Parallels
Chapter 21
Storming down the deep ravine that led to a lone structure at the far end, Ivan fumed. Furious at his sister's actions, it was insane that she would suddenly lash out at him. She had plenty of time to attack prior to this morning, yet she had not only used Picard to attack Prox for reasons unknown (presumably on Garet's will, with some bribe), but also kept him unaware of his protoge's abduction, presumably by Garet.
Walking as fast as he could without pushing himself to the point of sweating, Ivan contemplated what he would do when he confronted his sister. Hamma's involvment in the abduction meant that she wished to obtain the younger Hamma, for whatever reason she had. But why would Garet wish to assist her? Hamma, should she wish to, could have easily captured the young girl.
Unless Garet was using the young Hamma to "pay" the older Hamma for the attack on Prox.
Increasing his pace, Ivan began to worry at the notion of what his sister might want with his young friend...
So this is the legendary Felix clone I've heard so much about, mused Sheba. Tales had reached her "father's" sources about this man, that he was jumpy and easily spooked, yet intelligent enough to use psynergies in the oddest ways. Yet the man standing next to the still-sitting Mia was nothing like the stories had said.
The supposedly timid man was quite calm, and his subtle intellect almost radiated from his very being. Quite odd, given what she had heard. It was as if something had begun to change within him. But what? Few things could change a mind so, and only a few people were able to change minds.
But there was more here than met the eye. Something else about him was... familiar. Sheba could not put her finger on it, but something about his "aura," his stance.
He reminded her of her brother, Isaac. As to why he did, she did not even have a guess.
"Yes, Sheba?"
Fixating her gaze on Mia, Sheba gave her a polite smile, still trying to ponder her actions. "I was curious if we would have a chance to have a little talk. I am quite curious what kind of world you plan to rebuild once you obliterate the Regime."
To Sheba's suprise, the response came quite quickly: "To be honest, we don't know."
Frowning, Sheba raised an eyebrow, trying to discern what to say to that. Her efforts were cut short as Mia spoke up:
"Sheba, is your brother Isaac?"
Sheba raised both of her eyebrows to this question, amused that Mia (or anyone else, for that matter) had picked up on her connection to Isaac. Or maybe it was because no one else had dared to ask. Who knew? Glancing at Felix, she noted that he had barely flinched, still staring at her as though he was evaluating her. Which, she museed, is not suprising. Isaac always seemed to do that...
Returning her attention to the Resistance leader, Sheba offered a smile as she prepared to tell the tale for the first time in years. "Yes."
Predictably, Mia's eyes showed confusion, "But everyone said you were dead!"
"Who saw me die?"
Mia blinked, possibly trying to recall that fact. Though it took her about a minute or so, Sheba already had a hunch as to who saw her "die."
"Garet, I think. Said something about you being rushed down a waterfall."
Down the waterfall and thirty miles down stream, to be precise. Nodding, Sheba decided that it would be best to explain why she was involved in Prox. "I'm sure you are familiar with the "smuggler" Hamlet, correct?"
Mia stared blankly, but slowly nodded. Must be a vague memory. "After I crawled out of the river, Hamet found me and trained me to be his successor. When the Regime started, I assisted in doing some shippments, most of which were...not popular."
"But didn't Isaac know of you from these activities?"
Sheba shook her head, "No, he did not. As far as most people are conscerned, my name is Kay." Sheba watched as Mia's eyebrows rose, apparently suprised that Sheba would use the name of Garet's mother. "Over time, we have been supplying many towns and villages around Weyard, mostly those in Angara, Gondowan, Atteka, and the northern ice regions."
Waiting for Mia to proccess this information, Sheba reflected on what she said. Isaac's Regime covered Angara, Gondowan, Indra, Osenia, Tundaria, and a few random islands in the Great Eastern Sea. Prox (since the Regime) had conqured Hesparia and Atteka, as well as the island of Izumo.
Abruptly, Mia spoke, "So, why are you willing to help us?"
"The Regime is bad for business for one thing. It's quite hard sneaking around the so-called "Traider's Guild." Those pirates get annoying when they fight in groups." Sheba noted that Mia seemed suspicious, and decided to give another reason - the last thing she needed was a suspicious Mia. Quickly glancing at Felix, she noted the same stare.
"Another is that the Regime keeps minds locked under constant servaliance, provided that Isaac's network is checked by Hamma and Ivan every so often."
Mia stared, obviously confused. Before she could speak, Sheba explained her statement: "Isaac does not have Jupitarian powers."
Her eyes wide, the often-labled "goddess" stared at Sheba, her mouth agape. "But, he can sense when people are telling the truth! Is that not a Jupitarian trait?"
Sheba frowned. Her information was pretty good, as were her sources, but she knew that Mia would soon be as confused as she was. "All I know is that he has some kind of ability to see a person's "aura." Some say it shows "good" if the person likes you or doesn't know you, and dark when the person hates you or is against you."
"How do you know all of this?"
Sheba smiled, "Hamet set up a complex network of sources all over Weyard, and I know where most of them are. Also, several sources have specified that you, Felix," she turned her figure to face him, "were supposed to be wily, jumpy, and quite intelligent, as well as quite gifted with some...interesting Pysnergy abilities. None of them said anything about you now."
Out of the corner of her eyes, Sheba watched Mia turn to stare at Felix, apparently as curious as she was. Probably a GOOD thing that I did not mention the one source that told of Felix's feelings for Mia...
Felix spoke, though he still had that gaze, "I do not know."
Sheba opened her mouth to speak, but a loud shouting from above drew their attention. Rushing to the stairs, Sheba could only wonder what was going on NOW...
Deep within her sanctum, Hamma smiled to herself as she allowed herself to relax in the hot bath in the back. Soon Garet would deliver that young girl to her, and her own brother would soon be here as well. It was one thing to try to drink Ivan's mind like the others; it was another to do it to a woman that was supposed to be identical to her.
Hamma did not know exactly how this...Hamma had come to this place, but from what she had gathered over time, the young girl not only looked like she did at a much younger age, she also was extremely gifted in her abilities.
Just like me.
Streaching in the bath, Hamma pondered her third plaything. Had she willed it, she could have already dominated his mind, using him like Isaac controlled his minions from afar. However, it was far more stimulating to have Garet do her bidding knowingly. After all, what fun was it to control someone and not feel terror, fear, pain, and pleasure all at once?
Using a cloth to wash her face, Hamma considered the course of events to come. Garet would bring Hamma and Ivan here (Garet's abduction of Hamma would bring Ivan, no doubt), Ivan would demand Hamma to release his friend, and Hamma would tell him that she knows of Ivan's little activities regarding a certain "Felix" in the Resistance.
But what to do with Garet? Should she have him stand and watch her challenge her brother, or should she have him serve some other purpose? It would be amusing to see how Garet fared against Prox.
Ah. Prox. She had almost forgotten what she meant to do with that pathetic Picard. Her eyes shut, she reached out, sensing his mind, no longer blocked from Ivan's efforts to shield Picard so Felix could trap him. Their minds linked, she searched for the part of his mind that held his knowlege of the "C'Kal." Wincing, she felt the waves of some kind of explosion, presumably the Proxians attemtping to see what had happened to the Monster. Or did they know it was Picard? Hamma did not know, neither did she care. In mere seconds, Picard would be unleashed on Prox again, and with Ivan focused on trying to get his "girlfriend" back, there would be nothing stopping her.
Just as she began to have Picard change, she heard a scream. Using Picard's mind and body, she used a half-closed eye to survey, while his ears scanned for sound. Apparently, someone was horrified to find a body within the shell of dirt and plant. Irked that something so trivial could divert her attention, Hamma almost missed seeing the approaching trio from what looked like an inn of sorts. She knew two of them immediately - Mia and Felix. Amusing that they were alive; maybe Prox bought their efforts to explain that they did nothing. Not that Hamma cared - she was too conscerned with the other girl.
Wearing a heavy brown cloak with the hood thrown back, the woman had (ash?) blonde hair, blue (or violet?) eyes, and a familiar visage.
Swearing to herself, Hamma realized that this was Sheba - perhapse the only person outside of Anemos that could remotely match her abilities. Outside of Hamma, of course.
Returning her mind to Picard, she barely noticed his body being carried out of the "egg" - she was too busy starting his transformation.
Well, I'm evil.
It is interesting to note that this is the longest fic in terms of both word count and chapter numbers that I have written in the one and three-quarter years that I have been with Just some useless triva on my time with the site...
Story-wise, nothing to really comment on here, as I think this answers several things, yet makes more questions bugg the stew out of ya. Tis a fun thing, being the author and all...
And to the reviews! Thanks to all of the loyal readers of this fic!!
Pyro1588 - This story was designed in such a way that you might have to reread each part every so often to get the full effect... And the rating was pushed up for several reasons, the biggest one being Hamma (Regime)'s scene with Garet a couple chapters ago. Another good reason was that, after I changed the rating, posted a note saying that it would begin to crackdown on fics with ratings that did not match the content. My precaution paid off... Thanks!
Chibi Fizz - I was certain the checker scene was self-explanitory... Oh well. Felix basically won. Thanks for the review!
TemplarofNi - Thanks!
Dragon asesino - Winter? Where do you live? And translator dictionaries can be fun... =D Thanks for the review!
wildcats1310 - Ya know, many people are asking if Isaac will go home or stick around. Now I don't know if I want to kill virtually everyone or not... And before you say that I just gave a major spoiler, remember this - would I spoil something, or would I try to mislead you? Thanks for the review!
Forgotten Souls - Ferran was actually a name I pulled out of thin air. I knew it was kin to ol' FARAN, but I decided that it was beter to have some name rather than a guy that had no name and wore a red shirt before being blasted. Anway... "That day and age...?" I love how many people assume that Golden Sun takes place in the Midevil Age when the game is nothing like our world... And you are good at Chess? This world is differient, and to top it off, they are both purple and blue at the same time. I do tend to make up names from time to time, but because I was lazy and feeling rushed, I simply applied the word I used to describe cultures during my earliest ideas in the thought stages - Ch'Kal'A. And the Proxian dragon change is NOTHING like the C'Kal at all... And thanks for the review!
The 8BTFreek - Killed Teenage Hamma? Why would I go and do THAT? Just because Isaac was attracked to her and feels comfortable in her presence, as does she? Not like killing her would affect the story... I need a napkin for sarcasm here... Seriously, no comment on Hamma's fate... Power made her insane? Ever notice how...oh, you said that already...lol Garet Stereotype? I WOULD have Garet as a smart person, but given the premise behind this fic, it would not be as suprising, given what I have already done (namely Alex...). Thanks for the review! Oh, and as for your fics, given that I have VERY little time on the web for fics right now (as I lack a print cart - long story there), I probably won't read any fics outside Love Bites and any BETAs that are sent to me. I WILL try to get to them come time for school this far... Thanks again!
I DO NOT OWN NINTENDO OR GOLDEN SUN. IF I DID, THE NEXT GOLDEN SUN WOULD BE ON EITHER THE GBA OR NINTENDO DS. PERSONAL PREFERENCE HERE...
REVIEW TO SEE THIS CONTINUE!!!
Chapter 21
Storming down the deep ravine that led to a lone structure at the far end, Ivan fumed. Furious at his sister's actions, it was insane that she would suddenly lash out at him. She had plenty of time to attack prior to this morning, yet she had not only used Picard to attack Prox for reasons unknown (presumably on Garet's will, with some bribe), but also kept him unaware of his protoge's abduction, presumably by Garet.
Walking as fast as he could without pushing himself to the point of sweating, Ivan contemplated what he would do when he confronted his sister. Hamma's involvment in the abduction meant that she wished to obtain the younger Hamma, for whatever reason she had. But why would Garet wish to assist her? Hamma, should she wish to, could have easily captured the young girl.
Unless Garet was using the young Hamma to "pay" the older Hamma for the attack on Prox.
Increasing his pace, Ivan began to worry at the notion of what his sister might want with his young friend...
So this is the legendary Felix clone I've heard so much about, mused Sheba. Tales had reached her "father's" sources about this man, that he was jumpy and easily spooked, yet intelligent enough to use psynergies in the oddest ways. Yet the man standing next to the still-sitting Mia was nothing like the stories had said.
The supposedly timid man was quite calm, and his subtle intellect almost radiated from his very being. Quite odd, given what she had heard. It was as if something had begun to change within him. But what? Few things could change a mind so, and only a few people were able to change minds.
But there was more here than met the eye. Something else about him was... familiar. Sheba could not put her finger on it, but something about his "aura," his stance.
He reminded her of her brother, Isaac. As to why he did, she did not even have a guess.
"Yes, Sheba?"
Fixating her gaze on Mia, Sheba gave her a polite smile, still trying to ponder her actions. "I was curious if we would have a chance to have a little talk. I am quite curious what kind of world you plan to rebuild once you obliterate the Regime."
To Sheba's suprise, the response came quite quickly: "To be honest, we don't know."
Frowning, Sheba raised an eyebrow, trying to discern what to say to that. Her efforts were cut short as Mia spoke up:
"Sheba, is your brother Isaac?"
Sheba raised both of her eyebrows to this question, amused that Mia (or anyone else, for that matter) had picked up on her connection to Isaac. Or maybe it was because no one else had dared to ask. Who knew? Glancing at Felix, she noted that he had barely flinched, still staring at her as though he was evaluating her. Which, she museed, is not suprising. Isaac always seemed to do that...
Returning her attention to the Resistance leader, Sheba offered a smile as she prepared to tell the tale for the first time in years. "Yes."
Predictably, Mia's eyes showed confusion, "But everyone said you were dead!"
"Who saw me die?"
Mia blinked, possibly trying to recall that fact. Though it took her about a minute or so, Sheba already had a hunch as to who saw her "die."
"Garet, I think. Said something about you being rushed down a waterfall."
Down the waterfall and thirty miles down stream, to be precise. Nodding, Sheba decided that it would be best to explain why she was involved in Prox. "I'm sure you are familiar with the "smuggler" Hamlet, correct?"
Mia stared blankly, but slowly nodded. Must be a vague memory. "After I crawled out of the river, Hamet found me and trained me to be his successor. When the Regime started, I assisted in doing some shippments, most of which were...not popular."
"But didn't Isaac know of you from these activities?"
Sheba shook her head, "No, he did not. As far as most people are conscerned, my name is Kay." Sheba watched as Mia's eyebrows rose, apparently suprised that Sheba would use the name of Garet's mother. "Over time, we have been supplying many towns and villages around Weyard, mostly those in Angara, Gondowan, Atteka, and the northern ice regions."
Waiting for Mia to proccess this information, Sheba reflected on what she said. Isaac's Regime covered Angara, Gondowan, Indra, Osenia, Tundaria, and a few random islands in the Great Eastern Sea. Prox (since the Regime) had conqured Hesparia and Atteka, as well as the island of Izumo.
Abruptly, Mia spoke, "So, why are you willing to help us?"
"The Regime is bad for business for one thing. It's quite hard sneaking around the so-called "Traider's Guild." Those pirates get annoying when they fight in groups." Sheba noted that Mia seemed suspicious, and decided to give another reason - the last thing she needed was a suspicious Mia. Quickly glancing at Felix, she noted the same stare.
"Another is that the Regime keeps minds locked under constant servaliance, provided that Isaac's network is checked by Hamma and Ivan every so often."
Mia stared, obviously confused. Before she could speak, Sheba explained her statement: "Isaac does not have Jupitarian powers."
Her eyes wide, the often-labled "goddess" stared at Sheba, her mouth agape. "But, he can sense when people are telling the truth! Is that not a Jupitarian trait?"
Sheba frowned. Her information was pretty good, as were her sources, but she knew that Mia would soon be as confused as she was. "All I know is that he has some kind of ability to see a person's "aura." Some say it shows "good" if the person likes you or doesn't know you, and dark when the person hates you or is against you."
"How do you know all of this?"
Sheba smiled, "Hamet set up a complex network of sources all over Weyard, and I know where most of them are. Also, several sources have specified that you, Felix," she turned her figure to face him, "were supposed to be wily, jumpy, and quite intelligent, as well as quite gifted with some...interesting Pysnergy abilities. None of them said anything about you now."
Out of the corner of her eyes, Sheba watched Mia turn to stare at Felix, apparently as curious as she was. Probably a GOOD thing that I did not mention the one source that told of Felix's feelings for Mia...
Felix spoke, though he still had that gaze, "I do not know."
Sheba opened her mouth to speak, but a loud shouting from above drew their attention. Rushing to the stairs, Sheba could only wonder what was going on NOW...
Deep within her sanctum, Hamma smiled to herself as she allowed herself to relax in the hot bath in the back. Soon Garet would deliver that young girl to her, and her own brother would soon be here as well. It was one thing to try to drink Ivan's mind like the others; it was another to do it to a woman that was supposed to be identical to her.
Hamma did not know exactly how this...Hamma had come to this place, but from what she had gathered over time, the young girl not only looked like she did at a much younger age, she also was extremely gifted in her abilities.
Just like me.
Streaching in the bath, Hamma pondered her third plaything. Had she willed it, she could have already dominated his mind, using him like Isaac controlled his minions from afar. However, it was far more stimulating to have Garet do her bidding knowingly. After all, what fun was it to control someone and not feel terror, fear, pain, and pleasure all at once?
Using a cloth to wash her face, Hamma considered the course of events to come. Garet would bring Hamma and Ivan here (Garet's abduction of Hamma would bring Ivan, no doubt), Ivan would demand Hamma to release his friend, and Hamma would tell him that she knows of Ivan's little activities regarding a certain "Felix" in the Resistance.
But what to do with Garet? Should she have him stand and watch her challenge her brother, or should she have him serve some other purpose? It would be amusing to see how Garet fared against Prox.
Ah. Prox. She had almost forgotten what she meant to do with that pathetic Picard. Her eyes shut, she reached out, sensing his mind, no longer blocked from Ivan's efforts to shield Picard so Felix could trap him. Their minds linked, she searched for the part of his mind that held his knowlege of the "C'Kal." Wincing, she felt the waves of some kind of explosion, presumably the Proxians attemtping to see what had happened to the Monster. Or did they know it was Picard? Hamma did not know, neither did she care. In mere seconds, Picard would be unleashed on Prox again, and with Ivan focused on trying to get his "girlfriend" back, there would be nothing stopping her.
Just as she began to have Picard change, she heard a scream. Using Picard's mind and body, she used a half-closed eye to survey, while his ears scanned for sound. Apparently, someone was horrified to find a body within the shell of dirt and plant. Irked that something so trivial could divert her attention, Hamma almost missed seeing the approaching trio from what looked like an inn of sorts. She knew two of them immediately - Mia and Felix. Amusing that they were alive; maybe Prox bought their efforts to explain that they did nothing. Not that Hamma cared - she was too conscerned with the other girl.
Wearing a heavy brown cloak with the hood thrown back, the woman had (ash?) blonde hair, blue (or violet?) eyes, and a familiar visage.
Swearing to herself, Hamma realized that this was Sheba - perhapse the only person outside of Anemos that could remotely match her abilities. Outside of Hamma, of course.
Returning her mind to Picard, she barely noticed his body being carried out of the "egg" - she was too busy starting his transformation.
Well, I'm evil.
It is interesting to note that this is the longest fic in terms of both word count and chapter numbers that I have written in the one and three-quarter years that I have been with Just some useless triva on my time with the site...
Story-wise, nothing to really comment on here, as I think this answers several things, yet makes more questions bugg the stew out of ya. Tis a fun thing, being the author and all...
And to the reviews! Thanks to all of the loyal readers of this fic!!
Pyro1588 - This story was designed in such a way that you might have to reread each part every so often to get the full effect... And the rating was pushed up for several reasons, the biggest one being Hamma (Regime)'s scene with Garet a couple chapters ago. Another good reason was that, after I changed the rating, posted a note saying that it would begin to crackdown on fics with ratings that did not match the content. My precaution paid off... Thanks!
Chibi Fizz - I was certain the checker scene was self-explanitory... Oh well. Felix basically won. Thanks for the review!
TemplarofNi - Thanks!
Dragon asesino - Winter? Where do you live? And translator dictionaries can be fun... =D Thanks for the review!
wildcats1310 - Ya know, many people are asking if Isaac will go home or stick around. Now I don't know if I want to kill virtually everyone or not... And before you say that I just gave a major spoiler, remember this - would I spoil something, or would I try to mislead you? Thanks for the review!
Forgotten Souls - Ferran was actually a name I pulled out of thin air. I knew it was kin to ol' FARAN, but I decided that it was beter to have some name rather than a guy that had no name and wore a red shirt before being blasted. Anway... "That day and age...?" I love how many people assume that Golden Sun takes place in the Midevil Age when the game is nothing like our world... And you are good at Chess? This world is differient, and to top it off, they are both purple and blue at the same time. I do tend to make up names from time to time, but because I was lazy and feeling rushed, I simply applied the word I used to describe cultures during my earliest ideas in the thought stages - Ch'Kal'A. And the Proxian dragon change is NOTHING like the C'Kal at all... And thanks for the review!
The 8BTFreek - Killed Teenage Hamma? Why would I go and do THAT? Just because Isaac was attracked to her and feels comfortable in her presence, as does she? Not like killing her would affect the story... I need a napkin for sarcasm here... Seriously, no comment on Hamma's fate... Power made her insane? Ever notice how...oh, you said that already...lol Garet Stereotype? I WOULD have Garet as a smart person, but given the premise behind this fic, it would not be as suprising, given what I have already done (namely Alex...). Thanks for the review! Oh, and as for your fics, given that I have VERY little time on the web for fics right now (as I lack a print cart - long story there), I probably won't read any fics outside Love Bites and any BETAs that are sent to me. I WILL try to get to them come time for school this far... Thanks again!
I DO NOT OWN NINTENDO OR GOLDEN SUN. IF I DID, THE NEXT GOLDEN SUN WOULD BE ON EITHER THE GBA OR NINTENDO DS. PERSONAL PREFERENCE HERE...
REVIEW TO SEE THIS CONTINUE!!!