In case you haven't noticed, I've had a penname change. No reason behind this, but the first one I had, just was part of my e-mail address. So I wanted to be a little more creative. Enough about my weird self...on to the fic!

Energy Flow

Chapter 2: Departure

Dawn came all too soon for Isaac. Struggling into his worn armor, with bleary eyes was quite the task. He stumbled his way out of the door, making enough noise to wake his parents. He made his way to the flowing creek. Splashing water on his face, he felt himself wakeup. The water was intensely cool, showing that winter had just ended.

Now that he was wide-awake, he made his way back to his home. The sun was just starting to peak over the horizon, and the birds were just waking up. However reluctant he was to leave his comfortable home, the day showed promise. As of yet, there were no clouds in the sky, and if the temperature remained constant it should be nice enough.

He arrived back to his house and was surprised to see both his father and mother awake. His father was wearing a bulky white robe over his sleeping shirt and his mother still had her nightgown on, but there was a large breakfast sat out on the table.

"Good morning Isaac." Kyle greeted.

"Morning. How did you get breakfast made that fast mom? I was only gone for about five minutes."

"It's a woman's secret." She answered with a smile and placed some strong black coffee in front of his father.

"In other words, she cooked it last night, and just left it in the over to stay warm." Kyle said with a cheeky grin.

"Hush you! I just wanted to have a nice, final meal together as a family." Dora replied, swatting her husband on the arm.

"Well thanks mom. No need to worry. If all goes well, we'll meet up with everybody and settle this dispute in a month." Isaac said, setting himself down at the table. He knew it was a lie as soon as he said it. All of his instincts told him it would take much longer than a month to settle this new multiple threat. He didn't want to correct himself though; both of his parents were smiling happily.

The family began to eat then; there was not much conversation. They just enjoyed each other's company. But the meal ended quickly enough, and Isaac stood up. He silently made his way to his room.

Once there he took one final look around his room. He slid on his traveling boots and grabbed his pack. Then his eyes came to rest on the Sol Blade.

"So it's me and you again." Isaac said, picking it up. He looked at it, the blade was still as sharp as ever. Isaac couldn't explain it, but he always felt as if the blade was alive some how. It was part of him, however reluctant he was to take it. It did feel right, back in his hand. With a final sigh, he strapped the Sol Blade in it's sheath on his back.

He came back downstairs then and his parents were waiting for him. He stopped at the bottom stair and just stared at his parents who were waiting at the door. He looked at them as if he needed to hold the picture of them in his head. To think back on, while on the journey.

"Come now son. I saw Felix and Jenna make their way to the town's entrance. You don't want to keep them waiting." Kyle said, his hand motioning Isaac to come forward.

"Isaac, be a good boy out there. I know you'll make us even prouder now. And don't be afraid to find you a girl. It's about time you had one." Dora put in.

"Mother." Isaac said with a groan.

"Unless that is, if you don't already have one. It's that Mia girl isn't it? The sweet, quiet one with the blue hair?"

Isaac blushed faintly.

"Dora, enough!" Kyle laughed, his eyes danced in mirth. "Our son has to save the world...but who says he can't find love on the way!"

Isaac blushed furiously at that.

Kyle's laughter abruptly stopped. "Well, you best be going. You have another long journey at hand." He was all serious now. And for the first time, Isaac noticed the gray hairs on his father's head. And the wrinkles accumulating on his face. He was getting old, and Isaac hadn't noticed till now.

As Isaac stepped forward, Dora enveloped him in a hug. "Be careful out there. And I mean it. And don't be afraid, remember you have friends who'll watch your back. From what you told me, I gather that the Mia girl is in some sort of trouble. Just be careful."

As she released Isaac from her hug, he couldn't help but wonder what she meant by "being careful." Be careful helping Mia? He wouldn't say rescue yet, he hoped beyond anything that there wasn't enough trouble for that cause. Or did she mean be careful about Mia? He shrugged it off and decided to think on it at another time.

He turned toward his father. Kyle just watched him, not saying anything, studying Isaac's face. His father held out his hand and Isaac took it gingerly.

"You're a man now Isaac. Well you have been for awhile. But you have been twice the man already that I ever had been or will be. I know you'll be fine."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What's taking Isaac so long? I'm ready to go!" Jenna whined. The sun was now fully up in the sky and Vale was bustling with activity. Not many people were suppose to know they were leaving, till the Mayor held a council that evening. But she had already been asked at least a dozen times, why she and the others were hanging around at the gates of Vale, fully clothed in armor and weapons. The situation was handled with a simple reply of "you'll find out tonight", but Jenna was tired of being bothered.

Felix was leaning against the gate. He looked utterly composed and ready to go. He had a cool expression across his face that permitted anyone to see what he could really be thinking or feeling at the moment. He had only had that expression leave him once this morning, and that was when the innkeeper's daughter and bashfully said goodbye to Felix. His roguishly handsome looks acquired a faint blush at that. And he mumbled a reply in return that Jenna didn't hear, but made her giggle and give him a kiss on the cheek. Felix had given a smile goodbye to her and then he crossed his arms and masked his face again.

Garet seemed just about as impatient as Jenna, but he seemed to tired to join her in pacing and whining. He had never been a morning person, and normally didn't wake up until about midmorning. He was sitting down, his head dropping onto his chest until he snapped back awake. His sword and shield was placed beside him, and his hand rested self-consciously on the hilt of his Fire Brand. 'Old habits die hard,' Jenna thought taking a glance at him. When she looked up again, she saw Isaac making his way toward them.

"About time!" Jenna said as Isaac stopped in front of him.

Isaac looked a little sheepish, "Sorry...it was just..."

"Ah Jenna, give it a rest! He's here late, but he's here." Felix interrupted the apology Isaac was going to give. He appeared impatient now, and restless for that matter. The normally stony Felix was more than ready to go.

"Good, we can leave before-" Garet began.

"Kraden! What are you doing here?" Jenna said, as Kraden suddenly appeared among them.

"-gets here." Garet finished and gave a sigh.

"You didn't really think you were going to leave me behind? This is going to be just like old times, and I don't intend to miss it. There is still so many things in Weyworld to discover. And things the youth, like you, need to know. And of course with myself being there, I can make sure you don't miss a thing." Kraden said. He appeared eager and was dressed in a simple tunic, with his heavy cloak on over the top. He was carrying a walking staff with an intricate design carved down the side and leading five horses, each equipped with a saddle.

"Oh joy." Isaac deadpanned. "Let's move on out, it will be midmorning before long. And I hope, depending on these horses, that we can get to Kalay in five days." He finished, already picking out a chestnut brown horse and mounting it.

"Don't worry about the horses." Kraden said as the others picked out their horses. "I bought them yesterday evening. Granted, five horses are rather expensive, but I want you to know that I purchased each of those at a good price. They maybe mixed breeds, but they will get us where we need to go quickly. At least that was what the man I purchased them from insured me. I'll have you know that I use to be quite a fine horse rider back in my day. Why I even remember..."

They had reached Vault before Kraden finished telling the adepts what he remembered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the time the adepts reached Kalay's gates they were on their fifth day out from Vale. The sun showed it was around mid-afternoon and was warming the backs of the adepts as they approached the gates.

One of the guards gave out a friendly greeting, "Afternoon sirs and lady." He said with a slight bow. "You may enter and stay as long as you keep the peace. We have stables to keep your horses here. You'll find that our streets are very crowded now. It's twenty gold a night per horse."

"Very well. Here's a hundred gold, for prepayment." Isaac said, dismounting. The others followed his example and took their packs and equipment off the horses. A guard called for a couple of stable hand's. The two stable hand's, in fine livery, abruptly led their horses away. A guard handed them a signed document and told him to show it to the guards stationed here when they left to get their horses back.

Isaac nodded, tucking the document into his pack, and entered Kalay, followed by the others. Kalay seemed to have prospered even more since Master Hammet had been returned from Lunpa. If Isaac were to take an estimate, he would say it seemed as if the population had doubled since last time they visited. Garet made a beeline for a vendor who was selling different foods as soon as he sighted one inside of the city. Felix roughly pulled him back.

"Not yet, first we find Ivan." He said as Garet whined.

"Then food?"

"Yes, Garet, you great pig. Then food." Jenna replied.

"I'm not a pig I just like food." He continued to say.

The two fire adepts continued to converse as they followed Isaac, Felix, and Kraden through the streets. When they finally reached the Hammets' manor, heavily armed guards greeted them. These guards were not near as friendly as those stationed at the gates.

"What is your business at the Hammet Manor?" One questioned roughly. Five guards barred their passage in to the manor, they held spears out in the front of them and their armor gleamed from the sun.

Isaac stepped forward. "We are here to see Ivan, the wind mage. He was Master Hammet's ward, but is now here with his sister Hama. We request entrance to see them."

"It's Lord Hammet, if you please boy. Not Master Hammet anymore." A guard said harshly.

"Ivan? We know Ivan. He's locked himself up in his rooms ever since his sister has left. Doesn't answer to anyone, including Lord Hammet." Another guard answered.

"Please let us in. We're Ivan's friends; he'll speak to us. It's urgent, please!" Jenna said.

"Sorry. Your request is denied. Please exit these premises immediately." The guards stepped forward, spears now pointed at the group. Garet's hand fell to his Fire Brand, but Isaac gave him a look that made him rethink his initial reaction.

"Wait! I am the scholar Kraden. I wish to call a conference before Master Hammet." Kraden said, stepping up.

The guards abruptly drew back. "Do you have any documents to give proof?"

"Well...yes...just give me a moment." Kraden said. He put down his pack, and began to search through the many papers he kept in there. Isaac raised an eyebrow at the sudden developments and just played it cool. Felix became impassive yet again during the wait. Jenna gave a grin to the guards, who seemed rather taken back by the gesture and then bent down to help Kraden. Garet, noticing Jenna's actions toward the guards, fumed.

"Ah, yes! Here's my scholar papers." Kraden announced, standing up and pulling a wad of papers out of Jenna's hands.

He handed them to a guard. The guard, scrutinized them for a second and then handed them back.

"Well Scholar Kraden, it appears everything is in order. I will announce your arrival, if you will follow me please." The same guard replied. The other four stepped to the side of the large doors in attention.

The adepts and Kraden followed the guard through the hallways of the Hammet Manor. To Isaac it appeared as if the Manor had undergone some expansion. The hallways seemed more elegant since last time they were here. Servants in fine livery scurried to and from different directions. Then they had quickly arrived in front of the doors to what the guard called the 'Great Hall' to greet Lord Hammet.

"Lord Hammet, I present to you the Scholar Kraden and his four companions." The guard said. He held open an arm to show they were welcome inside.

"Isaac! Garet! As that you my fine fellows?" A strong voice greeted them. And suddenly Lord Hammet climbed off his chair and was shaking their hands in greeting. "And this must be Felix and Jenna and Kraden of course, judging by the descriptions Ivan has given."

"Milord! Is this entirely proper? You are breaking protocol!" The guard said, who had showed them in. Isaac could nearly see his jaw dropping in astonishment.

"What better way is there to greet the heroes that saved Weyward? I should be the one bowing to them!" Hammet replied boisterously.

"This...this is them?" The guard's voice rose high in the end and he sounded as if he had a hard time swallowing. "My sincerest apologies sirs and lady. I did not mean to...well I don't know what I didn't mean too."

Garet gave a wide smile; he loved this kind of treatment. "Do not worry, you will be forgiven if you bring me lunch."

"Garet, do shut up! This is not the time!" Jenna replied, reaching up to give him whack on the head, which Garet responded with a whiny "Ow! You didn't have to hit so hard!"

"You big baby, you'll be fine." Jenna replied, waving him off.

While the two fire adepts got back into a fight, Hammet had waved the guard away and motioned for a servent.

"You'll have to forgive Lowsly. He's Captain of the Guard, a good man, but strict on protocol." Hammet said to Isaac, Felix, and Kraden. The three just nodded in return and Hammet turned toward the servant. "Set up lunch on the dais for me, Lady Layana, and my guests."

The servant responded with a "Yes milord" with a bow and scurried off.

"Come my friends, there is much we need to discuss." Hammet said soberly and motioned for the adepts to follow him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Well, there's that chapter. I originally was going to have them meet up with Ivan, with a little bit of discussion among the adepts, but then the plot bunnies got me. And so this is what happens. A preview for next couple of chapters: We meet up with both Jupiter Adepts. And then we head off to Lemuria to get Picard.

Reviewer Responses:

Insaneody: I've seen so many stories where Alex is back. He's a good evil character, but I wanted to branch out from that. If the story is good enough, and it's original besides the fact that Alex is alive, I'll read it. So maybe I'll have to check out your story. But I decide to go back on a limb and try my hand without Alex. I'm glad this story is creative enough for you, and I'm still working on trying to get enough description in. I still don't think I quite have it, but maybe someday...

Net Strife: Nope, I won't be stopping anytime soon. Granted there might be a time that I go for a month without updating. Lol. I'm too interested in my own plotline to stop writing this fic. Besides the barest of outlines, I really haven't planned much out, besides the ending. That's all there in my head, but that might even change too. Thanks for the "excellent work compliment." I really don't know if it's quite there yet, but if you think that...that makes me feel real good! Lol. Oh by the way, I was reading your profile (sometimes I feel as if I'm the only one reading those things), and I found out you have the same birthday that I do. Imagine that! Okay...I feel stupid now...lol

Anime-Master7: Easy enough question...the couples in this fic...well you know Isaac/Mia. In this chapter I started to touch base with Garet/Jenna. So I've decided on that. Now for the difficult one...Ivan/Sheba or Felix/Sheba. I haven't quite made up my mind yet. As of right now, I'm leaning a little more too Ivan/Sheba, but I'm not sure what the final decision will be. Last chapter I was leaning more toward Felix/Sheba. In the beginning, when I was first thinking up this story, I originally wanted to put in Picard/Hama, for no reason besides I wanted too. But I've realized, there is not much of a chance for me getting to that. Thanks for reviewing!

Midnight C: You wouldn't believe how happy I was when I came home and saw you had reviewed my story. I have just recently read through all of your works...and I have to say, I was really impressed. I can understand why you and Triad Orion are so very popular among Golden Sun fics. I'm glad you like it so far, and I'm hoping you'll keep on liking it. Creatively I'm happy with this fic, as with what you reviewed. But I think I could make the story flow a little more, description wise and everything. Anyhow thanks for the review!