Bonding Ties Between Reality and Non-reality

As usual, I don't own anything of Golden Sun.


Chapter 7: Final Preparations

Prince Isaac woke up with a start. Sitting upright in his well-furnished silk bed under the warm blanket sheets, he looked out from the windows in his own personal bedroom. Dawn had just passed, and nature was welcoming the new day with wide-open hands. The sky was simply beautiful.

Looking down upon his hands, Isaac tried vainly to recall what had made him wake up so suddenly from his blissful sleep. Then it struck him, and he spoke aloud.

"That dream…"

But why…indeed it is so unusual! This is the first time I have experience such a peculiar dream as this…there are too many puzzles…is this dream just coincidental, or does it bring specific meanings? Is it real, or just the imagination of my wildest dreams? Yet, the idea of it as an unimportant dream is as if out of the question…the whole thing felt indeed too real for a dream! And why would I dream something so unusual? Argh, even more puzzles than ever…this is indeed extremely confusing. Maybe I should seek for-

"Isaac?"

Deep in thought, the young prince was startled when he heard his name uttered out, breaking the silence in his peaceful room. Looking towards the source of the voice, his clear blue eyes traced them to a small creature beside him on the bed with round but blank blue eyes, looking at him quizzically. Isaac smiled.

"Flint…you called me?"

The Earth djinni chuckled merrily. "Well I'm pretty sure no one else sounds like me you know. So yes, good morning my prince!" He tried to flourish a little bow, but his big and round figure of a stomach made it difficult, and so it appeared simply comical but cute.

Isaac chuckled at his little friend's antics, patting him gently on the head as he did so. "Good morning to you too, Flint."

"Yeah yeah, but that's not the reason why I called you. You seemed so distant just now, as if your physical body was here but your inner mind and soul somewhere else…exactly what in the world were you thinking of a minute ago?"

"Uh…" Isaac paused, feeling unsure. After all, a normal prince wouldn't have the time and duty to bother about dreams, no matter how unusual or mad they were; yet here he was, pondering so much about it. There was the matter of his own replica, the angel and his words; even the identity of the mysterious unknown young woman puzzled him. But naturally not all dreams were fully explained; dreams are dreams after all.

Flint pounced on Isaac at once. "What is it? Come on, you can tell me whatever that's bothering you. We're best pals remember! And best pals back up each other! Right? Or did I get the wrong concept? No, I'm quite sure I didn't. So then, why not tell me?"

"Well…"

"Yes?"

"I'm not really too sure whether I should say what is it…"

"Aha! I get it!" Flint jumped up and down in excitement.

Isaac raised his eyebrows. "Really?"

"Of course! Let me guess, you're too embarrassed to say whatever that thing was because it was probably about some girl right? It's always the case with many guys! Now don't be shy; this is perfectly natural! Now who is this girl you were thinking of Isaac?"

A light blush crept up his companion's cheeks. A little flustered, Isaac countered back quickly. "Of course I wasn't thinking about that!"

"Well then, why are you blushing?"

"Well…ah, never mind about that. It's not that I'm embarrassed to talk about it, it's just that I'm unsure that I should even be taking heed about it."

"Alright then, now what's the real thing?"

"…A dream."

Flint shifted his small round body in suspense. "Hmm…a dream eh? Not a normal dream I suppose…care to enlighten me?"

Isaac smiled.

"I'll be glad to."


A woman roughly in her thirties closed her eyes as she sat in a sitting position, her legs crossed. The white and simple long robes which she wore suited with her short light lavender hair and her calming personality. Her background was that of a tiny and little room. Though a small minute room, it still contained much space since there were not many objects in it. Only many little lamps lined at the sides of the room, the candles burning brightly, giving the room a deep but mysterious and dark atmosphere.


Focus…concentration…

The woman's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as many voices reached out to her in her mind. She was no longer in that minute room, her physical being still there, but her inner soul wandering away as she tried to make contact with the spirits she knew. The living spirits of Jupiter that she had always sought for words and advice from. They were trying to tell her something…but it was too hard to listen, for it needed fine concentration of the mind. Their voices were so muffled and far away…so distant…

And then she caught something.

Snapping her clear shrewd eyes open, she whispered a few intelligible words and stood up. Rising from her daily meditation, she exited the room resolutely, walking towards the second floor of the castle with a purpose set in her mind.


"So let me get this clear again. You see this angel thing who tells you weird things, then you see bits of your past, and presumably, your 'future' happenings too. Right Isaac?"

Isaac smiled amusedly. "Well yes, I suppose you could put it that way."

"So what's bothering you about it? Just a dream, that's all."

The young prince frowned. "That's the whole point. I know that dreams are just made up from the imagination of the mind, but to tell you the truth, the whole time I felt as if everything was so real. I've never felt like that before…I feel somehow so reluctant to push the thought of it away."

"Well then…I don't know what it's trying to tell you, but all I can say is, don't let it disturb you so much, otherwise you'll really get a big headache. Alright Isaac?"

"Yes Flint." He ruffled the Venus djinni's hair (if he had any).

Flint beamed. He and Isaac were always good friends, if not best pals despite their contrast between age and size. Ever since he found himself under the care of Isaac, he was constantly happy and cheerful. Even his original home was destroyed, and that was all that he could remember about his home. He did not know where did his family, the big Djinn family was. But that was a matter of the past many years ago, and by and by he had learn to forget about his history. Despite many assuring words from Flint that he didn't mind not knowing about it, Isaac still vainly tried to find Flint's friends over the years.

Suddenly Isaac's bedroom door knocked lightly, startling Isaac from his reverie. "Who is it?"

"It is I, Master Hama. May I see my lord in half an hour's time in the meditation room? I have some news concerning your djinni Flint that you both might like to know."

Flint jumped up and down in excitement, his eyes shining with hope. Isaac smiled. "Very well, I will be there in half an hour."

As soon as Master Hama was gone, Flint spoke excitedly to Isaac. "Hey Isaac, you think we'll have a definite lead at last? Whoever she was, she sounded quite promising."

"I'm not too sure, but Master Hama is very dependable and reliable, and I have learned to trust her judgment always. She is very well recommended by my parents in terms of capability and inner strength, possessing a wise, calm and serene atmosphere to those who know her well, but yet holds a sense of authority when she speaks, making people induced to listen to her wisdom of words. She can predict the out comings of certain things too, that is why she is one of our best castle advisors."

"Predicting…a Jupiter Adept huh?"

"Jupiter Adept? What does that term mean, Flint?"

"Well, remember when I told you that I'm a Earth djinni, or rather a Venus djinni? Venus sort of represents Earth, Mars for Fire, Mercury for Water and Jupiter for Wind. This four elements form a great power what we call Alchemy. From what I can remember about my real big family, each of the djinn represented one element, either Earth, Fire, Water or Wind. Djinn are supposed to aid special people whom we call adepts. Adepts are people who have some kind of link and connection with Alchemy, and each type of adept has his or her own abilities. For instance, Jupiter or Wind Adepts have the ability to predict something and able to read other people's minds. That's why I think that that Master Hama you spoke of is a Jupiter Adept. But there aren't many Adepts in this world though."

"I see…so you think that Master Hama might have contacted a few Jupiter Djinn and they revealed some information to her?"

"I hope that's the case."

By this time Isaac had already dressed into his royal clothes and armour and made his bed. He never did want extra work on the maids if he could help it. He walked to the door. "Do you want to follow me and meet Master Hama? You have never met her before, if my memory serves me well."

"I'd like to, but I'm afraid I'll scare the passing maids out if I speak. I'm always considered as a toy anyway. Talking toys freak people out, so I think you'd better go alone. Don't leave any news out though!" Flint winked.

Nodding his head in affirmation, he opened the door but paused in his steps. Turning his head towards the djinni lying on his bed, he asked casually with hints of humour in his voice. "On other thoughts Flint, do you think I'll make a good Adept if I'm one?"

The djinni in response laughed. "I don't know, who knows you just might be one! You'd be great as a Venus Adept, I can see that!"

Smirking slightly, Isaac left his room and headed for the meditation room, closing the door.


"King Kyle, Queen Dora, how may you all fare today?"

A wave of the hand. "Enough with the policies. I'm perfectly fine, Kraden." King Kyle responded with a smile on his face.

The King's advisor was an extremely talented scientist named Kraden. Now in his old age, he still sometimes conducted some experiments as his mild 'hobby' when he had the time, enjoying the delight in discovering new things. Many people who did not know him well labeled him as 'the senile, crazy old fool', but the king and queen of Vale knew better. His demeanor fooled those who saw him from the outside, but he was a good companion to Kyle, whom they shared a link as good friends ever since little.

Queen Dora chuckled lightly. "What news do you bring on the preparations of the incoming party ball, Kraden?"

"Ah yes, that. Everything has been arranged efficiently, Queen Dora. All individuals living in the castle have been informed of this incoming activity. Many are excited at the prospect of the idea itself. Our head of communication, Felix, is prepared to fly all across the whole world of Angara to inform all women with another five hundred eager messengers. If our calculations are correct, then with the efficiency of our highly rated messengers, the news will be known throughout the world by three months. Does that go well with milady's wishes?"

"Why, yes. Thank you for the information, Kraden. Then the actual activity will be held two months after that."

Kyle's deep voice interrupted. "I expect everything to go smoothly, Kraden. No flaws, no glitches. Make emphasis on that point. Understand?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will make sure of that." A glint of humour in the aged man's eyes appeared.

"Good."


"Master Hama?"

Isaac stepped into the meditation room with slight awe in his manner. Ever since he was small, he was always mesmerized with this particular room. Somehow, somewhat, it gave him the deep, calm atmosphere, inducing him to sit back and relax his physical body and mind. The brightly lit lamps at the sides of the room were the only lights in it, thus giving the room a mysterious glow to those who did not pay daily visits to the tiny room.

He did not pay much attention towards the room though. His eyes were focused on the human being in front of him who was in a meditating position. Slowly opening her eyes, Master Hama looked at young Isaac, her eyes shrewd and piercing. Many would flinch at her mere look, for those eyes were always sizing up the character of the person whom they saw. But already used to that, Isaac only stared back with interest.

"Yes, Prince Isaac. You are earlier than expected. Sit down here, child."

"Very well."

After Isaac sat down, he sighed before continued speaking. "I understand from earlier that you have some information about my djinni Flint's past. Would you please enlighten me, Master Hama?"

The elderly woman smiled. "Patience, child. Nothing is ever too late. But I understand your eagerness in this matter. Very well, listen carefully. By the merest pure coincidence I happened to make contact with another type of djinni, what we call a Jupiter Djinni. I presume you have already heard of it?"

Isaac nodded his head.

"Well then, this djinni given the name of Breeze revealed information that the big family of Djinn had been dispersed and separated from each other ever since their home was disrupted and attacked by a certain group of humans, therefore causing much chaos and difficulties between the Djinn."

Isaac clenched his hands; how could anyone in the world do such a harmful thing? He could not imagine himself in that bad situation…

"But fortunately all Djinn managed to escape, and they are all currently roaming throughout the whole world, most probably in groups, either big or small. According to Breeze, she says that she is now with a few of her friends, accompanying their current owner. And if I did not hear wrongly, it is said that they all will gather once more in the period of twenty years after their home was destroyed."

Isaac held his breath. "Twenty years…is that…?"

"Yes, you are right. Twenty years…meaning now. And if we were to count accurately, the exact time would rest on the incoming five months from now. And the place that they planned to meet before dispersing was…the country of Vale."

He gasped. "But…how many Djinn are there in total, Master Hama?"

"If I am not mistaken, there are seventy-two djinn."

He couldn't believe his ears. "S…seventy-two?" Vale is quite a big country, but seventy-two djinn around the place! Oh no…and the date…is it not roughly the same as the date of the party ball?


"Are you leaving now, Felix?"

The young man in question only nodded his head in affirmation. Checking himself, he nodded to himself in satisfaction. His long deep brown hair was tied at the end with two golden bands, a few short locks of hair falling across his face. Complete in his suit, it consisted of a dark green shirt, its long sleeves rolled up, followed by a smart belt of the same colour. His trousers were a lighter shade of green-brown, and his brown boots were beautifully polished. Wearing gloves, he checked his bag pack hung beside his belt. Satisfied with it, his hand went out and reached for his own personal sword for protection if necessary, the Excalibur, and sheathed it into the scabbard attached to his back. To top off his clothing, a long dark green scarf was tied to his neck sideways.

Beside him were two young people watching him with slight awe. Both Ivan and Sheba were always with Felix before he went off for some special 'errand' ordered by the higher authorities, wishing their friend farewell and the best of luck. If anyone were to compare the size of Felix with the other two, both blondes would rather be considered as 'midgets', but those small details were unimportant, for Ivan and Sheba were full with words of wisdom, and extremely knowledgeable in many aspects that you could think of.

"So when will you be back?"

Felix paused for a while. "If luck is with me and the rest, we'll be back by three months."

Ivan grinned. "Wow, that's quite a long time. I suppose that's reasonable though, you are going throughout the whole world."

Sheba smiled. "We'll miss you, Felix. Don't forget to take care of yourself out there."

"Sure thing, Sheba."

"What section of the world are you actually going to, Felix?"

"The big country of Prox."

Ivan raised his eyebrows. "Prox…that's rumored to be the hot-headed country, isn't it?"

Felix just shrugged his shoulders in response. "That's why I loaded my weapon; for any protection against any enemy if the need arises."

Sheba frowned. "Prince Isaac sent his regards and best wishes to you. He apologizes for not able to see you because he is- " She stopped midway in her sentence as her green eyes caught the sight of a male running towards them. "Well, to speak of the devil, here he comes now!"

Prince Isaac came up to them, panting slightly as he did so. All the other three bowed as a sign of respect.

"Sorry…I am not too late am I?"

Felix couldn't resist a chuckle. "No, you are just in time, Prince."

"I had something important to discuss with Master Hama earlier on…"

Ivan looked at Isaac with surprise. With Sister?

"Wish you all the best in your journeys, Felix." Isaac gave him a friendly hug.

"Thank you, Prince." Felix bowed. "I will go now." And with that, the independent thoughtful young man walked towards his own horse, Silverblaze, waiting patiently for him. Mounting it, Felix spoke a few soothing words to it, and with a neigh from the horse, the two departed from the castle.

Just then, a loud gong could be heard echoing around the castle, startling the other three.

"Breakfast!" Sheba exclaimed delightedly.

Isaac laughed. "To tell you the truth, Sheba, you sounded a little like my godfather when you said that just now. He always does appear more than delighted whenever meals come along."

Young Ivan chuckled. "Then, I take it that your godfather is usually hungry, Prince?"

"You hit the nail on the head, Ivan. For my godfather, he's not that much older than me though."

"Well what are we standing here for? Let's get into the castle for breakfast!"

Laughing together like a group of ordinary friends, they venture forth into their home, their voices carried by the wind.

"So any plans after breakfast, Ivan?"

"I'm not too sure yet, Prince. But maybe Sheba and I will go for meditation practice with my sister. How about it, Sheba?"

"Fine with me. Master Hama is a very nice lady, serene and calm. I enjoy learning under her."

"From what you two say, I am indeed very glad to have reunited you and Master Hama together, Ivan, even though it was purely coincidence."

"Yes, I myself did not know that I had a sister for all the years I spent as an orphan. That I owe you greatly, Prince Isaac. I will certainly repay that debt one day."

"That need not be done, Ivan. You and Sheba being here as my friends is already enough."

"We will try our best to help you any day, Prince Isaac! We promise you this as your loyal friends."

"…Thank you, Ivan, Sheba. Words cannot tell you how grateful I am to both of you."


Author's Note: Yes, seventh chapter done! Much quicker than the rest, for a good change. D So Isaac still cannot figure his dream out, and here comes a deeper plot on the Djinn! All seventy-two of them will be included, though only very minor. Can the whole ball activity work out with them roaming throughout Vale? I wonder…Oh and I'll be adding slight Windshipping in this story. Mudshipping coming up in the next two or three chapters! Squee!

Next chapter coming up: Centering on Mia: the arrival of the news on the ball to Mia and her stepsisters by Felix himself! How will they all react to it? Poor Mia…

Please read and review!

Thanks a lot to the following people:

Kodoku: I hope updating this fic was fast yet good enough for you…oh yeah and by the way, the name 'kodoku' means solitude in Japanese right?

enigma4ever2020: Yaloh, stupid mistake of me, can't believe it. And yeah, Isaac being an Earth Adept should be feeling quite 'environmental' right? Forget about stepping on the grass. --

GoldenSunGeek: I hope changing the title of this story won't influence other people through the bad way…and I guess the italics were used quite a lot, but hey, that's the only way to say that it isn't real right?

Eruruu: Yay, I'm so glad you're reviewing again! Hope you're pleased with this chapter, and keep reviewing!

Insanity Team! (A.k.a. Violet): Nah, I won't stop this fic for nothing; I'll continue writing as long as some people like it! Hope you'll continue reading!

Princess Viv: Hey Viv! I'm so glad you like my fic; hope you'll like the rest of the incoming chapters as well. I'll try my best to keep up the good work done and meet your expectations! And yes, I'll definitely be adding Jenna and Garet in this fic; you may have caught some hints of Garet already in this chapter. (hint, hint) And I hope adding Kraden and Master Hama was a nice touch; I'll be adding Feizhi soon too. Poor Alex and Piers that got minor roles will probably be in the story again in the later chapters. And I'll stick to Windshipping with you…Hope you'll keep reading and keep in touch always!