Hey guys, what's up? Yeah, it's been a while. Sooooorry but school is taking away my time to write Dx But good thing there's a new chapter now :D So this chapter is rather sad (hurt/comfort), but it also contains some cuteness xD Just for you know, the chapter starts will Melissa's dream (it's in italic)

Enjoy :D

Chapter 9: Memories from the past

(Melissa's POV)

"Mommy, can I go outside?" Asked an eight-years-old girl with beautiful cinnamon hair.

"Of course, darling. Just be very careful." Smiled lovely the mother while washing the dishes. "And could you tell your Daddy that lunch is almost ready?"

"Okay, I will!" The little girl came out of the house and ran through a big garden full of colorful flowers, her golden necklace swinging with each steps. She stopped in front of her favorite plant, it reminded of winter with its magnificent white petals with blue highlights. The child smelled in bliss the flower before running again with a big smile on her face.

The sun shone brightly and the heat of summer was present in the small village of Azoria. It was a perfect day to play outside for a little girl like her. Not so far, there was a man chopping wood near the entrance of the forest. Looking at the distracted man with playful emerald eyes, the little girl crouched and hidden herself behind a rock. She stepped on a twig and froze, making the man to stop for a moment before returning on his work. She giggles silently as she attempted to jump to scare him, but failed when the man turned himself and grabbed her by her arms.

"Raaaawwrr I got you!" Exclaimed the brown-haired man tickling her.

"Aaahh, you caught me, daddy! You win, you win!" Laughed the girl trashing around uncontrollably. The father stopped, chuckling to himself and put her on his shoulder.

"What are you doing here, sweetheart?" The young father asked looking up at her daughter with a bright smile.

"I wanted to play outside." The eight years old girl giggled as she ruffled his brown hair. "And mommy said it's almost lunchtime."

"Oh, what did mommy cook?" He questioned as he raised his hands to take her littles ones.

"She made stew with chicken!" The child says happily, making the father laugh at her enthusiasm.

He was about to talk when a long bloodcurdling scream was heard from the house. He froze and his hazel eyes widened in realisation. No…it can't be… he thought as he put his daughter down and looked at her with fear. They're here...how did they found us?

"Daddy, what's going on?" Said the child with a shaky voice as she looked at the house, tugging his shirt. He snapped out of his thoughts and glanced at the house before staring at his only child. There's only one way...

"Melissa, look at me, look at me sweetheart," he started, kneeling down as he cupped her cheeks with his hands, "I need you to run into the woods as fast as you can, okay?"

"W-why?" The little girl asked with quivering lips as she glanced over his shoulder.

"Just listen, go to the great oak and take the bag inside the tree. Don't come back, okay, just keep running until you find a safe place. Your mother and I will be fine. Remember, don't let anyone take your necklace. Be safe, be strong Melissa. I love you."

The father kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly, fighting his tears. He released her as he stood up and turned himself towards the house with the axe in his hands.

"Now, go before it's too late. Just keep running." He said sternly over his shoulder before whispering to himself. "Please, don't let them find her…"

The little girl stood there motionless but soon recovered and rushed into the forest like her father said. She had no idea what was going on, but she kept running. After a few minutes, she looked behind and saw with horror her home been ravaged by fire. She yelped as she stumbled over a root, but quickly recovered as she ran faster, going deeper into the forest.

"BRING ME THE GIRL!" Shouted a harsh voice in the distance. Then, they were numerous black figures going after her. The frightened eight-years-old girl continued to run as her vision blurred with tears. Steps by steps they were closer and closer, before everything became dark…

Wa… up…Mel…sa…

I hear a distant familiar voice calling my name.

Meli… ple… wak…up…

Someone's shaking my shoulder slightly. I snap open my eyes gasping for air as my heart is racing crazy in my chest. The blanket was tangled with my legs as I try to sit up, holding my necklace tightly and my body starts to tremble. Again with the same dream, yet I'm still not use to it. It's been while, last time I had it was a month ago. Why now?

I wipe the sweat of my forehead with the back of my hand and try to focus on one spot but I can't. Suddenly a cool hand touches my shoulder, making me jump in surprise.

"It's okay, it's just me." A velvety voice reassures near me, yet it sounds so distant… like a voice lost in a dark tunnel.

I can still see the images of my dream… no memory. My mother's scream ringing in my ears…the burning red blazes ravaging my house… the man's order.

"Melissa, look at me and take deep breaths. It was just a dream." It was then I realise I was holding my breath. I blink several time before my vision become clear and I face two icy blue eyes. The blond man sits beside me and looks at me with deep concern.

I shake my head and make my hand into fists. I pull my legs close to my chest and manage to whisper. "No, it wasn't a dream…"

It was never a dream, only a piece from the past. I don't know why this time it felt more vivid and real than the last time. Back in the day, I was fine after a few minutes but now…

"What do you mean?" He frowns in confusion but still in worry.

"They…they were chasing m-me… after they k-killed my…my…" I choke as tears fills my eyes blurring my vision. Another image from that day comes in mind, showing the fire ravaging my house as black smoke masked the blue sky. "T-they are g-gone because of..."

Zane frowns for a second until his eyes widen in realisation with a gasp. Unable to continue, I try to wipe my tears but they were already sliding down my faces. Argh, I shouldn't be crying right now. I could've done something to prevent it, but I didn't and ―

All of a sudden, I feel a pair of strong arms go around me. I tense up a little, startled by the action when I was pull into a hug but doesn't push away. I stop breathing as I try to hold back a sob, my eyes shut tightly.

Why do I always have the same dream? They will never stop going after me… not after that day. Come to think of it, it's the first time I tell someone about my parent's death… well sort of. I didn't say the whole story, only a part of it but still. It's hard enough to deal with when someone asks about my parents. It has been ten years since the incident and it still feels as if it was yesterday.

"Don't hold it back, Melissa." Zane says softly, rubbing my back. "Let it go, you need it."

That was it. Like flipping a switch, I bury my face to his chest as I sob, my tears now flowing freely. A scent of pine needles envelops me as I feel his warmth, relaxing a little. Zane then starts to slowly stroke my hair which had knots but his fingers gently untangle them, bringing me some comfort.

"I-I could h-have don―"

"Shhh, it wasn't your fault, Melissa." He whispers as I cry on his shirt. "You have nothing to worry about, you are safe now."

(Zane's POV)

I look down at her in worry as I gently rocking her back and forth to calm her trembling body. Her hot tears are starting to go through my gi as her hands clutches at my sleeves. I frown when her sobs became stronger. It pains me greatly for unkown reason to see her in such a troubled state.

I was only going to check on her to tell breakfast was ready when I heard a voice behind the door. I tried to knock, but there was no response. At first, I thought Melissa was talking with Nya but then I remembered that she was in the living room with Jay. I grew worry when the voice became louder so I decided to open the door as much I didn't want to intrude. I was shocked when I saw Melissa mumbling and shaking in her sleep, but relieved that she wasn't in danger. However, I never knew she would react that way when I woke her up.

I notice that since her arrival, she became a little more open. Beside me, she became good friend with Nya. She is still hesitant about the others though, especially Kai. Maybe, she thinks he's still upset about their challenge but I sense there's something more.

Sigh, her past must have been very difficult…

According to what I understood, her parents were killed by someone that, I presume, is after her since that day. But why and who? This person is more dangerous than I expected, he or she is ready to end innocent life to get her. However, was it the same person who sent those men to kidnap her or someone else? Also, was it the one who sent the message about a week ago?

I continue to give her comfort as she quietly calms down. My sensors indicates that her pulse is getting back in its normal cadence as her trembling is decreasing as well. After a few minutes of rocking she looks up , her face all moist with tears as her hands rest on my chest. She slowly pulls back as she glances at me with a timid face. I look at her with confusion until I realise that I'm still holding her. I swallow hardly as I feel my face warming up and release her. She shifts her weight uncomfortably as she realises our previous position and that she just cried in my arms.

"I'm sorry." She whispers shyly as she rights herself. "You shouldn't have seen this."

"It's okay, you don't need to apologize." I look at her with a smile as I gently wipe her last tears with my thumb, making her flinch but doesn't push away. Her puffy emerald eyes flutter for a moment before quickly looking away.

"Do you feel better?" I ask softly as I remove my hand from her warm cheek and she nods slightly. We stay silent for a moment before I open my mouth but I close it. I wanted to ask her something, but it may be a sensitive subject. She is still emotionally unstable at the moment. I don't think she's rea―

"I was eight when it happened…" She whispers looking as her hands, answering my question without knowing. "…but it still feels as if it was yesterday…"

Melissa then starts telling the drea― the memory from the beginning. New tears fell and I knew it was hard for her. I wanted to stop her, but she insisted. I listened to each words carefully as she keeps talking, her voice shaking from time to time. When she finished, my emotional framework was bombard with sorrow and concern.

She was only a child at the time… yet, she became a strong young woman.

"Y-you're the first p-person to know the whole story... only… a few knows a-a part of it." She speaks softly as she traces a pattern on the mattress and I stare at her with wide eyes. Why did she tell me her past? It is not a subject you tell to everybody, especially to someone you met recently. Of course, I am touched that I was the first one to know, but my logic takes over. I frown a little and voice my thoughts. "I do not wish to sound rude but why did you tell me this?"

She glances at me several times before she sighs. "I-I don't know… I have this feeling that you s-should know it. I d-don't understand why, though… Maybe because I uh… I-I." It was clear she was struggling on her words.

"It's okay, I understand." I smile at her. I believe she tried to tell me that she trust me. She hasn't been that open before, I am glad I can call her my friend. Over the past week, I learned many things about her. Despite her shy demeanor, she loves to help people. During our training, she tends to maintain the Bounty clean even if we told her she didn't have too since she's our guest but she always reply with a smile saying: It's a way to repay you for letting me stay.

However I feel a little twinge of guilt deep in my system. I quickly push that feeling away and place a hand on her shoulder in a comfort manner. "I am honored you entrusted me with this. Your strength on telling about this sensitive topic is quite impressive."

"Y-yeah, thanks I guess." She says timidly as she continues to trace the patterns of the mattress.

"I was wondering about something." I start and Melissa looks up, waiting for me to continue. "What happen if you don't have your necklace?"

"Well, the moment I don't have it... my body becomes weak and weaker over the hours until my heart stops, I guess. I can live without it for three days only." She reveals regrettably as she holds the jewel.

"Did it happen?" I say worriedly hoping it didn't.

"…Yes, three years a-ago, I lost it for about two days. It was very painful and…" She shakes her head. "I'm sorry, I can't…"

"No need to apologise." I reassure with a nod but then frown. "However, I am deeply sorry about your loss."

Two months ago… people said those very same words to me. I mentally shake myself and push away the mournful memories. This is not the time to think about that.

"Thanks." She looks up with a faint smile as she wipe her last tears. "But I should be the one to say it."

I widen my eyes, wondering how does she knows that. She must have seen my shocked face because she bows her head. "Nya… told me a-about your father when I saw some pictures on the wall."

I take a deep breath and slowly exhale, calming my element that was starting to react. "He passed away when he became really ill at the hospital. I knew this day will come the sooner or later. However… the mourning is still painful."

"Is this why you lose your focus the other day?" She asks in worry, referring the day I was meditating at the deck.

"Yes." I sigh sadly, remembering the sorrowful day, two months ago. "At least, I know he's in a better place now."

"Just like mine." She says and I smile down at her.

"Melissa, remember that from now on I will not let anyone hurt you. We are going to stop this man. We're all here for you." I promise truthfully as I gently put a lock of hair behind her ear. Her smile gets wider with a light blush on her cheeks.

She quickly wraps her arms around me and snuggles into my shoulders. The same warm heat invades my systems, including my face. Why do I always overheat in those moments? I should ask Jay about it, it is starting to give me deep concerns.

"Thank you, Zane." Her muffled voice says as she hugs me. "You're a great friend."

"You don't need to thank me, this is what friends are for." I answer smiling as I return the hug. A faint sweet scent of lavender and jasmine reaches my senses, making my power source react slightly. We then pull back and I help her to stand. "I should be the one to thank you, you healed my arm back then."

"Oh, it was nothing," she smiles warmly, "but you're welcome."

I open the door and let Melissa go first. "Now, come, breakfast is ready and Lloyd should arrive soon."

And this is how she lost her parents... I know is very sad. When I wrote it, my eyes were watering. There was so many feels xD You'll also know more about Zane's dad and how he passed away and stuff. But for now, you know how she survived "that day". I know that I didn't describe her parents a lot, but there's a reason. You'll learn more about them in the future (especially her mother), so don't worry.

So see you next time and stay tuned!

Have a great day/night and don't forget to review :D

Danino