Here is Chapter 7. Thank you to Sentinel07 for his ongoing support and to all the loyal reviewers and supporters of this fic.

Disclaimer: I do not own golden sun or any of the characters except for my own

Chapter 7: United We Stand

Previously:

"Maybe I can talk it over with Mom and Dad. Perhaps we can come up with something for you." said Matthew. Liz gave Matthew a bright smile after that.

"You better. Otherwise, I'll just sneak out of the house and follow you anyway." she smiled as she gave Matthew a brief hug and left for her own room.

"Oh boy." sighed Matthew, shaking his head but smiling anyway.

Adding his headstrong sister to his list of problems wasn't exactly ideal.

That night, Matthew couldn't sleep at all. Nightmares constantly plagued him, slowing him visions of everyone he cared about dying. Karis, Liz, his parents, everyone he knew seemed to die around him. He tossed and turned over and over, hoping that the visions would just stop eventually. As time passed, they did not leave, and Matthew sat up from his bed.

"I need a walk." he said to himself, tossing on some casual clothes and opened his window, climbing out of it once he saw that no one was around. With no one around, he climbed out of the window and went on to the roof, laying there under the night sky. He closed his eyes and tried to relax under the stars.

Unfortunately, that too was interrupted.

"Matthew, is that you?!" asked a voice, startling Matthew a bit. He turned his head around but couldn't see anyone. However, he then looked down and saw Karis on the ground, wearing some casual clothes herself.

"Oh it's you Karis. What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Couldn't sleep. I imagine you couldn't either?" she asked. Matthew sighed and nodded.

"Wait for me at the door. I'll come down." said Matthew. After that, Matthew snuck back into his house, working his way down to the door and opening it without waking anyone up. He finally got down to Karis, closing the door behind him.

"Karis, you know you aren't supposed to come over at this hour." said Matthew.

"I'm not a kid Matthew. I can decide for myself whether or not I should sneak out." retorted Karis. Matthew actually chuckled a bit at that.

"Funny, and all this time I thought you were a daddy's girl." said Matthew, promptly earning him a slap in the arm. Thankfully, it was his uninjured arm. "So what's on your mind?"

"What's on my mind?" Karis asked as if it was obvious. "What is on my mind is how you nearly keep getting yourself killed."

"Well I can't help it if I'm the one they're all after." replied Matthew.

"Maybe but," started Karis before poking Matthew in the chest with her finger. "I don't need you always sacrificing yourself for me. I can take perfectly good care of myself. I can take as many hits as you can, despite what Tyrell says."

Matthew chuckled at that statement. "Fair enough, but I'll always be there to protect you. You and the others."

"I know." smiled Karis, who lightly embraced him, to which Matthew returned the hug.

They stood there for a few minutes, although it almost felt like hours to them. Just standing there in each other's embrace was enough to settle them for some time. As they parted, Karis landed a soft kiss on Matthew's cheek, to which he responded with one on her forehead, making her giggle.

"Well, you should probably head back now. Unlike you, Ivan has mind-reading powers and I don't want him to get the wrong idea." smiled Matthew.

"Fair enough." smiled Karis before she left Matthew's arms and ran back home for the night. Before she left, she gave Matthew one last word. "Just take it easy for a while, okay?"

"Okay." said Matthew before he finally went back inside for the night, feeling considerably better than before.

(LINE BREAK)

"Remind me again, what are we doing out here?" asked Matthew.

Currently, he was walking through the forest near Kalay. Karis and Liz were walking along with him, as Liz refused to be left out of anything important.

"Because it's nice to do something refreshing instead of getting into another fight." said Karis, a resolute tone in her voice.

"I guess so." sighed Matthew. Suddenly, they heard Liz from up ahead.

"Hey guys! I found something cool!" she yelled. Matthew and Karis followed her voice through the think forest, arriving at Liz's location. Once they did, they saw she had stopped in front of some cave. It wasn't very big, and if you weren't looking hard enough, you probably wouldn't have noticed it.

"Where do you think it leads?" asked Matthew.

"Who knows, but I'm going to figure that out." said Liz, jumping right into the cave.

"Wait, Liz!" called Karis, but Liz was already running in. "She really is your sister."

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Matthew.

"Exactly what it sounds like." smirked Karis as she followed Liz inside. Matthew shrugged and ended up following them inside.

The cave was your rather typical one, especially the lack of light. Thankfully, light wasn't a problem with psynergy being used as a lantern. Matthew began to get a little worried about Liz; they hadn't seen her since she ran into the cave. Luckily, after about 10 minutes or so, they found Liz all the way at the very deep end of the cave. She was looking at a wall, which seemed to have ancient carvings on them.

"Liz! What are you doing?!" called Matthew as they approached, getting Liz's attention.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to see what was inside. You always got to do all the fun stuff." pouted Liz.

"What do you mean?" asked Matthew.

"You're the one who got to explore around, exploring whatever cave you came across. I've been stuck at home all this time." she crossed her arms and pouted. Matthew sighed at this. She was such a handful sometimes. Karis giggled at the lovely scene.

Regardless, they turned their attention to the wall Liz found.

"Wow, this is quite a wall." said Matthew, observing the markings.

"Can you tell what it is?" asked Karis. Matthew looked along the markings, until his eyes widened in surprise and confusion.

"This….is the Mars Forge? spoke a surprised Matthew.

"The what?" asked Karis.

"An ancient forget dedicated to the power of Mars. It was supposedly lost a long time ago, but apparently not. It evens lists what is needed. My Battle Rapier should work, but I also need another one and something called mars matter." explained Liz.

"Wait, how did you know all of that?" asked Matthew.

"I occasionally snuck into your room and read your books." Liz sheepishly giggled.

"Figures." groaned Matthew. Anyway, he turned his attention to the wall. "Another light blade shouldn't be hard, but I'm not sure about the mars matter. If the name is any indication, mars matter is as rare as dark matter."

"Well, I have a Masamune right here." said Karis, pulling one of the older weapons they used on their journey. "And I happen to have this."

As she said that, she pulled a small bright red stone from her pouch. The stone felt like a miniature sun, bursting with heat and light.

"Where did you get that?" asked Matthew, a bit dumbfounded over how they got mars matter so easily.

"Eoleo's grandmother gave it to me just before we left Champa." smiled Karis. "She said that it was just collecting dust in a special room, so she gave it to me in hopes that it could finally be used."

"Of course." smiled Matthew.

Karis handed the blade and matter to Liz, who took both eagerly. Looking at the wall, there were two slits, obviously where the blades would go. Below them was another hole for the mars matter. Liz slipped her Battle Rapier and the Masamune into the two slits before holding the mars matter in anticipation. She wondered if this would really work. Steeling herself, she carefully slipped the matter into the slot.

Right as it did, all three objects went ablaze with light, causing Liz to step back as it almost burned her hands. She staggered back a bit, Matthew coming in and holding her up. The three objects slowly vanished into the wall, glowing even redder as they did. It got so intense that the group had to shield their eyes, feeling as if they were looking into the sun itself.

Suddenly, they felt the wall crumble before them. They ducked and braced themselves for any falling debris, but nothing of the sort happened. They slowly opened their eyes, seeing a new room beneath the flying dust everywhere. This little room truly looked like a forge, and sitting atop the forge was something truly radiant. It was a glowing red light blade, looking as if it was made of red gold. To some extent, it reminded Matthew of the Verdant Blade, a powerful wind-based blade that Karis kept as a back-up.

"Wow." awed Liz as she ran up and approached the blade.

"Wait Liz! We don't know anything about this sword. It could be dangerous." warned Karis. Then, a voice seemed to boom around them.

"Adept of Mars, if you believe yourself to be worthy, approach the blade." boomed the voice. They all looked around, but couldn't see anyone. However, Liz didn't care.

"Well okay then." she said cheerfully. Ignoring anything Matthew and Karis said, she ran up to the blade and clasped her hands around the hilt, holding it up.

Almost immediately, Liz's body was engulfed in flames.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!" she cried out.

"LIZ!" cried Matthew, trying to run up to Liz. However, a wall of flames seemed to stop him.

"Oh no, what's happening?!" cried Karis, as the flames kept them both away from Liz.

Liz's body felt the searing heat of the flames, feeling like a mix between pain and discomfort. Nonetheless, she didn't release her grip on the sword. She didn't know where the flames were coming from, but she wasn't going to let them beat her. She didn't want to be the one Adept who couldn't do anything.

Slowly, the flames twisted around Liz, until she felt herself engulfed by light. "Adept of Mars, bathed in my fire, your fire has proved to burn the greater. You are worthy of this sword, the Aurora Blade."

At once, the flames died down, leaving a slightly exhausted Liz. Matthew and Karis ran up to her.

"Liz, are you alright?!" called Matthew.

"I'm….fine. Just a little dazed is all." smiled Liz through her exhaustion. Unfortunately for them, things weren't over yet. Right as they got to Liz, they heard a loud roar.

"Now, show us your power!" As the voice boomed out again, a Fenrir clawed out of the wall, growling at the adepts.

"Are you kidding?!" cried Karis as she and Matthew prepared to attack. However, there would be no need to.

Before they could strike, Liz dashed in front of them, Aurora Blade firmly in her right hand. Breathing deeply and feeling a different power flowing into her, Liz dashed forward with her sword glowing fiercely.

"Ruby Blitz!" At once, Liz performed multiple fire slashes on the Fenrir, cutting into the flesh. As she landed behind the beast, it vaporized into oblivion soundly defeated. Liz fell to one knee after that, breathing very hard.

"Unbelievable. She performed an Unleash so soon after getting the sword." said Karis.

"She truly does have talent." muttered Matthew. In a sense, he kind of knew about that, but didn't want to admit it. Liz was always sheltered more than him. Isaac, Jenna, and even he actually hoped Liz's lifestyle would be more peaceful than his. Still, she never allowed herself to get left behind. She had the potential to be as strong as him with practice.

"Liz, are you alright?" asked Matthew as he ran up to her. Her face was covered in sweat, but she still grinned at him.

"Never better." she breathed before trying to stand. However, the attack was still a bit too much for her, and she struggled to stay upright. Matthew caught her, pulling her into his arms bridal-style, sheathing her sword for her.

"Well, let's go. Guess I'll have to explain to Mom and Dad about why I'm carrying you home." smirked Matthew.

Liz just giggled and hugged her brother.

(LINE BREAK)

Meanwhile, in the hanger area of the Tuaparang airship, Alex was explaining the plan to everyone present.

"Dragonos, you will take two squads and attack Matthew and his friends. However, don't kill any of the adepts. We'll need them for later." ordered Alex.

Dragonos gave a nod. "Understood sir."

"Blados and Chalis, you'll lead three squads to attack Belinsk and then attack Yamata. Understand?" ordered Alex.

"Understood" said the two grumpy Tuaparang commanders.

"I'll be leading a squad to attack Ayuthay, understand?" said Alex to all.

"Sir yes sir!" replied everyone.

"Now move out!" cried Alex, getting affirmation from everyone.

The troops and commanders ran to their designated transport. The boxy shape of the transports allowed for more than sixteen troops per transport, a total of one squad. The transports launched, taking the troops and commanders to their destination.

'Just wait adepts. You shall not win this time' thought Alex.

(LINE BREAK)

Meanwhile in Kalay, Isaac was very surprised when he saw the light blade Liz had. Once Matthew had explained to his parents why he was carrying his little sister back home, he had begun to explain what had happened in the first place.

"Where did you get this, Liz?" asked Isaac to his daughter. Liz has been able to catch her breath during the walk back, and had gotten some of her vigor back.

"I got it from the Mars Forge." she chirped.

"Mars Forge?" asked a confused Isaac. However, Jenna seemed to be familiar with it.

"Wait, you found the Mars Forge?! Was it really so close to Kalay?" asked Jenna in a very loud tone.

"You've heard of it, Mom?" asked Matthew.

"Only that a blade of incredible might was forged there, said to hold the pure essence of mars inside of it. I even hear that the blade is to strong, it even chooses its own wielder." said Jenna.

"Well that explains it. The blade engulfed Liz in flames when she picked it up. I think it said that her fire was stronger than its own or something." said Karis. Jenna was surprised to hear that.

"Really? It did that?" said Jenna, leaning back into her seat. "Liz must be even stronger than I thought to pull that off." she added, a slightly sad tone in her voice.

Before they could talk more, an explosion rocked the area, coming in the direction of the city gate.

"What was that?!" yelled Isaac. As he said that, a monster-like roar seemed to reverberate throughout the city.

"Guess it's another attack." groaned Matthew as he grabbed his Sol Blade and quickly ran out the door.

"Wait for us!" called Thomas and Josh, who were also fully equipped and ran out the door to follow him.

"Come on, let's go." said Karis, grabbing her own staff. Isaac grabbed his own sword nearby while Jenna grabbed her own weapon. After Karis and Isaac left, she stopped when Liz grabbed her blade.

"What are you doing?" she asked sternly.

"I'm coming too, mommy!" Liz cried at her.

"No, you're not!" replied Jenna.

"Why not?! Why do you only let Matthew fight? I want to fight too!" said Liz, not wavering in her stance.

Jenna looked at her daughter, surprised. Liz had never shown this much fire before. She had hoped that Liz wouldn't be exposed to the kind of lifestyle Isaac and Matthew had gone through. Still, as she looked in Liz's eyes, she could see the same kind of person she was like as a kid. Knowing that, Jenna knew that were would be no convincing her otherwise. Liz was truly her daughter.

"All right, you can come. But stay close." said Jenna.

"Yes mommy!" saluted Liz as she followed her mom out the door.

(LINE BREAK)

Matthew arrived quickly at the city gates and saw Tuaparang soldiers and a weird looking beastman with wings. This beastman seemed to be unlike any Matthew had seen before. This one looked more like a dragon.

"Who are you and what do you want?" asked Matthew.

"Ah, there you are. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Dragonos, Alex's apprentice and a high-ranking officer in the Tuaparang. Today, you will know fear." sneered Dragonos.

"I've heard that before, but you can try." said Matthew, Sol Blade at the ready.

"Oh, rest assured I shall!" cried Dragonos as he unleashed his beastform, a huge dragon form appearing before Matthew. Matthew staggered a bit as the dragon came in front of him.

"Crud." he grumbled. This wasn't going to be easy at all.

(LINE BREAK)

Meanwhile, in Belinsk, a battle was being waged there as well. Sveta was engaged in battle with Blados and Chalis while her Morgal soldiers fought the Tuaparang soldiers. Sveta panted in exhaustion. This battle kept going back and forth.

"Roar!" she cried as she attacked Chalis, sending her flying backwards, but she flipped and landed on her feet.

"Ha, you'll have to do a little better than that. Is this all the beastman queen can do on her own?" taunted Chalis, making Sveta growl at them.

"You're a fool for even trying. Do you think you even have a prayer without your friends?" chuckled Blados.

Sveta hated to say it, but they had a point. Her powers alone weren't enough. Her beastform was nearing its limit, as her Jupiter djinn were quickly running out of strength. Things looked pretty bad for her. Until….

"Two against one is kind of unfair. Let's even things shall we." called the voice.

"Who's there?!" growled Blados, blade at the ready. Just as he said that, a geyser of water erupted from underneath him. Sveta gasped in surprise and turned to her right, seeing a blue-haired woman there.

"My name is Mia, but I'd rather wrap this up quickly so let's end the introductions there." she said.

Wielding her Nebula Wand, Mia casted Ice Horn on Chalis, an easy hit since the soldier was off guard. Growling, Chalis retreated to find Blados, needing a new plan of action after the sudden intrusion. Afterwards, Mia came over and used Ply to briefly heal some of Sveta's wounds.

"Thank you." said Sveta as she reverted back to normal.

"It's no problem. I was heading towards Kalay, but I decided to stop here once I heard the news. You should come with me." said Mia.

"But I have to tend to my people. I shouldn't leave them alone." said Sveta.

"Don't worry; it'll just be for a while. I can have us there quickly." said Mia. Once Sveta gave her a questioning gaze, Mia reassured her. "Relax, it'll be safe. I have enough psynergy left for what we need to do."

With that, she bathed them both in blue psynergy, warping them away from Belinsk.

(LINE BREAK)

At the same time, Ayuthay was also under attack.

"You're not taking this city Arcanus!" called Amiti. He continued to shoot arrows at the Mercury Adept, only to see them fail.

"Not a wise move. You cannot harm me." said Arcanus, catching one arrow between his fingers. Amiti got even madder at seeing Arcanus' nonchalance.

"Grrr, I'm not stopping until you leave!" called Amiti as he continued to shoot arrows, occasionally trying to stun Arcanus with mercury psynergy.

As Amiti prepared another arrow, Arcanus appeared right next to him. Startled, Amiti tried to adjust, but Arcanus grabbed his right arm, causing him to drop his bow. Angered, Amiti lifted his knee and rammed Arcanus in the gut, forcing him to reel back. Amiti panted in exhaustion while Arcanus just stood there, grinning.

"You still have some fight in you. That's very good." said Arcanus.

"Why do you keep attacking us? You attack but then retreat every time. What do you have to gain from all of this?" asked Amiti.

"All things in due time. Due time." smirked Arcanus as he warped away, leaving behind an exhausted Amiti. He was just thankful that his soldiers were doing an excellent job at holding off the Tuaparang.

"What is he planning? Is he also attacking Matthew in Kalay?" wondered Amiti. With this in mind, Amiti ran inside the palace, heading to the back where King Pathos was.

"Uncle, I have a request." said Amiti. King Pathos listened intently as Amiti explained what he wanted to do.

"I understand nephew. I believe that Matthew could use your strength once again. Just make sure to come pack in one piece." said King Pathos.

"Of course uncle." said Amiti with a quick bow.

(LINE BREAK)

Meanwhile in Kalay, the biggest battle was being fought. Dragonos, who was in beastform, was destroying Kalay and the Adepts.

"Megiddo!" yelled Matthew as he unleashed the Sol Blade's ultimate attack at Dragonos. The attack hit Dragonos directly, although he didn't take much damage.

"You think that's enough to best me?" smirked Dragonos.

Matthew looked around at the battlefield. Karis and most of the others were still up, but struggling. Most of all, Liz looked like she could pass out at any second. The extensive use of the Aurora Blade was quickly sapping her psynergy. It was probably sheer will that was even keeping her on her feet.

Anyway, Matthew prepared for another attack from Dragonos. However, the dragon instead sighed.

"It's too bad that I can't kill you, but I think that's enough damage for one day. Troops, we are retreating for now!" called Dragonos. At once, the soldiers all retreated, heading back to their transports.

Still, it didn't feel like a victory. Even Matthew could realize that they got pushed around, and only whatever mercy Alex was planning saved them for today.

"Good….they're ….gone..." said Liz as she collapsed to the ground, her sword falling alongside her.

"Liz!" called Matthew as he came over and picked up his little sister. She wasn't wounded, just some cuts and bruises, but her psynergy was pretty much near zero.

"Let's get back home for now." said Isaac, helping Jenna back to her feet.

Back at the house, Matthew laid Liz down in her bed. The girl hadn't woken up since collapsing, but that was fine with Matthew. She badly needed the rest after today. As Matthew left, Liz dreamed about how she wanted to get stronger for Matthew.

"Maybe I can ask him to spar with me. There's no one better than him after all. I'll do that." she smiled as she slept.