:...: Hmmm. :...: :...: :...: Okay.

WOW! marlin you've done good with your writting keep it up. ^_^
your almost as good as max <_< ^_^ :} :D :} :D

I want to write a fanfic, but I need the same kind of inspiration like Max had. Here's basically the setting I want to start off with.

The First Age of Men (The Lost Age)

This age is basically the history of Weyard before Isaac and Felix fired the lighthouses. The Age came to an end when the lighthouses were constructed and alchemy was sealed away.

The Second Age of Men (The Golden Sun Series)

This age deals with the period leading up to Isaac and Felix lighting the beacons and releasing alchemy back into the world.

The Third Age of Men

This age is basically a repeat of The First Age of Men. Men abused alchemy to gain eternal life and wondrous riches. Alchemy was sealed away again.

The Fourth Age of Men

Eons later my story takes place in this age. Weyard was forgotten as the world became sick. The dindling of the land has gone into it's final stages. Alchemy was the sustainer which kept Weyard in perfect harmony. However, just as in the Second Age of Men, Weyard began to die. The flat Earth became warped into a sphere. The world eventually turned into what we know today. A world devoid of alchemy and psynergy. A world where technology flourishes and the foundations of the ancient lighthouses have been long forgotten. A world that is hollow (literally and figuratively). A world that will soon collapse in on itself if the sustaining light of the beacons is not reawakened.

I'd appreciate if everyone would help and contribute. I want all ideas. Keep everything general. I'll fill in the details.

Aww man....I was gonna do this.....
None the less, I shall help you out. First of all, I don't know what to do to help you if there is no firm foundation first. You must come up with that foundation. Then I'll help build on. I know the ages yes, but I'm not sure how I should create a character. By the way, is Alex going to be in here?

You just gave me an idea for the beginnings of a plot. Even though it wasn't intentional, this story will be about Alex's rise from the center of the Earth. YES! Inspiration is on my side. I'll start writing right away.

Jackson was nervous. Business at his tavern hadn't been good this year because of a bad winter. The wind howled outside and created a hush through the building despite the fact that the TV was on. He was afraid that he might have to close next summer if the southerners didn't come up early. There were only three people in the building. They were his usuals, but they were expected to come anyway. Two were chatting in a booth and the third was sitting at the bar, watching a hockey game on the TV. None of them had placed any orders for several hours and it was starting to get late. It was getting hard to create new customer loyalty, and he was afraid of losing them if he called in their tabs.

He was about to start a conversation with the hockey guy when the door flew open bringing an accompanied chilly blast of air and snowflakes. The door faced north, which was the direction of the wind this day. This new visitor was dressed strangely for a northern Michigan January. He wore tall boots, but that was just about the only part of him that seemed acustomed to the climate. He wore thin-looking white pants and tattered blue tunic. In his belt he carried a pair of red nunchucks, but did not seem threatening with them. The man had his cloak drawn tight across his shoulders to fend off the cold, but he did not shiver as he closed the door. Despite the man's odd choice of clothing, Jackson was much more startled by the color of the man's hair. It was a shiny sky blue that fell down past his shoulders in flowing strands that made his face seem to be framed by a flowing waterfall. The young man sat down on the stool nearest Jackson.

"What can I get for you, sir?" Jackson put on his polite, PR smile that his late father had taught him. Jackson had wanted to go to college, but couldn't afford it since the passing of his parents a few years back. He was already 24 and hadn't been very fond of taking up the family business at such a young age.

"Just water. I feel like I've got a 10,000 year thirst I need to quench." The stranger let out a small chuckle as if he had responded to some inner joke that Jackson couldn't comprehend. Jackson filled out the man's order and watched as the man downed the glass quickly and asked for another. Jackson was about to refill the glass when he noticed something odd. There was ice in the bottom of the man's glass. Jackson hadn't remembered putting ice in the glass since the water was already cold. He took a glance back at the stranger who seemed to be glancing around and marveling at the dankness of the tavern. Jackson shook his head and refilled the glass again. He decided to start up a conversation with the stranger and find out some more about him.

Jackson: "So what's your name, good sir?"
The man replied. "Alexander. And yours?"
Jackson: "Jackson. So how long have you been in these parts?"
Alexander: "Just passing through. I needed to take a break from walking in the snow and your place was the first I had seen for several agrans."
Jackson: "What did you say?"
Alexander shifted his eyes. He seemed to be hiding something. "Oh, never mind."
Jackson: "No, I heard you say...'agrans.' What kind of measurement is that?"

Alexander got up and tossed a goldish coin onto the bar. Thinking it was a Sacagawea dollar, Jackson pocketed it without looking.

Alexander started. "Where is the nearest inn, Jackson? I need to rest for the night."

"You won't find any hotels for at least 20 miles. There's no way you'll make it through that storm without a car. You can have the loft for the night, if you want. Twenty-five dollars."

Alexander hesitated for a moment. He seemed reluctant to be taken in by hospitality. However, he consented after a few moments. Jackson led Alexander up a staircase and showed him his room. "I'm going to close up in a few minutes, so it should quiet down real quick here. Make yourself comfortable and I'll see you in the morning." Alexander handed Jackson a pouch of coins and closed the door behind himself. Jackson was courious about the pouch. Who carried money around in a pouch? Especially all Sacagawea dollars? Jackson opened the pouch and took out a coin. Holding it up to the light in the hall, he was suddenly angry at Alexander. This was no dollar. It was a faceless token. Grabbing the coin in both hands, he wrenched it in fustration over having been cheated. He was about to tell Alexander that his money was no good, when he suddenly realized that the coin was bent a little. Holding it up to the light again, Jackson realized the coin was actually gold.

Cool! I like it!

That's great. I need some more inspiration, though. Give me some character ideas. I'll try writing some more to help everyone get a basic idea for the plot. :smile:

.......................................................................................................................This wasn't at all what I foresaw. Instead of it taking place in the old medival Weyard setting, it's taking place in the setting of which we live, only with psyenergy. None the less, I'm impressed of your erudition and modus operandi way of writing your novel. If I might say so myself, I think it's fit to be published. I proffer no succor, for trepidation it will bane this chronicle. It's your tale now, not mine, nor anyone elses. If you wish abet, others are at your knees while I sustain the rectitude of writing my own emprise. I also fear that the appearance of this fanfic may disturb young Max in his production of the Silvermoon and may have him cease his project's continuation.


Translation
.......................................................................................................................This wasn't at all what I expected. Instead of it taking place in the old medival Weyard setting, it's taking place in the setting of which we live, only with psyenergy. None the less, I'm impressed of your skill and ingenious way of writing your novel. If I might say so myself, I think it's fit to be published. I don't think I will offer any help to you, for fear it will ruin this story. It's your tale now, not mine, nor anyone elses. If you need help, others are at your knees while I continue to write the Master Of Alchemy and others. I also fear that the appearance of this fanfic may disturb young Max in his production of the Silvermoon and may have him cease his project's continuation.

Okay. I understood about 1/3 of what you just said. Personally, I didn't try to make it that "professional sounding." That's just my style of writing. I might sound high and mighty, but I'm really a down-to-earth guy. Suicune, if you could rewrite that last comment in simpler language, that would be great. It might give me some insight as to what my story needs. From what you said, I guess you thought I was going to write some kind of Weyard-based story. However, that was never my intent. This story is set in our modern world. What happens next is for me to decide (hopefully with a little help).

Ok fine. I'll help you out AND I'll translate that last reply I made. Hope you're happy. But I also have a question: Where is this all happening? Is it in modern Vale or something? Is it on the real planet earth in America? Not sure...

Yes. This story is set in our real world (planet Earth). This first chapter just took place in a fictional tavern, north of my hometown in northern Michigan. I guess to start off, I'm writing what I know to make it more realistic.

Jackson was astonished. Looking back into the bag, he quickly checked all of the coins. Sure enough, they were all gold. "There must be over $100 in here!" Jackson was immediately confounded as to how this Alexander wound up at his tavern at a late hour with a sack of gold coins in his pocket. Jackson forced himself to calm down.

"I need to learn more about this character," Jackson whispered to himself. After regaining his calm, Jackson walked downstairs to inform is disappointed regulars that he was closing early. After seeing them to the door and locking up, Jackson started listing the questions he had for this Alexander, who so recklessly threw money around. Ascending the stairs once again, Jackson paused before Alexander's room to collect himself once more.

After knocking, Alexander announced that he should come in. Upon entering, Jackson found Alexander thumbing through an atlas he had found somewhere. Alexander seemed immensely interested in every page. It was almost as if he had never seen the world before, Jackson thought to himself. Jackson was about to speak again when Alexander turned to him and halted him with a sign from his hand.

"I suppose you are wondering what I am," Alexander said with startling clairvoyance. "So I shall tell you my tale, for it is no accident that I already know yours."

Jackson thought it odd that Alexander would make such a presumptuous comment after having just met him a few minutes ago. However, he thought it better to let his guest speak first.

"I know not how long I've been away. However, I know it was been an immeasurable number of years. I have a feeling that you will not believe me unless I can demonstrate my convictions. Therefore I request that you do not laugh or interrupt until I have finished."

Jackson agreed.

"First, I suppose that I should tell you who I really am and where I am from. 'Alexander' was just a cover up name in case somebody recognized me. I have never been addressed that way in my entire life. I am simply, Alex. I hail from the town of Imil of the northern reaches of the ancient continent called Angara."

Alex paused to let his listener take in what he had just said. Jackson would have burst out laughing or taken Alex for a madman had he not spoken with such resolve or had his eyes not been so clear. Jackson was compelled to let Alex continue.

"What I am about to tell you next will be even less plausible than my last statement, but I assure you that it is the truth. I cannot be entirely sure, but I may be well over 10,000 years old. Why I look no older than 25 I will explain later, but how I can make such a guess is something I must first take care of. Legends have always been a part of humanity's existance. Legends drive quests and the search for knowledge which men have gathered for centuries. However, almost all legends have a shred of truth. However, I must ask you if you have ever heard of men believing that the world is flat?" Alex pointed at the atlas.

"Yes. Men once thought that the Earth was flat no more than 600 years ago. It was even believed that if they sailed too far into uncharted waters that they could sail off the edge of the world. It was thought that the oceans once poured beyond infinity over that edge in a spectacular flurry of rainbows. But explorers proved that theory wrong. Men now know that the world is a sphere. It has no edges."

"Ah. Yes. The world as it is today is a sphere. I terrible, sickly sphere. For you see, in my day the world was flat. The falls you spoke of. The legends of their beauty have not died after ten millenia. I doubt such a legend could ever die. Now I must ask you another question. Have you heard of an ancient civilization far out to sea? A civilization that was advanced far beyond that of landsmen's colonies? I see no island marked on these maps that could possibly be that place." Alex indicated the Atlas again.

"Hmmm. It sounds as if you speak of the legend of Atlantis. However, the rest of the legend mentioned something about Atlantis sinking to the bottom of the ocean."

"Ah, so that's what happened to Lemuria."

Jackson's patience with his speaker was starting to run thin. He wanted Alex to justify what he was saying. After all, a convicted tone in the speaker's voice could only indicate that the madman truly believed what he was saying. "Alex, you've been talking for quite some time now, but I'm starting to lose interest. Where is all this talk of legends going?"

"And one last question before I justify myself." Alex put on a clever grin that indicated that he was approaching a conclusion.

"Very well, Alex. One more question."

"Thank you Jackson. You have been an excellent listener. Now then, have you ever heard of the term, Alchemy?"

"That I have. Many scientists tried to forge one element into another. I believe the staple of the concept mentions something about turning lead into gold."

"Ah yes. Now then, let me demonstrate something that I think you will find interesting." Alex got up from his seat at the desk walked over to a window. "Look out on your lawn, Jackson. Tell me. Is this area prone to geysers?"

"Geysers? No, not to my knowledge."

Suddenly a great waterspout sprung out of Jackson's yard. As he realed back in suprise, the window became immediately encased in ice.

"Now do you see my point of view?"

Wow! That was pretty good. I like the touch of modern day. Any chnace we could be in it? Any charachters you have planned ou that you haven't named?

I sure hope not. For if we are in it I fear the story's purity shall be murked.

Let me write a few more chapters before I ask for any more inspiration. There's more to Jackson than meets the eye. But that's the only foreshadowing I'm going to give you. Trust me. You'll never see it coming.

Maybe he's Isaac's ancestor. Descendant I mean.

You know, it makes me wonder what happened to the Proxians. Oh wait.....oh I've figured it out now.

You have, eh? <_< :...: -_- Well, we'll see about that. B)

When will be the next time you post a chapter? Also, I hope the next ones are longer.

Longer chapters? It's hard enough for me to make them as long as they are now. I've had to push myself hard to get that much typed up. Sorry, but I probably won't post my next chapter until maybe Tuesday. Possibly sooner, but probably not. :sad:

Marlin, I am impressed. Excellent writing, and very original. You've already got my attention and interest...I would like to ask everyone to please not make any guesses or predictions. If you have any, keep them to yourself. Let Marlin write...And I agree with Suicune. I don't think Marlin's story should be interfered with...although, I...hmmm...darnit! I gotta finish my fanfic! I knew something like this would happen...Don't ask what I'm ranting about. Marlin, take as much time as you like in writing this. By all means, take your time, and make it as long as you like. Now my motivation to finish my fanfic is more powerful and urgent than ever...

and Marlin, if you want to know why I say this, PM me and I will explain my meaning...

“What was that?” Jackson shouted a curse.

“That was my doing,” Alex interjected. “You needed proof of my statements, and I gave it. Would you like another demonstration?”

“Only if you can make it less exciting.”

Alex held up his hand. A globule of water materialized above his gloved palm and slowly grew larger. Suddenly the water flew around his body in a swirling vortex until he seemed to be surrounded in a mini-twister of H20. Then, as quickly as the vortex whirled into existence, it wrapped around Alex’s cloak and vanished.

Jack was incredulous. “What are you?”

“I am just like you, Jackson. I am human. I think the question you are searching for is what did I do. What you just witnessed was a small demonstration of the ancient art of alchemy. However, the common man may call it psynergy. It is a great, latent power that the world has lost after all these millennia. However, I sense the need for its return. A great evil is about to triumph if we do not do something to stop it’s advances.”

Jackson was wide eyed. “You said ‘we.’ Are you saying that I am to come with you on some kind of idiotic adventure? Huh, no way! You’ve already blown my mind with impossible stunts. I have a business to attend to. Whatever you’re planning, you’re going to go it alone.” Jackson turned around and started to leave the room.

“Jackson. You cannot avoid the past and the nature of your ancestry. It is now time for me to reveal to you who you are.”

Jackson turned back to Alex and stared at him. “I’ve given you enough of my time.” He turned back to the door and was about to walk out when he experienced a small moment of flaring pain in his neck…and then, nothing.

------------------------------------------------------

Voice 1: Our council is now in session.
Voice 2: Our powers have realigned.
Voice 3: State the purpose of our gathering.
Voice 4: The man known as Alex has escaped from the prison we set for him long ago.
Voice 2: And what of it?
Voice 4: He is beginning to start his campaign against us again.
Voice 1: Has he already taken members of the benevolent into his custody?
Voice 4: Yes. The descendant of the ancient Venus adapt. He will undoubtedly continue onward towards his next target.
Voice 3: And which benevolent would that be?
Voice 2: It could only be one of the other two. Jupiter and Mars are all that remain to round out his troupe.
Voice 3: (angrily) And which one is most likely?
Voice 4: Mars. Jupiter is the least necessary for his plot. He will move again soon.
Voice 1: Shall we then make our counter move?
Voice 4: This is the very topic I wished to bring up.
(short silence)
Voice of the Malevolent (all four together): There is consensus. We will make our presence and power known to Alex and his accomplice. Whatever attempts he makes at retaining his goals will be thwarted.

------------------------------------------------------

Jackson woke to an uncomfortable sensation of grogginess and a sense that his neck was bruised. As he started to sit up, he was aware that his surroundings were not those that he was familiar with. Several lamps burned overhead. As his eyes cleared, he became aware of a figure sitting in a chair across the room. A fire crackled in a nearby stove, warming the room. Jackson had the vague sense that he was in a garage. His memory suddenly came back to him with a jolt. Alex knocked me out! The man at the desk was looking over some papers and had his back turned to Jackson. Suddenly Jackson recognized the long fine hair and flowing blue cape that belonged to Alex.

“Why did you bring me here?” Jackson advanced on Alex with his fists ready for fighting.

“That would not be wise my friend.”

Jackson howled with rage and bore down on Alex. Suddenly his steps halted and he suddenly lost his balance. Jackson braced himself for a fall. But he remained standing. He abandoned his rage at Alex to assess this new problem. Gasping once again, Jackson looked down at his feet and found himself frozen to the floor. He looked back up at Alex and growled. “Let me go!” Jackson roared.

“It think it would be better if you just…chilled.” Alex didn’t chuckle or rub it in. “Now I want you to witness something that will change your opinion of everything you know. Just wait there. It’ll come any second now.”

“Let me go you crackpot!” But Jackson’s remarks were cut short as the building started to rumble. “What’s going on? Is this your doing again? Well whatever it is, I’m not buying it.” But just then Alex jumped up and faced a wall. Suddenly the wall crumbled back revealing four dark figures emerging from the shadows. The first was a women shrouded in white robes. She wore her hair long. It was so long it came near to touching the ground. In her left hand she carried a whalebone staff that was very luxuriant. Her radiance was dazzling, but the longer Jackson watched her, the more he had to squint to keep his focus. The second figure was a man. He was tall and muscular and wore thick steel armor of a pitch-blackness that was a startling contrast to the first figure. A heavy battle-axe was strapped to his back. The third figure entered the room with a confidence that startled Jackson even more than the fact that his feet where stuck to the floor. The third’s appraisal of the situation was extremely unnerving for such an unordinary situation (especially, Jackson thought, for a young woman). Her tight-fitting, green bodysuit left little of her figure to the imagination and she carried no weapons. The fourth was a wizened old man who, at first glance seemed likely to snap in half at any second because of his gauntness. However, the man’s step had a bounce to it that was filled with the energy of a twelve-year-old. The man carried a pair of small daggers in his hands and seemed anxious to use them. He wore a gray vest and tattered, dirty pants. The woman in white (obviously the ringleader of this group of oddities) took a step in front of her compatriots.

“Greetings, Alex. Ten thousand years could not contain you. It seems that you have broken free of our bonds and are intent on pursuing your old agenda.”

“All that you say is true witch.” Alex sneered. “However, I doubt you’ve come all this way just to heckle me about the past. This confrontation is about the future. A future that you’ve waited too long for me to spoil.”

The woman continued. “Ah yes. You were always the predictable one, Alex. You’re a loner. It was your undoing before. It will be that way again. It is unfortunate that you have survived. Half of the Golden Sun could not have saved you for such a length of time as ten millennia. The fact that you are a Mercury adept was the only thing that could save you. Which means you have mastered the art of a healer. Humbling, is it not? All those years ago, you thought Mia teaching you the art of Ply would never be useful.”

During the course of the conversation the ice encasing Jackson’s feet had started to melt. He was confident that he could jump out of his anchors if the situation turned bad.

Alex returned. “I would have saved Mia and the rest of Weyard had you not divided the Golden Sun between me and Isaac. But look at what has happened to the world. It’s dying. You manifested yourself as a guardian all those years ago. But I was the only one who could see through it. If I hadn’t been cheated, Weyard would have been prosperous. But you had to go and ruin it. You are now closer than you’ve ever been at attaining your goals, and I won’t let you win!” Grabbing his nun chucks from his side, Alex leaped forward and dashed the woman to the ground with a swift clash. However, she was back on her feet with a quickness that was not humanly possible. It seemed that Alex had anticipated her quick recovery and had already turned towards her again. Alex was about to reach for her forearm when the man in black stepped behind him and wrapped his arm around Alex’s neck. Swift as lightning, Alex spoke a word and suddenly he wasn’t about to be run though by the lithe old geezer. Alex was standing behind Jackson. Jackson had decided that it was time for him to go and jostled himself lose from his shackles. He was about to run for the hole in the wall when the confident, young woman grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and flung him to the ground. The man in black unhooked the axe from his back and brought it upward, preparing for a downward stroke. Jackson screamed in terror. But just as the axe was about to come down, a stalagmite sprouted from the ground knocking the black man off balance. The axe landed wildly some distance away. Apparently the stalagmite had startled the other people as well for they were all staring at the place where the black knight had been. Alex took advantage of the situation and grabbed Jackson up from where he was lying. Pulling Jackson to his feet he shouted, “RUN!” Jackson didn’t stop and ask questions. He and Alex were soon trudging as fast as they could go through the deep snow. The old man flipped his daggers and flung them as fast as a whip-snap at the two fleeing men. His daggers hit nothing but the snow. Alex and Jackson had disappeared in a small flash.

Wait a minute...why would Alex revive his old enemies? At least, that's what it seems like...anyway, if I understand this correctly, it seems as though the Wise One was nothing more than 4 puppets controlling the floating rock, right? Anyway, when I started reading the chapter at first I thought you were ripping off my Jupiter Adepts of Weyard council...that would have made me kinda mad.

Oh no. No ripping off here. :} And you're right. Actually, the four figures each represent a malevolent nature of each of the benevolent elements. More on that later. I wasn't really sure if anyone was going to pick up on my reference to the Wise One. Good job, Max. The next chapter should explain everything. B)

Darn it. I made a comment here but its not here. Anyway, the spire that protects Jackson is his emergency psyenergy right? I mean you know in the first GS, Isaac's psyenergy protects him from the Trets spores. Jackson's psynenergy here saves him.
But he of course doesn't know this.

Hey good theory, Suicune. I thought someone else came to save him. But in case Marlin didn't really intend that, you may be giving him ideas.

Very good. You're picking up on the hints I'm laying. I've almost finished the next chapter, which explains everything up to this point. Or at least, almost everything. B)

-----------Chapter 4---------------

Alex and Jackson teleported away to another location. “It will be harder for them to find us here,” said Alex. “We can take a breather now. It’s unlikely that my cave will be easy to enter even if they do find us.”

“Who were they?” Jackson demanded.

“Enemies. Enemies of sanity.” Alex spoke with a sense of dread. “I suppose an explanation is in order. Thus you will get one, immediately.” Alex grabbed a pair of primitive stools for himself and Jackson and then he began his story.

“Ages ago, the world was not called Earth. It was called Weyard. Weyard was flat. Just as the ancient legends say, a man could sail off into infinite nothingness if his ship should carelessly fall off the edge. However, that world was an early version of what has happened to Earth. That world was devoid of alchemy. The power of psynergy had been sealed away to prevent men from ‘seeking ultimate power.’ However, the presence of alchemy in the world thwarts evil. It doesn’t create it. That is a lie created by the four evils. Fire, Earth, Wind and Water keep their power in check. Those four are the manifestations of evil that have existed since before time. In truth, they are the malevolent forms of the four base elements. They are the elements taken to a corrupted extreme.”

Jackson interrupted. “Whoa. Slow down. Elements? You mean like the ancient Greek elements? Scientists disproved the existence of those elements hundreds of years ago.”

“Science is an evil conjured by those four. The ‘Greek’ legend holds true. Fire, Earth, Wind, and Water exist. You have already seen my fantastic abilities of manipulating water. How else can you explain that?”

Jackson mumbled something inaudible. Then, he signaled for Alex to continue.

“Those four are the manifestations of the evils of man. The evils that are prevailing in this age. Let me explain.

Fire and Light. These are the first two opposing elements. However, as I mentioned before, the evil is a mirror of the benevolent taken to an unhealthy extreme. Fire is a sustainer. It brings heat and comfort and provides a guiding beacon to illuminate our way. However, Light blinds us. It swallows us in its dazzling beauty and prevents us from seeing the truth.

Earth and Darkness. The second two opposing elements. Earth is solid force that supports us against the pitfalls of the world. However, darkness uses the presence of substance to grow and hide. The Earth hides the shadow that is there to jump out and swallow us if we are not careful.

Wind and Wisdom. The third pair of opposing elements. Wind brings the forces of change into our lives. Change means the acquisition of knowledge. However, an excess of knowledge can be a terrible evil. Knowing too much can lead you into bad situations. Being all knowing is a terrible crime. Such information only intensifies the many evils of the world by making them apparent to the bearer of the omniscient.

And lastly, Water and Life. The fourth pair of opposing elements. Water is necessary for life. Look at me. It is through the power of water that I have survived this long. Thus, I have contributed to the strengthening of Life.” Alex looked away, ashamed. “But I must remind myself that this was a necessary evil. Eternal Life is something that no man should have. Life bestows a curse that will prevent us from ever attaining rest from our labors.”

Jackson thought for a moment. “I think I understand some of what you are saying. Those four people. They are the manifestations of evil. The longhaired woman is Light. The black armored knight is Darkness. The bright young woman is Wisdom. And the lithe old man is Life.”

“You catch on quickly, Jackson. But you should also know that they are the ultimate bane of everything that is good in the world. They are the one. And the one is they. They are truly one entity. The Wise One. The supreme being that shattered the Golden Sun. An ancient source of ultimate power, which I was seconds away from possessing. With that power, I could have annihilated them utterly. Why, oh why couldn’t the others see through their illusion? And how could they divide the Golden Sun?”

Jackson questioned again. “The Golden Sun. ‘A source of ultimate power.’ You’ve mentioned it many times now.”

“Ah yes. I could see through the deceit of the Wise One. He wanted alchemy to remain devoid from the world. He said it himself several times. He said alchemy would allow men to become corrupted. But it was the lack of alchemy that has corrupted men. If alchemy existed in the world, it is true that men could have endless life and ultimate riches. But that is not how man's mindset works. Having the ability to possess something no longer makes the man want it. It is not being able to have the riches of alchemy that has driven men to the greedy state they are in today. Thus the evils have grown strong, the world warped into a sphere of wickedness. However, my power, even halved, would have been enough to fight them. So they took the cowards’ way out. They imprisoned me in the bowels of the Earth. Thus I have been in a constant state of dormancy and healing, waiting for this day. I have finally escaped! And I have been lucky enough to find the other who shares the Golden Sun.”

Jackson’s eyes bulged out of his head. “You mean me?”

“Yes Jackson. There’s no denying it. You are a direct descendant of Isaac. The Earth adept who possessed the other half of the Golden Sun and never knew it. You look exactly like him. The clear, blue eyes and light brown hair. The weak shoulders, tall stature, and prudent mind that Isaac possessed. And that stalagmite that you instinctively conjured during the fight against the four. That confirms it. You are the other half that I need to fulfill my mission. We must seek out the descendants of the two other ancient elements and reconstruct the fallen lighthouses. This is our mission, Jackson. If we don’t do it, the world is lost forever.

YAy!! Another one!! This is fanfic night for me yeah!

Heh heh. Glad you like it. Enjoy. B) But really. I'd like your opinions thus far. I think that would be fun. ;)

An opinion....well I like it alot. When it's done you MUST post it on the main page. Jackson seems to be catching on a little too quickly. However, who's the descendant of Mia? It appears you only have mentions a fire adept and a wind adept. Wait, hold on. Did Mia get killed somewhere before?
And how old is Jackson?
And where is the location of the places they teleport to. They do a lot of teleporting mind you.
Lol. What if Garet's descendant is a famous football player.

There was really only one teleport. The scene that goes from Jackson's loft to Alex's garage was not a teleport. It was a simple location change. Right now Alex and Jackson are just in some anonymous cave (that was the teleport). Where they are isn't important right now. They'll be moving fairly quickly here. Mia's descendant is unnecessary because Alex is the water adept. He/she might make a cameo appearance, though. :} I think I mentioned at the start of the fanfic that Jackson is 24. I wanted Jackson to catch on quickly because I wanted to move the plot along, rather than bore you with details. I only really need to inform you of how everything works, right? Personally, I don't think it's important how quickly Jackson catches on. Oh, and I'm not telling who the other two adepts are descendants of. You'll have to wait and find out. ;)

I'm at the edge of my seat in anticipation.

That's what I was hoping to do. I appreciate your compliments. B)

<_< Hmm...I dunno...there's a part of me that's pretty critical of the story...allow me to quote something that doesn't quite make sense to me.

The reason I underlined Wisdom and Knowledge is because they are both quite different from each other. Wisdom is the ability to make correct, rational decisions. One who has Wisdom is able to make good judgement. Knowledge, on the other hand, is the awareness of facts and what is true. Having Knowledge doesn't mean you know how to use proper judgement, and having Wisdom does not necessarily mean you know many facts...So there's a difference. According to your story, if I understand it, Wisdom is evil. How can that be? Wisdom is anything but evil...

Oh, and I'm guessing the cave is in the ruins of Mt. Aleph. At least, that's where I'd think it would be.

Don't read into things too deeply, Max. -_- For my purposes, I'm going to use knowledge and wisdom interchangeably. :} Yes, I realize they are different things, but the point is that anything in excess is bad. :blink: Excess of Fire brings Light. Excess of Earth gathers Darkness. Excess of Wind acquires Wisdom (knowledge). Excess of Water grants eternal Life. Thus I have the benevolent elements (the Golden Sun elements) and the malevolent elements (the Wise One's elements). I was really trying to come up with something extremely original for new elements to add in my story. Personally, I think I did a great job.

And as for the cave. :...: You'll just have to wait and see.

Yes that whole section was somewhat confusing for me too. I could care less though.

What did you find confusing? That last section was meant to wrap up a lot of loose ends. If you're confused, then I've failed at something. Tell me what you don't understand and I'll do a small re-write.

I'm in awe. You are an incredible genious at comeing up with this. If you could writle like Suicune, you'd be perfect. I love the connections with the benevolent and malevolent elements.

-_- Whatever...I suppose I do read into things so deeply. But I expect the same criticism to be given to my story by those who read it. I like to be aware of the confusions and things that aren't clear and are ill-defined. But really Marlin, this has potential to be a great novel. Keep at it, but take your time as well.