Melia went to visit Shulk the next day before she left. She was going to Tephra Cave to secure provisions for the High Entia refugees.
Shulk was still unconscious but seeing him hooked up to less machines than last time helped set her at ease.
"I have something for you, Shulk."
Melia held up the Replica Monado, "Miqol and Linada had this made for you after hearing that the Monado was taken by Zanza. It might not be the exact same, but from what they told me it works just like the Monado did. I'll leave it here for you when you wake up."
Melia placed the Replica Monado against the wall by the door and went back over to him.
She gave Shulk a hug, being careful not to move his IV or mess with any machines he was still hooked up to.
"I'll come visit again soon."
Melia left for Tephra Cave and came back around evening, with all the strong monsters around she had to focus on avoiding combat rather than getting into it.
"Hey, there she is! Melia, over here!"
Melia turned to where the voice was coming from. Sharla was waving and trying to get her attention as the group walked over to her at the entrance.
Riki bounced into Melia's arms, "Riki looked all over for Melly! Riki was getting worried!"
Melia put Riki down and looked up at the rest of the group, "I apologize if I had you all worried."
"Don't sweat it! We know you can handle yourself!" Reyn said.
"Melia, have you seen Fiora?" Dunban asked.
"No, I haven't. Is something wrong?" Melia asked.
"We're not sure. She said she was going out to get some fresh air. That was hours ago, and we haven't seen her since." Dunban explained.
"That does sound concerning. I'll help you look." Melia offered.
"Thanks. We already spread out and searched the entire colony. Maybe she went outside the colony? That would be a good place to start." Dunban suggested.
Melia went to check outside the colony and saw something catch her eye by the water. As she got closer she could make out a piece of Mechon plating that looked like Fiora's.
"There you are. Everyone's been looking for you." Melia called out as she walked over.
Fiora didn't say anything, she had a look like something was on her mind.
"Fiora, are you all right?" Melia asked.
Fiora let out a sigh, "I guess I haven't been hiding it that well, have I?"
"You mean your… physical condition?"
"Yes. I've been trying to hide it so they wouldn't be so worried about me."
"I'm sorry. It must be difficult living with that body."
"It's not all bad. This body has some advantages, like not having to worry about food, and I'm getting used to it more."
"I see."
Fiora looked down at Meyneth's chest plate, "The energy from this chest plate is what allows my body to function. It turns out that energy was being produced by a Monado. It's strange, actually."
"The same Monado that Zanza took from Meyneth?" Melia asked.
"Yes. And now that the Monado is gone, my body is running on reserved energy."
"And what happens when that is gone? Will your body cease to function?"
Fiora didn't answer. Her silence was enough for Melia to understand what would happen.
"No, I can't accept that! There has to be something we can do!" Melia protested.
"I'll be fine for a while, I have plenty of energy reserved. Melia, there's something I want you to do for me. Please take care of Shulk."
Melia took a step back, "Me? Why would you say such a thing?"
Fiora paused for a moment, "I hope you don't mind, Sharla told me how you feel about him."
Melia blushed and turned away.
Fiora giggled, "You don't have to hide it, Melia. To be honest, I think he likes you too."
"You really think so?" Melia asked and turned back towards her.
"I do. Shulk may seem oblivious, but I've been around him long enough to know how he really feels." Fiora reassured her.
"But I thought you and Shulk were…" Melia hesitated, thinking of a way to say it without sounding intrusive.
"Actually, Shulk doesn't seem to feel that way at all since we've been reunited. I guess he's moved on." Fiora answered for her.
Fiora looked up to the sky, "Of course, I want to spend as much time with Shulk and all of you as I can. But what matters the most to me is if Shulk is happy. Melia, I think you're the one who gives him that happiness. I don't want how we used to feel about each other holding you back. If you still feel that way, then I want you to be with him. I just hope that we can be friends regardless of what happens."
Melia reached for Fiora's hand, "Fiora, you've always been my friend, you're actually someone I look up to. Now I see why Shulk went to such lengths for you. You're such a strong, caring, and admirable person. If that's your final wish, then I'll look after Shulk."
"That's sweet of you to say. I haven't known you that long Melia, but from what I have seen you're the perfect person for Shulk. I'm happy to have met you, I just wish we knew each other sooner! Maybe we could hang out after all this is over?" Fiora said.
"Sure, I'd like that!" Melia answered.
They smiled at each other and looked out at the water for a few more minutes.
Fiora realized it was getting late, "We should head back. Melia, can you keep this between us? I don't want them to know about my condition just yet. Maybe I'll tell them when the time is right."
Melia nodded, "Of course, Fiora. Your secret is safe with me."