Like I have always said, I do not own Golden Sun, nor do I own the great characters. I'm really running out of ideas now…I know that I'm always just repeating what I say in the earlier chapters.
Thanks a bunch to the following people:
enigma4ever2020: Yes, yes, thanks for telling me of the typo.
sweetmaiden: You'll learn more about the Djinn soon…I hope!
GoldenSunGeek: Yeah, more Windshipping in the future chapters, but it won't be a thorough lot…sorry.
Insanity Team! (A.k.a. Violet): Oh, thanks for telling me what's writer's block. And no, I most probably won't be getting it, since I've already planned roughly the storyline and all that. Thanks for the concern though!
Princess Viv: Viv-neechan! –glomps- Yeah, Garet is probably too young for his role, but I'll explain it in the next chapter that it's all a natural mistake. If you want to know, Jenna is the opposite of Garet. :) Flameshipping coming! So if you work it out, you'll find that all of the GS crew are related either by blood or by friendship. And yes, Felix and Sheba will be brother-sister type relationship. Hope you liked this chapter on Mia, and continue to enjoy reading this fic!
Kodoku: Great! I'm glad the update on the previous chapter was good and fast; guess most authors are quite hooked up with school. I am too, but I plan my time, you could say. –winks- Hope this chapter is good too!
Eruruu: I'm sure everyone feels the excitement and stuff when Isaac and Mia finally meet, that's why I'll really need to concentrate and do my utmost best when it comes to that part, since it can't be an anti-climax to all readers just when the tension has been building up after so many chapters. Hope you'll continue to support this fic!
Kd7sov: Hey, a new reviewer, and I'm honoured and glad you took the time and interest to read this story. Your 'romance pet peeve' is something which I think is quite irking and ridiculous too, so I hope I won't be doing that in the later chapters. And actually I'm not an expert on the Djinn singular and plural pronunciations; I just thought of it as djinni for singular and djinn for plural. Or am I wrong? Please tell me if I am.
One Who Rides On The Wind: Yeah, I guess you can say older brothers rock. Glad to hear you support Windshipping as well!
Now then, on to the story!
Chapter 8: Devils' Thoughts Exposed
"Be a good boy and wait for me here, Silverblaze. I'll be back soon."
He ran his hand softly over his horse's mane fondly, whispering soft words to the tame animal. The horse neighed softly, pleased with the attention given to him.
Silverblaze's master gave him a last hearty pat before setting off into the town that lay before him. As soon as he reached the gates leading into the town of Prox, he was greeted by his assistant underling.
"Master Felix, our teams have been dispatched successfully into the continents of Angara, Gondowan, Hesperia, Atteka, Indra, Osenia, Izumo and the Apoji Islandsaccording to our respective places. We will perform to the best of our capabilities."
He nodded his head. "I take it for granted that you have sent word to gather once more in Vale after mission accomplished?"
"Yes, as usual."
"Good. You can go; I can handle the town of Prox on my own."
"Yes sir." The underling saluted then departed.
Taking a deep breath, the young man charged with the position of head communication of Vale walked briskly through the streets of Prox. He was aware of the glances and interested looks thrown upon him; for one thing, he was not a Proxian; another, he was obviously a high-classed foreigner. If he knew it, he did not give a second thought to the attention given to him. If there was one thing he was a master at, that would be a master in silence and ignorance.
He walked astutely towards the elder's house; he did not need a tour guide to enlighten him where was it. After all, he had been in Prox once on business…
Upon reaching the doorstep of the elder's house, he knocked on the door politely. He gave a slight start when the elder himself answered his call. The elder looked at him inquiringly, obviously letting the telltale fact that he did not recognize him.
"Yes?"
Felix immediately checked himself at his manners. "Pardon me, Elder. It is not surprising that you naturally do not recognize me, for the last time I visited Prox was some time ago. I am Felix, the head of communication of the kingdom of Vale, sent by the king of Vale himself, His Majesty King Kyle, on an important message to the country of Prox, and other countries as well."
Felix noted with some gratification that the elder was sufficiently impressed with him. "Ah yes, Master Felix, is it not? But do come in, and let us not discuss this in the midst of the chill. Please come in."
Leading the way into the elder's main room, stoic Felix was surprised to see another Proxian sitting beside a low table. He had flaming red hair and clear red eyes to match with. The elder hastened to introduce him.
He waved a hand. "Ah, I believe you have not met Prox's most trusted persons. May I introduce to you, Master Felix, this is Puelle. And Puelle, this young man is…" He was interrupted duly.
"Yes, Elder. I heard you two talking a moment ago. Pleased to meet you, Master Felix."
Felix extended a hand and shook hands with Puelle. "Pleased to make your acquaintance too, Master--"
"Puelle. Just call me by Puelle, if you will."
"Very well, Puelle."
Settling down on a brown chair like the other two Proxians, Felix hastened to explain the whole ordeal. "His Majesty King Kyle's only son, Prince Isaac, is turning twenty-four in a few months time, and the royal family has decided in holding a party ball in the castle of Vale itself, dedicated to all the women all over the world, as a way to find a suitable suitor for the prince. All ladies are invited to the respective event."
The elder nodded his head thoughtfully. "I see…then, you yourself are sent here, to Prox, to inform us of this?"
"Yes. I would definitely appreciate it very much if you could lend me some help in distributing the invitation, Elder. Of course, I shall share the amount of duties too in this town."
Puelle smiled. "We will certainly be glad to aid you in any way, Master Felix. We will send twenty messengers to give out the invitations to all houses immediately."
The elder followed suit. "Yes, yes. But there is no need for you, Master Felix, to share the duties. You have informed us, and it is now our job and responsibility to inform everyone of it. Please rest in the inn, for I am sure you have had a long trip to Prox, and you will find that the innkeeper will gladly give you a comfortable room for free of charge. The town of Prox always welcomes visitors warmly."
"Thank you very much for your kind offer, but I feel that I must also do my part as a messenger like the rest of my team, even though I am of higher ranking."
"Very well then, if you insist. But I must insist that you do only a very small portion of it, and rest as soon as night sets, Master Felix."
The person in question rose and once again shook hands with both Proxians. "Then I shall accept your terms too. Thank you, Elder. I will go now and inform the first row of houses I set my eyes upon, then I shall enjoy the coming night in the inn. I shall set off in the early morning." He walked towards the door and turned back. "It has been a pleasure to talk with you. I place my trust in your hands."
"Your trust shall not be deceived. Godspeed, and may we meet again in the future, Master Felix."
Felix closed the door noiselessly, and departed.
Moments later, the Elder and Puelle looked at each other.
"A remarkable young man, that."
"Yes, he is the quiet, thoughtful and secretive type. But I imagine very reliable and trustable."
"Well then, let us not waste anymore time. Duties placed upon us must not be delayed."
"I thoroughly agree. We can ask Saturos and Agatio to gather more men to deliver the message."
"I too, think it would be a wise course of action not to send any woman on this errand. Just a precaution."
"Yes…I guess you are right in that."
Felix looked around to start his main job. Organising the town's main structure of buildings, his mind efficiently sort them out all in order and method. Nodding his head, he started for the first row of houses on his left. Now for the real thing.
She looked out from the small opened window feelingly as she stared at the townspeople walking, bustling by, occupied with their own actions much more than to stop by and talk to each other. It was a chilly day; and when the chill arrived along came a heavy draught, the winds blowing furiously. Her own sky-blue hair flew with the wind, the hair soft like pure cotton and shiny like silk
"You don't mind the chill, do you?"
Her gaze shifted over to her companion beside her. Looking inquiringly at her, the companion of small build leaped on the windowsill.
"Why do you say that, Fizz?"
Fizz's blue eyes at a glance were purely blank. Not so much as she smiled with her mouth (for Djinn had no mouths), but an observant looker would notice that for a moment the eyes seemed to glow with a tint of cheerfulness and glee as to when a person smiles truly.
"From what I can see, you seem to be enjoying it, not bothered at all like most people would."
She laughed softly. "Yes, I do admit that I do quite like it, though for some odd reason I cannot understand myself. Do you like the climate as it is now?"
"Fine with me. I don't really mind how hot or cold it is."
"Now what in Mars are you babbling about, stupid girl?"
A harsh voice interrupted their conversation. Mia whirled around and hid Fizz with her body. Seeing her elder stepsister by the name of Menardi looking at her with spite at the tip of the stairs, all of her smiles vanished at once.
"Nothing really, stepsister. I was just speaking to myself."
Menardi snorted. "Hmph, I seriously doubt it. You really must be plain crazy by now, to speak to yourself! Driven to cinders and ashes like what happens when you sometimes go to the fireplace and sit in the ashes maybe? CinderMia is indeed the most suitable name ever fitted for you!"
Mia pursed her lips, letting Menardi rattle on about her. This was by no means the first time, oh no, definitely not. She had probably heard this about a thousand times now. She knew Menardi well all right. She knew better than to even object the slightest at her words. The first time she had replied in the most calming tone, two hard slaps was administered to her as her 'medicine' immediately.
Sure enough, Menardi soon got to her point. "Bah, here I am, wasting my time at you! Have you forgotten your daily duties after so long in this house? Go downstairs immediately and sweep the fireplace! And my mother demands not to see a speck of dust on it!"
Mia walked away from her position beside the window. As she passed Menardi glaring at her angrily, she could not help murmuring mockingly in her breath, just loud enough for herself to hear, and not her evil stepsister beside her. "Yes, Ma'am."
Walking down to the beautifully clean kitchens, Mia took a large broom and headed for the fireplace situated in the living room. Time to get dirty. Sigh…if only I have an apron, then it won't be so bad…I don't even have a cloth to cover my hair.
Before she could start sweeping and get her clothes dirty, a knock sounded on the door, startling the aqua-haired young woman.
"Get it, servant!" A voice yelled out from the back, presumably Karst, her younger stepsister or her stepmother.
Checking herself for suitable presentation to whoever it was, Mia noted duly that she was at least clean enough. Her daily dress was what she always wore; a long light brown dress with short sleeves with many evident holes which had been patched neatly. She looked neat but poor. A beggar, that's what I am.
Sighing once more, she rushed to the front oak door and opened it.
The young man sighed as he walked towards the next house. The last houses were nothing short of uninteresting. He saw and noticed the same expression, the same delight, the same excitement expressed by all the women he saw when he related the invitation. They were all the same. Prince Isaac, he mused, was indeed very well known all over the world especially to the opposite sex. He felt so monotonous saying the same thing, same words. Almost as if he was just a talking male robot…with so many interested glances thrown by the ladies. He could see clearly that they thought him what they called 'a cute chick'.
He stopped by a big and neat house, his steps coming to a halt. Here by he took a second interested glance unlike the past houses which he found quite a bore to his stolid self. Probably one of those rich people.
Bracing himself for the next ordeal, Felix walked towards the doorstep and knocked lightly.
Mia opened the door. Her clear blue eyes immediately told her that this person was by no means a Proxian, and that he seemed to possess an air of finality to her. She looked inquiringly at him.
"Yes?"
He bowed as a courtesy. "Pardon me. I am Master Felix, the head of communication of the kingdom of Vale, representing the king of Vale, King Kyle. His Majesty is pleased to inform that all ladies are invited to attend a party ball in the castle of Vale in two months time, as a way to choose a suitable suitor for his only son, Prince Isaac."
Mia held her breath. She did not know much about the outside world, but she knew slightly about the prince of Vale whom they call Prince Isaac. She had heard many chattering about him; many young women labeled him as the handsomest and most desirable man in the whole world. She often wondered about that statement though; to her, there were millions and millions of men, how could they tell as simply as that? And now, he's looking for a bride…
"Oh…thank you…"
"Your mistresses and your attendance are greatly appreciated. Thank you."
Felix stole another glance at the girl whom he considered as a local servant from her clothes. Yet, she did not seem to him like one…as if the word of 'servant' did not match the person before him.
Shaking off the thought, he left and proceeded to the next house.
Mia stared after the dark brown-haired man as he left. She was suddenly struck by his words.
"Your mistresses and your attendance are greatly appreciated. Thank you."
My…mistresses? He said it so normally…. So he too thinks that I am nothing but a servant…how clothes do affect people's impression at first glance!
"Who was that?"
Her stepmother appeared from the kitchen.
Mia hastened to explain. "Oh, stepmother. The man who came declared himself to be the…" she paused for a while, struggling to get the words said earlier. "…The head of communication of Vale from the continent of Angara, something like that. He said that the King would be holding a party ball for all ladies in two months time to look for a suitable bride for his only son, the prince."
As soon as Merlina heard that, her red cat-like eyes glinted as if up to some sort of trick. "Aha! Vale's prince, Prince Isaac, is it not? My daughters, Menardi! Karst! Come here at once!"
The two sisters appeared from the stairs leading to their rooms. "Yes mother?"
"A party ball will be held in the next two months in Vale to look for a suitable bride for Vale's prince. What do you think of that, my two daughters?"
Menardi and Karst gaped. Not that they considered Prince Isaac as their 'dream man', but that the three female Proxians in that house knew of Vale's power and influence all over the rest of the continents. Everyone knew that anyone who got in linked with the King or Queen would be most definitely rich and powerful.
"Mother, is this true?"
"She says so. I do not believe that she will lie to me after all these years in this house." Merlina indicated to Mia standing in a corner of the room.
Menardi nodded thoughtfully. Her quick and sharp brain sorted out all of the possibilities and results that they could get, but only if they were to be chosen as the one and only bride…with her mother, Karst and her, the percentage of it was too low like a needle in a haystack. But after all, everything seemed to her like a gamble, and Menardi was quick in the take-and-hide business.
Karst looked at Mia spitefully. "What are you still doing there? Didn't we tell you to sweep the fireplace? Standing there like a dumb nut!"
Mia hurriedly picked up the broom that she left leaning by the wall, went to the dirty fireplace and started sweeping. Her curious mind went over her stepsisters and her stepmother's reactions. They did not seem excited as a candidate for the prince's bride, but of something else, something deeper than that which she couldn't help but wonder. One would think they were trying to think out of a plan to queen about with money or something like that…
From the side of her eye she saw Merlina give a barely noticeable nod to her two young daughters. Whatever she tried to convey through that nod the two sisters apparently understood perfectly and looked at each other.
"That's that, then. Have fun cleaning the fireplace, dear CinderMia!" Karst snubbed her, malice in her tone.
The young woman just ignored that statement and resumed her current job, busying herself with endless jobs for the rest of the day until night fell.
She tossed and tossed around in her bed, feeling restless and wide-awake. Sleep did not overcome her like all the rest of the night, despite her being tired. The cold air blew in strongly from the window that could never close. Somehow, she felt disturbed. The incident earlier on the morning still remained a question in her mind.
Hmm…Prince Isaac…I wonder how does he look like…some princes that I know are just so bossy and proud…I shouldn't form a bad impression on him though, since I've never seen him yet. I wonder whether we will go to Vale to attend this party ball…I'm sure Menardi and Karst would like to go though. But…why, why did they seem so secretive? As if…
"Mia? Are you okay?"
Mia turned to her left on the bed. Patting Fizz on the head gently, she smiled apologetically. "Yeah, I'm all right. I'm sorry if I woke you up from your sleep."
"Something wrong, Mia? You seem restless. Is it because of what you told me about this ball thing?"
Mia smiled. "Sort of. I'm just curious as to what my stepfamily is planning; they seemed so unusual today. They act as if--"
"Sshh!" Fizz swung her tail as the Mercury djinni whispered. "I hear voices below."
The aquamarine-haired girl's eyes widened. Pulling the flimsy thin bed sheet away from her body, she sat up in her bed quietly and listened. To her mere astonishment she heard faint murmurs of voices from the floor below. Just then the grandfather clock in the house rang twelve times, echoing throughout the whole house in the silence of the deadly night.
"But is it already midnight! No one in this town of Prox is still up by midnight; all of them retire to bed early every night! How can this be…"
Fizz sighed, and then set her chin resolutely with a mischievous look. "Sounds like your stepfamily decided to sleep late for today then. How about hearing what they're saying? After all, it must be something very important until they have to speak of it in the late night, which most probably means that they don't want you or anyone else to listen. Sounds to me that all the more we must get up and listen."
Mia looked at Fizz with mild reproach. "You don't say the actual word since it sounds bad, but we will be eavesdropping if we listen to their conversation, Fizz. It's against my policy to do that—"
"You don't want them doing bad things behind your back, do you? Worst still if they're planning something bad about you! I know you're feeling curious too."
"I…" Should I, or should I not? Just this one time…should I?
Fizz hopped on her shoulder and spoke firmly. "Look here Mia, I've seen them treating you like rubbish for so long, and I'm not going to let more of that happen and see you get hurt. I may sound harsh, but I'm speaking the truth. If you're not going to listen to them, I will, so might as well you listen for yourself."
Mia sighed. Fizz was undoubtedly determined when she reached a final decision. "A…all right, just this one time."
Her close friend immediately cheered up. "Great!" Hopping to the floor, she looked around. "I still can hear them talking. Maybe if we place our ears to the floor we can listen to them. Looks as if they're talking in your stepmother's room, since it's directly below the attic."
Mia nodded. Bending herself on the floor noiselessly as not to attract attention, she placed her right ear to the floor. As though immediately the murmurs became recognizable words. It was no longer a doubt that her stepmother and her two stepsisters were conversing in low tones. She immediately gasped when she heard the first two sentences she caught.
"So let me get this clear. We'll take up this golden opportunity to try to get into Vale's kingdom by becoming the bride, which means we'll be in most desirable power. Is that what you are saying, mother?"
Merlina, Menardi and Karst were sitting on the big bed; their mother in between the two sisters huddled up together.
"That's right my daughter. This is the only time we can ever get so close to winning power, fame and glory, not to say immensely rich! We will be famous; power is everything that we need and want! We must not fail in this one. You understand, Menardi, Karst?" She looked grim.
"Yes." Both sisters chorused.
Menardi licked her dry lips. "Hmph, I cannot imagine why so many women fall for that prince…but how can we make sure that one of us will be chosen as the bride, mother? There will be thousands of women attending the party ball, eager to win the prince's heart! How can we not fail?"
Merlina smiled evilly. "My dears, the answer to that lies in your friend."
Menardi cocked her head. "My friend? You mean Saturos?"
"Yes, that is correct. Saturos is one of the cleverest Proxians in this town. With Karst and your help, you three will concoct up a potion by the name of 'Death Potion'."
"Death Potion?" Karst echoed her words.
"Yes. The potion does not actually cause death unlike its name, but once drank by a person, he or she will be in a semi-conscious state, easily manipulated and hypnotized. It is as if he or she is drunk, but even more than that. The word 'death' comes in, for when that person is manipulated, anything can happen, and most of the timesyou find yourself no longer alive after drinking it,and so it resembles death."
Menardi nodded her head slowly. Her eyes glinted. "I see it clearly. What other way simpler than to slip a dose of the 'Death Potion' into the prince's cup without anyone noticing, then to induce him to make one of us as his bride?"
Karst added in. "And in that time we ask him to sign a contract to seal it, then he cannot object later on when he regains his normal senses as much as he is against it. The contract shall not leave a curious mark on him at that time, since contracts are often familiar with the high-class society." She laughed shrilly. "And our dear prince can never ask for a divorce or any of that sort, since there is a special rule made for Vale that claims that divorces between the royal families are not allowed. Hmph, when I was smaller I used to wonder who and why that stupid rule was made, such stupidity and idiocy! But now it is an advantage to us."
Merlina laughed. "How clever my daughters are! The perfect plan; there most not be a single flaw. I shall give you the 'recipe' to make the potion, Menardi. Find the ingredients needed; they can be easily found in the wild near Prox. Make and finish it by tomorrow evening, then we will leave for Vale the next morning by the big ship that comes every month. We can easily rent rooms for us once we step in the big inn of Vale."
"All shall be done in time, mother."
"How about our dear 'servant', mother? Shall we leave her here to keep safe housekeeping or bring her along?"
Merlina rubbed her chin frowning. "I detest that girl, the stupid innocent girl! I do not think it is a wise action to leave her here, for she can easily destroy our home belongings and run away. No, I think it will be easier and better for her to tag along. We will pile all of our baggage on her, and order her around. We can keep an eye on that snobbish girl and make sure she does not do anything disastrous to us. I do not think she will dare to even do anything to us, but it is always best to take precautions first."
Karst snorted. "Hmph, I'll enjoy torturing her the whole time. Rags and pieces of clothes she wears as a servant, yet she does not act like one! She can keep and wear it for the rest of her whole miserable life; I won't even give a care to present her with my oldest clothes."
"Good, then all is settled. If we succeed, then we will be one of the most famous people by the end of the year!" She laughed shrilly.
"It is now past midnight; we should go to bed. Goodnight, mother." Menardi and Karst rose.
"Goodnight, my dear daughters."
Mia gasped, her eyes full with shock. She had heard and listened every word, and she simply could not believe her own ears.
"Gosh, I must say your stepfamily are really bad 'uns, Mia. Planning to cheat the prince and get wealth and power! Just like the typical bad people you'll find." Fizz spoke in a hushed excited whisper.
The girl looked at Fizz bewilderedly, still crouching on the floor. "I…I didn't hear wrong, did I? They…"
"Yes, unfortunately you did hear correctly. They're planning to trick the whole bunch of the royal family by using dirty tricks. Those are the kind of people that you're living with for the past few years, and this is their real personality; no fakery, no cover masks anymore behind your back." The djinni shook her head in pity.
Mia covered her mouth with horror. All these years…I have been living with such people? Oh god…to be so cruel…the poor prince's life will be utterly destroyed by them, just like mine…but others, especially a person like him who has so much to live for…
Fizz looked at her much bigger companion, and patted her with her tail, ribbon tied to it. "Now Mia, I know it's very distressful and stuff, but really, now that your 'real' stepfamily has been exposed truly, you have to face right up to them. This horrible plan that they are concocting up only you and I know of it's secret, no one else. That means that it's only up to us two to break and destroy their plan before the poor prince gets hooked up with them and his life turned upside-down. You get me Mia?"
Mia shot curious but scared looks at her. "I know all that…but how am I supposed to stop them? I won't be even going to the ball, I won't even get the chance to see the prince to alarm him of it!" She hissed in despair, getting up to sit once more on her bed.
Fizz eyed the poorly dressed girl in front of her. "No, I guess you can't hope on that." She brightened up and cheered the worried young woman with strong brave words. "But don't worry, we'll get through somehow and pass the message. You've still got me; we'll work in this together and make pretty sure your villainy stepfamily doesn't get the chance to play around with titles! I'll protect you if they try to hurt you, so don't fret all right? Pull yourself together and brace up!"
The words uttered out worked like magic to Mia. Her frowns ceased, and she regained her normal composure, if not her clenched hands still slight shaking, showing her continuous anxiety on the prince's safety. "Yes, yes, you're right. I must not let others suffer because of them. I can't let them win this dangerous bet. I'll find help somehow, somewhere. You'll help me right?"
Fizz grinned. "You bet I will! I'll always be in the same boat as you. And speaking of boats, I'll follow you to Vale too; but you better pack me as part of your 'baggage' in your trunk so as not to attract attention."
Mia looked quizzically at her. "Are you sure you won't feel uncomfortable? In case you're hungry, I'll pack some biscuits inside for you to eat in advance before we set off in the ship for Vale. I feel quite excited really; I've never really traveled across the sea many times."
"Gee, thanks a lot, Mia. I'd like that a lot."
Mia smiled serenely, then her mouthed opened and she let out a stifled yawn. "Sorry…"
Fizz hopped into bed. "Nah, it's okay. I'm sleepy too. Let's discuss more about it when we're free and alone next time, all right? At that time we'll make our own plans; two can play at one game. For now, all I can think of is sleep and sleep."
Mia chuckled. "Thank you, Fizz. You're the greatest friend I could ever have. Good night; sleep tight!"
"Mmm…you bet I will. Good night Mia."
When the sun arose the next morning, Mia got up from her bed at five in the early morning though slightly tired from the few hours of sleep. She was hardly surprised at all when she saw Menardi and Karst already up when the clock struck six. They had a quick breakfast, surprisingly ignored Mia, and left the house on an errand, or so they roughly said to her.
But I know better than that.
When Merlina walked demurely down the steps towards the kitchen, Mia served her a late breakfast. Merlina said nothing, but thought and thought to herself.
It was the most silent and peaceful morning Mia had ever faced lately, without the words of threat and anger directed to her. The house was quiet. Merlina was purely occupied with her own thoughts, and Mia, she observed her stepmother carefully and thought about her own plans too.
"After completing your daily jobs, pack your bags and things that you only need, stupid girl. We're leaving for Vale tomorrow morning. Be quick about it."
Mia hardly raised an eyebrow.
Author's Note: Yep, chapter 8 completed! Hope I'm updating at a faster rate now.;) Read and review!
I hope the storyline is not progressing at too slow for readers, since probably most are waiting for the actual party ball (Mudshipping hot on the trail!). And about the plan for Menardi and Karst tricking Isaac, hopefully it's not too cheesy and pathetic. After all, you can't expect someone like Isaac to actually LIKE Menardi or Karst at all, and I'm sure Menardi and Karst hate Isaac as also shown in the game, so here's my explanation of why they want to be the 'bride': power, something which I believe sort of suit them.
On a side note, I just may be including a few battles with the help of Psynergy and Djinn; but I'm not too sure about it yet. If you have any comments, feel free to suggest further, I'll gladly listen and hear it.
Incoming next chapter: Mia and company reach Vale! Wow, a really crowded place…just for the prince? Or…because of the seventy-two incoming Djinn?