Thanks for all the reviews and story favorites! Now, we can have Ivan torment Matthew in this chapter, somewhat! Hurray! Well, Ivan does come in this chapter. Apologies if characters appear out of character in some instances.
Dropping In
Chapter 2
When the trio of Adepts arrived in Vault, the first thing they noticed was the bridge crossing over above them. They awed over it and continued making their way through the village. A man with brown hair, standing outside a house—most likely his—was approached by Isaac. He asked the location of the inn, and pointed the way there. The Valean Earth Adept nodded, returned to his friends—he assumed Matthew could be called one now—and they headed that way. They saw another house next door to the first one they passed, which was a two story. Behind that house was a built-in cave store, one selling medicine and the other selling weapons. Matthew raised an eyebrow to that, amused in the least. Nifty, I guess. He noted to himself, turning back to his past-father and his friend. He still found it creepy he was in their time period, of all places. Adjacent to the second house in Vault they saw, there was the two story inn, obviously marked with a sign. Unfortunately, Garet didn't notice it.
"Hey, where's the inn?" The redhead wondered.
"…It's right here, Garet." Isaac pointed out, chuckling.
"Oh… I knew that." was his response. Matthew wanted to slap him, but that wouldn't have boded well. Was his uncle really that dense? He knew the man was smart, and maybe reacted upon instinct or something. Standing outside the inn was another man, who had been keeping an eye on two children running around a well, behind a few trees. Atop the hillside, there was a small, Dalmatian looking dog standing near a ring of tombstones. Matthew saw it, noting there could be something interesting there. He was about to tell his young father and Garet about the discovery but remembered they didn't have anything like Himi's Search to identify the hidden whatever was there. Great.
"Hey, Matt!" came the calling of Garet's voice to the second blond-haired swordsman. "We're going to get a room. Coming?"
"Oh, y-yeah." The Earth Adept-of-the-future replied, following after the redhead. When they were in, they spotted a man with a brown beard, dressed in blue overalls, sitting behind his desk. Various pots decorated a table on the right-hand side near a window, and a path that lead to the owner's private quarters were most likely to the left. A few carpets, a few red and one intricately designed one near the desk, were upon the wooden floor to provide homely comfort to many weary travelers. The teens made their way to the counter, with Isaac in the lead.
"Excuse me." Isaac said as his hand reached the desk, catching the man's attention.
"Ah, welcome to the Vault Inn, boys." The brown-haired bearded man greeted with a smile. "Would you like to rent a room?"
"Yes please."
"It's sixteen coins for a room."
"For all of us in one room?" Garet asked.
"Of course…that is, unless you're uncomfortable with that? It's sixteen coins per person per room, if you want to—" The man started but Isaac already took out the appropriate amount and handed the man the money.
"No, we're fine sharing a room. Thank-you, sir." The brunet nodded, accepting the payment, handing him a key to the room. Isaac took it, nodded graciously and led Garet and Matthew towards the second floor stairs. Isaac found the door to their room, unlocked it and took the bed near the door. "Ah man…" the first blond said with a light yawn.
"Whew, finally!" Garet sighed in relief, ready to unwind, taking the second bed near Isaac's. "My feet hurt from walking so much!"
"Walking's good for you, you know." Isaac repeated to his friend, who groaned.
"Yeah, yeah!" Garet waved him off. "I wish there was an easier way to go about this journey."
Matthew, having listened to their somewhat conversation, took the last bed, sitting on it and minded his own business. He figured the less he had contact, whether physically or verbally, with his father and Garet, the better chances he had of not screwing things up. Perhaps if he stayed silent enough, they'll not notice him… "Hey, Matthew. I've got a question for you." Damn, spoke too soon. The younger swordsman looked up to his name-caller, glancing at Garet, who inquired upon him, then to Isaac, almost hesitant. What would he ask him? "Are you and Isaac related?" Of all questions to ask, Garet would say that particular one. Of course I'm related to him. He's my father. He wanted to say, but he knew all hell would break loose if he did.
Instead, Matthew had to think up of a lie. It had to be something so outlandish that it was believable, and they would buy it. His grandfather, Kyle, actually had relatives, but they were far away, apparently. His grandmother passed away before he was able to fully remember her, so he never knew what she was like, only through stories of his present family were told about her. But, still. If he said anything that he was a relative from Kyle's side, there would be no doubt his father would press onto the matter with his mother, Dora, later on. That is, the Dora of the past. Finally, after giving up on formulating a plausible lie, Matthew said, "No, I'm not related to him. Why would you think that?" Stupid question, but it would stall for something else to brew in his mind.
"Well, you and he share very similar appearances." Garet pointed out. "I know my best friend since we were toddlers and I can tell that nobody else looks like this guy…except you."
"Yeah. And you're definitely not my brother unless my dad married another woman before he met my mom." Isaac said as he crossed his arms, pondering.
Matthew closed his eyes. He was getting trapped in by their questions and point-outs. "Well, that can't be… I'm sixteen. I'm a year younger than you, I-I think." Seeing Isaac's nodding in agreement, the younger blond sighed in relief. He almost slipped up there again. "I am going on seventeen soon…" Isaac replied after, still thinking on the situation.
"Then, Kyle must have gotten together with another person after he married your mom, Isaac! He was secretly dating two women!" Garet said with wide eyes.
Isaac shot his friend a glare. "My father isn't like that! He's faithful only to my mother, Garet. He would never stoop so low to cheat on her."
Garet threw his arms up in defense, flinching at the Earth Adept's light fury. "Whoa, chill man! I…I was just throwing out a possibility, you know? I mean, anything could have happened that brought Matthew into the world, y'know?" Aforementioned teen remained quiet through their bantering, not wanting to add anything to the conversation—unnecessarily, if one could say—that could have possibly worsened it. "Okay, so we scratch out your dad's having another kid… What if he really is your brother and your mother was hiding him the whole time?" Isaac shook his head again at this.
"No, I would have noticed."
"Okay, then Dora must have gotten with another man—"
"Garet…" Isaac growled darkly.
"…Does it really matter where I came from?" Matthew finished next, hoping to break up the building tension and rage within the room between the two. Both past Adepts snapped their attention to the speaker, who remained as calm as a summer day. "I mean, it's not really important."
"Yes it is!" Garet said. "It's driving me insane not knowing why you look so much like my best friend!"
"Is it really bothering you that much, Garet?"
"YES!"
Matthew and Isaac sighed in exasperation, face-palming at the same time. After that, the Earth Adept of Vale turned his gaze towards Matthew, who noticed it and they locked glances for a moment. Yes, something deep down, there was some similar sense of familiarity radiating off the other Adept, Isaac couldn't put his finger on it. The way he sensed Matthew's Psynergy aura, it felt like he was sensing his own. He also wanted to know why their new companion shared similarities with him, though he wasn't going to allow it to drive him to madness like it had done for Garet. "We'll worry about that later." The Valean blond said after a creeping silence between them. "Matthew, I meant to take you to the healer of this village. You may still have bruises and untended injuries. It'd be wise if they were, well, treated."
"Hm? Oh, I'm not hurt." Matthew stated blandly.
"But…"
"I'm fine D—I-Isaac." Whew, that was close. "I'm…capable of healing myself, and the injuries I sustained aren't serious."
Isaac stared at him, oblivious to the other teen's near slip-up of calling him his parental name. "When we found you, you looked like someone had slung a good one to your head and to your legs." He pointed out seriously.
"Oh, well I'm fine now. You healed me, after all." Matthew stated back. Knowing how persistent his father was when it came to injuries, no matter how small, the teen could literally see the concern flashing in his father's younger eyes. Things never change, apparently. While Matthew liked the half attention he was getting from his dad of the past—who still didn't know an inkling of his future son's existence, and Matthew was going to be sure he never found out—it was becoming rather, dare he say, irksome. He didn't want to be pestered by their onslaught of questions, especially of his relation to the Valean. Already, this was becoming troublesome.
"Don't…worry about it I…Isaac." Matthew stumbled over the other blond's name, fidgeting slightly when he had to say it, or rather, forcing himself to say it. He felt so disrespectful, but he had to push that away in order to draw less suspicion towards him.
"If you're sure…"
"Very."
After that, the second spiky-blond rose from his bed, stretching. Something prodded his mind and he chided himself for nearly forgetting. I nearly forgot to get a map of Weyard. Sounds weird when I do have one, but it doesn't match this time period, of course. Curse my luck. Matthew glanced at Garet, who was on his bed, grumbling and Isaac, who continued to stare at him with matching blue eyes. "Where are you going?"
"Going to get me a map, remember?"
"Oh, right." Isaac recalled. "Do you need me to go with you?" Deep down, Matthew wanted his father to go with him. He wanted to ask him questions of what he did as a child, as his father of his own time hardly spoke of his childhood to him. He would always call it "irrelevant" and never brush upon the topic again. Garet would sometimes speak of it, briefly, but it wasn't much to go on. If he was going to be stuck in the past for awhile, may as well use it to his advantage. Perhaps, he could establish a closer bond to his father if he learned more about him when he was his age and things before then.
Also, seeing as this was Isaac's and Garet's first time in Vault as well as his, they may as well explore the place together. "I don't mind." Matthew responded finally after a minute of silence. Isaac smiled and sat up from the bed he was sitting on. He straightened his scarf and made sure his sheath and sword were secured. "Garet, want to come along?" Isaac invited to the redhead.
"No, I'm staying RIGHT here." The Fire Adept pouted, obviously still being upset with the fact he couldn't identify Matthew's uncanny resemblance to his friend and whose side of the family of Isaac's he came from. It all bothered him to the point he furiously denied being near the other Earth Adept at the moment.
"Are you still upset?" the Valean blond questioned.
"Yes."
A sigh escaped Isaac's mouth. "Garet, just let it go…"
"I can't. It's bothering me. I'll figure it out, just watch!"
"It's really not that serious." Isaac tried defending the situation.
"It is serious, Isaac. I know you're just as curious about it as me." The redhead huffed. "I'd be pretty suspicious if some guy randomly appeared from nowhere, I tripped over him, and as it turns out, he looked just like me!" Isaac opened his mouth to object but found his friend was right. Garet was right for once. Pale-blue eyes stared at the brown ones of his friend, but with a sigh of defeat, Isaac relented. "You're right, Garet. I am curious, but I'm not going to let it bother me."
"Ugh." Garet groaned. "Well, fine then. I guess I can't help change your mind on this." His brown eyes met with Matthew's similarly pale-blue ones. "Whatever the reason, I'm sure it's a good one…"
Don't bet your cookies on it, Uncle Garet. Matthew thought as he turned for the door. "Well, guess we better go now." He told Isaac.
"Yeah. We'll be back, Garet. Try not to fume and flame things while we're out." The blond sent with a light chuckle.
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean!?"
Left without an answer, the two blond-haired Adepts left the room, keeping the key, and headed towards the stairs. Whilst walking in tandem with Matthew, Isaac began observing the other Earth Adept closely, being watchful on what he did. While the presence of the other really didn't bother him, remembering Garet's words moments ago had an effect. The teenager, while he didn't notice it at first, was walking in the same manner as he had. Isaac subconsciously rocked his arms while he walked, so did Matthew. The pace the other teen was moving at, felt very familiar, and not only that, he couldn't get his eyes off that scarf that draped around the other blond's neck. Isaac had a feeling it was similar—if not the same—as his. Did Matthew get his made in Vale, he wondered.
It was likely, then unlikely, as not many travelers came upon Vale. In fact, the village was like hidden away from the world, as it served its role of protecting the Sol Sanctum. Those born in Vale would always be Adepts of some kind—namely Fire or Earth Adepts. However, Matthew didn't appear he was from Vale at all, and if he was, Isaac hadn't ever seen him. In fact, he knew just about everyone in Vale like the back of his hand and nothing of Matthew's existence ever popped up. It didn't make any sense, but now when he thought back on what Garet said, something sparked his interest. What if Matthew really is a brother of mine that I didn't know about? Like, a half-brother…? I know I don't like thinking about it, but I also can't rule out the possibility. Of all the wondering he could ponder, this seemed very accurate to him.
Now, just which parent of his made this offspring come to light?
Isaac thought about his mother, and the resemblances they shared. Isaac had her hair color and eye color, of course, and so did Matthew. However, as far as he knew, Dora didn't share the wild hair as he and Matthew did, so that ruled out. The only one who could have done so was his father, which made him shudder. Why would his father go behind his mother's back, cheat on her, and then have Matthew? And, why would he keep the boy hidden from them for so long? There were instances where the man in question would be gone for a long time, but until now, Isaac hadn't put much thought into it. Kyle and the boys shared many similarities, one being the wild, spiky hair, the shape of eyes and their faces. If this was true, Matthew's mother must have had blond hair, or close enough to it that her genes dominated for the teen's hair color.
Kyle didn't have blue eyes like his son and his wife, so Matthew's mother must have had blue eyes for them to pass down genetically. The more Isaac puzzled in the clues of the mystery of Matthew, aforementioned teenager had stopped when he noticed his fellow Earth Adept had been trailing behind him. "Isaac?" The Adept-of-the-future wondered, those same-shade of blue irises staring at him. Also, it seemed as if he were having a hard time pronouncing the other's name, for some reason. Well, that was odd, but Isaac shook it aside. "Yes?"
"You're sort of falling behind. Is there something wrong?"
Of course there is. I'm in the middle of discovering that you could be my half-brother. "No. I was just thinking, is all."
"Oh, I see." Matthew said flatly, not wanting to pry into his father's business. "Well, we're at the item shop. I asked some of the villagers to direct us there. I can purchase a map here, and then I suppose I'll be on my way after a good night's rest." This stabbed Isaac's heart a little, the blond resting his focus upon the other blond-haired swordsman. He was leaving them? So soon and while he was putting the picture together? For all Isaac knew, his little brother was going to leave him! "Wait, you're…going to leave?" He asked, voice hesitant and shaking.
"Yeah." Matthew replied, raising an eyebrow. "Why?"
Isaac shook his head. "Well, I…"
"…"
There was a moment of silence before Isaac sighed deeply, lowering his head. If it was true, if Matthew was truly his half-brother, someone his father helped bring into existence then Isaac would hold dearly to him. He was Kyle's last line, the very thing his father left behind, even if he was supposed to be a secret. If that was true, then Dora didn't know this. "…Matthew…I just want to know something."
Not knowing where this was going, but had a chilling sensation crawl upon his back, the teen by name answered. "…Yes, Isaac…?"
A moment of pause circled them as the village noise dulled as background sounds like natural effects in a movie. Isaac brought his hand to his face, trying to force back any tears that would soon pour down his face. He had to know. He had to know if this boy in front of him was his father's son, his brother, someone in relation to him. They looked so much alike, they shared the same element in Psynergy, hell even their scarves were similar. Only Kyle could provide heavy genes like those and they were evident on Matthew as they were to Isaac. "Are you my…" Matthew froze as the words formed into his past father's mouth. Oh man, did he just realize who he really was? His blue eyes widened in shock, bottom lip quivering, and his hands clamming up in sweat, despite they were in gloves.
Crap…How'd Dad figure it out so soon? I hid it well enough, didn't I? He asked himself, paling as each second slipped by. The worst of his fears were revealing themselves and it hadn't been a few hours in the day yet. The timeline was going to be screwed, the teen could feel it. His very existence would be wiped, and the Grave Eclipse would have occurred probably, but just without him. People would die again, and though it wouldn't be his fault, it technically would have. He somehow traveled to the past and ruined the events that led to his birth as well as his friends, and the continents of Weyard shifting. In other words, the world was screwed.
"…my brother?"
Isaac finished his question and fortunately for Matthew, it wasn't the one he feared of. His shoulders relaxed and he sighed in utter relief. His father hadn't figured it out thankfully, but he was sure he couldn't count on instances like these. At least the timeline didn't implode. But, now he was being asked if he were a relative of Isaac's? Not in the way he imagined, but it was still there. The clammy feeling in his hands didn't go away yet, and neither did his pale expression. He and Isaac stared at one another, one's eyes held a look of grim while the other had hope in his eyes. Did Isaac truly believe he was his brother? What kind of question is this—wait. Matthew paused in his thoughts. If Dad starts thinking of me as a brother, perhaps I won't get questioned anymore about why I look so much like him. It's risky, but I'll have to wing it and lie… I don't know if it'll have any effect on my Dad in my time, but I can't let him know who I really am. He sighed inwardly as he looked at the situation he was in.
Yeah, it's the only shot I have. Grandfather, Grandmother, here's to hoping I don't screw this up.
"…Are you?" Isaac repeated, still hopeful.
Matthew closed his eyes, donning on his thoughts of lying to his father once again. He didn't want to, but it was his only option. "Sixteen years ago…" The blond began, fiddling into his lie, "our…father had a relationship with Dora, your mother. However, after Kyle married to Dora and was devoted… he began slipping in and out of the marriage." Matthew grinded himself for the lie, but he noticed it was having an effect on Isaac, who was gaping at him with dinner-plate sized eyeballs. "It was probably unintended, but he…"
"…Father…messed with another woman, regardless of his marriage?" Isaac finished for him, though in disbelief. "I…was probably going on one that time…"
"Most likely."
Those tears he wanted to punch back rolled down his eyes. Isaac looked away when they did, unable to contain them. Why would Kyle do such a thing? Betray his family by cheating on his mother? What were the reasons behind it? As badly as he demanded answers from his father, he couldn't get them. Those secrets died with the man three years ago when Mt. Aleph erupted. Now, all that was left of the man's memories was this kid who looked like Isaac in every way. His only 'memento' of Kyle was in the form of a human life. As angry as the teen wanted to be, he couldn't be upset at his father's actions or at Matthew. In a dumb sense of realization, he was…happy. He had been the only child, or so he thought, for so long. Garet, Felix and Jenna were his best friends and treated him like family, but he hadn't a sibling to call his own. Garet had two sisters and a brother, Jenna and Felix were siblings and Isaac had nobody. The sudden realization of his half-brother right in front of him gave him hope, gave him another reason to be jittery.
That's why I felt some form of familiarity from him earlier. That's why it felt like I knew him, but I didn't. He's my brother! Isaac yelled at himself in-thought. Half-brother or not, he's still apart of me, apart of my family. I…have a sibling.
Matthew stared at Isaac, who was taking slow, heavy breaths to calm his excitement down. As much as he loathed lying, he nearly believed his own lie. Must have been a very good one. Now, he would have to play the role of his father's supposed young sibling in order to avoid telling the real truth. That meant, he would have to stick around his father and Garet longer than he expected; somehow, Isaac wasn't going to let him leave the party after figuring out who he 'was' in relation to him. Even as an older man in his time, the guy was stubborn and almost clingy. That was perfect…Now he couldn't wander off in Weyard and find a solution to his time-traveling predicament.
"Matthew… Why didn't you tell me when we first met hours ago?" Oh, the dreaded question.
"I…wasn't so sure it was you at first." He lied again, but portions of it were true. He did know, then again, he didn't, if that made any lick of sense. "Gra—Kyle told me that one day I'd meet my brother, but when I was older. I'm ashamed to say I don't know my mother very well. She died when I was two years old and I was living with foster parents growing up majority of my life. I didn't know if you truly existed or not, but I had some hope." Isaac remained silent and stiff at the news, looking down again. His brother suffered all this time, hoping he would be there for him, and yet, he couldn't. But, how would he tell him their father was killed by a giant boulder from Sol Sanctum three years ago? No, he couldn't. It would surely crush the teen's heart. Maybe another time…
"I'm sorry, Matthew."
"Don't be, Isaac, okay? None of it…was your fault. I should be sorry." Sorry that I lied to you right in your face.
"You're not to…blame. I can't get mad at you. You're innocent to this. But…" Their eyes locked again, and a light, warm smile etched itself on Isaac's face. "I'm…glad to know I have a sibling, and one that's really close to my age." A bit shaky for a moment, Isaac slowly approached his clone, carbon-copy of a brother and hugged him into the tightest embrace possible. Matthew stood there shocked for a second. He hadn't known what would happen if he came into physical contact with his father of the past, afraid of the effects it would have or may make. But, it didn't seem to affect him at all. Slowly as Isaac had, Matthew closed his 'brother' into a comforting hug, though was dying on the inside. He couldn't remember the last time his father hugged him this tightly before and with love to add. This was a moment he would surely enjoy.
A moment later, Isaac released his newfound brother and smiled. "We have a map, Matthew. You don't really need one, since you're coming with us."
"But I—" Need to get to my own time period!
"I can't just let you leave like that. I mean, we both found out we were actually brothers! Family should stick together." And there was that stubbornness Matthew anticipated and knew all too well. Well, so much for traveling Weyard alone thirty years in the past. "We need to be together, for Dad's sake."
Well, Grandfather would probably want that. Matthew mumbled in-thought. "All right then…I'll stay." He relented, half reluctantly as well, but hid that.
Isaac smiled triumphantly. "Good. Well, while we're out, may as well stock up on items."
So the two 'brothers' went ahead towards the item shop, opening the door and going in. A lovely young woman with orange-blond hair, green eyes and wore a white dress greeted them, offering the items she had in stock. It wasn't much—just herbs and antidotes. While Matthew knew how to cure himself from near dying tragedies with healing Psynergy spells, his father and Garet most likely didn't yet, save for Isaac's Cure spell. That would come in handy, and so would Matthew's. That and being poisoned while traveling about wasn't a good idea, so stocking up on antidotes was important. Before Isaac could leave, Matthew, knowing how shops worked, asked the lady for any special items in stock.
"Oh!" she squeaked, pulling out a drawer from behind her desk. "This is the best I have to offer, what would you like?" The pair of blond Adepts looked at the wares she pulled out, one gawked and the other smiled. She had potions, Psy Crystals and Water of Lives—all three being naturally hard to find while adventuring and only sold in shops anyhow. "The potion helps restore your energy to its fullest, these star-shaped crystals do the same, as I've heard and these precious golden droplets also invigorate to allies who are too exhausted in battles against monsters. Oh, I should say this would help you out if you're adventuring!" She explained as much as she could. While she understood two of the items she carried, the Psy Crystal was one she didn't seem keen on.
Unfortunately, neither did Isaac.
"All right. I'll take three of each." Matthew said, taking out his wallet.
"Wait, those are expensive." Isaac pointed out, having seen the price tags. "The potion costs one thousand coins, this Psy Crystal costs one thousand fifteen hundred coins and then the Water of Life costs three thousand coins." Matthew turned to his 'brother' and smiled as he was doing the math. It really wasn't that hard to understand. "So, why are you going to spend sixteen thousand and five hundred coins in one whole setting?" It was easily noticeable that Isaac was shocked and staring at his sibling.
"Yeah, it's no problem, Isaac."
"But that's a ton of money. How are you going to assume that amount?"
"I have deep pockets." Not a lie, he did.
"…But."
Matthew paid the exact amount to the shop tender, surprising her he had enough to purchase all three and had a lot to spare, too. Isaac continued staring, wondering how the blond acquired so much money. Once the items were accepted and stored in the main bag the Valean carried, they left the item shop. "I can't believe you bought those." He said to the future-Adept, still in disbelief. "How'd you…get all that money?"
Well, when you live in a world where monsters tend to drop coins after being defeated…wait, he does. Matthew slapped himself mentally. Duh, this IS still Weyard, just thirty years ago. He had to keep reminding himself of that. "Well, I've been around…" He trailed, not really lying.
"Oh…"
"Isaaaaac!"
A voice called to him, the two looking up from their conversation to find Garet running towards them. Wait, if he was here, then who was watching their stuff in the room they rented? "Garet? What are you doing out here?" asked Isaac, blinking.
"Aren't you leaving your belongings unguarded, too?" Matthew questioned next.
Garet smirked as he approached them, coming to a stop. "I got a spare key from the innkeeper. I told you two had the key but I wanted to find you, so he gave me the spare temporarily. Anyway, listen, I figured out the possibility of how you two are related!" The Earth Adepts, if this were an anime, would have fallen down comically—but they didn't. Instead, they face-palmed. Here they thought Garet was going to announce something serious but the redhead apparently was fixed on figuring out if the blonds were related still! Really, Garet? Once the two Earth Adepts regained composure they narrowed their eyes at the Fire Adept. "Garet, we really thought you had something important to tell us." Isaac said, frowning.
"Yeah! Your relationship's important!" he huffed.
"Not really, since it was figured out not long ago…" Matthew smirked lightly, crossing his arms.
"Wait, really? So what are you, like cousins?"
"No Garet." Isaac smiled, glancing at Matthew. "We're actually brothers."
Now, the Fire Adept was gawking at them, but then grinned wide. "Ah-ha! I knew it! So, what he was like your long lost brother, Isaac?"
"You could say that…He's actually my half-brother."
"That's awesome! Now we can save the world together!"
Matthew froze. Wait, save the world together? He paused for a moment while the two Valeans were chatting away. Hold on. If Dad and Garet are on a journey, then…that means…They're stopping the lighthouses from being lit? He looked at the two teens and pondered some more. That has to be it. It's just like in the Sun Saga. They must have gone through the Sol Sanctum already and received word from the Wise One to retrieve the Elemental Stars from those villains, Saturos and Menardi. But, then, if that's true, then Dad…He must have already— Matthew stopped as he saw the two were staring at him incredulously. "Matt? Why the sour and gloom face all of a sudden?" the red-haired Adept wondered.
"I just want to know something." He began, beginning to sound like his proclaimed uncle and father. "D—Isaac," he caught himself swiftly, "this is just a thought but, you said you two came from Vale, right?"
The blond nodded. "Yes."
"And…there's a sanctum of sorts residing there?"
"Yes."
"Then, you're on a journey to stop someone, aren't you?"
Oh, you should have seen the pairs of surprise and shock he was getting from the Valeans. They hadn't even uttered a word about it to Matthew, but here he was, already having figured out parts of why they were on a journey. How? They didn't say anything! Matthew studied their expressions and knew he hit a tight rope with them. Yep, just as he suspected; they were chasing down those villains, before the third Sun Saga book, before they met with his birth-uncle Felix and his group. Speaking of, where was that man? "How'd you know…? We never said anything."
"I'm not too sure myself…" Matt lied again, knowing full well he did. The books he read as a kid detailing his parents and their friends' journey around Weyard never told lies, like he was doing, ironically. That and his parents retold the story many times when he and his friends were children. "Some hidden hunch I got, I guess."
"Wow, you're like a mind-reader!" chirped Garet. "Oh yeah, on the way here, I overheard the villagers are kind of on edge. They're talking about thieves and that a boy inside the mayor's house was looking for something stolen or lost. They're saying the boy has some strange powers."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I'm not sure what's really going on."
"We should help." Matthew suggested. "Do you know where the mayor's house is, Garet?" The spiky-haired auburn remained quiet for a second, drawing a blank. The pair of Earth Adepts clued in this was the part where Garet had no idea. They shared glances before sighing.
"Never mind that, we'll ask around." Isaac said as his voice interrupted whatever emptiness was in his fiery friend's mind. "Come on, you two." The trio walked around the village, asking a kindly old lady where they would find the mayor's house. After she graciously pointed the way to them, they thanked her and made their way towards the house. When they got there, they didn't notice the sun was slowly edging towards the end of noonday, and the evening would rise up in a few hours. Stars were beginning to twinkle in the sky, but as before, that went unnoticed.
Isaac knocked on the door of the house and it was answered by a woman with a green dress on, having dark brown hair tied into a low ponytail. "How can I help you boys?" She asked.
"Um, we overheard something about thieves. We're here to help if we can." Isaac presented, hoping. "We heard something was stolen from you, too."
"Oh, dears. Would you be as kind as to?"
"Yes ma'am."
The woman pondered a moment before allowing the boys into her house. However, when they were in, a scene unfolded just across the room. A man with white hair slicked back, a matching mustache, wearing a long coat of cream color, a dark green shirt, brown slacks and keeping himself steady with a cane, was talking to a boy much younger than the teens. He had short, blond hair—Garet complaining about 'there were too many blond-haired people' to himself—with a few cowlicks protruding from the top of his head. Matthew was instantly reminded of Amiti when he saw them. His eyes were a strong shade of amethyst, and his eyebrows seemingly mimicked that color. That was strange. The smaller blond was wearing a thick, green shirt over a purple tunic, brown straps tied to keep his near-magenta colored pants from falling down and dark brown boots upon his feet. Lastly, he had a green cape draped over his shoulders with an intricate design on the backside. All in all, he looked like a wizard or some rich noble kid.
"Ivan, I wish to assist you in your task, but I do not believe I will be of any help."
"I-It's all right." The boy called Ivan spoke. "I understand. I will just have to keep trying."
The Valeans glanced at one another as they absorbed the bits of the conversation they heard. So was Matthew, but now he froze again. That man had called that boy 'Ivan', and unfortunately, he only knew one Ivan. That meant only one thing. Damn, it's Karis' dad in the past, of course. And if what she said was true about him reading minds, then I'm absolutely screwed. He grumbled internally as the conversation before them continued.
"I won't give up, Mayor. Rest assured, your family urn and Master Hammet's rod will be found. I won't leave until I find it."
"Ivan…"
"I know it's going to be hard, but I can't…"
"We'll help!" Garet interrupted the conversation with his chirpy attitude, as usual. Ivan and the mayor spun around and looked at the three boys that had been standing there for a while, though their eyes went to the loud redhead instead. Garet turned to his two Earth Adept pals and grinned when they gave him a pair of scowling faces. "Did you really have to interrupt like that…?" Matthew asked with a hushed tone.
"Uh…no, but I got their attention, right?"
"That was rude."
"Sorry."
"…You'll help me?" Ivan blinked, having walked up to the three Adepts, staring hopefully at them.
"Yeah, of course." Isaac told him. However, the three felt something emitting from Ivan, and all knew why; Psynergy. Apparently, the boy himself didn't know what it was but he had the strange feeling he felt it emanating from the three standing before him.
"…You three have…strange powers like me, don't you?" Ivan questioned. Before they could answer, Ivan closed his eyes, his body surrounded in rings of energy as he held out his hand towards them. While the two Valeans had not a clue what was going on, Matthew did. He had never seen Karis' father perform any mind reading on them, but felt this similar to Sveta's Spirit Sense. He was going to read their minds and this fact made Matthew flinch. He can't know me! He reacted quickly and built up a mental wall to block the inevitable Mind Read Psynergy.
'Huh? Ivan's using Psynergy to read my mind?' Isaac thought, though it was being read by aforesaid boy.
'Aaah! Someone's reading my mind!' Garet cried in-thought.
'…' was Matthew's thought that he pulled up, and what Ivan would see when he saw it.
Thankfully, he stopped, looking at them individually. "Just as I thought…You three possess the same powers as me, but differently. 'Psynergy' as it's called, hm? That's what it is?"
"Yeah, that's what it's called." Isaac replied, smiling as much as he could. However, he felt his privacy was invaded, and it literally was.
"I see…So, your names are…?" Ivan asked, using Mind Read again.
'I'm Isaac, Ivan. Why are you reading my mind?'
'The name's Garet, but really…why are you reading my mind?'
'…Couldn't you just ask us in person? I'm Matthew, though.'
"Oh, sorry, Matthew." The shorter blond said sadly after reading his mind. Aforesaid teen simply shrugged and nodded in response. "I should ask for your permissions first before reading your minds again."
"That would be wise." Isaac noted. "Well, Ivan, why are you here?" The purple-eyed mage sorrowfully looked down as his gaze went from the Adepts to the floor. He knew he could trust these people, as they were the same as him, albeit different. They couldn't read minds like he could, but they could tell he was. All of them wield Psynergy like he did and that was the part he was trusting in. After all, they didn't seem so bad. "I was traveling with Master Hammet, a well-known merchant from Kalay. We arrived here a couple days ago and we were about to leave when all of a sudden there was a massive earthquake." The two Valeans grimaced while Matthew raised a curious eyebrow. What earthquake? He hadn't felt any. "Large rocks, purple ones as well, erupted all over the place. In the confusion, sadly, we lost a very important item, the Shaman's Rod."
I remember this a little bit. Uncle Ivan mentioned it to Karis, Tyrell and I sometime when we were fourteen. So that really concludes that I'm in the past for sure. Matthew thought, hoping Ivan wasn't still activating his Mind Read. Thankfully, he wasn't; that was another close call. "The mayor also lost a family urn in the confusion as well. We believe thieves are behind this and have been looking for it ever since this morning. Master Hammet left here not long ago but ordered me to find the Shaman's Rod. I can't…leave the village until I do."
"Oh man, that's terrible…" Garet sympathized.
"Unfortunately, yes. So, you said you would help me, right?"
"Of course we will, Ivan. Right?" Isaac looked at the two others, especially at Matthew.
"Yeah, I won't back out from helping someone in need." Garet added truthfully. "We'll find the mayor's lost urn and the rod."
"I'd feel bad if I didn't help." Matthew said after, glancing in Ivan's direction, giving the mage-Adept a warm smile. "Don't worry, we'll all look together."
Ivan returned the smile and nodded to the other two. "Thank you so much. Let's begin our search outside. Perhaps we'll find some clues as to where they could be." With the smaller blond leading the way, the three Adepts followed after him all with determined faces set. Matthew, in his silence, knew that once they found the rod and went on their way, Ivan would join them. After all, he IS a Warrior of Vale, despite not being a Valean himself. He was in the Sun Saga, he was grouped in with his parents, and unfortunately, that meant he would be trying to read his mind throughout the journey. Perfect, just perfect. Matthew was cursing at himself, and praying to whichever deity existed to make sure Ivan didn't Mind Read him when he slept or was vulnerable.
If Ivan found out I was from the future, I'll be dead meat especially since I lied to Dad. Matt told himself, watching as the sky was turning a light orange color. Could this day get any worse?
And there's chapter two. xD The fight with the thieves is next chapter, as well as them heading for Goma Cave. Huzzoh. Ah yeah, I had to throw in some Matt-and-Isaac bonding time. I couldn't resist. More Garet in the next chapter, too. Review if you like!
Edited: 11/2/2014