Hello folks! I would now like to take time out of my very busy writing time to introduce you to my new muse and alter ego, Jenna!
Jenna: My people, I know you all want me.
And for those wondering, there is no connection to the Jenna in Golden Sun...
Jenna: Except the fact that I am a rabid Garet fan girl!
Yeah, except that.
Sorian: Well, join the club! No matter how cute or how heroic a guy can be, he always has an annoying side. Yes, yes, I know. I updated. Happy now?
?????????: You make excellent points and I of course appreciate your comment, but the bottom line is, this is my story. I happen to like relationships between Isaac and Mia. And just so you know, there was also Garet/Jenna hints in TLA as well. As for Ivan and Sheba, I don't want them to be brother and sister, and there's the fact that they're the only two fifteen year olds in the group. It just seems to fit.
Jenna: Hey! This is my first disclaimer! Cool! Oracle does not own Golden Sun.
The Flight of the Elementals
The group of adepts walked through the darkness in complete silence, none of them daring to speak incase they attracted the attention of unwanted enemies. It wasn't long until they reached a fork in the road.
"Maybe we should split up," Trinity suggested, "You know, to cover more ground."
"Well, splitting up isn't really our thing, safety in numbers and all that, but if you think that's best then alright." Felix looked around him at his uneasy friends. They'd always done everything as a team and splitting up now seemed like a bad idea.
"I think we should have teams with each element in it, excluding me, Trinity and Max," said Alicia, pulling out her bow and fitting an arrow in place.
"Fine, Jenna, Ivan, Piers, Alicia, Max and Felix can go left, Isaac, Garet, Sheba, Mia and I will go right. Any questions?" When no one answered, Trinity led her group to the right and further into the darkness, which seemed to intensify the further they went. Sheba waited for a few seconds to give Ivan a quick kiss which caused him to glow a bright red then ran of after her group. Garet couldn't help laughing and Ivan knew that when they met up again, Garet wasn't going to let him forget the kiss, not that he would.
Once again, no one bothered to talk. Isaac, Mia and Garet lagged behind as Sheba and Trinity took the lead, chatting about the city of Contigo which apparently interested Sheba greatly. They entered several rooms full of puzzles and mazes, but with Sheba's wind psynergy as well as the powers they'd gained on their quest, they worked their way through easily.
The tunnels went on for ages and showed no sign of stopping. Soon the only thing they saw were the dripping walls, the flickering lights that led the way and whoever was standing in front of them.
When they couldn't walk any further, Trinity stopped and allowed everyone to sit for a while on the cold wet floor.
"So, tell me, what it is like in Vale Isaac?" she asked, seating herself between Isaac and Garet, much to Mia's displeasure.
"Well, it's good I suppose. I never really thought of it as beautiful, but it really is. I guess you don't really miss it until you leave."
"It sounds so wonderful."
"It's nothing compared to living in Lemuria though."
"Oh, I don't know. At least you can leave if you want to. It's really difficult with the seas all around. I've never seen any of the towns you and your friends mentioned."
"That's terrible," Sheba said from the opposite side of the corridor.
"We'll, I'm used to it now. I've lived here since I was two. I can't remember what happened before that."
She grinned as everyone looked at her with pity on their faces.
These adepts will believe anything! Just tell them something remotely similar to their life and they'll lap it up! I never knew it would be this easy! She thought secretly, knowing that even Sheba wouldn't be able to get through to her thoughts and discover the truth.
"Would anyone like a drink? I made them specially."
"Thanks," said Garet, grabbing the small glass bottle she'd held out. She dove into her bag that hung from her shoulder and pulled out two more bottles. Sheba took one gratefully and drank the cool liquid.
"Mia, do you want one?" Trinity asked, faking a friendly smile.
"No," she answered simply, not even looking in her direction and rested her head on Isaac's shoulder.
"I'll have one," Isaac said as a bead of sweat fell from his forehead.
Smiling inwardly, Trinity found the right bottle and passed it to him before sipping her own. She watched him take a swig then dried his wet lips on the back of his sleeve.
"Wow, it tastes amazing," he murmured taking a deep breath.
Suddenly, the walls around him began to spin and if he hadn't been sitting down, he would have fallen. He put out his hand to steady himself and disturbed Mia.
"Isaac? Are you Ok?"
Holding his head in his hands, Isaac nodded.
"Yeah. I must have drunk too much at once. I'm fine now."
"We'd better go," said Trinity while rising to her feet.
Garet and Mia helped Isaac up and followed her with Sheba not far behind. Mia didn't take her angry eyes off of the red-headed girl.
Something's going on here and it's got something to do with her.
"What's the rush?" Garet called after Trinity who had rushed off rather quickly than necessary. "I know we have to light the beacon, but do we have to go so fast?"
"No, we have to go so fast because I have reason to believe something very big is following us through the tunnels!"
"I think I'm rested now!"
Garet ran off at a speed no one thought he was able to go at when everyone clearly heard a roar from somewhere behind them.
The tunnel suddenly opened up into a large room with a beam of coloured light directly in the centre which spiraled up through the ceiling. It was so beautiful they were all entranced by it for a few seconds.
"There's no way out!" Sheba cried looking around desperately.
"Well, I guess the only way is up!" Trinity ran forward and jumped straight into the strip of light. No one moved as she slowly spiraled upwards and passed through the ceiling. A second roar snapped them out of their daze and they all raced to the light.
Isaac reached it first, but allowed Sheba to go first. Smiling her thanks, she rose up and then disappeared.
"Mia go!" Isaac yelled over the beast's cries. "Garet and me can take care of whatever this creature is, just get to safety."
Pausing for a moment, Mia gave Isaac a desperate look then nodded reluctantly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him before vanishing in the swirl of colour.
"Your turn Garet."
"No way! I'm not leaving you here alone!" his friend cried as a shower of dust burst through the stone entrance to the room covering them in a layer of dirt. There was a rumble and the pounding of huge feet then the opening shattered into pieces of broken stone as a giant beast entered.
It was a Chimera, but unlike anything they'd encountered before. Its body was covered with thick black fur that was standing on end, giving it a very intimidating look. All three of its heads snarled, each pair of eyes flashing menacingly. It leaned back on its hind legs and struck out with its clawed feet.
"What are we going to do?" Isaac gasped, dodging the attack while pulling out his Gaia Blade.
"You're not going to do anything," Garet replied. He turned and pushed Isaac into the light before facing the Chimera once more.
"GARET! NO!" But it was too late. Isaac quickly floated up into the air, unable to do anything but watch his brave friend.
Garet's eyes were wide with fear. He followed the creature's movements, gripping the handle of his Giant Axe. He backed away slowly as the creature moved forward. Sensing his fear, the Chimera reared up again and shot a volley of fireballs at him. Having no defense against such a powerful attack, he did the only thing he could do. He turned and dived head first into the light, but he wasn't quick enough. The burning flames encircled his body, charring his clothes and scorching his bare skin. Barely conscious, he hung in the air. Blood streamed from an open cut on his chest and smoke rose from his ruined clothes yet he was still alive. The creature roared its anger, shooting more flames at the warrior. Garet grinned weakly as he passed through the ceiling and out of danger.
Mia suddenly appeared in a completely different room. In front of her stood Sheba and Trinity who both had nervous looks on their faces.
"Mia! Are you Ok? What happened?" Sheba cried, wrapping her arms around the older girl.
Mia smiled at her friend which faded almost instantly.
"I'm fine. I don't know if I can say the same for the boys though. They're both going to fight the creature on their own."
"Wait!" Trinity said suddenly, walking towards the spot where Mia had appeared. "Can you hear that?"
Listening carefully, they were able to hear Isaac's voice from the room below them. Soon, Isaac himself had emerged out of the floor.
"NO! I HAVE TO GO BACK!"
He placed his hands on the damp floor, but nothing happened.
"Isaac! Calm down! What's going on? Where's Garet?"
"He's going to fight the monster alone!"
"WHAT?!" The others were stunned. Garet was head strong, but not this stupid.
"Trinity! How do I get back down there?"
"I...I don't know. I've seen something like this before, but don't know how to get back down. I'm so sorry."
Banging his fists on the wall, Isaac got up and paced the room, scowling at his stupidity.
Garet's my best friend! How could I let this happen?! It should be me down there!
"Isaac..." Mia gasped as she pointed at something. Everyone watched Garet appear in the middle of the room. He looked like hell, but was still able to smile at his friends.
"Hi, everyone alright?"
"GARET!" Isaac was instantly by his side, his hands glowing with psynergy as he healed the wounds Garet had acquired. "How could you be so stupid?!"
"Well, Jenna is always saying it comes naturally to me, and I guess she's finally right."
The two boys hugged before Isaac helped Garet up onto his feet. Then it was Mia and Sheba's turn to hug him.
"Wow! So much attention. Maybe I should nearly get killed everyday."
"You do nearly get killed everyday!" Mia scowled as she squeezed him tighter.
Garet couldn't help smiling. It was true after all. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to Isaac, yet it wasn't the Isaac he knew. He had tears in his eyes and his once strong grip shook. Garet gazed, slightly scared, into the Venus adept's sad face, lost for words.
"Why?" was all Isaac could say. "Why?"
"Isaac...I couldn't see my best bud get hurt like that. At least if I took the hit, you'd be able to go on and complete the quest."
"But I wouldn't...I...I can't do this without you!"
"Isaac..." The two boys embraced again, but now Isaac wasn't the only one crying. Next to them, Mia and Sheba tried to hold back their own tears while Trinity stood a few feet away, looking at the scene with a smirk on her face.
Maybe this will be harder than we first thought. They seem willing to give up their own lives for their friends.
Light spilled into the dark tunnel as the group walked the last couple of steps that led out onto the lighthouse's aerie. The sunshine felt good on their deprived skin and they stood still for a few seconds, just letting it pass over them.
"GARET!" A sharp voice interrupted them. Jenna rushed forward and hurtled straight at Garet like an arrow. "What happened? Are you alright?" She wrapped her arms around his waist even though he was leaning on Isaac for support which sent all three of them to the floor.
"Jenna! Calm down! I'm fine. We just had a little incident with a monster."
"LITTLE?! He jumped in front of a Chimera's fire ball to protect Isaac!" Sheba cried from Ivan's side.
"You stupid thing! How could you?!" Jenna screeched as she helped him up. When he was on his feet again, she slapped him hard across the face. Everyone stepped back, quite scared of her and amazed that she'd done such a thing.
Garet touched his red face where a red hand mark still remained, completely stunned.
"You always have to risk your stupid neck, don't you?! Don't you care about how we'd feel if we lost you?"
"Jenna...I'm sorry."
It looked like Jenna was going to continue ranting on, but at that moment, an evil cackle echoed around them.
"We meet again."
Everyone turned to see Karst and Agatio appear from behind one of the angelic statues that guarded the beacon.
"I knew you'd come eventually." Karst gave them a toothy grin while running one of her long fingers along the edge of her sharp scythe.
"Who's the red-head wannabe?" Trinity asked, raising her eyebrows at the stranger. Max giggled nervously, but no one else made a noise.
"And who are you? I haven't seen you with the brats before, or your two friends."
"I'm Trinity, this is Alicia and Max, and by the glares my new friends are giving you, I'm guessing you're not something we're glad to see."
"No, I'm not. I'm Karst of the town Prox in the northern most region of the world, and this is my associate, Agatio. Since all of the pleasantries have been taken care of, let's get down to business."
"Yes, let's." Karst turned to Felix who gave her his nastiest glare.
"How've you been Felix? Still on your silly mission to free your parents? I'm glad to see you still have the Jupiter Star and I hope these fools," she indicated at Isaac, Garet, Ivan and Mia, "haven't persuaded you to do the opposite."
"No, they're helping me now."
"Good, good, well, do it then. I won't stop you."
Slightly nervous, Felix eyed the Proxians who did nothing but step aside so he could pass. He took a small step forward and threw the star into the hole before Karst could change her mind.
A deep rumble could be heard from far below them in the centre of the lighthouse. A mighty wind picked up and storm clouds appeared above them. Lightning split the heavens causing heavy rain to stream down, soaking everyone. The winds suddenly became more powerful than anything any of them had ever seen before. It nearly lifted them off of their feet. The Jupiter star reappeared out of the hole and floated in between the guardian statues, completely immune to the wind.
"Thank you," Karst said, "You've done all of our work for us." She snapped her fingers and Agatio nodded in understanding. He held out his right hand and a small red orb materialized in his hand which resembled the Mars star. He threw it at the floor and it began to grow, spreading across the ground until it had created a circle around the adepts. Suddenly, flames shot up and completely covered them in a dome of fire.
Agatio smirked and joined Karst in front of the floating Elemental star. Garet's anger was slowly rising as he glared at the two Mars Adepts and before anyone could stop him, he'd rushed forward towards the force field, he fists held high in preparation for a fight.
Without warning, Felix slammed into him, sending him to the floor.
"Don't be an idiot Garet! You don't know what it will do to you!" He glanced at Jenna while helping Garet up, who looked back, half concerned for Garet, half scared that the same thing that had happened to her would happen to one of her friends.
"You're cleverer than I remember Felix," Agatio growled while moving towards them. He passed his hand through the fire wall and shuddered as he pulled the rest of his body through. In a second, he'd grabbed Isaac and held him in a suffocating head lock.
"Get off him!" Garet cried, dashing forward to help his friend with Felix, Ivan and Piers close behind, but Agatio had already let go. He passed through the wall again and gave something small to Karst. Isaac had a startled look on his face as he desperately searched his pockets for something.
"Looking for this?" Karst asked, holding up the Mars Star.
"Look!" Sheba yelled quite suddenly, pointing at the glowing Jupiter star. Seven twinkling lights were spinning slowly around the large orb. A whirlwind passed by them and, caught in the wind, they shot off high up into the dark sky.
A second gale began, screeching in their ears and sending dust into their eyes. Dropping to the floor, the adepts held onto each other as the wind passed through the force field and attempted to whip them up into the air.
There was a scream and Ivan was thrown up, off of the ground, and flung away from the group. He tried used his psynergy to counter the gale, but it was too strong and it carried him into the fire wall. Fire surrounded Ivan becoming long ropes and trapped him. He struggled against the fiery ropes in vain, gasping when it touched his bare skin.
Sheba was sobbing pitifully, desperate to get to him. Amazingly, the gale stopped and the winds died down. Everything went quiet. Even Sheba had stopped crying, but when Felix took a closer look at her, she had appeared to have frozen in place. Isaac, Mia, Max, Trinity, Alicia and even Karst were exactly the same. Their eyes changed colour, becoming a heavenly white, but were empty of any emotion or life.
A strange noise caused those who hadn't been affected to look up. The seven lights had returned. Singing gently in the light wind, they headed straight for the seven frozen adepts and merged with them. Their white eyes changed and turned the same colours that the lights had been, each one corresponding to their element.
As if this had triggered something inside each of them, they came back to life, but were somehow different. Sheba looked at Ivan and held out one of her slightly glowing hands. The flames that bound him disappeared and he slowly fell to the floor.
"Isaac? What happened?" Garet asked, nervously approaching his friend.
"Lighting the third lighthouse has released the powers of the Elemental Leaders. We are those leaders." Isaac waved his hand towards Mia, Sheba and the three new adepts then gazed at the force field. It seemed to flicker then disappeared all together.
"What Lord Avon said was true then?" Ivan asked Sheba who had his head in her lap.
"Yes."
"And you're the Jupiter Leader?"
"Yes."
"Then you'll have to fight?"
Sheba nodded sadly, her eyes filling with tears as she recalled the dream she'd had what seemed like an age ago, the dream of what the world would become if they didn't stop the evil forces. "You must let me do this."
"I will." Sheba's head shot up and she searched Ivan's face for any signs of deceit. There wasn't any. "You have to fight, it's your destiny. And I'll be right there beside you." They embraced before turning their attention back to the group.
"KARST!" Isaac cried, taking a step forward which created a small earthquake beneath his feet. "Give me the Mars star!"
"I don't think so." Karst had the same glowing eyes that Isaac had, but a shimmering ruby red instead of a gentle gold. It was obvious that she was the chosen Mars Leader. "If you want it, come and get it." Taunting him, she held the star in front of her and shook it from side to side as if he was a dog.
It worked. He rushed forward, the quakes growing dramatically with his temper and he lunged for the star. But it was as if he'd passed straight through her. He hit the floor face first and winced in pain. Looking up, he glared at the figure floating above him on wings as red as her eyes. She laughed at his failed attempt to retrieve the gem then flew up higher.
"How can she do that?" Jenna gasped, clinging to Garet's arm.
"It's a power granted to the Elemental Leaders," said Mia as a pair of beautiful sea blue wings folded out between her shoulder blades and spread out by her sides. The delicate feathers rustled in the breeze. Mia leapt up into the air, testing the power of the wings, swooping over the heads of her friends before hovering just above ground.
Sheba also rose up on wings of the lightest lilac, picking Ivan up on the way. Suddenly, she shot upwards, higher and higher until they'd disappeared above the clouds. It wasn't long before the clouds parted and a dot that was the two Jupiter Adepts hurtled back down towards earth. Soon, Sheba and Ivan were in clear view and Ivan's face was full of wonder. Sheba lowered him onto the ground and laughed as he staggered forward.
"Wow!" was all he said. He swayed, but was caught just in time by Garet.
"What did you do to him?" he asked Sheba as he steadied his dreaming friend.
She smiled slyly and then floated over to Mia.
Behind them, Trinity, Alicia and Max stood admiring their own wondrous pairs of wings. Trinity's were a pastel pink, Alicia's were a buttercup yellow and Max's were a sparkling silver.
Suddenly, a surge of power from above hurtled down at them, knocking everyone off of their feet. Trinity was able to create a small shield around them so their weren't any major injuries, but they all felt the raw power Karst had tapped into to use that attack. It was like nothing they'd felt before.
"Come on!" Karst cried from above, "I thought the Elemental leaders were supposed to be tough!"
"That's it!" Isaac's temper had finally run out. His own golden wings beat quickly as he soared up into the sky towards Karst. Mia and Sheba followed him. They were so close they almost looked like one person.
"Come on Trinity, we have to help them," Alicia said sarcastically.
"Oh yes, we must." Trinity returned the grin and turned to Max who, until now, had done nothing at all. He nodded at the older girl then closed his eyes. His whole body turned a silver colour then became a thick liquid which formed a puddle of the floor before disappearing. Trinity then turned back to the group of other adepts, each of which seemed rather on edge. She waved her hands and a dome appeared around them like the fire one Agatio had made. It spun around them quickly while the insides filled with a pinkish smoke. When the adepts breathed in the smoke, they feel to the floor in a deep slumber leaving only Trinity and Alicia standing.
"Fight well," Trinity instructed Alicia who had risen into the air, "And keep them busy for as long as possible."
"I will."
The girls shared a warm embrace before Alicia flew off after the other Leaders and Trinity disappeared along with her dome full of lifeless bodies.
Agatio had watched the whole scene with mild interest. As the final group of adepts vanished he smiled and cast a fire spell around himself. His laugher rang out in the air as he stepped into the flames and disappeared too in a cloud of ash.
Wow! That was a long one.
Jenna: I like it!
YAY! One of my muses isn't evil and likes my writing!
Jenna: Yeah, my only concern is there isn't enough Flameshipping!
Of course. Review my fans or the next one will take longer. MWAHAHAHA!