Kalakakuai: Lol, I was pondering that, too. As before when I post a new story, I get so excited that I don't watch myself. xD I'll correct that to something else. Glad you like regardless of my error. I was pondering whether to use Isaac (in his younger 17-year old self) or Matthew. But, since Lloyd's looking for his dad (in a way) and Matthew has a father, it seemed to connect better for me. As for Matthew being involved, well, I just wanted to use him and stuff. No worries, Isaac's getting involved in the plot, too. :D Trust me. For your second review, a Unison Attack like that actually sounds cool. Rising Falcon Ragnorak is quite catchy. Or, maybe Rising Ragnorak as suggested? Your description actually sounds cool; I might use it later on and credit you. Thanks!

Another one I was thinking about was Dragon Demon Fang, which both Lloyd and Matthew strike in a downward thrust at the enemy at the same time, with Dragon Cloud's Psynergy covering them (in fire, of course). I was also wanting to combine Sword Rain with Emerald Blitz (of the Verdant Sword's unleash). Just an idea there. Another thing, I was thinking Karis and Genis could get a Unison Attack, but I'll have to ponder on that more. As for Tyrell, don't worry. We'll see him and maybe some of the other DD cast later. I will say Amiti will make his entrance in this chapter (but that's all the spoilers I'll say)

Anyway, thanks for the review(s)! I appreciate it. Now, for chapter 3! Here we go!


Of Mana and Psynergy

III

Thirty minutes while being in the company of the Chosen, Raine and Kratos, the combined group agreed on continuing through the desert at night. It was from the behest of the four teens that joined them, and even the Chosen herself agreed with them. It was five against the two adults, who sighed and agreed with them for the time. The idea had been brought up due to Karis' suggestion earlier.

"It would be easier to travel at night since it's cooler than during the daytime." The Wind Adept began. "It makes traveling easier, if you know what I'm saying. It makes sense, right?"

Kratos stared at her before sighing. "You have a point, but I would rather not endanger the Chosen's life."

"That's why we're all here!" Lloyd chimed in, grinning. "We'll protect Colette. Trust us, we've been walking through the desert at night since Matthew had brought it up." All eyes turned the Earth Adept, who smiled in embarrassment. "Then, when the sun comes up, we find some shade to rest under until night falls. It's tedious, but it works!"

"Hm, that does make sense." Raine added, having thought it over. "Still though, we run the risk of thieves and bandits attacking more often."

"They won't stand a chance against all of us." Genis smiled. "We're stronger together than separately."

"Regardless…" Kratos started but was cut in by Colette herself.

"I'd love to travel at night!" She chirped. "They are right. It is easier to walk during the night when it's cooler. We'll just have to be extra careful, that's all!" The four teens smiled in victory; if they had Colette on their side, then they were winning this conversation bout. Their eyes fell on the two adults of the group, who exchanged glances at first before reluctantly agreeing.

"If it's the Chosen's wish, then so be it." The mercenary said.

"All right!" Lloyd did a fist pump. "Let's pack up and go now!"

And, that's exactly how they ended up walking now. The formation of how they traveled was easily planned; Kratos led the front, Lloyd and Colette, along with Genis in the center, the two boys sandwiched her between them, Raine behind them and Karis and Matthew behind her along with Noishe. Very simple, very effective and the evening grew quiet as they trekked along. The peaceful moment was soon interrupted by none other than bandits. "Ugh, more of them?" Lloyd complained, drawing out his dual swords. Raine questionably looked at him.

"What do you mean, 'more of them'? Did you run into bandits on your way here?"

"Yes, exactly." The brunet frowned.

"Step aside! The one we want is that girl!" One of the bandits pointed at Karis, who was already out with her bow. Her purple eyes locked onto the bandits when they pointed her out.

"What?" She questioned.

"Wench blew our men away with magic! Now we'll get even and take her off your hands." Another scowled. Their eyes also set upon Colette and Raine, greedily grinning. "We'll take the other girls, too. Surely they'll be tasty for our own pleasures. Heh-heh-heh!"

"Urgh, disgusting." Genis grumbled.

Kratos remained silent, but his eyes deathly set upon the men before them. There were definitely more of them than the group's numbers. It was twenty to seven; unfair odds and it was bad enough the mercenary had to hold his strength back so the others wouldn't be suspicious of him. Everyone got their weapons ready, glaring at the bandits and them glaring back. "You fools are outnumbered! Just hand them over and we'll spare your lives!"

"Not a chance! Demon Fang!" Lloyd shouted, blasting one of the fools with his technique.

Lloyd's attack began the fight of the night. The bandits leapt forward, one after another to attack. Kratos gripped his blade in his right hand, shield upon his left and engaged combat with three of them at once. Lloyd stayed in front of Colette, meeting two head on, determined to protect his friend. Raine and Genis were beginning to cast magic to assist from a little ways off, with the elder Sage sibling casting Sharpness on both Kratos and Lloyd's swords. Genis would back up with his attacking magic. Karis was assisting them with her own Psynergy if needed. However, she was focused on hitting the buffoons with precise strikes of her bow. Matthew, taking his own chances, decided to become surrounded by the remaining fifteen bandits. They all had swords and knives equipped, which wasn't much a surprise to the Earth Adept.

Kratos blocked a vertical attack aimed for his shoulder with his shield, pushing one bandit off with it. The next came around; the mercenary rounded a kick to the grunt's abdomen, knocking him a distance back. The third bandit tried to cut Kratos off from behind, only to be met with a penetration of the blade through his neck. He dropped dead, enraging the other two. They charged wildly at their friend's killer, hellbent on killing him, too. Kratos tsked, thrusting forward with his own version of Demon Fang. The two foolish bandits grunted as they were stabbed simultaneously, falling to their deaths.

"Colette, get behind me!" Lloyd shouted as he blocked, or tried to block, an attack from one of the bandits. He felt himself stupid to use wooden blades against real ones, but it was all he had. Iselia wasn't known for having real weapons, seeing as they rarely left the village. One bandit sneered as he was able to break through Lloyd's swords, now aiming for the brunet. With a gasping cry, Colette chucked her chakrams skillfully with a Ray Thrust shout. The spinning disc smacked and sliced her friend's assailant, essentially saving his life. Lloyd turned and found the girl catching the thrown discs almost acrobatically as if she practiced for several years. He smiled, but felt like a burden now. He couldn't defend himself! Karis saw the bandit getting up; however he didn't stay up long as she shot him down.

"Damn it." Lloyd snarled lowly to himself. Instead of him protecting Colette, he was being protected by her. That's not how it went! The second bandit saw his opportunity to strike, charging for the red-clad boy from behind.

"Lloyd! Watch out!" Colette called out.

"Don't worry, I got this! Fire Ball!" Genis chanted, sending the three, flaming balls of magic to singe the attacking man from hitting Lloyd. The man screamed loudly as he fell to his death.

"Thanks Genis."

The half-elf boy grinned. "You're welcome, Lloyd!"

"There's more of them." Kratos said, having eyed the fifteen bandits seemingly gathered around one area. "We're not yet clear."

"Wait, where's Matthew?" Karis asked, growing worried.

"Over here!" The teen called, making himself known atop a pillar from almost nowhere as he towered over the bandits. They were wide-eyed with surprise, almost in disbelief. The spiky blond smiled as he leapt off the pillar of stone, jumping over the bandits—funny as how their heads followed his midair flip—and he landed beside his best friend. Karis shook her head, Genis and Raine were blinking, Lloyd and Colette were baffled and Kratos just stared. What on earth…? "Karis, I'll hit them with the sword, concentrate on Blue Comet."

"All right."

"Blue Comet?" Raine wondered.

"It's…an attack." Matthew said simply, before looking towards the weaponless Lloyd. He quickly glanced at Karis who seemingly understood. Both teens approached Lloyd, both taking out a pair of swords from nowhere and giving it to him. What the?

"Where…?" Lloyd questioned.

"Don't worry about it." Karis said with a smile. "We'll let you borrow these for awhile." Lloyd glanced down at the weapons, rather, different swords with amazement. They were distinct, but had power to them. Almost as if these weapons had an ability all of their own. His chocolate eyes looked up to the two Adepts, nodding. "Thank-you, but what are they, just regular swords?"

"No." Matthew shook his head. "We'll explain later, come on! We're going to need you in this!"

Lloyd stared at the blades for one last second; they were both light swords from what he gathered. One was coated in a golden color, almost looked like a cross between a rapier and a long sword, feeling like light magic emitted from it. The other was also a cross of a long sword and a katana. It was bluish purple in color, and felt like the power of water was within his grasp. It was strange to say, but perhaps these weapons were mana infused? Whatever; if it meant having these at his side for now, it would be worth it. Gripping the blades' hilts tightly, he immediately felt alive again.

"Humph. Just because you beat five of us don't mean you're getting away easily!" another bandit said angrily. "Get them!" And so they charged again. Idiots. Kratos, Lloyd and Matthew stood in front of the others, swords ready. "We'll handle this!" The red-clad boy said. Matthew turned to Karis, nodding. They would abandon the Blue Comet attack for now.

"Are you ready?" Lloyd said, his body emitting in an unusual aura; Kratos and Matthew seemingly echoed it, the former being almost curious by it. The two other swordsmen shifted into a stance. "All right, let's do this!" The bandits were rushing forward, swords and knives raised to strike! A rush of wind Psynergy filled within Matthew's grasp, the spiky blond releasing it, shouting "Angel Spear!" Kratos, while he hid it well, flinched. This child knew an angelic skill? Since when? However, he was proven incorrect when the magic that showered from the blond's hands were an incantation to increase their strength. Interesting.

With the bandits so close, the three executed an attack together, Lloyd's blades thrusting forward, Kratos swinging his blade towards them, and Matthew launching from a diagonal direction above Lloyd.

"Double Rain Strike!" They shouted in unison; Kratos struck by flinging out his Double Demon Fang, Lloyd followed up with Sword Rain and Matthew ended with Quick Strike. They ran through the pile of bandits with ease as the magic of the Wind Psynergy powered them like an engine. The trio seemingly flew through them as if they were flying upon a light of a feather. Raine, Genis, Colette and Karis watched in amazement as their attackers fell, one by one, at the swordsmen's combined strength. When the bandits fell dead, on the opposite side of them, were the three, still alit in the purple aura. It faded seconds after, however.

"Whoa. That was odd, but it happened again." Lloyd said, looking at his fellow swordsman.

"Indeed. But we won." Matthew grinned lightly.

"Hm." Kratos pondered.

"Wow Lloyd, you're so strong!" Colette chirped happily, putting her chakrams away. Kratos simply sheathed his sword and put his shield away, closing his eyes. Already, so much was happening and it hadn't been a month yet. The teens all clattered together, chatting about the battle and how awesome the finishing move was. They gave each other compliments and praise, and Lloyd brought up the question he wanted answers to; "Say Karis, Matthew. What are these swords exactly?" Now, the attention was on the Adepts again. Well, it would have come sooner or later, so may as well explain.

"Those light swords are called the Phaeton's Blade—" Karis began, pointing to the blade coated in gold, "—and this is the Masamune." She finished, pointing to the bluish-purple coated katana-like blade.

"They're made especially for people who can't use full fledged swords and pack quite a punch." Matthew followed up after his friend. "They have magical qualities to them, called "Unleashes", if you will."

"Unleashes?" Genis wondered.

Matthew turned to him. "Yes, that's what they're called. They have the power to connect to their wielder and apply added strength and abilities to their fighting. This power happens not as often, but the more you keep using the swords, the more the Unleashes are revealed and used. The swords themselves are magically infused, and have elemental properties. Every weapon that is magic-infused have their own Unleash powers. Some have at least two, stronger ones have at least four."

Karis continued from there. "Matthew's weapon is a light blade, called the Verdant Sword and it's of the Wind element. Mine is called the Sagittarius Bow and it's also a Wind elemental weapon."

"Wow, I didn't know weapons could be magically infused…But then again, it's not unheard of." The youngest Sage sibling admitted.

"I'm glad you don't think it's odd." Matthew chuckled. "Seeing as everything else about us is…odd."

"I don't think you're odd." Colette smiled.

Karis returned the warm smile. "Thank-you, Colette. You're really nice."

As the teens continued chattering away, and they eventually continued their way towards Triet, Kratos kept a close examination upon them. They were getting close, as teenage friendship and relationships usually are. When kids gather, they tend to become friends. This situation was no different, but the mercenary sighed anyhow. This was going to be a rough adventure. A couple hours were passing as their trek was soon coming to a stop; the sun was beginning to rise. "Ah man, not again." Genis paled, looking around. "There's no shade or shelter anywhere in sight." Kratos even looked around himself and spotted a sheltering of sorts, but unfortunately, it was much too far with the group of people who weren't resistant to the heat. Either they could continue in the heat and possibly risk the chance the Chosen would pass out from exhaustion or…

"I can make us shade."

All eyes turned to the owner of the voice, Matthew. Karis smiled at her friend, agreeing. "That's a good idea, Matt. Why didn't we think of that earlier?"

"Wait, how will you make shade?" Genis asked, now curious, but doubtfully so.

"I can using…magic." The Earth Adept replied, trying to get used to saying magic in the place of Psynergy.

"Wh-what?"

"Just watch."

Now this even got Kratos curious. Matthew quickly used his sword as a large pencil, carving out a huge circle in the desert by allowing his blade's tip to follow him as he walked around. He put his sword away, crossing his hands over each other like an 'X' shape. "Avalanche!" He yelled, creating a large tremor, much worse than an earthquake, but only in a concentrated area. The area in the circle leveled downward like a circular ditch. After that, Matthew switched something around, shuffling things around quickly from inside his jacket. What the? Well, after that, Genis and Raine sensed his mana presence had shifted somehow. Kratos even recognized it. What had he done that made it do so? In the event the blond shouted, "Grand Gaia!" The magic carved around the circular pattern, nearly creating a stone fortress with even a small opening for them to get in and out of. Clever.

The Sylvarant natives stared in bewilderment even Kratos. He'd never seen magic performed in such a way it aided outside of battle. Karis clapped her hands excitedly. "That's great, Matt! But did you really have to…?" She trailed, the spiky blond nodding.

"Yeah. I had to. It was the only way to regain the moves back…" He replied softly, trailing off as well. The two turn to the stunned people, chuckling. "Well, let's go in before the sun comes up!" They went through the rather small but fitting entrance and Noishe even tagged along! Lloyd shook out of his amazement and grinned.

"We got lucky that Matthew can use…magic like that." He laughed awkwardly, following the protozoan dog.

"Indeed! Wait for me, Lloyd!" Colette chirped, heading in after he did.

"It…It's simply—!" Raine began, but Genis stopped her.

"Sis, let's go before we die of heat exhaustion. I'm just as impressed as you are, but really, the sun's coming up." The younger half-elf said, following his friends. Kratos sighed; this was getting weirder and weirder by the minute. Eventually, he and Raine followed the excited batch of teens in their makeshift 'fort'—whatever you wanted to call it—and settled in to wait for nightfall. Genis volunteered to make lunch as soon as they were all rested up. Kratos allowed himself to become the day-watch, just as Matthew had before, and waited for everyone to be asleep. The mats were spread out and the teens, including Raine, were out. Thankfully the 'shade fort' was blocking the sun from above them, however, a small hole in the center was allowing in light from the flaming ball of energy. Sighing again, the mercenary's eyes roved over every one of them, and locked upon the red-clad dual swordsman when they found him.

What he said the night before hit him hard, and even Matthew's own broke a little ice off his heart. Lloyd had been…searching for him?

Speaking of the Adept in question, the auburn found his eyes trailing to the sleeping form of the spiky blond. However, his trained angelic hearing made the man aware the teenager wasn't sleep. He was resting, but awake. Knowing it would be useless to try and converse with the boy, Kratos decided it wouldn't do any harm in trying. The boy's style of the sword was different than what he had seen lately, especially with Lloyd's unique double style. "I noticed you're awake. You shouldn't be hiding it, and you should be sleep." He began lightly towards the boy. Matthew let out a low, deep and long sigh before sitting up crossed legged.

"Sorry." He apologized. "Even though you're not my dad, you still have that quality of one that had been." The blond Adept mentioned. Kratos' gaze hardened on the boy, who simply yawned. "Only my father could tell if I was sleep or not."

"I see…"

A rather awkward silence passed them. The boy had hit a small nerve in the back of the mercenary's mind. Before he could comment on the boy's swordsmanship, Matthew spoke up again. "I hope I can find my father. And, I know Lloyd will find his…"

"I hope he does as well. A child shouldn't be separated from his parents."

The blond turned his way, smiling honestly. "Yeah."

-x-x-x-

"I'm sorry sir, I haven't seen anyone of that description pass through here." A woman said sadly.

"I see. Well, thank you for your time." Turning out of the building, Isaac sighed lightly as he walks along, his boots making sound as he steps. He had been on the search for his son and Karis for a good few days, having ended up in the city of Asgard. While there, he managed to buy a map of the place and supplies. It wasn't a lot, and thankfully the money he had, which were coins, were passable as what they called "gald" coins. The bearded man kept his eyes roving over the city, watching as children played, and the windmills spun in coordination with the wind's direction. The place was peaceful, reminding him of fond memories where he experienced such peace. Shaking his head, the tall blond exited Asgard, only to be stopped by a man with long, blue hair, green eyes and wearing a cape.

For a second, he thought this person was someone he knew, but then felt a different presence, a different power residing within him, and this power was not the same as he possessed. Besides, this guy had short, elven-like ears. "You know, you're a slippery one." The man said, crossing his arms. "You're not easily found."

Isaac simply chuckled, and would have his hands in his pockets if he weren't carrying a pack over his shoulder. "What's the occasion?" He asked nonchalantly.

"You're simply an interesting one; appearing as if from nowhere; your mana signature is greatly vast, and it isn't the first we've seen. A man like you would be an easy target for power-hungry fools."

Isaac paused a moment before smirking. "It seems I've done that lately. I can't blame that. It's not entirely a lie, however. I've had many a man after my ass more times than I can count." Seeing as this 'mana signature' business was of a Psynergy power, then yes, Isaac had it. After all, he had absorbed more of the power of the light than anyone else he had known. He aged slower than normal, and if he shaved, he would appear as if he were still in his teens rather than looking like a grown man in his thirties. Slowly, he eyed the blue-haired elf man. "And, if this is true, what will you do, that you know my mana signature is an apple for any deranged man's plans?" The blond didn't seem to thoroughly care, as his tone of voice wasn't as serious.

"You could prove useful for the Renegades."

"And why would I want to join your cult?"

This irked the man somewhat but he hid it. "It is simply a group of us that are opposing something greater."

"How will this benefit me?" Isaac raised a questioning eyebrow, frowning even. Now it was getting serious. "I simply don't have time to be…playing with anyone's games. I am here to look for my son, and that is all. If you'll excuse me, I must be going." The swordsman bypassed the strange cape-wearing man, not noticing a smile curl upon his face. The half-elf man had the Adept right where he wanted him, and he would play this card well.

"Your son, you say? Wouldn't his name be…Matthew?"

Isaac froze in his tracks, but didn't bother turning around. The blue-haired man heard the other's steps ceasing, knowing he got him perfectly. Now, he was waiting for the man to admit it. "When I said your mana signature wasn't the first we've seen, I meant it. We encountered a boy that looked very similar to you with a signature that resembled yours in many ways; he could have been your double." The cape-wearing male turned halfway. "He is traveling in the Triet desert now with a few friends of his." Isaac shifted very lightly, chuckling. That sounded very much like his son; he was traveling with his friends, and that was all that mattered at the moment. He was safe with his companions, but that didn't mean he wouldn't stop here. He had to go to his son and make sure he was all right with his own eyes.

"I have a map; I will find this Triet desert and go to him. Besides, I can sense his presence regardless. I suppose I'll thank you for the information."

"It will be a long journey from here to there. The chances of him moving to another location are obviously high. The Triet desert is nowhere you want to be." The man began again, turning fully. "I can help you make the search for your son easier, if you wish for it."

Isaac pondered a moment, still chuckling though. Why would he agree to this? Sure, he wanted to make sure Matthew and Karis were fine, but this encounter with this persistent elf man was interesting to say in the least. Why was he so bent on helping him? What were his true intentions? It was true that Isaac wasn't a Wind Adept; he couldn't read minds like his friends could, however he could understand the flow of someone's emotions by touching them. It was a gained ability by the heart of Alchemy's release in his home world. Knowing the man would persist if he refused, Isaac decided to give this a try. After all, it could be worth it. "My, you have your way with words, my friend. Tell me about this…idea you seem to be planning under that mask of yours." He also could see through masks of people as well.

Smirking, the man in the cape nodded. "You saw right through my ruse, but majority of what I said was all in truth. Let us talk in a more private area. I assure you, that you will be reunited with your son." The man pushed his blue locks of bangs from his face, his emerald eyes shining for a moment. "By the way, my name is Yuan Ka-Fai. You may simply refer to me as Yuan, however." Isaac nodded, turning his body halfway to meet Yuan's gaze, that smile he normally carried with him exposing itself upon his face. "Very well, Yuan. Lead the way." He said casually as if he had known the guy for years.

"Certainly." Yuan approached Isaac, touching his shoulder. In a flash of warping light magic, the two disappeared.

-x-x-x-

"Mm, lunch was so good, Genis!" Colette chirped happily. "I thought I was going to eat too much."

"Ah-ha, thanks Colette." The elf mage blushed in embarrassment. Karis had volunteered to clean the bowls and utensils, which had startled them for a moment, namely because their only water source were in the canteens. The green haired girl proved them wrong, using her magic to clean them. Water Psynergy, as Matthew noted to himself, grinning as he helped dry them off when his friend finished. They were packing up to go as the sun was beginning to set; while they waited, some had woken up, beginning to tell stories or in Lloyd's case, train. Thankfully, Matthew's 'shelter' was large enough to allow the red-clad dual swordsman to practice his thrusts at the least. Colette smiled as she had sat down and watched her friend perform his techniques in unison or one after the other, trying to perfect them with his newly acquired—if only temporary—blades. They were comfortable in his hands, and he loved how they moved in the flow of his body when he used a technique.

Kratos even got some time with him to point out his flaws and try to better them; however this only upset the brunet at one point until he accepted that the mercenary was only trying to help. Night would soon fall and they would get moving again. Since it was cooling down, Matthew lowered the 'fort' with the use of his magic. His body had enveloped in a golden light and the cavern of sorts reacted to it. When it was gone, they all heard something!

"Foul demons!" It sounded like a young man's voice! "No mercy then… Eruption!" A tall tower of flames erupted from nowhere, but towards the left of the group. To the Sage siblings and Kratos, it was a large amount of mana. To Lloyd, Colette and Noishe, it was a huge flaming pillar of fire. To Karis and Matthew, it was Fire Psynergy, and if that voice said it, then there was only one person who could also be here. "No…It can't be…" Karis gasped.

"I think it is. Come on, Karis! We have to be sure!"

"R-right."

"Wait, where are you going?" Raine asked, but the two were off like rockets. Lloyd frowned, hurrying after them, followed by Genis, Colette, and Noishe. Raine and Kratos exchanged looks before heading in the direction the irrational teenagers went. They hadn't gotten far though; they had stopped to watch something before them. When the two adults approached, they saw it all; a young man in about his late teens, fighting off a dozen monsters all at once! It was composed of several poisonous snakes and scorpions, all falling to the boy's hands. He had short, light blue hair with a cowlick protruding from the top of his head, emerald eyes, fair skin, and was dressed in what appeared to be royal garbs for even a commoner—if he was one. Kratos immediately froze at the sight of this kid; he had dangerously reminded him of someone he known and still knew. Blasted half-elf…was…was this…his? But he didn't ever recall the man ever having children so there was no way—!

"Frostbite!" The teen shouted next, summoning a giant crystallized glacier from absolutely nowhere as his body seemingly alit itself in a bluish glow when the magic was used. It hit all the monsters, but not all of them were finished off. Matthew and Karis exchanged glances quickly before assuming battle positions, rushing to the other teen's aid. Not noticing them, the blue-haired boy growled lowly as his enemies seemingly didn't vanish! Those were high level Psynergy spells and yet it did nothing? What was this place?!

"Amiti!" Matthew and Karis cried together, rushing to his side.

"M-Matthew? Karis?! You both are safe!" Amiti, as he was called, exclaimed, his green eyes widened in shock. "You're both all right. I thought you—"

"We can explain later. Are you okay?" The Wind Adept asked.

"I am fine, but these creatures are not falling to any of my casts. They persist. What is wrong?"

"Let's just say our average Psynergy isn't as strong yet. It needs to adjust to the…magic here first." Matthew said, almost quietly. Amiti blinked but seemingly understood.

"Very well then, shall we destroy them?"

"Amiti! You're a prince! You shouldn't be saying it so casually like that!" Karis reprimanded.

The teen nodded. "I know. I blame Eoleo's influence. For old time's sake, let's defeat them."

The others of Sylvarant eventually came on the scene, weapons out and helped engage the monsters that continued to persist. It wasn't long until the snakes and scorpions fell to Lloyd's Tempest, Colette's Ray Thrust, Genis' Wind Blade, Kratos' Double Demon Fang, Matthew's Helm Splitter and Amiti's Double Shot from his Silver Bow. When the fight ended, Raine and Karis assisted in healing the group for injuries, small or not. "Well, that's over." The brunet said, feeling somewhat proud he mastered a new technique. "If I could, I'd want more of them to come from nowhere just so I can keep practicing."

Genis sighed. "Of course you'd say something like that, Lloyd."

"Hey!"

"So, who are you?" Raine cut in the bantering of the teens as she approached Amiti. The blue-haired teen straightened his composure, standing proudly but modestly at the same time. Seeing as he would most likely be traveling with his friends and these people, he would hide his identity as the prince of a kingdom.

"Amiti from Ayuthay. I am a friend of Matthew and Karis." He announced. "Then again, this place is strange to be located on Weyard…"

Everyone caught that and the two other Adepts froze on the spot. Uh-oh. They forgot to indulge Amiti on their secrets. Crap, now it was too late. "Weyard? Where is that?" Raine wondered. "I've never heard of this place, no less an Ayuthay. Please explain." The young prince blinked and stared at the silver-haired woman as if she had grown three heads and wings. She had never heard of Ayuthay and Weyard?! What kind of preposterous…? What was going on? Where they being influenced by a Dream Leaf or something? No, Kolima had been cured ages ago! What was causing this woman to not remember the name of their own world?

"Are you serious? This place is Weyard, this world is Weyard." Amiti said, shocking the others, except Matthew and Karis. They were paling, but all the while, listening.

"No, this is surely Sylvarant." Raine countered. "You must be ill or something."

"Sylvarant? What kind of place is—"

"This place is called Sylvarant." Lloyd replied, frowning. "Even I know that. Why are you…?"

Amiti shook his head. He wasn't ill at all. He was for sure this was Weyard. Why weren't Matthew and Karis backing him up? Then again, they looked as if they were paling or worried about something. That was unusual. The blue-haired teen turned to his friends frowning for himself. "Matthew, Karis? What is going on? What are…? Why are these people saying this is some Sylvarant place?"

"Because it is." Genis added.

"I…I'm very sure it is." Colette slid in.

"…" Kratos dotted. Something fishy was going on here…

Sighing, knowing the small secrets were going to be blown one way or another, the pair of Adepts cringed as they began speaking up. "Amiti, this isn't Weyard. Not anymore." Karis started. "In fact, Matt and I were sure this wasn't Weyard because of the strange presence we felt."

"Yeah, I felt it, too when I came upon this wretched desert." The prince added. "But…does that mean we're in a different world altogether?" The Sylvarant natives, overhearing all of this, were wide eyed, even Kratos. This was news to them; people from another world? Was that even possible? Was this the cause of magitechnology that had vanished within the shadows of history? Having not seen their reactions, Matthew nodded slowly. Amiti clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing in anger, but not at his friends. "It had to be those Psynergy Vortices! It's the only explanation! The Tuaparang is most likely behind this!"

"We can't say for sure if it was…" Karis softly added. "But we did encounter a huge one by the Lookout Cabin."

"And I encountered one when giving commands to the soldiers outside the palace to reconstruct our city." Amiti closed his eyes as he sighed. "It felt like my entire being was being drained. I got too close to it… I…got entranced by it."

"So did we." Matthew admitted, "And Dad tried to stop us. So now, we're here to find my Dad and somehow get out of this place."

"Whoa whoa whoa! Time OUT!" Lloyd cried, making a 'T' with his arms, now cutting into the conversation. They were ultimately lost on this, and now it was getting confusing to understand what was going on. The brunet looked at the three Adepts, scratching his head. "Sorry to butt in but seriously! What's going on here? What are these…vortices you were talking about? This Weyard place? This is all too weird, if you ask me, but it seems all so important to you."

"In other words…" Raine said as she crossed her arms, narrowing her blue eyes upon the three. "What are you hiding?"

The Adepts glanced at one another, with Matthew and Karis sighing heavily. They had blown their small cover, if it was any. They would have to come clean about themselves, and it wasn't going to be easy. Sighing, Matthew sadly looked up at the Iselian teacher, frowning. They were in deep shit now. "Where…should we start?"

"From the beginning. We can walk to Triet while we do." She said.

This was going to be a long night.


And small cliffhanger. This story isn't going to last long, so I had to sort of urge the plot to move forward a bit. Not only that, my hands are hurting. Took me three and a half hours to type all this up. Review if you like!