Author's Note: This takes place after "Thank You For Everything" by KHB123 and "Piers' Wine Closet" by Sirus7009, so read those two stories if you want to read this.
Hello, guys! This is going to be my first lengthy crossover story called "Encountering a Venus Adept", which is a Naruto and Naruto Shippūden crossover story with Golden Sun: The Lost Age (if you haven't played it or the original GS for the GBA, which came out back in 2001, GS: The Lost Age, which came out in 2002, is the game where you get to play as Felix and ignite the last two lighthouses). This story is going to take place before Naruto, Chōji, Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba, and Lee go after the now-rogue Sasuke Uchiha (that ultimately leads up to the events of Shippūden, in which almost everyone, including Neji Hyuga, DIES) and right after Felix and his team defeated Poseidon (who hits like a truck if you're not up between Lv. 35-40) and got an audience with the King but before scaling and igniting the Jupiter Lighthouse.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and Golden Sun! Naruto is under the property of Masashi Kishimoto while Golden Sun is owned by Camelot and Nintendo!
In the relative darkness and quietness of the open sea, among the outskirts of Konoha, the harvest moon continued to shine in the starry night sky. This time, the moon shone down on a ship with an ornate dragon shaped bow that was making its way to the Hidden Leaf from the fog-shrouded Sea of Time after its passengers, consisting of an eighteen year old brown haired young man wearing a green tunic and long breeches, with brown boots and a heavy cape hanging over one shoulder, with his hair tied in a ponytail while his bangs framed his handsome face, a seventeen year old red haired young woman with her hair tied in a high ponytail, a fourteen year old blond haired young girl with bright emerald eyes, and a blue haired man with yellow eyes that were accompanied by a seventy year old scholar, had learned the fate of the entire world from the ancient society of Lemuria.
"Hey, Felix." The blue haired man said to the brown haired young man and addressing him as Felix. "How about we stop here for the night?"
Felix shook his head while keeping his hands firmly gripped on the helm.
"No, Piers." Felix said, not taking his hands off the helm as his chocolate brown eyes locked themselves on the open sea. "Remember what King Hydros said back in Lemuria? We need to keep going towards the Jupiter Lighthouse."
"But, Felix. What if we need more supplies for our journey?" Jenna asked, looking at her brother.
"Jenna's right, Felix. We do need to help those in need." Kraden said, scratching his beard.
Felix sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose as he let go of the helm and walked below deck with Kraden to pack up his gear. "Fine." He said, despite the annoying voices of Jenna and Sheba and addressing the blue haired man as Piers. "But remember, we need to get to Jupiter Lighthouse like Hydros had said and hope that Isaac didn't beat us there."
Piers nodded.
"Okay." Piers said, taking the wheel and making a hard turn to starboard as he tried to drown out Jenna and Sheba's constant nagging about how old he really was.
As soon as he entered the cabin, Felix walked up to his pack and lightly shook it. "Wake up guys, we're leaving."
With the energy of a small puppy hyped up on adrenaline, his Djinn exploded out of his pack and started excitedly bouncing around the room. Felix sighed and picked up his cloak and threw it around his shoulders, and then hoisted his pack onto his back.
"Hop in, or I'm leaving without you," he said to the bouncy creatures. One by one, they climbed into his pack, still chattering excitedly.
Ever since he survived the boulder incident at Vale three years ago and sided himself with Saturos and Menardi as well as Alex, Felix had been avoiding Isaac, Garet, Ivan, and Mia so he can earn the freedom of his parents as well as Isaac's father by igniting two of the four elemental lighthouses across Weyard.
And how he betrayed his own village that lead up to Felix and Isaac becoming sworn enemies...
X~X~X
The inside of Sol Sanctum was all blue stone floors and brick hallways, with torches glowing every few feet. The group rushed through the corridors into another room, the walls lined with statues of priests holding swords. The floors had changed to white-and-violet marble, and there was one statue pushed to the side, revealing a doorway.
"Just as I'd hoped!" Saturos whispered. "The old man took my counsel!"
Continuing through the door, they leapt over a small pool and went through another door. Winding pathways of marble led them to a room plunged in faded darkness, a small light glowing on the wall while a portrait of the moon radiated pale light.
Menardi's eyes lit up. "After all this time," she whispered. "They must have disabled the trap, Saturos! They've already activated the portal!"
"Shh," Saturos commanded. "Listen."
Faint voices emerged from the light on the wall. "Here it is, Kraden! We've got the second Elemental Star!" That was unmistakably Garet.
"Good, good!" the voice of an elderly man replied. "Now go fetch the others!"
"We must go," Saturos said. "Felix, you remain here for a bit. You'll know when to come in if we need you."
"But where is Alex?" Menardi said.
"Who cares? Let's just go," Saturos replied. "We'll see you when we return, Felix. We'll call you if we need you." He and Menardi touched the light and vanished.
Felix continued to listen to the events occurring on the other end of the portal.
Jenna gasped and cried, "What are you doing here?"
"Quiet, girl, we don't want your companions to know you're here."
"I-I can't b-b-believe you f-followed us," Kraden stuttered.
"Believe it," Menardi said.
Garet's voice again. "We've got the Jupiter Star now, Kraden!" Silence followed, and then there was a "Kraden!" from Garet, and a "Jenna!" from Isaac.
"It looks like they've spotted us," Saturos grumbled.
"And here I thought we'd be safe until they'd gotten the Elemental Stars," Menardi sighed.
"What do you mean to do with the Elemental Stars?" Kraden demanded, though his voice shook. "Are you trying to steal them!"
"Master Kraden, are you calling us thieves?" Saturos asked, sounding taken aback.
"As I recall, you stole our information on how to get in here," Menardi added.
Jenna was next. "What will you do with us once you've gotten the Elemental Stars?"
"I'm sure they'll do us in once they no longer need us!" Kraden exclaimed.
Felix touched the light, and almost instantly found himself drifting down onto a blue crystal pillar which stood in a waveless sea. Pale lights drifted through the dark air, and the crystal was smooth but firm under his feet. "No," he said firmly. "You shall not be hurt." Then, turning to Saturos and Menardi, "That was our agreement, was it not?"
"They'll be safe," Menardi said. "We just need the Elemental Stars in exchange for their safety."
Felix winced but nodded, and Saturos called, "Will you accept our terms?" This was directed to Isaac and Garet, who stood across the room, near a statue of a goddess.
Isaac hesitantly nodded, and Kraden broke in, "No, Isaac! You must not give them the Stars!" Turning to his captors, he demanded, "We have no guarantee that we'll be safe once you have the Stars! How do you expect us to trust you without proof that you will keep your promise?"
Saturos and Menardi exchanged glances before Menardi spoke. "A guarantee, is it? I have only one." Turning to Felix, she said, "It seems that you will need to remove your mask."
It felt like cold water was being poured into his empty body. His soul seemed to freeze. "But . . . that means . . ."
"There is no other way," Saturos said, shaking his head slowly. "You must be our guarantee. They demanded one, after all. And under the circumstances, we have no choice. Felix," he sighed, "remove your mask."
Jenna's eyes became very wide. "F-Felix?" she said, her voice just above a whisper. "This can't be-he can't be-"
"Wasn't Felix the name of your brother?" Kraden asked. "That mischievous little lad who was my student before the accident?"
"Yes, but three years ago . . . the storm . . . my brother, he . . ." Jenna stammered. Her eyes were very large, and she was staring at Felix as she trembled with disbelief. "It has to be a lie," she whispered. "It has to be."
"I'll do it," Felix said. She sounded so torn; even if he didn't reveal himself, she would never be the same. "I'll . . . remove my mask."
Yes, he decided. It was finally time for the ghost to return to life, no matter how much it wanted to remain dead.
Sometimes, it was necessary for the dead to rise from the grave, if only to walk the world once more.
If only to give hope to those who had always been alive.
He turned around and untied his mask, tying it to his belt before turning back to face everyone. Jenna let out a shriek, bringing her hands to her face.
"I-It's not possible," she whispered, her voice shaking worse than an earthquake.
"Is he . . . ?" Kraden asked. Jenna looked down.
"I know I've caused you much grief, Jenna." Felix said, looking down at the crystallized floor beneath him. "It was a miracle I survived that day."
"We are the ones who saved him." Saturos interjected.
"We saw him floating unconscious in the river, as we passed." Said Menardi, gesturing to him.
"...I've been with them ever since." Said Felix. "I've experienced... A lot.."
"But why?" Cried Jenna. "Why would you leave me all alone?!" She was crying openly, and he stepped toward her to try and hug her, but Saturos and Menardi grabbed his arm, and he stopped. "Jenna..."
"My own brother. I thought you were dead!" Jenna sobbed, her voice strangled with so such pain as she buried her face in her brother's shoulder. Felix was surprised at this, but embraced her back, feeling her hot tears wetting his shirt.
Saturos groaned in annoyance. "Save this teary reunion for later."
"That's right." Said Menardi, letting go of Felix. "The Elemental Stars come first."
"Is this acceptable?" Said Saturos, facing Isaac and Garet again. "Felix would never allow us to harm you... Or his sister."
"Felix will be our guarantee." Menardi continued. "Now, give us the Elemental Stars!"
Isaac nodded, and hopped across the tall columns to hand over the Stars. He was about halfway there, when the familiar Mercury Adept, Alex, materialized out of thin air and stopped him.
"Will you permit me to relieve you of those Elemental Stars?" Said Alex.
"Oh, Alex... You're late." Grunted Saturos. "Alex is another one of our companions. Hand the stones to him."
Isaac handed over the Elemental Stars, and Alex frowned. "I'm afraid I must apologize in advance... For you will be bringing us the remaining Elemental Star, as well."
He took the three Stars, and began to teleport away.
"Wait a second!" Yelled Garet. "You want us to grab the other one for you too?"
Alex smiled. "Oh, did you not understand me?"
Garet raised his small sword at Alex, threateningly. "You said you'd set Jenna free once we gave you the Elemental Stars! You promised!"
Saturos laughed. "No, my friend. We want you to bring us all the Elemental Stars!"
Garet turned his back and looked at Isaac, shaking his head. Menardi folded her arms and looked annoyed. "Stop grumbling and bring us the last Star!" She yelled, and Garet turned back to face them.
"Fine!" Said Isaac.
"Thank you for your cooperation." Said Alex. "We'll be waiting for the rest."
Isaac and Garet jumped across the rest of the columns, and walked past Felix and the others on their way to the final Star. Felix turned away as they passed. They quickly hopped over a few more gaps, and reached the final Statue, from which they took a small, red orb, the Mars Star. Moments later, the entire chamber shook and roared, and nearly knocked Felix off his feet.
"What's the matter, what happened?" Yelled Menardi over the rumbling cavern.
"No... Not again..." Grumbled Saturos.
"Without the energy of the Elemental Stars, the chamber is collapsing." Said Alex, calmly.
"Is this the 'terrible retribution' the villagers spoke of?" Said Kraden. "No... This must be more of Alchemy's power!"
The rumbling stopped after a few moments, and the chamber stopped shaking.
"Phew... It's over." Breathed Menardi. "But what was it?"
"What is that?" Cried Jenna, and Saturos drew his sword, which prompted Felix to do the same.
"No..." Said Saturos, as what look like a huge boulder loomed into view overhead. However, it seemed to be floating in mid air, as if being held there by Psynergy.
"Could that be... The Wise One?" Said Kraden, aghast.
"Such power... Incredible..." Said Alex, with a similar expression on his face.
Suddenly, the stone itself seemed to shift, and a single, gigantic eye appeared in the middle of the stone's face, and scanned each and every one of them as it floated closer to Isaac and Garet.
"It must be the guardian of the Elemental Stars!" Yelled Saturos, and Felix readied his sword to fight, though he wasn't sure what he could do against such a seemingly powerful opponent...
"This doesn't look good..." Said Felix. "Maybe we should just escape while we can."
Menardi shook her head. "But we need the Mars Star! We can't leave it behind."
Alex shook his head as well. "I agree with Felix; we're no match for the guardian."
"The Mars Star will have to wait for another day..." Said Saturos.
"Hey! What about Isaac and Garet!" Said Jenna. "You can't just leave them here!"
Saturos shook his head at her. "Forget about them. They won't make it out, alive."
"But Saturos..." Menardi said, looked rather concerned. "There's still a chance they might survive."
"Anythings possible..." He said. "So what do you suggest we do?"
"We take this... Jenna... With us. If they survive, they will want her back." Said Alex, smirking. "And... If they want her back, they will bring us the Star..." He paused. "Regardless.. Kraden must come with us. He is connected to all of this."
Felix gritted his teeth. He didn't trust Alex to begin with, and he thought about fulfilling his promise to punch the man in the gut right then and there, but restrained himself.
"Alex... Are you breaking our promise?" He said.
"Conditions have changed since we made that promise." He said dismissively, which only made Felix more angry at him.
"Jenna is not any part of this! I won't let you hurt her!"
"Do what you will with me, just let Jenna go." Kraden added.
Saturos chuckled. "Your bravery speaks well of you, old man, but you cannot help Jenna now."
"If we leave Jenna, she will surely die... Is that what you want, Felix?" Said Menardi. He hadn't thought of it that way; taking Jenna against her will was something Felix simply could not do, but leaving her to die was simply out of the question...
"Perhaps we ought to continue this elsewhere, Felix." Alex interrupted.
"Alright..." He agreed.
"Please, can we go now?" Said Alex again, motioning towards the glowing door.
Felix nodded. "Yeah... Let's get out of here."
"Let's make haste!" Menardi hissed as she shoved Jenna towards the entrance of the sanctum, forcing Felix to give Menardi a death glare.
"Don't lay a damned finger on my sister, you bastard!" Felix yelled, looking into the older woman's red eyes.
Menardi turned to face him. "Who do you think you're talking to?! You owe us your life!" She snapped, glaring back at him.
"Menardi!" Saturos snarled, glaring at his partner.
Felix felt his heart stop unexpectedly, realizing he was talking to his saviors from Prox.
Saturos was the first through the portal, followed by Kraden, then Menardi. Jenna took one last look at the Inner Sanctum.
"Isaac! Garet!" she called. "Don't die!"
Felix escorted her through the portal, and a moment later, Alex followed. Felix cast a quick Retreat, and the party scurried down the mountain and out of Vale. Saturos and Menardi dragged Kraden, while Felix carried Jenna and Alex followed closely behind.
Felix hoped Isaac and Garet had survived, but he had other worries now. Like Jenna.
Storms brewed over Vale as the six ran, and they heard the eruption begin as they fled into the woods.
X~X~X
Felix gripped the mythril bag that held the Jupiter Star tightly in his hand. Ever since he, Saturos, Menardi, and Alex knocked Sheba out and whisked her away from Lalivero after stealing the Elemental Stars from Sol Sanctum located at the heart of Mt. Aleph as well as him severing the ties that he had with the village of Vale, even going as far as to dive off the aerie of the collapsing Venus Lighthouse to save her and ending up being washed at the continent of Indra due to a tidal wave caused by Poseidon after activating the Venus Lighthouse and the Mercury Lighthouse despite Isaac's own ambition to prevent the power of Alchemy from being unleashed by The Wise One, he had been the only one looking out for her.
Felix knew that Isaac still had the last Star needed necessary to ignite the beacon of the Mars Lighthouse.
Piers docked his Lemurian Ship near the shorelines as he, Felix, Jenna, Sheba and Kraden disembarked after he dropped the claw-like anchor into the ocean near the beach and locked the cabin door to make sure nothing entered the ship, remembering the half dozen Aqua Jellies that took refuge inside the ship.
"I suggest that we should try to at least get to the village before daybreak." Piers said, examining the ground before him as he flexed his muscles.
Sheba looked at Piers, shocked that there was a village in the forest.
"There's a village here?" Sheba asked, looking at the Lemurian before Kraden cleared his throat.
"Indeed." Kraden nodded before turning towards Felix. "Shall we get going, Felix?"
Felix nodded as he felt a small smile crossing his beautiful, kissable lips.
"I guess now's as good of a time as any." Felix said, buckling his sword belt that had the Cloud Brand, a gift from the people of Izumo, on as he, Jenna, Sheba, Piers, and Kraden headed off in the direction of Konohakagure.
Ever since he, Jenna, and Sheba had conquered the Great Gabomba Statue in order to retrieve Piers's black crystal from the Witch Doctor Akafubu in Kibombo after throwing Briggs into jail in Alhafra before they got in trouble with its mayor right after they fixed the sailing ship and witnessed the pirate escape onboard said ship with his wife and his infant son, as well as preventing Kushinada from being sacrificed to the Serpent of Gaia Rock before they, along with Susa, dealt with the Dragonsbane-drunk dragon, Felix couldn't shake off the feeling of someone… or something watching their every move like when they fought off the bandits that Isaac fought back in Vault.
"Something the matter, Felix?" Kraden asked the brown haired Venus Adept, snapping Felix's thoughts back to the present as the Alchemy sage scratched his beard.
Felix shook his head.
"Nothing, Kraden." Felix said to the bespectacled Alchemist as he ran up to catch up with the others. He threw his pony-tailed hair back as he ran up to his team, his greenish-blue reversible cape banging from his side as he ran.
X~X~X
As they neared the gates of Konoha despite having explicitly huge blisters on their feet, Felix soon saw a black haired thirteen year old young boy wearing a dark blue high collared shirt with his hands in the pockets of his white pants that he wore, along with a purple backpack strapped on his back. He had his eyes closed as he rudely shoved his left shoulder into Felix's right arm, forcing Felix to hit the cobblestone pathway beneath him.
"Hey!" Felix exclaimed as he got up and rubbed the spot on his left arm where the black haired boy shoved his shoulder into. "Rude greeting that was."
"Are you all right, Felix?" Piers asked as soon as Felix caught up with them.
"Aside from that black haired kid shoving his shoulder into me, I'm okay." Felix said as he entered the village, but not before pulling his sleeve up and seeing that his arm was now bleeding. He quickly placed a few herbs on the wound after Sheba cleaned it.
"Are you sure, Felix?" Jenna asked, bright ruby eyes looking up at her brother.
Felix said nothing as he entered the village, but not before glaring at the black-haired boy that continued to walk out until he was out of sight.
X~X~X
As soon as he was successfully out of the village that was once his home, the black-haired boy known as Sasuke Uchiha walked up to four people that he had fought just before leaving the village behind.
"We apologize for the delay... Sasuke." Sakon said, closing his eyes as Sasuke looked at the Sound Four that Orochimaru had hired.
"It's time to leave this place behind..." Sasuke said, looking at the Leaf village one more time before he and the Sound Four left in the night.
