I updated the Dramitis Personae to take out non-plot significant characters.

Disclaimer, I do not own Golden Sun, Camelot and Nintendo do.

Dramatis Personae

Isaac, Venus Adept, Not dating Jenna

Jenna, Mars Adept, Dating Matthew

Felix, Venus Adept,

Calsen, Venus Adept, Friend of Isaac (OC)

Mia, Mercury Adept,

Garet, Mars Adept

Sheba, Jupiter Adept

Matthew, Venus Adept (OC-Not Isaac and Jenna's son) and dating Jenna

Mask, Venus Adept

Chapter 10, Hurt: Funeral for a Friend

The camp was silent as Mia returned carrying Sheba's body. Jenna felt tears coming to her eyes; Ivan stared in shock at Sheba's body; Kraden hid his face and Matthew looked down in shame. Everyone felt that it was their fault. Dinner was silent and the next day as well. Matthew ended up becoming sick of the silence, so at lunch the next day he decided to speak up. "Guys, I… I know that an atrocity has happened, but we need to do something" Everyone looked at him a second and then turned their faces back to their meals. "Don't you think that Sheba at least deserves a decent funeral?" Matthew struck a nerve there. "We are not disrespecting our friend. We are mourning our friend's death! Why can't you respect that?" Mia nearly screamed at Matthew. "No Mia, Matthew is correct. We must return to New Vale and give Sheba the funeral she deserves" Kraden interjected softly. "But what about our mission? What about Garet if we stop for Sheba's funeral we may run out of time for Garet?" Mia cried out. Kraden thought for a moment before answering. "Matthew you do not know Sheba well correct?" After Matthew nodded Kraden continued. "Then I suggest that we send Matthew to Hesperia for the Gaylin Weed while we set up Sheba's funeral. Well speak up is that ok with everyone?" Kraden questioned. Everyone nodded so they quickly put away their gear and made the long journey to the ship. The group quickly set sail. Kraden quickly went to his bed chamber and took out his messenger pidgin. Kraden quickly scribbled down a note to New Vale saying:

Dear New Vale

A member of our group has fallen, we will be returning soon with the body; please gather the Warriors of Vale for the funeral. Also, please make the necessary requirements for the funeral.

Sincerely, Kraden.

After Kraden had attached the note to the leg of the pidgin he went up to the deck and released it. Kraden went to his room and for the first night in almost a week, slept very well. Meanwhile, Ivan was trying to keep the ship steady but was having trouble because of the strong waves. Ivan called out for Mia. He had hoped that she could calm the waves with her Mercury Psyenergy but she wasn't answering his calls. Sighing, Ivan figured it would be a long night. Matthew sat on his bed in his and Ivan's shared room. Getting bored, Matthew stood up and walked downstairs and began to explore the ship. Eventual Matthew arrived at the crystal powering the ship. Matthew walked to it and touched it, feeling its intense power. "Exploring are you?" Jenna teased with a smile. "Oh, just a little" Matthew returned, also with a smile. "Want some company?" Jenna asked. "Always" Matthew put his arm around Jenna and pulled her close. Jenna smiled and put her arms around Matthew's neck, pulling him closer. Jenna smiled and passionately kissed him.

Mia had finally beckoned to Ivan; after he woke her from her nap. Mia was angry and had half a mind to simply throw Ivan off the boat, but she didn't because that was who she was: the kind, quiet and shy one. Ivan had asked Mia to calm the waves with her psyenergy, so she did. After that, Ivan realized that the boat wouldn't fly so he asked Mia to check out the power room; again, Mia complied. Mia was a bit annoyed but managed to keep it under control. After a few minutes of walking she made it to the power chamber. Mia thought she heard a loud moan and so she stuck her head in; what Mia saw shocked her. She saw Matthew, shirtless, passionately kissing Jenna. "AHEM" Mia coughed loudly. Both Matthew and Jenna turned and looked at Mia; both were obviously embarrassed. Mia walked over to the discarded shirt and picked it up. "Leave. NOW" Mia demanded. Jenna and Matthew nodded their heads and ran to his shirt and then out the room. Mia put her hand to her face and shook her head. Mia put the crystal back in its correct place and then walked up to her room. "What am I going to do with them?" Mia asked herself before going to sleep.

The next morning the group had made it to the closest dock to New Vale. After a quick goodbye Matthew paid for a boat ride to Hesperia. Jenna, Mai, Kraden and Ivan acquired the casket the Valeans had sent and put Sheba's body in it. They hired a wagon to take them to New Vale and slowly, sadly rode to New Vale. A thunderstorm began on the way there. It was raining harder than Mia had ever seen. The thunder was deafening; the lightning was a massive explosion of light. The winds were like hurricanes and the sadness was like a tsunami. When the group finally arrived at New Vale they were all soaking wet. Jenna and Mia walked into Jenna's house and went to Jenna's room. When they got there, they looked at each other for a moment and then they looked at the third bed: Sheba's bed. Then the tears flowed freely. The girls held each other and just sat there and cried. After a long time, Jenna had fallen asleep; she still had tears on her cheek. Mia took a blanket and put it on Jenna. Then she left Jenna's house and walked down to Garet's house. She knocked softly and she heard a faint "come in" so she did. Mia went straight to Garet's room. She saw him lying there, Mia thought he looked a little better but then looks are deceiving. The thunder boomed but Mia didn't even flinch, the sadness was still there, but now she had Garet; his aura of protection keeping Mia from tearing up. Mia saw him shuffle in his sleep. With his presence guarding her, Mia drifted to sleep.

Garet awoke the next morning and noticed something against him. He looked over and there he saw, in the flesh, his love: Mia. Garet instantly smiled, having come to expect and ignore the pain. In actuality however, the pain had only increased, dramatically so. "Hey, wake up" Garet said softly. Mia's head rose up. Garet saw dried on her cheeks; then Garet remembered the letter his mother told him about. "Mia who is it that died" Garet asked quietly and worriedly. Tears came to Mia's eyes again "Sheba" Mia said extremely softly. Garet closed his eyes. He wasn't terribly upset because he and Sheba had little interaction, but it was still sad to know that a comrade had fallen, it also hurt to see Mia like this. "I'm so sorry Mia" Garet offered. "I already miss her" Mia plunged her head against Garet's shoulder, tears flowing down her face. "It will be ok Mia" Garet was just trying to get her to stop crying, he had no idea what else to say. So he just held her close. After a while, Mia stopped crying. She told Garet bye and weakly walked to Jenna's house. She borrowed some clothes from Jenna and quickly changed. Then Mia went to the Mayor, Garet's grandfather. After inquiring about Sheba's funeral, she learned that it was to be held the next day; the mayor also wanted to know if Mia wanted to say anything. Mia nodded her head and said that she would say a few words. The mayor thanked her and then Mia left. She grabbed a quick lunch and then went to Jenna's house to talk for a while. After a day of playing and chilling; the girls went to sleep.

Isaac knew he was bleeding, he also knew that if he diverted his attention for even a second he would be dead. Isaac barely dodged his opponents' attacks although occasionally he wouldn't and he would bleed. Isaac's opponent was the Champion of Lalivero; a man named Rider. Rider bore shoulder length jet black hair, he had a full beard as well. He had dark brown armor with a green trim. Rider used katana and had created a Psyenergy technique that split him into three people. All three continually came at him. Isaac could dodge and block two blows but three? He just didn't have enough arms; So Isaac was just stuck, bleeding out slowly. Isaac screamed in frustration. "THAT IS IT! NO MORE MESSING AROUND" Isaac bellowed. Quickly, Isaac dodged the coming sword and used the earth to launch himself into the air. Isaac called down the Titan Blade; it went straight into the First Rider. As Isaac landed he sent out an extremely powerful earthquake, sending the Second Rider far back. Isaac turned around and faced the Third Rider. The Third Rider glowed for a moment; Isaac saw in his peripheral vision the bodies of the First and Second Riders disappear. Isaac charged Rider, Gaia Blade in hand. Isaac ducked and then swung upward, slicing Rider's throat. Isaac stood over the bloody body for a moment before walking away. Isaac was about to leave the battlefield when he heard a loud sound like someone gathering up psyenergy for a massive attack. Isaac turned around and saw an aura of psyenergy around Rider. Slowly, Rider stood. Rider absorbed his aura, and then unleashed it like a bomb. Waves of black psyenergy rolled out of him, hitting Isaac. Isaac staggered back, momentarily blinded and stunned. When Isaac looked again, Rider had transformed: He had two blood red demon wings, dark red armor, and golden tubes going from his ribs to his triceps, a blood red helmet and a large eye on each shoulder (If you want a better visual look up Doma the Angel of Silence yugioh card Rider looks like him except no angel wings). Rider also had a large staff with a sharp crescent moon blade at the top. Despite his new demonic look, what scared Isaac the most was Rider's eyes. They glowed blood red, had no pupils or cornea, they simply glowed blood red; Isaac could actually see blood fall from them. In a new, more ominous and cryptic voice, Rider spoke: "I am no longer Rider, I am Haunt" Haunt raised his staff above his head and cried out in a foreign language. Suddenly, the dark sky let out a blast of lightning, black lightning. The lightning struck Haunt's staff, the staff then acquired a black aura. "By the darkness in me, DIE" screamed Haunt. Isaac leaped to dodge, narrowly missing the explosion of darkness. Isaac looked at the unleashed carnage in terror. The black sphere of darkness was still there, and it was unleashing an unhealthy amount of undead, skeletons and just general demonic creatures. Isaac's attention was split, and he didn't see the second ball of darkness that was sent at him and engulfed him. Instantaneously Isaac was in a dark black room, the only visible figures were white ghost and spirits… which were attacking him. Then Isaac saw Haunt, if possible, he looked even more demonic. "Welcome to my realm" Haunt then let out the classic "evil villain" laugh ("") Isaac, looking for a way to survive, charged the ghosts and spirits; slicing and dicing, slashing and thrusting, Isaac was plowing through them... until Haunt raised his crescent staff again. He swung it in an arc above his head before slamming it down on floor, blade side down. Isaac saw the quake of darkness being sent at him and quickly ran out of the way. When the quake reached where Isaac had stood, a large hand reached out and grabbed the floor and pulled itself out of the ground. The creature was giant. It stood ten feet tall and had a mace as one arm. IT had an executioners' garb, with black leather around his chest and part of his legs; the creature also had a silver helmet around the head, blocking Isaac from seeing its eyes. It roared and charged Isaac, with its mace-hand, it swung at Isaac's chest, with its' other hand it sent out a blast of dark fire. Isaac tried to jump over the mace, but Haunt appeared and hit Isaac into the mace. The attack tore out ligaments, small pieces of bone, skin, tissue and blood; lots of blood. Isaac laid on the floor, bleeding and nearly helpless; with little strength, Isaac sent out his Djinn to attack the Giant creature. The creature with its non-mace hand stopped the Djinn with a wall of evil fire. Although the attack itself failed, it allowed Isaac enough time to use his trump card: Judgment. Judgment's attack obliterated the creature, but Haunt raised a shield up so he wasn't damage as much as his pet creature. Haunt walked over to Isaac's body, content that Isaac would die and that he had won. Haunt smiled a dark and evil smile before plunging his crescent staff into Isaac. Haunt opened a portal and began to walk out of his realm when he heard something. Isaac had stood up. Haunt was in shock, he had seen Isaac dying, bleeding massive amounts of blood and have a large part of the skin of his back torn out. Haunt simply didn't know how Isaac could possibly stand after all he had been through, yet here he was facing him, with a golden glow in his eyes. Now it was Haunt's turn to feel fear. Isaac walked with growing fury, and power, Isaac quickly sprinted at Haunt before the portal could be closed, but he didn't know if he would make: it would be close.

The next few minutes could only be described accurately by a man in the audience who had the best seat: Ralphy. Ralphy had seen the first bit of the fight, the only part he hadn't seen was the fight in Haunt's realm. Ralphy had figured that Isaac had died (which shocked him) but stayed to be sure. After Isaac had been sent to Haunt's realm, Haunt had followed him into the darkness. Now Ralphy didn't think of himself as a genius but prided himself as a learned man (A/N: he isn't) so he assumed if you killed an enemy you wouldn't walk into the thing that had killed him. (A/N: he has his moments) So here Ralphy was waiting for someone to exit the darkness. Suddenly, the darkness got much brighter, then, a giant sphere of golden light exploded from the sphere of darkness. Ralphy saw Haunt sprawling on the ground, weak and coughing. Ralphy could just barely see the outline of a figure in the golden sphere of light. Ralphy was shocked however, to see Haunt rise from his place and float above the ground again. Ralphy then saw Haunt unleash his strongest attack; Ralphy also heard him scream "I AM DONE ISAAC YOU WILL DIE FROM MY ULTIMATE ATTACK: FINAL SILENCE" Ralphy guessed the name of the attack was you will die (A/N: he is wrong). Ralphy watched as a magnificent ball of grey energy was raised above Haunt. "DIE" Ralphy heard Haunt scream. The Final Silence was sent right into the ball of golden light but it seemed to only make the light stronger, in fact the light was becoming as bright as the sun, maybe even brighter. When the ball of grey energy was completely inside the ball of Light, it was set off, like a bomb. The blast engulfed Ralphy, completely wiping him from the face of the earth.

So this is the full power of the Golden Sun? Interesting, he could prove a challenge for the master ha-ha Haunt thought as he realized that he couldn't win. Haunt watched as Isaac brought his sword down, sending the Golden Sun right at Haunt. Haunt smiled as he felt his soul leave this vessel and return to the master. Isaac fell to his knees, exhaustion winning him over. When Haunt had smashed him into the mace, Isaac was sure that his life was over. Yet, when he finally saw the white light, a Golden light completely rejuvenated him. It re-grew his skin, cartilage, bone, and everything else knocked out of him by the attack. Isaac had felt strong enough to take on the Dullahan ten times and still win all on his own. Then Isaac had opened his eyes and saw the Golden energy around him, Isaac finally realized what Alex had meant at Colosso. "The power of the Golden Sun is within me" Isaac saw quietly to himself. Isaac smirked. He knew that with this kind of power, nothing could stand in his way. Isaac walked over to the remaining ashes and kicked them. Suddenly, Isaac fell on the ground, the Golden Sun's power left him, and Isaac felt weaker than he had in a long time. A nap sounded quite nice to him so he closed his eyes and went to sleep. Luckily for Isaac, some spectators had returned when they saw the Golden Sun, they saw Isaac lying on the ground alive and brought him back to town to heal him.

Matthew trudged through the murky ground in Hesperia. He was angered, annoyed and mildly upset. Matthew was angered because he had been forced on this mission. He was annoyed because he had to go alone. Matthew was upset because he knew he wouldn't complain. Matthew knew he was doing this for one of Jenna's friends; and Matthew knew he would do anything for Jenna. So here he was, trudging through the wet murky lands of Hesperia. It didn't take Matthew long to discover the giant lake. Before Matthew dove in, he created a hollow rock jar filled with air. Then Matthew jumped in to the lake. After two hours of searching, Matthew found it, the Gaylin Weed in all its' glory. Matthew beamed at finding it and quickly gathered it up before returning to the surface and the rented boat. Matthew, soaking wet began the journey to New Vale.

After a good couple days of rest, Isaac had received a letter from Garet saying that a Warrior of Vale had died and that the funeral was happening soon. So Isaac, after paying the Great Healer, quickly returned to New Vale hoping he had made it in time. Isaac gathered Phoenix and rode as fast as he could home. Isaac was worried about who had died, the letter hadn't said. Isaac just knew it couldn't be Jenna, he would have known if it was her. Isaac rationalized that Garet would have said it was Mia if Mia had died. So that meant it was Ivan, Sheba or Kraden. In all honesty, Isaac hoped it was Kraden, mostly because Kraden was far older than the other two. Isaac rode all day and all night and was quite relieved to see New Vale after having had such a long journey. Isaac rode to his house; when Isaac saw his parents he gave his mother a peck on the cheek and gave his father a hug. Isaac then went to his room, bathed himself and then quickly went to Garet's house. When Isaac opened the door he was went straight up the stairs and into Garet's room. He saw Garet asleep on his bed and Mia sitting on a chair. Mia turned as she had heard Isaac coming up the stairs. A temporary awkward silence ensued. Isaac decided to break it first. "Hi" he offered simply. Mia deciding to be cordial replied with an equally talkative comment "hello" "How is he doing" Isaac asked. Mia sighed before answering. "He says he is doing better but I he's lying and has simply gotten used to the pain. Here look" Mia pulled Garet's covers down from his neck and Isaac saw how bad his injuries were. His skin still hadn't completely grown back, he mostly had underdeveloped skin, the thing about it though was that the skin had a deathly darkness growing, it was like a disease that couldn't be stopped. "Mia is there anything I can do?" Isaac asked since he had finished his duties to Tolbi. "Well I would say help us get the final ingredient for the cure but I don't think you could get along with Jenna and our new recruit" Mia said casually. "New recruit who is it?" Isaac asked quickly. "You remember Matthew that guy you faced in the finals?" Mia asked. "Yeah, but why wouldn't I get along with him? He was kind and cool" Isaac asked, clearly confused. "Why don't you ask Jenna?" Mia suggested. "No why don't you just tell me now?" Isaac retorted. "Because you need to ask Jenna, not me" Mia said loudly. "Why should I ask Jenna why won't you tell me" Isaac asked, also getting louder. "You're impossible, why won't you listen to me?" Mia was annoyed now. Isaac, realizing that (A) they almost woke up Garet and (B) that he should probably listen to Mia and not get any other close friends angry at him. "Mia I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been a jerk" Isaac said while looking at the floor. When Mia didn't reply Isaac went back to the stairs. Just before he was out of sight, he heard Mia say "I forgive you" Isaac said thank you and then left Garet's house. Isaac, unsure of how to seek out Jenna, ultimately decided to find Ivan, since he had know him for a while, he thought Ivan would still like him. Isaac knocked at Ivan's Inn room door and was quickly greeted by a "come in" When Isaac walked in he was amazed to see that scrolls, books, letters and just random pages covered almost everything in the room except two chairs, some of the floor and some of the bed. Ivan himself had his head in a book, and was eating a small bowl of noodles. "Ivan" Isaac said a bit loud to make sure Ivan could hear him. Instead, Ivan raised one hand without looking up from his book. After a minute Ivan took out a pen and wrote something down, then he out down his book and turned to look at Isaac. "Isaac?" Ivan questioned with surprise and joy. "Hello Ivan" Isaac replied with a smile. This seemed to snap Ivan out of his weird look. "How have you been?" Ivan asked. "Pretty well, nearly got killed twice you know just the usual, what about you? How is your adventure going?" Isaac asked. "Well, we got two of the ingredients and Matthew's getting the third, but Sheba was killed so… it isn't the greatest but, its going" Ivan said slowly and sadly. So that's who was killed! Well that sucks but, I wasn't that close to her really… "Ivan can you tell me where Jenna is?" Ivan thought for a second before he answered, "She is probably in her room. She was really upset about what happened to Sheba…" Ivan looked down and sniffled a bit. "Um thank you Ivan, I'll see you later" Isaac said, slightly warily. Isaac hurried to Jenna's house, but to no avail, she wasn't there, only an angry Felix who, literally, kicked Isaac's butt and threatened to do more if he ever came back. Isaac thought of where Jenna liked to go to be alone. Isaac remembered the bridge that he had met her at for the Declaration of New Vale. After a quick jog, he saw Jenna there, not on the bridge, but on the shore near the pond. Isaac walked over to her "Jenna?" Isaac asked. Jenna didn't turn around or do anything at all, she ignored him. Isaac grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her "Jenna" Isaac said loudly. She still didn't do anything. Jenna was trying to keep her cool. Isaac then did the unexpected; he kissed her, only because she wouldn't do anything else. As soon as the kiss broke off, Jenna slapped him hard. "GET AWAY FROM ME" Jenna pushed Isaac away. Jenna began to walk away but only made it to the bridge before Isaac stopped her again. "Wait Jenna, we have to talk" Isaac pleaded. "Talk about this" Jenna kneed him right in the crotch, Isaac stood there for a moment completely stunned. Jenna watched the look of utter pain on her face and tried to hold in her smile. "That, was, un, called for" Isaac said between breathes. "No this is uncalled for" Jenna punched him in the face. Isaac was sent through the bridge's railing and into the pond. Jenna promptly walked away, smiling to herself. Isaac lay there, in the pond floating, for a good five minutes before slowly, agonizingly slowly, making his way to the shore where laid down for ten minutes. "I guess she really didn't want to talk to me"

Jenna went back up to her room, and saw Felix there, it seemed as though he was waiting for her. "Jenna" Felix stood and glared, Kraden dropped that you have a new boyfriend. Who is it?" Jenna could tell that Felix was pretty angry so she was careful before answering. "The contestant who fought Isaac in the finals of Colosso, he also saved my life (A/N: I am referring to when they fought the Guardian). Felix was silently glaring and then with a stubborn sigh walked out of Jenna's room. Jenna noticed that he was limping. Strange, there isn't anyone who could really challenge him, except maybe Isaac, but Garet told me that Isaac went on some kind of adventure Oh well. Jenna was curious but decided now wasn't the time to ask. Jenna was tired so she took a quick shower and then went to sleep. The next day was the day before the funeral for Sheba. After waking up sourly, Jenna put on some new clothes and went to the graveyard managers. She affirmed that they had put Sheba in new formal clothes and had prepared a coffin and gravesite for her. After being sure that everything was ready for the funeral, she went to Garet's knowing that Mia would be there. Jenna quickly arrived there and went up the stairs. She saw Mia, lying in the bed with Garet with a content look on her face. Mia slowly opened her eyes and smiled, seeing your best friend in the hold world does that to a person, well actually second best friend only because of Garet though. "Hi Jenna, what are you doing here?" Mia sweetly asked. "I wanted to talk to you… about Isaac…" Jenna was looking at Garet, she didn't have anything against him, it was just that Garet was the only one on Isaac's side instead of hers. Sure some people (like Mia) were polite to Isaac but they didn't think Jenna did anything wrong. (In actuality Garet thinks that she over reacted and that Isaac shouldn't have even hung out with Calsen that much, but he keeps that to himself) Mia caught what Jenna was saying so she motioned for Jenna to follow her downstairs to the room Garet's mother had made for her in case she ever wanted her own bed. When they arrived Mia sat on her bed and looked up at Jenna. "What about Isaac?" Mia asked. "I saw him today" Jenna said. Mia nodded so Jenna continued talking: "I tried to ignore him, but then he kissed me so I slapped him and walked away. Then he stopped me at the bridge and asked me to talk with him, so I kicked him in the crotch. Then he had the nerve to say that it was uncalled for so I punched him really hard and he fell into the pond. I hate him he has just made my life miserable" Jenna let sigh of anger and put her head to her hands. "There, there sweetie it will be ok, remember Matthew, you have a better guy now" Mia didn't exactly believe her words, but she knew that this is what she needed to say to make Jenna feel better. "Thanks Mia you're so kind to me, unlike Isaac" Jenna wanted to spit at the name. "Jenna dear, why don't you spend the night here?" it will be fun we can have a sleep over, what do you say?" Mia was tired and thought some girl time would be nice. "Yeah that does sound fun" Jenna smiled. So, after getting a sleeping bag from her house, Jenna set it up on the floor of Mia's room. They played games for a bit, then ate and then talked. When it became midnight, the girls decided to go to sleep.

Matthew was sweaty, stinky, exhausted, annoyed and sad all at once. He had finally arrived back in Angara, only to learn he had a long walk to New Vale. So, here he was, walking all day and all night, just for his girl. Matthew knew he wasn't going to complain to her, he knew he wasn't going to stop walking. Matthew had finally learned that he was very close to Vault which was the nearest town to New Vale, so he was beginning to think he would wash up and stay at Vault for the night and then head to New Vale in the morning. After finally making it into town, Matthew went straight to the Inn. He paid for his room and quickly went to wash up. Matthew took three baths before he was clean. After his baths, Matthew went straight to bed and quickly fell asleep. In his dream, Matthew was back in Tundaria, before him was Mask. Mask somehow looked more evil and demonic than ever before. "You will fall, Matthew" Mask said ominously. Matthew began cowering in fear, knowing he couldn't even lay a finger on Mask. Then, Matthew saw Jenna. She was being held by Mask, a sword to her throat. 'You will be powerless to stop me, and powerless to save the ones you love" Mask prophesied. "I will destroy you an-" Mask stopped midsentence when he felt Ra's Vengeance in his armor. Matthew would not let anyone hurt Jenna. Thrust, parry, block, thrust, flip dodge, duck and swing; Matthew did all this in his battle. He felt Mask's blade of death inches from his neck. Matthew saw his blade, slicing Mask. Matthew felt like he might actually win! Matthew swung high and diagonally, but Mask simply raised his blade to block the attack. Mask then swung his blade and sliced Matthew's arm in half. Matthew however, ignored the pain and swung up with all his might; he resulted in slicing off Mask's arm. "This has been fun, but now you shall die" Mask warped back several feet, and then raised his sword above his head. Mask swung his blade down and sent out a shockwave of darkness right into Matthew. Matthew crashed into a wall of rocks, temporarily paralyzed. Mask then walked over to Jenna and raised his blade. Before he struck, Mask looked at Matthew again and said the most cryptic words Matthew had ever heard: "There is nothing you can do to stop me" Mask swung his sword down and Matthew woke up. Matthew sat up quickly in his bed, he was sweating. Matthew looked out the window and looked at the sun. "It was just a dream" Matthew said quietly to himself. Matthew noted the position of the sun and, realizing the time, quickly hurried to get go to New Vale.

Jenna awoke from her loving dream and sat up. She remembered that today was the funeral so she quietly and quickly walked to the washroom. When she arrived, she drew water and took a quick bath. After her bath, Jenna dried herself off and quickly walked back to Mia's room and tried to open the door only to discover that it was locked. Jenna decided to brush her teeth while she waited for Mia to finish doing whatever it was that she was doing. After she was done brushing her teeth, Jenna walked back to Mia's room only to see that it was still locked, sighing, Jenna leaned against Mia's door. Unknown to Jenna, Isaac had arrived early at Garet's house to help Garet get ready for the funeral. Isaac had been quite because he didn't want to wake anyone up. Isaac walked down the hall, connecting to the stairs to Garet's room. Isaac saw Jenna, clad only in a small towel leaning against a door in the hall.. Isaac eyes nearly fell out of his head, Isaac quietly exclaimed "what?" Jenna hearing this turned around and saw Isaac standing there. Jenna wondered what Isaac was doing there, but, at that moment, Mia opened the door. Somehow, Jenna's towel had gotten hooked to the handle of the door, and when Mia opened the door, it pulled Jenna's towel off. Jenna quickly did her best to cover herself up and blushed a color that would put apples to shame. Isaac reflexively closed his eyes and turned around seeing nothing but the color on Jenna's face. Jenna was immensely glad that Isaac still had some manners and ran into Mia's room and slammed the door shut. Isaac hearing the door slam shut opened his eyes and walked up the stairs to Garet's room still laughing to himself.

Jenna was beginning to regret the fact that she had told Mia what happened. Mia was still laughing when Jenna left the house. Half an hour after the episode with Isaac, Jenna had left Mia's house to get ready for the funeral. Jenna, for one of the only times in her entire life, wore her hair down, it fell to just below her shoulders. Jenna was wearing a black dress, with straps. Jenna had put on lip stick and a little make-up. Jenna had combed her hair so that it was nice and straight. Jenna put on finger nail polish and toe-nail polish. Jenna looked herself in the mirror, content she left her room and walked to the courtyard for the funeral. The sky had dark clouds, thunder would boom loudly and the lightning was brighter than usual, as if Jupiter itself was lamenting for the last of the Anemos. As soon as Jenna took a step under the pavilion, the downpour began. There was rain and hail; it was raining harder than Jenna had ever seen. It made the sadness in the air all the sadder. Jenna sat in her chair on the front row, next to Felix. When she saw Mia motioned for her to sit with her. Jenna also noticed Isaac sitting on the closest seat to the middle, next to him sat Garet in a wheelchair. Next to Felix sat Karst, then Piers. On Isaac's right sat Ivan and to Ivan's right was Kraden. Behind them sat most of the town along with the parents of the Warriors of Vale. Jenna watched as the Great Healer walked up to the podium at the head of the pavilion. He began his speech with a quote of the legendary Wise One: "be grateful that some lived, for the only thing worse than a friend dying, is two friends dying" (A/N: I know he never said this in game, but I would assume that there are legends about him) The Great Healer puffed up his chest and stood as tall as he could. "I myself did not know young Sheba, but what I know of her, must be admired. She was young, raised in Lalivero. She loved her friends and foster father. Sheba was miss-fortunate enough to be forced to journey with Saturous and Menardi, lucky for her though, Felix was there like a older brother to protect and care for her" The Great Healer stopped for a moment to take a sip of water. "Sheba became a powerful warrior, willing to do anything for her friends, in the end it was only through her protection that Jenna, Mia, Ivan, and Kraden survived. (A/N: no one knows Matthew so they don't mention him) Sheba, barely knew any of us, but was willing to sacrifice her time and efforts to help us survive. We owe our town to Sheba. So let us not lament her death, but celebrate her life" The Great Healer concluded his speech and the town clapped their hands in celebration. After the clapping died down, Kraden stood and walked to the podium. "We would now like to invite anyone who wants to say a few words about Sheba to come and say them now" Kraden went back to his seat and sat. Jenna stood first, she recounted a few happy memories of Sheba and then went back to her seat. Isaac went next, then Mia, then Ivan, then Garet, (who wheeled his chair around instead of walking to the podium) then Ivan, then Piers. Then surprisingly, Karst stood up and spoke about how Sheba was actually a tough opponent. Then finally, Felix stood and walked up to the poem. "Hello, first I want to thank you all for coming, it means a lot to the Warriors of Vale and it especially means a lot to me. I remember sitting at a campfire back when we were with Menardi. Menardi had grown angry at me and was going to beat me, but Sheba walked over to Menardi, and tugged on her arm. Sheba said "Miss Menardi please don't hurt Felix" As soon as those words came out of her mouth, I knew I would do anything to protect her because I knew she would do anything to protect me" Felix looked down for a moment and squashed the tears out of his eyes; after a moment he took out a scroll and continued. "It is now time for the reading of the will. Sheba's will states that she leaves her house to me and Karst for us to start a family. She leaves 2,000 coins and her furniture to Jenna so that Jenna can remodel and take over my (Felix's) room. She leaves half her books to Kraden and the other half to Ivan because they both love books. Sheba leaves Atropos' Rod to Mia as Mia is the only other person who can use it. Sheba leaves her remaining money to Piers, in order to fund his sailing. To Garet she leaves this ring and this note, and finally to Isaac she leaves this dagger. Once again thank you for coming. If you are friends or family you can walk with us to the graveyard for the burial" Felix finished and walked over to Karst and gave her a long hug. Jenna thought she saw a tear in his eye. Jenna herself had wept throughout the entire service. After Felix and Karst stopped hugging, Jenna went to her big brother and cried into his shoulder. Meanwhile, Garet was reading the note Sheba had left to him. It read: "Dear Garet, if you are reading this than I'm dead. The ring you our holding is the only possession that I had when I fell from the sky. I was going to give it to Isaac but he and Jenna broke up, I have seen the way that you look at Mia and I want you to propose to her with this ring. That way, I can be with my friends forever (A/N: she doesn't mean Garet and Mia specifically, she means all the Warriors of Vale and I'm going to say that Sheba regularly updates her will). Garet was touched, and felt a tear work its way up to his eyes. Garet looked at the ring and saw that it was solid Orihalcon, inscribed in the ring were words in the ancient language. After admiring the ring, Garet stuffed the ring in his pocket, not yet sure what to do with it. The Warriors of Vale waited for the crowd to disperse before walking with the body to the graveyard. The group surrounded the hole dug for the coffin; everyone was felt the sadness. Slowly, the grave keepers descended the body into the hole. The Warriors of Vale dropped flowers into the casket, and then with a tear-filled goodbye, watched it close. The Warriors stood there for a moment, it was all sinking in. Sheba was dead and they would never see her again. The girls cried their hearts out and the men also tear-ed up. Felix silently sulked, but remained otherwise emotionless. After an hour of sulking in the rain, the group began to walk back to their homes. When they reached the pavilion, Isaac stopped Jenna to talk to her. "Jenna I really need to talk to you, I want you to know my perspective" Isaac tried to explain. "I don't need to know your perspective" at the word "perspective" Jenna used her fingers to make air quotes. "Yes you do, because if you know my perspective you'll know that I didn't do anything wrong" At that, Jenna slapped him. "Isaac when your dating a girl you can't go kissing another girl, it's just wrong" "That isn't what happened, why won't you listen to me?" Isaac growled in frustration. "Because it hurts to see a guy you love kiss another girl" Jenna screamed. "Wait, you loved me?" Isaac had a blank look on his face, and was in shock. Jenna blushed red again, and said feebly, "Isaac please, just leave me alone" Isaac, snapped out of his shock then. "I can't Jenna" "and why not?" Jenna was getting angry again. "Because I love you too" Now it was Jenna's turn to be in shock, luckily she got out of it faster than Isaac. "Well it's too late, you had your chance and you blew it so just leave me alone" Jenna turned away and began to leave but Isaac grabbed her arm. "I can't Jenna, I love you and I know that we're meant to be together" Isaac was adamant. "She said to leave her alone" a voice cried out. "This doesn't concern you" Isaac retorted. "Yes it does" Jenna looked to where the voice came from and saw Matthew, standing with a hand on his hilt. "Matthew, what does this have to do with you?" Isaac looked at Jenna and saw her blushing. "Wait a second, you and him? Seriously? We just broke up" Isaac put two and two together. "Yes, now would you be kind enough to let go of her" Matthew politely asked. "Isaac took a step back and let go; but at the same time Isaac used his Venus Psyenergy to throw a large rock at Matthew. In one fluid motion, Matthew drew Ra's Vengeance and cut the rock in two! Matthew held his hand high and with Venus Psyenergy, launched the ground beneath Isaac's feet into the air with Isaac still on it. Isaac jumped off the flying ground, and drew the Gaia Blade. Isaac swung his sword in front of him, and brought it down onto Ra's Vengeance. Before something critical happened, Matthew sent the Gaylin Weed to Jenna via Venus Psyenergy. Then Matthew got serious. He did a quick back flip, and readied himself for a powerful psyenergy attack. Matthew unleashed a wave of earth at Isaac. However, Isaac had used the Sand Psyenergy to dodge the attack. Isaac then summoned three large boulders and threw them at Matthew. Matthew dodged the first, destroyed the second and then jumped onto the third. Matthew commanded the boulder to return to Isaac. The boulder speed up and went straight to Isaac. With a strategic slice of his sword, Isaac destroyed the boulder only to receive a kick to the face. Matthew had jumped off the boulder at the last second and smashed his boot into Isaac's face, sending Isaac to the ground. Isaac jumped to his feet and gritted his teeth; then he summoned Flint to the Gaia Blade. Isaac swung at Matthew's sword arm and succeeded in drawing blood. Matthew let out a curse of pain but continued to fight. The two seemed to be at a stale mate. If Matthew attacked Isaac blocked, if Isaac attacked Matthew could block it. This continued to happen for ten minutes. The duel had taken them to the small cliff where the Warriors of Vale had eaten long ago. (Chapter One) Matthew, tired of fighting, charged Isaac and knocked him of the cliff. Isaac rolled for a bit before jumping to his feet. "Alright Isaac, I've had enough of this, I'm ending it now" Matthew raised Ra's Vengeance above his head and shouted out "BANE OF APOPHIS" a giant Golden Eagle erupted from the blade, it flew a circle around Matthew before flying towards Isaac. With the Gaia Blade in his hand, Isaac raised it above his head and bellowed over the sound of the Eagle "TITAN BLADE" As Isaac brought down his sword, the massive Titan Blade came, seemingly out of nowhere and sank right into the golden eagle, pinning the eagle to the ground just in front of the cliff. The eagle let out a massive cry of pain and then exploded, along with the Titan blade. Sending Isaac and Matthew flying back in opposite directions.

Isaac was the first to stand up, albeit still groggy and weak. Slowly Matthew stood too. A crowd had gathered at the sight of the explosion, Isaac could just barely pick out Jenna's head near the front of the crowd. Isaac then looked at the cliff, he could see Matthew rising, sword drawn. Isaac and Matthew looked each other in the eye and with a silent agreement, sprinted at each other full speed and swords drawn. Both were going to slash for the heart. As they approached target range, both closed their eyes and swung hoping for the best. Oddly, neither felt there blade connect. Both earth adepts opened their eyes to see Felix grasping the swords at the hilt. Felix threw Isaac and Matthew at each other, both crashed and hurt knocked their heads against each other. Both rubbed their heads and then looked at Felix, before they could ask their questions, they each received a blow to the face via Felix's fists. On the ground soaked in mud, both looked at Felix questioningly, expecting an answer and boy did they got one. "You idiots, you could have destroyed New Vale, and can't you see that your making Jenna feel worse. Isaac-she said to leave her alone, so leave her alone" Isaac began to get up, thinking that his portion of the rant was over; he was wrong. As Isaac was getting up, Felix punched him extremely hard in the stomach, making Isaac fall to the ground. "I'm not done with you so stay there and listen. AND YOU, you think that you can come in and take my sister before even meeting me? At least Isaac had the dignity have known me for years. NOW GET OUT OF HERE RIGHT NOW" Felix was screaming at the top of his lungs now. "AND YOU ISAAC, YOU PROMISED HER THAT YOU WOULD NEVER HURT HER AND WHAT DI YOU DO? YOU BROKE HER HEART THREW IT ON THE FLOOR AND STOMPED ON IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN" When Felix said "stomped" he began kicking Isaac in the stomach. Isaac lay there, repeatable getting kicked in the stomach, he decided to do something about it. When Felix's foot came down again, Isaac grabbed it and pulled it forward. Felix fell on his back in the mud. When Felix stood up again Isaac punched him in the face and angrily walked away into the downpour towards his parent's home.

Awhile after being berated by Felix, Matthew found Jenna looking at the pond she had pushed Isaac into. "Are you ok?" Matthew asked. "I should be asking you that" Jenna remarked. Matthew chuckled before lightly turning her head towards him and kissing her. After the kiss Jenna smiled, but Matthew could tell it was fake. "Jenna what's wrong? And I know it's not nothing" Matthew pleaded. "I used to be best friends with Isaac when we were kids, then we started dating and now this happened, I wish we could be friends again" Jenna admitted. Matthew gave Jenna a hug and held her close for a moment. "It's going be ok Jenna" Matthew told her. "Hey follow me" Matthew led her by the hand to a bench nearby. Matthew kissed her and Jenna decided that she wanted a break from sulking. Ten minutes later Matthew and Jenna were locked in a passionate kiss. After a while of this, Jenna stopped and blushing deeply, got up. "I'll talk to you later Matthew" With that Jenna walked away. Matthew wondered why he loved her so much. Jenna quickly made her way to Ivan's house, she had asked him earlier to read Isaac's mind to see if what he said was true. After a few minutes of walking she reached the inn and knocked on Ivan's door. The Mars Adept heard a faint "come in" so she opened the door and walked in. She saw Ivan, covered in books. Literally, a bookshelf had fallen over and trapped Ivan under his huge pile of books. Jenna laughed out loud and then helped him out of the books. "So Ivan have you read Isaac's mind yet?" Jenna asked. "Yeah, from what I read, he was talking to Calsen and then she kissed him. Apparently you just came in at the wrong time" Ivan looked down as he didn't want to catch the legendary fury of the beautiful Mars Adept. "Thanks Ivan, you're the best" Jenna gave him a thankful kiss on the cheek and then hurriedly left the Inn.

Felix, after scolding Isaac and Matthew, had gone, with Karst, to check out their new house. Upon arriving, it was obvious that it would need renovations. The cabin was small, barely enough for two people. It had one bathroom a bedroom and a kitchen/living room. It was quaint but Felix didn't mind. It reminded him of Sheba, his little sister (A/N: Felix means that he thinks of Sheba as his little sister). Felix was far sadder than anyone else about her death. Despite only knowing her for a few years, Felix had developed an incredibly strong bond with her. Probably greater than the bond Sheba had with Jenna. Felix grabbed Karst as soon as they entered and kissed her. After stopping for air, Karst and Felix explored the cabin. After finishing that, they re-entered the kitchen. Felix whipped up a meal for them and afterwards. They returned to their homes. Karst was happy with her life; her renewed relationship with Felix was something out of a book. Karst had dreamed of it but never thought it could happen. But now her wildest dreams had been fulfilled. Well most of them; Karst had yet to see Alex have a bad hair day but Karst didn't really think that would happen.

After a long hot bath, Isaac got into new clothes, a plain white shirt and a grey jacket with black pants that he had borrowed from his father. Isaac sheathed the Gaia Blade and left it in his room. Isaac went downstairs and walked to the local Inn. He asked the innkeeper where Matthew was sleeping, the innkeeper told him Matthew's room number and Isaac walked upstairs to Matthew's room. Isaac raised his hand and knocked on the door. After a moment the door unlocked and Matthew appeared there shirtless. "What do you want?" Matthew asked gruffly. "I wanted to apologize, I messed up and I'm sorry, I blew my chance with Jenna so take good care of her for me ok?" Isaac held out his hand. Matthew reached out and shook Isaac's hand. "I swear I'll protect her to the end" Matthew promised. "Thank you, Matthew" Isaac, having concluded his business left the Inn and walked to Garet's house. Garet's mother greeted Isaac and let him come in. Isaac thanked her and went up to Garet's room. When he walked up the stairs, he saw Mia watching Garet sleep. "Mia?" Isaac asked quietly. Mia turned and answered him "Yes?" "I want to go with you to get the ingredients" Isaac said. Mia was surprised but suppressed it well. "We only have one ingredient left the Mapolgi Flower; it's at the Apojii Islands, but Isaac why do you want to go with us?" Mia was concerned for Jenna; she had been hurt enough and didn't need to be hurt more. "To be completely honest, there are several reasons. One, Garet is my best friend and I want to help him live. Two, I want to get out of New Vale. And three, I want to win Jenna back" Isaac was telling the truth, he did want to get out of New Vale and he did want to help Garet, but the top reason was to win back Jenna. Mia thought about all this for a moment before she answered "You can go, but if you say one rude thing to Matthew or Jenna you will be on a one way trip to New Vale" Isaac was ecstatic. "Isaac, calm down or you'll wake up Garet" Isaac calmed down so Mia continued. "We are gonna leave in two weeks; I suggest you become fast friends with Matthew" Isaac nodded and thanked Mia; he gave her a hug and then began walking home. On the way, a pigeon nearly rammed into Isaac, it stopped just short and Isaac saw that it had a broken arrow in it. Isaac held out his hand and the pigeon promptly landed. Isaac poured healing psyenergy into the pigeon. Isaac had met the pigeon just in time to save it. Then Isaac noticed the small scrolls attached to its leg. The message bore the royal seal of Tolbi; quickly Isaac opened it, it read: [Dear Isaac, Suhalla, Lunpa and Lalivero are demanding that you return to duel their combined champions: Ark and Cross. Suhalla claims that Thor was their second strongest warrior and Lunpa claims that Bloodbeast was not born in Lunpa. Isaac we need you to return, they have challenged you to a double duel, you must bring a warrior of equal caliber to join the fight or we will be forced to forfeit and Tolbi will be destroyed! Please Isaac, come; from King Jerome.] Isaac folded up the note in put it in his pocket. Isaac decided to get some food at the inn before choosing what to do. As he walked there he thought about what to do. Hmm, well, I have two weeks before we set sail, so I do have time to go to Tolbi and back. But who can I take. Ivan-to weak, Felix-still angry, Mia-not a good warrior, Jenna-hates me, Garet-can't move, Piers, still angry, that doesn't leave anyone.

After having changed out of her Funeral clothes and back into her regular clothes, Jenna went to take Mia and Garet dinner. Arriving at Garet's room was tricky mainly due to the amount of pizza Jenna had bought. But she made it there. Mia laughed when she saw Jenna walk up with boxes piled higher than her head. Mia walked over and took half the boxes. Mia went and sat back in her seat and put the pizzas next to her. Mia opened the box and watched as the aroma of the food went to Garet's nose. Instantly he was awake. Garet grinned despite the pain and tried to reach for the pizza only for his arm to fail him. Mia giggled at the look on Garet's face and after a moment's hesitation feed him a quick piece. Mia took another and bit the crust, Garet and Mia began eating it together until their lips met in a kiss. Jenna opened her own box and began eating as well. Mia, Garet and Jenna talked. Jenna and Garet told Mia of some of their exploits as children. Mia told a story of a difficult healing case she had. One time she had treated a prince another time a poor peasant. Jenna was amazed that Mia had once even healed a rival. After Garet had finished the pizzas Jenna said her goodbyes after she walked downstairs, Mia ran down to tell Jenna something "Isaac is going to go with us to get the last ingredient" Jenna was surprised and delighted, luckily only the surprise showed. Jenna thanked Mia and walked to the pavilion. On the way she ran into Matthew who was on his way back to the Inn for dinner. "Hey Matthew, will you do me a favor?" Jenna asked while putting her best sweet face on. "Anything for you" Matthew replied. "Me and Isaac used to be close friends, so I want you to treat him kindly" Jenna asked. "But he atta-" Jenna stopped him with her pouty face. "But you said anything…" Jenna wasn't really that sad but she knew how to manipulate a man's feelings. Matthew, wanting to stay with his girlfriend muttered "fine" Jenna jumped with delight and kissed him. "Thank you" Jenna said with her sweet face back again. Then Jenna turned around and skipped off.

Isaac growled in annoyance as he walked into the inn because he still couldn't think of who to bring with him to Tolbi. Isaac went to the restaurant part of the inn and saw Matthew sitting at a table. Deciding to heed Mia's advice he walked over to the man. "Hey Matthew" Isaac waved. Matthew gave him the nod but said nothing. "Can I eat with you?" Isaac asked. "Yeah sure" So Isaac sat, while drilling through the list of things he could or should talk about, Matthew spoke up. "What's that?" Matthew pointed at the letter from Tolbi. Without thinking, Isaac took the letter and handed it to Matthew. Matthew read over it and then looked up "I'll go with you, unless of course you already found someone" Isaac showed surprise on his face and was about to decline Matthew's offer when he remembered Mia's words. "Thank you, I could definitely use your assistance" Isaac said. The waiter arrived with the food and gave it to the men, who began eating it fairly quickly. "So when do we leave?" Matthew asked. "Dawn, tomorrow" Isaac answered. "Great, I'll see you then" Matthew stood, walked to the innkeeper and paid for his and Isaac's meal. Since Matthew had paid for his meal, Isaac stood and walked around New Vale for half an hour. Eventual Isaac reached the pavilion where he saw Jenna sitting. Isaac walked over to her and sat in a chair across from hers'. "Jenna, I want to start by saying I'm sorry, I shouldn't have hung out with Calsen, I should have been with you. But I also want to say that I didn't kiss Calsen, she kissed me; Jenna, I'm sorry, I screwed up and now I'm paying for it" Isaac finished his apology and waited for Jenna to say something, for a few minutes she sat there saying nothing. "I know that you didn't kiss her, Ivan mind read you at the funeral today and then he came and told me. Isaac I'm sorry too, I overreacted. We both messed up. I'll tell Piers and Mia that they don't have to be angry at you and that it was a misunderstanding. One more thing Isaac, I know you didn't do anything, but we still broke up. I'm with Matthew now and I'm not gonna break up with him to get back together with you. But Isaac, we can be still friends again. If you want to that is" Jenna confessed all this with a few tears. "I would like that a lot" Isaac and Jenna had nice long hug before breaking apart and reminiscing like old friends; at some point they relocated to the Inn. After a few hours, Isaac got to his recent adventure, and at the conclusion of his tale he said. "Me and Matthew are gonna go back to Tolbi tomorrow morning for a final duel" Jenna nodded and said "yeah, before you stopped by Matthew came and told me" After Jenna told her tale, Isaac said "I'm gonna go with you and the other guys to get the last flower" Jenna nodded again and said "Yeah Mia told me at dinner" Isaac defeated gulped down his glass of milk. After a few more minutes of reminiscing, Isaac told Jenna he needed to go to sleep, Jenna agreed and after a friendly hug, they parted ways.

A/N: Thank you so much for your review, it meant a lot to get my first review. I'll do my best but it will probably be closer to the end of the fic (or the next chapter) before they get together again (although there might possibly be a sequel =). I was wondering, should I have Calsen in the story more? And if anyone has any questions ask away, you can pm me or leave it in a review. Again thank you for the review, it means a lot.