0030 A.R (After Alchemies Return) New Weyard Calendar

Goma Plateau, Angara

"Are you sure about this, Isaac?" asked the man with spiky red hair as he turned and faced his long-time friend.

The bearded gentlemen with the long blue trench coat smirked and pushed back his blonde hair, "Of course, Garet. Matthew and Karis will be fine, although I can't speak for… Tyrell. I'm sure Karis will keep him in order."

Isaac laughed but Garet frowned at the joke directed at his family. Young fire adepts were always a passionate bunch, even if they ran into fights without thinking first. I remembered how harsh Jenna's words could be along our travels.

Moments before I watched as these two men sent their children off to gather a new Roc feather. Tyrell had foolishly broken the soarwing, and their fathers sent this group of adepts into their destiny. The fire adept had played his part well, and today I watched the leading man take his place upon the stage (or in my case the chessboard).

I witnessed their departure. Isaac didn't say his farewell to his only child, and sent young Matthew into the unknown. I took this opportunity to steal a glimpse into Isaac's mind as he sent a carrier pigeon to the old alchemist.

"Our adventure started just as suddenly as our son's has. Mother. You didn't say good-bye either. That is because this is not the end."

I bit my lip when I caught this thought. Isaac and I had shared few words of farewells last time we saw each other. I remember. Hah. He told me not to get myself killed. Was it irony that I fell down Mt. Aleph after he said that to me? Or was it a prayer that I would survive to see him again.

No. Isaac had found his place in this universe. Our fate was intertwined, but now his thread connected to Matthew, son of gold.

"Well, it's getting late," yawned Garet," I suppose I'll try to get some rest, although I know sleep will not come fast after sending Tyrell upon Weyard. Not to mention Matthew…wait till Jenna hears about this-"

Isaac suddenly interrupted Garet and went completely silent. Garet's dark eyebrows rose in confusion but Isaac silently started turning around in my direction.

"I know you're out there. How long has it been, old friend?" the Venus adept called out. I knew he was talking to me.

"Ah. I see. You were able to sense my presence, most impressive."

"Heh," Isaac chuckled, "and you now possess the ability to Mind Read. That's a new one for you, isn't it, Alex?"

"Isaac?..." said Garet hesitantly. I was only speaking directly to Isaac's mind and the fire adept was unable to see me on the mountain.

I instantly warped, now standing before them, and chuckled as I met eye-to eye with Garet. The red-eyed adept immediately stepped in front of his friend, acting as his guard. Isaac frowned.

"Alex!" yelled Garet, only now realizing I was here, "I thought you fell of Mt. Aleph and died!...What's up with the mask?"

I sighed, "What's up with the mustache?"

"Damnit,…" Garet admitted, "Wait- Why are you here! If you think I'm going to let you kill Isaac or go to Mt. Aleph, you're sadly mistaken! I know you must've had something to do with the Mourning Moon!"

Isaac poked his head to the side and glanced over at me. It's been over 30 years since I've last seen his face, and he hasn't aged a bit. Aside from his beard, respectively, he was probably thinking the same about me. Yet I felt it was best to no longer intrude in his mind. Instead, I'd use my words.

I shook my head, "I've come here for neither of those reasons. We are old allies, are we not? Do you greet old friends with such hostility? Blaming me for the Mourning Moon, indeed…""

"Old allies? You USED us to light the Lighthouses so you could steal the power of the Golden Sun for yourself!

"Used? No, I don't believe that is the right word. I only wished to bring alchemy back to Weyard and save the life as we now know it."

Chronic liar syndrome?

"You can only use that excuse so many times, Alex," said Isaac as he moved to stand beside Garet.

I flicked my bangs away from my face, "You've caught me, but alas, this is the truth."

Garet flipped me off, "Yeah fucking right! We know you're targeting the Wise One!"

I titled my head to the side, "Hm? It isn't I that is targeting the Wise One, in fact, I wish to stop this very person as well."

"You wish to stop them? And who is this person you speak of… "questioned Isaac, he didn't sound like he believed me.

"High Empyror, " I answered with a shrug, " but that is neither here or there."

Isaac and Garet looked at each other in silence. Isaac spoke slowly, "I believe that you haven't come to harm us or Sol Sanctum, however, it's typical of you to have a hidden agenda."

I couldn't help but smile, "Why don't you read my mind then and find out? I know you got a good hit off the Golden Sun's power, hm?"

Isaac shook his head, "All I obtained was extended life, as well as stronger Venus and Mars psynergy. It appears I mirror your moon with my sun."

I looked away from him and off to the sunset that glimmered behind the ancient Mt. Aleph, "People can never decide. Good or Evil, Light or Darkness?"

I reached into my cloak and drew out a single card. Isaac looked confused but Garet snapped his fingers and pointed at me, "Hey! That's a tarot card!"

"Really? You know what this is?" I said slightly surprised. I had always thought of Garet as quite the idiot.

"Don't assume anything about me, " he said nervously, "I studied with Kraden and Mia a while after the Golden Sun. I learned of a deck that could see into the future."

"Divination?" asked Isaac.

I nodded, "And this card in my hands is the key to the future of your sons."

"Suns?" asked Isaac and Garet in confused chorus.

I scratched the back of my head and sighed, "Your children,…"

"Oooh. Wait!" yelled Garet, " What do you plan to do to Matthew and Tyrell! You know how scary Jenna gets and Mia can be ever worse when she starts-"

"-if you harm my son, Alex, I will have to kill you myself!" Isaac fiercely interrupted.

I threw the card to Isaac, "I would never harm Matthew…"

Isaac caught the card and watched me deeply as I told him I only wished for Matthew's safe passage. Garet was busy looking at the card in the Venus adept's hands.

"The wheel of fortune?" the two warriors of Vale were now looking at the card before them. It depicted a wheel being turned by the three fates. Garet spoke up again, "The beginning of a new cycle. A card of good fortune, the appearance of destiny and Karmic change."

"Can you answer what this card is talking about, Isaac?"

Isaac shifted nervously, "A wheel….good fortune….the Konpa Ruins?"

"A lost temple of the Jenei, said to have been made of gold."

Garet seemed to still not understand, "What does the Konpa Ruins have to do with our sons? They were heading to Carver's Camp to head up past Belinsk…"

I shrugged and shook my head, "It appears a psynergy vortex is amongst the midst of the camp."

"Aha! So you know something of the psnergy vortexes!" pointed Garet, "So that means you MUST know something about the Mourning Moon!"

I cover my mouth as I chuckle lightly. Garet is quite persistent on the concern of the Mourning Moon, "Luminescence of the divine being, found in the translucent darkness: the black sun."

The Mars adept now seemed at a loss for words, he tugged his mustache nervously. Isaac looked away in thought for a moment and Garet grew more worrisome. It seemed Garet knew something I knew not, however, I refused to Mind Read to solve my answers.

Isaac finally spoke up, "Do you plan on using our children, just like you used us?"

I sighed. The Warrior of Vale saw right through this man in a mask.

"The cards have shown a path in time, a maze of possibilities, and I only wish to watch them unfold. Isaac, I assure you, there will be a happy ending."

Our blue eyes locked. I could tell he wanted to believe me, but he had no reason to. Garet was glad to fiercely interrupt us again, "Happy ending? For you, or for Weyard, smart-ass?"

"For Weyard. Isn't that always been the just for call of action?"

Isaac crossed his arms, "It seems we have no choice, old friend, " but instead he looked over at Garet, "Our sons, and Karis, will just have to fight against this High Empyror. In the meantime, we have much work to do. "

Garet groaned and then straightened up, "I'll send a pigeon to Captain Piers, if he hasn't gotten one already."

He then turned and began to head over to the cabin they'd been living in for the last 15 years, give or take. For some reason though, the Mars adept suddenly stopped and turned to look at us in a very suspicious manner. I lifted my one visible brow at him and Isaac looked away with almost a guilty expression.

"Is it safe to leave you two alone? I don't want any funny business…" Garet's eyes were on me like a hawk.

Isaac's laugh was soft, "I believe I will be safe, for the time being that is."

My hand reached into my cloak, "Here, Garet, let me leave you something to ponder in your next adventure," I then threw him another card.

Garet looked down at it, and then ran off to send a message to another Mercury adept, or "old friend." Isaac watched him leave and then stepped closer to me,

"What card did you give him?" you asked as you scratched your beard.

"Judgment," I answered and then took a step back away from you.

"Alex…I…." you suddenly began, but I was quick to put up my defense-

"-Isaac, I promise you that Matthew will be safe under my protection. You can even let Jenna know I said so."

Isaac hit his forehead and shook his head, "Great, she'd kill me for sure knowing you are behind this."

We then exchanged small laughter at the thought of Jenna on fire running at us. Although in truth, it wouldn't be so funny. For us anyways.

"So, what are you now then? Matthew's bodyguard? Guardian angel?" you continue to chuckle.

"Far from an angel, no, I believe I was once referred to as a monster. Perhaps bodyguard would is the better term."

Yet the title Lover did cross my mind.

Silence.

"I fear I am making the wrong decision, listening to an enemy of our past, but,…" you pause and take another step forward, "but for some reason, just like 30 years ago.. I believe you. Don't fuck this up, Alex."

I smiled and gestured a bow to an old comrade, " If I do, you can personally end my life."

You stepped forward again to grab me but I warped off locations. I know you have no true reason to believe me still, however….

If everything went according to plan, our future, my future, will be even brighter then the Golden Sun itself.

Let the fates start turning.

0030 A.R (After Alchemies Return) New Weyard Calendar

Konpa Ruins, Angara

For once, I was thankful for the darkness.

As I spied down into Konpa ruins, I witnessed the arrival of three exceptional children. Instantly I recognized Tyrell, son of Garet, and I realized the purple-eyed female with them was Karis, son of Ivan.

My sight then caught Harmony for the first time in this godforsaken world.

"Within Mercury lies the key to the philosopher stone, however, Mercury must first be introduced to sulfur and salt before it can open the doors of truth."

-Azoth, ancient weyard alchemist.

A blush covered my cheeks. Suddenly I was thankful that the Tuaparang Captain beside me couldn't see my face. I could feel my heart pumping through my chest as I looked down at my reincarnation of Sol, my sulfur and cure.

I couldn't help but notice the Mercury djinn, Chill, sitting on your shoulder. The water elemental was warming itself in the young boys yellow scarf, and I found myself growing jealous.

"The rumors ARE true! These adepts from Vale are already quite powerful!"

The High Empyror didn't trust his captain's judgment, and sent me along as well. I stood beside the man named Blado, yet I watched Matthew fight against some of Tuaparang's shady scouts with slight worry.

Clearly my worry was misplaced, however, as you struck down your enemy with ease. I felt my heart skip a beat as I watched your little blonde head from above.

You looked just like your father did back then.

Just like Isaac, the young hero.

It was a relief, yet, I was a little disappointed to see you didn't inherit your mother's eye color. Although there was a sparkle in your blue eyes, just like the determined spirit of Jenna.

"We didn't want to reveal ourselves THIS soon. But you've seen that machine, so…" Blados continued to laugh, in spite of the young adepts in front of us.

"Who are you?" questioned the old alchemist, Kraden. Isaac said he sent a letter to the old geezer, but I didn't really believe he was still kicking around, "Have you taken Crown from us?" he continued, "Show yourself!"

"There are two of us watching, Kraden. My ally doesn't know you, but I do, and you're feisty as ever," the old man's month dropped, " You've hardly changed in 30 years. You got a heavy dose of psynergy from the lighthouse, didn't you?"

Kraden paused in awe, "How can you know that? Who are you…..show yourself! Now, villain!"

"Don't pout, old friend. You'll find out. Now, you may be wondering: where IS that student of yours?"

I was aware that my nephew was my current prisoner, but it didn't bother me. I threw away from feelings for Mia a long time ago, and now I needed her son as bait.

"Where have you taken Crown!" yelled Kraden's other student, and apparent twin sister of Crown.

"I'll answer that in my own sweet time, " I answered with a yawn. My eyes then looked down upon my leading man, "First, tell me, Matthew… "

The three adepts before me shifted nervously together. Karis and Tyrell seemed surprised I was addressing their Venus adept leader.

"You've been entrusted with the Glyph Book, haven't you!"

The text I was denied from the Jenei.

Even their technology could see my evil intent.

"WHAT? That kid? How could he?" stormed Blados, the blue skinned, green haired freak beside me

"Please, let him speak! I'm positive that he can read the ancient symbols now. But your response, son of Vale?"

You're glare was direct, "It is true, I can now read the ancient language of the Jenei."

"That gave it away Matthew!" Karis sounded irritated, "We should have kept the book a secret from them!"

I caught you looking up through the darkness of this ruin. You were searching for whom you were speaking with, and for a second, I was afraid to reveal myself.

This mouthy Jupiter on the other hand, needed to be put in her place, "You can't hide secrets from a masked man. His glimmer of honesty just saved your lives, " and how I enjoyed when my puppets played along with me instead of against.

"What is this Glyph Book you speak of?" we seemed to have caught Kraden's attention, "Do you intend to take it by force?"

"That old friend of yours doesn't have a CLUE, does it? " jeered Blados, "Now that one there…That's Matthew right?"

The Captain pointed to my lover with complete ignorance.

"Oh, you're STILL in the dark about who we are!" said Blados as the entire party started looking for us now, "Let's throw this pack of dogs a bone already!"

I caught my breath and our lift was lowered to their eye level. I managed to take a step back on our way down and just stood by some pawn scouts. Crown sat on his knees, tied up, in front of the Captain.

Why was I so nervous for you to see me?

"Hello there, little bugs! Don't worry. We won't squash you! Not if you continue through the caves."

"What?...the caves?" said a confused Kraden, looking at a blue skinned man weiding a giant sword.

"You're not going anywhere! Give me my brother back!"

"THIS twerp?" I was already beginning to get annoyed by Blados voice, " We're going to boot him out one of the exits!"

"What do you mean? B-b-boot him out?" the blue haired girl in pig-tails held her hands together.

"If I were you, I'd hurry for that exit. He'll be tied up- an easy snack for passing beasts!"

"You're dropping him outside at the north cave exit?" the alchemist pushed his spectacles up the bridge of his nose.

"You know there isn't just one exit. There are two. And Crown might be at the north end- or the…"

"Of course, of course,…" sighed Kraden, " There's an exit to the north…and one to the south, near Harapa."

"Yes!" said Blados with glee, "Two exits! One Kraden! But maybe the spawn of the so-called Warriors of Vale would help you out!"

"?" I heard you gasp. I knew you quickly realized we were intentionally separating your parties, and sending you into unfamiliar territory.

"What's he going on about?" questioned the young lady, Karis.

"Is he talking about us?" yelled Tyrell

Finally I was able to find my words again, " My eager associate is saying exactly that. Head to the southern exit, near the town of Harapa."

"What is this about?" you questioned with authority.

"Why do we have to go there?" a fist formed in Karis' hand.

"We want to go north! Not south!" Tyrell bluntly commented.

"Ha! You'll find out soon enough!"

"Suffice it to say that you've got to help your little Crown, " I finished for Blados, "Isn't that reason enough?"

"I'm responsible for Crown, " Kraden interjected, "I have to get him back!"

"I'm sure he'll be safe and sound if you stand here jabbering old man! Yap. Yap, yap"

"Big talk for someone who wasn't looking for a fight!"

"I'm ITCHING for a good fight!" exploded Blados back at Karis, "and it would be entertaining to fillet you right here!"

"Now, now, Blados. They kept their promise. You keep yours," I smiled.

I made a promise to Isaac as well.

I would protect Matthew with my life.

"I know my promise. And my duty, " he grumbled back, "Then let's leave these dogs to chase their tails!"

Our lift began to rise back to the top of the ruins, " Go, Kraden," I called back to them, " You too, children of Vale's infamous warriors. We'll drop off Crown at one of the two exits…"

As a bad guy, I was raised to have the final words. However, Kraden yelled back at me as we slipped into the shadows, "Wait- I know your voice, don't I?..."

I frowned as Blados turned to face me. We were now out of sight of my tragic past and inspiring future.

"Heh, I'll be taking this little bug to the south exit then. What card showed up for the nerd anyways?"

I shrugged, " I believe it was Temperance."

The sword was not over-compensating for a brain, "Temperance! What the hell does that mean?"

"Crown brings new balance to the group, being a Mercury adept, plus he thinks diligently and probably knows more about alchemy then the other adepts. He was taught by the old alchemist we ran into, after all, although I have a feeling they will run into another Mercury adept very shortly…"

Blados thick blue eyebrows knotted together in thought. He looked like he was going to break a mirror with that kind of concentrations.

"Nonetheless, I believe you should head for the south exit with haste. Matthew's group moves quick."

Blados chuckled at me, "Right, Matthew. What was he again? Hah, I believe Chalis told me…something gay, like the lovers, right? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"

Urge to kill rising.

"HAHA!" he finished with a sigh, "Yeah, I'm going to throw this Temperance into a crate and drop him off. Heh hehe heh. I got the exit covered so you can report back. "

My urge to kill him was still rising but he departed to finish up the job.

As for me, I headed back to that single pool of light in the middle of a sea of darkness.

Waiting

In the Silence

Until Next time

Matthew.