Here I am again, with chapter 2. A huge thank you to everyone who reviewed I always appreciate it. And in keeping with my new tradition, review responses!

Vaescent,
Yes, I know what you're talking about, but don't hold your breath. Patience, my friend.

HEY,
Let's see, I borrowed blunette from… hm, it was either Dracobolt or Kyarorain. Forgive my memory, it fails me sometimes.
As for the EPMTPHGADO bit, it was a Lunar word of binding that our little necromancer threw in when Alex wasn't prepared for it, and not yet awake enough to resist it. Basically, the skeleton can now exert some control over Alex, to a certain extent. It also conveyed some information, but that'll show up later. But don't worry, I'll continue to refer to him as Alex, instead of EPMTPHGADO. And no, it doesn't mean anything.

Meg, (or should I say Dracobolt?)
Yes, it was mostly set up, I guess. It will continue to be set up for a while, since this story is going to be fairly big. Just laying the groundwork, now… And no, about that last question. Just no.

Golden Sun Smiley,
Haha, thank you very much. I'll try to keep it going well, so as not to disappoint.

readergirl-290
Thank you, and I think it's only going to get deeper. As for the Fivefold… well, you just have to scroll down and see.

gnome leader
You're right… but maybe Alex will get a chance for vengeance sometime in the future, you know? )

Critic of Constructiveness
Yes, finally a sequel. And like I pointed out above, you don't have to worry about EPMTPGADO again. Hell, I don't even think I know how to pronounce it. But I reckon it would go something like emfe – ga – doe.

Again, thanks to all who reviewed.

Disclaimer: The Golden Sun world and most characters therein are copyright of Camelot/Nintendo.

Without further ado…

Chapter 2

A New Journey

The Fivefold – Aleos, Maris, Shamira, Orior, and Cinaed - stood silently in a huddled group, each mulling over what they had observed.

With the help of the Void spell Aspectus, they had all seen far into the past, and witnessed the quest that had brought them together. They had hovered, silent as shades, and were forced to relive all the moments of pain, suffering, and trial they had undergone. But there were good times, too.

Although as time passed the legend of the Fivefold Star faded into oblivion, the echoes of their deeds still lived on in the tale of a group of brave and wise men that sealed Alchemy. And by the miracle – and curse – of the Golden Sun's influence, the Fivefold had long passed their lifespan and lived in the present day.

These five heroes, their past confirmed and their memories - almost erased by Sol Aurarius' trial - fully regained, could now face the new age whole.

At length, Aleos spoke. "Even now, I suppose the powers of darkness are stirring, awakened by the rush of Alchemy that flooded Weyard. We must rally the Adepts now, in preparation for war."

Maris sighed. "They won't be happy. They just finished a long and dangerous quest for the sake of the world, and if they learn that it was only the beginning…"

"It will hurt their morale," Aleos said thoughtfully. "But they are heroes, but of stronger material than to crumble at the second danger."

"But how can we tell them?" Maris said, and sat down on a rock, crossing her legs.

"I say we split up," Orior said, and all eyes turned to him. "Approach them individually, or when they're together with someone else. Venus Adepts should approach Venus Adepts, and so on. What do you think?"

Aleos nodded. "It should work. I'll approach Kraden, since I believe the scholar might be instrumental in convincing the others. And he is perhaps the most knowledgeable person on Weyard, after King Hydros."

Maris whipped her head around sharply and stared at Aleos. "King who?"

Aleos smiled slightly. "King Hydros… due to both his royal blood and Lumeria's unique barrier, he has lived through the full Dim Age as well… although he is certainly in his decline."

Maris leapt to her feet. "I have to go see him and let him know I'm still alive, before it's too late!" She said frantically, but Aleos put up a warning hand.

"He has lived over the entire Dim Age believing you are dead. A few weeks won't make a difference." Aleos looked around at the other members of the Fivefold. "After the eight Adepts have joined with you, meet outside the gates of Vale. From there, we'll decide what do to next." The Fivefold shifted, getting ready to go, and Aleos held up his hands. "Good luck, and may the Gods go with you."

Two men were engaged in a fierce battle, each throwing all they had at each other. One of them was tall and lithe like a panther, with hay-coloured hair that was spiked in every direction, the other taller still and more muscular, with a mane of dark hair and chocolate-coloured eyes.

They each held a great sword in their hands, the blades excelling in size and grandeur, but the razor-edge was dulled by a barrier from Granite. The blonde warrior, named Isaac, held a great sword that was wider near the hilt and narrowed gracefully to a deadly tip, called the Sol Blade. The other, Felix, held a thick and huge sword made of black steel traced with red, aptly called the Darksword.

They jumped back, each in a fighting crouch. Felix whipped his hair out of his eyes and twirled the Darksword into a defensive stance, his brown eyes glittering.

Isaac brought the Sol Blade around and leapt at Felix, but the older man simply moved to the side and swept the other's blade away. The blonde kicked with his leg, but Felix caught his foot, and there was a moment of precarious balance before Felix pushed him to the ground.

"You always leave yourself open for a counter, Isaac. I want you to work on that." Felix said. "I don't know how you ever managed to beat Saturos if you can't beat me," his tone was light-hearted, but his eyes darkened.

Seeing Felix distracted, Isaac flipped up on his feet and slashed diagonally with the Sol Blade. Felix's eyes widened as he ducked to the left, the shielded blade whistling over his head. Isaac kept up on his advantage and slashed diagonally the other way. Felix tried to shift to the right, but the blade caught him in the shoulder. He bit back a cry of pain and fell to the ground, clutching his shoulder. He stood slowly, casting Potent Cure on the muscle before massaging it gingerly. He chuckled to himself at falling for such an easy trick.

"What's the matter, Felix?" Isaac taunted. "Losing your touch?" For all they were friends now, there was still a streak of rivalry between them from when they were on opposing sides, and Felix always held Isaac responsible for defeating Saturos and Menardi and the subsequent loss of their lives.

Felix tapped his blade lightly on his hip, the signal for another bout to begin. Isaac immediately ran forward, but Felix pointed one hand minutely toward him and cast Quake. Isaac stumbled, and his sword momentarily drooped. Felix seized the chance and ran forward, slashing vertically as he did so. Isaac barely managed to block the blow, and struggled to stand up as he competed with Felix's strength.

The brunette relented and backed off, smiling slightly as Isaac almost fell over, suddenly caught off guard by the lack of opposing force. In the next moment, the Darksword was flying forward in a diagonal slash. Isaac blocked likewise, and the two blades clashed and locked together.

Felix and Isaac glared into each other's eyes, mahogany into sapphire. They both fell back, however, as a third blade fell over theirs and pushed them all to the ground. This particular blade was leaf-shaped, faintly gold in colour with a green sheen on the edges. The two Venus Adepts followed the blade and stared at the warrior holding it.

He was imposing and carried himself in a regal manner. His hair was feathery gold and fair, as was his skin. He had emerald eyes that seemed to glow faintly, and a green cloak clasped on his shoulder with a lion ornament. Underneath that, he wore a simple tunic that came down to his knees, made of tanned brown leather, over a suit of chainmail. Slowly, he lifted his sword, and let his hand fall to his side. "Isaac and Felix, I presume?" He said, in a gentle baritone.

"Who's asking?" Isaac said guardedly. He kept a tight grip on the handle of the Sol Blade, and his intense blue eyes scanned the newcomer suspiciously.

"An old acquaintance," the man said with a smile. "My name is Orior Solion. We have much to discuss."

"How? I don't remember ever having met you," Isaac said skeptically.

"Yet, I'm sure you will be interested in what I want to talk about. You know of the Golden Sun, correct? Well, there's a threat you must know about…"

Piers and Mia, as the strongest Mercury Adepts in town, worked to help rebuild Vale by healing the cuts and scrapes of the workers, as well as the more serious injuries. Piers, not willing to be left out of the hard labour entirely, often left the Sanctum to put his sailor muscles to work in carpentry, although he wasn't particularly good at it yet. One of the Valeans would shyly correct him if he made a mistake, shyly because they knew all too well of his status as world saviour.

Mia, too, often left the Sanctum to walk around and chat to the locals, encouraging them in their work and refreshing them on the job. The villagers found her easier to talk to, mainly because of her sunny smile and kind nature.

At the present, though, they were both in the Sanctum, working a particularly hard case. The village blacksmith, Desmond, suffered an accident while working, when he tipped over the anvil he was working on. The iron block landed on his foot and crushed it completely, breaking every bone, while the red-hot chunk of metal he had been working on was sent flying into his side, causing a huge sear in his flesh.

Mia and Piers, not trusting such delicate work to anyone less experienced, tended to him themselves. They enlisted Ivan to cast Sleep repeatedly on the poor man, keeping him under a rough anaesthesia. The blonde Jupiter Adept sat near the head of the man's cot, faintly interested in the proceedings.

The two Mercurians supported his leg on a chair, tenderly poking at his foot with their Psynergy. Mia, for the most part, was instructing Piers.

"See here, Piers. That toe bone connects to this one," she prodded the blacksmith's foot gently, tracing one of the many small bones in the human foot. She cast Ply and guiding the bone to its partner, her face bathed in Ply's blue glow as the bones knitted together. But she furrowed her brow as she inspected the foot, and tilted her head.

"Um, Mia?" Piers spoke up hesitantly. "I think that bone went here," he pointed to the bone just beside it.

"I think you're right, Piers." Mia sighed with exasperation. "We'll have to break it again."

"You guys look a little lost," Ivan offered from his perch at the head of the bed. "I can tap his mind and figure out which bone goes to which, if you want."

"But that's no guarantee you'll do it right," a new voice said, a soft soprano. The three Adepts looked to the door of the sanctum, which just swung shut behind a beautiful woman.

She had deep navy hair that flowed down to the small of her back like a waterfall, and a white ribbon raised a few strands from the top of her head in a burst shape, falling prettily around her face. Her features were petite, and she had almond-shaped aquamarine eyes that spoke of perpetual kindness. They were surprised to see she wore robes similar to Mia's, that is, robes of the Mercury Clan. She wore a long azure cloak over a white formal dress, emblazoned across the front with the symbol of Mercury in blue. She wore pale long gloves that reached up to her elbows, and slipper-like shoes on her feet.

"Allow me to help," she said in her quiet voice. She passed her hand over the man's foot, and a vibrant blue glow emerged from her had, but there was a strange tint to its light that the others couldn't quite place. Within seconds, Desmond's foot knitted itself back together perfectly.

They simply stared as she moved on to the side, and then nodded as she saw Piers and Mia's work. "Good as new." She said happily.

Ivan, at length, found his voice. "Who are you?"

She smiled. "We've met, trust me. My name is Maris Aquarius."

Both Mia and Piers gaped at her. "That's Hydros' family name…" Piers murmured, at the same time Mia said "But that's the name of Imil's royal family from over a thousand years ago!"

Maris simply smiled. "I'm pleased to notice our history has not died. Come, you too Ivan, we have much to talk about."

Since the blacksmith was out of commission, Jenna and Garet, the resident Mars adepts, were working with some of the other fire-oriented people to forge all the bolts and metal bars needed for construction, although since Vale was primarily a rural town their services weren't needed much. Mostly forging nails and repairing hammerheads broken in construction. Rather then run the risk of burning down one of the new houses, they did all their work in the fields on the banks of the Sirian, the river-stream that ran through Vale.

Garet, being the most well-built of everyone there, did the main work on the metals, while Jenna did simple things like run for tools or dip the hot metals into the river with tongs. Now, everyone was watching as Garet manhandled a huge piece of metal sent from Altin for the reconstruction, as thanks for clearing out the water that had invaded their community. General Valean consensus had decided it was to form a sundial, and Garet thought it was a great idea. He just didn't know how to make one.

Just as he was resigning himself to having to give up in front of all these people, a powerful hand tapped him on the shoulder. "Need some help?" By the sound of the deep bass voice, Garet figured it was a big, strong, blacksmith, but he wasn't prepared for whom he faced when he turned around.

It was a Proxian. A huge Proxian, that made Agatio look like a bug. He was six foot six with massive muscles, and a mane of wild burgundy hair to go with his pale skin. His hazel eyes gleamed with an inner fire, but at the same time looked at him with friendship.

Jenna noticed the newcomer and left her work, coming over wide-eyed to meet the man. She had spent months with Saturos, and she saw that this man carried himself with same kind of confidence and dignity. She noticed his midnight blue armour, crafted in a way that was almost beetle-like, with tints of red on the edges. He was speaking to Garet, and after a few moments her Mars Adept friend handed over the giant hammer to the massive Proxian reluctantly. The Proxian said something else, and Garet turned away and walked towards her.

"Says his name is Cinaed. Cinaed Dracoia," he answered in response to her unspoken question. "Claims to know us from somewhere, and offered his help." Garet shook his head in amazement. "Man, I thought I was strong. Look at him!" He whispered incredulously.

Cinaed sent a gout of flame on the piece of iron with his spell, and then, Fire psynergy glowing through the hammer, started shaping it with mammoth blows. Each impact sent a ripple through the steel and changed its shape, and after a few minutes the Proxian had the block of steel beaten down to a flat disk. A few more and he smoothed it out, and then flipped it over and clipped notches in it to mark the time. Someone offered him a metal rod, which he then fused into the centre of the disk. He inscribed runes at the cardinal points, which he explained were the Proxian numbers for three, six, nine, and twelve.

As the villagers crowded around to admire his work, he walked back to where Jenna and Garet were standing in awe. "Come, we have to talk," he said warmly, and placed a hand on each of their shoulders and guided them away.

As a token of their gratitude for his continuous advice and wisdom during their adventure, Kraden's house was rebuilt first. As wel, everyone reasoned, the old scholar needed a place to rest his old bones more than they did. Kraden was very grateful, and immediately ordered a slew of new scrolls and books from Tolbi to study.

In short, he was as happy as a clam, since some of the scrolls Iodem - who had taken charge since Babi's death – had sent him he couldn't even begin to decipher, the language they were written in was so old.

One such scroll he had tacked to his desk, which had somehow managed to survive the unleashing of the Golden Sun. He pored over it with a magnifying glass, admiring the runes and complex script characters of the ancients. It seemed gibberish to him, and all he was getting out of it was a headache. He groaned, and put his head down. "I wish I knew what it said!"

He hadn't been expecting an answer, but he got one. A smooth tenor voice answered him from behind him, saying. "All is dark, though the Dark has passed. Regnoare is destroyed, but our world is dim and bleak."

Kraden nearly had a heart attack, and turned to face this mysterious voice. There was a seemingly young man standing there, though his hair was whiter than his own. His face was unlined and vibrant with the health of youth, and his grey eyes were prismatic, reflecting the brown-yellow of Kraden's new home. His style of dress was strange, an black military tunic fastened down the left side with silver buttons, and a grey traveller's cloak over all.

The youth smiled. "I recognize the scroll. Elder Viyat wrote it, the senior of Vale at the time of the setting of the Golden Age. He lost faith in the world when the Dim Age came and killed himself. A tragic story."

Kraden's eyes widened. "Young man, if what you're saying is true, than you are a far greater scholar than I. The name of Viyat was only a barely readable smudge in the oldest of scrolls."

The man chuckled. "Young… I was there."

Kraden's eyes bugged even more, if it was possible. "Then who, or what, are you?"

The young man offered his hand to Kraden. "Aleos Argentum." Kraden shook his hand almost gingerly. "You may know me as the Wise One."

It was then that Kraden couldn't take it anymore, and fainted.

Aleos smiled ruefully.

Shamira stood stock still at the northern entrance to Vale, sending out mental tendrils to discover whom she should approach. It was hard to keep her concentration, though, while marvelling at the sheer will and determination of the Valeans.

In the mere weeks since their village was destroyed, they had already reconstructed some semblance of a community, on more or less the same spot. Though Mount Aleph was no longer the giant it once was after it was largely demolished by the unleashing of the Golden Sun, there were still some remnants of the picturesque streams and valleys where Vale had been built.

The first thing to be repaired was the spire of Psynergy stone that had dominated the courtyard, and with its ability to constantly recharge their power, the Valeans reconstructed swiftly. The houses were to be as much in the style of old Vale as possible, but reinforced with iron supports and girders, to stave off the supposed stronger natural disasters that Kraden said would be coming in the new age.

Already, grass was starting to regrow where it was all seared off the ground, and the spots where cart tires wore the grass thin were already becoming evident. Flagstones were seriously being considered, but that was for a later date, once essential construction was finished.

Since winter just ended, the Valeans could take their time constructing the houses and sleep in canvas tents over the summer. The smaller children were enthusiastic about it, the older men and women less so. Everyone else tolerated it.

All this information Shamira drew from the thoughts of those around her, and fortunately she also detected the two Jupiter Adepts she was to talk to. One of them was in the Sanctum with the two Mercury Adepts. Shamira sensed Maris approaching him, and decided to let her handle him.

But the other… she was alone off by herself, wandering a meadow miles away from New Vale. Intrigued, Shamira probed deeper into her mind and drew up a picture of her being.

No. Way.

Shamira shook her head, but it remained the same. That power signature. That blood. The unknown origins, but the suspicions that had already begin to grow there.

Shamira nodded. This 'Sheba' was right in those suspicions.

Shamira walked as quickly as she could into the cover of the woods before springing to the sky on the wings of Volatilis, an art she had learned from her mother. It summoned wings of Psynergy that resembled a butterfly's, in a way, and they had served the Fivefold well on their journey. But now, Shamira put these to a different use:

Reaching the only other Anemosian on Weyard as she knew it.

Eventually, the groups of Adepts converged on each other at the gate to old Vale, each one talking excitedly as the Fivefold members summarized what the situation was. They drew a few stares from the villagers hard at work around them, but a glance and a wave usually assuaged their troubles.

In almost perfect timing, the groups walked into the small field at the same time, each in the midst of their own discussion. Orior had briefed Felix and Isaac already, and they were now discussing sword techniques; Cinaed, Jenna, and Garet were arguing who liked fire more; Aleos was correcting Kraden in his knowledge of the Golden Age; and Maris was telling animatedly of the first time she had flown.

The conversations dropped down to whispers, along with promises to continue later. The assembled Adepts formed a circle, sombre yet with smiles on their faces.

Maris looked around, puzzled. "Hey, hasn't Shamira got back yet? I found one of her Jupiter Adepts, yet she should still come back with the other."

Ivan frowned, and nodded. "That's right. In fact, I haven't seen Sheba since early this morning."

"We shall just have to continue without them. Shamira probably has her own agenda, so we need not worry." Aleos reassured them.

"But still…" Ivan started, looking worried. His expressive violet eyes seemed to be frowning as his hand plucked at the edge of his tunic.

Isaac ruffled the younger boy's hair. "Don't trouble yourself. Now," he said, looking up at the others. "I've listened to the story about this Regnoare. I know he once possessed the Stone of Sages, the same thing Alex was after. How are Regnoare and Alex connected?"

Aleos answered, almost without hesitation. "It may be possible that Regnoare somehow survived, or his spirit at least. My Inanis Magnus Psynergy may have destroyed his body, but his will to conquer was so strong he may have preserved himself somehow. He still retains some control over the Stone of Sages, and if he can unite forces with Alex, Weyard may be in danger again."

Felix folded his arms and leaned back, slipping back into the aloof mood he used when facing a challenge. "And what do you purpose we do about it?"

Orior turned to him, tapping the pommel of his blade. "Last time, we managed to defeat Regnoare without resorting to all out warfare across the world." He said quietly. "This time, that may be unavoidable. Our enemy is something we cannot openly fight, for he himself hides in the shadows. Amassing his army…"

Orior paused to let the mental images sink in. "We need an equal, if not greater force." He stomped his foot on the ground, making a muffled oomph. "And that means recruitment. I want every capable Adept gathered together, for the grand battle. We will split off according to our elements, and search for those of like affiliation."

Maris elbowed him. "In simpler terms, Mercury Adepts look for Mercury Adepts and so on."

"When do we leave?" Garet asked.

"As soon as Shamira returns, or we may yet be forced to leave without her. In the meantime, would someone like to go for supplies?" Orior requested, looking around.

Aleos nodded. "I'll go. Wait here." As everyone else sat in the grass, Aleos turned and walked towards the item shop.

A small bell tinkled over the entrance as the grey-haired man pushed open the tent flap, casting his eyes around the cluttered keep and inhaling the scent of dried herbs and bottled potions. It was good to be human again, along with all their mortal senses.

Despite working from a tent, the owner managed to give the place a welcoming appearance. The tent was after the design of modern Shamans, with slits cut in the sides to allow circulation of air and sunlight. The aforementioned herbs and plants were strung from bits of string tacked horizontally to the sides, and modest shelves held the potions and nuts. The itemkeeper was sitting cross-legged on a small stool, and glanced over when the door opened. She appraised the newcomer for a second, and then their eyes locked and she looked away, murmuring a quiet welcome.

The itemkeeper was a young woman in her early twenties, with orange hair pulled back in a ponytail, from which a few unruly strands escaped to frame her face. Her eyes were a brilliant green, and her countenance gave her the appearance of a girl in her mid-teens instead of the woman she was. She wore a tunic with an orange collar, and a vivid strip of green across the fabric below it. The green continued down the sides of the shirt, but melted into white across her front and back. The hem of the shirt was tucked into a shin-length skirt patterned with leaves and vines, coloured in earthy greens and browns. Though she was sitting, Aleos judged her at about five feet five inches in height, about six inches shorter than himself.

"Can I help you?" She said quickly, blurring the syllables a bit. Strangers in her shop were an uncommon thing, although she imagined she'd have to get used to it with the new prosperity that the new age would supposedly bring. She was a bit nervous about it, at any rate.

Aleos stopped his browsing, and walked towards her. By instinct, she leapt to her feet to face him on even ground, but he was still a good six inches taller than her. She mentally kicked herself and waited for him to speak.

"I'd like all the Psy Crystals and healing items you have, as well as your Sacred Feathers," he said casually, as if he was just ordering a Herb instead of cleaning out her stock.

Her eyes widened and she hurriedly began gathering the items together. "Going on a journey, are you?"

The Void Adept sighed. "Hopefully the last… but yes." He looked down on her and smiled softly. "We are journeying to save the world once more."

She looked at him quizzically as she began handing him the items, which he then put in his pack. "But didn't Isaac and Felix just save the world? Well," she paused. "Actually, they did the opposite of what they were supposed to do. But hey, I heard they did the right thing by releasing Alchemy after all! And I'm telling you, it does feel good," she stretched and flexed her fingers, and ripples of Psynergy crackled at the tips.

Aleos paused in the middle of putting a Water of Life in his pack. "You're an Adept?" He questioned, as he turned back to stocking.

She nodded, and then shrugged. "Everyone in Vale is, but I'm not really much of one. Not on the same level as Isaac or his friends, you know? I never really trained before, but I think I'll get stronger in the new age, don't you?" She looked at him warmly.

"Of course you will," Argentum said smoothly. "Now, I'm going to take my leave… may the Gods shine on you, child." He hoisted his pack and pushed open the flap, letting fall behind him with a dull clap.

"'Child', he says," she fumed. "Who does he think he is?" She sat down and tapped the side of her chair, thinking.

Aleos trudged into the field outside Vale, and found the Adepts huddled in groups according to their elements, with Kraden drifting from circle to circle offering his advice.

"Everyone!" The Void Adept called, and dropped his laden pack to the ground. He opened it, and began passing out the supplies.

Everyone paced over, and Maris smiled cheerfully. "We were just deciding where we should go first. I'm told Mercury Adepts are a rarity in the world nowadays," she said, sighing, but there was a gleam in her eye. "So, we're going to Lumeria to see King Hydros." She almost hopped up and down with excitement.

The Venus Adepts exchanged a glance, and Isaac spoke. "We're going to Gaia Rock first of all, to talk with our friends there. We'll be taking the Teleport Lapis, so hand it over, Ivan." He looked meaningfully at the Jupiter Adept, who jumped and then started rooting around in his pockets. He dug out a small cube of lapis lazuli and tossed it to Isaac.

The Mars Adepts looked at each other and all started talking at once, but a deep-throated roar from Cinaed shut them up. He cleared his throat. "We're going to Prox."

Aleos looked meaningfully at Kraden. "Master Kraden, are you opposed to returning to Tolbi?"

The venerable sage shook his head. "Not at all. I'm sure there's plenty of valuable information we can find there."

"My thoughts exactly," Aleos returned.

"What about me?" Ivan interjected, fidgeting.

Maris turned to him and clapped her hands excitedly. "You can come with us! I hear Xian, which isn't too far out of our way, has a Jupiter Adept, and Shamira can find us in an instant if she wanted to."

"Ah, okay," Ivan said, and relaxed.

"So," Aleos began. "Are we ready to leave?"

"Hey! Wait for me!" A shout rang out from behind them, and everyone turned curiously to see the itemkeeper running towards them, a pack slung over her shoulder and a short mace in her hand. She stopped short in front of them and bent over with her hands on her knees, catching her breath. "I'm… coming… with you…" She straightened and looked at them defiantly.

"Cara! What are you doing here?" Jenna said in surprise.

The itemkeeper put here hands on her hips. "I'm coming with you all, Jenna. And hello to the rest of you, too. So, can I come?"

Aleos opened his mouth to reject her, but Orior was quicker. "I don't see why not. With a bit of training, you might turn out to be a strong Adept as well."

Argentum whirled on him. "Orior! We can't bring her."

The Venus Adept gave a small smile. "Relax, Aleos. We need Adepts, don't we? And it's in these newer generation Adepts we have to trust in."

"You will only interfere in matters you cannot understand," the silver-haired man told her. She looked hurt, and made as if to turn away.

Maris stepped up beside him. "Come on Aleos," she said softly. "Let her join us." She grinned suddenly and elbowed him in the side. "Besides," she whispered. "She's kinda cute, eh?"

"Only you could get away with that remark, Maris," he whispered back. He gave a deep sigh. "Itemkeeper, you may join us."

The shopkeeper turned back around and smiled. "Really? Thanks!"

"Not only that," Maris went on, "you can travel with Aleos, our silver-haired friend here."

The former Wise One glared at her.

"Are we ready to leave?" Piers suddenly spoke up after his long silence. "I am eager to see Lumeria again."

Orior nodded. "I think so. Everyone!" He called, and all eyes turned to him. "We'll travel together as a group until it's time to split up. Keep your eyes open for prospective Adepts at all times. And may the elements shine on us."

Echoes of blessings followed that, and everyone began talking to each other amiably. Cara approached her two travelling partners shyly. "I guess we're going together, huh?"

Kraden beamed at her. "Don't worry, child. But who's managing the store while you're gone?"

"My little sister," she assured them. She turned to the Void Adept, who was looking off in another direction. "You're… not angry with me, are you?"

Aleos turned to her and gave a small smile. "I'll admit I had my misgivings about letting you join us, but now… it's a pleasure to have you with us, Cara."

She smiled back. "Thank you!"

Isaac, Felix, and Orior stood together off to the side, each watching the others socialize. "Yet another journey," Felix said quietly.

"Yeah. I thought it was finally over," Isaac said just as quietly. He stretched and turned to the man he had just met. "Orior, what about you? You told us about Regnoare, but practically nothing about yourself. What's your story?"

Orior's eyes betrayed nothing. "I'll tell you some other time," he said, distracted.

"Isaac," Felix said seriously, and the blond turned to look at him. "He'll tell us when he wants to, but hopefully sometime soon." He paused. "I held back my side of the story for too long once, and two of my best friends died because of it…"

Isaac put a comforting hand on his shoulder. 'That was in the past, Felix. This is a new journey."

"Yes… yes, it is."