On to chapter 6 then.
But first! A thanks to any and all who are reading this and of course, my very special thanks to the people who have taken time to review.
So, Celestia's Paladin, crazy reader, Bonar, Noel the mermaid, TrippyToastersAndABagOfChips , and Golden Sun Guy 17, thanks plenty for the reviews. I'm glad you did it.
Well, then, to the chapter I suppose.

Piers was nearly knocked clean off his feet by the bear hug he received from Jenna when he descended the stairs the next morning. All the wind left his body as his tired and strained back continued to crack while the Mars girl squeezed him closer. When at last the ability returned to him, Piers returned the hug as tenderly as he could. Jenna muffled something inaudible into his chest, but he did not ask her what, he just placed his hand softly on her back and patted her reassuringly.

She turned her head to look up to him, "Thank you so much, Piers." She beamed with her eyes and cheeks glittering with joyous tears.

Piers nodded and smiled down to her, using the end of his bandanna to wipe her tears away. He was glad he was able to save Jenna from such a horrible life of loneliness and sadness. He didn't dare imagine what may have happened had they lost Felix. They would most likely have lost Jenna too. They would have fallen apart. Isaac probably would have done what he could, but it wouldn't be the same.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!" She repeated, kissing him on each cheek and squeezing him closer, resulting in several more cracks from his back, "Can I do anything for you? Do you want some food or anything?" She said kindly, as she dragged him to a nearby table.

"No, Jenna, thank you, really. But for now I just want to rest I am quite exhausted." He yawned in return stretching out wide.

She nodded slightly, "Okay if there's ever anything you…"

Piers held up her hand and she stopped, "Thank you, Jenna. I am very appreciative." He said truthfully.

"Sorry… it's just… well if it wasn't for you Felix would…" Fresh tears formed in her eyes as she spoke.

Piers quickly moved from his seat to her side and put his arm around her. Fresh tears squeezed out from Jenna's eyelids as she brought her head down to rest on Piers' shoulder. He wiped them away with his bandanna again and made a mental note to keep a small handkerchief with him from now on.

"I mean you took care of Felix and Mia before we got to him, Chill guided us to you and then you did everything while we tried to heal Mia and just… Thanks, Piers." She smiled again.

"You're very welcome, Jenna." Piers smiled, though he sighed mentally, it was far too early for him to be up especially after how much he had taxed himself yesterday, "Is no one else up?"

She shook her head and frowned slightly, "They're all asleep, how's Felix?"

"Fine… from what I could tell anyway. He's resting peacefully at least." Piers answered, "Are we the only two up in the whole inn?"

Jenna shrugged, assuming that was the current situation. Smirking in response Piers released his Djinn, allowing them freedom for the first time in a while. Jenna, initially thinking it was a bad idea until Piers coaxed her to think otherwise, released hers as well. The Mars Djinn were taller than the other Djinn, but not as broad as Venus or Mercury's. The most noticeable difference between them was the obvious difference between head and body. They were a bright crimson with deep orange midriffs, they had tails resembling that of flames, they had short spiked ears atop their heads and bright blue orbs for eyes. They were always warm and comforting to hold, like a soft, warm pillow.

She smiled at the group of opposite elementals hopping around the room, and then an idea formed for Jenna, "Chill?" She called out to all the identical blue Djinn in the room.

All the Djinn were currently locked in a heated debate about whether they should freeze or burn one of the tables. The more pyro-maniacal of Jenna's Djinn were more interested in the effect of burning a Mercury Djinn. Some of the Mercury Djinn mused out loud as to what a Mars-flavoured Djinn-sicle might look like. One hopped over and jumped up on to the table, causing a vase of flowers to topple over, but thankfully Piers was fast enough and saved it from shattering on the floor.

"Hello, Jenna." It said softly, "May I help you?"

"I just want to say thank you." She smiled, "You brought us to Piers so we could help Mia and my brother."

He bowed slightly and Jenna rubbed his head, as though she was petting a dog. It let out a soft breath which she assumed was something like a cat's grateful purr. She beamed and nodded to it as it hopped off the table.

Mia awoke softly, her vision quickly returned and she saw the sky streaked golden and orange outside the window. She was in her bed, comfortably wrapped in warm sheets. Unbeknownst to her, Garet had carried her back into her room and ensured she was comfortable before returning to his own bed, which had been occupied by Mia. She smiled slightly, half-asleep, and pulled the sheets closer relishing the comfort and warmth. She felt a slight tingle in her left hand. She turned her head to see Felix, still bearing the scars on his naked chest, along with one that snaked its way over his body, holding her hand. She smiled serenely up at him. She reached up and touched his face with her free hand, and he squeezed hers slightly. He was there.

"You're awake." He stated.

She nodded, "You're okay."

"Vi'na mi'na'zi, Mia-kan'oi." A calm voice came from the foot of the bed, "T'ai'ras t'ai'u jano?"

Mia turned to see Piers standing there smiling down at her. She tried to figure out what in the world he had just said, convinced she had not yet fully recovered from the recent events.

Piers seemed to understand her expression, "Apologies, it's Lemurian for 'good morning, Mia. How are you?'. I tend to drift between the two languages."

Understanding entered Mia's eyes, "Oh, okay, good morning. I'm fine. Thank you for… well…"

He nodded in return, "You are very welcome. Oh yes. Fizz?" He called out. A blue stream flew from him and materialised into Mia's Djinni on the edge of the bed. It hopped up and down, causing Mia to giggle, happy with the knowledge that its master was alive and well. "He helped me while you were asleep, he couldn't return to you as you had passed out. It seems I forgot to return him." Piers smiled, petting the blue Djinni, "He is very helpful."

"Course he is." She beamed joyfully, pulling her first and most trusted Djinni into a joyous hug. It hummed slightly and then swirled around her re-joining with her mind and her other Djinn.

"Well, I am very pleased to see you so upbeat." He smiled wider, "Try and rest a little." He left the two Adepts, sensing private words were no doubt bubbling under the surface. They thanked him once more for his work and help before he got to the door.

Mia turned back to Felix, looking deep into his brown eyes. It had seemed like an eternity since she last saw them. He stared back at her with that same odd expression from her night with him, "Felix…" She whispered, feeling the sting of joyous tears.

She was so happy Felix was alive. It was the exact same Felix she remembered from the night. That caring, yet somehow distant and calm, expression that rested seemingly never-endingly on his face. Fear didn't even enter her thoughts. She reached up and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into an emotion filled hug. He returned it softly. She didn't know what to say. A few days ago, she didn't so much as want to be near him, now she had pulled him into a hug because he was alright, because she had helped him. It was her fault he had been hurt.

They held each other for a while, Mia just relishing the fact that Felix was alive. She didn't know what Felix may be thinking, or why he held the hug. Chances are he was just being gracious, but she wanted to believe he was thankful. She remembered that light she had seen within him, and dared to believe she had done it. She released him from the hug, wiping the feeling of tears from her eyes.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, "If it wasn't for me, you never would have been hurt."

Felix hand massaged her back for a moment or two, "It's okay, Mia. I assume you're the one who saved me?"

S-saved him? She hadn't saved him yet. She hadn't even begun to try yet. She looked down and nodded, muttering something. Felix raised his eyebrow and, instead of asking for a louder repeat, brought his ear closer to her mouth. Her mind thought carefully before she whispered her words silently again.

"…I…I didn't… I didn't want you to die…" She fought the tears away, "…I… I don't want… you to be… I don't want you to die…" She couldn't let him die. She just couldn't. She had to save him first. She had to save him from his curse. He couldn't die and be damned. He couldn't. She wasn't going to let him die, regardless of whether she cured him or not. She fought that thought internally, she would cure him and he would not die.

Her words surprised Felix. Of course he never let it show, as always. He looked at the crown of her head as she continued to stare downward. He placed his hand gently beneath her chin and turned her welled eyes up to face him, "Thank you, Mia." He said sincerely.

"Y-you're welcome…" She whispered.

Mia was averting his eyes. Felix wondered what was bothering her so much. So many theories formed and he thought that perhaps her care for people was the reason for her near tear-filled eyes. How could he assure her it was all okay? That from here things would get better? He wasn't an optimist, he knew full well they were just heading towards even more difficult challenges and he would have to die at the end, but for now he had to convince her it was okay.

He smiled.

He smiled a small, reassuring, thankful smile. Mia caught it in the corner of her eyes. It convinced her to pop a smile, her usual, small angel smile. It slowly grew wider until it was a wide gleam on her soft lips. To say Felix was surprised by this change would have been an understatement.

Mia pulled him into a hug again, "Don't… don't risk anything again… please?"

Felix felt it best to oblige, "Okay, Mia. I promise."

Garet's feet haphazardly paced back and forth in determined, focused paths. His eyes continued their repeated, increasingly angst, glances towards the stairs, "Where are those two?" He was so worried for them, or rather he was worried sick for Mia. After everything she had been through, first being delirious then passing out for Felix, he didn't know how she might be. Why did she have to be the healer so often?

"Stop asking that!" Sheba whined, the past few hours had been filled with that question.

Garet turned to Sheba, who was sitting beside a snickering Ivan. He shrugged, "Hey I'm just worried about them is all. I mean they weren't the best when we found them yesterday." It was true, Felix had been in a horrible state and Mia, less damaged physically, had still lost enough blood to cause substantial worry.

"I know you're worried for them, Garet," Piers said from across the room, "but do try to have some patience. They are perfectly fine, although I assume they are understandably tired."

"Garet, relax, they deserve a rest." Isaac said, raising his hand to his friend, "Just sit down and relax, will you? They're fine and you're creeping us all out. Stop it or I'll get Ivan to wipe your mind again."

"Ugh, fine." He sighed and took a seat at a nearby table, before Isaac's words sunk in, "Wait, again!?" He asked aghast, "What the hell did you have him do that for?"

"It was funny." Isaac laughed, along with the rest of the group, "Besides, it was nothing important, and we didn't get rid of that much, just an hour or so."

Garet did not respond as everyone else laughed at him. Chances are Isaac was messing with him, and if not, he would never tell him what exactly was done. So, instead of questioning anything, he glared at Piers and placed his elbow on the table, his hand open and ready. Piers confused for a moment or two, smirked to the Mars Adept before taking a seat across from him. He placed his elbow on the table and grasped Garet's hand firmly. The Jupiter Adepts bounded over to the two eagerly.

"Oh, I've been waiting for this." Sheba squealed excitedly.

"In the red corner, we have the Mars Adept, with a temperament to match, the man from Vale: Garet!" Ivan yelled aloud imitating an announcer, "And in the blue corner, the Mercury Adept from the long lost civilisation of Lemuria, put your hands together for Piers!"

Sheba clapped her hands and cheered comically, "Twenty in gold says Piers will win." She smirked.

"You're on." Ivan shook her hand and started digging through his pockets, "FIGHT!" He yelled playfully, banging the coins on the table beside Sheba's.

Their arms both flexed as they struggled to move the others arm, neither gaining any ground. Sheba and Ivan's eyes darted back and forth between the two of them, waiting to see some sign of weakness. Several minutes passed sweat dripped from both contestants foreheads, Garet's face was contorted with concentration, Piers' retained the passive, patient, visage he always had, but his eyes seemed fiery and determined.

Isaac chuckled slightly as he watched the two of them from his seat across the bar.

"Isaac…" Someone whispered.

Isaac looked up. Jenna was standing in front of him. He noticed a small look of embarrassment in her face. He shook himself, he knew better than to bring it up with, "Oh, hey, Jen, what's up?" Isaac asked brightly.

"About yesterday…I…I…"

"Don't worry about it, Jenna, I understand. Felix is your only family." Isaac gestured to the seat beside him.

Jenna walked over and plopped down on it, turning to Isaac, "But the way I acted, I could have… well you might…" She looked into Isaac's deep blue eyes and whispered, "I'm sorry, Isaac…"

Isaac reached out and pulled Jenna into a gentle, caring hug. She cried, softly, into his chest. Isaac rubbed her back reassuringly, "Shhh, Jenna, don't cry. Everything is alright now. You'll never be alone." He whispered gently in her ear.

A huge cheer erupted as everyone in the inn, who seemingly had become greatly interested in the contest due to Ivan's commentary, celebrated a victory.

Garet leapt out of his seat angrily, "DAMN IT!" He roared as everyone in the inn laughed and congratulated Piers.

Sheba smirked, happily congratulating Piers as she took the coins for herself. Piers smiled wisely and congratulated Garet on a good match as he leaned back in his chair. Isaac and Jenna laughed slightly as they watched the scene unfold.

Jenna's crying slowly faded, replaced by slow, deep breaths. Isaac placed a hand under her chin and slowly lifted her face. He looked deep into her eyes.

"Isaac…" She breathed gently.

"It's alright, Jenna. Everything's alright." He whispered back, smiling gently.

"I'm just sorry because I care so much for y… everyone." She hoped that Isaac hadn't just heard her slight slip of the tongue, "I don't want anyone to get hurt."

Isaac just smiled in return and pulled her back into a hug.

Mia smiled as she emerged from the stairway and, just like Piers earlier a flash of crimson flew toward her and pulled her into a tight hug knocking all the wind from her. Jenna whispered her many thanks to Mia, who gratefully returned the hug.

Felix followed behind confidently. Jenna beamed up to Mia and broke away from the hug, knocking Felix back on the stairs with a tear filled emotional, loving hug. He winced slightly as the steps contacted his spine and gently returned the hug and pulled her closer reassuringly as she whispered how afraid she had felt and how she thought he might die and leave her all alone.

Felix stood up with Jenna still holding him and beckoned to the rest of them to join them. They rushed over to them quickly and embraced and, there amidst the huddle, Jenna's feelings of mirth and sadness where let loose as joyous tears rolled along her cheeks. She laughed as the tears of joy dripped from her chin. Everyone caught the infectious laughter she released and giggled, chuckled, and laughed with her, Felix even managed to let out a few breaths that may have been chuckles. Jenna looked around as best she could and was able to catch the faces of her friends all laughing and smiling to each other.

She laughed harder, even though she had started this quest against her will and she and her friends were constantly under the threat of death, she couldn't imagine, and never wanted to, not being here, not knowing Ivan or Sheba or Mia or Piers. They were her friends and she was glad they were all alive and with her.

"Thanks so much… all of you, for everything… I love you guys." She said brightly.

They broke apart after a short time, after drawing the attention of everyone else in the inn, and Felix and Mia were cornered at the stairway as the Adepts berated them with questions of how they were. Eventually they managed to make their way to a small table, suited for about four, but all of them grabbed a chair and squashed themselves into a space beside someone else.

"So," Felix began in his usual tone, "what happened?"

"You nearly died, we saved you, therefore, we're awesome." Ivan responded before anyone else could so much as begin to respond.

"That's about the gist of it." Garet agreed, "Go with that and avoid all the awkward stuff. Trust me."

"Isaac? Piers?" Felix asked, ignoring the snickering Adepts at the table.

Piers nodded to Isaac, indicating he was the one to ask. Isaac was taking a deep breath, searching for what to say. All eyes were on him, even though most knew what was to be said. They were interested to see how Isaac portrayed it, and what Felix's reaction would be.

"Fizz told us to get to the plains, Piers ran ahead as I got the others. When we found you on the plains, both you and Mia had passed out. Piers was already there doing his best to keep you alive. I got some bruises so Jenna wouldn't see you how you were." Isaac smiled to the girl, who muttered and abashed apology, "When we got you back, Piers spent the whole day keeping you with us, Jenna was kinda shook up , while the rest of us tried to cure Mia. She had been poisoned and was delirious. Sheba and Ivan watched over her for the most part. Eventually Kraden managed to make an antidote. Mia woke up, then we told Jenna how you were. We let her see you…"

"I didn't take it the best. Sorry guys." Jenna interrupted, looking apologetically between Isaac and Garet. The boys smirked and dismissed it with the wave of a hand.

"Then we worked to heal you and I passed out doing so." Isaac finished, "And that's pretty much everything. The short version anyway. We all had our hands full, some more than others, but we got through just fine." This earning a grin from Piers,"But, I would like to talk to you. That alright?"

Felix tilted his head in interest, he had rather hoped to get some food and relax first, "Very well." He nodded and gestured for him to follow to another table.

The seven of them sat in silence, curious and awkward as result. The seven pairs of eyes were fixed on the two Venus Adepts at the nearby table, sadly just out of earshot. Ivan tried his hand at lip-reading, but failed gloriously. The group's curiosity peaked when Felix's passive visage hardened ever so slightly as his eyes grew colder. Isaac didn't withdraw but actually leaned closer, still forceful, and continued his talk. Felix continued listening even though his expression did not soften.

The silence persisted long after Felix motioned for Isaac to wait and left and Isaac walked to the door, not so much as glancing toward them. The awkwardness intensified as time drew on, no one was quite aware of themselves or sure of what to say.

Eventually the silence was broken by the soft voice of a cerulean haired Mercury Adept, "Sheba… I forgot to say, I'm so glad to know you're alive."

The unsettled air turned to one of question as everyone's eyes drifted to the soft features of the Imilian Mercury Adept.

"Wh-what do you mean?" Sheba stammered in return with a look of worry and confusion.

"Well after Venus Lighthouse we thought you and Felix were dead." Her slight smile dropped ever so slightly with her words, not particularly noticeable, but, as everyone was focused on it, it seemed very pronounced.

"Oh, thanks." She intoned oddly, most likely preferring not to remember.

"Actually, I wanna know," Jenna said leaning forward, "when did you realise we were still alive?"

"Well, we weren't sure what happened to you or Kraden. We refused to believe the worst, but every now and then we had our moments where that happened." Garet laughed, "But, when we first got word of you surviving, we found you left a fairly big trail behind you. Everyone kept saying we were like 'the warriors who helped us not too long ago', Felix's name came up quite a lot."

"You have no idea how surprised we were when we heard so many people refer to him as a hero." Ivan smirked, "After all, I had only ever known him as some guy Isaac and Garet used to know who died, came back, and was evil and trying to destroy the world. 'Hero' isn't exactly a word to fit that kind of person. Villain, archenemy, maniac, names along this line would have made more sense."

"Yeah, pretty much everyone we talked to had only good things to say about how he helped them." Garet laughed again.

"About him?" Jenna taunted, "What about everything we did!?" She yelled playfully indicating herself, Sheba and Piers.

Piers chuckled slightly before Mia tapped him on the shoulder and beckoned him away from the table. The group stared quizzically as the Adepts excused themselves and walked to the bar, as Mia began talking slowly.

"What's up with them?" Ivan asked with half a laugh, "Mia looks way too worried. Well, for her."

It was true, Mia seemed too serious and involved in the conversation. Even though it was mostly Piers who spoke, Mia seemed much more worried than was usual for her.

"Ah, she'll be alright." Sheba smirked, "She just wants Piers."

Light-hearted chuckles slowly ran over the table with Sheba's childish comments.

"Well, as fun as this whole day has been. I think I may go see my sis. Get some backstory on me, you know? Been a while since I've been around family. Except you, bro." He laughed, punching Garet in the arm.

"Mind if I join you?" Sheba inquired, "Maybe Hama would now something about me… anything."

"Sure!" Ivan responded happily, not realising just how important the subject was to Sheba, "C'mon! See you later guys. Don't try anything too stupid, Garet." The boy winked to him and Jenna.

"Same to you." Garet responded with the same wink.

Both he and Jenna noticed the quick blush on Sheba's features before they scampered away and burst out laughing. They hadn't exactly expected that, but now, oh now, the taunts and teases could begin. And what fun that would be for the two of them.

Kraden spoke up from his quiet spell, "Might I ask when we are leaving?"

Jenna turned toward him, "First thing in the morning, I'll bet."

Kraden beamed and nodded, "Very well. I do believe it is time I retire for the night. Good night."

Garet and Jenna returned their farewells as the wizened scholar shuffled away.

Mia wasn't sure why she had chosen to confide in Piers. Maybe it was because he seemed to be the most level-headed of the group. Maybe it was because she hadn't spoken to him yet outside of a dangerous situation. Maybe it was because he too was a Mercury Adept. No matter now, she had selected him.

"How did you get involved in all of this, Piers?" She questioned first so as to ease into her point.

Piers smiled to himself, scratching his chin casually, "You might say that the seven of you are responsible." He laughed, "A tidal wave washed me out to sea from Lemuria, I was leaving anyway, but that was sooner than I had planned. It was caused by the ignition of the Venus Beacon, or so I'm told."

Why did everything always return to that Lighthouse? Why was it that everyone's lives were changed by it more than any other?

"It was unfortunate timing too. Shortly after I ran aground, I was imprisoned because I was suspected of being associated with pirates who had attacked the nearby village." Piers explained humorously.

"I actually knew about you being in prison." Mia commented, "Isaac and the rest of us found out there was a Mercury Adept in the jail, we figured it was… someone I knew. By the time we got there you had already been freed."

"Interesting, how different everything might have been had I met up with you first instead of Felix. Anyway, after I was freed I left to retrieve my ship's black orb. Without it the ship is useless, so I needed to liberate it from the hands of the di'e'bEn (Thieves)." Piers continued, "Soon after I had found where it was, Felix and the others found me. I didn't much trust strangers then, on account of the first people outside of Lemuria I had ever seen threw me in their cells. Nonetheless, Felix insisted on helping me. We didn't trust each other, but then he saved my life. I offered him the use of my ship and my help, he offered to show me the world, a fair trade."

"So, you didn't trust Felix when you first met him, at all?" Mia asked, hoping for her not to be the only one who felt that way.

"Of course not. Blind trust is a foolish thing, which can lead to great sorrow or tragedy, but, I did see that he was not a cruel man, his intentions were pure, even if his methods were sometimes questionable." Piers replied, "People we've met have put it best, shamans, pirates, village elders, and even werewolves have said numerous kind words about Felix. I think it safe to say the words I have heard from around the world about him sum up Felix entirely."

It was all so strange to Mia. Other people, people who may have only caught a glimpse of Felix, did not see the darkness or the evil in that man. They saw good, honour, valour, and light. Was she the only person on Weyard who saw the worst in him right from the start, she, a woman who always tried to see the best in everything?

"I get the strangest feeling that this conversation is not wholly centred on an interest in me, Mia. Do not be afraid to get to the point." Piers smiled, "It's easiest if you say it quickly."

Mia took a deep breath, knowing him to be right, "It's Felix." Piers smiled wide at that, there seemed to be some message in it which Mia couldn't quite comprehend, "W-what do you think of him, Piers?"

Piers raised a curious eyebrow, "He's as normal a man as any. More determined than most and heavily jaded as result of his past, but completely normal."

That didn't help. Not at all. Surely, if anyone on Weyard understood this new Felix, this one from after Vale and after Venus Lighthouse, it would be Piers. He was the only likely candidate for normal friendship, "I… I just don't get him." Mia pouted, "It's impossible to get a clear reading off him."

"He can be… difficult sometimes, but he's not as complex as you think." Piers said, "Most people aren't as complex as the world would have you believe."

"What?" Mia was confused.

"Take Jenna for instance," He gestured to the girl, who seemed to be struggling to contain laughter as Garet held her hand, "you have known her for what can only be about two days maximum. Do you 'get' her yet?"

"That's kind of different." Mia answered as Jenna let out a loud burst of laughter, making her laugh slightly as well, "All Isaac and Garet would talk about is her, I already feel like I know her. She's passionate, friendly, unafraid to speak her mind, she'll do anything for her friends even if it means hurting them, quick to anger sometimes, and as playful as any of us."

"That is Jenna." Piers agreed, "She's also Felix's sister. Family is often the same. Now tell me, what do you 'get' about Felix?"

"I dunno, that's the problem." Mia sighed, "Everything I've seen and heard all just contrasts. I don't know what might be truth or lie."

"And if Isaac and Garet had told you stories of Jenna as someone of less than reputable characteristics?" Piers asked.

"I guess… I probably wouldn't like to have met her." Mia responded.

"My point exactly, people make people complicated. It's all very simple when you get down to it. Everyone sees someone in a different light. Sheba, for example, I see as a little sister. I would tell you characteristics that reflect that typecast whereas Ivan may currently relate more of a romantic category." Piers explained his theory, "And you, I would relate you to a care-giver, mother-figure, what have you, while Garet may see you as something as more than a friend."

Mia blushed at the thought of something like that.

"So, be easy on Felix. He hasn't had it easy. He has a lot of secrets. Some more personal and scarring than I care to know, he suffers from them always." Piers said, "He needs an aki'me (friend), someone who can help him, someone who can assure him. I have failed him. He shared certain secrets with me, and I did nothing to help. I let him shoulder his burden alone, and for that I cannot forgive myself."

Mia knew what Piers was hinting at, but said nothing. She didn't much like his insinuation. Maybe she was just imagining things though.

"I think he likes you." Piers commented casually.

Mia looked at him, he was staring at Garet. She wasn't in the mood for these kind of games, whether he meant Garet or Felix or anyone else, "No." She stated plainly.

"And if my old eyes do not deceive me, I believe you like him." He continued, undeterred.

"You're not funny, Piers." Mia warned. He was getting dangerously close to a punch. Not that it would do much, but still.

He chuckled, "I do have my occasional comedic moments. And I have yet to hear you deny that you do."

She struggled not to succumb to her gentle brand of violence, it would only strengthen Piers' point. She didn't 'like' Felix. She just wanted to understand, and help him. None of this nonsense about liking him, that was ridiculous, "I don't like, Felix." Mia stated clearly and forcefully.

Piers turned to her slowly, wearing a broad smile and crossing his arms, "I was referring to Garet, Mia. What's this about Felix now?"

"G-Garet!?" She stammered quickly, her face quickly burning a bright scarlet, "O-oh, I thought you meant Felix cause we had just been talking about him and you were saying that he liked me and stuff so that's why I thought it was Felix that's all."

Piers said nothing, simply smiling back at her.

"Quit looking at me!" She demanded, knowing that her outburst was only worsening the situation.

"My, my, you're awfully defensive all of a sudden. Why can't a hi'tile admire a hi'tine these days?" He questioned, his smile growing.

Mia had no, idea what he had said, but she got the gist, assuming the two words were man and woman, or something to that effect, "Because it was creepy." She stated firmly.

Silence settled onto the two of them. Piers seemed all the more comfortable with it, sipping from his newly ordered glass of water, as he stared around the room. Mia was quite the opposite. She was currently highly embarrassed thanks to Piers. First he made her blurt out certain things about Felix, second he insinuated that Garet may like her, and third he seemed all too confident of the fact that he was right about everything.

"What do you think those two are doing?" Piers questioned suddenly, "Isaac and Felix."

Mia shrugged, "I dunno. I'd say they're talking, but since they left… they're probably arguing."

"That seems likely." Piers agreed, "It's probably over Jenna. Or they're settling certain issues from Vale."

"Jenna?" Mia asked quickly.

"If stories I've heard are to be considered true, then I would believe that Isaac likes her. I am aware she is very fond of Isaac, seeing as it was his name spoken more than any over the past year or so. Felix is highly protective. It wouldn't be odd. And of course, if it's a Vale issue, as I understand it Felix has betrayed everything he was taught in his youth and Isaac is still a firm believer in those teachings, even if he too is about to betray them. I can't imagine he would be too comfortable like that. He is not as determined as Felix."

"You don't know Isaac then." Mia played.

"Then you don't know Felix, Mia." He countered.

Mia knew enough. He certainly didn't seem that much more determined than Isaac. Slightly more perhaps, but Isaac had always had such strong resolve no matter what, so Felix couldn't be far ahead of that. She sighed. Why was it that every one of her thoughts lately revolved around that dark man? Maybe it was her recovery. Maybe it was her desire to help. Maybe it was all his fault for telling her everything.

Felix caught sight of himself in the mirror in his room and ran his hand along the long scar along his chest. A constant memory of survival, he knew Mia or Piers could be rid of it, but this one scar he wanted to keep for now. It was a testament to how they all worked together and pulled through tough times. He laughed slightly, he had missed so much while he was unconscious and yet this one grotesque scar bonded him to missing times. Perhaps one day he could learn in depth what had happened and then maybe he could allow the scar to leave him.

He slowly closed his tunic on and strapped on his cloak. He went back downstairs. Isaac was standing at the door, awaiting his return. The two of them quietly left the inn together and walked outside of town. Felix had to admire Isaac in some way, for he had accepted what was to come. They arrived at a small clearing of grass just outside the town's borders, Isaac stood rigid and dead quiet as Felix turned to him.

"Listen very carefully to me, Isaac," Felix began, his calm, malicious tone more threatening than anything Isaac had heard, "I don't mind if you and Jenna want to be with each other…"

"Then why drag me out here?" Isaac asked plainly. He walked forward and tried to reach toward Felix.

Felix suddenly shot a freezing glare. Isaac stopped where he was, unflinching, and dropped his hand, "Listen to me, Isaac." He ordered, "I've always known how much you care for Jenna, but understand I can't let you hurt her."

"I understand." Isaac said, and he realised too late that he had said it too quickly.

"I don't think you do." Felix continued calmly, "Not once have I seen you prove this."

"Despite the fact, that I wouldn't have chased you if not for her?" Isaac asked sceptically.

"That's up for debate." Felix answered, "You've always been there for her, more than I have, and she tells me how much you cared for her when I was gone."

"Of course, I lo…"

"Don't. Try. That." Felix interjected and turned away from him "What would you do for her?"

Isaac recovered and stared stoically at Felix's turned away form, "Anything." He answered strongly, "And everything."

"Prove it to me."

Felix swung round with lightning speed. Isaac heard the crack as his nose let loose a tide of blood to flow into his mouth. He smirked, even though hurt and angry, if he could prove himself Felix wouldn't get in the way again.

But proving himself was difficult. How far would he have to go?

He quickly wiped away the blood gushing from his nostrils and narrowed his eyes, running a strong enough cure to stem the tide. Felix had taken several steps back. He glowed with Psynergy and Isaac readied himself for earthen attacks. He was surprised to find a ring of earth slowly enclosing them. Isaac planted his feet firmly into his element beneath him. He levelled his breathing as Felix's silvery glow slowly faded. He was worried to say he wasn't would be a lie. Felix was stronger and faster than him. But maybe he didn't have to beat him.

This idea became increasingly evident after their brawl began. Felix was a trained fighter, he had been taught, made to learn the arts of war. The town of Prox no doubt wanted him to represent some form of a warrior if he was to accompany Saturos and Menardi, and they had succeeded in that. Isaac had never done that. He had learned how to handle a sword on the fly, along with hand-to-hand sparring with Garet every now and then. He had no chance against this trained warrior of Prox.

Still, Isaac had managed to land some deft blows against Felix, but suffered the same many times. Felix's fists did not land in random places to cause pain or draw blood, they landed in certain places designed to disable Isaac, to weaken him. Isaac didn't know any of these tactics, or how to defend against them. He continuously worked cures into his body, noting Felix had yet to do the same.

Isaac swore he had heard one of his ribs crack. It certainly felt that way when Felix landed yet another strike upon it. His strategy shifted to defence and cunning rather than strength. He should have known better than to try and take Felix in a challenge of strength. He should have been smarter from the start. He changed his stance, only slightly, hoping it would escape Felix's notice, as best as he could to protect his bruised form.

Felix's fist came flying forward, but he was ready for it. He dodged around him, catching his free arm as he spun and twisted it behind his back. He forced it unnaturally against him. He brought his foot up, ready to bring it down on Felix's knee, before a pop distracted him. Felix was free. Isaac was tossed over his shoulder and he flew a good distance before he slid through mud and dirt. Felix was on top of him in a second and Isaac was gone.

Jenna frowned in a mix of worry and, as of yet, unseen anger. She was worried and she knew it. Felix had fought away every other boy in Vale apart from Isaac, even though he established barriers with him. Garet was more optimistic than that of course. Felix and Isaac used to be best friends. Sure, they had both sworn that if it came to it they would have fought to the death, but Garet could never really see that happening. The two had a habit of being stubborn around each other. It had always been a contest, quite frankly, and the most popular cause was the redhead sitting beside him.

"I'm worried, Garet." Jenna stated quickly.

"About Felix and Isaac?" Garet feigned ignorance, knowing it would annoy her.

Shooting him a glare, Jenna answered, "Yes. You know how they get. They're not on friendly terms anymore either, Garet. You must see that, even if your skull is still as thick as ever."

Garet laughed inwardly, "Ah, still obsessed with the old thickness of the noggin, eh?" He asked, rapping his knuckles against the side of his head, "Kept me alive, this thick skull of mine, you know, it's better than you give it credit for."

Jenna's glare intensified, "Don't change the subject." She warned, "I'm really worried."

"Nothing's gonna happen, Jenna." Garet assured, "Well, nothing serious anyway." He corrected.

"I guess." Jenna mumbled, unconvinced.

"Besides," Garet continued heartily, "with them away we can bring the spark back into our secret relationship."

Jenna giggled at the foolish and overly dramatic wink, and played along, just like back in Vale, "Oh, how could I forget?" She mimed in an airy loving tone, "My sweet, Garet, I could hardly stand being away from you for so long."

Garet, expertly hiding his smile, took Jenna's hand in his, looking deep into her eyes, "Each second away from you, knowing you were in such danger brought me such a heavy heart. It feels like an eternity since I last held you."

Struggling, Jenna repressed her grin and giggles. Garet was actually an amazingly good actor or very good at pretending to love her. She sure as hell hoped that it was all feigned anyway, otherwise this was all very awkward.

"If there is only one thing I could take with me to the afterlife, it would be your sweet smile."

Jenna was actually twitching with the effort to keep herself composed. She couldn't speak as she knew it would only result in disturbing the peace of the inn.

"Please, forgive me. I shall never leave your side again, my queen." Garet bowed his head, kissing the back of Jenna's hand.

At this point it was all too much and Jenna's loud, high-pitched, giggles rang out clearly, tone after tone, into the lobby of the inn. They were quickly muted by her wrenching her hands from Garet's and clamping them firmly over her mouth. Spluttered sounds still escaped. This was not helped by the fact that all eyes were on her after her outburst and Garet was in the process of pointing at her and announcing to the whole inn that this was the girl who just disrupted their pleasant evening.

Several minutes passed. At times it seemed that she was calm, but then as she made to speak Garet would do something ridiculous and childish, like make a face, slap himself, or simply hold his finger in front of her with a demented look upon himself. Eventually, Garet actually allowed her time to calm, and once she did, the pummelling into his arm was fully expected.

"You ass!" She squealed, "That. Was. So. Embarrassing!" She punched him upon each word, him laughing with each.

"Sorry, sorry." He said, rubbing a hand along his soon to be bruised arm, "You gotta admit though, it was pretty funny."

"Hmph." She mocked playfully, turning away from him.

"Alright fine, I'm the stupidest fool in Vale and you are the most magnificent person to ever grace Weyard." He rhymed the learned apology out.

"We're not in Vale anymore… Stupid fool." She smiled, her cheeks still somewhat red.

Garet smiled back fully, "So, what was it like? Travelling around, after Venus I mean."

This brought Jenna back, "It was different I guess. I mean… I actually had to fight, you know? It was scary at first… but… I don't know, I kinda like the thrill of it all."

"Wouldn't prefer to be back in Vale, no?" He asked.

"I… I dunno. I mean yeah. I'd love to be back in Vale with everyone else. If I was though, I wouldn't have known Felix was still alive. I wouldn't have met Ivan, or Mia, or Sheba, or Piers, or all the other people. I never would have seen the world. I'd love to be back now, with all of them, but I don't want to miss the end of the quest either. I want to see it through." Jenna answered, sure of herself, "What about you?"

For a moment, Garet paused, "Not sure. You gotta remember I chased after you guys to stop you from finishing your quest, even though it wasn't yours until Saturos and Menardi died."

"How do you feel about that?" Jenna cut in quickly, before lowering her voice quickly, "Killing them, I mean."

"Not great." Garet responded shallowly, "I mean, I killed someone you know, it's different from monsters. Yeah, I thought they were evil as hell, same as with Felix, until a few days ago. But, they were just two people trying to save their hometown and the world from destruction. I feel like a bastard. Not that there's anything I can do now. Anyway, yeah, I feel about the same as you about this whole thing. I miss everything, but I wouldn't trade what I have now for anything."

A silence settled on them. It wouldn't have been as uncomfortable if not for Jenna's question. There may not have even been a silence without it.

"So," Jenna piped up innocently, pursing her lips and rolling her eyes back and forth, "did you… fall for anyone yet? Mia, maybe?"

Jenna was somewhat shocked to see a blush form on Garet's cheeks, "Well… I kinda…"

"Uh, did you two used to be…?" Jenna questioned, fearing she had just created a horribly awkward situation.

"N-no-no-no." Garet answered quickly, "She doesn't even know."

Jenna nodded, literally feeling the awkwardness of the situation solidify around her, "Did you ever play our game with her?"

Garet chuckled, "Yeah, yeah, I did actually. She wasn't too good at it, and I was a bit too good, cause well…it was her."

"I'll talk to her sometime." Jenna winked, "See if I can't get you a romantic dinner together."

"Thanks… I think." Garet laughed, "So, what about you? Anyone?"

"Piers." She answered without missing a beat, turning her eyes dreamily to the Lemurian beside Mia.

Garet's jaw literally hit the table in his shock, "You and Piers?"

"Yeah, about a month or two now. Felix really likes him so it was kind of an operative choice." Jenna smiled brightly, "Besides he's amazing in bed." Garet's face morphed into utter confusion and shock. Shortly after, Jenna erupted into furiously effective laughter, "Aww, no way! I can't believe you bought that! Oh, man you should have seen your face! You gotta remind me to tell that one to Isaac later, if that's your reaction his will be priceless. Might even get Piers in on it, could be good for a laugh."

The two devolved into joyous laughter, much as they had done in their past. It seemed so long ago, but as fresh as yesterday. They were both glad to have their friend back in their lives.

Felix gasped in horrific pain and satisfied relief. He calmed his laboured, tired breathing and calmed his mind. He dared to turn his neck to see the source of pain. From what he could gleam from the corner of his eye, it appeared his shoulder was sagging unnaturally low on his frame. He gingerly placed his hand over it.

The pain was excruciating, although Felix let nothing show as always. The flames of pain burned even brighter as he tightened his grip and tried to pop his shoulder back into its socket. He collapsed to one knee as he struggled, until he heard a satisfying and wounding click. He grunted as he collapsed for a moment and, when he regained himself, started glowing with Psynergy. The earthen energies that pulsated through the surrounding area were channelled through his mind and body, resting in his shoulder and alleviating the pain. He sighed as the flames eased within him. He gingerly removed his tunic. The shoulder in question was a spattered purple that spread down his arm with the occasional bluish-green hue. It would be fine for now.

Victory. No matter the cost: the Proxian ideology. His ideology. He had to follow it. How else could he face his fate?

He turned his attention to Isaac, collapsed in the rock and dirt. He had fought back, valiantly. He had lost, but he fought at his best for Jenna. He knew everything he did was for Jenna. The pain he felt in his fists reflected the pain Isaac's body had suffered. His black eye, broken nose, and the rest of his bruised, bloody body crumpled into the soil presented a daunting healing task. He sensed more injuries beneath the surface as he glowed with Psynergy again.

Isaac never had any chance against him in a fight, he knew. He never expected Isaac to best him, but he wanted to see how far he would go. Isaac didn't surrender, he kept fighting right up until the end. He did his absolute best, using his Psynergy to prolong his own loss, just so he could prove that he would always fight until the end. He was proud of his old friend in a way. He saw now why he had been able to defeat Saturos and Menardi.

He was thankful that he had learned how to fight and heal so well from the Proxians he had been surrounded by for three years. He carefully reset Isaac's nose into its usual form and his Psynergy clicked the bones back together like puzzle pieces as the healing earth energies flowed into the Adept's body. He was no great healer, he couldn't compare to a Mercury Adept's ability, but he could certainly do a half-decent job.

Nearly half an hour of silent work later Isaac groggily returned to consciousness. He grumbled incoherently as his evident pain and exhaustion registered. Felix crouched down and helped him up, offering him his good shoulder. He gratefully accepted the support, shaky as they both were, and began a slow, wincing, grimacing trek back toward the town.

"So?" Isaac gasped, his own Psynergy coming to life as it worked through the two of them.

"You'll fight." He answered simply, "That's all I need."

Isaac considered this as a good thing. He assumed Felix meant that he now knew that he would fight anything for Jenna. He would. Felix would hopefully be more lenient with his over-protectiveness of Jenna.

"I can't defend her all the time, it is impossible." Felix stated clearly, "If you do your best to defend her, that'll ease me. When we leave I won't stop you from talking to her, I won't interfere in any way, but do anything and I'll destroy you. Just look after her, catch up, and don't do anything until after we complete this journey. You want her to be your girlfriend wait until we're back in Vale."

Isaac nodded again, "I promise." His mind clung to hope.

Felix's mind, however, was in a different place, a sort of fearful wonder. Did he do right? Jenna certainly wouldn't think so. He knew full well that he would take the brunt of her angry blame. She wouldn't see that he had done it for her sake. He reflected on this paradox until Isaac's voice brought him back.

"Don't hurt, Mia." Isaac ordered firmly.

Felix blinked twice, surprise breaking into his normally controlled face. He stared at Isaac dubiously, waiting for elaboration.

"She worries about you." He explained, "A lot."

Felix continued his silent questioning, his face having returned to its usual stony and unresponsive visage, although his intricate mind was working fervently.

"It's not unusual for her." Isaac continued, "There's something different for you."

"She's scared of me." Felix said, "Or so she told me. She was scared of what she saw on Venus Lighthouse."

"She told me about that one night." Isaac replied, "But it's not that. She told me about your…'curse'. Care to explain that to me?"

"Not now. I shouldn't have even explained it to her. Keep it quiet."

"Fine." Isaac grunted, "Be slightly nicer toward her. If you think you can manage that. I think she might actually like you if you did."

Felix didn't answer instead he quietly considered Isaac's words. Mia? Like him? Something so pure and good shouldn't sink into the darkness he had. She didn't deserve that. Angels deserved beauty and light just like them.

Beauty…?

So… his thoughts were ones of fondness for the soft healer.

The initial sight was admittedly a shock for the young boy. He only barely caught sight of it as he left his sister's house with Sheba as she had wanted to sleep. To see one of his closest friends, bloody and bruised, draped around the shoulder of who he had long considered evil was unsettling. After this initial shock passed however he was rushing to their side with the young blonde girl beside him.

Felix's passivity didn't change when they came close instead he patiently waited for their questions and comments. However they didn't voice their questions rather they wanted to see if Felix would explain of his own accord.

However it was Isaac who spoke first, "Can you make sure Mia and Piers are ready for when we get there?"

Ivan glanced around slightly and shrugged, "If we have to." He sighed, although purely for comedic value.

"Don't you want help?" Sheba asked.

"We'll be fine." Felix answered simply.

The two turned sceptically to each other and, unwilling to argue in what they knew would be a futile effort, turned and hurried back to Contigo. The wind was refreshing and comforting as it hit their accelerating forms. It was so natural to a Jupiter Adept to have the wind around them. It gave a sense of comfort and even homeliness.

"Well, they're idiots." Ivan snickered, "They think they're being smart. They both said they were fighting to determine who would lead, but it was a cloud over their thoughts. There's something else."

"You read their minds?" Sheba questioned, wondering how no one had noticed.

"Of course!" Ivan responded, laughing as he increased his pace, "Race you!" Ivan said quickly, before taking off at a full sprint.

"Hey!" She yelled childishly, "No fair!"

She darted after him, scanning the landscape for any possible shortcuts or a way to cheat Ivan out of victory. She could hear his laughter flying toward her on the wind and its infectiousness caught hold of her, causing light-hearted giggles to flow forth.

She eventually just found herself watching him as he ran and reflected on the possibility that this might be how it always is. She might always be chasing him as he childishly brushes off anything serious. Did she want that? No. No, she knew she wanted more. But she really liked Ivan. More than she had ever liked a boy. He was fun, smart, philosophical, understanding and just as childish as her, but could he be serious about a relationship like she wanted?

She noticed he had come to a stop, and the fact that it was at the same time as this thought unnerved her. Had he been reading her mind without her knowing? He was much better at it, even capable of avoiding detection. She tried to smile innocently as she approached and cleared her mind.

"I'll get Garet and Jenna, and help get upstairs ready." He smiled.

She nodded in return, "I'll find Mia and Piers then."

Her search through the inn was half-hearted at best, which was clear after she passed Piers and Mia at the bar several times lost in her thoughts. It was not until Piers finally stopped her and asked her what was wrong that she found him. She felt foolish. She wanted to confide in Piers, but she relayed Isaac and Felix's request and helped prepare.

And that's that.
Anyway, thoughts on this chapter? I'd like you to review. And I would prefer criticism and other such things, if you would. How else can I improve my writing and this story if I don't get criticism?

Also, I notice that I'm perhaps the only writer in all of FF that has the characters speak in italics. Would you think it better if I wrote dialogue normally and reserved italics for emphasis and thought? Or is it fine how it is? I started writing italics when I found it was difficult to locate dialogue in paragraphs sometimes... that's really the only reason I do it, ease of reading for myself. Honestly, I just want to make you readers as happy as possible. (Plus, it would be pretty simple to edit it all)

Well, since I won't see any of you (not that I do anyway), no matter what you may celebrate (Christmas for me), I wish you all a very happy holiday and new year.
Thanks for being here with me for it.

Your grateful friend and writer,
Droory