Golden Sun: The Sands of Time

Chapter 8: Ghash

Where was she? Sheba glanced around wildly. The place was totally unfamiliar to her. The trees were so thick she couldn't even see sunlight. The whole forest was dark and foreboding. She started running.

Dammit, get a grip on yourself! She silently admonished herself, but she continued running, unable to stop. The branches slashed at her hands and wrists as she pushed them aside, and the feet ached. Suddenly, she tripped over a stray root. Quickly, she climbed to her feet. She had to get out of this strange place…

Abruptly a sword flashed in her face. Sheba's eyes widened as she saw the figure of Saturos step in front of her. "And how are we today, Sheba?" He smirked. Sheba's mouth opened, but no sound came out of it. Slowly, she began backing up until she was pressed against a tree. Saturos advanced on her. Somewhere deep inside her, she knew she should fight back, cast a spell, run, do something. But she was paralyzed with fear, unable to do anything except stare at the sword that Saturos had lifted, almost casually. He smiled once more at her, then swung the sword in an arc that would separate the top half of her head from the rest of her body.

Then, before Sheba's startled eyes, Saturos screamed in agony, and staggered back before vanishing completely. Sheba blinked several times. Wha-? Then he saw someone else, shrouded in mist. Who was it? The person was approaching her…

"Sheba, are you alright?" The sound of the voice reassured her for some reason. It sounded familiar and… safe. Rushing forward, she threw her arms around him, sobbing into the person's arms. "Please." She whispered. "Don't leave me."

"I won't." She heard his reassuring voice once more. "I won't leave you, Sheba. I never have, and I never will."

Sheba blinked slowly. Where-? She looked around her. She was in the room of the Jorgmund inn. Through the window, she could see the first rays of the sun over the horizon.

Then it all came back to her. Her dream… Saturos and the mysterious stranger… Sheba closed her eyes, thinking. That particular dream had been troubling her ever since the Venus Lighthouse. She'd never admit it to her friends, but she had been terrified of Saturos. They probably had figured it out anyway, if the way she had behaved atop the Venus lighthouse was any indication. But the last part of the dream had been different. Then, she noticed that a considerable amount of weight was being applied on her left arm. She also noticed that sometime during the night she had managed to embrace the still form of Ivan beside her. Ivan had reciprocated, and both of them were a lot closer to each other than she'd feel comfortable with.

Just then, Ivan woke up. Instantly seeing the situation, his face turned the colour of a ripe tomato, and the two young Jupiter adepts separated as quickly as possible. Just then, they heard the voice of Breeze laughing.

(HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! The looks on your faces were hilarious!)

Sheba turned to regard the Jupiter djinni standing on the table, and she instantly held up a warning finger. "Not. A. Word."

Breeze didn't even appear to hear, and merely continued laughing away. Ivan stood, and in several quick strides had seized the Jupiter djinni. Lifting Breeze up to face level, he hissed " You heard Sheba. Not a word of this."

(Okay. If that's what you want.)

Sheba could have sworn she saw the thing grinning.

Davion stood at the gates to the town, keeping a silent vigil. Where the hell were the scouts he sent out? They should be back by now…

Then he perceived the form of a single runner, making with all speed back to the gates. Standing, he yelled at the fast-approaching figure. "What news from the north?"

The runner started, but seeing Davion standing near the entrance, he continued running, but this time yelling a single word "Ghash! Ghash!"

The colour drained from Davion's face and he vanished back into village that was just beginning to awaken.

Ivan sat beside the still-blushing form of Sheba. Ever since the little incident earlier this morning, she had attempted avoid him, no easy task, considering the tiny room they were in. She had accomplished it however. She was either in the bathroom or fixing something or just plain too busy. Now, however, she was just sitting down. His best chance to talk to her. Mentally, Ivan wondered how he should best handle this. Then, sitting down beside her, he decided that a mental conversation would be the most effective way. Not to mention the way that'd be least likely to get himself slapped.

Casting Mind Read, he peered into her heart, and was immediately met by a wave of annoyance. Sheba's physical expression didn't change, but he could read her thoughts, and they were not happy.

I don't like you doing that.

Ivan shook his head, and responded. Well, I wouldn't have to resort to this if you'd just talk to me.

I have nothing to say.

Really? C'mon, Sheba. If that incident back there embarrassed you, we won't mention it to anyone. Breeze already promised not to tell, and I won't either.

He could feel Sheba trembling slightly. He reached out a comforting hand to her, but she jerked her shoulder away. Ivan sighed. From the way things were going, best he leave her alone. He was about to stand when a knock on the door sounded. Walking over and opening it, he saw an elven archer, panting for breath.

"Lord Davion summons you to an urgent meeting. Please come to the town square."

An instant later, Zephyr was unleashed and two Jupiter adepts hurried out of the room to the town.

Garet paced uncertainly. "A Fireworm, you say?" Picard was busy questioning Davion, Isaac was standing and watching everything before reaching a decision, and Alex was busy staring out past the gates of the town. The girls were watching with worried eyes, while Felix propped himself up against the wall, looking as if he couldn't care less. Ivan seemed to be off in his own dream world, except he kept stealing worried glances at Sheba. What was that all about? Shrugging, Garet turned back to the current business.

"Yes. Except that in our own tongue it is known as Ghash. It is a nameless terror, and any one who journeys to fight it never comes back. It is said that no arrow or sword can pierce it's hide. If it has awakened, sooner or later it will come to attack this village"

"We don't need swords." Isaac spoke up. "We have psynergy. As long as this worm is around, it is a threat to your people. We'll kill it before the day is over."

Davion shook his head. "You have little idea of the beast you seek to face. It managed to slay my entire scouting party, save one who had the presence of mind to run. If you go, I cannot send anyone to aid you."

Isaac stood. "I do not ask your men to come with me. We can handle it on our own."

Davion looked at Isaac for a long time. "Fine then. If you truly wish to go, I shall come with you. I wish to see psynergy for myself."

Felix, who had been silent to this point, spoke up. "Psynergy can only be seen by adepts. You may be elves, but I am unsure if you'll be able to see anything."

Davion shrugged. "No matter. If you go to face the worm, I can do no less."

Alex turned. "Then we go together?"

Isaac stood. "Yes. We go together, and now."

As Garet filed out the town gates with the others, a slight feeling of dread made itself known to his mind, and could not be banished no matter how hard he tried.

Mia stood on the sand dune, staring below at the scene of carnage below her. She could see approximately thirty elves, all sprawled around a huge sand-pit. Blood seemed to have soaked into the very sand itself, and the stench of death was thick in the air. Fighting an urge to retch, she made her way down the dune.

Isaac was already in the middle of the corpses, and using his Sol Blade, he turned over one of the rotting bodies. He seemed to have died in abject terror. Beside him, Davion was whispering several words in a strange language he did not know.

"Elbereth Ithilia Guthwain Narsillia Aldumen."

"What was that?"

"Hm? Oh, just some words. As a way of letting the spirits rest forever."

Looking around, Isaac noticed Mia seemed slightly impatient. Spotting him, she called out "Isaac! We've been here for almost half an hour! Where's the Ghash? I think it's left by-" Abruptly, the ground began to shake."

Garet had time to flash Mia a "You were saying?" look before the gaping hole in the ground opened, and a huge monstrosity rose up. Rearing what passed for a head, it somehow managed to pinpoint the adepts without eyes.

Standing some distance away from the worm, Mia was able to observe it more closely. It's entire body was a blotchy orange, with several patches of poisonous green on it. It's back had a row of spines. It seemed to have no discernable face, but a huge, gaping mouth with row upon row of razor sharp teeth. Just then, the Fireworm reared back, and let out a hoarse cry.

It was terrifying. The sound chilled her to the bone. Even after the beast had stopped the harsh screams echoed throughout the dunes, bouncing back and forth, never seeming to die out. Mia tried to raise her staff to cast another spell, but that failed her as body seemed almost unwilling to obey her commands. Her hand was shaking so much, she couldn't hold on to her staff any longer. It clattered to the floor beside her, and an instant later, Mia's body, no longer in control of it's own movements, joined it.

Isaac winced in pain at the harsh scream that emanated from the Fireworm. Beside him, Davion crouched to the ground, covering his ears. The blast of sound had been jarring, but no serious harm had been done. Or so Isaac thought, until he glanced to the distance and saw Mia's still form. His heart rose to his throat. "Mia!" He cried, and turned to her.

Garet saw Isaac rushing towards Mia, and raised his hand. Time to show a little of the Mars psynergy and the destructive power he had been endowed with. "Inferno!" A multitude of fireballs sprung from his palm, flying through the air to converge on one point: The fireworm's belly. Screeching in pain, the worm turned to face Garet. Before he knew what was happening, a strange liquid had been fired from the worm's mouth. Just before it hit, he felt Felix shoving him out of the way.

Thrown onto the dirt, he managed to catch Felix staring at the area where the spurt of liquid had been "What-?"

"A kind of acidic substance." Was Felix's only response, as he gestured towards the sand that had begun to melt. Standing, he cried "Echo!" And lunged towards the worm. Jerking back, the worm swung it's spiked tail at Felix, knocking him onto the sandy ground.

Ivan and Sheba entered the fray, blasts of lightning and wind flying practically nonstop at the gigantic beast. Drawing his bow, Davion aimed a single arrow at the worm's thick hide. It merely bounced off, to lie on the dirt. With a curse, the elf prince retreated further up to arm another arrow. The fireworm, reacting to the Jupiter based spells bouncing off it, fired a strange purple ray at the two young adepts. Sheba managed to dodge it in time, but Ivan was caught full on. He staggered back, then crumpled to the floor and lay still.

Meanhwile, Picard and Alex had not been idle. Focusing their psynergy into a single spell, they unleashed Megacool on the worm. The worm merely roared in anger, and swung it's tail in an arc that would have skewered Picard had he lain still. Alex flipped to the side, and Picard merely jumped over the offending body extension. Garet, now back on his feet, decided to utilize a djinni.

"Torch!"

Instantly a wall of flame seemed to dance in the air, an second before it lanced into the worm, causing it to jerk back. Realizing that Garet was back on his feet, the worm lunged at him, ready to make the Mars adept his latest meal. An instant before the worm hit him, however, a yellowish shield, courtesy of Felix, forged itself in front of Garet.

"Iron!"

The fireworm smashed into the earth-wall, and bounced back. The wall of earthern might, however, held it's place unwaveringly. Garet, in the meantime, decided he might as well use the opportunity to inflict further damage.

"Fever!"

A reddish light surrounded his sword and Garet leapt forward to smash it into the worm's chest. Meanwhile, Felix struck at the worm with Steel, siphoning some of the lost strength from before back to himself. Just then, Picard cried in fury and cast Diamond Berg on the worm, temporarily immobilizing it. Before Picard could continue his assault, however, the worm reared up and smashed it's bulk onto the ground, knocking everybody back.

Isaac slowly poured the contents of an elixir down Mia's throat. Almost immediately, the shaking ceased, and she managed to pull herself to her feet. Shooting a grateful look at Isaac, she proceeded to raise her staff high into the air before casting Pure Wish. Instantly, everyone who had been injured felt their wounds began to mend. Meanwhile…

Jenna knelt beside Ivan. The younger adept wasn't in good shape. Silently, she released Tinder. Beside her, Sheba looked on with a worried look on her face. "He'll be okay, right?"

Jenna sighed. "Only time will tell." Then, grabbing her rod, she left to rejoin the battle.

Another arrow flew through the air before bouncing off harmlessly against the beast's hide. Even Forge wasn't aiding too much, and most of the psynergy attacks were beginning to lose their potency as the warriors used up their strength. Jenna eye's narrowed, and she unleashed Dragon Fume, watching with satisfaction as a raging dragon made of fire crashed into the worm, causing it to howl in pain. Jenna smirked slightly. As long as they kept their eyes on the Fireworm, and dodged it's clumsy attacks, they would be able to win this fight…

Abruptly, the worm reared back again and slammed it's body into the ground. Twisting and turning, it created a tunnel for itself and vanished into the desert sands. Jenna sighed, appreciative for the slight lull, and started over to the others. Isaac wiped the sweat from his brow and leaned heavily on his Sol Blade. Having been on the receiving end of one too many flame blasts, he had spent the better part of the battle healing himself. Which had been rather tiring. At least he had a psy crystal with him…

Mia stood, staring at the hole where the worm had once been. She could still sense it's presence, far beneath the earth, and she knew that it wouldn't give up so easily.

"Everyone, prepare yourself, it's coming b-"

The last part of her sentence was left unfinished as the top half of the Ghash burst out from the ground yet again. Everyone instantly readied their weapons. Garet, in the meantime, raised his sword high into the air, crying out "Purgatory!"

A blaze of fire flew from the ground, scorching the fireworm. Isaac, drained of almost all his djinni, unleashed Ragnarok on the worm, trying to batter it further. Just then, they heard Davion's warning call. "Watch out for the tail!"

The warning came too late, however, as the tail burst from the ground behind them, before smashing itself down in the middle of the weary adepts. The soft sand gave way, revealing a huge pit, into which most of the adepts, bereft of solid ground, fell.

Davion cursed again before glancing at the wind adepts, Sheba still tending to a semiconscious Ivan. After ascertaining that they'd be okay, he leapt into the pit after the worm, praying that his friends were still alive. He was met with a nauseating stench, even worse then the one aboveground. Trying to ignore the bodies of his comrades that had fallen into the sand-pit as well, he ventured into one of the tunnels, hoping against hope that he had chosen the right one.

"It's coming!" Came Garet's excited shout. Felix snarled in anger and readied his sword, before casting Stone Spire on the fast-approaching worm. The worm slowed, it's progress halted by the waves of rocky spears raining down on it. This gave Felix, Garet, and Jenna ample time to duck into a side tunnel, out of the creature's view. The adepts had been separated shortly after falling into the tunnel, on account of the worm deciding that Jenna looked like tasty fare. Garet and Felix had been caught up in the rush as well, and currently had little to no idea where they were. Jenna glanced up the side tunnel, and ventured further in. Felix hurried after her, leaving Garet still looking out for the worm, unaware he'd been left behind. A second later, he became aware of the fact and hurried after the fast retreating figure of his friends.

Isaac sighed as cast Potent Cure on Picard. The Lemurian had been knocked unconscious by the fall, and as such, was poor company. However, it was currently the only company he had. He had seen Garet, Felix and Jenna run off, and the worm pursue them, which left only the question of Alex and Mia. If they were together, more than likely he'd get a royal chewing out from Mia. Can't say he felt too sorry for him. Just then, Picard groaned and his eyes fluttered open. Isaac quickly went to Picard's side.

"How are you?"

"I feel like a Orc Lord just ran over me."

"Can you walk?"

In response, the Lemurian stood up, before turning to Isaac.

"Which way did the others go?"

Isaac sighed. "I'm not sure. They could be anywhere in this maze of tunnels."

Picard nodded. "I see" Gripping the Masamune that had fallen by his side, he raised it up and swung it in an easy arc back into it's scabbard. " I suppose we had best start looking, then."

Alex awakened to a dull ache in the side of his head. Gingerly, he felt it. Damn. A bump was forming. Glancing around, he quickly realized he was in almost complete darkness. Damn. Standing, he surveyed his surroundings. How had he come to be here? Oh, yes. The fireworm had smashed a hole through the desert floor, and he'd fallen. Just his luck to have fallen into a vertical tunnel leading away from the pit. With a tiny sigh, he began to walk off. Then, in the distance, he heard the roar of the Ghash.

Ivan was floating through space. He felt so carefree. He couldn't remember what he was supposed to be doing. He only felt so light, so happy, so… so…

"Ivan…" He knew that voice. Who?

"Ivan!" He was still drifting. He wanted to go to sleep. He felt so tired. Yes, sleeping sounded good…

"IVAN!" He was jerked back into consciousness by Sheba's plaintive calls. Instinctively, he sought out her, and latched on to her arms, eyes wide. What had happened? Yes, that strange purple blast. He had felt like his body was being ripped apart in a thousand different directions…

"You're awake at last…" She brought Ivan to eye level, and stared into the purple orbs. "Don't EVER scare me like that again, okay?"

Ivan merely nodded, before sinking onto the dirt, still coughing slightly.

Mia looked around the cavern she was currently in. After getting hopelessly lost trying to find the others, she had lost her footing and tumbled down into this large hole. She stared around the area, searching. Where was everyone else?

Abruptly, a glint of metal caught her eye. Walking over to it, she bent down to inspect the strange object. It seemed to be some sort of… club? As she touched it, the thing began to glow ever slightly. Mia began scrabbling away at the object, and within seconds, had managed to unearth it completely. As she pulled the staff out from the ground, it's luminous glow only increased in brightness and intensity.

Behind Mia, the hulking creature known as the Ghash stared down at her. Slavering in anticipation of a free meal, it reared back to strike the unsuspecting blue-haired human.