First off I'd like to thank those who reviewed and answer any questions they may have asked… so here we go!

Golden Sun is the property of Camelot and Nintendo.

Kain walked through the deep snow humming to himself as he made his way to his ship. So far he had made good time, the snow was firm and thickly packed allowing him to travel quickly across the northern wastelands. After a half hour walk he finally reached the Tidal River. Kain stood at the bank of the river his jeweled eyes shifting from it to the solid snow. Finally he made his decision and stepped onto the ice, taking a deep breath he began to walk quickly across the ice, in a few minutes he was running across the slick surface. He kept running for half an hour or so before the ice suddenly ended, leaving him suspended ten feet above the frozen river. He had reached a small waterfall and hadn't stopped in time…now he was falling to the ice below.

Kain calmly pulled the pipe from his belt, depressing a button on its side…there was a clicking sound, and the pipe split open at both ends. From the open ends a new pipe came. In seconds the three foot pipe was over nine feet long. Kain braced himself as the end of the staff struck the ice punching a deep hole in it. He pressed the button again, and the staff collapsed on itself lowering him to the ground. Kain gave a quiet laugh and pulled the pipe from the ice, latching it onto his belt. He began to walk, but froze almost immediately, his masked face jerked to either side of him. Seeing nothing he stopped moving and held his breath…after a few seconds he coiled the muscles in his legs and jumped landing eight feet away in a crouch. He waited patiently, drawing his black Katana from its sheath in one smooth movement…something was amiss.

The ice began to tremble at the base of the waterfall where Kain had been only seconds ago. Suddenly a huge horn clear as crystal burst through the thick ice, showering the area with deadly shards. Kain's Katana slashed through the cold air knocking the ice shards to the ground with calculated precision. Only a few of the projectiles made it through Kain's blocking, and those that did hit the ground behind him…unfortunately one of the smaller shards managed to strike him in the face, tearing through his mask, splattering hot blood onto the ice.

Kain's left hand drifted to his face wiping blood from the jeweled eyes of his mask. He looked at his bloody hand and snorted. Unimpressed he wiped his bloody hand on the ice staining the glass like surface. Kain stood up sword held in his right hand while he inspected the wound with his left tracing the gash in the mask with one gloved hand. While he was doing this the monster below the ice started to pull itself from the river. Kain watched as a sea serpent rose from the water leaving its watery home for the harsh winds of the northlands. Pale blue scales glittered dully as the serpent turned to face him, its forked tongue flicking through the air.

Kain looked on admiring the deadly creature; it was at least twenty feet long, its scales the color of pale ice and atop its slender head was a single transparent horn. Its mouth was beak like, lined with small sharp teeth each one over six inches long, transparent like the horn atop its head. It had four legs each one was at least eight feet long, heavily laden with muscle. Its feet were huge clawed instruments of death, easily able to tear through flesh and bone in seconds. Even worse though, were that the toes were connected by thick pads of flesh that would support the beast on the snow. Kain stayed calm unmoving as the beast shook water from its scaled hide. He had heard of these serpents they were extremely rare, supposedly they waited beneath ice and snow for their unsuspecting prey when they finally found a meal there was little chance of escape. Their long legs and large feet allowed them to run across the snow with incredible speed allowing them to chase down all but the fastest of prey.

The beast took a step forward, thin strands of salvia dripping from its monstrous mouth. Kain stood his ground using his free hand to pull a bandage from his medicinal pouch. He squeezed the bandage in his fist before lodging it in his mask, satisfied that his wound was taken care of Kain turned his attention to the gigantic serpent.

The serpent gave a quite growl annoyed that its prey had been ignoring it for so long. When their eyes finally meet the serpent's anger and hunger overpowered its caution. It charged forward long legs propelling it through the deep snow and over the ice, when it was within ten feet of Kain it started lashing out with its spiked tail. Kain pressed the button on his staff increasing its size once again he jammed the weapon into the ice with all of his strength, he succeeded in getting the nine foot pole to sink three feet into the ice satisfied that it was secure he leapt away as the serpents tail raced towards him. The serpent's tail smashed into the staff with a crack…the force of the blow uprooted the staff sending it into a deep snow bank. The serpent's reaction was quite different it roared in agony lashing it tail across the ice smashing river stones to dust. Kain smirked the creature had underestimated the strength of his staff…it had hit the pole so hard that the vertebrae in its tail had broken…though it was not a mortal wound the pain would be almost unbearable and its tail was practically useless.

Kain leapt to his feet and ran to his staff yanking the heavy metal tube from the snow bank and returning it to its normal length. Suddenly he felt something hit him from behind sinking into his flesh, before he knew what had happened he was sailing through the air propelled by the serpent's clawed fist. He hit the ground hard smashing into the base of the waterfall with enough force to crack its frozen surface. Kain stumble to his feet using his pipe for support, he reached for his Katana and realized that it had been knocked out of his hand, snarling he spun the pipe in his hands before pressing a hidden switch on its side. The pipe doubled its length and each end opened up revealing two narrow spearheads each one almost a foot long. Kain spun the twin headed spear in his hands waiting for the serpent to attack. The serpent paused for a moment eyeing the new weapon with contempt and fear. It snorted in frustration and smacked its tail against the ground, pain momentarily forgotten. It opened its mouth letting out a loud hiss as water shot from its mouth drenching Kain. It stopped and watched in satisfaction as the water began to freeze in the cold air immobilizing Kain in a prison of ice. Kain shudder as the ice crept up his shrouded form forcing wounds open and freezing skin. He frowned behind his mask and raised a frozen hand. A stream of fire fell from the sky smashing into him thawing the ice in an instant. Kain flexed his muscles and charged driving the spear into the serpent's chest forcing the enormous creature back. The serpent let out a weak roar as it tried to yank the spear from its chest Kain shook his head and pulled back on the staff. The serpent roared in agony as the weapon began to change inside of it the deadly spear blade had opened inside of the beast locking its deadly blades inside the sea dragon's chest. Kain yanked hard making sure the spear was lodged firmly in its chest before leaving to go find his Katana.

Five minutes later he returned with the black blade safely held in its sheath. The serpent was still struggling weakly on the ice now stained crimson with its thick blood. Kain walked through the puddle of gore stopping at the creature's head…he paused and drew his Katana in one fluid motion the serpent's life was ended. Kain reached down and righted the serpent's head before swinging again cutting the horn from the creature's severed head. Satisfied with his work Kain picked up the horn tucking it under his arm he held the black blade in his hands watching as it absorbed the blood, satisfied he returned the black blade to it sheath. He snorted in contempt and yanked the spear from the beast chest pausing momentarily to inspect the four barbed blades for damage before folding them back into their original spearhead position. Kain knelt wiping the bloody spear on the ground before returning the deadly weapon to its original size and latching it to his belt. He examined his wound again…satisfied that it would be fine for a while longer he looked into the distance for any sign of Alex, not seeing anything on the horizon he turned away and began walking down the river bank...

Meanwhile Alex was having a hell of a time trying to find someone to join his little band. So far the only people who had shown any interest were the neighborhood children. He sighed and made his way to the inn… maybe he would find someone there.

He reached the Inn rather quickly thanks to his warp spell as he opened the door he heard a scream from inside. He dashed in hoping he could help before it was to late, to his surprise he was greeted by the sight of a large object rushing towards his face rather than a fight.

He woke up almost immediately before him a young woman was laughing her face red with exertion "You should have seen your face!" she cried tears of joy streaming her eyes.

Alex pulled himself off the floor, clutching nose "I heard a scream…" he muttered as he checked his face.

The girl laughed again "That was me…you came in at the wrong time." she said poking his chest "I was changing the sheets on the beds."

Alex backed away from her pulling his hands from his face "Changing sheets…it sounded like someone was being murdered."

The girl was about to speak when another girl slightly older than the first interrupted "Actually she was forcing her brother to change the sheets."

The girl spun snapping at the other "Quiet I can explain myself Teyra!"

Definitely Mars adepts…and siblings Alex thought to himself. The two launched into a furious argument completely forgetting about him.

He turned to leave but the younger girl stopped him "Where do you think you're going?"

"I was going to ask the innkeeper a question but you two are blocking my way." he said quietly.

The girls stood back making a path for Alex "Go on…we didn't mean to keep you." Alex squeezed between them keeping a careful eye on his clothing…Mars adepts were notorious for setting peoples attire aflame for trivial reasons.

Thankfully Alex made his way to the innkeeper without further incident. The innkeeper was female, around forty years old and plain looking with the pale blue skin one of the more noticeable trademarks of the people of Prox. "Sorry about those two they're sisters." She said with a smile.

"I know." Alex muttered…only siblings fought like that.

"Can I help you?" the innkeeper asked.

"I was wondering if any travelers are staying here."

"No…no travelers here…the last ones we had were Felix and his band...oh and that man with the mask…he was here." She said.

"Yes I meet him."

"Oh…well I'm sorry those were the only travelers we've had recently…are you going on that mans ship?"

"Yes."

"Well be careful Alex no one knows anything about him…"she said turning away.

Alex nodded and turned to leave but was stopped once again by the two girls. "Why were you looking for travelers?" The younger

girl said.

Alex squeezed by her and made his way to the door ignoring the question, suddenly he felt a small hand grab his shoulder firmly "I asked you a question!"

He smiled and turned to face her "I wanted to know if any travelers were staying here."

"I know that already!" she said indicating the innkeeper "Why are you looking for travelers?"

"My companion and I are leaving…we need another member."

She "Your companion…is he the masked man?"

"Yes."

"Then you must be Alex…excuse me for a moment." the girl ran over to the innkeeper "I'm going with Alex." The innkeeper nodded not looking up from her desk.

Alex immediately spoke up "I need someone who can help on the ship."

The girl walked up to him. "What makes you think I can't?"

"It could be dangerous." Alex said trying his best to change her mind…instead she turned and ran upstairs. Alex cringed as he

heard various crashes and cursing, unfortunately she returned a short while later carrying a huge suitcase…she stopped to give her sister and brother a hug before walking to Alex staggering under her heavy load.

"Probably emptied her room." he thought to himself as he opened the door for her.

She skipped by throwing the suitcase at him as she passed. "Be a dear and carry this." she said cheerfully.

Alex grunted as he tried to get a firm grip on the case "Lets go…I want to get to the ship before my back gives."

Four hours later Alex finally saw the mast of a ship in the distance, he let out a tremendous sigh of relief.

"Look there it is!" The girl squealed hopping up and down in excitement. Alex replied with a groan of pain as he struggled over the hill.

The journey to the ship had been hell…the girl had talked all the way in fact he couldn't remember if she had closed her mouth. As for the suitcase he was carrying it had fallen through the ice near the body of a dragon. Unfortunately the girl had fished it out not caring if anything inside was ruined…out of kindness he had agreed to carry it to the ship. Unfortunately the water logged case was even heavier than before.

As they came over the hill they stopped to admire the ship. The vessel was large at least forty feet in length with three masts each sporting a triangular sail. The hull was made of some strange wood that Alex had never seen before and along the sides were symbols that he couldn't identify. Waiting by the rope ladder that led to ships deck was Kain…to Alex's surprise his companion was bleeding...the mask that covered his face was torn open and a bandage had been shoved in the hole to cover the wound and stop the bleeding. The masked man stared at them for a few seconds unmoving; finally he jumped over the side of the ship landing on the snow below. He came up to Alex and wordlessly grabbed the case, returning to the ladder he climbed it effortlessly dropping the case onto the deck. Alex lifted an eyebrow and the girl fluttered her eyelashes "He's so strong!" she said with a sigh.

"I wonder what happened to him…" Alex thought to himself ignoring the flirtatious girl at his side as Kain returned sliding down one of the thick ropes that locked the ship to the makeshift dock.

Kain turned to them glancing at the girl as he approached Alex "Who's the girl?"

"She's our new member." he said with a smile.

Kain inspected her through the narrow eyes of his mask. She was fifteen with blue tinted skin and red eyes. Her hair was rust red falling to her shoulders; as for her clothing she wore a short skirt and vest both were a dark shade of brown…ideal for travel. The cold mustn't be bothering her at all for her to wear such clothing. He turned to Alex "I believe you made a good choice Alex. However you haven't even asked her name."

"Stay out of my mind Kain!" Alex growled.

Kain waved him off "I didn't read your mind…I read hers." he turned to the girl "What is your name?"

"I am Miyarya but I prefer to be called Myra."

Kain nodded and turned away walking up to one of the stout ropes that kept the ship anchored firmly to the shore he pulled out a knife slicing through it with ease. "I suggest you board now when I cut these ropes the current will drag the ship into deeper water." he cut the next rope and hurried towards the third.

Alex grabbed Myra's arm and disappeared in a flash of psynergy reappearing on the deck of the ship. Alex and Myra watched from the deck as Kain continued cutting the ropes finally he reached the last one. He brought the knife down with one swift slash severing the thick cable and the ship lurched forward. Kain returned the knife to his belt and watched as the ship was dragged out to sea. He raised his masked head and disappeared…as though he had never existed.

Alex made his way to the wheel determined to take control of the ship before it smashed into the ice that littered the sea before them, to his surprise Kain stood at the wheel guiding the ship through the dangerous waters. Kain's head turned slightly "Where is Myra?"

"Below deck…unpacking."

Kain nodded and turned to the ocean "That's for you." he said indicating a parcel on the deck. Alex picked it up unwrapping it…to his surprise it was a beautiful sword made from a strange crystal. "The blade is made from the horn of a sea serpent." Kain said quietly.

"It looks fragile…"

"I strengthened the blade with mythril only a incredibly powerful blow could scratch it let alone break it."

"Hmmm…did it come from the dragon I saw on my way here?" Alex said as he examined the blade.

"Yes...there are actually two blades there press the pommel stone" Alex pressed the stone to his surprise the blade spilt in two revealing the twin light blades.

"You said you got the horn from a sea serpent…did it give you that wound?"

"Yes…it gave me a few others as well…" Kain said lifting his cloak. Alex blinked in surprise Kain breast plate was torn open reveling two large puncture wounds and some cuts.

"How you can even stand is beyond my comprehension…those wounds need attention immediately."

"If you are concerned you may use Ply, either way I will be fine."

"I think that it would be best if I used Ply…I can't risk those wounds becoming infected or you bleeding out."

"I wouldn't worry about that but feel free to do as you will."

Alex nodded and raised a hand in his gloved palm a tiny fairy appeared Alex motioned to the wound and the fairy flew forward using its psynergy to close the wound… in seconds the slash was gone leaving a bloodstained cheek in its place. Alex motioned to the wounds on Kain's chest and the fairy used it power again closing the wounds with ease.

Alex turned away walking towards the steps that led to the deck below "I think you can clean yourself up…right now I think I'll get some rest…" Kain nodded turning the wheel slightly "I will stay here and keep the ship on course."

"Alright if you need someone to relieve you come fetch me."

"That wont be necessary but thanks for the offer…"

Alex sighed and walked down the steps to the long corridor below. He continued towards the rear of the ship and entered the main cabin. To his surprise it was empty and full of dust as though it hadn't been used in a long time…in fact all of the rooms he had been in were in the same condition. He heard a scream as a bright flash lit up the galley…walking in he discovered Myra launching fire into the oven she looked up and gave a little smile "Uh mice living in the oven…don't worry their gone now."

"I can see that." Alex said indicating the ashes that had once been mice.

"Yeah well this ship is a dump…I've been in every room and there's two inches of dust in each one. And the galleys even worse…look at this were wading in the stuff!"

"Its strange that the galley is untouched…in fact I don't think Kain has been in any of these rooms for a long time…" Alex said leaning against the wall.

"Yeah…hey will you help me clean this place up? Kain may be able to stand this but I can't."

"I'll be happy to help you." Alex said throwing her a mop "I'll wash this dust out you mop."

"Fine." Myra said as Alex used his psynergy to wash down the floor.

"It's going to be a long day…" he thought to himself "Far to long."

I apologize that I didn't update when I promised… I got a really bad case of writers block after I updated my other story.