Escaping the Mechonis Core was nothing short of a miracle, and with all the events that occurred in such a short time it felt like only a sliver of good news.
Reyn carefully placed Shulk's body on Linada's operating table for her to examine him. The atmosphere felt increasingly tense the longer they waited, but they didn't want to rush Linada.
Reyn decided to ask what was on everyone's mind, "Is Shulk going to make it?"
"He's in critical condition, but he should survive." Linada told them.
The tension in the room started to disappear and some in the group let out a sigh of relief.
"Then we still have a fighting chance." Dunban put his hand to his chin.
Reyn stood up and put his fists together, "Yeah, and when Shulk's back on his feet we'll give Zanza what he deserves. He's going to pay for everything he's done!"
"Easy, Reyn. While Shulk is recovering we have some things to do. Otharon is bringing High Entia refugees that didn't transform into Telethia here. And as for the ones that did, we'll have to be ready in case they attack."
Dunban turned to Melia. She was sitting close to Shulk, holding onto his hand and looked like she was deep in thought.
"Melia?"
Hearing her name snapped her out of it, "Hm? Oh, sorry. I just have a lot on my mind right now."
"I understand. We just needed to know a few things. Should we be concerned about the High Entia refugees? And are you okay with killing the Telethia if they pose a threat?" Dunban asked.
"The remaining High Entia should be half-blooded like myself so it's not likely they will become Telethia. As for those who were less fortunate and transformed, I am fine with eliminating them." Melia said.
"Alright then, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. We should let Shulk rest for now." Dunban advised.
Melia stayed behind for another minute while the rest went ahead. When she was about to stand up and leave she felt Shulk's grip on her hand tightening.
"…Shulk?"
He didn't respond or even move.
Melia's thoughts started to go back and forth, "Was it just my imagination? Or was Shulk actually squeezing my hand?" She wanted to stay in case Shulk was going to wake up.
"Linada, is it okay if I stay here a little longer?" She asked.
"That's fine. I was going to take a break soon, so I'll give you some time alone before I come back to check on him again." Linada said.
Melia waited for a few moments after she heard the door close.
"Shulk, can you hear me?"
Shulk didn't answer.
"How long do you plan to sleep for? The people on Bionis need you, your friends need you… I need you."
Still no answer.
"Shulk, please stay with me. There are some things I never got to tell you. Ever since I met you and the others, my life has been turned upside down. I have experienced so much pain throughout our journey: Father's death, losing my people… It's difficult to hold back tears thinking about it. Even though I wanted to cry and grieve for those that were lost, I couldn't do it. Any time I felt that way, I would remember that I have all of you by my side and I would feel like there's nothing that couldn't be overcome."
Melia took a deep breath before she continued.
"I do not think you noticed, Shulk. All of you have given me the strength to keep moving forward. But out of everyone, you've given the most for me. Ever since we met, you would go out of your way for me even if it meant putting yourself at risk. You've been like my knight in shining armor for as long as I've known you, and I feel that I have done nothing for you in return. I've wanted to tell you something, but I could never work up the courage. Shulk… I love you. I've felt so strongly about you for quite some time now. Even if you do not reciprocate those feelings, I would still be content if you at least knew how I felt. I've lost so many people already, I don't want to lose you too. Please, come back to us."
Tears started to fall down Melia's cheek. She heard the door open and tried to hide her crying as best she could.
Linada put a hand on Melia's shoulder, "Go get some rest, Melia. You've all been through so much lately, and I'm sure Shulk wouldn't want the first thing he sees when he wakes up is you so stressed."
Melia wanted to stay but Linada was right. She nodded and let go of Shulk's hand.
"You can come visit him whenever you have some free time if you'd like." Linada said and gave her a small smile.
"Thank you, I will." Melia said back.
Melia took her leave and Linada went back to examining Shulk.