Aaaaaand we're back! After a disgusting couple weeks of studying and writing my finals, I'm happy to announce that there shouldn't be any major delays on this story until spring term starts up! I also decided to give my chapters names (not that it really matters, but some people like chapters with names). :)
Now that I have this time off, it feels good to kick back, play some games (currently playing The Last Story, FFVII, and Kingdom Hearts 3D), compose (new song btw, link on my profile), and continue this story!
Thanks for reviewing!
Mr0cheese: Technically they were sobering up, but if it adds to the story to imagine them still being drunk then by all means think what you will :P. Also, Jenna may be out of her relationship with Isaac, but that doesn't mean she's out of the picture entirely…that's all I'll say about that. And as for your question, well you'll just have to wait to find out ;).
AnriMia24: Well, gosh, I humbly accept your cookies. I'm glad you understand the logic behind Isaac not going straight for Mia :). It warms my heart to know that people think I make sense :P. Matthew being the son of Isaac and Jenna will be explained in due time but it won't be for a while, so you can look forward to the mudshipping mush that will be coming much sooner than that ;).
Proxian: My intention was that they would either not understand entirely because they're too young or they would forget about it later because toddlers have other things to worry about anyways :P.
There isn't much else I can think of saying for now, so I'll just get to the story!
Disclaimer: Golden Sun is owned by Camelot and Nintendo
Escape
"Isaac? Are you alright, dear?"
"…I'm fine, Mom…"
It was already far past noon, and Isaac had yet to leave his bed that day. He was completely devastated and felt no motivation to leave his room for any reason. Dora was standing outside his door, but could not get in because he had yet to unlock it.
"You should come have something to eat or get some fresh air. You haven't left your room all day!"
"I'm not hungry," he grumbled, barely audible enough for his mother to hear.
"Are you sick? You were out awfully late last night and it's been chilly."
"Mom! I'm fine, just go away!"
He waited for a response, but didn't receive one. After a moment, Isaac heard his mother's footsteps slowly descend the stairs into the kitchen. He cursed himself mentally for yelling at her. It wasn't like him to be so emotionally strung out, but he wasn't exactly in control of his feelings. After last night, everything seemed to affect him more than it should.
"Jenna…" he whispered, stroking the neckerchief hanging from his bedpost. A teardrop began forming in his eye, and he allowed it to fall to his pillow. He had long since given up on trying to catch the seemingly endless supply of tears that had accumulated beneath his head.
Huddling himself into a small ball within his covers, Isaac silently wept. All I do is drive people away. Weyard would be a better place without me. I'm a useless excuse for a hero; Felix could've led the group without me there.
It was a pitiful sight to behold: a twenty-year-old young man weeping into his pillow while desperately grasping an article of clothing hanging from his bedpost. He rubbed his eyes and flipped over to face his desk. He had forgotten to close the drawer in which he had stuck Mia's letters last night. Without hesitation, he reached in to retrieve them.
I wish you were here, Mia. You'd know just what to say to me to make me feel like everything would be okay. Maybe you'd even be able to convince Jenna to come back to me…
Even the thought of having Mia speak to Jenna made him upset. He could feel his lip quiver before a large gasp of air filled his lungs. He could never ask Mia to do something like that. He hoped that she would never have to speak to Jenna again. Mia was the reason his relationship was ruined.
I'm such a dick! How can I even think to blame this on her?! This is my own fault and I'm in no place to be blaming anyone else. If I had just been there for Jenna more, none of this would have happened.
Voices from downstairs interrupted Isaac's depressing thoughts.
"Hello Garet," came his father's voice.
"Hi Mr...I mean Kyle. Is Isaac around?" The Mars adept's voice sounded groggy and a little hoarse.
"Yes, but I don't think he's feeling well. I'll go see if he's willing to see anyone."
"No need, sir. I'll take care of him. Besides, it's okay if he doesn't wanna talk much. I'm a bit hung over so some peace and quiet will do me good. I just wanted some company."
"Sounds reasonable enough. Go on upstairs then."
"Thank you."
Garet's loud, clumsy stomps sounded from the stairs outside of Isaac's room. Isaac figured that there'd be no way to make him leave at this point, so he started to sit up on his bed. He wasn't in the mood to kick Garet out anyways.
"Isaac, you up?" asked Garet, knocking on his door.
"Yeah, one sec," he answered gloomily. He slowly made his way to the door and unlocked it, shuffling back to his bed without even waiting for Garet to come in.
"Man, you look awful," said Garet, suppressing his usually loud voice so not to disturb his headache, "and here I thought I was the one who drank too much last night."
"…I'm not really in the mood for jokes right now…"
"Whoa, sorry Mr. Downer. But in all seriousness, you don't look so good, Isaac. You sick or something?"
"No, I just…never mind, it's nothing."
Garet gave him a confused look, genuinely concerned for his closest friend, "I know it's not 'nothing'. Everything okay?"
Isaac looked up at his friend from where he was sitting on the edge of his bed. Garet stood a few feet away from him, obviously concerned about the Venus adept. Sighing, he dropped his gaze back to the floor, "I…I dunno if I can-"
"Look, Isaac, if you don't feel like telling me right now that's fine. But from the way you're sitting and looking like someone just died, I'd say it'd be better if you let it out."
"Garet…" Isaac looked at him again. Garet had taken a seat in his desk chair, waiting for some sort of response.
"Did something happen after I passed out yesterday?"
"…Jenna…she…" Isaac could feel his eyes watering, but forced himself not to cry in front of his friend, "…she broke up with me…"
Garet was silent for a moment, obviously taken aback by what he just heard. "…Man…I'm really sorry, Isaac. What happened? I thought everything was going well again."
"She was pretending…forcing herself to love me…"
He went on to explain all that had happened from when they dropped off Garet up until he ran home from the bridge.
"I couldn't believe it…I can't believe that she would fall for someone else. It's killing me," said Isaac, still fighting his tears.
"Yikes, and here I thought you two were getting closer."
"So did I. But it was all a ploy; a scam to make me feel better. Why couldn't she have given me more time?"
"I dunno what to tell you, man. I guess she was afraid to hurt you, but couldn't keep pretending; especially if it meant you'd get hurt more if she let it go on longer."
Isaac had figured that out for himself. It seemed like the obvious reasoning for why she did it, but he just couldn't grasp why she had to at all. He could've made things work out if she'd only given him more time. Now he was alone and didn't know what to do with himself.
"Who could it be?" he mumbled, forcing Garet to strain himself to catch what he said.
"I honestly have no idea. It could be any guy in the village."
"Do you think she might have cheated on me? What if she was fooling around with some other guy while trying to figure out a way to break it off with me?"
"I doubt she'd do that, Isaac. She's not the type of person to go behind someone's back, and she's definitely not a slut."
"I dunno. I just can't shake this feeling like maybe she did something with someone else. What if the other guy came onto her but she didn't resist and it turned into something more?"
"Take it from me; I doubt anyone would try to make a move on her if they knew you were with her. Like me, for instance," Isaac glanced up to see Garet blush slightly. "…Well…you know that we've both been into her ever since we were kids. I was planning to ask her out, but when I saw you make the first move I knew it was hands off. We're all respectful here in New Vale, Isaac. I may still have feelings for her, but I know she's off limits."
Isaac smiled slightly, happy to know that his friend was considerate of his feelings above even his own. "Thanks, Garet. I appreciate that. Technically she's free now, but I'm glad you'll hold off for my sake."
"No problem, man. After all it's 'bros before hoes', and you're no hoe, Isaac."
He gave a breathy chuckle at Garet's comment. He was glad that Garet was trying to make him feel better, but it would definitely take some time before he was ready to face the world again.
"Anyways, I'm probably not the best one to talk about this with. But, hey, Mia'll be here in a couple weeks, right?"
"Maybe three…"
"Okay, so maybe it'll be a bit longer than you want, but she'll be here regardless and I'm sure she'll be able to cheer you up. She's always had a knack for that."
It was a simple comment about Mia, but Isaac could feel his cheeks grow hot. He couldn't help thinking that Garet had directed his compliment mostly towards him instead of meaning that she was good at cheering up everyone. Garet, who had simply meant it as a regular comment, quickly noticed Isaac's flushed cheeks, and pounced on the chance to add in a snide remark.
"Oh I see how it is," he jeered, smirking as he did so. Isaac was forced to avert his gaze away from the young man sitting in front of him. "Seems like you're already over Jenna, eh Casanova?"
"Shut up! It's not like that. I'm still devastated over Jenna! I just didn't really give much thought to Mia helping me get through this."
"Haha, relax, man. Besides, I'm sure that she can help take your mind off of Jenna for a while."
Once again, Isaac felt his face turning a deeper shade of red. Garet laughed this time, realizing how Isaac could have misinterpreted that statement as well. Stupid Garet. At least he's trying to help me out; even if it is in his own dumb way.
"I was kidding around the first time, man, but seeing you turn as red as you did just now was just too much. I'm starting to wonder if you actually do have a thing for pretty little Miss Mia."
Isaac tossed his damp pillow at Garet's head and fell back onto his bed, turning to face away from the Mars adept. He knew Garet meant well, but he was getting irritated by all this Mia talk. He was glad that Mia would be able to help him, but he didn't want her to see him like this; especially if it meant ruining the friendship that she and Jenna had. Wait, why would it ruin their friendship? It's not like I'd be making Mia take sides. Damn Garet, getting all these stupid ideas in my head. I wish he'd stop being a douche and just let me be sad for a while. Isaac knew he was being overly emotional, but he couldn't stop the thoughts in his head. What kind of a request was letting your best friend wallow in grief, anyways?
"Gross, this pillow's wet!" cried Garet, tossing it back onto Isaac's bed. "Anywho, you never answered my question."
"Will you just shut up about Mia?!"
"…Dude, chill out. Man, I knew people were prone to getting emotional after breakups, but that seems a little uncalled for. I'm just trying to help you out."
"Yeah, well now you're just pissing me off."
"Isaac…you know I'm just kidding around. I'm truly sorry that it didn't work out, but you shouldn't take it out on yourself or me."
"I just…I think I need to be alone for a while."
Garet opened his mouth to say something, but stopped himself. Instead, he got up from Isaac's chair and walked towards the door.
"Get some rest, man. I'll come back when you're feeling less…edgy. I think I'll go see how Jenna's doing."
"Hah, as if she needs anyone to talk to. She's probably out with her new man."
Garet stopped at Isaac's doorway and turned to face him once more. Perhaps he was fed up with Isaac's downer attitude, or maybe it was because he didn't like to hear him slander the girl they both had feelings for; whatever the reason, it was the first time Isaac heard Garet speak to him so sternly and maturely.
"You know, Isaac, I know you're upset, but you shouldn't be so rude about it. Jenna may have left you for someone else, but you probably aren't the only one who's hurting right now. Just because she said she didn't love you doesn't mean she wasn't afraid of ruining what the two of you had before you started dating. If anything, she could be hurting more than you are if she thinks she destroyed her relationship with one of her best friends! I didn't think you could be so insensitive to the situation. Maybe when you're done feeling sorry for yourself, you'll understand what she's going through as well. Don't be so quick to cast judgment upon people, Isaac. I'll stop by tonight when you've stopped being so selfish."
Isaac grumbled something incomprehensible, signaling Garet to leave. He heard his door close and the heavy footsteps going down the stairs before breathing out a long sigh. Garet had never spoken to anyone in such a manner, and Isaac was quite appalled to find himself the one of whom Garet was angry with. Sniffling, he covered his head with the pillow. Even Garet is more mature than I am. He may like to fool around and be an idiot, but he knows how to be serious. I can't do anything right. His thinking was cut off by a knock at his door.
"Isaac, son, can we talk for a bit."
"Fine… the door's open."
Kyle entered his room, a soft look of concern on his face. He had always been the typical father figure to Isaac: wise, caring, and always concise. Sitting down beside his son's figure lying on the bed, he placed a hand on Isaac's shoulder.
"That Garet sure has grown up. He'll make a fine mayor someday. I didn't know he had it in him to make a speech like that."
Isaac groaned. He wasn't in the mood to hear his father praise the fact that his best friend had just rendered him useless for words.
"You know he's right, son. I figured out what had happened when you locked your mother out of your room earlier. I've had my share of heartbreak in the past too, you know."
"…Maybe so, but you still met Mom, and you two have been great together ever since."
Kyle chuckled a bit before continuing. "You'd think that; seeing us now, anyhow. What you'd be surprised to know is that she didn't take too kindly to me back in the day. She wasn't my only love, though. Believe it or not, my first real girlfriend was none other than Garet's mother."
Isaac thought that very strange. To think that he and Garet could have legitimately been brothers seemed quite odd. Remaining silent, he allowed his father to continue.
"Yes, we were quite the couple. I still remember the day she left me. Much like you, I was absolutely devastated; heartbroken you might say. I moped around for months until I found out she was with someone else. That was when everything really hit home for me. I felt like I had lost everything. It wasn't until I decided to stop lingering in the past that I finally found someone for my future."
"Mom…"
"Yes, Isaac. It took me quite some time, but I met your mother while I was out on the road. You'd never know she wasn't from Vale, given how popular she is around here now. Nevertheless, it wasn't here that I met her."
"Dad, why are you telling me all of this? Do you…do you want me to leave home?"
"Of course not, son. What I'm trying to get at is that there's more to life than just grieving over your past. If you don't open yourself up to new opportunities, you'll never know you're missing. Whether it turns out to be Jenna or someone else, you might miss the love of your life by sitting at home. I know you just broke up last night, and this will take time to heal, but it's best to move on early."
"I…I don't know if I can. She was my entire life for the past three years."
"It won't be easy, I know, but I know you can. It's good to grieve a bit, but the best way to move forward is to get yourself back out there. Don't even concentrate on girls; love will find its own way to you. Right now you just have to focus on what you want and the rest will follow suit."
Isaac was unsure of what to say. His father was exceptionally good at helping those in need, and he had certainly helped quell Isaac's temper, at least for now. His ability to get his point across quickly and effectively never ceased to amaze Isaac. He turned over to look at his father, giving him a small smile while doing so.
"Thanks, Dad."
"No need to thank me, Isaac. I was just telling you what needed to be said." With that, he got up from Isaac's bedside and went back downstairs.
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Night came quickly, as Isaac had spent most of his day in bed. After finishing his letter to Mia and sending it off with her carrier pigeon, he took a walk up to the bridge. He was relieved that Jenna's house was somewhat far from his own; he could avoid bumping into her while still getting to his destination. As he passed by Garet's he remembered the things the Mars adept had said to him earlier. He thought of ways that he could apologize as he neared the pond.
Unlike last night's relatively clear skies, there were some thing clouds covering the moon tonight. The small waterfall had completely frozen over, allowing for a thin layer of snow to build up on the frozen pond. Rather than leaning on the rail, as he usually did, Isaac plopped himself down on the snow, letting his feet rest on the frozen surface of the water. The ice was thick enough to support his legs, so he lay back, relaxing in the contours of the chilly white powder beneath him. He thought about many things, but his mind always led back to last night. He thought it odd that he was still drawn to this place, especially after what happened here the other night. Perhaps he thought that some piece of the conversation might wriggle itself back into his mind that might hint at saving his relationship with Jenna. He had seriously taken both Garet and his father's words of advice to heart, but it was still much too soon to start getting over her. He sighed, not wanting to cry, for fear of his tears freezing to his face.
"Isaac?" came a voice from beyond his field of vision.
He sat up and turned around to see who had called his name. He breathed a sigh of relief when he only saw Garet. He wasn't really sure who to expect, but only hoped that it was not Jenna. Strangely, he was also a bit upset that it wasn't her; not that he would've known what to say to her right now.
"Hey Garet. What are you doing out here?"
"I could ask you the same question," he replied nonchalantly. "Your parents said you went out for a walk. I figured that you're always up here, and there were footprints leading this way."
Isaac averted his gaze for a moment. He forgot that Garet said he was going to check up on him, and felt guilty that he had left the house.
"Sorry, my room was getting stuffy so I came out here to think."
"Mind if I join you?"
"Go ahead."
The Mars adept bumbled over and sat down next to Isaac. The two of them sat in silence for a while. Isaac thought it was strange that Garet had come to check on him but hadn't said much of anything. He decided that he would break the awkward silence between them.
"…So why are you out here, again?"
"Because I was supposed to come check on you. I told you that earlier, remember?"
"Yeah, but I was just confused because you haven't really said much. I figured if you wanted to see how I was doing you'd at least ask me."
"Right, well, I know you well enough that I can tell just by looking. Besides, you seem to be doing better now."
"Mm," he replied, nodding slightly. The two sat in silence again until Isaac was pressed to ask another question. "Is…is everything alright with her…Jenna I mean?"
He noticed Garet's cheeks flush a bit as he finished the question, but overlooked it thinking that perhaps it was just the cold.
"She's…uh…I guess she's okay? I don't really know how to describe how she was…"
Isaac was lost already. He assumed she would be either obviously desolate or hiding any sadness she had, but now he was wondering what sort of display of emotions she had shown that had made Garet act so strangely. Unsure if he should press on, Isaac cautiously approached the subject.
"Oh…well, uh, what…what does that mean exactly? It's not the most sensible thing you've ever said to me."
"Well, she…she…um…how do I put this in words?"
"Was she upset?"
"Yes…and no…"
Isaac was really beginning to question what had transpired. If only he had been there, but he knew that would have been impossible. "Okay…why don't you just walk me through what happened after you left my house."
"I guess I could, but," he paused, looking away from Isaac, "you have to promise that you won't get mad at me for not intervening. I honestly can't believe what she did…"
Isaac wasn't completely sure he could promise that, judging from all the strange things that Garet had been saying, but was forced to comply. Sighing, he answered, "I promise."
"Well, after I told you to consider Jenna's feelings I left to go find her…"
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The ground thundered with small earthquake tremors as he ran from the pond back to his home. Isaac bolted up to his room, tears streaming from his eyes. How could she do this to him?! Did their relationship mean so little to her that she would do that? He couldn't believe what Garet had told him, yet there was such truth in his eyes. He couldn't even keep his promise not to take it out on his friend, much to Garet's chagrin; however, it seemed that he had prepared for Isaac not to keep his promise. Why didn't he stop her?! he mentally screamed. That's it, if I truly mean so little to her then I won't stay. Dad was right. If I want to find my own happiness I have to get back out there. With that thought in mind, Isaac retrieved a blank roll of parchment on which he began scribbling down a letter for his parents to find. When he finished writing it, he hastily packed some things away in his bag. He slid some armour on over his clothes and slung his sword and shield over his shoulder. On his belt he carried a pouch full of healing remedies, a pocketknife, and other various travel necessities. Making sure to pack extra clothes in his bag, Isaac eyed the red neckerchief hanging from his bedpost. Already adorning the scarf around his neck, he seriously contemplated whether or not to bring the other clothing article. While it may have brought him painful memories, it also reminded him that things were once good in his life. With that thought he tossed it in his bag and placed the note on his pillow.
"Master Isaac," a voice from nowhere in particular sounded. Isaac glanced around before a small flash of light appeared before his eyes. Floating in front of him was a small brown djinni. "What are you doing?" the djinni asked him mentally.
"We're going," murmured Isaac, only half paying attention to the small being. "It's time that we set out from New Vale on a quest of our own."
"But where will we go?"
"It doesn't matter, Flint, but we can't stay here. There's nothing here but pain and sadness. We need to find a new place to settle where we can be content."
"Master," started Flint, "is it wise to go out into the wilderness at night? There are powerful monsters out there now!"
"I don't care. I'll kill anything that dares to cross me right now."
Realizing that he wouldn't be able to convince Isaac to stay, Flint admitted defeat, "…Have you brought parchment? You may need it on the journey forward. You should also bring your bird in case we need to contact someone. I can also sense that you wish to bring Lady Mia's letters, but have refrained from doing so. It is not my place to tell you what to do, Master, but I think it would be wise to bring them if they shall help to keep you from returning here."
Isaac was always amazed with the wisdom of djinn. It should have come as no surprise, considering they could contact the gods, but he was glad that Flint had convinced him to bring the letters. "You're right, Flint. These are the only things keeping me here. If I hope to leave this place without looking back I'll need to keep these with us."
Carefully folding them into a small pouch on his bag, Isaac looked around to make sure he had everything before quietly slipping out of his house, down to the entrance of New Vale, and out of the village under the cover of darkness.
I know what you're all wondering now: "OMG WHAT DID GARET SAY?! WHAT DID JENNA DO?!" and if you actually screamed that out then I have officially succeeded in making a mid-story cliffhanger :) (Mid-story because it wasn't at the end of the chapter, but led up to the events that made the ending suspenseful).
Anyways I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.
As always, R&R and check out my soundcloud! (Link on my profile)
-GengaJupite