Happy holidays, everyone! I hope you're all enjoying your time off from school (unless you're still in school; in which case, sucks to be you :P) …Man, other than the last part in parentheses, that sounded like a really generic, teacher-y holiday comment *cries*.
Gaming update: finished The Last Story recently and it's definitely on the list of my top games. I'd say it's probably tied for second with Golden Sun, so I'd recommend playing it if you have a Wii. That makes two that I've recommended and I'm hoping there will be more for me to offer in the future :).
Anyways, here it is; the chapter that you've been waiting for. This is the one that will hopefully be answering any pertinent questions regarding anything to do with Garet, Jenna, Isaac, Mia, and Feizhi.
Thanks to AnriMia24 and that one other guest for reviewing!
I'm just gonna put a little warning here, so hopefully everyone will notice this. I'm taking extra measures to make sure they see it.
***WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE AND SCENES OF VIOLENCE. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED***
Stupid little joke warning, but I am serious about there being some more mature language and although there have already been scenes of violence this has a part that's a little different. I'm really hoping that I won't have to change this to an M rating for maybe two or three F-bombs and 'poop'. So, yeah, I'm going to use that warning as a legit label, so if the story gets reported or something, I'll say that I did make sure everyone knew that this particular chapter was going to contain a few choice words. I only used them where I deemed necessary, and will hopefully not be using any more in the future, but if I do there'll be a warning label :P. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!
Anyways, now that you're all settled and ready for a good ol' chapter about how Isaac tells a story about how he told Mia a story about Garet telling him a story and then let Mia tell him a story, let's begin!
Disclaimer: I don't own it…
Memories
Isaac awoke the next day, his body aching from the uncomfortable bed and still from whatever had him end up there in the first place. All through the night he had dreamed of strange things that seemed oddly familiar to him: Jenna crying in the moonlight, Garet telling him off, arguing with Quartz, and many instances of a bloody battlefield in the snow. What did this all mean? Were they somehow connected? He decided to wait until Mia and Feizhi told him where they had found him. Perhaps that would conjure up his memories, as learning their names had yesterday.
He found that he could move his body now. While it still hurt a bit to move, it was a relief that he was still able to control his muscles. Slowly, he sat up and, for the first time, got to look around the room that he'd been stuck in for an unknown number of days. It was, as he'd predicted, a fairly large sanctum built in a cave. He wished there were a window that he could look out to see what time it was, but unfortunately it was entirely lit by torches and candles. The only way he'd be able to check was if he opened the doors. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he carefully placed them on the ground. No good, they weren't used to carrying weight for the past while. He'd need a cane of some sort if he wanted to walk around on his own.
Thankfully, the doors opened and he was able to get a quick peek outside. It seemed to be about late morning. He watched as Mia and Feizhi came in, shaking the snowflakes out of their hair and off their shoulders.
"Morning," he called to them.
They both jumped a bit, thinking that he would still be asleep while his injuries healed. "Good morning, Isaac," they returned in unison.
"You are sitting up! That is good! Your body is doing quite well now!" exclaimed Feizhi.
"Yeah, I'm still a little sore though. I can't support my body weight on my legs right now."
"Don't worry," said Mia, "I brought a walking staff for you. I figured you wouldn't be strong enough to walk today."
Classic Mia, she always knew how to help him. Even when he didn't realize that something was wrong, she always had some kind of remedy or potion to heal him right away.
"How's the memory coming along?" she asked him as they made their way towards his bed.
"I… think it's doing better. I had some pretty weird dreams last night. They might've been memories. Maybe I'll remember by later today."
When they reached his bed, Mia gave him a worried look. "You haven't remembered anything more? Anything at all?"
"No… I'm sorry, Mia."
"Do you remember the names of your friends, Isaac?" asked Feizhi.
"No, but I can remember where I met them all. The first boy we met in Vault. I think he was raised in Kalay, but he was originally from Contigo."
"Ivan…" Mia spoke softly, trying to help him remember.
"That's right. Ivan, the Jupiter adept. He read my mind the first time I met him. Let's see, there was you of course, Mia, and there was another girl. She reminded me of Ivan. We first saw her in Tolbi when we were staying in Lord Babi's palace. Then we saw her at Venus lighthouse when Felix jumped after her. What did he call her? She…she… damn, I can't remember. She's from Lalivero, but nobody knows where she really came from."
"Sheba…"
"Right, Sheba was in Felix's group when we met the last guy too. He's a sailor/adventurer from… an ancient city… We had to go there for Lord Babi until we found out he died. He even had his own ship…"
"Piers. He's from Lemuria, Isaac."
"Yeah, now I remember. I guess I remembered a bit, but there's still a lot missing. I still don't even know why I was leaving my home…"
"Mia, I think we should tell him about when we found him. It is possible that he may remember why if we tell him about it."
"You're right, Feizhi. Are you ready, Isaac?"
"Yes, please tell me everything."
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The morning wind chilled Mia as she walked along the plains. Even though she was used to living in a cold climate, travelling on a windy, snowy morning was not her greatest pleasure. At least she had someone to travel with now.
"Thanks again for coming with me, Feizhi. You really didn't have to."
"That is all right, Mia, I thought that you could use the company. It is still quite a journey to New Vale, and there is no telling what sort of creatures you may run into. At least you will not have to face them alone now."
Mia smiled at her friend. They had only met once or twice for a brief time, but Feizhi was friendly enough. Mia was still surprised to see her in Bilibin. Feizhi had told her that she'd had another premonition, but it only told her to come meet someone she knew in Bilibin. Fate had planned for the two adepts to meet. They were now a few days out of Goma cave, and now only three days away from their destination. Mia could hardly hide her excitement.
"Why are you going to New Vale, Mia?" asked Feizhi.
Mia realized she hadn't actually told her, "Oh just to visit my old friends. It's been about half a year since I last saw them, so I decided now would be a good time." Secretly, she hoped mostly to see Isaac, but kept that from Feizhi, slightly blushing at the thought.
"Ah, I see. I suppose it will be good for me to see them as well. I only hope they still remember me, and perhaps I will have the pleasure of meeting this Jenna you speak fondly of."
"I'm sure they'll remember you, Feizhi. Isaac has a much better memory than I do, and I remembered you, so he should have no problem. I can't say the same thing for Garet, but maybe he will if you knock him on the head a few times."
The two women talked and laughed as they continued walking along the white-blanketed plains. Suddenly Feizhi went wide-eyed, a strangely blank but shocked look coming over her face. Mia noticed that she had also stopped walking and looked up at her, slightly frightened.
"F-Feizhi? What's wrong?"
"Oh no! Mia, someone is in danger! We must go quickly if we are to help them! Hurry, follow me!"
Feizhi sprinted off, leaving a confused Mia to run after her. She could only hope that whoever needed their help was not far away.
Before long, the sight of blood, weapons, and misplaced chunks of earth lay before her in the snow. She gasped to see Feizhi running towards a horde of monsters that were pummeling something on the ground. She readied her staff as she took off towards the monsters.
Feizhi was much more capable of fighting than Mia. Being a prominent student of Chi, she did not need weapons to fight effectively. Mia watched as her companion knocked several rat warriors and vermin away from their victim with one strong kick. The creatures, realizing they had a new enemy, turned and sprang at her. Even her lightning-quick punches, chops, and kicks could not stop all of them, and she became slightly overwhelmed. Mia called upon her powers and sent a few icicles flying into a group of rats that were preparing to pounce again. Some of the creatures took notice of her and steered away from Feizhi, who seemed to be doing alright now. A punch ant ran up to her and took a swing, only to be blocked by her staff; however, Mia had not expected such a powerful punch, and the weapon fell out of her grip. Realizing she had no choice, she quickly swung the mace hanging by her side and struck the monster across the head. It cried and flew far away, disintegrating before it hit the ground. She detested using such a devastating weapon on smaller creatures, but it seemed that the monsters had gotten stronger as of late. Making sure to keep a tight grip on her mace, Mia defensively fought off the group that came at her.
It was only a few minutes before the surviving creatures realized they were outmatched. They howled at the two women before scurrying off to the forest from where they had supposedly appeared. Panting, Mia picked up her staff and swiftly went to check on Feizhi. Feizhi seemed to be completely unfazed for someone who had just fought off a horde of monsters with only her hands. She nodded towards Mia to show her that she was alright. Mia nodded back and began to focus her healing powers to help the young man lying in the snow. From where she was, she couldn't tell who it was, but she could see that he was fatally wounded. She gasped as she approached him, and a loud sob escaped her throat.
"I-Isaac?! What's he doing out here?!"
"This man is Isaac?!"
Mia couldn't answer Feizhi. She cried and choked as she desperately tried to heal his broken form. She had never seen him in such bad condition; even during their adventure he had never been injured so badly.
"Please be alive, Isaac."
His chest was rising and falling at uneven intervals. Sometimes it would stop completely, and Mia couldn't help but cry out when it seemed that he wouldn't breathe again. His heart rate matched the unevenness of his breathing, and it seemed as though he wouldn't make it.
"Mia, I have found his belongings! There seem to be some special stones of sorts in here!"
At first, the thought didn't click with Mia. All she wanted to do was make sure that he was safe, so what difference did it make if he had some odd things in his bag? Then she realized that he may have the teleport lapis with him. They were too far from any town to try carrying him, and he would surely die before they could make it. Running over to Feizhi, she snatched the bag away and quickly rummaged through it.
"Thank Mercury! Come here quickly, Feizhi!" cried Mia, dragging Feizhi over to Isaac's mutilated figure.
She retrieved the teleport lapis from Isaac's bag and concentrated her mind. She had never used its power before and was slightly afraid that something might go wrong. However, Isaac's life was on the line, so she had to try.
"Feizhi, take my hand and Isaac's hand! There's no time to explain!"
Feizhi complied and took both of their hands in her own. Mia concentrated as hard as she could, willing herself to be transported to Bilibin sanctum. She suddenly felt as light as air, and before she knew it they were right outside the doors of the sanctum.
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"Wow, was I really hurt that badly?" asked Isaac, slightly remembering the incident.
Mia nodded, biting her lip to stop herself from crying. He could tell that recalling that day was painful for her, and he felt sorry that he had made her remember.
"How long ago did all of this happen?"
"Isaac," Feizhi began, pausing while she contemplated how to tell him, "you… you have been here for almost two weeks…"
"What?! Two weeks?!" How could he have been here for two whole weeks? How did he manage to get into a coma from a few monsters?
"Isaac, what were you doing out there?!" Mia suddenly cried out. It seemed that she was upset even thinking of the incident, but she had to know the reason for why he was there. "You almost died, and you were alone! Do you even know how far from New Vale you were?!"
He hated seeing Mia cry, but his memory was still failing him.
"Isaac, when we found you, you were surrounded by weapons and there was blood everywhere!" said Feizhi, trying to help him remember. "The strangest thing was that there was a creature with no hands trying to jump on you."
Isaac felt a surge of memories come rushing to his head when Feizhi mentioned the specific punch ant that had attacked him. The ambush, the fight to his semi-death, his journey from New Vale, his conversation with Garet, Jenna…
Suddenly he began to cry, and both women took notice of this right away. Mia moved in to hold him tightly as they both wept.
"I'm so sorry, Mia. I shouldn't have left home, but I remember everything now and I know why I did. It was a stupid impulsive decision, and I hadn't even remembered that you were coming to visit. I was too lost in my own world at the time."
"But what happened? What made you want to leave home so badly?"
Isaac went on to explain all that had transpired. He was surprised to learn that in a single night's journey, he had somehow managed to cover a distance that would normally take someone three days to do so.
"Isaac," Mia said quietly, "I'm… I'm so sorry about Jenna. You two were so in love the last time I saw you. You didn't even mention anything about it in your last letter."
"Forgive me for interrupting," Feizhi said before Isaac could respond to Mia, "but I am a bit confused with one detail of your story."
"Which part, Feizhi?" he asked.
"Well, you say that Garet came to check on you, but then you suddenly felt the need to leave your home. If you were feeling better, why would you wish to go off on your own?"
Isaac cringed a bit. He had purposely left that part of the story out so not to remind himself of the greater deal of pain he felt. Mia looked from Feizhi to him, also curious as to why he left.
"I… I just needed something different," he lied.
"Isaac," Mia soothed him, "we just want to get the story straight. If it'll help us to help you, then we need to know all that we can. Did Garet say something?"
He didn't know how to keep up his lie. Isaac was never good at lying, so trying to continue with his already pathetic attempt would only frustrate his companions. Sighing, he gave in, "I guess I should tell you that something else happened too. I wish it weren't true, but this is the real reason I left New Vale…"
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"Well, after I told you consider Jenna's feelings I left to go find her," said Garet nervously.
"Yeah, I know, so what happened?" Isaac was getting a bit impatient with the Mars adept. It seemed like Garet was stalling forever, and he just wanted to know how Jenna was doing.
Garet shuffled away from Isaac a little bit before continuing. "Look, man, I know I already told you that it's kinda weird, but please don't get mad at me."
"Garet, I'm getting mad at you right now because you aren't telling me. All I asked was how she is, and you're giving me all these stupid answers."
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry," Garet composed himself before restarting his story again. "So I went to the bakery because I thought she might be working. The baker said she wasn't scheduled to work for a few days, so I figured she'd be at home. When I got to her house, she answered the door for me. Clearly she'd been crying because her eyes were all puffy and she didn't look like she got any sleep. Kinda looked the same way you did when I saw you."
"So she was upset then."
"Yeah, but I'm not done yet. Anyways, so I thought maybe she didn't want to see anyone, but she still tried to smile and invited me in. She said her parents were away for the weekend, so it was just her at home. I felt bad that she had no one to console her, so I told her that I could stay with her until her parents came back."
"That's a weird thing to say, Garet. I thought you told me you were gonna lay off her for a while."
"I didn't mean it like that, okay? I just figured that if she needed some company she obviously wasn't gonna get it from you, so I offered to stay. Just as friends, honest! She told me she'd like that and then gave me a hug. I figured it was just a friendly gesture, so I hugged her back. The only difference was that usually she hugs me around the middle because I'm so much taller than her, but this time she hugged me around the neck."
"What difference does it make how she hugs you?"
Garet stopped for a moment, unsure of how to tell Isaac the next part. Isaac sensed this and started to feel uncomfortable. Why was Garet acting so weird? Garet's never been the type to get awkward about anything, so why would he start now? It was starting to make him angry, so he unwillingly sounded like he was when he spoke again.
"Garet, what the hell happened at Jenna's?"
Garet winced a little, but forced himself to keep going with the story. "Isaac, I'm sorry, I didn't mean for any of this to happen," he said weakly.
"What happened?" Isaac commanded angrily, a deep pause between each word.
"Well she hugged me in a different way, so I just hugged her back, but around the waist. Before I knew it, she pulled me down into a kiss… I didn't know what to do at first! My first instinct was to push her away, but I've wanted to kiss her forever, man! It was selfish and stupid, but I couldn't help it! I found myself kissing her back before we finally pulled apart. She said that she ended up leaving you for me! I had no idea she was into me! It made me feel sick to think that I was indirectly the reason you broke up! I told her that I couldn't hurt you like that, but she got all upset. I was so torn that I just hugged her again. I didn't know that every time I hugged her it was gonna end in us kissing again! I'm so sorry, man, but now you know why I was saying that she was kinda upset. I didn't know how to-"
Garet was cut off by a powerful fist hitting his face. He grunted, holding his bleeding nose and looking at Isaac. He had to have known that was coming.
"What the fuck, Garet?! You're supposed to be my friend; my best friend! How could you do this?! You knew that we just broke up yesterday, but you still kissed her?! You could've stopped her, but you were too selfish to even stop and think for a second! What, did you cop a feel, too? You know, feel her up and get a little frisky?! What else aren't you telling me?!"
"Isaac, stop! It didn't go past kissing, I-"
"Shut up, you piece of shit! It's been one day! One fucking day that we've been broken up, and you thought it would be alright to just swoop in and get with her?! You've got a lot of nerve! What kind of friend are you?! I should fucking beat the shit out of you right now!"
"You should, I deserve it."
"Oh now you're remorseful, eh? Everything's all love and sunshine until you have to face reality! Well sometimes reality sucks, doesn't it?! You know what; you can have that bitch for all I care! You'd go perfectly together: the asshole couple that fucks up everyone's lives. First victim? Their best friend! I hope you got what you wanted, because I don't wanna see your face again!"
"Isaac, please, I didn't mean for it to go so far, I just-"
Again, Garet was cut off but this time it was to a kick in his stomach. Isaac felt no remorse in beating up his best friend right now. Garet had betrayed his trust, and was getting what he deserved. Garet coughed, the force of the blow winding him, but he did not fight back. It seemed obvious that he knew this was coming, and he decided that there would be no sense in hurting his friend any more. Isaac, blinded by his rage and infuriation, grabbed the Mars adept by his jacket and hurled him onto the icy pond. The weight of Garet crashing down on the surface was enough to break it, and Garet fell through. He scrambled to stand up and shivered as he felt a snowball hit his face.
"We were supposed to be brothers!" shouted Isaac, tears now falling from his face. "How could you betray me like this?!" He knew the blame should have been more on Jenna, but in the moment he was blind to his infuriation and grief. Before waiting for an answer, Isaac took off for his house, the earth trembling beneath his feet. He thought he heard Garet give a final apology, but that was the last he would hear from his friend for the rest of the night.
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Mia held him tighter as they both silently wept; even Feizhi had a single tear rolling down her cheek. They stayed like that for some time before the silence was finally broken.
"Isaac, you have my condolences," said Feizhi. "To be betrayed like that is something I would wish upon no one. He was your best friend, too."
"I can't believe Garet would do something like that. He wasn't the smartest person, but he was always thoughtful," Mia said shakily.
"I was too hard on him," Isaac responded flatly. "It wasn't his fault; she made the move on him."
"Yes, but he did not stop her," Feizhi added.
"But that didn't warrant me breaking his nose, kicking him on the ground, and throwing him in the pond. I had every right to yell at him, but what I did was uncalled for."
"Isaac, you mustn't keep blaming yourself," said Mia, rubbing his back. "You weren't the cause of all these things. Bad things happen, and sometimes you can't do anything about them."
"I suppose…" He didn't know what to say now. The first thing that came to his mind made him feel slightly guilty. "Mia, I… I can't go back there. I made sure to get myself away from there. I'm not stopping you from visiting, but I won't go with you if you still want to. I'm sorry, it's selfish of me but you must understand."
He felt her nod on his shoulder. "Of course I understand, Isaac. Truthfully," she paused and loosened her grip on him, "I was coming to see you more than the others. While I do miss them quite a bit, I was mostly visiting so that I could see you again."
He blushed pretty intensely at her comment. She was coming all this way for me? They pulled away a bit to look into each others' eyes. She was blushing as well, but Isaac thought she looked adorable when she was acting bashful like this. He even forgot about his troubles with Jenna for a moment.
Feizhi shifted uncomfortably, feeling a bit like a third wheel. "I… I believe Lord McCoy wanted to see me. I shall come back later."
The two turned deeper shades of red upon hearing that, but lightly said goodbye to the Jupiter adept as she left the sanctum. When the doors closed, Isaac spoke again.
"What will you do now, Mia? I mean, if you were mainly coming to see me then what happens now?"
"I… I hadn't really thought about it. I was going to wait until you were feeling strong enough to walk before deciding." She paused for a moment before whispering, "Come back to Imil with me."
He noticed her giving him a bashful smile. Sol, she's cute. I wish I could, but I don't know if I should. I'm hurting badly, emotionally, and I wouldn't want to affect her with my negativity. He sighed, torn between wanting to go and not wanting to trouble Mia.
"Mia, I... I want to say that I will, but I don't know what the future entails right now. I would hate to end up depressing you if I agreed to come. I think I just need time to think about it. I'm sorry."
"I understand," she said, dropping her gaze to hide her disappointment. "It was a premature question; I should've waited until you were ready."
"Mia… It's alright; I do hope that we'll get to spend lots of time together."
She looked back up at him and smiled sweetly. He couldn't help but smile back at her, the warm stirring feeling in his chest returning. Unexpectedly, Mia reached her hand up to his cheek and lightly caressed it. He felt a bit odd, but was comforted at the same time.
"You seem healthy enough now," she said, "Would you like to go for a walk?"
"I'll try," he said as Mia handed him the walking staff. Carefully sliding off the bed, he leaned his weight on it. Mia also helped to support him so that he would not have to rely solely on the staff.
"By the way," he added, trying to sound natural, "did you happen to touch my cheek yesterday night? You know, in any sort of way?"
She tried to hide her embarrassment, but couldn't conceal her blush. Instead, she giggled in response. "None of that right now, grandpa," she said, noting the way that he was leaning on the staff and using her for support. They both laughed as they exited the sanctum.
Mia had been right about Bilibin being larger. Isaac had never seen such growth in a town; it was practically the size of three Tolbis put together! She took him to a nearby park where the snow beautifully lined the edges of pine trees. A group of children were skating around on the frozen pond; it must have been quite a thick layer. Isaac was glad the path was cleared of snow, for it was much easier to walk on solid ground. They stopped for a while to help some outgoing kids build a snowman. Mia was much better at building it than Isaac, albeit she had lived in snowy climates all her life. They kept going until they came to a bench overlooking the city. Mia looked out at the view, but Isaac turned his gaze towards her.
"Mia," he said.
"Mm?"
"Thank you… for taking care of me… and for bringing me to this beautiful place. You always know how to make me feel better, no matter the situation."
"You're welcome, Isaac. It's funny that I've always been able to cheer you up, even when we first met. After going through Mercury lighthouse, you told me all of your feelings for Jenna and how you would do anything to save her, remember? I don't even remember saying much at all, but you seemed so relieved after I listened to you. Seeing that I could make a difference for someone like you, I knew I made the right decision to join your group."
"Mia, I-" he stopped himself. I can't say that, at least, not now anyway. I don't wanna make her feel uncomfortable. She really is wonderful, though. "Thanks for being here for me."
She placed her hand on his and smiled warmly at him. He was a bit tense when she reached for his hand, thoughts of home still clouding his mind, but allowed her to keep it there. "I'll always be here for you, Isaac; whenever you need a friend."
He smiled and felt his heart melt at her words. The two of them looked out to the city, hands touching as night fell over the twinkling lights of Bilibin.
I know it's my own work and all, but aaaah the fluff, I can't even handle how good it makes me feel :). Not trying to praise myself or anything, but I think this is my favourite chapter so far. I'm kind of a softie so even small moments of fluff and mush and whatever else you wanna call it are my cup of tea… except I don't like tea, but you get the idea.
I had some trouble balancing Isaac's angst with his comfort around Mia, but let it be known that he is still supposed to be depressed about everything; Mia just knows how to make him feel good ;).
As always, R&R and check out my soundcloud!
-GengaJupite
