Swet. New chapter. Gotta say, I didn't expect you to bring Alex, Saturos, and Menardi into contact with Isaac and friends so soon, but this should bear some interesting fruit. Also, the political aspect of things is cool, too. It's not just all about magic and quests and stuff, there's a real-world element going on, too, which is realistic and adds extra suspense and complications. Seriously, it looks like you plotted this out real thoroughly. Well, hopefully you'll post what happens next relatively soon, although I totally know how easily real life can get in the way of writing. Best of luck with everything, writing and real life both. Thanks for the great chapter. ^_^

^_^ Very, very well-done chapter, despite your fears for it. You remain, as always, among my favourite and the most talented writers in the fandom.
You wanted a little characterization critique, so I'll touch on that a little:
Adoramuste: She's your muse, eh? XD That's a nice touch. You cast her fairly well, as the classic femme fatale, and it stands to reason that someone of her beauty would be able to manipulate the Mayor of Alhafra (who has a weakness for women, as seen by almost fosting himself on Sheba and Jenna), as well as the other leaders of those nations. Of interesting note, to me, was the constantly referral to her brother - if she is a Great One, as you put it, might it stand to reason that her brother is the Wise One? Just a theory, but it would make sense - and aside from he, I can't see anyone else as being someone in a huge position of power who she would have to overthrow (unless I've forgotten the old parts of the story, and her brother is Alex >_D Also, you say you were shipping Isaac/Mia... there's a good opportunity here to make it a love triangle with Alex/Isaac/Mia, and give Alex even more incentive to kill Isaac. Speaking of whom...
Alex: Very, very, nicely done with his character - of every fan author I've read, you and jedigrl's "Through the Other Eyes" characterize him the very best, the most accurate to the game's canon and what it should be. Your lines on Alex having many layers, with Felix describing him, was very accurate, and well-done, I thought. As well, the characters disbelief regarding the way Alex was acting was great, considering really, they wouldn't have any idea of what was going on - totally oblivious to what Alex was referring to.
Also, Alex 'conquering' death and having angel wings is extremely badass. Most fanfics write Alex coming across as soft and almost wimpy, but thank God you retain all the badassness he was given in the game here. And his motivation/ambition is well-done, of course. Most cast Alex's ambition as to save someone, if he's trying to gain the GS to heal people, but never himself - which is much more in-character.
As well, that spiel on how he would destroy God is extremely awesome, and an angle you don't see much in fanfiction. That line about the power being limitless, after all, was a good touch, as well. And his reasoning is great, though one has to wonder if everything is controlled by Fate, if Alex is not still being manipulated even now.
I really liked that whole idea, in addition because the final arc of my fanfic was to feature someone gaining the complete power of the Golden Sun, consuming the Gods and shaping Weyard by their own ways - essentially winning. But, don't tell anyone. >D
So, heartily approve of that, and I'd say you've pulled it off very, very well. Hell, the whole chapter was well done - you really had nothing to worry about, Kuroya. ^_^ I hope you can wrangle up another update soon, 'cause I really enjoy this fanfic!
That is, if you can get over WoW. XD
I'll be reading! =D

Dude. Why would you be surprised if anyone was still following this? This story is in my top five favorites, if not higher. I love it, and I was so glad to see the new chapter alert.

Er, can't think of too much in specific to say. I was too busy squeeing over the update. ^_^; Pretty much everything was interesting. Liked the mention of politics, and Adoramuste seems interesting. Didn't really notice any typos or anything. All in all, pretty dang good. Can't wait for the next chapter! =D

//I'm particularly looking forward to writing for Alex from this point on, as he is my favorite character, and the plot will revolve mostly around him and Isaac.//

You have no idea how much I fangirled you for this. XD

Don't worry about being eight months late on this; I'm YEARS late on a lot of my other stuff. And this was a good chapter! Nice to know I'm not the only one who thought of Mia as a whiny little girl. And Isaac is bland as hell in the games, but you've made him slightly more interesting in your fic.

Will wait for the next chapter, no matter how long it takes!

Oy, it has been a while. XD I've forgotten a lot of what's happened in the earlier parts of the story, but I'll try to remember as I go along.
Excellent chapter, and good finish to the 'dream' at the starting of the chapter, with Alex. Also, I approve of your decision to make Felix's parents die after the Doom Dragon battle - it makes for greater emotional impact, and that battle seems much more necessary, and the test to see if they were worthy for Alchemy bittersweet.
I'd like to see where you're going with Adoramuste. She seems interesting enough, if a little sudden - I like how she was made out to resemble Death in her opening appearence. Good subtle analogy, if it was intentional. And, her mentioned other Great Ones - would that happen to include the Wise One, as well?
Also, points for having your protagonists plead with her to fix the Evertos, and her refusing - too often, characters are so eager to concede to the protagonist's demands, it's refreshing to see things not go their way, for once.
I heartily approve of Indra and Osenia forming an alliance and becoming a threat. They are far too neglected in fanfiction in general, and even in the game. And yes, they would haev enormous potential as a naval force, which would be all the more deadly to Angara, seeing as how they have few ports to fight back with (read: Champa). However, remember that's a two-edged sword - the high cliffs of Angara will make it equally hard for Osenia/Indra to invade them, although cutting off trade is a sound strategy. Good one on that, by the way - the importance of trade and economy is often passed up in stories in favour of grandiose plans.
Great characterization with everyone - Piers has a collected, regal manner, Felix is composed and introverted for the most part, and everybody is just generally engaging to read about - even Isaac, trying to put up a front to be the hero.
Good touch including Saturos, Menardi, and Alex in this chapter, and keeping them with their own, not totally evil personalities. Menardi's complaining was a good touch, as well as Saturos being whacked in the head by Alex's wings. FYI, though, isn't Saturos' hair closely to teal-silver, then naturally dark?
In Legend of Dragoon's defence, the plot twist regarding the Black Monster is one of the best in video games these days. I don't know if you've finished the game, so I won't spoil it for you. =D
All in all, excellent chapter. Your writing style is superior to mine, so I can't offer much in the way of criticism... so just keep on writing, 'cause I'll be reading. =D

Actually, I am curious as to how this story is to go. PLEASE continue! -pokes-

I never read GS fanfiction anymore. I lost faith in it a while back.

You, my good friend, have restored that faith.

And thank Artemis I'm not the only one who thought something was up with the Wise One.

You are extremely, extremely good at invoking stream-of-consciousness.

Yes, these thoughts are disjointed. Wewt.

Yet another good chapter. I really like it how you've touched on the feelings of Isaac, how his quest, at least until they joined Felix, seemed to be for nothing. Many other writers seem to completely ignore that when setting stories post GSII.

And yeah, sorry about your hard times. You have my full sympathy (I know that's weak but I'm not very good at expressing comfort).

Wow! Yah! Another chapter! I like the fact that you have such nice long and good ones that are worth waiting around a while to read them. (Of course, it would still be nice if you went a bit faster, but I'll most DEFINATLY wait! ^^ So, don't let me rush you into overload...) Another good thing is that you are motivated to go on and finish what you said you would, which is really good considering that some (like mee...T_T) don't actually finish or take a REALLY long time to Update.

So! As a good reader and hoper for more chapters in the future...! *pokes happily* I'll be a'waiting!

I'm not signed in because has been giving me trouble with submitting signed reviews. ^_^

Right, well, the grammar nerd in me picked up two small mistakes in this chapter that I felt needed to be pointed out.

Your not sorry; you're not sorry at all! - You're, not your

"Yeah?" Sheba inquired. "Let's hear it, then." - After that, a new character starts speaking in the same paragraph

Other than that, I thought that this chapter was pretty good. More mysteries were brought up, but none were solved. I gotta say, though, that I'm really liking this. Good characterization. I liked Isaac's dream sequence. Went through a lot of the moral dilemmas that make these games so compelling to write about. So, uh, yeah. Updates as soon as you can. I'm sorry to hear about all the stuff that's been going on with you, though, so don't think I'm pressuring. ^_^' Well, until next time, may your writing stay unblocked and your hand never cramp.

Oh come now; don't belittle yourself too much! I thought it was a lovely chapter. *laughs at self* XD
Okay, all aside, very nice. Intersting things, espically Mia's, Ivan's, and Sheba's predicament.
Long chapters are good. Yay! *gives you Karst plushie*
Update!^_^

*squees* Satty and Menardi! Yay!
Seriously, I love those two. And you've brought them back in an ingenious way. I can't wait to see how they interact with the other characters.
And I noticed your canon change, and I guess I have to say I approve. It gives some nice flavour to the story that otherwise wouldn't be there.
So, I'll be waiting for the next chapter. ^_^

Oh! You better update soon! As in asap! This is REALLY good! ^^ I want to type more, but I'm afraid my hypothesis may be incorrect or something. But other than that...
I just ADORE Isaac stories ('cause I am an Isaac fan. lol) that had the GS... and of course Alex.

Nice thing goin gon with the Wise One there. Ohh... the suspense is totruting! Can't wait to read the rest!

PLEASE write some more! I will continue on to bug you if you stop!

This has become my favorite story that uses a literary device for a title (take that as you will)! Gambling addicts... scary. Don't worry, you fight scenes are actually pretty good.

*claps* Oh yeah! I was right!
They're gambling addicts? Lol That's funny. This chapter was good. Update soon okay?