Thank you so much for reading!! I mean, I didn't actually expect reviews on the first night. Or day. Well, something. Anyway, feel free to ask questions, post up concerns or flaws in my fic, suggestions you think might help, or whatever. I'd really appreciate it, and feedback always helps the writer, which helps the story/novel/writing, which the readers should like, which helps the readers! See, it's a chain reaction!
Alex, Midnight C, & Snoopy: Like I said above, really appreciate the feedback you've taken the time to give me!! Thanx so much. ^_^
Nima: I suppose I was aiming for a different kind of plot line. My other fic follows really mainly along the much-trodden road of fall in love, blah blah. I'm trying to work hard on angst. And since I like writing romance... well... you get the idea, i hope...
Red Baroness: WOW. That really makes me feel so good!! Thank you. You really know how to make someone's day!!
Jupiter Girl: Do I ever know. But, I'm going to try. Really!! Even though I'm already late. Huh. Well, thanks for the review and support!
Thank you again, everyone!!
Triad Orion: We must be on the same vibe. I was wondering how Mia knew Alex, so the idea kind of bloomed... remember, everyone, I have another GS Isaac/Mia out there! Not that this is going to be an Isaac/Mia... or is it? Hehe. Thank you for the wonderful compliments!!
Helicopter Pilot: Hey, whatever couple turns out in the end really depends... I haven't really thought about it.
2 – Unexpected Visitor
"What are you doing here?" Mia backed away from the window, her voice straining tremulously as much as she didn't want it to.
"Look, Mia, I know I hurt you-"
"It's too late for apologies. You're only overdue by two years," she said harshly, turning away to regain her composure. Shock, however, still reigned over her senses, and the chill from the breezy air added more to her shaking. Suddenly, the wind was cut off, at least for the moment. Still lingering there was the coolness of the night, but the man had closed it for her benefit. He knows me too well.
"Mia, I really am sorry. You don't know how much-"
"Just- just what are you trying to do? Apologize? Asking for my forgiveness? Why should I? Go away, Alex. I already have a life here. You're no longer in it."
She now whirled around, mouth pulled down in a bitter scowl. Her cheeks were flushed from anger, her posture rigid and stiff. Alex did not move any closer, but his eyes were mournful and troubled, she could see. He never had been able to disguise all of his feelings. Hide them, shade them from view, that he could, but never change them to his liking and will. Especially not with her.
He's... light. Taller than Isaac, but still he steps lightly. Like a feather. Me and him both, really.
Mia shook her head from the traitorous thoughts. I shouldn't even be comparing them right now. All I want to do is get rid of him!
Alex stared, hurt, at the girl. Young woman. He'd always regretted not telling her of his departure... no, his abandoning her in Imil to help everyone by herself. Not that Mia couldn't take care of herself, but she always put all other people's well-being before her own. He'd never regretted his decision to join forces with Saturos and Menardi until after he'd thought about it. He'd truly never regretted his decision until now, with Mia standing right under his nose where he couldn't deny what she felt. Mia, I know you're angry. But could you be hiding something? Your eyes don't tell fallacies either.
"I know you are angry. But, after what happened-"
"Another excuse. I knew you wanted to travel and see the world, knew you were bitter about having to follow our paths as healers of Mercury, but I never dreamed you would leave. I thought at least that you cared about me, after what went on between us. I-" Alex... Mia shook her head in confusion and turned her back to him, the turmoil of emotions broiling inside, overwhelming her.
Strong arms enveloped her, one crossing at her waist and the other wrapping up and around her shoulder. Almost instinctively, her body reacted to the comfortable position and she covered both of his arms with hers, but when she realized what she'd done, her body went rigid and her arms dropped to her sides. I love Isaac... no longer you, Alex.
"What can I say except that I am sorry? Apologies will do nothing to quell what I have brought to the surface again, but I do wish to make peace with you. Possibly... even become friends again. You were the best friend anyone could have. You did a lot to help me through my upturned roots and settling down in Imil. You were the only one who understood. I've never forgiven myself for leaving, and when I saw you with the other three... I had to act somehow. If I let on that I knew you, Saturos and Menardi would have used that against me, and I didn't want to hurt you. Never would I consciously do such a thing." He released her suddenly, backing away at her unwillingness to even acknowledge his existence. She has a new life, Alex thought with a pang, and he glanced at the stars outside the clear glass window. I really have no right to barge in on it now. Not after what I did.
Mia stole a glance at him under her lashes as she moved slowly toward the window, staring at the same stars that he was. She could marvel at the changes that the last two years had brought upon him, see what was different from the last time he had been in Imil.
He's so different now. Not as arrogant, not as sure of himself. He's even let down that cold exterior of his, pretending that he is beholden to nothing and nobody, acting as if nothing affects him, acting as if he needs no one. The smallest smile graced her next thought. He's gotten more handsome and caring though.
Although she did not wish to admit it, deep down, Mia knew that Alex was telling the truth. How surprised she'd been when she had seen him with the two villains, and after seeing the rubble of parts of the lighthouse! I was ready to start bawling him out right there. But... he looked at me. And I knew I couldn't. Why? Why did I do something like that?
"I am telling you the truth, Mia," Alex said hoarsely. He searched for the slightest hint of forgiveness in her cold eyes, now turned away from him.
"I know."
"Oh, yes. The bond that comes with close contact between two Mercury Adepts. Well." His voice blended so beautifully with the lyrical language that she was speaking. Mia glanced at him, meeting his eyes. There was no emotion in them. They were as blank as the Mercury ice that was their power. As emotionless as the blue magic that often flowed from their hands to heal wounds inflicted upon others and themselves. Somehow... I'll find a way to tell you why I left, Mia. Sorry just doesn't cut it for you anymore.
"I have to tell you why I left, but I have no words in which to say them..."
"There will be time to talk more, but you should go," Mia whispered. Footsteps that she had heard approaching were now aimed for her door. Judging from the speculative look on his face, he heard them as well.
"You deserve an explanation, Mia. And I know I should not even expect to speak to you again, or to see you for the rest of my life, but I did love you. I don't know how I feel now." He shrugged helplessly. "With Saturos and Menardi gone from my life, I want to get to know you again."
She lifted her gaze sharply to his unwavering one, and they held the sight of each other for a brief moment. Both pairs of eyes were of the same shade, and neither blinked. Breaking eye contact, Mia shut her eyes painfully and turned her head away. Neither met the other's eyes again. Nor did they give farewells. Mia just stood and when he no longer could see her, watched as he opened the window, then silently swung himself out. Her many Djinn popped over the sill just as he disappeared, but Mia ran the few steps to the window and looked out.
Bewildered, she searched the view given to her. Where is he? There isn't much room for him to go. When she thought about what she was thinking, she rewrote it in her mind. Not that I care. Because I don't. Suddenly, she saw movement from atop the hill. There he was. His long blue locks gave him away in the full light of the moon. With a final bound, he was gone, with no sound even to prove his visit to her.
"Mia? Are you decent?" Without even waiting for her answer, Garet opened her door and walked in unashamedly. She began snickering at the disappointed look on his face.
"Garet, you wouldn't even ask that question if you didn't think it rude even for one such as you," Mia laughed lightly, forgetting about Alex's mysterious appearance. She reached for a light woolen cloak and wrapped it around herself to keep warm. The guard protested the very idea that he would even want to look at her bare body. His various splutters and indignant objections finally ended with the statement that he made every time they got into the very much familiar conversation.
"Mia, you know I'm a flirt! And I knew from the first moment I saw you that hidden under all those layers of clothes, there was a beautiful body in wait for your one true love." Both of them grinned jokingly at this. It was an ongoing humor between Mia and Garet, but the two knew that the other was never serious. It made for a light point in the days when they trekked tirelessly after the kidnapped Kraden, Jenna, then Sheba.
"Besides. Isaac would very likely kill me if he ever knew that I just walked into your room without knocking or any sort of warning." A funny look came into his eyes and reflected from his mouth as a grin. "He's protective of you in that way. Really, in a lot of ways. I still remember that time, when we were fighting against this one monster... I forget what it was!..."
While Garet began his nightly reminiscing seated on her wooden chair, Mia sat opposite him and listened, enraptured, capturing every detail. Garet really does have a flair for describing things in complete detail.
"Mia... Mia, are you listening to me?" Garet stopped his story in the middle of his sentence and looked at her eyes. She hadn't even heard him. Then light footsteps could be heard, and Isaac looked through the open door. He had the usual solemn look on his face, but his hair was now wet and as a result, not as unruly as it always was. Mia was still staring out the window as if she was thinking hard about something, and hadn't noticed him come in.
"It's cold outside," Isaac murmured, taking off his heavy coat. His mom had finally fallen asleep after he had checked in on her, and left Sap to guard her. Then, just as he had walked outside, Vine jumped off his shoulder and ran back. Racing after the small Djinni, Isaac discovered that the two were keeping each other company, their beady eyes glittering in the moonlight that spilled through the front door. Then, just as he closed the door, all the others except Flint jumped off of his body and hopped into the house.
"Agreed. What took you so long? I thought you were going to come with me, but you were so long off I didn't wait."
Isaac pulled Flint out of his pocket and folded the coat so it wouldn't rumple, as Garet's, thrown unceremoniously next to his chair, certainly would. "My Djinn were acting funny tonight. I insisted one of them stay with Mom, and just as I got outside, everybody else jumped off and ran in. It was strange, but after checking everything one last time, I left and got here." He looked strangely at Mia. "Is she listening to us?"
"I don't think so. Pondering about the stars, I guess. It is that time of year."
The two men shifted their views to Ivan, who was in warm clothes and carrying the light rapier that he had gotten. "Kraden told me that around these deep months of winter, clear nights bode well. Stars are out, and the moon as you can see. Certain positions of the brighter stars tell one's fortune of luck and love in the future. All of this is a myth, of course, of Angara. Angarans celebrate the Holiday of Stars every year and on a clear night, with no storms or clouds predicted, everyone just sits and watches the stars all night long. Sometimes, villages even have dances."
Mia snapped her head back in their direction. "What? Myth? What's a myth?"
"Holiday of Stars. How they tell the future and such. I've told you before, Mia."
"Oh yes. That." She smiled distractedly and indicated for Isaac and Ivan, both of whom were still standing, to sit next to her on the bed. As the others began talking about previous Holiday of Stars dances that they had attended (actually, only Garet was talking; the others were listening to his continuous string of stories) Mia thought back on one particular dance. It had been the second and last one she had attended with Alex, just before he had left on his sudden journey with Saturos and Menardi...
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Sorry, that was shorter than I intended. But I did finish this chapter in a day!! Sincere apologies if it wasn't as good as it's supposed to be. But yeah. ^_^ Review!!!!