This chapter should include some action, but still probably not that much. I'm going to have to do research on gamefaqs about the different monster types in the series in order to include a better, accurate variety of monster fights for this fic so I don't deviate too far from canon. Thanks for reviews this far, by the way. Oh, and there may be a few things made up here for story purposes. That, and I don't remember the exact layout of the Mercury Lighthouse from the first Golden Sun.
There may be some minor swearing involved in some chapters, but they will be pretty much censored by symbols.
Disclaimer below:
Sveta: The author to this story claims no rights to the Golden Sun series and its characters or locations.
Matthew: But so far, Karis' mom, Tyrell's mom and Rief and Nowell's dad are OCs. Their names, professions and personalities may turn out to be completely different if they're ever explained in a actual Golden Sun 4.
Isaac: Needless to say, the OCs are the only characters in the story who belong to the author who created them.
I know chat/script format is against the guidelines, but those probably don't count in the author notes. I could be wrong, though. Just trying to get a bit more creative with the disclaimers, like I said I would do. I can edit the above if you need me to.
Chapter XII: The Aqua Shard
The following day was busier than the last as the joint Morgal, Bilibin, Ayuthay, Champa, Kalay and Yamata army strengthened their defenses and were making preparations in the event another Tuaparang assault would follow.
Isaac, Matthew and the rest of their companions ate a light breakfast and held another meeting at Kalay Palace. Ivan addressed the others"Lord Hammet is concerned as to whether Tuaparang will make another attack, so we obviously cannot take everyone."
"He has every right to be wary, that was likely just their vanguard" said Takeru.
"Isaac, what do you expect to find at Mercury Lighthouse?" inquired Felix.
"I have no idea, but there might be a few secrets we both overlooked on our separate trips, there. Matthew, you will help lead the main group traveling to Imil and Prox. I will be with you every step of the way" said Isaac.
"Prox may balk at the idea of challenging the military might of Tuaparang, and Imil really has no defenses. Angara's armies are hopelessly outnumbered, but Adepts can make up for it with Psynergy. I have my doubts about possibly winning the upcoming war" mussed Garet.
Sveta shook her head"The war will be a diversion, which should last until we find the Athena Sanctum. If necessary, we can cripple Tuaparang by defeating its commanders, but that too may be difficult."
Matthew was quiet for a moment, unsure about continuing to be a leader"Dad, you and Uncle Felix are more qualified, aren't you going to lead?"
"You have proven yourself capable on more than one occasion" assured Isaac.
"Indeed. Had I felt you unworthy, Matthew, I might've left your party" acknowledged Amiti.
"You're probably right... So who else is coming?" said the younger blond Venus Adept.
"I will continue to accompany you. Alexa, stay with Kenneth" said Sveta.
"Your majesty, will you be okay?" protested Alexa.
Sveta nodded"Of course, you forget that I am an Adept. In any case, which way is Imil?"
"Last I heard, It is presently to the northeast of Kalay" explained Ivan.
"Getting there by ship is no problem, but it may be colder there than what I heard before, due to it being further north of there. Who knows how the place still thrives so close to the northern hemisphere" shrugged Piers.
"Its not as far north as Prox, but we'll get to both places in all due time" said Isaac, calmly.
"And I'm going this time. Besides, you'll need a Mars Adept to enter the Mars Lighthouse if we're going back there" said Jenna.
Rief addressed his sister"Nowell, I'm going, too. I wonder how mom is doing."
"She should be fine. Dad's helping her out" replied Nowell.
Patricia addressed Isaac"I may not be an Adept like a lot of you guys, but I am a part-time traveling merchant, as well as an innkeeper. I have an array of goods in my bag that I could sell if you ever need them. Will you let me tag along?"
"This isn't a vacation, mom" protested Tyrell.
"Did you forget that I have a special sword with the power of wind imbued into it? No monster would dare mess with me" smiled his mother.
"When you put it that way, we can't possibly say no. Just be careful" said Garet.
"I'll be fine. I left my sister in charge of the inn, by the way" grinned Patricia.
"Heh, I forgot" said Tyrell, embarrassed.
"Father, I'm going out with them again. Mom, I know I make you worry, but I'd rather not sit around while the others are protecting the world" said Karis.
Florianna nodded"It would hardly do us good to say no, either way. Just be safe, though I suppose that's not really an option."
As Isaac and his selected team members left Kalay Palace for Piers' ship, Ivan addressed his wife, Florianna"So how was work the past few days? We've both been very busy, I assume."
"It truly has, and I am glad Karis had returned from the trip your friend Isaac had mentioned in his letter. I myself have been busy, due to patrols and such" replied the Kalay Guard Captain.
"I hope the new recruits of the bunch haven't given you much grief" said Ivan, calmly.
"No one dares to. How's research? I barely see you, much anymore" said Florianna, grimly.
"Ah, sorry. Its hard work, studying the aftereffects of the Golden Sun" said Ivan, sheepishly.
"Quite all right, we both have very important jobs, after all" smiled his wife.
The group heading for Imil set sail and headed northeast. Jenna, Isaac and most of the others gazed at the surrounding sea, watching the clouds go by during their voyage. Patricia calmly set up a temporary shop in one of the cabins.
While back on the deck, Amiti addressed Karis"What is Rief's mother, Mia like?"
"I don't know much about her besides what I heard from Rief and my father... But she was one of the Warriors of Vale from back then. They say she is a kind, gentle priestess who cares for the people of Imil" said Karis.
"The people of Imil must be truly blessed to have her, then. I have to admit, I am a tad nervous meeting another Warrior of Vale... Captain Piers is one of them, correct? I heard from Rief. I wonder if this is how Nowell felt upon meeting Piers" said Amiti.
"I don't know for sure... But Mia is a nice person, she is a Mercury Adept, just like you, Rief and Nowell" replied Karis.
The boat sailed until Piers spotted a light blizzard surrounding the island ahead"Land ho, but that doesn't look good over there. Imil has few blizzards, but they still do minor damage."
Isaac grimly nodded"We shall land and provide aid if needed."
Tyrell rushed below deck to find Patricia"We're here."
"Okay. I'll be with you in a minute" Patricia packed her bags again.
The group docked and headed inland. The icy village was in a state of temporal chaos as people rushed back into their homes from shopping as the light blizzard hit. The group carefully made their way to the elder's house, where a blue-haired woman in her mid-forties in mostly white garments was tending to a sick young man. Another man stood next to her, he had dark hair and blue eyes with a blue coat over his green shirt and brown pants.
"Mother, father" Nowell addressed the man and woman.
The middle-aged blue-haired healer turned and was pleasant surprised to see them"Rief? Nowell? Welcome home. Hello Isaac, long time no see" greeted the woman.
Isaac acknowledged"Mia, is everything okay?"
Mia frowned"I wish it were so, something's gone wrong at Mercury Lighthouse, it started yesterday. No one was seriously hurt."
"Yeah, it was pretty darn terrible though, having to deal with a sudden storm. Snowfall is not so uncommon, but Mercury Lighthouse has become somewhat frozen and flooded. You could barely get in there, anymore, especially Mia. Oh, and my name is Bennet" said the man.
"Mia... I was wondering if you could tell me something. Oh, and I'm Amiti, Prince of Ayuthay" spoke the Ayuthayian prince.
"Amiti is one of our friends" piped Rief.
Mia was quiet for a moment"I would be glad to help in any way that I can, but the Mercury Lighthouse comes first. I was going to investigate when I heard the elder's grandson had taken ill. He's feeling better now, but my husband and I are at a loss as to what to do even if we find the source of the blizzards, they're becoming more and more frequent. What's worse, more people are either falling ill or dying."
"We wanted to talk to the elder about possibly joining Imil with Kalay to confront the mysterious Tuaparang Empire. But there's a different threat looming upon us... The Silver Eclipse, but we have almost no knowledge of it. But our goal is to find out and prevent it if possible" said Isaac.
"I see... I should tell you, there aren't many Mercury Adepts in Imil anymore. Most have perished from this awful blizzard" frowned Mia.
"We'll keep it in mind. We're headed for Mercury Lighthouse, can you come?" asked Jenna.
"Yes, I've done what I can for the village, for now. Bennet, would you mind taking care of the village while I'm out?" inquired the veteran Mercury Adept.
"Sure, Mia. Just be careful" Bennet planted a gentle kiss on his wife's cheek.
Mia went with her companions outside"Mercury Lighthouse is a bit more dangerous than when we last visited it, Isaac. What business do you have there?"
"I had thought perhaps there would be some forgotten secret located there" replied Isaac.
"Hm... Now you mention it, I hear that there was something recently discovered about the place. But I don't quite remember what" frowned Mia.
The group headed north, passing through the barrier leading into Mercury Lighthouse. The place was flooded on the main floor with stone steps leading to a previously hidden staircase to the southwest.
"Okay, that wasn't there before" muttered Isaac as he hopped his way across the stone platforms to the stairs. The others followed cautiously.
"Guys, I think there are monsters below this floor..." Matthew spoke.
"Hm? You may be right" remarked Sveta, picking up a scent with her psynergy.
"And who are you?" Mia asked the beastwoman.
The beastwoman queen replied"My name is Sveta, Queen of Morgal. I traveled with Matthew and your son Rief on their previous journey."
"Interesting" remarked Mia, leading the way down the stairs once they were safely onto the platform, wondering the same thing'How many secrets had been unveiled by the Golden Sun?'
"Your Venus senses are growing attuned, very good son" remarked Isaac, heading down first with his sword drawn.
Matthew and the others headed into an underground passageway, where they came across some Gilmen and Sahagins. Isaac readied himself"Let's cut through."
The group took the monsters by surprise, attacking with psynergy and weapons. The monsters attempted to strike back and were driven off by the Adepts. Karis looked around"Do you suppose this is the last of the monsters in this area?"
"Never know" replied Matthew, heading towards another chamber. The rest of the group followed him to the chamber where they came to what looked like a large, singular platform.
Isaac inspected the platform, eventually finding a grate with a fan below it. Addressing the others, he said"This must serve somehow as a shortcut to the upper floors. Karis, go ahead and use your Tornado Psynergy on it."
Karis nodded and joined the others onto the platform, using Tornado on the fan. The platform shot upwards, eventually coming to a stop at the top of what turned out to be a short shaft. They entered a nearby door, finding themselves on the third floor.
"I wonder how we didn't find that shortcut our first time through" frowned Mia.
"I have no idea, but we're that much closer to the top" Isaac led them to the Mercury Lighthouse Altar, which was surrounded by a block of ice. Mia was shocked"This place has been frozen solid..."
Sveta looked around, picking up something with her senses"Matthew, Isaac, I sense a foul aura on this floor."
Jenna frowned"What do you suppose...?"
A crystal statue stood in the center of the room, a purple vortex hovering over it. Matthew tensed"What the heck?"
"Hm." Isaac inspected the statue as best he could without getting too close"This was not here before. Someone must have been here before us, but long after this lighthouse was activated by the Mercury Star."
"You've seen too much, the device before you was planted by order of High Commander Vong of the Tuaparang Empire" A Tuaparang soldier with a grey uniform stepped forward"I assumed Imil would be frozen over by now, but it seemed there was a miscalculation... Or did the commander forget that ice and water are the elemental properties of Mercury Adepts...?" He muttered, rhetorically.
"So your commander was behind the blizzard" Mia scowled.
"You are perceptive, Priestess of Imil. You warriors of Vale must be the ones Alex warned me about. My name is Virk" said the man.
"Why don't you leave Imil alone? And how did you get here?" demanded Nowell.
Virk smirked"The airship must have successfully gone unnoticed by the denizens of Imil. Did you know there used to be an object of value in the hidden basement of this tower? Too bad I found it first and brought it here. The blizzard isn't the only thing it can conjure up. You will be the perfect test subjects for my Crystal Warrior machine: The Psytron!"
"That explains the vortex" said Jenna.
"Indeed. The vortex shields my creation from Psynergy, so you Adepts are powerless before it" growled Verk, summoning a torrent of dark energy using a crystal he carried in his pocket.
"Is he a dark adept, too?" wondered Amiti.
"No, this is but a sacred gift from the High Empyror himself, High Commander Vong possesses one, too. So even if you can defeat me, the Empyror and the Commander are on a whole 'nother level" replied Virk, becoming engulfed in a dark mist and being warped into the crystal statue. The monster sprang to life, wielding a large lance.
Matthew drew the Sol Blade"Bring it on you !*$!"
"How dare you call me a !*$!" growled the monster, thrusting its lance. Matthew flipped back and darted forward with a thrust, only to be countered by a wave of dark psynergy from the portal.
"Torrent!" Amiti called forward a wave of water, pushing back the monstrosity.
"How did-?" Matthew was surprised, considering the vortex still hovering above their opponent.
Mia explained"The Elemental properties of each other four lighthouses bolster the power of the Adept of the corresponding element. It also enhances the element that goes with it. Rief's, Nowell's, Amiti's and my psynergies are strengthened by it."
Piers nodded"That goes for me, too."
The crystal monster thrust at Isaac and let loose a barrage of icicles from where the beast's eyes would be. Jenna healed her fellow adepts and distracted the monster with a torrent of fire long enough for Matthew to get in a blow with Quake.
"Oddessy!" "Fireball!" Isaac and Tyrell's spells further staggered the Psytron, which retaliated by absorbing some of the energy and striking back with black lightning and shards of ice. Jenna, Karis and Mia expended their psynergies to bolster and heal their companions as they took damage.
Virk grinned as he piloted the Psytron from inside"That sure isn't all this beauty can do, here's a taste of some serious carnage just for you." The Psytron summoned a burst of black waves, sucking power from Mia, Piers and Jenna while summoning a fierce torrent of icicles and wind.
Jenna retaliated with a torrent of flame in the form of a serpent, Isaac backed her up by casting another Oddessy spell. Piers and Nowell pitched in with some Mercury Psynergy, staggering the Psytron as it relentlessly spammed its icy attacks, the vortex absorbing most of the psynergy directed at its ward.
"No More Ms. Nice Guy" Jenna called forward a wave of Fire Psynergy to stagger the Psytron while Matthew slashed at the monstrosity with his blade. Sveta followed with a roundhouse kick and Karis fired a few arrows into Psytron's joints to try and slow it down.
"Cocky little punks!" Virk snarled, casting another wave of dark Psynergy. The group jumped back and countered with their weapons and psynergy.
"Right" Matthew brandished the Sol Blade and summoned forth Radiant Fire, driving the Psytron back.
"What the? That blade... The legends say it is the counterpart to the legendary Luna Bade... Commander Vong must have somehow known that all wasn't just a load of hooey" grumbled Virk, firing another dark energy wave.
Matthew jumped back"I have one more surprise for you, buster" and concentrated. A ball of fiery energy spewed from the Sol Blade which Matthew cast at Psytron"MEGIDDO!"
"Fire Wall!" Jenna backed her son's attack, both engulfed the Psytron for a moment as the dark vortex tried in vein to absorb it.
"So, Psynergy Vortexes have anther flaw... They can only absorb Psynergy at one place at one time. Very well then" Isaac cast Odessy again, staggering Psytron.
As the fire dissipated, the Psytron was still standing, brandishing its lance. Virk's voice sneered"Did you think that just a little heat could do the Psytron in?"
"Enough!" Amiti conjured a wave of Water Psynergy, driving Psytron back towards the Mercury Altar. Karis knocked the weapon off its feat with another Tornado, prompting Matthew to lung forward and plunge the Sol Blade into its core, losing some of his psynergy in the process. The machine crackled and steadily began to implode, prompting Matthew to jump away as it became engulfed in fiery energy.
"That should do it, I think" said Isaac as the aura dissipated. The Psytron was gone, in its place was a shining blue and white orb, similar in structure to the Magma orb.
"Yet another relic, how many of Weyard's forgotten secrets lay undiscovered?" gasped Piers.
Virk barely managed to eject from the machine, reappearing using the last of his crystal's energy"So you won... I have failed."
"Any last words?" Tyrell jeered.
Virk stepped back towards the hole in the Mercury Lighthouse Altar"I underestimated you... But falling in the line of duty for Commander Vong leaves me no regrets..."
"Stop, that hole will be your end" Isaac called.
Virk shook his head"I am a soldier you know, I am prepared to lay down my life" and stumbled down the hole, consumed by a bluish beam of light which had restarted as the surrounding ice had quickly melted after the Psytron's destruction. The vortex above shrank and vanished.
"What coward chooses death over surrender? What was he trying to accomplish?" pondered Amiti.
"Do you think the orb was the source of the abnormal weather around Imil?" asked Rief.
"Its possible. Look, Mercury Energy is being drawn into it" said Mia.
Amiti walked over to the bluish-white orb and pocketed it"Its probably some sort of Aquatic Orb. Mayhap it could be useful on our quest."
"It is a possibility" said Isaac, addressing the others"Let's go back to Imil."
The group headed to the elevator that took them quickly back to the first floor. Amiti addressed Mia"So what I wanted to ask you was... Am I in some way related to someone in your family? I traveled with Matthew to Kolima on our way to the peak to retrieve a Roc Feather, and had a chance meeting with Tret and Laurel. And at the Apollo Sanctum, I felt drawn to Alex for some reason beyond my understanding..."
Mia's face contorted for a moment at the mention of her traitorous cousin"Why do you... Now that I get a close look at your face, you bear a slight resemblance to someone I once knew. But I am confused, what connection would my family have to Ayuthayian royalty? I doubt I'll get anything but more lies from Alex... This gives me all the more reason to go back into adventuring. We both have reason to look for answers, though I am uncertain Alex is even alive after not hearing from him all those years."
"Perhaps you'll both find your answers as we progress" said Isaac, thoughtfully.
The group returned to Imil to tell the townspeople that Mercury Lighthouse is back to normal. A few of the Mercury Adepts in the village volunteered to go and help defend their homeland from further sneak attacks by Tuaparang.
Bennet was happy to see his wife and two children safe"Thank goodness that ordeal's over. The weather should be more manageable now. You guys going to show the Tuaparang milksops who's boss?"
"We don't know how far we'll get, but stopping the High Empyror's plot is the general plan" replied Isaac.
"I wish I could go, but I guess I need to stay and help the remaining villagers out. Mia, be careful" Bennet kissed his wife.
Mia hugged her husband"I'll be fine."
Bennet then hugged Rief and Nowell"Look after your mother."
"We will, you don't have to worry" smiled Rief.
The group made ready to depart, their sights set on locating Prox and investigating Mars Lighthouse.
That took longer than I hoped, sorry. I hope this chapter was enjoyable. I can't promise there will be more Matthew/Sveta until maybe after next chapter, but there will be some moments between Amiti and Karis. The interaction between him and Mia was meant to be strictly familial by the way, but they won't realize their family connection until after the next encounter with Alex.
Please feel free to review.