A/N: Hi everyone, I'm sorry for the update delay. Work has been really killing me lately and some family stuff going on. But I've been wanting to update. Enjoy~


The sharp pain that drilled into his bone woke him in the dead of night. His left arm burned, every nerve screaming, aflame. He clutched it, gritting his teeth, his brain overwhelmed by the piercing sensations. This was the pain that Linada had spoken about: his body reacting to the new metals of the prosthetic arm. He thought maybe he got lucky, hoped his body had accepted the new metal with no issue since there had been an absence of pain in the past through days.

Clearly, he was wrong.

His body had been through pain, a soldier couldn't get through war without experiencing it at least twice, but this was a different kind. A whole other level, as if his body was trying to convince him the best course of action was to remove the arm entirely. Invisible nails burrowed into his shoulder, making him clench his jaw. Sharp knives stabbed into his muscles, over and over again. It was relentless. Neverending.

In the dark, he glanced towards where his dresser was. The top draw where he had put the pills Linada gave him. Pills that would make the pain go away, flood him with relief, and release him back to sleep's sweet embrace. It would be so easy to take them.

He stared. Sat up, blinking. Just one would give him respite. He'd only take it this once. Just once.

That was a slippery slope.

He fell back onto the bed, clutching his aching shoulder, and shook the temptation from his mind. He didn't want to take them. The side effects were too dangerous: he could exacerbate his rough edges. He couldn't risk his temper flying off the handle, not with his current precarious position. He had to play nice.

A strangled shriek burst through his thoughts, rendering them unimportant.

Dunban was out the door and down the hall in seconds, his pain secondary to Melia's well-being. He stopped at her door and put his ears to it, fighting the impulse to charge in and secure her safety in favor of respecting her privacy. What greeted him were the faint sounds of heavy breathing.

"Melia? Are you alright?" He forced himself to keep his voice steady.

"Yes, I'm fine. I simply knocked something over."

"...alright."

That was a lie, he knew it. But whatever it was, was not life-threatening. There was some relief to that.

It disappointed him though, her lying. They'd just had a discussion about being honest with one another. And here she was, keeping secrets from him. Something had startled her. Scared her. What could that—

Nightmares.

He shut his eyes and cursed under his breath. After everything she'd been through, it only made sense that she would have horrific dreams. He wasn't surprised they weren't already happening. Or maybe they were and he was only finding out about them now through chance.

His hand curled into a fist and images of her beaten body flashed through his mind. The Ganglion had done that to her and though he and his team had rescued her, she was still suffering. He wanted to kill them.

The unsteady breathing through the door brought him back to the present. Drew him back from the bubbling rage and he turned his attention on the woman behind the door. He wanted to comfort her. Fold her into his arms and tell her she was safe. He wasn't going to let anything come for her and take her away.

Instead, he stayed in his place. "Are you sure?" He asked, laying his hand on the doorknob. If only she'd admit him.

"I'm alright, Dunban. Truly. I appreciate your checking."

Dunban exhaled, shoulders slumping, his hand falling from the doorknob. She wasn't ready to let him in. It was upsetting. But could he really blame her?

"Okay then. Goodnight, Melia."

"Goodnight."

He turned and headed back down the hall. A sharpness split up his arm, reminding him of that he'd forgotten, and he hissed, holding it. How was he going to sleep with this?

Between his arm and his confusion around Melia, he didn't.


Morning came soon enough. The sleepless night meant one thing: extra coffee. He downed his first cup quickly and then poured himself another before the other inhabitants of the house joined him in the kitchen.

"Are you going to this 'send-off'?" Tyrea sniffed as she glided in and made herself tea.

"Yes." He grunted. It was not something he had any interest in attending, but given his new position, he was forced to be present.

"I can see you're just as excited as I feel!" She sneered.

"Dunban!" Fiora yelled and skipped down the staircase. He winced at the shrillness in her pitch. She landed at the bottom and rushed into the kitchen.

"Was that really necessary?" Tyrea growled. Maybe he wasn't the only one who hadn't slept well.

"Sorry, it's just, I got reinstated!" Fiora clapped. "No more data entry!"

He smiled. At least there was some good news. Though he was slightly surprised since it was just under a week since their suspension.

Which could only mean that BLADE was hurting for soldiers.

Which meant that there was a team or two that hadn't survived on a recent trip into the Miran wilderness.

Shit.

He kept his face blank to not alarm either of his companions. "Have you been assigned to a team?"

"Not yet, but I've been cleared for day trips. Thank god because one more day in that stuffy cubicle and I was going to scream." She poured herself some coffee. "Any news? For you?"

He shook his head. He doubted he'd be reinstated to active duty any time soon, even if BLADE was running low on soldiers. Maurice's grudge ran too deep.

"Where is Sleeping Beauty? We have to leave soon." Tyrea flicked her eyes towards the kitchen doorway.

"You're eager," Fiora noted, eyebrows raised as she looked at the HIgh Entia over her mug.

"Eager to see him leave." Tyrea snorted.

"Please keep those comments to a minimum when we arrive," Melia stated as she appeared and stepped into the room. "I would rather the morning be without incident."

Dunban's eyes trailed over her. She wore a blue tunic — intricately embroidered with sea green and indigo— and purple leggings. Her hair was tied up in a bun. And he could see the faint outlines of circles under her eyes. She hadn't gotten much sleep either. No doubt because of the nightmares. The ones she kept secret from him.

"Good morning," he said. He wasn't sure how to greet her, though he felt unmoving from his current position was not the right move. They'd agreed they were together, and that they were going to share this information with their friends, but the discussion hadn't included public displays of affection or anything of the sort.

"Good morning," she answered, her gaze filled with warmth. He could feel it melt away some of his disappointment from the previous evening and he itched to pull her into a hug.

"She's waiting for you to kiss her," Tyrea commented behind her cup.

"Tyrea!" Melia blushed, eyes widening.

"See?"

Fiora giggled.

With a smirk, Dunban rounded the kitchen to join Melia. "Well, we do have some news." He looked at her for silent approval, and she nodded, taking his hand in hers. The smile that she gave him swept away the remaining frustration. She'd tell him about the nightmares when she was ready.

"OH MY GOD!" Fiora squealed. "I'm so excited!" she skipped around the kitchen and enveloped them both in a hug.

"I didn't say anything yet," Dunban responded.

"I mean, Tyrea told me the two of you had stayed up after we left," Fiora stood back and clapped. "I was just hoping it meant you guys were making it official."

"I knew it was coming," Tyrea tossed her long hair over her shoulder.

BUZZ BUZZ.

Dunban fished his communicator out of his pocket and glanced at the lit-up screen. A reminder to attend the send-off for the High Entian Emperor.

"We should get going. We don't want to be late." He said, grabbing his cup and chugged his coffee.

"Do we not though?" Tyrea questioned.

As Melia sighed, Dunban put the empty mug down, caffeine surging through his bloodstream. Melia's hand still in his, he led the group out of the kitchen. It was nice that he could hold her hand without worry, even if it was limited to the confines of his home. Such a simple gesture but the gravity of it was not lost on him.

"I'll see you guys later, then," Fiora said as they reached the front door.

With a nod, Dunban and the two High Entians exited and climbed into the jeep in the driveway.

Ten minutes later, they were on the BLADE concourse in front of the west gate, where the BLADE Council and the High Entian delegation stood in parallel lines in front of a large High Entian vehicle that resembled a cross between a hummer limo and an aerial tram. No doubt Shulk would want to get his hands on the schematics, but Dunban found the vehicle a bit much.

The Emperor spoke with Nagi then shook his hand and moved down the line, stopping at Dunban.

"I'm sure I'll see you in the near future." The High Entian Emperor stated.

Dunban nodded. "Safe journies."

With the briefest of nods, Soren shifted his attention to Melia and pulled her aside. Though the pair maintained perfectly neutral expressions, instinct told Dunban it was anything less than familial. Most likely the Emperor was giving her orders and they were ones she did not agree with.

"I look forward to your next visit to Alcamoth," Kallian said. Dunban turned to see the heir to the empire smiling at him.

"Do you think that will be soon?"

"Depends on what my father has in store for the alliance." Kallian shrugged. "As I'm sure you've gathered, he doesn't share his plans until absolutely necessary."

"Do you know why he wanted me to be the ambassador?"

"No. If I had any indication I would tell you."

From what he'd learned over the past few days about Kallian, Dunban was inclined to believe Melia's brother. "I appreciate that."

Kallian's eyes moved from his over Dunban's shoulder. Dunban turned to see Soren and Melia separating. Melia gave him a small bow and Soren stepped back.

It was the smallest of flashes, but Dunban observed as Soren's eyes flicked in Tyrea's direction before he turned away.

The familiar anger bubbled in his gut heading straight to a boil. Without Tyrea's action, Melia wouldn't be alive. No one would've known that Melia had been captured. Tyrea was the one who deserved the gratitude and Soren would give her none. And for what? Because she was a bastard child?

No. That wouldn't do.

"Your Highness!" Dunban called out, stopping him from boarding the vehicle.

All eyes turned to him, including Soren's.

He strode over to the Emperor and stopped a mere foot away. "I think you owe Tyrea a thank you," he said, his voice just low enough that no one would hear but the two of them.

"Excuse me?" The Emperor's gaze sharpened.

"She is the one who realized Melia was missing. She is the one who told me that Melia was in danger." Dunban pressed. "Don't pretend you didn't know."

"And what of it?"

"You heard me. She deserves a thank you at the very least."

"I am not going to thank her for constantly disobeying orders." The Emperor snapped.

"The only reason your daughter is alive is because of Tyrea." Dunban seethed. "You will thank her. Or I will have someone else assigned to be your ambassador."

It was a huge risk but if he didn't stand up to Soren now, then the Emperor would believe he could do what he wanted without consequences. Soren needed to be reminded that he had others he was forced to rely on to make his plans come true.

"I could order Melia to come back to Alcamoth."

He made sure that his face betrayed no emotion but inside, Dunban wavered. He couldn't let Melia be sent back. Not when they finally had each other.

But he couldn't back down either. Soren needed to know that he was not going to be a lapdog.

"You need her here."

The fury in the Emperor's gaze was fiery. But Dunban had seen villains before.

"You want to play this game, Dunban? So be it." Soren's nostrils flared. He crooked a finger at Tyrea. "Come."

Tyrea blinked, stunned, then shuffled forward. Dunban's hands clenched in surprise. For all of Tyrea's talk, she was afraid of Soren. What this man had done to his children was despicable.

A flash of alarm washed over her features and Melia joined the gathering as well, Kallian following too.

Soren's piercing gaze went from Dunban to Tyrea, back to Dunban. He spat, "Dunban has informed me that you are the one who alerted him to Melia's disappearance." The High Entia turned his gaze back to Tyrea. "I must express my thanks."

Tyrea's eyes widened and she gave him a small bow. "I was just trying to protect the princess, Your Highness."

"Continue to do so." Then he marched towards the vehicle and boarded without another word. Kallian rushed a goodbye and followed his father.

Dunban smirked.

"Did...that just happen?" Tyrea gasped, her tone almost inaudible.

"What did you say to him?" Melia demanded, her tone panicked.

"I told him that your sister was the one who knew that you were missing. And he owed her a thank you."

The vehicle revved its engine.

"Oh my god, Dunban." Tyrea looked at him dumbly.

"That was dangerous," Melia clasped her hands in front of her, knuckles turning white as she squeezed them.

"He needs this alliance. He won't let anything endanger it." He explained. The last thing he wanted to do was worry Melia. "I know it was a gamble someone has to stand up to your father."

"You caught him in a trap. Oh my fucking god, that's brilliant." Tyrea cackled. "I need a drink. I'm never going to forget this day." Although her demeanor resumed its normal edge, there was something else in her eyes as she looked at him. Appreciation. Then the solemnness was gone. She winked then ambled away to engage Elma in conversation.

"Dunban," Melia said.

He redirected his attention to her, suddenly doubting his actions. Should he have refrained from challenging her father?

"Thank you for doing that." She breathed. "For Tyrea. I can't tell you what that means to me."

A lump formed in his throat and he nodded, moved by the depth of emotion in her voice. All he wanted to do was kiss her.

"Dunban."

The man turned to see General Nagi gesturing for him. Duty called.

"I'll see you later?" He asked, though it was more of a promise than a question.

Melia nodded. They lingered another second, neither wanting to part. Then reluctantly, he walked over to the Commander.

"What was that about?" Nagi asked.

"Unfinished business." The last thing Dunban would do was invite scrutiny into his relationship with the High Entian royal family.

"Be sure that unfinished business doesn't affect our newly-formed alliance," Nagi asserted.

"It won't."

"Alright then. I wanted to inform you that your team has been reinstated to active duty."

"Fiora told me this morning. Who did we lose?"

Nagi shook his head, remorse creasing in his forehead. "Two teams encountered the Ganglion in northern Primoridia. Only a couple made it out alive. We need to have every hand on deck."

Logically it made sense. But Dunban didn't want to send his sister into enemy territory without being there to keep her safe.

"What's our first mission then?"

"You...haven't been reinstated." Nagi sighed.

"What?" Dunban narrowed his eyes. "We lost two teams and Maurice still holds a grudge?"

"His petulance has not gone unnoticed, I assure you."

"Does that mean something will be done?"

Nagi creased his lips into a grim line. "Now that you've been specially assigned to be the High Entian ambassador? I think it'll be a little while." Nagi glanced over at Maurice, who was in conversation with one of his lackeys.

"He doesn't understand what's at stake." Dunban resisted the urge to growl and pushed his frustration aside. "There has to be something to get the council to rule in my favor."

"You need to win back their trust in your judgment."

"Easier said than done."

"What is?" Elma approached.

"Trying to get reinstated," Dunban answered. "But Maurice is...Maurice."

"I'm going to step away from this conversation for plausible deniability," Nagi pivoted, heading back to BLADE tower.

"Any ideas?" He crossed his arms over his chest.

"If we're going to get you reinstated, we need to come up with some sort of plan Maurice can't say no to." Elma tapped her chin with her index finger thoughtfully.

"Pretty certain all Maurice wants is me dead." Dunban snorted.

"Well let's use that. I think I may have an idea. It's definitely dangerous." Elma said, a twinkle in her eye. "And that way, Maurice won't be able to say no."

"I want to live to take on other missions," he raised his eyebrows.

"Don't worry. It's nothing you haven't done before."


"Are you certain this is the only way?" Melia asked the next day on the concourse.

Dunban finished loading the speeder with a crate of knives and guns. He faced her with a frown of his own. "No, but it's definitely the quickest."

"Don't worry. I'll keep your boyfriend out of harm." Tyrea sneered and dropped a few guns that Dunban did not recognize into the speeder.

"Tyrea, someone could hear you," Melia hissed, her eyes darting left and right.

Dunban nodded, but he had to admit, that he found her embarrassment and frustration...cute. He winked and she blushed and shook her head.

"I will keep Captain...what is your last name?" Tyrea crinkled her nose.

"Forrester."

"I will keep Captain Forrester safe for you, my dear sister." Tyrea mocked.

"Who else will be joining you?" Melia asked, ignoring Tyrea.

"Reyn received permission from his division leader. Frye has signed on to join us. He's a veteran interceptor. Adrenaline junkie daredevil type. And...Sharla."

"Oh?"

It was as much of a surprise to him when he saw Sharla's name on the team roster. As Elma had predicted, Maurice was happy to send him out on what appeared to be a suicide mission as his first of reinstatement.

Little did Maurice know that he had every intention of returning.

"Sure you want to sit this one out?" Tyrea asked Melia.

"There must be a High Entian emissary present when the scientists arrive."

"She also needs to still recover." Dunban eyed Melia.

"I have an evaluation with a doctor this afternoon."

"Good."

Didn't change the fact that he was still worried about her.

"Oy! Who wants to blow up some Ganglion?!" Reyn hollered as he sauntered over, his grin spanning from ear to ear.

Throwing a look between Dunban and Melia, Tyrea engaged him in conversation, leaving the two to themselves.

"This is an extremely small team to accomplish such a task," Melia stated, folding her arms over chest. "The base you are targeting is rather large."

"Maurice only agreed to the minimum number I requested. If he could only send me, I'm sure he would've." Dunban joked.

It fell on deaf ears. She blinked. "You appear very calm."

"I don't do well sitting on my hands."

"I understand." Melia pursed her lips.

Carefully, he glanced around; no one was paying any attention to them. He took her hand and pulled her closer, so their bodies were a mere six inches from one another. She jumped at the contact and he squeezed it to reassure her. "Nothing is going to happen. Other than dealing a blow to the Ganglion, I'll be fine and so will Tyrea."

"Of course."

"Do you trust me?"

Melia rolled her lip between her teeth, swallowed, and sighed. "Yes. That does not mean I will not worry."

"Then know that I won't let anything keep me from coming back to you."

"Dunban..."

"Hello, everyone."

Melia dropped his hand and spun around at the new voice. Cursing under his breath, Dunban dragged his attention from Melia to Sharla, who walked up to the group, the slightest hint of unease in her gait.

"Go ahead and drop your gear in the speeder." He gestured to the vehicle, forcing the irritation out of his voice.

She nodded and did as she was told, ignoring Tyrea's scowl and Reyn's bug-eyes.

"Stop!"

Dunban's attention was yet again pulled as he watched Fiora jog over and stop, panting. Shulk was only a few seconds after her. And finally Riki a few after him.

"I wasn't going to leave without saying bye to you." Dunban crossed his arms over his chest. "But I did tell you the time three hours ago."

"I know, I know. I just got distracted…"

He could see the blush climb on her cheeks and Shulk's. Inside, he rolled his eyes.

"Also Riki join Dun Dun." Riki waddled forward and spun in a circle, holding up his weapon with excitement.

"We could use all the help we can get," Dunban said. "But only if you're sure."

"Riki sure! Riki clobber piggies!"

"Is that…?" Dunban followed Fiora's gaze over his shoulder to Sharla.

"Yes."

"Do you trust her?" Fiora twitched her nose.

"She's a good soldier. And I think that this is her way of apologizing for not joining the mission to help Melia."

Fiora nodded but didn't look convinced. Then she redirected her attention back to him, shifting her weight between her legs. "You'll be safe, right? Sorry, that's a stupid question."

"Fiora, everything's going to be fine."

"They say this is a suicide mission."

"It's not. We've done this before."

"This is a huge base! It's not like the little camp we went to!"

And there it was. He could see a glassy film cover her bright eyes. He pulled her in for a hug, half expecting her to pull away. But she didn't. Instead, she wrapped her arms tight around him.

"I thought I'd be used to this by now. You've been fighting my whole life. But now, having been out there, I know that it's so much worse." She murmured.

"You're right. I've been doing this for a long time. That's why I know we're going to be fine. I promise, okay?"

"Okay…"

They stood there in a tight embrace for another minute before separating. "Just stay out of trouble until I'm back."

"Until?" She laughed.

He laughed and a shot of thunder exploded up his arm. Wincing, he fought to keep any other displays of pain down. The last thing he needed was to worry Fiora and Melia before leaving on the mission.

"Everyone ready? We're picking Frye up at a basecamp on the way."

The team gave a few nods and began to pile into the speeder.

Dunban moved back towards Melia. "I'll see you in a few days."

"Be safe." Her expression was unreadable, but he imagined she was brimming with concern under her impassive exterior.

"I will."

He longed to reach out and hold her hand but there were more people about now on the concourse and he had to refrain from doing so. Instead, he gave her a slight bow and climbed into the speeder.

He turned the vehicle on and gunned the engine. As he stretched his hands over the wheel, he felt the pain again in his arm. God he hoped it wasn't going to affect his ability to fight.

Then he drove the speeder out of the hanger and into the Miran wilderness.


The ride was...awkward. And Tyrea certainly wasn't helping.

"So Sharla, why are you here?" The High Entia kicked up her legs to rest on the side of the speeder, closing her eyes to enjoy the sunshine.

"Given the nature of the mission, I felt like my experience would be beneficial."

"Right. You were there when we blew up the Ganglion camp. But not when we rescued Melia."

"Tyrea," Dunban warned, though did not take his eyes off the road.

"It's fine," Sharla interjected. "Yes, Tyrea. I made a choice. I know you don't agree with it, but I did what I thought was right at the time."

"At the time?" Tyrea questioned.

"I'm a soldier. I believe in the chain of command." She shifted in her seat. "But I know that I should've helped you. I betrayed my team. And Melia's life was on the line."

"Well...at least you're admitting it." Tyrea snorted. "So your penance is joining the suicide mission?"

"In a word." Sharla agreed. "Why are you here? You don't need to be."

"I'm Dunban's bodyguard."

Reyn laughed.

"Why does Dunban need a bodyguard?" Sharla asked, confused.

"He doesn't actually. It's cause…" Reyn began to respond then trailed off. He looked at Dunban, nervous. "It's...an inside joke." He finished lamely.

"Ah. Why are you here, Reyn?"

"I'm not about to let my captain go in without backup." Reyn said, "Even if everyone else thinks it's too dangerous."

"That's brave."

"Oh...uh...thanks." Reyn stuttered.

The rest of the trip was done in silence. They picked up Frye — and his own stash of explosives — and passed into the northern territory of Primordia. As the sun fell, Dunban nestled their vehicle in the forest, ten miles out from the target base that sat on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

The evening was a quiet affair: making camp and sharing a meal before dispersing to rest. Dunban was the first shift for the night watch. As he took up the position, Tyrea strode over and handed him a blue hand-sized device.

"What is it?" He asked.

"It's a communicator. So you can talk with my sister." Tyrea sniffed. "I jacked it from one of Soren's entourage."

"You know what Melia would say."

"The alternative was letting you borrow mine and I am not willing to take the chance of reading something that will make my eyes bleed."

"Well, thank you."

With a shrug, she headed back to camp.

Dunban fiddled with the device. He wanted to check-in with Melia but he wasn't sure of what else he could say other than they had arrived. It had been a long time since he'd been in this situation.

He was overthinking it. Quickly he typed out and sent a message. It's Dunban.

Then he redirected his attention to his surroundings. Nothing seemed to be out of place. He thought they were far enough from the Ganglion base and their patrols. But one could never be too careful. They didn't entirely understand the Ganglion, they didn't even understand why they were after humans in the first place. Would they ever?

How did Tyrea get you a communicator?

Do you really want to know?

Fair point.

He smirked. How are you?

It's quiet. Fiora, Shulk, and I had dinner together.

How was it?

It was appreciated. Given the circumstances.

He frowned. What do you mean?

She worries about you.

He sighed. There was little he could do to assuage her fears from his current position hundreds of miles away. He didn't want her to worry. Or Fiora. But he had to do this in order to get reinstated. If he didn't, he wouldn't be able to protect Fiora. We'll be back before you know it.

I am counting on it. How is my sister?

Eager for tomorrow.

I am unsurprised.

He chuckled. He hadn't known that Melia had such a dry sarcastic streak. He liked it. His eyes swept the horizon. He had to focus now.

I'm doing the first watch. I'll send you a message in the morning.

I would like that.

Good night, Melia. Sleep well.

Good night, Dunban. Stay safe.


Everything was hot. Too hot. Embers dancing on her skin. Flames scorching and searing her muscles. The acrid smell of flesh burning. And a scream. A wail, a choked cry. Out of the orange flames a single face: Goetia. Her eyes sunk inward becoming black pits. The screech erupting from her neck was loud, too loud, increasing to deafening levels and her withered hand reaching out, skin flaking off to reveal shriveled tissue and charred bone. Reaching out to touch and scrape and claw—

Melia burst awake, arms flying up to shield her from Goetia's grasp.

But there was no one there. Just the darkness of the night, empty air. A whimper escaped her mouth and she kept her arms out, and they trembled, even though there was no threat. She was not under attack. It was all a trick of her exhausted mind.

Slowly, cautiously, she lowered them, her eyes still searching for danger that hid in the corners of the darkness of her room.

Goetia was dead. Her spell had killed the Ganglion warrior. Melia was safe from her vengeance.

At least physically.

Curling back into the blankets, she rolled onto her side but did not shut her eyes. How could she when she knew what greeted her: horrors lurked behind her eyelids, grown from her own memories and fears in her subconscious. Sleep was something to be terrified of, not something to embrace.

Her eyes flicked to the communicator on her nightstand and she reached out to take it into her hands but stopped. She couldn't tell Dunban about the nightmares. He would worry. And he needed to be focused on the mission. Not her. She didn't want any harm to come to him because he was distracted.

But she desperately wanted to talk to him about it. Even if it meant admitting weakness. She didn't feel strong at this moment, trembling under the covers, wishing to do anything but relive her worst memories. She needed someone. She wanted it to be him.

Melia pulled her arm back and hugged herself. No. She would not be selfish. He didn't need to know. No one did. This was her problem to overcome.

Thinking about their conversation in the morning, she focused on his voice, and him assuring her she was safe. The warmth in his tone, and the confidence in the words. She coiled the memory around her like a blanket. The seconds passed, exhaustion took her over and forced her eyes closed once more.

Hours later with one more cup of caffeinated tea in her body than usual, Melia greeted the contingent of scientists visiting from Alcamoth on the NLA concourse. After the logistics were handled and the scientists were set up in the suites in the BLADE tower, Melia escorted the group over to the BLADE labs where the VITA was housed.

The day passed without many occurrences. She spent time with Elma, exchanging information about their operations. When she had a spare moment, she would check her communicator. No new messages from Dunban. The last she'd heard from him was that morning, a quick exchange of hello. Although he wasn't the most verbose, she still appreciated that he was reaching out to her. He still wanted to communicate and that meant more than anything.

The High Entia glanced at the clock. No doubt they would be planning an assault for the night hours. She needed to get her mind off him, off of their mission. There wasn't anything she could do. They were hundreds of miles away. All she could do was trust that they would be fine. They were trained soldiers. They knew what risks to take and what not to take.

But warfare wasn't a science. It was chaos. It was impossible to predict every single movement the enemy would make.

As the afternoon turned to evening, she headed towards the hanger where the VITA was stationed. It would be too much to hope they had already discovered something in the half a day they'd been in NLA. But she needed a distraction.

Upon arriving, she found the hanger a flurry of activity. The High Entia had set up multiple workstations around the device, and Human and High Entia were moving between them, working, in conversation. The buzz in the room was unmistakable, the thrill of the hunt of the discovery. It brought a smile to her face to see everyone working together so well.

"Melia! Perfect timing!" Shulk called out from the far end. He waved her over and she strode towards him, quickening her pace. "We were just about to call you."

"Is something wrong?"

"No, not at all! Actually, this is great." He remarked, eyes sparkling. His boyish enthusiasm was charming, and she could see why Fiora was interested in him. "We think that you might be able to access certain files in the VITA."

"Princess, it appears that there is a key for those belonging to the royal family." A High Entia scientist explained. "You'll need to interface with the system in the cockpit though."

"Then let us go."

As she climbed into the cockpit and took its seat, she could feel a spike in the air. No, that was not correct. A spike in the ether currents. Something about this machine was in tune with the ether of this planet. She'd never felt anything like it.

"I've set it up for you, Express. All you need to do is press your palm to the keyboard." The scientist called out from below.

She did as told, placing her palm to the cool surface. Lights burst forth from the system on each side of the cockpit. Then on the screen directly in front of her, Ancient High Entian writing appeared. Antiqua line recognized. ELCARO Subroutine Activated. A control panel slid open under it, and an array of wires poured out, ribbons with finger claps on their end. She watched as they snaked onto her hands and slid over her fingers. Two more slithered from the control panel and stuck to her temples. A cold tremor ran down her back but she did not pull away from them. Something told her that whatever was happening was key to discovering the secrets of the VITA.

A visor from above slid over her eyes, turning her vision yellow. Ancient High Entian script again made an appearance on the screen. Analyzing…

And what she saw turned her blood to ice.