CHAPTER 2

It was a chilly night on the Western Sea and after successfully bypassing the large rock formation blocking access from the Eastern Sea, Issac was back to brooding while staring off the bow of the ship at the waves gently rocking the boat. The stars and the moon cast out a dim white light upon the sea, causing the waves to sparkle as they rippled through the ocean and provided just enough light for Issac to complete his duty: To watch the surroundings for threats. While not much had changed from the peaceful days on board the Lemurian Ship, nobody had any idea what to expect on the western sea so they set up a watch system to protect the ship.

Tonight Issac was on duty. Watch was becoming mostly a formality, and a time to collect and organize thoughts from the day if needed, and Issac was doing just that.

It was clear from the way Ivan is acting that there's something on his mind. I suppose I'll have to find sometime to ask him what's going on when I get the chance. I doubt it's just nerves. Ivan's not the type to be worried about something.

At least we're making progress in our quest though. We finally got confirmation that we're catching up to Felix and his company as well as the fact that Jenna is with him. That's another issue…I don't know how much Felix might have changed, but why would Jenna want to help Felix destroy the world? Issac frowned at the thought. She can't have changed so much in such a short time, there has to be a reason…there just has to be! With a sigh, Issac kicked a pebble into the water and watched the water ripple on the surface of the ocean below.

At least we should make it to Contigo soon. From there it's only about a day's trek to the Jupiter Lighthouse and hopefully to Felix and his group. I don't think we can take another failure. Plus, it would be nice to see Jenna again he admitted to himself with a slight smile.

Unknown to Issac, a pair of cerulean eyes were studying him from afar. Mia was leaning against the doorway leading to the cabins, watching Issac preform his watch staring out into the ocean with a slightly dejected aura around him.

He's been so melancholy lately, she mused. It's frustrating to see him like this. He was always the upbeat one helping to improve our moods and focus us on our goal but he just seems to be losing the spark that keeps him going. Would it be better to wait here and go back to bed until it's my time for watch or should I say something….?

She sighed softly to herself.

Well, I'm awake and it pains me to see Issac in such a condition. I might as well try to cheer him up a bit.

She slowly walked over to where Issac was standing by the railing.

Issac heard the creak of the ship's floorboards as someone or something approached him and slowly moved his hand to grasp the hilt of his sword. When he felt that the intruder was near he whipped out his sword in one smooth motion turning toward them ready to attack should they prove to be hostile. Instead he was greeted with a more welcome sight.

"Oh it's just you Mia," he said re-sheathing his sword and continuing, "You startled me. I thought I might actually be under attack."

"Sorry," Mia replied hesitantly, "But what did you mean by: 'Oh it's just you?'"

The comment managed to give Issac a small grin that faded quickly. "See Mia….What I meant to say was: Oh, here comes my best friend!"

Her reaction to the comment was not what Issac had expected. She looked taken aback and confused for a moment before replying, making him wonder if he said something wrong.

"Is that true Issac?" she asked him inquisitively.

"Is what true?" was his natural response.

"When you just called me your best friend…" Mia continued with slight hesitation.

"Well…." Issac began. "Well, yeah. You are Mia," he told her looking away slightly, his face showing slightly more color than normal.

This went unnoticed by Mia whose face also showed a slight coloration change at his answer. Her emotions soared. Issac really considers me his best friend? Even over Garet whom he's known his whole life? I'm happy I made such an impression but…

She was broken from her thoughts as Issac threw a question her way now. "What about you Mia? Am I your best friend?" he asked, still not directly facing her, waiting for her reply. Mia was once again taken aback by his directness and responded after only a moment.

"Yes Issac, you are." It was true too she realized. She really did feel closer to Issac than to anyone else she knew, even Garet and Ivan. I don't know what it is about him, but he always makes me feel welcome and like part of the team. He always goes out of his way to help me whenever I need it and always manages to cheer me up when I'm feeling down.

Taking a position on the railing next to him, she looked out at the ocean too as an awkward silence fell between the two friends. It seemed like minutes, but in reality was only a few seconds before Mia decided to say something again.

"So what do you look so down about Issac?" Mia asked, making eye contact with him again looking genuinely concerned.

How typical of Mia Issac thought, always able to pick upon the slightest emotion from a person. "Oh it's nothing Mia," was his response, attempting to save Mia from his personal burdens.

Typical Issac Mia thought, he's always trying to avoid telling others about his problems probably out of some noble goal to not trouble anyone else with his issues. "I know you well enough to know that it is not 'nothing' Issac. You've helped me with my troubles in the past, why can't you let me help you with yours?" she insisted.

Issac sighed at her response, knowing that all she wanted to do was help. She's so supportive. I should have known she'd try something like that. Oh well, I suppose telling her my thoughts could help me relieve my stress, and I don't want her to have to worry about me.

"Very well Mia. There's just no hiding anything from you," Issac let out with a defeated sigh and slight smile. "Though I'm not sure there's anything you can really do."

Mia smiled back at him. "At the very least I can be someone who will listen. I'm always here for you Issac."

Issac smiled at that and took another moment to savor his friendship with Mia before beginning. "You know all about our quest to stop the elemental lighthouses from being lit Mia. We've all been told the same thing: 'Lighting the lighthouses would bring about the destruction of the world.'" Issac fidgeted with discomfort as he tried to find a way to continue his thought. Mia just looked at him curiously waiting for him to find his voice. "But what if….I mean….I guess I don't know what Saturos or Menardi might have done to Felix to get him to help them, but well….Jenna's with them," he finished pointedly. "There has to be a reason she would help them…there has to be! I can't accept the fact that Jenna wants to destroy the world."

Issac glanced over at Mia slowly to gauge her reaction. Other than a thoughtful frown, she seemed to be taking the conversation well considering he was putting their whole quest in doubt. It took Mia a few moments to consolidate her thoughts and respond, "I only really know what you've told me about Jenna seeing as I've never met her, but what you've told me is that she is a sweet caring person even if she can get a bit angry at times."

She stopped for another moment and right as Issac was about ready to say something, she continued, "I guess the best we can do is catch them as fast as we can and try to get an explanation out of them. Ivan tells me we're only a few days from Contigo and another to the lighthouse on foot from there. We'll have your answers soon."

Issac looked back at her, gratitude etched on his face at her response. She's at least open to the possibility, however slight, that they have reasons for doing what they do. That's just another thing I love about her. He smiled inwardly.

"Thanks Mia. You always manage to find some way to alleviate my fears," Issac turned back out to sea, watching the slight waves ripple against the ship peacefully. A few moments passed before he felt a slight pressure on his shoulder.

Mia wasn't sure what made her do it, but her hand acted of its own accord, and it slowly brought itself up to Issac's shoulder, resting there lightly. A faint blush appeared on her face when she realized what she just did, but she certainly managed to get Issac's attention.

"Mia…?" Issac questioned, taken aback by such a bold gesture and turned to face her, blushing in the process. I'm glad it's too dark for her to see my face well Issac mused at the situation, blushing slightly darker.

Mia stood there for a second to regain her composure and get over the shock of what she just did before opening her mouth. "Whatever happens Issac, it'll work out," she managed to stammer through her embarrassment. "But now you should get some sleep and let me take my watch. We've got some tough days ahead. You'll need the rest." She dropped her hand from his shoulder.

Issac looked down at the deck quickly before looking back up, "You're right Mia. Don't hesitate to wake me if you need anything." He smiled at her once more before heading back to the cabins. Mia just stood there and watched him leave.

About halfway there, Issac stopped and turned halfway around. "Oh, and thanks Mia. You really made me feel better about this whole thing." At those words, Mia's smile widened considerably, though it was hard for Issac to see in such dim light.

"Goodnight Issac," Mia's voice wafted across the deck.

"Goodnight Mia," Issac disappeared into the cabins.