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Matthew looked back at his large following and grinned.
"Not much farther now, and we'll be at my dad's cabin."
Tyrell coughed loudly into his fist, "Don't you mean yours and my dad's cabin?"
Karis rolled her eyes and tapped Tyrell's shoulder, causing him to give a small yelp. "What does it matter? I thought we just called it 'The Lookout Cabin'" From where he stood, Matthew caught a glimpse of the telltale sparkle of Psynergy lingering on Karis's finger tips.
Himi, apparently, saw it too, as she covered her little mouth and began giggling. Matthew smiled back at her, biting his lip to hold down his own chuckles.
A week ago they had fired the Apollo canon and washed away the darkness of the Eclipse. Then came the long journey back to Belinsk, Sveta was Queen now after all and had a country to get back to. But as they began their travel back down the Endless Wall… they had spotted something. That something was a psynergetic hole that lay on top of the cobblestone path that lined the wall. Of course, made of psynergy as it was, none but the trained eyes of adepts would be able to see it, or even touch it. Perhaps those who made the wall knew it was there, or, and this was more likely, it was merely an accidental interference with some balance in the forces. Either way, after thoroughly investigating its properties, they determined that stepping into it would allow them to be transported down the mountain and into the previously inaccessible land that had been shadowed by the Eclipse. In fact, with skillful directions, they could practically throw themselves to land halfway across the continent. It was then that Matthew made a suggestion.
"Look, I know that everyone is pretty worn out and I'm sure you would all like to get back home…" Grim nods came at this statement. Amiti bowed his head and fiddled with his belt dangles.
"But…" Matthew continued, "I want you to come back with me and meet my dad. We've all been through so much together, and I don't feel like I could go back with my head held high or... anything like that if only a portion of my companions came with me."
There was a quiet pause.
"I've got time." Eoleo laughed, "Nothing I need to do can't wait a little longer."
"That's fine with me." Sveta said with something of a smile.
"With this psynergy hole we'll be there and back in a short while." Himi said, "I'm sure my parents won't mind if I come."
"It's closer to home for me anyway." Rief chuckled.
At last, Amiti heaved a sigh, "Very well. If you're all resolved to go, I'll come along too."
And so, the group one by one stepped inside the hole. They ended up a bit farther away than they would have wished, but by the time it really made any difference no one minded. Traveling across the countryside with each other lightened their hearts and made the miles more bearable. Even Sveta and Amiti brightened up.
A few days prior they had passed through Carver's Camp. They found that the bridge across the chasm had yet to be rebuilt, of course with the Grave Eclipse how would they have managed that? Still… it struck Matthew as odd that the two lumberjacks shouldn't have even tried to fix their lifts, and still stood around looking across to the other side of the camp anxiously.
Yesterday they passed through Patcher's Place. No damage had been done to the town, thankfully, in fact everyone seemed to be oblivious to the perils the Eclipse had brought on. Patcher himself didn't even recognize them, and was quite too busy to listen to anyone talk. Karis explained that perhaps they had actually kind of grown up while they were out adventuring. Tyrell agreed, "No wonder no one recognizes us." When asked about the Eclipse, most of the people walking around gave no answer. It was clear that the no news had reached them yet.
So now, here they were, climbing up Goma Cliffs and heading for the lookout cabin. A certain level of anticipation hung over them. After all, here they were about to be introduced to one of the Warriors of Vale, a hero of legend, and certainly one of the most powerful mortals in existence. So the tales said anyway. Matthew assured them that he was nothing so grand as all that.
"He's just… my dad."
They passed by the road that led down to Tanglewood, and then it was just around the next rock that they would see it…
"There it is, Matt!" Tyrell shouted. Karis grinned from ear to ear.
The Lookout Cabin was the same as ever. A simple cottage with a thatched roof, and quite a mess of gadgets and things about it. The large telescope was the most prominent feature.
"I'm home…" Matthew breathed softly. Everyone in the party behind him was talking all at once now. Most remarking on the structure of the building, until Sveta pointed a finger out to the beyond and gave a small gasp.
"Look!"
All eyes turned, and they could see it. Sol Sanctum, its shattered tip glowing as yellow as the sun. The light it cast upon them was full of warmth, though not the general physical kind but the psynergetic kind. The kind that healed their aches and bruises and pains all in an instant. It was a familiar light to some of them, and yet still others had never seen it before in their entire life. An expression of awe was on most of their faces.
"Come on, then!" Tyrell said, "Let's not keep dad and Isaac waiting!"
The silence was broken and now they all began to file forward and across the swaying rope bridge before them. Matthew assured a hesitant Himi that the ropes had been enforced with some of his dad's psynergy and wouldn't be breaking on them any time soon.
As they crossed onto the second bridge, Tyrell gave a shout of joy.
"Dad!" He cried, and jumped forward across the rope bridge, making it sway violently.
Garett could be seen, leaning back against the rock face of the cliff with his arms crossed and both eyes closed. However at the sound of his son's voice, he started and awoke, yawning and stretching quite a good deal. When his eyes fell on Tyrell, a perplexed expression crossed his face.
"What are you doing here, son?"
Tyrell skidded to a halt, a similar expression mirrored in his own as he stared at his father.
"Wh… what?"
Garet yawned again and stood, "Ah… Don't tell me you've forgotten how to find Kraden have you?"
"Kraden…?" Karis repeated as she approached, "No, sir, we've already been to see him, in fact…"
"Head on down to Carver's Camp." Garet continued, "He'll give you directions. You'll be there in no time. Oh and Tyrell?" He turned to his son, "Take care of yourself. No crying now, its high time you manned up and took a bit of responsibility for your actions."
All three of them were dumbstruck. Tyrell's mouth flapped open and closed as if he were attempting to say something. At last, a flash of anger crossed his face.
"I already HAVE dad!" He shouted, "I've… I've traveled across half of Angara just to get this… this stupid Roc feather you needed, and this is how you greet me?"
Garet leaned back and closed his eyes, "Now now, son, temper. Remember what your mother used to say. Now off with you! You've got a long journey ahead."
"But… but…"
"Sir?" Amiti stepped forward, "If I may be so bold… I and these with me can testify as to the truth of his statements. We have all adventured together for nigh on a year, and Tyrell has done many amazing feats of bravery. Won't you hear him out?"
Garet nodded, his arms slumped to his sides, "Uhuh, that's nice…"
Now he was snoring away again. Tyrell's face went redder than a mars djinn, and he looked as if he was moments from casting supernova on his dad when…
"I can't read his thoughts."
All eyes turned to Sveta, who had her arm outstretched towards the slumbering Garet. She looked confused.
"What?" Matthew asked.
"I can't… my powers aren't working on him." She said, "I noticed this as we came through Patcher's Place. My senses were… dulled. I wasn't actively trying to read anyone's mind, but it still felt off…"
"I noticed that too." Rief said softly,"I wanted to freeze myself some ice a couple of evenings ago, and for some reason my psynergy didn't really have any effect."
Karis looked skeptical, "I'm fine. My whirlwinds are still chopping up what I want, thank you very much."
Wait a minute…
Matthew stared at Sveta, then back at where Garet was. His eyes were wide in horror and shock. Everyone noticed his change in mood. He turned and walked stiffly and numbly across to the house, and then around to the garden. Without a word, everyone followed, most wondered what was going on, and none had the answer.
Not yet at least…
Matthew stopped behind the well and the little garden where they grew their food. Slowly, he looked up. Everyone followed his eyes.
There was Isaac himself, standing quite still and staring out at the distant light of the Golden Sun. He did not acknowledge their presence.
"D… dad…?" Matthew said in a hoarse voice.
Isaac didn't turn around, "I've told you I am very busy. We need that Roc feather in order to reach Sol Sanctum. Go on then, Kraden will help you."
Matthew stared with unbelieving eyes up at his father. Stiffly, he reached down into his pocket and pulled out something long and stone colored.
"But… but we brought… the feather…"
Isaac still didn't turn around, "I won't tell you again Matthew, run along and meet up with Kraden."
Karis turned redder than Tyrell had been, "Why you…! What is with you two?! Its been a year! What, we could go missing for all eternity and you wouldn't ever do anything except sit there and stare at the Golden Sun! Well maybe the Sun is more important to you than us, huh?! Go on then! Fix up that soarwing and sail on over there!"
She tossed the feather forward at him. It bumped into his still back and fell with a clatter to the ground. Karis was close to tears now, she turned and stomped off. Everyone followed her.
"What a jerk!" Eoleo shouted, loud enough to make sure Isaac heard.
"Mom always said he was nicer, but…" Rief looked skeptical.
"I can't believe he's actually Matthew's father." Sveta said shaking her head.
"I shouldn't have come…" Amiti muttered, clenching his teeth, "My father might be dead right now, and I came all the way out here to meet you." He glared up at the still figure, "I hope you're satisfied. You've got what you wanted after all. Have fun in Sol Sanctum."
Himi said nothing, turning away as if not acknowledging his presence. Now, only Matthew remained...
He looked down at the roc feather, lying on the ground between he and his silent father. A gust of wind came by, striking it and causing it to rise up into the air. Matthew saw it coming, yet did nothing. His thoughts all a turmoil and no action to prevent it sailing away came into his mind.
Gently, it drifted up into the sky, floating briskly on the curling breezes, and out towards the light of Sol Sanctum.
"I'm sorry, son."
Matthew looked up, Isaac had climbed down and now stood in front of him. Matthew made no move, and only stared blankly at him.
"Why…?" He muttered.
Isaac looked at him, "You know why… I'm sure you do. You knew at once that something wasn't right the moment you stepped into that circle."
Matthew turned away, "Nothing changed… Since the day we left, everything, everyone, they're all the same. Garet… and you… I don't… understand…"
Isaac laid a hand on his shoulder, and gave him a sad smile.
"You've grown so much, Matthew. I'm proud of you. It took a lot of courage to get this far. But… I'm afraid that this isn't meant to be. None of this is. Time has stopped flowing here, and so has psynergy. Without either of those there is no change. Nothing. We've been abandoned. Left to rot here, with nothing to do but continue to do the same thing, over and over again."
Matthew swallowed hard and looked up at his father. "So, if we hadn't gone in that hole…"
Isaac turned his eyes down, "Matthew… please. Reload your save. None of this should have happened… ever."
"I won't ever see you again will I?" Matthew said, his eyes beginning to fill with tears.
Isaac looked back up, "That… I do not know. If the lighthouses can be relit and the world of Weyard rekindled, then perhaps… there is a possibility, be it ever so slight, that we will find a way to continue our journeys."
Matthew bowed his head, unwanted tears coming on. Yes, he had known. He'd had a feeling it was too good to be true. After all, never did it happen that he returned home and found his dad. Everything ended long before that. And now... here he was, standing with his dad, whom he could tell by his aura had to fight hard against the flow of Alchemy just to be able to do these small things.
"Look there, Matthew." Isaac said, turning and pointing, "The Golden Sun. I told you a story about it once when you were a child. Do you remember?"
Matthew wiped his eyes with his sleeve, "You mean about why it glows? Sort of."
"Its glow is the spirit of Weyard." Isaac said with a nod, "As long as the spirit is alive, the Golden Sun will shine down upon us. And even in this cursed loop we have it as comfort. A reminder, that the world has not forsaken us yet. And as long as that light shines in the sky, and even if Alchemy never releases us from its grasp, we will remain."
Isaac turned, and climbed back up to his post, going back into the same still position as he had been before.
"So… goodbye, Matthew."
"Wait…" Matthew said, "Before I go back… Could I… maybe… sit with you… for a while?"
Silence.
Isaac looked back at him, and nodded. Matthew smiled through his tears, and hastily pulled himself up to sit beside his father. They stared out at the distant light on the horizon, over the hills and plains of the valley that was Vale. The sounds of his companions had long since faded into the distance, so they were in complete silence. Neither had felt this close to contentment in a long time.
Before them, riding on the breeze, still floated the Roc feather, twirling and flipping with the wind across the fields. Neither made move to grasp at it. Why should they? It was nothing but a useless item now, an item that could never be put to its proper use.
"Let me ask you one question, son." Isaac said without turning away from the sight before them. Matthew twisted in the position he sat in to look at him.
"Does the Golden Sun look any dimmer than it did nineteen years ago?"