Author's Note:
I don't own Xenoblade Chronicles and all character belong to their rightful owners.
Here we are, back with Shulk and Melly. Enjoy!
With an uneventful day of travel behind them, Shulk and Melia stepped into Neo Tephra Cave. The setting of the cavern reminded him of his first trip through Tephra Cave. Reyn had been at his side then and the scare of almost losing Reyn haunted Shulk's worst nightmares. The sound of scuttling arachno still brought a wave of fear through Shulk's heart.
He glanced over at Melia, she was a faithful travel companion, but it just wasn't the same. Shulk knew he could count on Melia but…
She's not Reyn. Whenever he's around he always makes me feel like I can take on anything. I never have to worry about watching my back. Reyn's always protecting me… Melia was right, I'm vulnerable without him. Why do I feel so helpless all of a sudden?
A coldness bloomed in Shulk's chest the more he thought about Reyn. He longed to be by the man's side and yet, Shulk didn't even know where he was.
What if something's happened to him?
A shiver of fear shook his heart and his mind went back to the memory of the Arachno Queen. Seeing Reyn dying at her pincers both frightened him and filled him with intense sorrow. Shulk reached a hand up to touch the hilt of his sword.
I only saved him then because I had the Monado… I used my visions to keep him safe thousands of times. Now, I can only wonder if he's okay. If something happens to him, I don't know what I'd do…
The trepidation gripped with icy fingers at his heart and the frozen feeling spread through him. His breathing was suddenly shaky.
"Shulk, are you alright?" Melia's voice broke through his thoughts. Blue eyes glimmering with pain looked over at her.
"I'm worried about Reyn."
"You know Reyn, Shulk, he will be fine. He is a capable fighter." Melia tried to soothe him. "The Defense Force has done an incredible job keeping the monsters here in check. Nothing here could have harmed him."
"…You're right." Shulk sighed. "I shouldn't worry so much."
Melia smiled at him and patted his shoulder.
"We will find him."
"Thanks, Melia." Shulk smiled slightly. "You didn't have to come with me, but I really appreciate it."
"It is my pleasure."
The rapid scurrying of legs caught their attention. A horde of arachno barreled toward them. Melia gasped and drew her staff. Shulk drew his Junk Sword and readied the blade. However, the spiders just ran past them, clicking madly. A cluster of vangs flew over their heads, going in the same direction as the arachnos.
"What has them so spooked?" Shulk slowly replaced his weapon to his back.
"I do not know." Melia furrowed her delicate brow.
A great rumbling soon came to their ears and the ground trembled beneath their feet. Pebbles fell from the ceiling along with a shower of dust.
"A cave in!" Shulk grabbed Melia's hand and the two sprinted back the way they had come. The loud crashing of rocks falling drew nearer and neared to their backs. Larger rocks began to break from the ceiling in front of them. One fell in their path and Melia pulled Shulk back, so he wouldn't be crushed.
The dust in the air made it difficult to see and breathing almost impossible. As Shulk lead Melia forward once more, he covered his mouth with his sleeve. Melia coughed and stumbled over the rock littered path. She lost grip on Shulk's hand and fell. Shulk turned around and ran to her side. He helped her to her feet. Shulk glanced toward the ceiling; a deep crack had formed over their heads. He shoved Melia forward. Melia flew forward and fell to the ground once more. She looked over her shoulder at Shulk. The ceiling gave way into large boulders and thundered to the ground.
"Shulk!"