Heyyy everyone! Wow, it's been more than a year since I posted a new chapter to this story - but I'm happy to announce that I'm backkkkk! To all of my reviewers and readers of this story - I really want to apologize for this chapter being ridiculously late. Shout outs to all of my reviewers that have encouraged me to keep writing this, especially Maya247 and LostHighwayEscapee - you guys are all amazing, thanks so much for the support! Work/school has been insanely stressful, and there were a few times were I felt like giving up on this fic...but all of your encouragement has helped me to stay on track.
Anywho, to get to the story - I think of this chapter as more of a "feel-good" addition to the story if anything (minus a few things…), but that's up to you to decide! Hope this was worth the wait, and enjoy all!
A Vision, Fine Wine, and Dinner Shenanigans - Chapter 5
It was unusually quiet as Shulk and Reyn entered the tavern, the sound of evening rain pattering softly against the windows. Throughout the dimly lit space and secluded conversations of the occupants they finally spotted the person they were looking for. Dunban was seated at the bar, alone. Reyn looked at Shulk, who nodded wordlessly - it was definitely one of those times where they would both have to approach the situation carefully. Both of the men made their way over to where Dunban was sitting, taking the seats next to him.
"Shulk. Reyn." Dunban addressed the two without turning to look at them, his gaze somewhat ahead. From the looks of things, Shulk could tell that Dunban had already been drinking quite a bit.
Shulk chose his words carefully. "Dunban, how are things?" The question was simple and concise, but already he felt that there was almost an invisible barrier of caution tape surrounding Dunban's presence. It was clear that something was on his mind. Reyn seemed to notice this too.
Dunban took a sip of his drink before responding. "Things have been alright. Why do you ask?"
Shulk was about to respond, but Reyn got there first. "Dunban, it isn't everyday that we find you at the bar alone - spill it, man."
Shulk looked at Reyn, a little surprised at his forwardness. In times of stress, it wasn't good to prod Dunban - he had learned that from experience. However, Shulk had to admit that it was almost indefinitely out of Dunban's character to be drinking alone as it was never something any of them saw him do often.
At this statement Dunban chuckled softly. "You're quite right Reyn, however I don't plan on staying here very long." As he ended his sentence, Shulk couldn't help but take Dunban's answer as a very vague and open ended response.
Reyn grinned. "Sounds more like someone's depressed - we don't want you going all soft on us now."
At this statement Dunban turned to look at Reyn disbelievingly, with a smirk. "I can assure you - that isn't the case."
"Is there something on your mind?" Shulk asked genuinely. Dunban looked exasperated from all of the nagging, which Shulk could tell was slightly irritating to him. "Boys, I'll be fine. I didn't ask for you two to be here, but you've obviously come for a reason. So my question to both of you - why are you here?"
"Whoa! We're just teasing, mate." Reyn said, his hands up defensively as if shocked by Dunban's response. "You're right - I'll let Shulk take it from here." Shulk nodded. In any case, he felt it was time to address the real reason they'd came.
"Well, we have a bit of news for you if you're interested." Shulk stated, as the bartender brought over a beer for both himself and Reyn.
Dunban looked up. "I'm listening."
"The group of us received word from Alcamoth yesterday. The High Entia have invited us back to the Imperial Palace as gratitude for allowing Melia to stay in Colony 9 - there's also a private dinner party being held for us at the Imperial Villa. We were planning to go, you should come with us."
"And to see Melia!" Reyn coughed under his breath.
"I'm sorry?" Dunban asked, looking at Reyn perplexed, an eyebrow raised.
"What? I didn't say anything!" Reyn said, pretending to look innocent. Shulk shook his head.
Dunban was silent for a moment, an indication of considering their proposal. "I'm not sure what to tell you. As far as work goes, this is a crucial time for me to stay and do as much as I can. I'll have a talk with the corporal managers and see what I can do about it. However, it's probably more likely that I'll have to stay since the work load has increased dramatically."
"Dunban, you've been working hard enough for the past couple of months - you should be allowed a break at least." Shulk stated. He knew this might also be a futile statement, because what Dunban was saying was true. Being a highly-ranked solider of the Colony wasn't an easy job and getting time off was very rare.
Reyn nodded, setting his empty beer bottle down on the counter. "All of us are going, wouldn't be the same if you didn't show."
"Once you two find a stable job, you'll understand what its like." Dunban said, rather calmly . "I'll try to convince them although they might not be easily persuaded. I'll let you know soon, but I can't guarantee I'll be joining you."
"Fair enough." Reyn stated. "But if you can't persuade them - Shulk and I can persuade them for you. "
Dunban chuckled. "Sounds like a plan."
"Anyway, I think we're going to head back home." Shulk said, finally finishing his beer as he and Reyn got up. "We're leaving within a week, let us know as soon as you can."
"Will do." Dunban said, nodding as a sign of approval.
"See ya!" Reyn called, as Dunban raised a hand to them as the two men left the bar. Dunban found himself sitting in silence yet again, but with new information to contemplate. The idea of visiting Alcamoth was not a bad idea, but it could potentially cause more problems than he wanted about certain matters. Setting his beer down, Dunban made up his mind. Whatever would happen with the situation would - he'd just have to meet it when it did...
The night was cold as Fiora wrapped her shawl around her body tightly to keep the chill away from her exposed arms. She watched as Shulk and Reyn loaded the last of the cargo onto Junks, which Vanea had brought over to the Colony with her father Miquol's permission. Gazing up into the sky she noticed the moon, fully bright and casting long shadows across the grass. Her attention was slightly shattered as she heard Reyn and Shulk laughing together as they exited the ship. Fiora saw Reyn lock hands with Shulk as he turned to leave, and then raise a hand to her as he left the grounds. Raising a hand in response she made her way over to Shulk.
"So, just what was so funny between you and Reyn?" Fiora asked. Shulk turned to face her, his eyes lighting up.
"Oh, hey Fiora! Nothing really. Reyn and I were just getting everything ready for our trip." Shulk wiped his soiled hands of his pants, the result of loading dirty containers onto the airship for hours.
"Shulk! Don't do that - those stains won't come out!" Fiora complained, as she noticed what he was doing.
Shulk laughed as he straightened. "Relax mom, I'm sure they will. Besides, I'm doing my laundry this week-"
"Oh no you won't! The last time you did laundry all your clothes ended up pink! And they shrunk to the size of Riki! For being so smart, I didn't think you'd be so incapable of doing something as simple as that!"
Shulk scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, slightly ashamed of Fiora's accusation. "Well, for a first time, I thought it was pretty good…"
He looked up to see Fiora stifling a laugh. A grin spread across his face. "You think that's funny, do you? Well now you're in for it!" Before Fiora knew it, Shulk was after her and she cried out gleefully, trying to get out of his reach.
The chasing resumed, Fiora laughing all the while as Shulk ran after her. It wasn't long before he caught up with her, scooping her up from behind. Fiora was laughing so hard and she couldn't stop, Shulk laughed too. Eventually he set her down and she finally calmed down, still giggling a little.
Shulk gazed at her for a moment, the moonlight casting shadows across her face. He smiled down on her as he reached a hand out, tucking a strand of loose hair away from her face.
Fiora couldn't help but feel his smile was purely genuine. Shulk's smile always was.
"Oh Shulk…" She trailed off, smiling up at him. He was giving her that look. Was he even aware of it? She didn't think so. "Why do you always do that?" she said quietly, almost sighing.
"Do what?" He suddenly looked oblivious, and a little fearful. "Did I do something wrong?"
"No, silly." Fiora giggled softly, punching him playfully in the chest. She paused for a moment to look up at him. "I just feel like...whenever you look at me, it almost feels like you haven't seen me in years."
Shulk smiled at this comment, gently pulling her into him. "Is that such a bad thing?"
Fiora smiled deviously. "Positively horrible."
Shulk chuckled. "Maybe that's because I'm such a bad person."
Fiora moved in and pressed a quick kiss against his lips, her hands against his chest. "No, you're a really good person." She then wrapped her arms around him, her head resting against his chest with closed eyes and a content smile. "You're the greatest person in the world."
At this statement Shulk couldn't help but smile down at her tenderly, gently tilting her chin up so that his lips could find her own. He could feel her smiling underneath him as they kissed, and he gently pulled away after a moment, studying her face. When she looked up at him, Shulk saw her smile, radiant in the moonlight. She gently lowered herself onto the cool grass, gently pulling Shulk down with her.
The two sat in silence, Fiora resting her head against his chest as he held her. Before them lay a beautiful scene - since they were situated on one of the larger hills of the Colony, it left them accessible to a wide expanse of the sky, dotted with millions of stars. There was a slight breeze, surrounded by the scent of fresh grass and earth. Below them, the street lamps of the town glowed steadily; the buildings quiet and impassive. It was peaceful, to say the least - except for the occasional sound of a cricket or two.
There was a moment before Fiora turned to Shulk.
"It seems so long since we've prepared to leave the Colony, it almost feels like we're heading out on some other sort of mission - almost like, we're out to hunt Mechon again."
Shulk nodded. "Yeah, I feel the same way. The feeling of leaving the Colony...it reminds me of when Reyn and I first started out, trying to avenge your death…" At this statement, Shulk closed his eyes. He could remember his feelings of rage and despair, when he had believed that Fiora was gone from his life so long ago. Yet she was here with him, in his arms. He sighed, half-contentedly and half-heartedly. Those had been trying times of his life - and just thinking about it made him wonder how he'd ever made it through.
Fiora could tell something was up. "Shulk? You okay?"
Shulk opened his eyes slowly, gazing across the plain, his hair taken by a slight breeze. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just that...I can't help but feel on guard, even if the war is over. Just the thought of traveling away from here...I don't know...it just gives me a bad feeling…" He finished quietly, his eyes still focused ahead. Even with the peaceful scene that lay before them, he still felt uneasy.
Fiora looked up at him. "Shulk, you're starting to sound like Dunban. Every time Dunban left the Colony when I was young for missions with his comrades, he felt the same way. It's a natural response to what we've all experienced during the war, to everything we've gone through in the past. I don't blame you for feeling that way." She gave him a small smile and he returned the gesture.
"It'll be all right. We're going to visit Melia - its been ages since we last saw Alcamoth. You really don't have anything to worry about, it'll be fun - I promise." She turned to give him another hug, snuggling up to him in the process.
Shulk returned the embrace, holding her affectionately. As he did, he didn't answer her, but merely kept his thoughts to himself. The night was peaceful but between it all, he couldn't understand what he was feeling. It was a feeling of dread, almost like a premonition of some sort. "Maybe Fiora's right." He thought, gazing up at the sky. "Maybe I'm just overreacting."
As he continued to hold her and contemplate, he knew there was no denying it.
His conscience was warning him.
It was a few days after when Dunban approached Junks, just at the tip of dawn. Shulk and the others were gathered around, Vanea and some of the other Machina soldiers amongst them. From what he could see, it looked as though the group was about to head off, their darkened silhouettes emboldened by the blazing red and gold hues spreading across the sky. Smiling to himself, he made his way over to them wondering what would ensue once they realized he was there.
Shulk noticed him first, a smile lighting his face. "Dunban, you made it!"
Reyn joined in. "Dunban! We all thought you bailed on us! Especially Fiora over here, who's been prattling on about how you-hey!" He didn't have time to finish before Fiora shoved him out of the way with a huff.
"I was not "prattling!" Fiora glared at Reyn, who grinned back with an award-winning smile. Turning back to Dunban, she crossed her arms. "I was just concerned that your boss hadn't let you off."
At this statement Dunban smiled. "Well, I'm sorry to disappoint, but it looks like I'll be joining you." Realizing that he might have sounded despotic, he added, "If that's alright with everyone."
"Riki is glad Dundun is coming!" Riki piped up, who was hovering beside Reyn. "Riki knew all along that Dundun would come!"
"Yeah yeah, sure you did furball!" Reyn said, trying to shoo Riki away from beside him. Sharla stepped forward. "We're glad you could make it Dunban - we were just about to leave. You caught us at the right time!"
Dunban nodded. "Better late than never, as I always say." The group nodded in unison at this statement. "Right, shall we be going ?" Dunban asked at last. Everyone agreed as they all started to slowly make their way onto the airship.
As Dunban himself was about to enter the ship, he noticed Vanea standing off to the side amongst her other comrades. Catching his eye, she made her way over to him.
"You never fail to amuse me." she chuckled, as she stood in front of him with crossed arms, leaning against the airship.
Dunban raised an eyebrow at this remark. "How so?"
Vanea gave him a small yet teasing smile. "I knew you would change your mind about whether or not you wanted to go to Alcamoth. The decision's been killing you, hasn't it?"
"Hm. Perhaps." Dunban stated. After a pause, he added, "You're not joining us?"
Vanea shook her head. "Someone has to replace you at work while you're away."
Dunban nodded. "Thank you, Vanea. I'll see you soon." Both of them embraced for a moment.
As Dunban turned to leave, Vanea's voice rang out.
"Don't forget to send my regards to Melia."
The night was cold as Melia stood alone atop the balcony of the Imperial Palace of Alcamoth, gazing out at the lighted sky before her. She'd received word that Shulk and the others had accepted her invitation. The thought of it comforted her, but yet, she still felt uneasy about it.
A cold draft of night wind passed by and she trembled unconsciously. Clutching her arms, she shook her head. It's not because I'm cold...it's because I fear their visit, she thought, rather angrily more than ashamed. Upon returning to Alcamoth, she had been showered with the welcoming of her people and all those of her family and royalty. Already she'd assumed the throne, and taken responsibility for the duties that lay at hand. Although these tasks provided a sense of distraction to her, the same thoughts about her comrades in Colony 9 seemed to float in and out of her mind. When would she see them again? How had they taken her exit? All sorts of questions seemed to fill her mind. To rectify this, she had proposed for them to meet her. Had it been a right decision on her part? Or was it an act of pure selfishness?
Melia sighed as she continued to gaze out, the sky vast, majestic, and mysterious as it had been in a world where Gods had ruled supreme. But things were different now. Melia made up her mind. I am responsible for Alcamoth now...whatever my labors or fears I do not have time to let them take me away from the things I need to care about or the duties I now have. I asked Shulk and the others to meet me here, and I will allow them to have the best experience possible, just as they provided for me.
Still, it was that one question that bothered her the most, the one she always seemed to have ever since the war had been over.
Would Dunban return? Where was it that they both truly stood?
I shall have my answer soon enough, the truth cannot be hidden for long was her last thought as she turned to leave, greeting the indoor warmth of the palace.
The following day, the group arrived at Eryth Sea - Junks descending on a piece of land close by Alcamoth Palace. As the ship settled the pilot, a machina subordinate, turned to Shulk.
"Sir, it looks like we have some visitors."
Shulk gazed out of the port windshield. Three people were advancing towards the ship, all dressed in formal High Entia attire. "Must be guards from the palace sent to escort us." Shulk stated, gazing at Dunban. "We'd better get out and greet them."
Dunban and the others nodded. As all of the comrades existed the ship, they were greeted by the vast and majestic expanse of water that was Eryth Sea. The water almost seemed to glow an aquamarine shade, glistening under the bright sun and clear blue sky. Reyn seemed to take this all in as he stretched his arms above his head, taking in a huge whiff of the salty sea air.
"Smells great! Been a long time since we were last here, right Shulk?"
Shulk smiled. "Yeah, I know. Brings back a lot of memories."
Riki looked on, only to be scared by a krabble that had scuttled up from behind him. "Riki deathly afraid of krabbles !" he announced, rather irritably. Trying to defend his honor by battling said krabble, the group looked on in amusement.
Reyn looked unimpressed, motioning to Sharla. "Hasn't changed a bit."
Sharla smirked. "I'm sure Riki missed Eryth sea as much as we did." She stated this rather humorously, as they all watched a hotheaded Riki charge down the beach, trying to get revenge on another krabble that seemed quite disinterested in his pursuit.
"Welcome, hero Shulk and comrades."
The group turned to see the High Entia guards advance in their direction. All three bowed in respect, to which Shulk shook his head.
"There's no need." He smiled back respectfully, as the three guards stood again. The leader of the guards spoke up. "We've been sent by Lady Melia. She has asked that we escort you safely to the palace."
Shulk nodded. "Thank you. Lead the way, and we'll follow you." The guards nodded, as they all started off towards the transporter that would lead them to the capital.
Although equally as majestic as Eryth Sea, if not more, Alcamoth seemed to loom over them. As they walked there was occasional chatter, but Dunban remained rather silent. Shulk however, seemed to notice Dunban being quite reserved as the others talked amongst themselves. He could see his friend was worried; it was etched into his eyes and smile despite his attempt to be easy-going. At that point, Shulk stepped aside and took a place beside Dunban, trying to make some sort of conversation. He noticed Dunban easing bit by bit as they advanced forward, their conversation becoming more meaningful and hearty.
As they arrived, the Imperial City of Alcamoth - pristine, prestigious and quiet, was as Shulk had remembered since the last time he and the others had visited. The light of the day fading, the aura around the city was calm and unperturbed. Gazing out of the crystal dome that encased the city from the elements, bold oranges, yellows, purples and blues adorned the sky, casting long shadows across the city. Buildings stood tall and erect, a combination of both ancient and modern architecture. As the group proceeded to the palace, passerby's looked to them, paying their respects and thanking them for their efforts in the war. It seemed almost all of the people in the city were familiar with the comrades' accomplishments and war efforts of the past, and there wasn't one person who hadn't addressed them, if not with a single nod of the head.
"Wow, seems like everyone here knows us!" Reyn enthused, gazing around proudly.
"I feel like Melia might have something to do with that." Shulk added, thoughtfully. As far as he was concerned, the attitudes of the High Entia towards them, let alone Homs, already seemed to have dramatically changed to a more positive outlook in comparison to when they had all last visited.
Dunban nodded. "Good observation. If that's true, it seems she's already got a good grasp of how to manage things here."
"Mhmm. If so, that's great news. Melia was born a leader, and from the looks of things everyone here seems really content and at peace." Fiora noted, as they approached the steps of the palace.
The one of the guards motioned to the steps, his comrades behind him. "Follow the stairs and up to the Imperial Villa. Lady Melia will be waiting for you there. We shall take our leave at this time. It is once again, an honor to have met and escorted you all."
Shulk nodded. "Will do, and thanks again."
As the guards departed, the group started to make their way into the palace. It was about a full minute or two when a cry from Reyn startled everyone.
"Shulk? Shulk!"
The group turned to see Reyn running over to Shulk, who lay unconscious on the marbled floor.
Reyn knelt to the floor in an instant shaking Shulk's unconscious body vigorously, while the others hurried over to him. "Shulk! Shulk, can you hear me? Shulk!"
"What happened to him?" Fiora cried out, looking at Reyn.
"I don't know! One minute he was awake and walking right beside me, and in the next, I turned around to see him out cold!" Reyn looked on at his friend desperately, trying to make sense of the situation.
Dunban immediately stepped forward. "Alright, everyone calm down. We'll have to - "
He was cut off by a sputter, as Shulk suddenly picked himself off the floor, as if nothing had happened. However, Reyn pointed towards Shulk's eyes in shock.
"Shulk! Bloody hell- your eyes were just glowing! What just happened?" Pausing, he added,"...Wait a second...that can only mean…"
Dunban seemed to have caught on to Reyn's outburst. "Shulk are you alright? Did you just manage to somehow...have a vision?"
After a moment, Shulk looked back at his comrades, if not a bit hazy. Scratching the back of his head in embarrassment he turned to them.
"..Sorry everyone. I didn't mean to scare you all...in fact, I have no idea what just happened, or why. To answer your question Dunban...yes, I had a vision."
Everyone was silent for a minute.
"I don't understand, Shulk. I thought you stopped having visions ever since we defeated Zanza…" Fiora said slowly, looking a bit puzzled.
Shulk nodded. "I thought so too. Not until a few seconds ago. For some reason...another vision just came to me. It's been so long…"
This was the truth. Shulk hadn't received visions after the defeat of Zanza, and furthermore, had never collapsed so abruptly to date.
Dunban spoke up. "Perhaps that's why you passed out. Your body isn't prone to receiving visions anymore, hence you were not fully prepared or adapted to handle the sensation once it came over you. Are you feeling any different?"
Shulk shook his head. "I feel fine." He gazed down at his hands, examining them. "However, when I was experiencing the vision, the sensation was entirely different, I can't explain it but...it was different from the visions I had when Zanza was inside of me."
Reyn crossed his arms. "So, what was the vision?"
Shulk paused at Reyn's question, his face monotone to an expression. "... I don't think we should discuss what I saw as of this moment. For now we should press on and see Melia."
All of the comrades exchanged glances - some confused, some worried. Dunban quickly intervened.
"All right. If you feel that is the best way to handle what you saw, then I have faith in your decision. In the meantime, we should proceed and find Melia."
"Right!" Reyn smacked his fists together. "Let's get this show on the road. Plus...I'm starved." His statement was met with a loud growl from his stomach. "I could definitely go for so food right about now."
The comrades couldn't help but all laugh. Sharla stepped in. "Alright, let's get a move on. Are you sure about all of this, Shulk?"
Shulk nodded. "I'm positive."
Everyone nodded, and all started forward. As they all advanced through the silent and dimly lit corridors of the palace, Shulk strayed behind, in tune with Dunban as the other comrades lead the way.
"Dunban...once dinner is over, we need to speak about my vision. In private."
It didn't take a rocket scientist to notice that Shulk was being very serious about the matter.
Dunban nodded. "Alright. As soon as dinner is over, we'll talk."
Shulk nodded silently, as the comrades continued forth to the Imperial Villa.
Dusk had settled in on Alcamoth as the troop finally made it to the Imperial Villa after being a bit sidetracked from both Reyn and Riki, who both had disputed about which way the villa actually was. The group had got lost a few times before Sharla intervened, pointing out the right direction to which Reyn had stated: "I knew it was that way all along!"
Although on a separate piece of land from the palace, the Imperial Villa was magnificent. From what could be seen, it looked like a wedding was about to take place, but was in fact a huge tent-like structure housing a long table for the dinner. Fresh cut flowers and expensive decorative structures littered the area, and the glow of candles could be seen from inside - it all looked very sophisticated and high end.
Reyn whistled lowly at the sight as they all approached. "Now that's what I call fancy!"
Sharla laughed at Reyn's comment. "I'll say! Melia didn't miss out on a single detail. It all looks very beautiful - I feel under-dressed!"
It was Reyn's turn to laugh. "Yeah, shoulda brought a tux if I'd known it would be this formal."
There was a chuckle at this comment. "There's no need, you're all dressed perfectly fine."
Everyone turned to see Melia standing behind them.
Dressed in a flowing, light blue, strapless gown, she too looked sophisticated. Unlike her usual hairstyle, her hair was curled into smaller ringlets and half up, and she was wearing traditional jewelry set with stones. As Dunban took this all in, he couldn't help but feel her persona had changed, perhaps in a more mature sense.
There was a flash of orange before Melia found Riki in her arms a second later. "Mellyyyyyyy! Riki missed his sister-pon!"
Melia laughed as she hugged Riki. "It's great to see you again, Riki." As she set him down, her gaze was on all of her other companions. "It's great to see all of you again. Welcome to Alcamoth. I'm sorry I couldn't have escorted you in myself but I've been terribly busy with planning and paperwork - all vital for the next few days."
Shulk stepped forward and gave Melia a hug. "Melia, thank you so much for the invite. We've all missed you."
As he stepped back, Melia smiled. "I've missed you all too. I'm very glad all of you decided to accept my invitation."
Everyone took turns giving Melia welcoming hugs. It wasn't long before it was Dunban's turn.
As he greeted her and extended his arms, he could feel tension between them. He had known it would be this way ever since he'd set foot in the place. Not wanting anything to be awkward, he addressed her as respectfully as he could.
"Melia, it is an honor to see you and be here again."
Melia gave him a look, one he couldn't quite pin down as to whether it was good or bad. "Glad you could be here, Dunban." The two held their gaze for couple of seconds before Melia turned her attention back to the others. "Shall we proceed to dinner? I'm sure you are all famished."
Reyn nodded, giving her a huge grin. "Sure am!"
Melia smiled. "Good, it's this way. Be warned, I had the cooks prepare quite a large meal!" She gestured to the tent, and all of the friends made their way over.
It was a perfect night to dine under the stars. Dinner proceeded with light appetizers of clam chowder, quiche and salad to start, followed by the main course of roasted fish or duck, sausages, grilled vegetables, and rice in a sweet curry sauce - a traditional dish in Alcamoth. This was then accompanied by coffee/tea and an abundance of dessert - decadent cheesecakes, eclairs and freshly cut fruit. And of course, there was plenty of fine wine…to which all of the friends ended up slightly tipsy, whether they liked it or not.
Reyn laid back in his seat after finishing - with eyes closed, a satisfied grin, and a hand resting on his stomach. "That's gotta be the best meal I've had in years!"
Fiora looked slightly offended at this comment, but also amused. "That's not a fair statement! What about all of the cooking I used to do for you and Shulk back in Colony 9?"
Reyn swatted his hand in the air, as if to dismiss her comment. "Yeah, it was pretty good. Non-comparable to this though. This is where it's at!"
Instead of getting angry, Fiora shrugged. "Have it your way. Looks like I'll have to step up my cooking skills!"
Shulk gave her a slightly tipsy yet reassuring smile. "Fiora, your cooking is up to par - don't listen to Reyn!"
Reyn laughed. "That so, Shulk? Then try listening to this!" After a second or two, a huge burp erupted from him, breaking the silence.
While Shulk couldn't help but grin at this, Sharla and Melia looked a bit put off by it.
"Reyn, behave!" Sharla snapped, looking a bit agitated with him. "You're here as a guest, don't be so foul!"
"What! I can't help it!" Reyn pleaded, sitting up in his chair. "Honestly Sharla, it's not that big of a deal."
"Riki don't mind! Riki's littlepon always burping in Makna Woods." Riki announced, after Reyn's outburst. "They even challenge Riki to burping contests!"
"Are you saying you challenge me to a burping contest, furball?" Reyn laughed, cracking his knuckles and looking smugly across the table. "Bad move, you're going down!"
Riki's eyes were gleaming at this prospect."Riki never loses burping contests! Riki will show Reyn who is better!"
Shulk and Dunban both exchanged concerned glances, both coming to the same conclusion about the situation - a burping contest wasn't exactly as great as Riki and Reyn seemed to be making it. Especially in front of Melia.
"Guys, I really don't think you should - " Before Shulk could finish, a huge belch erupted from Reyn, then a longer one from Riki.
Dunban shook his head, gazing at the two as the so called "contest" continued. "Looks like these two had a little too much wine tonight."
Shulk chuckled, gazing across the table to see Reyn and Riki duking it out, Sharla looking grossed out, and Fiora shaking her head at what was going on.
Dunban was about to clear up the situation when he suddenly noticed something missing. Amidst the contest, chatter, the glowing candles, and the serenity of the night, he turned to notice Melia , who was standing by herself outside of the tent. Dunban immediately knew this was his cue.
Getting up, he noticed Shulk was gazing at him. "I'll be outside for a bit. Make sure these two don't do anything rash." He motioned to Reyn and Riki, who were now in the middle of an intense arm wrestle - Reyn nearly knocking his wine glass over onto the expensive white tablecloth underneath.
Shulk nodded. "I'll try my best."
Dunban smiled. "Good."
With that, he left the tent.
Her back was to him, her dress and hair blew in the breeze as he approached her, contrasting heavily with the darkness of the night sky. When he finally reached her, he spoke his mind rather gently but with confidence.
"You look beautiful, Melia."
He could see that she had tensed as he had spoke, but she had known he was approaching. Turning a bit to the side, she gave him a thin smile. "Dunban. Thank you, you're not too bad yourself."
As she turned back to gaze out at the horizon, Dunban knew that she was probably still angry with him. She was just trying her best not to show it. Admirable, but he knew better. Standing beside her, he addressed her.
"Is it alright if we talk?"
Melia continued to gaze ahead. "I don't see why not. What would you like to discuss?"
Dunban could feel ferocity emanating from her words, but kept his ground, continuing as gently as possible. "I was wondering whether we could discuss what happened in Colony 9 before you left."
Melia turned to look at him, her aquamarine eyes penetrating his. "Continue."
Dunban sighed quietly to himself. He wasn't very good at apologies, nor was he used to it. He knew however, that he had wronged Melia and this was his only chance to set things straight between them. It was now or never.
"Melia...I want to apologize. The night of my birthday...I…" Dunban paused momentarily. "I took things too far with you when I shouldn't have. It was my responsibility to take care of you as both a comrade and friend, and I did neither. For that I am truly sorry."
Melia continued to gaze at him silently, her eyes on his. From the way she was looking at him, it seemed the fury in her eyes had lessened. She sighed quietly too, gazing back towards the horizon.
"...You don't have to apologize for that Dunban."
At this statement, Dunban looked perplexed. Then, he straightened. "I do. I have wronged you, it wasn't my place to -"
Melia cut him off, softly. "I don't regret what we did that night, Dunban." Gazing at him, she paused. "Do you?"
Dunban could detect the slight fear in her voice at this statement. He shook his head. "No, Melia. I don't regret what I did in the sense that I care for you, but it was not right-"
Melia placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. Dunban stopped himself, gazing , waiting for her to continue.
"It's alright, and I accept your apology. Although in that sense, you have nothing to apologize for...I did say it was your gift, after all." She smiled up at him gently, and he returned it.
"What I want to know is where you went off to the day after. Why did you leave?" Her eyes had regained their ferocity.
Dunban gazed back at her. This would take some explaining.
"...I was getting to that. I was also going to apologize for that as well, but after that incident I never saw you. I told both Reyn and Fiora to let you know of my whereabouts that day, but things seemed to get more and more complicated …"
Melia folded her arms indignantly. "Explain."
Dunban nodded. "The reason for my departure was work related. Do you remember when you were working at the infirmary, and there was a cave in at the mines?"
Melia nodded, recalling the many patients she had taken in and healed from this incident.
Dunban continued. "My co-workers and I were assigned to figure out what was causing these to occur, and to prevent it from occurring again, re-create the internal structure. The day after the party, my co-workers had been called into work and had investigated without me - to which they ended up being trapped themselves. I was called in to assist them. It was a life or death situation for them, Melia - if I hadn't helped them, they all would have died or remained crippled for the rest of their lives."
Melia remained silent at this explanation.
Dunban continued. "I know it was wrong of me to leave you that day without an explanation of any sort, and I apologize. I couldn't however, leave those men to suffer a terrible fate when I knew they were in danger. "
After a pause, he added, "Will you forgive me?"
Melia looked into Dunban's eyes for a moment. She could see no false pretenses; he did not waver from his explanation and he sounded sincere. His apology seemed more than acceptable. For all of the time that they had travelled together as companions, Dunban was usually true to his word and was a very rational, straightforward man. She could not see him lying to her in this instance.
Melia looked away. "I believe you. Your apology is accepted."
Dunban nodded. "Thank you." Gazing out at the horizon himself, he continued. "I do not like to leave things unresolved, and I would never try to hurt you. Please remember that."
Melia stole a quick glance at him before nodding. "So is that the reason why you came? Work wasn't an issue?"
There was a moment before Dunban spoke. "No, work wasn't an issue. I did come for that purpose, but also a few others."
Melia's eyes seemed to question his statement. Dunban continued on after another moment. "I've missed you."
Melia could see that his eyes had softened at this statement. Sighing, she couldn't take it anymore. She gently moved in, and he embraced her, holding her. "I've missed you too, Dunban."
They stayed together like that for some time before Melia looked up at him, gently kissing him. After they drew away, Melia smiled up at him. "I'm glad we were able to discuss this."
Dunban nodded. "I agree."
There was a catcall and whistle from somewhere inside the tent - Dunban guessed it was probably from Reyn. While Melia shook her head embarrassed, Dunban smiled down on her. "Everyone probably saw that."
Dunban chuckled. "That's alright. It's time they knew anyway."
Melia looked a bit surprised at this remark - since it was always Dunban that had always suggested otherwise.
They stayed together for a little while, still embracing and savouring the moment. As they did so, both felt a sense of peace and content.
Afterwards, as he let her go, Dunban motioned to the tent. " We should head back and round up everyone for bed- it is rather late."
Melia nodded. "You're right. Let's go."
As they walked back, Melia slipped her hand into Dunban's. Reaching the tent, they found Sharla, Fiora and Shulk conversing rather loudly but cheerfully- to which Dunban expected the three to have drank copious amounts of wine. The same could be said about both Riki and Reyn, who were currently passed out on the table, Reyn drooling on the tablecloth. As Melia called for some of her guards to help escort her slightly drunken comrades to their rooms, Dunban helped Reyn up - which wasn't an easy task.
As Melia finally got to her own room, her friends all in bed, she contemplated the events of the day. She was glad things were back to the way they were - but the day had definitely not gone in the way she had originally thought, especially with Dunban. She recalled when they embraced and smiled unconsciously. Her fears of Dunban being unloyal had been somewhat resolved, she couldn't help but still wonder as her smile faded - where did Vanea stand in all of this?
Dunban was about to head to bed when he noticed someone knock on his bedroom door. Who could possibly want to talk at this hour? he thought, rather warily. It was almost 2:30 in the morning, and whoever it was he concluded would have to have something mighty fine to peak his interest.
"Come in." Dunban addressed the person on the other side of the door, rather tiredly.
The door opened and to his surprise, Shulk stood in the doorway, looking rather sobered up.
Dunban immediately motioned for his friend to come in. "Shulk, what's keeping you up at this hour?"
Shulk stepped into the room. From what he could observe, Dunban noticed that Shulk was looking rather worried. Then he remembered.
"Is this about the vision you had earlier?"
Shulk nodded. "Sorry to disturb you Dunban, but it's really important that I talk to you about this. Especially since what I saw...may happen tomorrow."
Dunban nodded, straightening. "I understand. Please go on."
Shulk paused momentarily. "Alright. Before I do, this is information I want you to keep to yourself until the right time comes."
Dunban nodded again.
Shulk sighed under his breath, took a seat on Dunban's bed. What he was about to explain wasn't an easy task.
"...I think Melia's life may be in jeopardy."
Dunban looked a little stunned yet perplexed at Shulk's words. There was a moment of silence before he spoke.
"In jeopardy? What do you mean?"
Shulk looked down.
"I mean...she's going to die."
Author's Note: OH SNAP! Bet you didn't see that coming…or did you? If you did, pat yourself on the back and give yourself a cookie. If you didn't...well, that's ok too, you still get a cookie. As of now, Chapter 5 is officially over! I will apologize about the cheesy scene with Shulk/Fiora at the beginning, but it was something I just pictured them doing. But now we know what Shulk's vision was about - and Melia's got some trouble coming her way! The major question: Will Shulk's vision remain true, or can her comrades change the future before it's too late?
I'm not going to make any promises to when Chapter 6 will be complete, but let me just say that it will be INTENSE! Chapter 6 is where all hell will break loose, so to speak! It will pretty much be all suspense/action oriented - including conspiracies, major fights, a festival, bandit masks and code names. To all of my readers - your support is always welcome and appreciated, so please review away! Your reviews are what encouraged me to continue with this fic when I was about to give up on it, so please let me know what you thought of this chapter - constructive criticism goes a long way! Thanks again for reading - until next time, adios! :)