A/N: Welcome again, all! Wow, you all wrote such long and nice reviews, thank you all! Regarding reviews, here you all go…

ForensicDuelist4137: Cool, glad you like it! Yeah, I did initially stick to the original text, but most people didn't seem to like that, so now I just go by the same basic meaning, but different words to make it interesting. Well, I'll be sure to check out your story when you put it up. Thanx for reviewing!

Cloudfightback: Another new name! Um, you wouldn't be able to give me your MSN address again, would you? It seems ff.n deleted it from your review. I think you have to put spaces between the words and the symbol, so that the site doesn't think it's a hyperlink or something. I thiknk that's how it works anyway. So yeah, give it to me again, and we'll be able to chat! Yeah, I know what you mean about the Djinn, I have had a lot of mixed reaction about them, but oh well. I might see if I can at least work some reference to them into the narrative. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!

Spirit Seer: Heh, it is, isn't it? Don't fear, it's just a sort of non-dramatic part of the game, er, fic, whatever. It'll get more mature as we get to the good bits, I think. ANyhoo, glad you liked it. And as always, thanx for your reviews!

ElementalSpirit1: Cool, I'm glad you think their cool, and I'll definitely include as much action as I can. Yeah, I understand about the MSN thing, still, whenever you're on is cool. Thanks for the idea, though I must admit I didn't quite get to work it in, sorry. I'd already written most of the chapter when I got your review, and I hadn't included her, and was too short on ideas on how to include it. Maybe when I go back and edit the chapter (GS special edition!) I'll put it in, but I wasn't sure how to (sometimes I'm short on ideas of implementation.) Anyhoo, glad you could review!

Favri the Fisher: I sure hope that I am! That'll be cool… a new world record, lol. You think it's come far? I guess it has, I am learning. If all goes to plan, it shall be finished. Heh, you're just like my friend, skipping the monkey like that. Oh well. Keep up the reviews!

SpasticDjinn: Incredibly pleased, I see. So, I inspired you, did I? Hehe… my influence upon others grows… but, yeah, I like to write long chapters, full of wordy goodness. I mean, the shortest chap so far is (I think) 4000 words or so. Well, the prologue might have been shorter, but oh well.

Corycian Muse: Ah, I am honoured by your presence. A muse of Greek times? Half Irish? Well, you learn something new everyday! You really think it's that good? Excellent. (said in poor mister burns imitation) Now, if only I could recruit some non-GS fans and tell me what they think… well, I'm glad you like it so much, despite poor memory. Or perhaps because of it. Who knows? That's cool about the MSN thing… stupid timezones… can't you just become nocturnal? No? Oh, okay then. Don't sweat not reviewing my other stuff, even though it would be great to hear your feedback on it, I won't pressure you. It really doesn't bother me too much how many reviews I get, though more is better. I'm surprised how much you love my travelling chaps… well, as long as they're good, I'll throw em in when I can. Glad your with me on the fandom… things are already in motion that cannot be stopped… soon, we will have might enough to cover all the lands of Weyard in a second darkness… what am I saying? Bah, appreciate your review, glad you liked it, and off topic rambling is always welcome. No, no point in telling me to continue, I'll keep at it even if you'd told me not to.

Mercury Gold: Cool, glad you liked it all so much, I do my best! Actually, it's funny, but I tend to find battle scenes fairly easy, Dunno why, but hey, enjoy it while I can, huh? Yes, I have gotten far in this, haven't I? I've only seen one other attempt come even close. Don't feel bad about ranting, I don't mind, I quite liked it! Anyhoo, keep on reviewing!

GoldenSunGeek: You didn't know I was an Aussie? Could've sworn I mentioned it before… oh well, guess not. Glad you thought I got the confusion spot on, always gotta be careful of that! You liked that comment from Mia? Funny, I wasn't sure if it was that good, but obviously it is! Shame about the MSN thing, but oh well, I'm sure emails will do. Wait, have I said that before? Bah, no matter. Cya soon!

Kd7sov: Ah, always good to hear from you, amigo! The three dots are called an ellipsis? You learn something new everyday! Funny, some of the things I don't know. Yeah, it did start slowly, but I'm glad you liked it. That tree bridge was something that just popped into my head when I was writing. Don't know where from. And yes, I also think "work with my element" is a cool phrase, very appropriate for the GS universe. Heh, not all Psynergy items are gone, just that Douse drop. I mean, they got the lovely Miss Mia there to do all their douse work for them, what do they need an item like that for? Douse drop? I'm a water adept, I don't need no stinkin douse drop, gringo! Or something like that. Don't worry about the MSN thing, that's cool. Reviews will work fine, I'm sure.

Arsenal: Another person who loves all my detail! I try to write it as though I was actually there and experiencing those things, to make it as real as possible, so I'm gladyou liked it. Yes, those subtle hints… you'll get a few in here, but not many. Glad you like my characterisation, I try my hardest! Well, if ya wanna chat, just give me your MSN, if not, that's cool.

Okay, now that that's done, on with the show. I was fairly pleased with how this chapter turned out. It starts a bit slow and rambly, but it gets going. And I think you'll all enjoy the battle scene I threw in, not to mention appreciate the surprise companion. Well, I hope. But I won't blather on, because you probably don't care what I have to say, so here you go. Enjoy.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

FORETELLING

Isaac and the others stepped into the city of Xian, looking about the impressive town. It was a town built with the same "Far Eastern" architecture of Fuchin, but somehow simpler, and larger. It was a large, oriental town a bit larger than Bilibin. And very wealthy.

Ivan had explained to them that Xian was the start of the Silk Road. All of Angara's silk came from Xian, who sold it to merchants who travelled along the Silk Road, and sold it at Tolbi, a large city to the west. This was the single most commonly visited town for Ivan's Master Hammet, as well as Tolbi, so he knew the place very well.

While stopping in Xian, Isaac planned to have a look at the Xian Martial Arts Academy. Ivan explained that the people of Xian were among the most proficient of all warriors, short of the Colosso warriors. They fought entirely without weapons or armour, using hand-to-hand combat, involving kicks, punches and throws. Garet had originally been interested in seeing it until Ivan mentioned that they didn't use weapons. After that, he seemed no longer interested.

"Who fights without weapons?" he had asked.

"They do, and they call it Kung Fu." Ivan explained. "They're really good fighter's, too. Trust me, I've seen them before."

"I still say they don't sound that tough." Garet relied.

"I don't think they sound worth seeing." Mia shrugged. "Anyone can fight, but healing takes true dedication and skill." She sounded very proud as she said that.

"I plan on having a look tomorrow before we leave, anyway." Isaac told them. They stopped outside one of the larger Xian style buildings. "Is this the Inn you recommended, Ivan?"

"Yes, Master Hammet and I used to always stay here on business trips. It's a very good place to stay." Ivan replied as they entered.

A man in elaborate silk robes and slanted eyes greeted them as they entered with a bow.

"Greetings, travellers. Ah, warriors, I see. Please, make yourself, comfortable, how may I be of service?" His voice was smooth and professional sounding. It was then he noticed Ivan. "Ah, many greetings Master Ivan, back already? Where is Lord Hammet?"

"I'm, uh… not with Hammet." Ivan quickly stammered, forgetting even to call him master, as he always did, remembering how he had been imprisoned in Lunpa, the City of Thieves. "I'm here with my friends, Isaac, Garet and Mia." He motioned to each of them in turn. The three of them said hello.

"Ah, such fine friends. Shall I ready your room? Same as always?" the Innkeeper asked.

"Yes, of course."

XXXXXXXX

Isaac laid back as he sank in the luxuriant bath. This was the life! The water had a herbal remedy scent as he breathed in and he came to realise that they hadn't had a decent rest since staying in Bilibin. All four of them were getting the same treatment during their stay. The Kiuan Inn, as it was called, knew how to look after its customers.

Right now his, and the others, clothes were being freshly cleaned and pressed while he soaked, ready for their continued journey. Isaac hadn't even realised that their clothes had been getting dirty and were in need of cleaning. But they had needed it; they had all been wearing the same things since they had first set out on their journey. Mia couldn't believe they hadn't realised, it had apparently been a major problem for her, travelling in a travel-dirtied dress. She had practically thrust her clothes into the serving maid's hands when she announced what she was to do with them. Ivan had gratefully handed his over. Those expensive robes had been made from the finest Xian silk and brought for him by Master Hammet, and he wanted them looked after.

Garet hadn't even realised his clothes were dirty, and even insisted they were still fine.

"They'll last me the rest of the trip!" he'd insisted, but he'd eventually given in after Mia had badgered him about it. Isaac wasn't one to complain, he just handed them over, grateful for the service. They wouldn't have received half as good service for twice as much gold coin in any other Inn that they'd stayed at.

Once he was done, he left the bath tub to find that a green silk robe had been provided for him. The attendant called it a "Kimono", it was apparently meant for guests. When he entered their room, he found that he must have spent longer in there forgetting about his troubles than he realised, because everyone else was already there.

Garet was wearing a red kimono, and his hair was already perfectly spiked back up, as always.

"I don't like this 'kimono' thing. It seems a bit weird." he moaned. "I wish I had my old clothes back."

"Your old clothes are filthy. It's about time you wore something else." Mia chastised. She was wearing a blue silk kimono, and was busy combing her aqua blue lock in front of a mirror.

"Hey, the next town we'll arrive in will be my hometown!" Ivan suddenly exclaimed from the table where he sat, looking down at Isaac's map of Angara, wearing a purple silk kimono that seemed slightly too large for him.

"What, you mean Kalay?" Garet asked, turning to face the small Wind Adept.

"Yep, after leaving Xian, we pass through Altin pass, go past Lama Temple, through the Lamakan Desert along the Silk Road, and we're there." They were crossing half the continent of Angara, without any town along the way, except for some temple? Isaac looked at the map. No, there was one other town, a small town called Altin that was out of their way.

"Oh, sure, it's just halfway across the continent, not far at all." Garet said in a most sarcastic manner.

"I was just saying it's the next place we'll visit." Ivan replied, rolling his eyes.

"That's a long way to go to reach the next town." Isaac mused, looking down at the map. "We're going to need to buy a lot of supplies, more than usual." He grimaced inwardly at the thought. They were beginning to run low in the financial department.

"We'll get some tomorrow then." Mia sighed, as she clipped her hair back and placed the comb down.

"Hey, dinner's arrived!" Garet exclaimed as a servant brought in trays of strange looking food. Garet's eagerness faded to disappointment as he looked at it. "What is this stuff!"

"It's Xian cuisine, and it's very nice." Ivan told him. "Try it; I'm sure you'll like it."

Isaac looked down at his plate. It was… different. A layer of thin noodles mixed in with chopped capsicum, onions, and thin slivers of beef mixed in with a sweet smelling sauce on a bed of rice.

"Uh… what do we eat it with?" Garet asked, looking around for a fork.

"I think we use these." Mia replied, holding up a pair of thin, pointed sticks.

"How on Weyard are we supposed to eat with these?" Isaac asked, holding the sticks up to eye-level.

"They're called chop-sticks, and you can use them like this." Ivan showed them all how to use the chop-sticks, and after a bit of practice, Mia and Isaac were both awkwardly, but effectively using them. Garet simply gave up, threw the chopsticks away over his shoulder, and ate with his bare hands.

The food was simply delicious, even Garet, who had been sceptical, cleaned his plate up.

XXXXXXXX

The next day, Isaac and the others put their clothes back on, freshly cleaned. Isaac's blue tunic and breeches felt smooth and comfortable, like they had been when he first left Vale all that time ago. And his yellow scarf hung around his neck like spun gold. His armour had been polished till it was gleaming. He and Garet looked like professional warriors now. Ivan really did seem a servant for a wealthy merchant once more. And Mia looked once again every inch the healer she had been when they first met her in Imil.

Isaac left to see what the Xian Academy was like while the others went to buy some more supplies. Xian Academy was a large building in the north end of town, next to a flowing waterfall. As he entered, he saw many people were training inside. Some were jumping, doing push ups, practicing fighting moves against imaginary opponents and in one corner, two fighters were sparring, using jabs, blocks, throws and parries to attempt to bring each other down. Impressive. Garet probably should have come; he would have enjoyed this after all.

"Are you here to see Master Feh?" the man standing at the door asked him. "If you are, he's busy talking with his daughter, Feizhi."

"Uh, no." Isaac asked. "I don't even know who Master Feh is."

"He is the leader. He teaches us all how to fight and use Chi." The man explained.

"Oh, well, no, I just wanted to see what this place looked like." Isaac replied. "I'm really just a tourist." The man then looked him up and down, eyeing his armour and sword, while Isaac watched the spar in the corner.

"You have the look of a warrior." The man said in a respectful voice. "Tell me, are you a powerful warrior?"

"Well, I know how to hold my own in battle." he shrugged as he looked to the fight. It was over, but both fighters were bowing to each other, Isaac was unable to tell who had won.

"Can you use Chi?" the man then asked. "Is your Chi very powerful?"

"Chi?" Isaac asked uncertainly. The man then got an amused grin on is face.

"Look there. You see that line?" Isaac looked behind him to see a wide white line painted on the ground going form side to side.

"Stand there and use Chi. If that logs falls," he pointed to a large upright log three metres on the other side of the line. "I will take you to see Master Feh." He had a smug smile on his face. "You do not look like a very powerful warrior." He sneered. "I have trained my Chi my whole life, I do not think you can do it. You will not get to meet Master Feh."

"But I don't want to see Master Feh!" Isaac told him. Then an amused thought occurred to him. If this man was going to be so stuckup, then Isaac thought he might just show him up. "But I can show you my 'Chi'!" he said, feeling the Orb of Force in his pocket.

"Oh, really?" the Xian said, raising his eyebrows. "Very well, then. Let us see."

Standing just on the side of the line, Isaac raised his right palm towards the log, and focused his Psynergy through the Orb of Force in his pocket. The man stood by his side, grinning like a fool, expecting to see him fail.

The Psynergetic "Force" struck the log and it tottered then fell over to its side. A few of the other fighters in the room looked over curiously, but most ignored it.

"What did you do, warrior?" the man asked, clearly shocked. He stared at the log for a few moments more, and then he turned to Isaac and asked, "Do you know Kung Fu?"

"No, I don't." Isaac replied, shaking his head.

"It is unbelievable that someone who does not know Kung Fu can use Chi." The man said, his tone suddenly very respectful. "My name is Tsuke, warrior. I am very pleased to meet one whose Chi is so clearly very strong, if you can use it from afar like that. I must tell Master Feh!"

Tsuke then rushed towards the edge of the room to a door and moved to open it, but it slid open before he could reach it, and from it emerged a girl of about Isaac's age who stormed off in a huff.

She had what must normally be an innocent playful looking beautiful face with kind green eyes, but now she wore a disgruntled, petulant look. She was wearing very elaborate, expensive looking purple silk robes that looked impressive, but also allowed for swift movement, as the girl was so clearly demonstrating, walking quickly for the Academy exit, stomping her feet angrily. But weirdest of all was her hair, long and held up in an ornate fashion, was a light violet colour.

"Feizhi! Wait!" a man's voice called out from within the doorway. The purple-haired girl, Feizhi, stopped and turned to look at the man who stepped out, whom Isaac assumed to be Master Feh. He wore simple, dark robes and he short black hair with a long, drooping, thin moustache. "Why do you worry so about Hsu? He is still at Lama Temple, nothing could have happened to him." The man had a firm, level and disciplined voice.

"Something is wrong with him." Feizhi insisted. "I sense it."

Feh sighed. "Is this your 'power' again? Your 'foretelling'?"

"I've told you over and over again!" she told him, raising her voice loudly. Many people in the dojo were now looking over to her. "When I was hit in the head by those falling gems from the sky, they gave me powers!"

"Yes, I know" Feh said, sounding slightly vexed. "You say you sense evil ever since you received the power of prophecy. It is nonsense, Feizhi, I do not believe it. Your visions are nothing more than coincidences. Gems do not grant powers."

She was hit in the head with a Psynergy Stone? Isaac wondered just what that would do to a person. Animals had been transformed to monsters by their power, and environments changed forever. Would she be injured? He seemed to remember Kraden lecturing once about the effect of Psynergy Stones on people… what had he said again?

Feizhi growled and threw her hands up in the air in frustration. "Why must you be so stubborn!" She turned to face Tsuke. "My visions have always come true have they not?" she asked him. Her expression seemed to suggest painful retribution if he did not agree. Tsuke just nodded wordlessly, looking scared of Feizhi. She turned to face a nearby woman.

"I had a vision of an evil forest growing upon the Mogall Prairie, and that came true…"

"Yes, your predictions came true, Feizhi!" she responded eagerly. "It was very surprising!"

"I saw that Altin would be flooded, did I not?" she asked another man. "Did that vision not just come true only recently?"

"Yes! All of your predictions have come true!" he replied. "Sol has gifted you with the power of foretelling, just like Master Hama!"

Foretelling? How is that possible? Isaac wondered. What did those Psynergy Stones do to her?

"See, father?" she asked, turning back to Master Feh, a smug, triumphant grin plastered on her face. "I have the gift of foretelling. Master Hama even told me so, so there!"

"I have heard this all before." he responded flatly. "It is coincidence, nothing more. Pure nonsense, Feizhi, and I'll have none of it."

"You still don't believe it?" she challenged, folding her arms across her chest.

"You are simply worrying because Hsu is late." Feh reasoned. "Do not think bad thoughts, he will be fine."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "You did send people to find Hsu, didn't you?" Master Feh shook his head though, no he hadn't. "Stubborn old man." she muttered to herself, just loud enough to be heard.

"What did you say, Feizhi?" Feh demanded in an outraged tone. "You should know better to show disrespect to your elders!"

"I will not ask anyone, then." she declared in a tone that brooked no argument. "I will go alone, and find Hsu and bring him back. You'll see!" She turned to leave.

"I forbid it! It is too dangerous!" Feh told her, but it was too late, she had left. He gave a weary sigh. "That girl is going to make my hair go grey before my time…"

"Uh… Master, is it safe for her to be out there with those monsters roaming the land?" one of the students asked.

Feh appeared unconcerned, looking out the door where Feizhi had left. "Feizhi knows Kung Fu. She will be all right." he said confidently. "She cannot go too far. She will give up soon enough. Until then, let her be."

Feh walked away from the door further into the training room, looking upon his students. It was then he noticed the fallen log, which Isaac had forgotten about until then.

"The log… it fell. What happened?" he inquired, waiting for someone to answer him. The warrior who had first challenged Isaac to knock it down then ran up and hurriedly said, "The warrior did it. He used Chi." Master Feh looked Isaac in the eye.

"Warrior, you… can you use Chi?" he asked, sounding slightly sceptical.

"No, what I used was Psy…" Isaac began, forgetting about keeping his powers secret.

"Warrior, you speak nonsense." Master Feh interrupted, fortunately. "You must have used Chi. I want to see you use your Chi, do it again!"

Isaac was uncomfortably aware that he was the centre of attention for quite a few people in the room. Well, he couldn't hide it now; running wouldn't do anything to help.

"All right, I'll do it!" he murmured in reply, as he took his place by the line.

Two of the other warriors set the log back up, then stepped back while Master Feh watched on expectantly. Isaac once again readied his Orb of Force and unleashed a punch of "Force" Psynergy. The log fell with a loud thud, and this time everyone in the room stopped and stared, making Isaac feel even more uncomfortable.

"He made the long fall!" Feh exclaimed in an impressed voice.

"Master, did you see?" Tsuke asked. "The warrior used Chi! He really did!"

"The warrior's Chi is excellent!" another fighter said aloud. "Are you surprised, Master?"

Master Feh looked to Isaac with a hint of doubt. "Hmm…"

He couldn't possibly know the truth. Isaac thought. Could he?

"What is wrong, Master?" a female fighter asked.

"Hmm… Warrior, you did make the log fall, I grant you that…" Master Feh nodded. "However, this 'Chi' you claim to use…"

"Well, actually, I don't use…" Isaac started, but Master Feh raised his hand, commanding the Earth Adept to silence.

"Do not interrupt, it is very rude."

"Is something wrong with the warrior's Chi?" Tsuke asked. Isaac suspected Master Feh knew about his technique.

"What you did, warrior… it is not Chi." Feh stated, then nodded in satisfaction at the look on Isaac's face.

"That's right. I don't know Chi." Isaac admitted openly.

"What? It is not Chi?" Tsuke asked.

"Hmm… it looks very similar…" Feh noted, glancing to the log, "but it is not Chi. Hmm…" He looked to Isaac questioningly. "Tell me, warrior, have you been to Fuchin Temple?"

"Yes, we passed through it on the way here." The Venus Adept replied, realising Master Feh had probably figured out the truth.

"Ahh… I knew it." Feh smiled.

"How are Chi and Fuchin Temple related?" Tsuke men asked. "I don't get it… Master Nyunpa does not teach Chi… does he?"

"I learned my Chi from Master Hama of Lama Temple." Feh explained.

"Then it is the same as Chi, is it not?" Tsuke said, looking very confused.

"Very similar, but still different." Feh explained. "You see, Chi concentrates the energy of the body into the hand, and then releases it onto a distant object." He looked to Isaac. "You, warrior, used energy focused from the mind, did you not?"

"Yes, of course. That's exactly how I use my power." Isaac responded, refraining from mentioning Psynergy. However, it seemed Master Feh already knew just what he had done.

"This warrior is very wise." The Kung Fu master informed his students, turning to face them each in turn. "The power to will something to moves requires much wisdom. Remember this… wishing for something is the same as thinking very hard. Fuchin's Ki releases the mind's energy like Chi releases the bodies. The body's energy has limits, but mental energy has few limits." He looked to Isaac. "Train your Ki. It will grow very strong. Do you best, warrior." Then he turned to face his students and called out loudly, "Practice, everyone! Chi has its limits, but anyone can use it. Practice, practice! Until you learn the power of Chi!"

Everyone rushed back to their former positions and began training with redoubled fervour, while Master Feh walked about, observing, chiding a student here, correcting another there. Isaac decided he had had enough of this unexpectedly eventful visit, and left to find his friends. He'd only meant to observe, not get involved.

XXXXXX

"Have we got everything?" Isaac asked his companions as they prepared to leave. They all told him they did, and they continued on their way, about to leave Xian. Isaac had told them about his unexpected encounter in the academy, and they had all agreed it was odd, but at least nothing bad had come out of it.

As they reached the gate out of town, Isaac caught sigh of a familiar looking violet haired girl. Feizhi stood with her back to them, staring out at the countryside to the west.

"It's her! It's Feizhi!" Isaac told his companions.

"You mean the one who said she'd gotten her powers from Psynergy Stones?" Ivan asked.

"Yes, her. I thought she'd left. What's she still doing here, I wonder?" Isaac walked up to talk to her and the others followed behind him. Feizhi, hearing their footsteps, turned to look at them. A look of recognition passed her face as she laid eyes upon Isaac.

"You are the foreign warrior from the Dojo, are you not?" she asked.

"Yes, that's me." Isaac replied. She looked at his companions.

"You all have the look of warriors. Tell me, are you strong warriors?"

"You bet we are!" Garet boasted. "Some of the best of the best!"

"I am happy to see strong warriors." she smiled. "I hope you will go west."

"Why do you hope that?" Ivan asked.

"Going west alone is dangerous." she explained. "I must find someone to take me west."

"Hey, we can take you!" Garet offered. "We're always eager to help out a damsel in distress, right, Isaac?"

"Yes, all right. She can come." he sighed. Another travelling companion? Well, she did only need to get to Lama Temple, it wasn't too far.

"Tell us, why is it so unsafe to go west?" Mia asked in a concerned voice. "We're grateful for someone to travel with, but what are we going to run into?"

"The way is dangerous." she replied. "I will need help to cross safely."

"Hey, don't worry, you'll be fine with us!" Garet replied.

"I know I will be." she replied, smiling enigmatically. "Let us be going! We have a long day ahead of us."

XXXXXXXX

They made their way steadily west, chatting with Feizhi and getting to know her. She and Mia walked up ahead talking with one another, while Isaac and Ivan walked just behind and Garet trailed last, looking decidedly bored, as he always did on their long walks.

"After this quest is over, I swear, I'll never hike again." Garet was heard muttering to himself, amidst other similar sentences. Feizhi told them about herself. She had lived in Xian all her life with her father, Feh and she had been taught the ancient art of fighting called Kung Fu, and mastering of her "Chi". She was very good, but her father complained that she was too headstrong, had a short temper, and was impatient; attributes her father claimed held her back as a warrior. In those respects, she somewhat reminded Isaac of Jenna.

As it turned out, she knew a surprising amount about them and their quest, which partly explained her desire to travel with them, and her anticipating their arrival. As Isaac had already explained, Feizhi had been struck in the head with a Psynergy Stone, and since then had been having visions of the future. One of those visions was that four mighty warriors, whom the fate of the world hung upon, would pass through, and she had a vague idea of what they looked like.

"I saw Isaac in the Academy, and he looked just like the leader of the group I saw." she explained. "But he was alone, so I assumed he was not the one, but a lone traveller who looked similar."

She and Mia got on the best, and talked with each other the most, while the others only talked in brief snatches. Nobody mentioned anything about how her powers stemmed from Psynergy, and that the stones had made her an Adept. It would be too confusing for her, they reasoned. She was only travelling with them till they found Hsu along the road to Lama Temple.

At one time, Ivan used Mind Read from behind her, and as she turned, he immediately stopped. When Mia asked, Feizhi simply muttered she thought she sensed some power behind her. More proof she was an Adept, if she could feel Psynergy being used. Mia flashed Ivan a look warning him not to do that again.

As they continued walking, Isaac took Ivan aside and asked him what he found in Feizhi's mind.

"Nothing interesting." he replied. "But she was sure she felt some power acting on her, and she suspected it was me. She's an Adept, alright."

"But of what element? I've never heard of the ability to see the future of any elemental Adept." Isaac paused a moment. "If we saw her use any other ability, we could tell, but she's only been an Adept for a couple of weeks. She couldn't possibly yet have the knowledge or training to use her powers, or know any other abilities."

"I'm not sure, but I think she might be a Wind Adept." Ivan replied. "I can't be sure, though. It's just a hunch, a thing I feel about her."

"Well, we might find out sooner or later. She's only accompanying us to the Alpine crossing, or maybe Lama Temple if her friend Hsu is still there, but we'll likely never know."

"I don't suppose it matters." Ivan shrugged. "It's only for a while we'll be with her. It just seems kind of weird meeting a normal person who has been changed into an Adept, when all we've seen so far are animals that have been affected by Psynergy Stones."

"We'll see what happens." Isaac shrugged.

While they were camping for the night, Isaac finally asked just what, specifically, it was that was so dangerous. Nothing had happened to them all day.

"Well, since that day that those gems fell from the sky, the lands have been infested with monsters, no?"

"Yeah, we've run into them." Garet replied in an off-hand manner. "They're easy to deal with. If that's all your worried about, then you don't need to be concerned. You're safe with us; we can take care of them."

"Yes, but I've had visions of something worse." she told him gravely. "Something hunts in these lands."

"Relax, you don't realise just how powerful we are!" Garet grinned widely, stroking the axe by his side.

"Hey, Feizhi." Isaac spoke. "In Xian Academy, it was mentioned that you can sense evil. Have you sensed any pass through or near Xian?"

"Hey, that's a good question, I hadn't thought of that!" Ivan exclaimed.

"No, no evil has passed through Xian." she shook her head.

"Maybe Saturos, Menardi and the others went around Xian?" Ivan suggested.

"It would make sense." Mia noted. "After all, when we asked around at Xian, nobody has seen people matching Saturos and Menardi's looks. And those two stand out fairly well."

"These people you speak of, they are the one you are following?" Feizhi guessed.

"Yes, it's important we stop them. They're very evil." Isaac replied.

"I had envisioned as much." Feizhi replied. "When I saw the four warriors who seek to save the world, I saw that they may yet ensure its destruction."

Ensure its destruction?

"The ones you follow bear items of great power that you seek, and more." she continued. "But their intentions are strangely like and contradicting your own. I saw, nor understood no more.

Strangely like and contradicting to our own? Isaac wondered. What could that possibly mean? He could understand the contradiction, they wanted unlimited power and eternal life by releasing Alchemy, and they wanted the opposite. But like? In what ways could their aims be like?

"That's really weird, how does that make sense?" Garet asked. "Like AND contradictory? It's impossible!"

"I don't understand myself, warrior." she shrugged. "But my visions have always come true. Always. Their never wrong. Never."

"It's certainly something to think about." Ivan mused.

Isaac sat quietly, thinking it over. But he could come to no conclusion.

XXXXXXX

The next day, after a good, hard pace of walking, they sat down to rest and have a quick lunch. It was then that Feizhi, as though listening to something, tilted her head to the side and stopped chewing her food.

"Something is coming." she warned them. "No, many things. Dangerous and evil."

"Another vision?" Ivan ventured, but Feizhi shook her head.

"No, I sense it. They come this way. This is the danger I foresaw. We must prepare to fight!"

They all quickly put their food aside, and drew their weapons, taking battle positions that they were all so familiar with by now. Feizhi joined them, holding her long, wooden walking stick like a fighting staff.

"What are you doing? It's too dangerous, we'll protect you!" Isaac hurriedly told her.

"No, I am no helpless damsel, warrior." she shot back. "I am trained in Kung Fu. I will fight."

Isaac didn't argue, and at any rate, right then monsters appeared over the ridge ahead of them, running towards them. A lot of monsters. A pack of wolves, two dozen of them, just like the ones he and Garet had first encountered after leaving Vale, but there were more now. And they looked bigger. They had needed all their strength to repel those wolves that first night, but they were stronger now. A lot stronger. And there were four of them now. No, five, counting Feizhi.

But wolves weren't the only thing to rush down to meet them. Giant apes, like those in Mogall Forest, came down, five of them. Why were there so many? And working together? They couldn't possibly defeat them all with normal methods, Psynergy would be necessary. Well, Feizhi had to find out their little secret then. Isaac had not time to consider more, the large group came down upon them.

Rays of lightning blasted through the air as Ivan used Psynergy to bring down many of the wolves. Several of them ceased their charge to stop and munch their fried companions. Isaac raised his hands and a roiling quake sphere formed around them, slowing down many monsters and even stopping some others altogether. A huge fiery wall of flames suddenly blazed into life on one side, incinerating four of the wolves and effectively cutting off the others. Garet then sent if slowly away, driving the creatures back lest they get burnt. Then a hail of razor sharp icicles descended upon some of the other creatures point down, courtesy of Mia.

A few of rabid wolves raced towards him, leaping over the flames, with their pointed teeth glistening. Isaac used the Orb of Force to throw one back, while decapitating another with his blade. Isaac then reached out with his Psynergy and the second wolf was impaled by a stone spire that appeared from under its back from within the ground.

From behind him, Garet blasted a couple of the overgrown wolves with a powerful fireball, and then buried his large, double-sided axe in the head of a third. Ivan was hurling wolves away with gusts of wind and whirlwinds, blasting lightning from his Shaman's Rod at any that came to close. Mia was using Psynergy to hurl sharp icicles into the bodies of several wolves, while any that lunged towards her were struck by her Angelic Ankh, and fell to the ground in a thick coating of heavy ice that appeared out of nowhere.

Feizhi, however, moved with a speed and grace that Isaac would have thought impossible from her feminine, nimble frame. She danced in between snapping jaws and swiping paws, striking her pointed fighting staff into the side of the ribs of her assailants, she ducked under leaps driving her staff up into the vulnerable under bellies, leaped over lunges and knocked wolves unconscious with overhead blows. Her assailants seemed unable to touch her as she jumped, dodged and struck vulnerable weak spots.

Now most of the wolves were gathering in one spot just ahead of Isaac, growling ferociously and preparing for a final charge. Such an act seemed to give them some sort of unnatural… intelligence.

Not knowing what precisely he was doing, simply acting instinctively, Isaac formed what he guessed was an involuntary Psynergy against the group of wolves. Harnessing the power of the energy from within the earth beneath their paws, Isaac focused it with his mind, and then released it against their foes.

A bright beam of earthen Venus energy light shot up from the ground, ripping a hole in one wolf's side, then began to expand, encompassing all the wolves while large chunks of rock began floating up in the air in it's field. Then the earth gave up all of its energy, all the rocks and stones in the light exploding in brilliant white light, unleashing their power like a powerful Ragnarok. When the light cleared, all the wolves had been scattered around, many simply blasted into oblivion. Those that were still able to ran off with their tails in their legs. Isaac then saw with surprise that only the five apes remained, seeming unfazed by Isaac's attack.

What was that he had done? Unleashing the power of the earth, the power of Gaia. Gaia. That was the power that some of the Adepts of the Venus Clan had used the old stories said, wasn't it? Before he had time to think further, a giant ape lumbered towards him, and almost struck him in the head before he dodged in time. Focusing his mind again, he generated his Psynergy and used it on the ground under the beast's feet.

Suddenly the seemingly solid earth beneath it tore itself from the ground and lifted up; throwing the creature of balance, and it fell to its back. Isaac continued to raise the solid mass of clumped dirt, and then hurled it back down onto the creature's gut with all his might. The ape gave a cry of agony and sat up, clutching its stomach in pain. Isaac summoned up more of his Psynergy, and blasted it with a final Ragnarok. When the exploding light had faded, Isaac saw that the creature was now dead. He turned his back to the dead ape to see how the others were doing.

Garet was just removing his axe from the back of a very burnt and very dead ape, while Ivan was just sheathing his short sword, the Elven Rapier, but he still gripped his rod tightly before him. Next to him was a slain ape, while nearby was another ape encased entirely in a block of ice, next to which stood Mia, the orb at the end of the golden staff that was her Angelic Ankh still glowing bluely. All three of them had their attention focused entirely on Feizhi.

She was taking on one of the giant apes all by herself. They couldn't help for fear of striking her accidentally. It lunged for her, burly hairy arms outstretched. Feizhi simply ducked at the same time as she struck the beast straight in the softest part of its belly with her staff. Quick as a flash, she ducked and rolled between its legs. As she stood up again behind it, she spun around and stuck the beast in the small of its back. As the ape arched back, howling in pain, she twirled about and struck it in the side of the head. The giant ape spun around, attempting to back hand her with a powerful arm, but she simply ducked under it, then leaped and back flipped away. The ape lumbered forwards, and tried to punch her in the face, but as it did so, she spun, grabbed hold of it's arm from over her shoulder and, using the momentum of its punch, flipped it over her back and onto the ground in front of her, leaving it laying down on its back. Before it had a chance to react, she spun around once and slammed her pointed end down into its throat, breaking its neck with a loud snap.

"Woah! That was amazing!" Garet exclaimed as he realised a non-Adept had defeated such a powerful, Psynergy infused monster.

"Thank you, warrior! I am an expert at Kung Fu, and know how to use Chi." she replied with a smile, spinning around to face him, and flicking her long, intricate violet braid over her shoulder. "But the powers that you used. What were they? They were like things that I've heard before in stories come to life. You must explain."

"Well, that's a long story, and there's a lot to tell." Ivan replied with a shake of his head, blonde mop of a fringe once again dangling in front of his purple eyes.

"But we'll explain as best we can." Mia told her with a friendly smile.

"There are still a long way to and half the day left." Isaac told them. "We'll explain on the way."

XXXXXXXX

As the Silk Road began to wind through the large hills and soon small mountains, Isaac knew they were nearing the Alpine Crossing. The road was steadily making its way into the steep, rocky valley that was the crossing, where the road divided in two, the Silk Road that continued on its way west through the valley, and a less travelled road branching off to the solitary mining town of Altin.

They'd just finished explaining to Feizhi the rather exhaustive explanation of Alchemy, Psynergy, Adepts and all things related, although her large green eyes still swam with confusion, indicating she still had many questions. She seemed about to ask something when she stopped, began staring straight ahead and biting her lower lip, as though in deep thought of internally debating with herself.

"Hsu is nearby. This is where we will find him." she suddenly informed them. "This is the reason he is late from returning from Lama temple."

"Are you sure?" Ivan asked inquisitively. "Is it one of your… visions?"

"Yes, you are right, warrior." Then Feizhi dashed ahead of them down the Silk Road in between the valley's sheer walls. They followed behind her, although it was not quite as fast as the nimble female. She rounded a bend in the road and disappeared behind the valley's curving cliff wall.

"Silk Road! There are boulders blocking the road!" They heard her screech. The four Adepts rounded the bend and found her standing in front of a massive landslide of boulders and rubble that entirely blocked their passage though.

"My vision… it was true!" she murmured to herself, then began calling out, "Hsu! Hsu!" There was a moment's pause, then, "It is no good. I cannot hear Hsu's voice!"

There was absolutely no possible way they could climb over those boulders in their way. They were big and unstable, unclimbable. And the sheer sides of the valley didn't look in the least bit at all stable. Isaac thought the slightest tremor would set of another landslide.

Far too dangerous to attempt climbing over, assuming it was even remotely possible. Isaac could use Psynergy to attempt to make a way through, but he already knew it was impossible. Even ignoring the fact he'd probably bury himself accidentally in another landslide, there were a lot of boulders, and the landslide was thick. He could totally exhaust himself trying to make a dent in there. It would take an entire team of men, a large team, working all day non-stop days before it was passable. They had no way of getting past.

"All this way and now we can't go after them?" Isaac growled to himself in frustration. "By the time we get past, they'll be a whole week ahead of us!" He felt that they might as well not even bother chasing Saturos and Menardi when they were that far behind.

"Hsu is in danger." Feizhi murmured softly, ignoring the others. "I can sense it. I must find him soon."

"I can't believe it!" Ivan exclaimed. "The Silk Road has never been closed off! Never!"

"This is such a stupid thing to have to stop our quest!" Garet spat, stamping his foot for effect.

"Hey, Isaac." Mia started. "Don't you think it just a bit suspicious that this landslide happens before we get past, but after Saturos and his cronies get through? Even though Ivan said that it's never happened before?"

"You know, you're right. It looks to me like they're trying to get rid of us."

"That is right, healer; the Silk Road had never collapsed in our memory." Feizhi suddenly stated, turning to face them. "The Alpine Crossing has always been so stable. It would seem to be the work of those evil ones whom you follow, no? Perhaps they used this 'Psynergy'" she pronounced the word uncertainly, "that you spoke off. The earth kind."

"You mean Venus." Isaac filled in.

"Yes, but it does not matter." She turned to face the rockslide despondently. "Hsu is trapped somewhere on the other side and I cannot reach him. What do I do? Going back is not option. I must find Hsu." She turned to glare at the rock wall, as though she believed she could just will it away.

"What are we going to do?" Mia moaned. "There must be someway past here."

"No, healer. The way is blocked." Feizhi replied over her shoulder. "I have seen it. We cannot pass."

"But there must be someway around." Ivan insisted. "Is this the only way?"

"Well…" Feizhi paused for a second. "Some of the miners who occasionally visit Xian say that the mines of Altin reach so far into the mountains that in some places the holes reappear on the other side…"

"So there is another path!" Garet exclaimed. "Through the mines of Altin!"

"Let's hurry!" Isaac shouted. "To the mines! We can still catch up to them!"

"Wait!" Feizhi called out to them as they were about to leave. "The mines are impassable! Altin is flooded!"

"I don't care, we have to try!" Isaac responded. "I can clearly see there's no way through here, but at least there may be a hope up there!"

"Your hopes are sunk, warrior. There, the water will never be dried by the light of the sun."

"Well, anything is better than staying here." Isaac shot back. "You can come with us if you want. If we get to the other side, you'll be able to find Hsu." She seemed to consider this for a moment, considering her options.

"Well… there is nothing I can do here…" she looked at Isaac. "I had a vision that the town of Altin was flooded. But, I saw no vision indicating the water would stay there forever. Mayhap you will find a way." She looked at Mia. "Besides, healer, I would miss our conversations. They have been most pleasant."

"Then you're coming with us?" Mia asked hopefully. Feizhi nodded. "Thank you! It will be good to have you with us! We'll find Hsu, somehow, I promise."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Garet asked. "Let's go!"

And so the party, now made up with five Adepts, began heading north, to the flooded mines of Altin.

A/N: And that's another wrap! Did ya like it? Was Feizhi a nice addition to things? Do you think it'll be nice to have her tag along for the mines chapter, or should random bandits appearing out of nowhere waylay her and remove her from the group? I thought she deserved to be included, I mean she appears at the crossing at the same time as you do in the game, and Lama Temple like 5 minutes after you, so why not just have her with them? Besides, what was she doing while she was waiting for Hsu, twiddling her thumbs? Silly girl, why do you chase after him, he's a fat, useless, minor character! Forget him, let him die there, who cares?

Well, you all know the routine now, so I won't bother saying "Review me!". Oh, whoops, just did!

Heh, I'm looking forward to the next one, I think it'll be good! Plenty of action and such with those nasty statue things. And the deep, dark, terrible mines of Altin. This momentous decision kinda makes me think of LotR

"If we cannot go over the mountains," Garet suggested, let us go under it! Let us pass through the mines of Altin!"

No, Garet, son of whoever your dad is," Isaac replied, "I would not go through the mines unless I had no other choice!"

"Let the ringbearer decide!" Mia suggested.
"Let us go through the mines!" Ivan declared

"Don't I get to say anything?" Feizhi whined.

"I wanna come to!" Hsu added.

…

…

… Um, yeah… forgive me, I haven't had my morning coffee as of writing this. My mind tends to wander.

Okay, one last thing I oughta point out. Because x-mas time is coming up (yay!) and I work in retail (boo!) I'll be working a lot more now, so that means less time to write, so I may not be able to update as fast over the next couple of months, sorry. I'll do my best, but yeah. So if this doesn't get updated for a while, don't worry, I haven't given up, I'm still working at it, I'm just a wee bit busy, is all.

Anyway, better end things now. You all know what to do. See ya (hopefully) soon!