A/N: Welcome back, welcome all. How are you? Really? Is that so? Good to hear. Me? Oh well, I've been… what was that? You don't care about my personal life, you just wanna know about the chap? Oh, very well, fine then. It's done, if you must know. Just look!

But before I start, there are a couple of issues I'd like to address. First, most of you will have noticed that we are no longer allowed to put review replies in our chaps. We have to use the new reply feature. I did as many as I could, emailed others I couldn't. Hope you all received yours! If not, feel free to give an email address if you'd like a reply, if not… well, I don't suppose anything I have to say to you personally can be all that important, huh?

Another thing I'd like to point out is that, in the previous chapter, I put down chapter sixteen when, in fact, it should have read fifteen. Apologies for this error, I'll fix it up when I can get around to it.

Another thing, some of you (alright, ALL of you) almost certainly picked up on a certain… how should we say, dynamic between Feizhi and Isaac. A one-sided deal, very much. If you are unaware what I'm referring to, then you are as oblivious as young Isaac is. I would just like to point out now that this wasn't actually originally in my plans. But a certain "GoldenSunGeek" suggested the idea to my via email, and I thought, "Hey, not a bad idea." I mean, you see that in the next game when Feizhi meets Felix (why the hell does she thinks he's Isaac? Does she need glasses or something?) so I figured I'd reflect some of that in this fic. Well, more than a bit, I guess. I probably should have made mention of this earlier, but I didn't so I'm saying it now. Thanx GoldenSunGeek.

There's also another individual I should thank in the way of ideas, but I'll save it for the end so you'll actually know what I'm talking about. No biggie, but don't wanna spoil it for ya, eh?

Okay, enough of my rambling, read on!

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

MASTER HAMA

A day after leaving the mines, travelling along the grassy plains towards Lama Temple, they made camp for the night. If all went well, the next day they would arrive at the temple some time at around noon. The five Adepts were seated around the camp fire, eating dinner quietly, watching as Ivan and Feizhi sat before one another, while he tried to teach her how to read minds.

"To use Psynergy, you really have to focus your mind." he explained to her. "Find the power deep inside you, try and focus it, concentrate it to do what you want."

"Like what I feel when I have my visions? And when I made that lightning come out of my hands?"

"Yes, like that."

She closed her purple eyes in a look of deep concentration. After a couple of seconds, a blue nimbus of light began to glow about her as her Psynergy began to form.

"Now focus that power on my mind, and try and will my thoughts into your head. That's how I do it." For someone who had been a servant all his life, he seemed to be a very good, very patient teacher. Isaac could feel her energy reaching out for Ivan, touching upon his forehead. "Now tell me, what number am I thinking off?"

She was silent for a moment, and then she ceased her Psynergy, and opened her eyes again. "Was it seventeen?" she asked, somewhat unsure of herself.

"Yes! You got it right, Feizhi! Well done!" Ivan smiled broadly as he clapped her on the back.

"Wow, that was easier than I thought it was!" she was positively smiling with delight.

"Really?" Ivan responded. "It took me years to figure out how to do that… then again, I did it on my own, I didn't have someone teaching me."

Feizhi turned towards Mia. Over the time that they had been travelling with one another, the two of them had become close friends, evidenced by the fact that Feizhi called her by name instead of title, a formality highly valued by her people. "Let me try it on you, Mia!" she suggested eagerly.

"Okay!" The blue haired healer smiled in reply.

Feizhi's body glowed blue again as she focused her minds power on Mia. The blue haired healer sat there calmly, aqua eyes looking into Feizhi's purple ones, a small smile etched upon her face.

"What number am I thinking of?" the Mercury Adept asked.

Feizhi didn't take as long to answer this time. As she grew better and more accustomed to her power, she became more confident and self assured with it. "Eight!" she declared in triumph. "I did it, Mia! I can read people's minds!"

"Congratulations, Feizhi!" Mia said with a broad smile, giving her a congratulatory hug.

"I cannot wait to show my father this!" Feizhi said, an eager smile growing on her lips. "That will show him that I have powers!" She turned to Isaac, excitement and interest mingled in her eyes; and a hint of… something else, he couldn't quite place it. "Let me see if you can read your mind, Isaac!"

"Okay, sure. Give it your best shot!" For some reason, unlike Ivan and Garet, Isaac had noticed that Feizhi no longer referred to him as 'warrior', but called him by name, just like Mia. Apparently, in Xian, they considered it polite and formal to refer to one by their job title rather than by name, unless they were close friends or family. So how come she didn't call Ivan or Garet by name, he wondered. He could understand Mia, the two had become best friends on the journey, but why did she like him more than the other two?

"Okay, I am about to start." she said, interrupting his thoughts.

"Okay… um, what do you want me to think about?" he asked uncertainly.

"What do you think about me?" she asked a very interested smile on her lips. Why did she seem so interested in what he thought about her? She began to glow light blue, beginning to read his mind.

I think you're, uh… a nice girl. He thought I like you as a friend a lot. Couldn't he think of anything better to say about her? She ceased reading his mind.

"Thank you…" she said slowly, somewhat uncertainly but not at all displeased. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Do you think I'm pretty?"

Pretty? What on Weyard does she want to know something like that for?

"Well, uh…"

"No, wait, I want to read it on your mind!"

"Um… okay." He looked carefully at her, smooth youthful face and shining violet eyes, intricate purple braid swinging down her shoulder over a petite, feminine body, clad in loose fitting robes. She began reading his mind.

Well, I think you look very nice. He thought. I guess most men would think you're pretty.

"Do you think so?" she pressed.

…I guess so.

"I see…" She ceased reading his mind and turned away; face expressionless as she busied herself with eating her dinner.

Now, what was that all about? He wondered.

"Tomorrow, let's see if we can get you to learn how to control your lightning and wind abilities." Ivan suggested to her. "So far, it seems that you can only do it at great need, like when you're in danger."

"Yes, as when I fought that statue. I want to be able to do it at will. And I have never made the wind move as you do, warrior."

"Sounds like a plan." Ivan settled down to eat his stew. Isaac noticed Feizhi casting surreptitious glance at him in curiosity. Why was she looking at him like that?

Wait a minute, could it be…? He began to think, no, of course not. That's just my imagination, surely.

"I hope this Master Hama knows where Hsu is." the Earth Adept said, breaking the silence that formed over the group.

"Master Hama…" Ivan repeated softly, eyes distant and deep in thoughtfulness. "…Hama…"

"She will, I assure you, Isaac." Feizhi said. "Master Hama knows everything. She can even see into the future."

"Really?" Garet said. "Well, after those monks at Fuchin Temple, I wouldn't be surprised."

"Oh, Lama Temple is much better than Fuchin." Feizhi assured him in a confident voice. "You will see, warrior."

XXXXXXXXX

Lama Temple turned out to look very much like Fuchin. There were a few buildings of similar architectural style standing by a gentle stream. The monks who inhabited the temple were similarly dressed, and exhibiting the same behaviour as they quietly meditated in the gentle, peaceful atmosphere.

As Feizhi had already explained on the way there, the purpose of the monks was pretty much the same, seeking spiritual enlightenment through inner contemplation. Their leader was some young woman by the name of Master Hama. And that was really all Ivan knew about the place. All the times he had crossed nearby along the Silk Road to and from Xian, he and Master Hammet had never visited Lama Temple. There was, after all, no business or trade to be done in a temple.

Nobody paid them any mind as they entered. Isaac asked a few people if they knew anything about Hsu. Nobody did. They should ask Master Hama about that, they were told.

After filling up on water, a lot of water in preparation for the Lamakan Desert, they purchased a few provisions from a local who sold food to passers by, then began heading towards Hama's temple. It was the largest building atop the highest hill, right next to the flowing brook.

They found a shaven headed monk in loose fitting robes sitting cross-legged on the ground next to the door, as though he were a guard.

"Is this the temple Master Hama is in?" Isaac asked as they approached.

"Yes it is." The monk replied, looking up. "Master Hama knew you were coming."

"She did?"

"See, I told you she could see the future." Feizhi said with a definite tone of pride.

"And she left a message for you." The monk continued. "She said Feizhi must wait outside while she speaks with Isaac and his party."

"What!" she exclaimed. "But… but I am the one who wants to meet her! These warriors are just following me! I need to ask Master Hama where Hsu is, and how I can help him! There must be a mistake! She wouldn't refuse to let me in!"

"That is what the Master said." The monk said in a completely calm tone of voice. "You must wait, while she speaks with the other four. Then she will converse with you later, Miss Feizhi."

Feizhi growled softly, and stamped her foot in irritation. "Why would she do something like this? Stupid Hama…"

"You should not speak so of your Master." The monk advised nonchalantly. "If you four would please enter? Master Hama awaits you."

"Don't worry, Feizhi." Isaac reassured her. "We won't be long."

"I will be waiting." she said in a stubborn tone that suggested she'd wait till winter if she had to. The four Adepts silently entered the meditating room, shutting the door behind them. The inside did very much remind Isaac of Master Nyunpa's room. It was a simple, modest room with a few incense candles providing light and smell. On the floor was the same symbol, a circle half black, half white, separated by a sinuous line.

Ahead of them, sitting cross legged on the floor with her back to them, was a woman silently meditating. She was wearing simple, clean robes with violet colour hair tied back in a simple ponytail.
"So, Isaac, you and the other Adepts have finally come." The woman ahead suddenly spoke up in a clear, young voice. She stood up and turned to face them. She was young, probably only a couple of years older then Isaac, with violet eyes, not unlike Ivan's, and a smooth, serene expression on her face. She regarded them calmly, with a slight hint of a knowing smile on her lips.

"Finally come?" Garet repeated in surprise. "You mean you really were expecting us? And how did you know our names?"

"I had anticipated your arrival." Hama informed them steadily in a calm voice.

"You knew we were coming?" Mia asked the woman.

"I have been waiting a long while for you." Hama replied simply. "You come seeking the Elemental Stars."

"You know about the Elemental Stars, too?" Ivan asked in surprise. "Who… who are you?"

"I am a Jupiter Adept, just like you, Ivan." Hama replied with a smile, looking at their companion.

"I am not a Jupiter Adept!" Ivan denied vehemently, not wanting the secret of his power revealed. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You are, Ivan." Hama told him. "You know that you are one, just like me."

"But… how can you be so sure?" he asked slowly.

"You have the ability to read minds." she said, taking a step closer. "This power is unique to the Jupiter Adepts."

"You predicted our coming…" Mia spoke up. "Is that also a power of Jupiter Psynergy?"

"Excellent question, Miss Mia." Hama chuckled slightly, a beautiful, pretty sound. "Yes, the ability to foresee events also belongs to the Jupiter Adepts."

"Then, can Ivan learn the power of prediction, too?" Garet asked eagerly. It would be a useful advantage, Isaac figured.

"He already has the ability within him." Hama replied simply.

"No, I haven't…" Ivan started.

"You do." Master Hama cut in. "You merely do not yet know that you have it." Ivan shook his head in disbelief. "When you first met Isaac and Garet in Vault, you knew that they were important in your life, and you somehow recognised them instantly, as though you had seen them before, perhaps in a dream. When you went to Lunpa, you afterwards knew that you had to rejoin your friends, somehow, as though it was the right thing to do, you destiny as it were. Many times, you have known or intuitively guessed things, thoughts and knowledge given to you by foresight, though you do not realise it, or understand or control it."

"But… wouldn't I know?" he said softly to himself. "No… but, then…"

"Wow, it must take great power to see the future." Garet nodded, impressed.

"It will be a great power to use on our quest, if Ivan can use it." Isaac stated.

"He will learn it when the time is right. For now, he must learn another power." Hama smiled in anticipation, looking to the short Jupiter Adept.

"What other power?" Ivan asked eagerly.

"Reveal."

"Reveal?"

"Yes." Hama began. "I have waited a long time to pass the power of true sight on to you." She looked at Ivan with her purple eyes.

"But why does he need to learn this power?" Isaac asked.

"You will need Reveal if you are to achieve your goals…" she looked to Ivan, briefly, then sighed. "Jupiter Adepts can learn Reveal on their own, over time…" her eyes flitted to Ivan briefly again, and then she looked to Isaac. "But that power alone will not help you find Saturos as his company moves on." She looked out the window, to the road that led to Xian. "It was Saturos and his companions who blocked Silk Road…"

"I knew it was them!" Garet exclaimed. "I'll bet they got Felix to do it for them, too. What a bunch of cowards!"

"Do not be so quick to judge, young Garet. Felix bears a terrible fate." She sighed despondently. "His fate in the destiny of Weyard is a burden I would not wish on any man, though it has yet to truly begin for him."

"A terrible fate?" Isaac queried. "What do you mean by that? And how had it not truly begun yet?"

"I am sorry; I can say nothing more on this matter." Hama shook her head regrettably, "Now, we must focus on the power of Reveal. You will need this power to cross the evil Lamakan Desert."

"An evil desert?" Garet asked, cocking a doubtful eyebrow and looking to Isaac. "How can a desert be evil?" The Earth Adept shrugged in reply.

"Why will we need Reveal to cross the desert?" Ivan asked Master Hama.

"Crossing the Lamakan Desert was hard enough with the extreme heat, as you know." she explained. "But heat has taken hold of the desert and it has become unbearable. Entering the desert now is nothing short of asking for death."

"Then how can Saturos cross such a deadly place?" the short Wind Adept queried. "Saturos and Menardi are both Mars Adepts, as I'm sure you know. I am merely guessing…" she shrugged. "But their powers may help them suppress the heat as they cross."

"I don't understand…" Mia started. "How will Reveal help us in such an evil place? Is this similar to the power they're using?"

"Reveal will help you find oases to cool you against the heat." Hama replied.

"Why would we need Reveal for that?" Garet asked. "Couldn't we just find the oases ourselves?"

"Do you know what a mirage is?" Hama asked Isaac.

"I think so…" Isaac replied a bit unsurely. He'd heard of such things before, in stories.

"Intense heat creates a distortion of air that alters the appearance of the terrain." She explained. "Mirages will deceive your eyes, preventing you from finding any oases. The desert is filled with mirages that prevent you from seeing clearly. Without Reveal, you cannot find the oases, your path or many other things."

"Sounds like you'll have to learn Reveal, Ivan." Garet said, clapping the boy on the back. "I don't want to die in some evil desert!" For some reason, Ivan was looking a little unsure of himself.

"What's wrong, Ivan?" Mia asked. "Are you afraid you can't learn it?" Hama walked up to Ivan, laid a hand upon his forehead, then let it fall to her side again as she looked away and sighed.

"What's wrong, Master Hama?" Ivan asked anxiously. "You can pass Reveal on to me, can't you? We need to cross this desert to save the world!"

"I am unsure that it will work." Hama confessed. "In preparation for this day, I tried to pass a power on to a young girl, although that power was not Reveal. My student was not an Adept… at least, not at the time, but I though anyone could hone a skill he or she already possessed deep within them… However, I saw no change in the girl."

"No! There was a change, Master!" Feizhi's voice suddenly interrupted. All of them turned to see Feizhi entering the room, slamming the door closed behind her and ignoring the look the monk gave her.

"Oh, welcome back, Feizhi!" Isaac greeted.

"Thank you, Isaac." she said, very warmly.

"Feizhi, I thought I asked you to wait outside." Hama said disapprovingly, frowning at her student.

"I did." she replied. "At least, I was."

Hama's purple eyes took on a severe glare. "You were listening at the door."

Feizhi folded her arms defiantly. "I have a right to know what you are talking about. Besides, Hsu is now in even greater danger, and I need you to tell me where he is."

Hama seemed to forget about the intrusion as she heard Hsu's name. "Hsu… how can you know this? You had not learned your gift of foresight when we last met."

"I sensed it!" she exclaimed, eagerly. "I foresaw that he was in danger, and came to help him."

"Sensed it? Then you did learn to use your ability…" her youthful visage took on a thoughtful look. "But Hsu is no longer here, he left for Xian two days ago."

"Hsu, is in great danger!" she told her master anxiously. "You must tell me where he went!"

"Hsu left this place a long time ago." Hama told her calmly, soothingly. "He went home to Xian. I have not sensed any trouble with him since."

"I know… but Hsu did not return to Xian." Feizhi's voice was anxious. "And I sensed he is in danger and needs our help!" Hama shut her purple eyes in deep thought for a moment, and then opened them wide as realisation dawned on her face.

"… The boulders in the mountains!" she then exclaimed in shock. "That's where he is. Of course!"

"I sensed it!" Feizhi repeated. "I came through the mine with these warriors. I came to ask for help."

"I sensed nothing, as I was focused on Isaac's arrival…" Hama confessed, shaking her head. "But why has the power come to you, after all this time?"

"Gems fell from the sky." Feizhi replied bluntly. "One hit me right on the head."

"Gems… Psynergy Stones…" she mused, then turned back to Ivan. "But you cannot control the ability, correct? It comes as it wills, right?" Feizhi nodded. "I thought as much." She looked to Ivan. "Then this may work after all."

"What about Hsu?" Feizhi pleaded. "He needs our help!"

"Let us hurry to Hsu's aid!" Hama nodded, and then followed Feizhi out towards the door. Before reaching it, she stopped and turned to face Isaac's party. "You should wait here. Feizhi and I shall return with Hsu before they day's end. Then I will teach you how to use Reveal, Ivan." She looked to Isaac. "I believe you acquired an item from the mines of Altin. I will need to borrow it from you temporarily."

"You mean the Lift Gem?" He fished out the item from his pocket, holding it out before her. "But what will you need it for?"

She took the Lift Gem, and pocketed it. "Hsu is trapped under boulders. Now that I have stopped focusing on you, and allowed my percipience to track Hsu, I, too, have seen the danger that Feizhi foresaw." She turned back to the door. Feizhi was waiting anxiously. "I will not be long. I shall see you soon."

"Wait!" Isaac called out before she could leave. "Just how much about us and our quest do you know?"

Turning to face him, Hama smiled cryptically and answered, "I know enough and that is enough for you to know. Make yourselves comfortable in Lama Temple, feel free to look around." Then she was gone out the door with Feizhi before any of them could form a reply.

"It's enough for us to know that she knows enough?" Garet repeated. "What's that supposed to mean? Why does she have to be so cryptic, why can't she just be open and direct?" He grumbled in irritation, and occupied himself with looking about the room.

"I should have gone with them." Mia mused, blue eyes gazing out the door to where the two had left. "Hsu may be in need of my healing."

"I'm sure their fine, Mia." Ivan said. "If they needed you, surely Hama would have asked for you? Let's just wait around here for a while till they get back. I guess I'm going to have to learn this Reveal technique."

Isaac murmured in agreement. They were in a rush to catch up to Saturos and Menardi, but… well, it was already late in the day, and surely they could afford a small rest? They would have to stay here anyway, and learn Reveal if they were to succeed, so there was nothing much else to do but sit around.

It was then that a large oil painting to one side of the door caught his eye. He hadn't noticed it before, but now that he was looking at it, it was as plain as day. It showed a small girl, maybe six years old, with waist length violet hair hanging loose about her shoulders, and big, purple eyes.

That looks like Hama. Isaac thought I guess it must be her as a small girl. Next to the young Hama on the painting was a small baby, with blonde hair and purple eyes. I wonder who that is. He thought, curious. There was nothing inscribed on the painting frame to indicate who the people were or who the artist was.

"This painting…" Ivan mused, standing right up to it to get a closer look. "There's something about it that feels so familiar… I can't say what, though…"

"Isn't it obvious, Ivan?" Garet asked. "It's got Hama in it! That's what's so familiar about it! Sure, she's younger here, but it's still her."

"No, Garet, I don't think that's it…"

Mia gazed serenely at the painting for a short while, an unreadable expression on her face. "You know… I think that baby in this picture might be related to her… assuming it's an accurate copy of the people. Maybe it's a cousin or a sibling of hers…" There was no way of telling whether the baby was a boy or girl in the painting, but for some reason Isaac was guessing that it was a boy.

"Oh well, it's nothing special." Garet shrugged. "Let's get something to eat, it's about dinner time, I say! Isaac, you've got the food, don't you?"

"Sure, Garet, knock yourself out." The Earth Adept replied, handing his pack over to him.

"Don't mind if I do!" He eagerly took the bag and started digging through the contents.

"I'm going to get some rest." Mia sighed. "It's been a long walk, and I'm tired. I'll be by the stream if anyone needs me." She left the room with a graceful walk and was gone.

Garet left shortly after, saying something about cooking up a meal. That left Isaac and Ivan alone. The Jupiter Adept couldn't tear his eyes away from the oil painting of young Hama and the small baby.

"So familiar…" he murmured to himself. "…But why…?"

Isaac laid a hand on his shoulder and brought him out of his thoughts. "Come on, let's get something to eat while Garet's cooking, before he eats it all or burns it or something worse." Ivan looked at him with his purple eyes, his mind still evidently some place else.

He's got the same purple eyes as Hama and that baby. he thought. Then again, that didn't necessarily mean anything; most Jupiter Adepts had purple eyes. One of the elders of Vale who was a Jupiter Adept had purple eyes, there was nothing special about it, it was just an Elemental thing.

"Wha-? Oh, right. Sure, let's go." Together, they left the meditation room, making sure to close the door, and joined Garet in a clearing as he started cooking up a dinner over a fire started by his Psynergy.

Still, why did Ivan find that painting so familiar?

XXXXXXXXX

While waiting for Hama and Feizhi to return with Hsu, they busied themselves with an early dinner, and then casually relaxed about the temple grounds, waiting for them to return. Mia sat by the stream, calmly gazing out across the Angaran plains, waiting for her new friends to return. Ivan sat nearby, but neither of them spoke with one another, each content to centre on their own thoughts.

Nearby, Isaac sat next to Garet while the Mars Adept started practicing some of his Fire Psynergy. It had been a while since the four of them had a chance to rest and recuperate like this, especially in such an area as this. It was nice to just recover from their exhausting journey, and sit with one another in companionable silence.

Garet was glowing light blue with Psynergy as he focused his mind to try and control the flames before him. Hovering above the ground, seemingly burning from nothing, the orange flames flickered and formed into life by his willpower alone, growing and expanding to the size of a man's chest. He then formed it into various shapes, strengthening his ability and perfecting his technique.

"I need to be my absolute best with Fire Psynergy if we're going to beat those other two." He explained to Isaac as he made the flames form the ancient symbol of the Mars Clan, a flame within a circle, formed of red fire. "I mean, we were lucky on Mercury because of that beacon, but I want to be capable of beating them without that. We'll have to, won't we? Besides, after those Water Beasts in the mines, I realise I need to be much more powerful, I couldn't compete with them."

"Well, there's nothing wrong with that." Isaac shrugged. "I mean, they used Water Psynergy, while you had Fire. It was only natural you couldn't. Even had you been stronger, you still wouldn't be much of a match for them, that's just how the Elements work, like Kraden said. You'd have to be five times stronger just to compete, probably."

"Yeah, but I want to be so powerful and skilled that I can defeat even Water Adepts… except for Mia, I'd never be able to compete with her, she's just as powerful as I am. And probably more skilled, another reason I want to train."

"Perhaps, but we all have our weaknesses. Even though Ivan and I are near identical in Psynergetic strength, he could easily defeat me because of his Element. I don't know about how the rest of us would compete against one another, but it wouldn't be easy. We all balance out our weaknesses and strengths with our respective element. It's what makes our group so strong, I guess." He looked across the where Ivan and Mia were sitting, two symbiotic elements, Wind and Water. They were talking softly with each other, although about what, Isaac couldn't tell. They were too far away to make out their voices.

Garet grunted, and changed the shape of the flames into and axe, very similar to his own. "But we've all still got the potential to go even higher, you know, Isaac? We're all equal in strength, always have been, and probably have exactly the same potential to increase our Psynergy ability. I guess that's destiny at work, or some such. But remember back home in Vale? The Elders all said that we had the potential to be the most powerful Adepts ever born in the village; perhaps as strong as the Adepts from the Lost Age, which I guess is how Saturos and Menardi compare. They were always moaning about how their abilities were dying and shrinking over the years. I want to reach my full potential, Isaac, and I'll work hard to do it."

"I don't doubt you will." The Earth Adept answered. "You always did train the hardest at Psynergy out of me you and Jenna. Just a shame you couldn't work as hard anywhere else."

Garet laughed, and let the fire vanish, his blue Psynergy glow fading. "Yeah, I just don't find anything else I'm as passionate about, you know, Isaac? Being a warrior is really what I like, going about the world, destroying evil and bringing justice. We sound just like heroes from stories, only… we are heroes! I suppose one day, people will tell stories about us, the legendary heroes who saved the world!"

"Well, we haven't saved the world yet." Isaac replied, but smiled anyway. "But I guess your right. I can't quite imagine that. Just imagine, I couldn't never even comprehend the idea of leaving Vale and ever doing anything of any importance, but now look at us! We've all gone on from simple lives, villagers, servants and healers, to heroes and warriors. I guess that's destiny at work for you."

"Yeah… it's hard to understand sometimes, though, isn't it?"

"Yeah…" For a time, the two of them sat there next to one another in companionable silence, both content to think on their own thoughts, just like Mia and Ivan had been earlier. Now that pair was talking softly with one another, engrossed in deep conversation about something he couldn't hear, the words were still too soft to make out.

Isaac thought about a lot of things that had happened so far. That tragic storm three years ago, the events in Sol Sanctum, Jenna, the appearance of the Wise One and the quest given to him. Their journey, meeting Ivan and Mia, the battles they'd fought together in, confronting Saturos atop Mercury Lighthouse, the talk with Nyunpa at Fuchin and their adventures with Feizhi. They'd already been through a lot together, and somehow, he had the feeling that it was only just the beginning of it all.

The Wise One and Tret, and even Nyunpa, said I may be the reincarnation of previous heroes… I wonder if that means the others are as well? It would seem fitting, with the whole destiny and fate thing, I guess. Assuming that there is such a thing as destiny.

Some time just before the sun set and twilight set it, Master Hama and her pupil, Feizhi, reappeared in the temple grounds, leading a round man who was clearly of Xian decent, with a mop of black hair and a child like, pudgy face. The four Adept immediately joined the trio, greeting them and asking how they were.

"It went well." Hama assured them. "There were no troubles. Isaac, I believe this belongs to you." She handed him back the Lift Gem, which he pocketed again, right next to the Orb of Force.

"So what happened?" Mia asked. "Were you injured, Hsu? Do you need any healing?"

"No, not at all, I'm fine!" he replied, wringing his hands nervously, and looking to the ground, and abashed look on his face.

"Hsu was trapped under boulders." Feizhi explained. "But Master Hama used the Lift Gem to remove them and help him get out."

"Although it could have been avoided if he'd used his head a bit more, yes, Hsu?" Hama said, giving him a slightly reproving look, like a teacher hoping a child has learned his lesson this time.

"Yes, Master." The round Xian boy spluttered, embarrassed.

"What do you mean by that, Hama?" Garet asked. She looked to Hsu, expecting him to explain himself.

"Well, uh… I was walking along Silk Road, and I passed a group of travellers – Feizhi say they're the ones you're following – and they told me not to bother, the road was blocked with boulders. I went anyway, but they were right. I could not pass; there was no way over or around." He hesitated for a moment, unsure how to continue. "Well, I didn't want to be late home, I didn't want to make Feizhi worry. She would yell at me if I made her worry, and she's scary when she yells."

Feizhi then suddenly coughed slightly, a seemingly innocent and unrelated noise, but Hsu immediately flinched and said, in a weak tone of voice, "I mean, uh… she's very nice and understanding. Yes, Feizhi is."

"And then what happened?" Hama pressed.

"I, uh… tried to climb over the rocks… that was what made them slip, and I got trapped beneath a rather large one." Isaac noticed that Feizhi was suppressing an urge to laugh, as was Garet.

"Yes, Hsu. Next time I trust you'll think before trying something so foolhardy?" Hama asked seemingly casually, but with thinly veiled force.

"Yes, Master."

"And don't worry, Hsu, I won't yell at you." Feizhi promised with a friendly smile.

"Well, as we are all here now," Hama began, clapping her hands together, "perhaps I should begin my lessons now. Ivan and Feizhi, you two may come with me, where I will teach you the Reveal ability. Hsu, Isaac, Garet and Mia - make yourselves at home. This will take us a while."

"Yes, Master." Feizhi nodded respectfully, her previous lack of respect gone.

"Yes, Hama. Or should I call you 'Master', now?" Ivan asked. Master Hama smiled sweetly at him and for a moment it almost seemed as if…

"You, Ivan, may call me Hama, thank you." she said.

"But Master, you never let me call you Hama!" Feizhi exclaimed sullenly. "You say I must always address you as Master!"

"That is because Ivan is not a permanent student." She answered calmly. "Besides, he…" she cut herself off then, realising what she was about to say, and continued. "It does not matter, Feizhi. Come, I will teach the two of you Reveal, and how to harness your Jupiter Psynergy." She led the way up to her meditation room where they had first met her, followed closely by the two Wind Adepts and disappeared inside, closing the doors behind them with Psynergetic flows of air.

"Well, I guess we're on our own again, now." Garet sighed. "This will get boring rather quickly."

"Indeed." Isaac agreed. After so long of constantly working tirelessly on the quest, he was beginning to feel restless just waiting around. "It's going to be a long night for us."

XXXXXXX

After several hours of waiting around with nothing to do, the three Adepts decided to have an early night. Ivan and Feizhi had not emerged for some time; although a near constant level of Psynergy could be felt coming from Hama's room. Hsu led them to a small building on one side of the temple grounds, a small wooden hut with open windows and silk curtains, explaining that this was where the monks and visitors slept. After Mia noticed that all the monks within were male, Hsu hastily explained that this was the male dormitory, the female ones were on the opposite side of Lama Temple grounds. Wishing them a good night, the blue haired healer left them for the female dorms, and the three of them quickly lay down in the surprisingly soft and comfy beds.

It was amazing how used to sleeping roughly out in the open Isaac was, but he immediately got comfortable in the new beds. Hsu fell asleep almost immediately, and Isaac was slowly drifting off, when the door opened and he wakened with a start.

Ivan entered quietly, while Hama stood outside, moonlight shadowing her in the doorway. "You did very well tonight, Ivan. I'm pleased with your progress." Her voice was soft, almost tender.

"Thank you, Master Hama. And thank you for teaching me Reveal. I guess that technique is the only way to pass the Lamakan Desert, right?" His young voice was almost a whisper, so as not to disturb anyone.

"Indeed it is. Sleep well now, you worked hard tonight and you need your rest." She moved to shut the door, but halted momentarily and in the pale moonlight, Isaac could see a warm smile on her lips. "Ivan, I am very glad to see you have grown to be such a strong man." Then she shut the door and was gone. That last comment Hama had made… What did she mean by that?

Good to see that he's grown up to be such a strong young man? What does that mean? A thought, a suggestion tugged at the edge of his memory, but he was too tired to think of what it was. Then it was gone, forgotten. He was too sleepy right now, he'd think about it in the morning.

Ivan stood there, staring at the door, too stunned and deep in thought to do anything. He muttered something to himself softly under his breath, shook his head, then turned and made for the bed. "…nothing. I'm sure it's nothing." Isaac heard him mutter as he passed, and lay down in the bed next to him.

Isaac felt like asking what he meant, what Hama had meant, but he was so tired, and he fell asleep almost as soon as the thought had finished crossing his mind.

XXXXXXXX

The next day, they awoke with the dawning of the sun, as the other sleeping monks in their room awoke and silently left for whatever business or duties they had in the temple. Garet, Ivan and Isaac quickly got dressed and went outside, meeting with Mia in the middle of the grassy yard. As usual, her appearance was her standard impeccable self, white dress neat and unwrinkled, blue hair looking as though it had been just brushed.

"Good morning, boys." She greeted, smiling sweetly. "Did you all sleep well, like I did? It was wonderful here, the beds are so nice. Ivan, did you manage to learn Reveal?"

The Wind Adept answered that he did, but his voice sounded odd, distant. His eyes were staring away at something that none of them could see.

"What's wrong, Ivan?" she asked in a concerned voice.

"Yeah, did you have a nightmare or something?" Garet added. Isaac then remembered what Hama had said to him last night before he fell asleep. She must have known him somehow…

"No, it's nothing." Ivan said, smiling and returning to his usual, cheerful expression and then, to change the subject, "Ah, here come Feizhi and Hsu."

The two Xian citizens appeared, Feizhi still tying her violet hair back in its intricate braid, grumbling about "nearly sleeping in again" in an irritated voice. Hsu smiled weakly, hastily patting down his bed-messy hair with his hands.

"So, I guess this is where we go our separate ways." he said. "I must thank you all for your kindness, in helping Feizhi get here and letting Master Hama borrow the thing that saved me from the boulders. You kindness is too much."

"Oh, it's nothing really." Isaac replied. "It's Feizhi and Hama that you should be really thanking."

"Oh, but I already have. I just wanted to extend my thanks to you." He took Isaac's hand and shook it.

"Oh, uh… no problem." He smiled. They really hadn't done that much to help him. Feizhi finished typing her long hair in its intricate braid – it must have taken ages to style it like that – and tied of the end with a leather cord. Looking around, she wondered aloud where Master Hama was, she should be there by now.

As though it had been a summons, the Master Monk of Lama Temple appeared from her meditation room, and joined the group. Acutely, Isaac thought of that picture of Hama as a young girl that was in her room, and the baby next to her…

What on Weyard does that mean? There's something about Master Hama…

"Good morning, Ivan, Feizhi." she greeted. "Hsu, Isaac, Garet and Miss Mia. I trust you all slept well?" They all said that they had. "Excellent. Well, we must part ways for now, but, if it's any consolation, I can promise this won't be the last time we meet."

"Really? When will we meet again?" Hsu asked.

"I cannot see clearly." Hama answered with a shrug. "Only that it shall happen. But don't worry yourself about it for now. It's time for you to be returning home, Hsu. You too, Feizhi. I'm sure your parents are worried about you."

"Yes, I had completely forgotten!" Feizhi gasped, hands to her mouth. "My father probably thinks I'm lost or in trouble! We should be off. Come on Hsu, you'll need me to show you the way back through the mines." Hsu joined her side, while she spoke with Mia.

"I shall miss you, my friend." she said. "But I hope your quest goes well. I only wish I could go with you, but I have other duties back home in Xian." She started searching in one of her pockets. "Among my people, it is custom to give friends gifts when they depart on long journeys. I hope this will suffice." She pulled out a small bracelet, polished ivory with unfamiliar character carved upon the surface. "I had planned to give this to Master Hama as a gift for all the training she's given me, but now I want you to have it."

Mia slipped it over her slender wrist. It fit perfectly. "Thank you, Feizhi. I promise I'll treasure it and look after it!" She slipped her white sleeve down over it, hiding it from view. "I only wish I had something to give to you in return…" The Water Adept gave Feizhi a grateful hug.

"Do not worry, Mia!" Feizhi replied, smiling deeply. "The giver of gifts does not need to receive one, for they already have. That's something my father and Master Hama both taught me." She turned to face Isaac. "It is custom, also, to give the group leader a good luck charm before leaving on their journey. Unfortunately, I don't have one to give you right now…" She hesitated for a moment. "But I promise to give you something someday to make up for it. Will you ever visit Xian again?"

"Sure, I'd like to go back there someday. I promise you I'll come back one day when this is all done."

"Thank you! Then I promise I'll give you a good luck charm then." She turned away from him and stood with Hsu. "I'll miss you Isaac, Mia, warriors! May your journey be blessed, and the winds of fortune blow your way!" The she and Hsu began walking along the grassy plains north to where the mines of Altin exited the mountains.

"And now, we must part ways also." Hama said, sighing wistfully. "I do not know what precisely the future holds for you, nor if you will succeed, though I hope that it does. Good luck, Adepts… Ivan." She looked him in the eyes. "I meant what I said last night. Remember all that I have taught you. Farewell." Then she turned and left them, entering her meditation chamber and vanishing from their sight. And they were a group of four once more.

There's something about Hama and Ivan, she must know him somehow… but he doesn't seem to.

"Ivan." Mia started, "do you and Master Hama…" she hesitated, searching for the right phrase, "know each other?" she finished, voicing the suspicions of Isaac and probably Garet as well.

"No…" Ivan shook his head, trailing off, looking out the door where she had left, "but it's funny… she doesn't feel like a stranger…" he added, contradicting himself.

"Why don't you just ask her what she meant?" Garet asked.

"When you came in last night," Isaac started, "she said something to you about being glad you had grown up to be such a strong young man. Do you know what she meant by that?"

"She did?" Garet and Mia both echoed.

"You heard that?" Ivan asked, surprised.

"Yes, I heard you two just before you went to bed, but I fell asleep. Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop…"

"No, its okay." he sighed. "Still… I wonder…"

"Exactly!" Garet said. "Just go in and ask her what she meant by that! Clearly she must know you somehow, don't you want to know why?"

"Yes…" Ivan replied softly, slowly, thoughtfully. "But… somehow, it just doesn't feel like the time is right, just now. I don't think she'd tell me anyway, but still…" There was an awkward, silent pause as Ivan debated silently inside himself.

"Felix and the others must be far ahead of us by now…" Isaac mused, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, we'd better get moving." Garet agreed. "I mean, if Ivan doesn't want to ask Master Hama anything…"

"No." the Wind Adept answered succinctly.

"Are you sure, Ivan?" Mia asked in concern. "We don't know when we'll get to meet Hama again, not might be your best chance."

"No, its okay." he answered, albeit hesitantly. "It's time to go on. Let's go, even now Saturos and the others are probably crossing the Lamakan."

"Alright, then, if that's you decision," Isaac sighed, "then, let's go. The desert may have slowed them down but we can't waste a second!" The four of them picked up their packs and left Lama Temple.

XXXXXXXXX

Hama watched the group of four leaving through the window of her room, contemplating on her insights she had received through meditation inside her mind.

"The future holds many hardships for you." she whispered as though they might actually hear her. "But you must not give up the fight." She was unsettled however, and her feelings still unnerved her.

I cannot see your future clearly…she thought, thinking of Isaac. It must be because I cannot be impartial to it… Then an image of Ivan entered her mind, with his purple eyes and mop of blonde hair.

…or to you.

A/N: Well, that's that. Hope y'all liked it. If you really want a reply to reviews, sign in or leave an email address. If not, well, it's no big deal unless you have a question you'd like answered, I guess.

Also, did any of you notice that painting in Hama's room? Of course you did, you just read it! I wonder who that baby was… go on, one guess who, I'll give you one guess! I'd just like to point out that the idea of including that painting was not my idea. ElementalSpirit1 suggested that idea to me via one of our MSN chats, so I should just thank him for it, 'twas his idea.

Anyway, I think that's everything, now. So, lets see, what comes next… ah, the old Lamakan Desert! Rather hot this time of year, that place. Hmm, looks like another traveling chapter for ya'all. Ah well, I guess the crux of this story is the whole journey across Angara to save Weyard. And the characters, but most everyone seems to think I'm doing fairly well in that department. What do we have in store… let's see… I see another scene involving Felix and co. in there! It's been far too long without one, I say, what say you? Anyhoo, I'll be working at it, and we'll see when I can get it done, eh? In the mean time, wait patiently, okay?

Adios Amigos.