It was still early morning, but sunlight seeped through the window and into Melia's room. Shulk started to stir from the light hitting his face and he sat up. He rubbed his eyes and looked over to Melia's side of the bed, seeing that she was still asleep.
"Melia…" He softly mused. Normally, waking up next to her would be enough to put a smile on his face, but he still felt worried about her after last night. As badly as he wanted to stay, he knew he had to be out of her room before anyone seen that he stayed the night with her.
Shulk got up and dressed, but as he sat back on the bed to get his shoes on, Melia rolled over and hugged him from behind.
Shulk started to smile and placed his hand over hers, "Hey, you. What are you doing up so early?"
"I heard you walking around." Melia said, still sounding half asleep.
Shulk turned around and held Melia in his arms, giving her a soft, tender kiss, "How are you feeling, Angel? Do you want me to stay here for a bit longer?"
Melia nuzzled closer and rested her head near his collar bone. She felt so warm and safe in his arms, so much that she could have fallen back asleep like this if he didn't have to leave.
"I'm okay, Shulk. I don't want you to get in trouble because of me." Melia said.
"It wouldn't bother me, but alright, if you're sure. Come on, back to bed." Shulk gently set Melia down on her side of the bed. He put the blankets back over her and kissed her on the lips, then another on her forehead.
"Good night." Shulk told her.
"Good night, Boo." Melia mused.
It didn't take long for Melia to fall back asleep. Shulk finished getting ready and glanced back at his girlfriend one more time before slowly opening the door.
Alright, perfect. Everyone is still asleep.
Shulk didn't feel like he could go back to bed once he was in his own room. He took a long shower, then laid on his bed and pulled a book out of the nightstand drawer, trying to pass the time while he waited for everyone else to wake up. Their friends would be leaving tomorrow morning, so Shulk and Melia were going to spend the day with them. Shortly after they left, he and Melia were going to attend a memorial service for those that passed away or transformed into Telethia.
There was a knock at his door a few hours later.
"Come in." Shulk said.
The door opened and he seen Reyn first, followed by the others as they all came in to Shulk's room.
Melia stepped ahead of the group and climbed into Shulk's bed, snuggling close to him.
"Still tired or something, Melia?" Shulk asked and wrapped his arms around her.
"No, I just wanted to lay next to you. You don't mind, do you?" Melia asked.
Shulk chuckled a little at her question, something about the way she asked that made it sound so cute.
"You don't have to ask, Melia, you can do whatever you want." Shulk said.
Everyone else stayed standing while Shulk and Melia cuddled on the bed.
"Aww, missed him that much after a few nights alone?" Sharla commented.
Shulk and Melia looked at each other, both of them smiling and trying to hide their grins.
"I guess so." Melia answered.
After their talk last night in Melia's room, Shulk understood why she was always trying to be close to him. It wasn't enough to be considered clinging to him, but Shulk didn't seem to mind either way, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't like the extra attention.
"Well, we were all planning on getting some grub." Reyn said and pointed behind him.
"You want to come with us, Romeo and Juliet?" Sharla added.
"Yeah, I'm getting a bit hungry. Want to come too, Melia?" Shulk asked.
"Mhm." Melia nodded and hugged him tighter.
The two sat up and held hands while the others lead the way to the canteen. While they were eating, everyone decided to go into Alcamoth for the day. They still had time before the soldiers would allow everyone back in, so it would be quiet and they could look around the city at their own pace.
Everyone finished eating and headed for the Center Gate transporter, taking their time as they walked through Alcamoth's districts.
"It looks like some areas were hit harder than others. But overall, the damage doesn't seem as bad as I thought it would be." Dunban said as they looked around.
The group continued their aimless tour around the city and came across the commercial district, which seemed to be in the best-looking condition compared to the other districts. Other than a few minor-to-moderate repairs, the only things left that needed to be changed were cosmetic.
Everyone was glancing through the front glass of the stores and window shopping as they walked along, but Reyn seen something glimmering in the corner of his eye and he stopped. He looked up at the name of the building and noticed that it was a jewelry store, and the glimmering he seen earlier was from the several rows of display cases showing necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings of any design imaginable.
Reyn leaned closer to the window and looked over all the jewelry, but what really caught his eye was the rows of engagement rings he found near the back of the showroom.
"If only I could give Sharla something as high-end as these…" Reyn quietly said to himself.
Dunban noticed that Reyn was missing and looked behind him, seeing Reyn squinting his eyes to try and read the price tags on the rings.
"I must be seeing extra numbers or something. I figured they would be expensive, but this much?!" Reyn said out loud.
"You say that as if you're going to buy one."
Reyn jumped back, he was so focused on the rings that he didn't notice Dunban behind him.
"Don't be sneaking up on me like that, Dunban!" Reyn exclaimed.
"Sorry. They do look nice though, don't they?" Dunban said and nudged his head in the direction of the display cases.
"Yeah, they do." Reyn said, his face glued back on to the window.
Dunban followed his gaze, seeing that he was looking at the engagement rings.
"Planning to ask Sharla?" Dunban asked.
Reyn shook his head, "No, not yet. Maybe someday, but there's no way I could afford one like these."
Dunban put his hand to his chin, "Well, you did say there was time before that happens. You could start saving up, and if you still come up short then I might be able to help you cover the rest if you pay me back."
"You'd do that?" Reyn turned away from the window and gawked at him.
"As long as it's within a reasonable amount." Dunban spoke up.
"But… why, Dunban?" Reyn asked.
"Just looking out for you guys like I've always done." Dunban simply replied.
"That's what I mean, though. There's gotta be more to it than just 'looking out'." Reyn pressed.
"Well…" Dunban let out a sigh and blankly stared into the window, "I wasn't lying when I said it was to look out for you, but it's probably not in the way that you thought. You were all only kids when your parents died, and I don't think I can go as far as to say being a father figure, but I knew someone needed to look out for all of you and keep you going in the right direction. I just see this as another way of doing that."
"Dunban… thank you! I mean it, I really appreciate this!" Reyn said. His tone changed to a more serious one, but he still looked a bit nervous, "I can't really speak for the others, but I've looked up to you since I was a kid, Dunban. I don't think anyone could replace my old man, but…"
Dunban tried to hide the smile appearing on his face, "I get what you're trying to say, Reyn. Don't think anything else of this, I'm just doing the same thing I've always been doing. We should join up with the others before they notice we're missing. Wouldn't want Sharla to catch on and spoil the surprise, even if it's not going to be for a while."
Reyn and Dunban caught up with the rest of the group and continued on, reaching the residential districts. Damage could be seen throughout the area, but Melia was focused on the piles of rubble where houses used to stand.
"Melia?" Shulk walked over but she didn't answer him. He could see that sad look appearing on Melia's face and pulled her in for a hug.
"They were forced out of their homes, Shulk… and now some of them won't even have a home to go back to." Melia finally spoke, her voice was quiet but Shulk could still hear the depressed tone in it.
"Hey, look at me, Melia." Shulk lifted her head and gave her a gentle kiss, "It'll be okay. We'll fix everything, just like we talked about, maybe even make it better than it was before."
"But where will those that lost their homes go until then?" Melia asked.
"They could stay at the barracks while they wait for their houses to be rebuilt, or maybe the soldiers could construct something temporary for them to live in." Shulk assured her.
Melia nodded and put her arms around Shulk's neck, feeling her confidence coming back as she gazed into his eyes.
"You're right, Shulk. We'll do everything we can to fix this, and we'll do it together." Melia said.
"That's my girl." Shulk smiled.
Melia smiled back and gently pressed her forehead to his.
"Just like we promised. I love you, Shulk." She mused.
"I love you too, Melia." Shulk pulled her closer and into a passionate kiss.
They finished looking around the city by late afternoon and headed back to the headquarters. On their way across the hovering reefs, Reyn stopped and lifted his head up while he sniffed the air.
"Hey, any of you guys smell smoke or is it just me?" Reyn asked.
Everyone else stopped and noticed the smell too. They could see the smoke coming from the reef where the headquarters was at in the distance.
"Did something happen over there?" Sharla asked.
"I guess we'll find out. Let's go!" Reyn said urgently.
The group was met by the captain as they rushed into the base camp, he had a half-finished drink in his hand and seemed a little buzzed.
"Whoa, guys, where's the fire?" The captain asked.
"We could be asking you that same question! We saw smoke, what's going on here?" Reyn asked.
The captain just stared at them for a few seconds, then started to snicker and pointed to the side of him, "You mean from there?"
Everyone looked where he was pointing and seen a group of soldiers and refugees gathered around a bonfire.
"I've probably been a soldier for longer than all of you put together, and even I'm not this jumpy." The captain joked.
Everyone in the group let out a relieved sigh seeing that there was no real danger.
"Yeah that smoke you all saw was probably from one of my genius squad mates deciding to make the fire bigger by pouring alcohol on it." The captain stated.
"I think a fire elemental with some combustible materials would have sufficed." Melia pointed out.
"I know, what a waste of a good drink!" The captain said and took a swig.
"Not exactly the point I was trying to make, captain." Melia said.
Reyn chuckled, "Gotta say, it's a little weird seeing you laid back for once, Cap, especially around Melia."
"Well, there's no more fighting so no reason to be barking orders either. I've known the empress almost her entire life, not really anything knew." The captain shrugged.
"Why have a bonfire, though?" Shulk asked.
"Everyone wanted to celebrate the city being reclaimed, so we all agreed to have a bonfire. A few squads went back into the city to get provisions and came back with quite a bit of alcohol, some of it's pretty good too." The captain said and held up his glass.
The captain slammed what was left of his drink, "I'll leave you all to it. Grab yourselves a drink and relax, you've earned it, and with how jumpy you all are, you probably need it."
The captain walked away and went to a new structure they didn't remember seeing before. It seemed to resemble a makeshift bar with a long "L" shaped counter, stools in front and several rows of shelves with bottles behind it, multiple sets of other tables nearby, and a small area off to the side with people playing instruments.
"You know, maybe he's right." Sharla said.
"I agree, we could use the rest." Melia added.
"Yeah, looks like everyone is having fun. I don't plan on drinking, though." Shulk said.
"Riki might try a few of Bird People's drinks." Riki spoke up.
"I didn't know you drink, fuzz ball." Reyn commented.
"Riki not think Reyn cared about Riki's business. Riki drinks, maybe can hold drinks better than Reyn." Riki teased.
"Yeah? How's about we find out?" Reyn smirked.
"But, Reyn, you're not-"
"It'll be fine, Sharla. If Cap doesn't care, then I don't think anyone else will." Reyn suddenly cut her off, "So, whaddaya say, fuzz ball?"
"Riki take Reyn on! Reyn may be big, but Riki bet Reyn little baby when comes to drinking!" Riki smirked back.
"So help me, if I have to babysit you two all night…" Sharla growled.
Everyone followed behind Reyn and Riki to the bar. They kept their empty glasses lined up to easily tally the winner, but Sharla stepped in after she felt the line of empty glasses was getting too long, and their obnoxiously loud behavior wasn't helping.
"Okay, you two, that's enough." Sharla said.
"Oh, lighten up, Sharla. I feel fine." Reyn protested.
"Riki would go see Oka if Riki wanted to be nagged." Riki added.
Sharla glared at the two while the rest of the group covered their mouths to hide their snickering.
"I guess they get courageous when they drink, don't they?" Dunban smirked.
"If this is what I'm going to have to deal with all night, I'm the one who's going to need a drink." Sharla groaned.
"Great idea! Yo, barkeep!" Reyn tapped the counter and raised his hand.
Everyone else laughed, but Sharla didn't think it was funny and continued to chew the two out.
The group split up after Reyn and Riki were cut off on drinks. Sharla stayed with Reyn and Riki to keep them out of trouble, Dunban and Fiora were mingling with others around the camp, and Shulk and Melia hung around the bonfire for a bit before going for a walk around the hovering reefs.
Everyone met back up by the bonfire as nighttime came around, with Shulk and Melia being the last to arrive.
"Reyn! How ya feeling?" Shulk asked as he and Melia sat down by the fire.
"Everything's still spinning a little, but you know what? I'm feelin' all right!" Reyn replied.
"They finally started to calm down, and now it's my turn to relax." Sharla said. She held up the beer bottle in her hand and took a few sips.
"Well excuse me for wanting to have some fun while we're all still here together." Reyn shot back.
"What do you mean, Reyn?" Sharla asked.
"Well, we were all planning on doing our own things after this was over, weren't we?" Reyn answered.
"For once, Reyn's got a point. We all knew that a time would eventually come where we went our separate ways." Dunban said.
"I guess you're right. Now that this is over, we'll all be going back home and doing our own things. Anyone have any ideas they wanted to share?" Sharla asked.
Everyone went quiet for a few moments and thought about it.
"Riki know what Riki want to do! Riki want to become adventurer and travel around new world!" Riki answered first.
"That's a great idea, Riki. I'm sure there's plenty of things about this new world we created to explore!" Fiora praised. She then nervously looked down, "I haven't really decided on what I want to do, though."
"Fiora not feel bad, don't need to have answer right away. Fiora should take time to think about what Fiora want deep down!" Riki suggested.
"Something I want deep down…" Fiora still wasn't sure on what exactly that was, but she still put on a smile as she lifted her head back up.
"Maybe you're right, Riki." Fiora said.
"Of course Riki right! Fiora take as much time as Fiora need to find what that is." Riki replied.
Riki looked to his other side, "What about Dundun?"
"Do you all remember that I had to go see Colonel Vangarre a while ago, right before the festival? He wanted me to consider working for the military again and offered me a job. I was thinking of taking it." Dunban answered.
"Not too long before we came here, my boss told me that Vangarre was looking for me too. Just like Dunban, Vangarre wanted me to move back to Colony 9 and work for him, even offered to pay me more." Reyn said.
"Reyn told me about his job offer after you guys left. I'll be staying with him in Colony 9 and studying to become a doctor while he works for Vangarre. Not really sure what we'll do after that, we might stay in Colony 9 or move into a bigger house back in Colony 6 after we save enough." Sharla added.
"Only two left then. Shulk, Melia, what about you?" Fiora asked.
"Well…" Shulk started nervously.
Melia reached for Shulk's hand and gave him a comforting smile.
Shulk smiled back at her, then turned to Fiora, "Like we mentioned earlier, I'm staying here with Melia and helping her rebuild."
"I see…" Fiora replied. She was almost certain that would be his answer but still felt the need to ask, like there might have been a small chance that he reconsidered. Just the thought of not knowing when she'll see Shulk again made her start to feel depressed and she swallowed the lump forming in her throat.
Shulk scanned over the looks on his friends' faces, all of them seeming gloomy. Even the atmosphere around the bonfire felt bittersweet.
"Why do you all feel like this has to end on such a somber note?" Shulk asked.
"Shulk is right." Melia spoke up, "We all have our own paths to walk, but that doesn't mean we will never see each other again."
Shulk nodded at her, "Right. We were with each other through good and bad times, and we made memories together that we'll never forget. Even when you guys leave tomorrow, those bonds we made won't be going anywhere. We'll never be apart, and you're all more than welcome to come visit any time you want."
"Well said, Shulk!" Dunban praised.
"Got that right! Cheers, Shulk!" Reyn said.
"Hear, hear!" Sharla said and took a drink.
"Riki fired up from Shulk and Melly's words! Hotter than bonfire!" Riki cheered.
"I don't think any of us could have said it better, Shulk. We all needed to hear that, and we'll be taking you up on your offer to visit soon!" Fiora said.
They all hung around the bonfire for a bit longer before putting it out and going to bed.
The next morning, everyone gathered by the edge of the hovering reef as a transport ship landed nearby. The door to the ship opened and they all stopped to say their goodbyes to Shulk and Melia before boarding.
Reyn was the first to board and waved behind him as he stepped onto the ship, "Don't be doing anything too crazy without me, Shulk!"
"Riki will come visit when Riki comes back from travels!" Riki said and followed behind Reyn.
Fiora hugged Shulk first, "We meant it when we said we would come visit, Shulk. It might not be for a while, but we'll be back!"
"I know you will. You and the others can come visit whenever you want." Shulk said and hugged her back.
Fiora then went up to Melia, a frown appearing on her face as she hugged her tightly.
"Melia, please take care of Shulk." Fiora's voice broke as she quietly pleaded.
Melia's heart sunk and she pulled Fiora closer. Even though they talked about Shulk back in the Audience Chamber, Melia could tell that Fiora still had feelings for him on some level.
"Of course I will." Melia assured her.
After a long embrace, the two girls broke apart and Fiora walked over to Dunban.
"We'll see you soon." Dunban said before the two boarded the ship.
"Be safe, you two. With how much you've helped turn Colony 6 around, I'm sure you can do it here too!" Sharla said and hugged them both.
With everyone on board, the door to the ship closed and prepared for takeoff. Shulk and Melia stayed by the edge of the hovering reef, waving goodbye as the ship carried them across Eryth Sea until they were out of sight.
Fiora was still staring out the window, a frown on her face as she looked out at the water over Eryth Sea.
Sharla could see the look on Fiora's face and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"It's about Shulk, isn't it?" Sharla asked softly.
Fiora's lip started quivering and she gave a reluctant nod.
Sharla gently pulled Fiora close and hugged her.
"I know his feelings for me changed… and I even talked with Melia about it, but… it's just…" Fiora was shaking slightly and pausing, not sure on how to put it into words.
"There, there. I know what you're trying to say, Fiora. Maybe we can find someone else back in Colony 9 that would be perfect for you." Sharla said and rubbed her back.
"But… I…" Fiora buried her face in Sharla's shoulder to muffle her sobbing, not wanting anyone else to hear her.
"I know, sweetheart, I know. It's going to be hard, but even you should know that he still cares about you and that he's not going anywhere. We'll come back once Alcamoth starts to get back on its feet and you can see Shulk again, even if I have to take you back here by myself. Would that make you feel better?" Sharla said soothingly.
Fiora nodded and hugged Sharla tighter while she tried to calm down.
Back at the barracks, Shulk and Melia were getting ready for the memorial service. They changed into more formal clothes and walked together to Showdown Hill.
Soldiers and refugees alike joined together in front of a massive stone wall with the names of those that were confirmed to have passed away or transformed into Telethia inscribed on it. Some lit candles while others placed items at the base of the monument, including flowers, pictures of lost loved ones, and trinkets that had sentimental value.
At the end of the service, everyone lowered their heads for a moment of silence and prayer. People then began to take their leave and went back to the barracks, but Melia stayed by the monument.
"Shulk, there's somewhere else I planned on going after the service. It's voluntary if you wanted to come with me, but if not, I'll see you back at the barracks." Melia said.
"Where are you going?" Shulk asked.
"Kallian was a member of the Imperial Family, so his resting place is elsewhere. I'm going to the High Entia Tomb to see him, and also to see my mother and father." Melia answered.
Shulk looked worried and took Melia's hand, "Of course I'll come with you. If you need something, anything at all, let me know, okay?"
Melia nodded but couldn't bring herself to even attempt a smile. She gave a signal and a small group of Imperial Guards came over to escort them to the tomb, and they were also holding flowers and grave blankets.
Melia was quiet and in thought the entire way to the tomb. Down in the lower halls, Shulk abruptly stopped and gripped the Monado, seeing the constructs and instinctively thinking they would attack.
Melia didn't stop for the constructs and trudged right past them with no regard.
"Melia?" Shulk tried to get her attention, but she didn't stop.
"They're docile since no alarms were triggered. You're free to move around, sir." A guard said to Shulk.
Shulk took his hand off the Monado and ran ahead to catch up with Melia.
"Melia?" He asked again.
Still no answer.
Shulk leaned over to get a better look at her, seeing a grim and gloomy look in Melia's eyes. It felt like, even though she was right in front of him, that Melia was someplace else, somewhere dark.
"Melia, hey…" Shulk said softly and took her hand.
Melia blinked, broken out of her thoughts traveling by Shulk's touch.
"Hm? Oh, sorry, Shulk. I must have gotten lost in my train of thought." Melia said.
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay, that's all." Shulk said.
"I'm okay, Shulk, there's no need to be worried." Melia said and squeezed his hand reassuringly.
Shulk stayed at her side as they continued traversing through the labyrinth-like tomb. After passing through several more hallways, Melia stopped midway down the hall and reached into her pocket, pulling out a strange emblem. Shulk couldn't tell what the emblem was made from but could see engravings on the front of it that looked like High Entia design.
Melia moved closer to the wall and lifted out a hollow panel, revealing a false bottom with an open socket inside. She placed the emblem into the socket and the wall started to rumble as a piece of it began to move, showing a hidden door.
"This is as far as we go." A guard said.
The guards handed Shulk and Melia the flowers and grave blankets, then formed a perimeter around the newly opened door.
Seeming confused, Shulk decided to follow Melia's lead and walked behind her into the hidden room. He had to shield his eyes at first, then his confusion and any other worries he had suddenly melted away as he looked around. Inside the room was a giant garden, it was brightly lit with a paved walkway, trees spread throughout the area, flowers blooming both on the ground and hanging above them, and also a small pond with a waterfall.
"I never would have thought a place like this existed in the tomb. It's so beautiful." Shulk said, "Are the guards not allowed in here?"
"They are, but not while they're on duty or if a member of the royal family is occupying the area. The guards and workers that maintain the plant life gave it the name, 'Verdant Sanctuary'." Melia replied.
Shulk took Melia's hand as they walked through the sanctuary. Deeper inside, a graveyard came into sight for past rulers and members of the Imperial Line.
Shulk followed Melia through the rows of tombstones until two came up that had Sorean and Kallian's names on them. He helped Melia lay down the grave blankets and noticed the guards gave them a third set.
Shulk looked over at Melia, who was staring at a gravesite next to them. Judging from her stare and the name written on the tombstone, Shulk guessed that it was her mother's grave.
"I'll give you some time alone." Shulk placed a comforting hand on Melia's shoulder then stepped back, far enough to give her some space but still be able to keep an eye on her.
Melia placed a set of flowers over her father and brother's graves and paid her respects, but she stayed by her mother's grave longer than the other two.
Melia placed the last set of flowers, then sat on her knees and looked to her mother's tombstone, "It's been a long time since I last visited, hasn't it, mother? I've been meaning to come see you, but it's been difficult with everything that's happened recently. I'm sure you would know what to do if you were still here. You always had a way of knowing when something was troubling me, and you always knew how to fix it and make me feel better. I just… I just wish there was a way you could be here, mom. I need your guidance more than even right now, and so many things have happened that I wish you could be here to see…"
Melia wiped the tears falling down her cheek, she even started to smile a bit, "I've gotten to see more of the world outside of Alcamoth, and I've met some wonderful people along the way. I can happily say that those people are now my closest friends, and there's one boy out of them who's even closer to me. His name is Shulk, and he's a Homs just like you. I know because of our different lifespans that we only have so much time together, but I want to spend as much of that time with him as I can. I love him with all my heart, and he means more to me than I think he realizes. Father and Kallian had the chance to meet him, maybe they can tell you about him now that you're all together again."
Melia stood up and could feel a slight breeze, but… there was also a faint sense of ether with it blowing in the wind.
"We're so proud of you." A whisper was heard as the breeze flew by her.
Melia gasped and her wings perked up, but just as quickly as it appeared, the breeze and the ether reading were gone. She could no longer hear that voice and frantically looked around for signs of anyone else nearby.
"Melia? Melia! What's wrong, Angel?" Shulk seen her panicked look and ran over.
"Shulk, did you feel that sudden change of wind or hear someone talking just now?" Melia asked urgently.
"What? No, I didn't feel or hear anything." Shulk said.
Melia took another desperate glance around the graveyard, then looked back at her family's tombstones.
Mom… was that you? But, if it was, then who did you mean by 'we'? …Sorean and Kallian?
Melia broke out of her train of thought but decided not to tell Shulk just yet, thinking maybe she needed time to process what just happened first.
"Never mind, Shulk. Maybe I just need some rest." Melia said.
"With everything that's happened in the last few days, I can understand that. Are you ready to go?" Shulk asked.
Melia nodded and Shulk protectively held her under his arm. She glanced back at the tombstones one last time before they went out of sight and the two exited the sanctuary.
Back at the barracks, Shulk stayed with Melia in her room. He was sitting up on the bed with his back against the board while Melia laid down with her head on his lap.
"Shulk, what do you believe happens after death?" Melia suddenly asked.
Shulk raised an eyebrow, "Wasn't really expecting to hear that, but… I'm not sure. When the Bionis was still around, we all believed that our ether would go back to the titan after we died. Now that the Bionis is gone, it's hard to say."
"Do you think there might be an afterlife, or that the souls of those who passed away still linger in our world?" Melia pressed.
"That's getting a little specific. How about this, what do you think happens?" Shulk asked.
Melia paused to think on how to put it into words, "I'm sorry I brought this up so suddenly. I know it's not pleasant to talk about, it's just… when we were in the sanctuary, I heard someone talking to me. That's why I asked if you heard something too. That voice… it sounded like my mother, Shulk. I could recognize her voice, and she said, 'We're so proud of you'."
Shulk's eyes softened and he looked down.
"So, it happened to you too…" Shulk said quietly.
"What happened? What do you mean, Shulk?" Melia asked.
Shulk looked down at Melia with those same soft eyes, "Something similar happened to me in the Audience Chamber, when we were fighting Lorithia. I really thought I was going to die before you protected me with your reflection spell, and… I got to meet my parents, Melia. They said they would always watch over me and that they were proud of me, just like what you heard, and also a few other things."
Melia was left stunned but felt worried at the same time. Any time Shulk talked about his parents, the chapel, or that far into his past, it was usually followed by a panic attack.
Melia took his hand and held it close to her chest, "Are you okay, Shulk? You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."
"I'm fine, Melia. I promise." Shulk assured her.
Melia started to relax but didn't let go of his hand. She kept it close to her heart and rubbed her thumb over his hand.
"What else did they say?" Melia asked softly.
Shulk nervously squeezed her hand, "Their exact words were, 'Tell Melia that we would have loved to meet her too. We love you both and think you two are perfect for each other'."
Melia's heart skipped a beat and she let out a gasp as her hand reflexively squeezed back.
"They… they said that?" Melia asked.
"It was their exact words." Shulk said softly. He took his other hand and gently caressed Melia's cheek, "Maybe that voice you heard really was your mother, and maybe there is a place we go to after we die. Even after what happened to us both, we still might not know the answer to that. But what we know for sure is that they're watching over us, and they're proud of what they've seen. It might not mean as much coming from me over your mother, but I'm proud of you too, Angel. You've come a long way from when we first met."
Melia looked up at Shulk and smiled. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down to her, giving him a tender kiss.
Melia broke the kiss and Shulk pressed his forehead to hers.
"Thank you, Shulk, not just for what you said, but for everything you've done for me too. I wouldn't have gotten this far without you by my side. I love you, Shulk, I love you with all my heart." Melia said.
"And I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you, you saved my life that day. I love you too, Melia, and I'll always be by your side." Shulk said back.
Shulk laid down on his back and Melia came closer, cuddling next to him.
"I should be getting ready soon. I had a meeting planned in the Audience Chamber to discuss reconstruction and allowing the citizens back in to Alcamoth. There's also a matter I'd like to have you present for, Shulk. Would you please come with me?" Melia asked.
Shulk raised an eyebrow, "Big meetings aren't exactly what I'm used to, but I'll come if you want me there."
Melia gave him another big hug before getting off the bed and leaving his room. They both showered and changed into their normal clothes, then Melia came back for him and they held hands as they walked to the palace.
"Do I look okay for this? What do I even say to them?" Shulk asked nervously.
Melia giggled, "You look fine, Shulk. You don't have to say much if you don't want to."
They took the transporter up to the higher floors and made their way to the throne room. Several High Entia were also present and talking amongst themselves. They seen Melia approaching and formed a vertical line on both sides of the walkway to the throne. They kneeled as Melia walked by and Shulk followed behind her up to the throne.
Shulk looked over the kneeled High Entia while they had their heads down, he could tell they were important figures and acting as her advisors, but he didn't know who they were or what they did specifically. In fact, the only face he could recognize was the captain.
Melia sat at the throne while Shulk was still studying the advisors.
"Shulk." Melia whispered. She knew that Shulk still felt nervous about coming and might not know what to do, so Melia made a gesture with her hand, telling him to stand next to the throne.
Shulk fixed his position and Melia took his hand, giving it a quick squeeze.
"You'll be fine, Boo. Just try to relax." Melia whispered and smiled warmly.
Shulk tried to smile back through his nervousness. Melia then let go of his hand and looked back to her advisors.
"Thank you all for coming. You may now stand." Melia said.
The advisors stood back up and looked towards the throne.
"Pardon me, empress, but is the heir to the Monado needed to be here?" One advisor asked.
Thanks, as if I didn't feel like I was already out of place.
"Yes, Shulk is present for a matter I wanted to address before our business here is adjourned. Do we have a good estimation on the damage done to Alcamoth?" Melia replied.
"We do. We are cooperating with the other races to ensure a steady supply of materials for reconstruction, some have also voluntarily offered to assist with manual labor. Estimating roughly, the more severe repairs should be done in approximately two years. We also found that damage done to the residential districts has made some homes now unsafe to live in, so we will be focusing on housing repairs at the same time as other major repairs." Another advisor stated.
Shulk started to relax a little from seeing the relieved look on Melia's face.
"Do we have anywhere for those that lost their homes to stay until the repairs are made? And when will the citizens be allowed back in to the city?" Melia asked.
"No other Telethia have been found and the military have deemed the city safe. We will escort the citizens back in to Alcamoth starting tomorrow, and those that are waiting for repairs may stay at the barracks. Also, your highness, soldiers and volunteers from the other races have inquired about citizenship. What do you propose we do?" An advisor that was standing next to the captain asked.
"We are at a much shorter number of people after the Telethia invasion. Let them know that they may apply for citizenship, but they must go through the same process as everyone else, and I want priority to be given first to restoring existing citizens' homes." Melia replied.
"Understood, your highness. Rest assured, we will be working on restoration at the same time as other repairs like we mentioned, but their homes should not take as long to be rebuilt. Those that will be waiting in the barracks will not have a long delay." The advisor assured.
"Your highness." The captain spoke up, "We have come across some rather interesting details concerning the Telethia. Do you remember that child you escorted to the Ether Plant, Teelan? He was an apprentice to a geneticist before the fall of Alcamoth. His mentor passed away in the aftermath, but Teelan has expressed that he wants to continue his work. The boy lead us to a facility inside the tomb that was used for Telethia experiments. While searching through the lab, we came across unpublished research papers. It appears that his late mentor was searching for a way to reverse the Telethia mutation."
Shulk and Melia both looked at him like they couldn't believe what they just heard.
"We had that same look too." The captain said, noticing their expressions, "Myself and others that were science majors have read over his papers several times, there's no mistaking that was what he was trying to do."
"Knowledge like that could prove invaluable! If only we had known about this beforehand…" Melia said.
"His research is still incomplete, your highness. It may have proved useful, but there was no definitive way to know if it would have worked or not." The captain said.
"Is there any way we could look at those research papers too?" Shulk asked.
"We can send you both a copy of his papers. Be warned, however, some of his work seemed rather controversial, even border-lining what could be considered ethical. There was also no evidence of Teelan being involved with these experiments." The captain said.
Melia paused for a moment before answering.
"You may allow Teelan to continue this research. However, I want him kept under supervision and for him to clearly understand his boundaries. As valuable as it may prove, we cannot toss aside ethics or morality for the sake of progress." Melia said.
"Genetics isn't exactly my specialty, but is there any way I can help?" Shulk asked.
"That's not for me to decide." The captain replied.
"That would be my decision." A female High Entia said. She was standing across from the captain, "I'm the head of the Ministry of Science and Innovational Technology, or M.S.I.T. If you wish to help, then I see no reason to deny you. We have plenty of room for all areas of expertise."
"Thank you." Shulk said.
"Now then, is there any other matters that need to be discussed?" Melia asked.
No one spoke up.
"Very well then. Now, I wanted to bring your attention as to why Shulk was brought here. Some of you are already aware of mine and Shulk's relationship, but I wanted to make it official. I have decided to take Shulk as my consort." Melia revealed.
Shulk briefly forgot his nervousness and looked at Melia in complete disbelief. Melia never told Shulk the reason for wanting him to come, but he never would have guessed it would be for that.
"That's wonderful news, your highness! Is he aware of a consort's duties?" An advisor asked.
"Shulk has done his own studying into what that implies. I'm sure he knows the importance of that role, and I will make sure there's no confusion." Melia replied.
"And do you agree to that, Shulk?" The advisor asked.
Shulk's nervousness resurfaced as everyone in the room set their eyes on him, with Melia also eagerly waiting for his answer.
Shulk took a second to compose himself, feeling confident as he faced the advisors.
"Yes, I do." Shulk answered.
Melia beamed and almost couldn't contain her excitement to hear those words. If the other officials weren't around, she probably would have leapt out of the throne and into his arms.
"Well then, congratulations to the both of you. I hope this is not inappropriate of me to ask, but have you decided on a second consort yet, your highness?" The advisor asked.
Shulk instantly started to feel off from hearing that. Knowing that the girl he loved would have to take someone else…
"I've decided not to take a second consort." Melia spoke up.
Everyone in attendance gawked at Melia, even Shulk, although it did help set his mind at ease.
"Empress, are you saying that you are going against the rules we've upheld after all these years?! The scriptures from our ancestors have always depicted taking two consorts!" The advisor blurted out.
"Putting your insubordinate tone aside…" Melia started to glare but quickly regained her composure, "From what we have translated from the old scriptures, those rules only applied to pure-blooded High Entia. Since I am Half-Homs, I am not bound to have a second consort unless I willingly choose to."
Melia's expression suddenly turned grim. Shulk recognized that look from before, it was the same dark and empty stare when they were in the tomb.
"Even if they did apply to me, there is no more pure-blooded High Entia that exist." Melia said softly and lowered her head.
"Forgive me, your highness." The advisor said.
Everyone lowered their heads for a moment of silence and reflection.
Melia lifted her head, "Whether we like it or not, our way of life has changed drastically. I'm certain that we will pull through this, but we must adapt if we wish to do so. If there aren't any other matters to be brought up, you are all free to leave."
Nobody else spoke up. The advisors kneeled and left the Audience Chamber, leaving only Shulk and Melia.
"Man, that was stressful." Shulk said and let out a sigh of relief that it was over.
"Don't worry, Shulk, you did well." Melia assured him.
"So did you, especially keeping that consort bit under control. I don't know how you do it." Shulk praised.
"It's what I was raised to do." Melia said, but started to look nervous, "I hope I didn't throw the consort title on you prematurely."
Shulk stood in front of the throne and leaned down. He caressed Melia's cheek, then moved closer and kissed her deeply.
Melia blushed and put her arms around Shulk as she returned the kiss. After they broke the kiss, Shulk pulled her in to a tight embrace.
"You didn't, I've actually been waiting to hear that." Shulk said.
Melia let out a small relived laugh and they broke apart.
"I know you had books about the Imperial Lineage and they went into detail on what a consort is. Was there anything else you wanted to know about it?" Melia asked.
"I think I have a good grasp on what it means, but does anything come with the title?" Shulk asked.
"Not necessarily. You'll share the same rank and social status that I do, but you won't have authority since a consort is not crowned. You'll still be recognized as royalty and treated as such, however." Melia answered.
"Okay, that's all I needed to know." Shulk said.
They left the throne room and went back to their barracks. It was already getting late and Shulk was in his room, laying on his bed and staring at the ceiling. After everything that happened today, Shulk felt like he couldn't sleep as the events played over again in his mind, especially about now being Melia's consort.
Shulk heard a knock at his door and went to answer it, seeing that it was Melia.
Shulk gave her a hug and kissed her, "Hey you, what's up?"
"I couldn't sleep and was going to go for a walk, I just came by to see if you wanted to join me." Melia replied.
"So it's not just me. Sure, I'll come with you, I couldn't sleep either." Shulk said.
Shulk changed his clothes and left the barracks with Melia. She held his hand and took him back in to Alcamoth. Other than construction sites that could be seen in the distance, there was no one else around. The guards have deemed the city safe so there was no more need to patrol at night, and the citizens wouldn't be brought back in until tomorrow morning. It was just the two of them with the city to themselves.
"Are you sure we should be here, Melia?" Shulk asked.
"You don't need to ask that, Shulk. This is your home now, just as much as it is mine." Melia replied.
"My home…" Shulk couldn't help but smile as he said it out loud.
Melia lead him into the palace and up to the higher floors. They went in the opposite direction of the Audience Chamber this time and were met with an open balcony high enough to see the entire city from down below.
"I always liked the look of this place, but seeing it from this high up is incredible!" Shulk said.
"I'm glad you like it. This is where I would sometimes come to think or clear my head." Melia said.
"Like what? What would you have thought about?" Shulk asked.
"If I had to make heavy-handed decisions on how to govern the High Entia, I would either come here or stay in the garden at the Villa. And, before I met you and the others, I sometimes thought about what the world outside the city would be like. The view of Alcamoth and the nice breeze from this high up made my worries just melt away." Melia answered.
"I can see why." Shulk commented.
Melia put Shulk's arm over her shoulder and nuzzled closer to him. She looked up and seen Shulk smiling and staring out in the distance.
"What is it, Shulk?" Melia asked.
"Oh, nothing. I just noticed that you can see the Villa from up here." Shulk said and pointed.
Melia looked over and smiled along with him.
"Our new home together." Melia mused.
"I still can't believe it, to be honest. Starting tomorrow, that's where we'll be." Shulk said. He kissed the top of Melia's head, "It's a lot to take in, but I wouldn't want it any other way."
"Neither would I. Nothing could make me happier than having you here with me, Shulk. I love you so much." Melia mused.
"I love you too, Melia." Shulk said back.
They shared a passionate kiss under the starry sky. Melia stayed nuzzled close to him and looked at the city down below, "With you by my side, we'll turn Alcamoth into a place that both the High Entia and our friends will take pride in once they return."