Ah! It's been too long. I'm very sorry this chapter came out late, but a ton of stuff came up for me in real life that just didn't leave me time to work on this story. I felt I owed it to everyone reading to get another chapter out quickly so here it is. This chapter is short but sweet and I'm happy with it. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 5
It is a starry night on the Great Western Sea and Isaac is on watch duty for the first shift again. The group is headed to a town called Contigo that is right before the path to the Jupiter Lighthouse where they expect to catch up to Felix. While the group of adepts is ready for the trials ahead, on this particular night Isaac has nothing to do but organize his thoughts.
We'll be in Contigo tomorrow and from there it's just a short trek to the Jupiter Lighthouse. I can't wait for this to be over so we can all go home together…
Isaac stood up and picked up his Gaia Blade from where it lay next to him. Grasping the handle, he shifted into a battle position and readied himself for a foe that did not exist. It wouldn't do to get rusty on my swordsmanship, Isaac smiled as he swung the blade through the air and began to fall into the flow of battle, as if he was part of some strange dance. It's been a long time since we've been in a real fight. I hope everyone else is also ready for what's ahead.
Isaac shifted direction and brought his sword around behind him to hit an invisible foe before twisting left and slashing the air to his side. I really hope it doesn't come down to a fight. If I had to I could probably fight against Felix, but I'm not sure I could bring myself to attack Jenna. She's supposed to be my best friend…There must be a reason for everything that's happened. I am determined to at least hear her out so that I understand what their motivations are before we fight.
Isaac imbued his sword with a small amount of psynergy and thrust forward before sidestepping and making a sweeping slash backward. Isaac lowered his blade and sighed as he looked up to the stars. I wonder what will happen when this mad adventure finally ends. I've made such good friends with everyone but will we all just head our separate ways? I can't imagine what life would be like without Ivan's humor and mischief or Mia's smile and her calming presence. I almost wish we could keep going on this journey forever. It's odd, but even though the future of the world is at stake, I'm enjoying myself. I'm happy to be here with my friends.
Isaac leaned against the railing of the ship, his yellow scarf billowing in the wind as he gazed out to sea. The sun would be up soon and then their goal would be in sight. Isaac stood as still as a statue while the waves lapped silently against the side of the ship. Despite the turmoil ahead he really only had one thing on his mind.
Ah…Why can't I stop thinking of her? Isaac sighed as his thoughts drifted once again back to Mia. I can't explain how, but I feel like Mia knows me better than anyone… If feels like we've been together for a lifetime already even though it's only been a few months. I just don't know what to make of all this…
As the first rays of sun appeared on the edge of the horizon, Isaac felt a light hand on his shoulder. Spinning around to confront the intruder, he came face to face with Mia who was smiling at his confusion.
"Good morning Isaac," Mia greeted him.
"Ah, you scared me there Mia," Isaac said, turning back to the ocean and gesturing for her to join him by the railing. Mia stepped up to next to him and turned her head to look at him. "What are you doing out here so early anyway Mia?" Isaac asked.
Mia smiled and cast her gaze across the water before answering. She gestured to the east and replied. "I enjoy watching the sunrise. The way the water absorbs the light is beautiful."
"It is, isn't it?" Isaac responded. They stood in silence for a few minutes.
Mia gave him a warm smile in return. "You know you're not very good at keeping watch Isaac," Mia told him playfully.
"Ouch, that stung," Isaac shot back with mock indignation.
"This is the second time I managed to sneak up on you during your watch on this boat you know," Mia pointed out.
"Maybe it's better that way. You know, when you sneak up on me it's a pleasant surprise to see you," Isaac said.
Mia's smile widened. After a short delay she told him: "You can be sweet sometimes you know."
Isaac had no idea how to respond to that so he kept his silence and let the moment hang between them as the sun continued its slow accent into the heavens. "Hey Mia…" He finally said.
"Hmm?" she asked.
"Thanks." Isaac said simply.
Mia turned to face him, an unasked question on her face.
"Thanks for always being there for me Mia," Was his response.
Mia blushed slightly at his words and tried to wave it off.
"I'm serious," he told her. "You're the only person I can talk to about some things. You always know what to say to cheer me up. Whenever I've felt uncertain or lost you're always there to guide me. I feel like I've burdened you with my problems and I'm sorry."
Mia just smiled at him. "You have nothing to be sorry for Isaac," she said. "It's not a burden at all. Plus you're always there for me too. I listen to your troubles because I care," she pointed out.
Isaac finally snapped and did something very unlike him. He reached out to Mia and wrapped his arms around her body, drawing her into his embrace. "Thanks…" he whispered into her ear.
Shocked wouldn't even begin to describe how Mia was feeling at the moment. If she was blushing before, she was now bright red.
Thank the heavens Isaac can't see my face right now, Mia thought. Too embarrassed to move, Mia let Isaac hold her as she kept her eyes fixed on the sunrise.
Feeling that it had gone on long enough, Isaac released Mia and followed her gaze across water again. "It really is beautiful isn't it Mia?" he asked her.
I can't look at him or I'll die from the embarrassment…Mia thought to herself. She nodded in response to Isaac, refusing to meet his gaze. "Yes, it is…"
Why did I do that…Isaac wondered, looking down at his hand as if it held the answer. I shouldn't have been so stupid! It was obvious that made her uncomfortable. "Ah….I'm sorry Mia. I…really shouldn't have done that. It was stupid."
Mia turned to face Isaac for the first time and her face still had a touch of pink visible. "That's…That's all right Isaac," she started, smiling weakly. "I just wasn't expecting it…it's not that…I umm… I didn't really mind…" Mia finished meekly as she dropped her gaze and fidgeted with her dress. I kind of liked it when he held me like that actually…
It was Isaac's turn to be surprised. "Ah…okay then…" he managed to choke out. I thought for sure I had just made a serious mistake…What's happening…
Mia addressed Isaac again. "Ahh, Isaac…? Could you maybe….hold me again?" Mia asked while blushing deeper. "Umm…if you wouldn't mind that is…." She added quickly, but managed to hold her gaze.
For a moment Isaac just stood there dumbstruck but eventually came over it and slowly put his arms around her again. "Let's watch the sunrise together then Mia," he said with a smile.
Mia just smiled in response and turned back to the sunrise while in Isaac's arms. Isaac's took his eyes off the sun for a moment and glanced at the blue haired girl in his arms. You're the most wonderful girl I know Mia….
They stayed like that until the sun was completely above the water.
