Chapter X:

Matthew and Tyrell exchanged sideways glances, their hands hesitating on the hilts of their weapons. Ivan had already begun charging down the hill, ready to come to Jenna's rescue; though from her tone, Matthew thought that she sounded anything but upset – unless she was so hysterical about it that she sounded joyous. But knowing Jenna, Matthew rather doubted it.

Karis followed behind her father, yet taking a slightly slower pace than he had. She glanced over at Matthew and Tyrell, waiting for them to follow, and was surprised that they were not more concerned by Jenna's outcry.

Ivan leapt over the edge of the hill and onto the other side sharply, his sword drawn out in front of him, ready to strike with the least bit of warning. His violet gaze then met Sheba's sheepishly, as his eyes then moved towards Jenna, swinging from her brother's arms in a tight embrace. Ivan lowered his weapon, blushing slightly, while hoping that no one had truly noticed how close he was to striking Felix.

Karis, Matthew and Tyrell made it over the edge of the hill, panting hard as they came to an abrupt halt while observing the scene. Tyrell raised an eyebrow; Matthew stared blankly; Karis rubbed her cheek awkwardly. Who was this man anyway?

Jenna's laughter rang across the open hills as he set her down, smiling at her broadly.

"Jenna," he said gingerly, still having a tight grip on her upper arms. "It's been far too long. How are you?"

"Fine, and how about you? And Sheba? No visits? No letters? Didn't you realize that you can infuriate people that way?" she asked in a teasing tone as she poked him.

Felix uncomfortably tucked a small lock of hair behind his ear.

"Well, umm… I tried to write, Jenna. But…"

"I tried to force him to but he couldn't do it," Sheba finished for him, and when he shot a glance her direction she merely grinned in an "I-told-you-so" way.

Ivan cleared his throat as he approached Felix from the left, sheathing his sword as he did so, hoping that Felix hadn't noticed Ivan quite nearly beheading him. Felix met Ivan's eye and nodded, smiling as he held out a hand to shake his.

"Hello, Felix," Ivan said, returning the handshake. "It's been quite some time. You haven't changed much."

Felix let out a hollow laugh.

"And neither have you, Ivan. Still the same, short little guy as I remember."

Ivan looked slightly offended by Felix's last statement.

The three younger Adepts still stood by the hill's edge, watching them curiously from where they stood. Matthew gave a start when he'd heard the mention of Felix…

But of course! Felix was his uncle…

Matthew had never met his uncle, or at least, not that he remembered. He'd heard stories from Jenna that Felix had left Kalay when Matthew was only a year old, so he probably had at least seen Felix once. Matthew studied the man more carefully; he appeared to be no more than two years older than his parents, if that. His hair still full and chestnut brown, his face showing no sign of wrinkles or aging as it should have. He seemed youthful and energetic - given the way that he had seen Felix swing his mother around - yet he saw no real resemblances between him and his mother. He knew, however, that Felix's element was earth while Jenna's was fire, so perhaps that was where the differences took place. Apart of him was curious to go meet his uncle, but he had heard so much negativity about him, especially from his dad…

Matthew hesitated; what if Felix didn't like him because he was Isaac's son? Surely he'd still like him because he was Jenna's son as well? He also looked very much like his father had when he was his age, would that change Felix's initial impression on his as well? Matthew moved his foot back into place that he had extended to walk over to them, feeling for one of the first times in a long while rather uncertain.

After the adults greeted each other and exchanged hugs like old friends, all four of them looked up the hill to see Matthew, Tyrell and Karis standing there.

"Ivan," Sheba began, nodding in Karis's direction. "Is that – your daughter?"

Ivan nodded proudly, smiling at Karis. "That sure is. Karis, come over here and meet some of the warriors of Vale!"

Karis nervously tucked a strand of sea foam green hair behind her ear and casually made her way over to her father. She hated being introduced to people for the first time.

Ivan put an arm around her shoulder and gestured to Sheba and Felix.

"Karis, I'd like you to meet Sheba -" he said in a tone filled with enthusiasm, while Karis smiled and nodded in Sheba's direction, "-and Felix. We all traveled together back during our quest to light the Lighthouses."

They exchanged quick hellos before Felix glanced up the hill towards Matthew and Tyrell, who slowly made their way down.

"Ah, no need to tell me who's son this is," Felix said, making his way up the hill to meet them. "With those red spikes, you must be Tyrell."

Tyrell gaped at him.

"How'd you know my name?" he asked in awe.

Felix grinned, tapping his temple.

"ESP," he said, winking. His hazel eyes then traveled over to Matthew, who felt the heat rise in his cheeks at being noticed at last by his uncle. "And good lord, you look just like your father, Matthew. For a moment I thought you were him standing before me -"

Matthew looked at his feet; why had he seemed to notice the resemblance so quickly? They reached each other at last, slowing down to until they came to a halt before one another. Felix smiled at him, catching Matthew by surprise.

"I can't believe how much you've grown. Last time I saw you you had a diaper rash," he said with a chuckle. "But now – you're almost a man. You look to be a strong warrior yourself. I'm sure you must make your parents proud."

"He sure does," Jenna said behind Felix, grinning broadly.

Matthew turned a deep shade of crimson; didn't his mom know when she was embarrassing him? Or did she just merely enjoy it?

Matthew took a step forward towards his uncle, offering him a small smile. Although Matthew wasn't all that short for his age, he only came up to about Felix's shoulder. He wasn't certain on exactly how tall Felix was, but he could gauge just by looking at him that he was fairly tall; likely well over six foot.

Felix stared at him blankly for a few moments; an odd silence falling between them, and then before Matthew could fully comprehend it, he found himself in his uncle's embrace, which he returned gratefully.

So he had accepted him. After all of Matthew's worrying…

After a brief moment, Felix pulled back, his hands resting Matthew's shoulders. Matthew grinned up at him.

"Hello, Uncle Felix," he said, hesitating at addressing his uncle for the first time. "I've always… Looked forward to the day that I'd get to meet you – I mean, meet you again. Well, what I mean is –"

Karis let out a giggle. All eyes turned to her, as she smiled over at Matthew.

"See? And you were so worried that your uncle wouldn't accept you for who you were," she said playfully.

Felix looked at Matthew incredulously.

"Not accept you?" Felix repeated. "Why wouldn't I? You're my nephew, aren't you?"

Matthew shrugged. "Well, yeah. It's just that… Well, I know you and my dad don't like each other much."

Felix let out a laugh, patting Matthew's shoulder.

"Isaac and I have our quarrels and arguments, there's no doubt about that," Felix replied with a shrug. "But that doesn't mean that I dislike him, much less take it out on his son. You're worrying yourself over nothing, kiddo. Relax and breathe a little. Speaking of which…"

He paused, frowning slightly as he turned towards his sister. "Where is Isaac?"

At the mention of Isaac, Jenna's expression darkened as she averted her gaze from his.

"Gone," she muttered in barely more than a whisper.

Felix raised an eyebrow. "Gone? What do you mean gone?"

"Exactly as it sounds," Karis said, letting out a loud sigh. "But it's too long of a story, and if we don't eat soon Tyrell's going to soon eat us, so…"

Sheba glanced over at Tyrell and nodded.

"Completely understand," she said smiling. "I'm feeling the same way."

Felix watched Jenna reluctantly for a moment, and then nodded.

"Okay, where were you all going?" he asked her.

Jenna gestured towards the other side of the hill.

"We're going to Patcher's Place," Jenna replied. "We're wanting to ask Patcher if he's seen Kraden or knows where he is."

At this point, Felix looked dumbfounded.

"Kraden? I thought you said Isaac was gone…"

"I did."

Felix shook his head, unable to make sense of it, and at the moment chose it not to be a very large matter of importance.

"Okay, fine. Let's get to Patcher's Place, then we'll talk," he said. "Sheba and I passed it on our way here about an hour ago, so it isn't too awful far."

They all headed on their way once more, now with Sheba and Felix accompanying them. Karis took up the back alongside Tyrell, in front of them stood Jenna, Sheba and Ivan sharing some conversation and laughing as they did so, with Felix and Matthew taking up the front. Karis smiled as she noticed Matthew talking animatedly with his uncle, and Felix appearing at least somewhat enthusiastic about their discussion. She knew it really meant a lot to Matthew, and was happy for his sake that he was finally getting to know the uncle that he never met.

Especially if something really had happened to Isaac…

As Felix had promised, they arrived in Patcher's Place after an hour's walk. Tyrell stole one glance at Patcher's shop, and shook his head.

"No way, you ain't convincing me to go into that place again," Tyrell said obstinately. "That man HATES me!"

Karis sighed, shaking her head.

"No, Tyrell, he doesn't hate you… It's just…" said Karis, stopping short as she recalled their trip to Patcher's Place when they had only begun their first quest. Back when Tyrell was only a kid, he'd nearly burned Patcher's shop down, putting Patcher into quite an uproar, and in result, ended up kicking both him and Garet out. The last time they visited wasn't a whole lot better, as Patcher nearly refused Tyrell entry and Tyrell, out of rage, nearly burned the whole place down again.

Karis shook her head at the thought of it. Their little quarrel, in her opinion, was stupid. She shoved Tyrell forward, although he didn't resist her as he could easily had, even on an empty stomach.

The bell rang as they entered single file into the shop. Patcher's shop was a rather unique one – he ran an inn, café and store all within the same building. It was a favorite to travelers and tourists needing to stop and rest up before they continued their travels. Patcher must've known it was a favorite too – for he'd managed to stay open for the past 30 years.

Patcher looked up from the counter as he noticed Felix and Matthew. He grinned over at Matthew, and nodded in Felix's direction.

"A table, please," Felix told him. "And possibly your time. There's a few things that we were wanting to discuss with you, particularly regarding Kraden."

~(*)~

Karis took a sip of her hot chocolate: she had never remembered another cup of it ever tasting so good. They were at last finished with their meal, and all throughout it she and Matthew had explained to Patcher, Felix and Sheba how they returned home from their adventures to find Isaac and Garet gone. Jenna and Ivan occasionally would add in their little tidbits of information, but for the most part they remained silent, allowing their children to describe the scenario for them.

Once Karis was finished, she cleared her throat, looking up at Patcher expectantly. Patcher wore a deep frown, concentrating hard on the intricate pattern of swirls on the tablecloth.

"What you're describing to me sounds as if Isaac and Garet didn't leave on their own accord," he said after giving the matter much thought. "But could anyone seriously succeed in abducting Isaac and Garet? THE Warriors of Vale?"

Felix shook his head.

"Honestly? No, I don't think anyone could have the capability of doing that," he said bluntly. "This doesn't sound all that farfetched for Isaac. He probably heard of some trinket in an faraway land and went to go seek it, end of story."

"Not like that, Felix," Ivan said quietly, opening his mouth for the first time since they had arrived. "Isaac isn't entirely reckless. He wouldn't do something to make the kids unnecessarily worry, unless he absolutely had to-"

"Or didn't want us following," Matthew interjected suddenly.

All eyes at the table turned to him.

"What do you mean, Matthew?" Tyrell asked him, setting his glass back down on the table with a dull thud.

Realization slowly began to sink into Matthew, viewing the matter differently than he had when they first set out to Kalay. He looked into each pair of eyes, until his gaze rested on Ivan.

"You're right on the one hand, Ivan. I don't think my dad and Garet would want us to unnecessarily worry ourselves," said Matthew, turning to Felix as he watched his nephew tentatively. "I think that's exactly why he didn't leave a note. Maybe he was worried that if he had, we'd want to help and follow…"

"What could they be doing that they don't want our help with though?" Jenna asked, more to herself than anyone in particular. "That's stupid."

Karis's violet gaze slowly traveled from Jenna to the tablecloth, quickly mesmerized by its pattern as she spoke, "Matthew's got a point though: Garet and Isaac wouldn't want us to fall into danger, even if they were in peril themselves. Maybe they really did leave on their own."

"That's a good theory, Matthew," said Ivan finally, offering Matthew a warm, knowing smile. "But I'm still not entirely convinced. I would've thought if there was something that important in which Garet and Isaac needed to tend to immediately and didn't want to involve you kids into it, they would've come to us. But we hadn't heard anything from them. It all doesn't add up."

"What if my dad was trying to save you guys too?" Matthew muttered, more as a statement rather than a question demanding an answer.

Jenna bit her lip, looking from one member at the table to the next.

"I don't know the reasoning," she said slowly. "But I think if there's a reason that Isaac and Garent don't want us involved – we should be concerned. And they probably really do need our help."

"The real question is what are they doing out there?" Karis asked.

Karis's "real" question silenced the entire table; no one really seemed to know the answer to it. So much mystery still shrouded them, and they still had very few leads to work on.

"We were hoping to find Kraden," Ivan explained to Patcher, "in hopes that maybe he'd know the latest scoop and have some idea of where Isaac and Garet are. He may know of something going on that we don't. Have you seen him?"

Patcher rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"I haven't seen Kraden in a long while," Patcher told them. "Not since I told you kids that he was waiting for you in the Konpa Ruins…"

Karis sighed, closing her eyes as she brought a hand through her hair. Alas, no help.

"However," Patcher said rather suddenly, rising from their table and striding over to the window, "just yesterday, Kraden's pigeon came by, interestingly enough. I wouldn't be surprised if you gave it a message, it would probably wind its way to Kraden."

Karis shrugged doubtfully, shooting a glance in Matthew and Tyrell's direction.

"Couldn't hurt," said Matthew, looking over towards the adults for their approval. "Things always happen for a reason after all, right?"

Matthew wrote up a note at their table carefully, describing the situation to Kraden and asking for his advice. After he was finished, he handed the letter to Karis, who scrutinized it with a meaningful eye. He watched her tentatively as her eyes scanned over each line written on the paper. Upon finishing, she shook her head.

"I don't think it's a good idea to give Kraden details so blatantly," she told him. "What if someone confiscates this letter? No, we should be more vague. Try it again."

Matthew groaned, shoving the ink bottle and quill in Karis's direction.

"No, I think you should write it this time, Karis. After all, you're the one who found all the flaws in it, so you'd know how to correct them."

Karis thought Matthew's tone was slightly harsh, but he was grinning at her in a teasing way the entire time. She laughed, taking the quill.

"Well, all right, but you'll have to approve it for me," she said, dipping the quill in ink as she began to write her message.

It only took her a few minutes to finish her letter. She handed it to Matthew, and Tyrell instantly leapt over to Matthew's side to attempt to read the already slanted writing sideways:

"Dear Kraden,

I hope this letter finds you well. We all miss our travels with you and Rief already!

We came home to a disaster at the Plateau and hope that maybe you would have some input as to help us. We'd really like to speak with you in person. Any advice you might have would help us wonders.

~ Karis, Matthew and Tyrell"

Karis eyed the two boys suspiciously as they read and reread her letter, wondering what was running through their minds. She thought it was a shame that she didn't know how to read them.

"What's wrong with it?" she asked them.

"It's a little too… vague. Don't you think? I mean, it makes sense to me, but I know the situation already by heart. Don't think you should tell Kraden a little more?" Tyrell suggested, handing the letter back to Matthew, who in return handed it to Karis. Karis reread her writing, and shook her head.

"I think Kraden'll understand it," she replied firmly.

She carefully folded her letter until it wasn't much larger than the size of a sand dollar and tied it to the pigeon's leg, giving it a stroke on the back.

"Take this to Kraden for me," she whispered, not fully realizing how absent-mindedly she was doing it in.

She could've almost sworn the pigeon winked, before soaring out of the open window, into the late afternoon sky.

Matthew, Tyrell and Karis watched it curiously for a moment as its shape shrank smaller and smaller into the distance. Tyrell laughed, shaking his head.

"Sometimes I think I really underestimate Kraden's pet pigeon," he said, chuckling inwardly to himself at the memory of how much he hated that bird, and now to think that it just might save his dad's life.

Author's Note:

Okay, this was probably the dullest chapter out of the lot so far :o I'm having quite a challenging time writing Matthew's party whilst trying to keep things interesting. I know this chapter probably came in more as a filler (and lacked a ton of emotion, no doubt), but I had to add this little tidbit in, So… hope it was okay :D

Does anyone mind the character divide between chapters? Is it getting too confusing to keep up with? I'm trying to be sure to write a bit of a recap of the events in Dark Dawn and TLA for those that haven't completed/played the game (or have forgotten some bits of it :) ).

Hope everyone's enjoying the story so far! And as always, I'd love to hear what you think!