Pike: Time for another chapter-write-up!

Lok: Uh-huh…

Pike: You seem kinda mellow today, Lok

Lok: Uh-huh…

Pike: Er… You're thinking about Link again, aren't you?

Lok: Uh-hu—HEY! Get outta my head!

Pike: Uhy vey… Anyway, time to see what Alex's story's up to.

Disclaimer: Pike Anderson and Lokhart do not own Golden Sun.

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Chapter 7: Leaving

Seven or eight years later…

Alex had been one of Mia's father's best decisions as an apprentice. Throughout the years, he had served almost every order given, and every task was seen done. Even during the early years, when the work was rough and the rest was scarce. He had little complaints. He was grateful for being shown mercy when he had none other to return to. Two years back, Alex graduated from his apprenticeship, and Mia's father went off to travel the world. That was a dream he had longed to have come true for a long time, but he was stuck to the north until someone took his place as defender of the Mercury Lighthouse and Imil. But that day, he had a mission to fulfill with Vale, as well. Helping to rebuild the town that guarded Mount Aleph. Just weeks before he left, a horrible storm struck much of the continent Angara. Someone had triggered the puzzle of Sol Sanctum, and the boulder of Mount Aleph fell upon the town. And so, he was off, and would not return before his daughter left Imil.

Of course, there was also Mia. Some also called her the "Blue-haired Angel", and Alex could see why. She was always so kind and calm and peaceful. She rarely showed anger. Of all the years Alex had known her, Mia had only lost her temped once. That was when someone was bullying Justin, and Megan was trying to help. It was only then that she actually released a cold Ice Missile on someone. Other than that, there was nothing else. She was… peaceful… in mind and soul.

…And Alex liked her for that.

They had become good friends, and Alex felt more comfortable joking with her. At times, he would go a little over his limit, and he would have to apologize to Mia. It was a hard thing to see… when she was ever…

Mia was always smiling, but she was never secure with herself. Alex was always concerned about her self-esteem, and how that would affect her future. But to boost that self-esteem, all he could do was… well, be her friend, and try to keep her happy when he was around.

But little did he know that he was about to be given the largest role of his life.

It was a bright day in Imil. There was hardly a cloud in the sky. But then again, the time of no snow (I don't want to say winter, because this really isn't Earth) was at this time. So, it rarely snowed, this time around. Alex was just leaving the house for his usual check on the Mercury Lighthouse. Mia was outside, playing with the little ones, Justin and Megan. It was a fun snowball fight, with screaming and laughing of joyousness. Alex smiled his usual dark smile as Mia turned to look over to him.

"I'll be right back, okay you two?" Mia said to the little ones.

"Okay!" they chimed. Justin threw a snowball at the unsuspecting Megan.

"Ow!" Megan cried, shaking off the snow. "Justin! No fair!"

And they continued. Mia walked over to Alex. As she got closer, she found herself shy with him, and her steps were smaller towards him. But eventually, with a slightly pink face, she reached and looked up at him.

"Doing the routine?" Mia asked.

"Yes," Alex said, "that I am. Did you want to come along or something?"

"Oh, uh… no, not really." Mia couldn't hold it in any longer. She threw her arms around Alex, catching him off-guard completely. "Oh, Alex! Please be careful!"

"Huh?" Alex was completely confused too. "What do you mean? I do this every week. It's not like I'd come back dead or anything."

"Don't say that!" She clung to him tightly.

Something was wrong in the way Mia was thinking, and it concerned him. "Mia… what's wrong?"

Mia had her eyes shut tightly as a tear formed just outside. "It's been… two years since Father left to see the world outside Imil. I… I'm just worried that he might be…"

"Don't. He's alive and well. I assure you, he is."

Mia nodded against his chest. "Promise me you'll come back, though. Please?"

Alex rolled his eyes in amusement. "Yes, of course. I promise I'll come back."

They embraced each other tightly. Alex ran his hand down Mia's hair a few times, and Mia looked up at him. The young man grinned his familiar grin at her. Then, he bent over slightly down to her head level… and planted a small kiss on her cheek. Without looking at her again, he turned around and started off for the lighthouse. Mia was just about speechless. Her heart was racing, pumping a very pink blush into her cheeks. For all the years they had become friends, this was the first time Alex had kissed her.

And quite possibly… the last.

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Pike: Hey, I think I'm almost done with this!

Lok: …You're joking, right?

Pike: Er… I'm serious about that… Is that a good thing?

Lok: It's only 7 chapters right now!

Pike: I know, but I'm just… Well, I haven't played Golden Sun or The Lost Age in like a year already, and I have no other inspiration to feed on. So, I think the last chapter will be the next.

Lok: Aw… ::cry::