians of New Tara's highest Solar traditions and knowledge.
As Solaris and his companions entered the throne room, all twelve Keepers bowed in perfect unison—a gesture that clearly carried profound ceremonial weight within their culture. Solaris found himself uncomfortable with the display, his current identity struggling with the implicit reverence despite memory fragments suggesting his ancient incarnation had established these very protocols.
Please, Un'Claye's voice entered his mind privately. These are our customs, maintained through millennia. To reject them would cause unnecessary distress.
Understanding the cultural significance, Solaris acknowledged the gesture with a respectful nod rather than the protest that had initially risen within him. The Keepers straightened, their opalescent eyes studying him with varying expressions of wonder, hope, and what appeared to be assessment.
One of the central figures—visibly older than the others with skin that showed characteristics of both human and Un'Claye's—stepped forward from the semi-circle. "Sun God," they spoke aloud rather than telepathically, their voice carrying a harmonious quality unlike human speech. "Light Bearer. Honored companions. New Tara welcomes your return."
"Thank you for receiving us," Solaris replied, finding his voice despite the overwhelming formality of the situation.
The Lead Keeper gestured toward Solaris. "Step forward, if you would."
Solaris complied, moving several paces ahead of his companions. As he did so, another figure emerged from behind the semi-circle—a young Solar Adept carrying an ornate pillow upon which rested what appeared to be a crown composed of crystal and gold, formed into a design resembling solar rays emanating from a central point.
Solaris noticed the young Adept's eyes occasionally darting toward two older Adepts standing among the observers, their expressions revealing unmistakable parental pride mixed with profound emotion. The familial connection was obvious despite their ceremonial composure—generational families of Solar Adepts maintaining traditions related to this very moment.
The Lead Keeper accepted the crown from the young Adept, holding it with reverent care as they turned to face Solaris directly. "This crown has awaited your return since the founding of New Tara," they explained. "Created by your design, preserved through our stewardship, to be reordained upon your recognition."
Before Solaris could respond, the Lead Keeper raised the crown and placed it gently upon his head. The moment the crown made contact, something extraordinary happened—energy cascaded through his entire being, not painful but intensely present, as if dormant connections were suddenly reactivating throughout his mind, body, and soul.
Throughout the city, sounds erupted in harmonic sequence—mechanical activations, energy systems engaging, and crystalline resonances creating a symphony that suggested the crown's placement had triggered protocols established eons ago. The displays on the floating screens showed similar activations occurring across New Tara's infrastructure, systems responding to the energy signature now amplified by the crown's placement.
Most significantly, the massive fifty-foot door behind the Council of Keepers began to open—separating at its center with mechanical precision despite its enormous size. Light spilled from the chamber beyond, golden-white and pulsing with a frequency that seemed to resonate directly with the crown Solaris now wore.
Gasps erupted from the gathered Solar Adepts, and even several Keepers displayed momentary shock at this development. Clearly, the door's opening represented an occurrence of profound significance beyond normal ceremonial expectations.
"The Chamber of the Sun opens," the Lead Keeper announced, their voice carrying both surprise and reverence. "Not since Solarion's passing has this threshold parted."
The Lead Keeper turned to address Solaris directly. "Only the Sun God, Light Bearer, and I may enter," they stated, their tone suggesting this represented inviolable protocol. "The chamber contains that which was designated for your eyes alone."
Maron immediately stepped forward, his protective instincts overriding ceremonial considerations. "Unacceptable security risks," he began, only to be stopped by Eleanor's hand on his arm.
"This is their way," she reminded him quietly.
Solaris exchanged glances with Eli, who nodded her readiness. Together, they approached the massive doorway, the gathered assembly watching in reverent silence as they crossed the threshold.
The chamber proved smaller than the throne room but no less impressive—circular in design with a domed ceiling composed of crystal facets. But it wasn't the architecture that commanded attention; it was what occupied the chamber's center.
A raised platform dominated the space, supporting what appeared to be a crystalline incubation chamber glowing with soft golden light. Within the chamber lay a body—not preserved in death but seemingly suspended in a state between sleep and wakefulness. The body's features were immediately, shockingly familiar.
"That's... me," Solaris whispered, approaching the chamber with stunned disbelief. "But not quite..."
The figure within the crystal enclosure indeed resembled Solaris with uncanny precision—the same facial structure, the same height and proportions, yet undeniably different in subtle ways. The body appeared in peak physical condition and, most significantly, it radiated an energy signature unlike anything Solaris had encountered—power contained in perfect equilibrium, dormant yet palpably potent.
The Lead Keeper had followed them into the chamber, closing the massive doors behind them to ensure privacy. "Not you as you are now," they confirmed, approaching the crystalline enclosure. "But as you were then—Solarion, at the height of his capacities."
"This is Solarion's body?" Eli asked, her expression reflecting the same stunned comprehension dawning across Solaris's features.
"Preserved through technologies salvaged from Tara," the Keeper explained, placing a reverent hand against the crystal surface. "Maintained in perfect stasis until the prophesied return."
"Why?" Solaris asked, finding his voice despite the overwhelming revelation. "Why would Solarion—why would I—leave my body here?"
The Keeper's expression shifted to something resembling fond remembrance. "To 'finish this whole mess,' as Solarion himself phrased it," they replied, a warm chuckle accompanying the quotation. "He foresaw a cycle's potential for breaking the Phoenix Ascension permanently."
"But this body..." Solaris struggled to comprehend the implications. "What am I supposed to do with it?"
"Reclaim it," the Keeper stated simply. "Transfer your consciousness from your current vessel to this vessel."
"Transfer my... Huh?" Solaris began, overwhelmed by the suggestion.
"A ritual established by Solarion himself," the Keeper replied. "Designed specifically for this moment."
Eli had moved to examine the crystalline chamber more closely, her enhanced perception detecting energy patterns invisible to ordinary sight. "This vessel was designed to interface directly with higher dimensional frequencies," she observed. "It's a hybrid form, like mine—partially physical, partially energetic."
"How does this work?" Solaris asked, his mind racing with implications. "And when?"
"The ritual must take place during a full moon," the Keeper explained. "The soonest occurs in one week. On that night, you must come alone—though Un'Claye will guide you here. The procedure itself requires only ten minutes of your time."
"Ten minutes?" Solaris repeated incredulously. "To transfer my entire consciousness from one body to another?"
"The preparations have been maintained for eons," the Keeper replied with quiet confidence. "The pathways established, the transitions mapped with precision. Your essence will recognize this vessel. It will be like coming home."
Solaris and Eli exchanged looks of profound surprise mixed with wonder. The revelation represented a paradigm shift beyond anything they had anticipated—not merely discovering an underground civilization but finding a physical vessel specifically prepared for this cosmic moment.
"And my current body?" Solaris asked, the practical question emerging from his swirling thoughts.
"Will cease functioning once consciousness transfers," the Keeper explained with gentle directness. "The vessel you currently inhabit has served its purpose admirably, bringing you to this threshold of remembrance. But it cannot contain the frequencies required for what lies ahead."
The implications settled heavily between them—the decision to abandon his current physical form for one prepared by his ancient incarnation, a choice carrying both promise and finality. The vessel before him represented capabilities beyond his current limitations, yet taking this step would permanently sever his connection to the body that had carried him through this lifetime.
"You need not decide immediately," the Keeper assured him, sensing his conflicted thoughts. "Return to the surface. Consult with your companions. The ritual awaits the full moon."
"Thank you," Solaris replied, finding genuine gratitude despite his overwhelming uncertainty.
"As Solarion intended," the Keeper nodded, letting out a light, hearty laugh. "He was ever fond of surprising even himself across incarnations."
They spent several more minutes discussing practical aspects of the ritual—the preparations required, what Solaris might expect during and after the transition, and how the new vessel's capabilities differed from his current form. Throughout the conversation, Solaris found himself repeatedly glancing at the body in the crystal chamber—his body, in some profound cosmic sense, waiting to be reclaimed after an unimaginable span of separation.
Eventually, they returned to the throne room where Maron, Eleanor, and the Council of Keepers awaited. The assembly of Solar Adepts remained in their positions, their expressions revealing both curiosity about what lay beyond the massive doors and disciplined respect for protocols that prevented them from asking.
"The Founder has received his inheritance," the Lead Keeper announced to the assembly, their voice carrying throughout the throne room and presumably to the screens broadcasting to the wider population. "The Sun’s Apotheosis advances according to ancient design."
The ceremony concluded with further formalities, though Solaris found himself processing them with only partial attention, his mind continuously returning to the extraordinary revelation of Solarion's preserved body. The implications extended beyond personal transformation—this represented a technological and spiritual resource that could potentially alter the Phoenix Ascension's outcome in ways previous cycles couldn't even touch.
As the formal proceedings ended, Un'Claye approached their group. The Council invites you to tour the city before returning to the surface, they communicated. Would you accept their hospitality?
Solaris exchanged glances with his companions, receiving nods of agreement from each. "We would be honored," he replied, finding genuine interest despite the weight of what he had just discovered.
As they prepared to depart the palace for their tour, Solaris felt the crown still resting upon his head—a physical reminder of connections spanning millions of years, responsibilities established across countless lifetimes, and a continuously unfolding destiny he was only beginning to fully comprehend. The inheritance he had discovered went far beyond an underground city or a preserved body; it represented the culmination of preparations made specifically for the final cycle's potential turning point.
With that understanding settling into his awareness, Solaris stepped forward to discover the civilization his ancient self had founded—and perhaps, to understand more fully what Solarion had intended for the challenges that lay ahead.