The dreams were terrible as usual, but when she woke to her darkened bedroom in the morning and recalled the events of the previous evening, Melia couldn't help but smile. Remembering the conversation with Dunban made her giggle and push her face into her pillow. Giddiness overcame the Homs Entia as she replayed the memories, clutching the pillow to her. Between the success of the town hall and the champagne, she had felt brave. Clearly, brave enough to engage in a battle of wits with the Hero of the Homs. Part of her shuddered at the memory: had she been too forward? On the other hand, he seemed to enjoy the back and forth, so why should she worry? And that moment at the end...if Elrich hadn't interrupted, would Dunban have kissed her? She reddened at the thought of his lips on hers as she rose from her bed and walked into her washroom.

As she poured the water over her naked body in the tub, doubt whispered in her ear. What if her perceptions were different from his? What if she were imagining that quiet moment at the end? Worse yet, what if she was reading into their conversation too much, and he felt none of the attraction she did? Diving below the water, she felt her nerves prickle as her mind delved into the worst-case scenarios that could result from the interaction last night. What did it matter anyhow? It was done. Over. She couldn't change the past. Surfacing, Melia took a deep breath, attempting to exhale the anxiety from her system. One thing was clear: Despite her previous attempts to temper her feelings, Melia knew that the attraction and grown into an infatuation. More accurately, a full blown crush.

Minutes later, Melia stepped out of the bedroom and into her sitting room, fully dressed and ready for the day. As she tied her hair up in a bun, James called out from behind the entry door, "Empress. Dunban is here to see you."

Her heart stopped. Speak of the devil.

"Let him come in." Melia called out, stuffing her hands in her pockets. She could feel her heart pound and adrenaline shoot through her body. Did he want to talk about what happened last night? Or what didn't happen?

The door flung open and Dunban strode towards her, staring intently in her eyes. "Melia. I must leave."

She blinked twice, not believing what she was hearing. "You're leaving?" The tone of her voice was sharp.

"Yes. I need to return to Colony 9. It seems that some survivors of Colony 3 have appeared. I promise to be back as soon as I can."

Colony 3? A ripple of shock rippled through her. Could it be true? Her mind zeroed in on a singular memory from her childhood, recalling the conversation as if it were yesterday.

"I would like to accompany you. A show of support from the High Entia to the Homs."

"That's not necessary. The gesture is appreciated but you have other things to worry about, like the election."

"No, I will come with you to Colony 9. My mother's family was from Colony 3 and I would like to see for myself if I have any relatives among the survivors." She looked at him evenly. She had always wanted to find her mother's family. It had been a distant dream, and one she thought lost to her when she learned of Colony 3's destruction. The Empress had nearly given up on it after the Fall, knowing that her duties as the High Entia monarch would be all-consuming. But now...now there seemed to be a tiny sliver of hope. An opportunity to learn the truth that she could not pass up.

"When can we leave?"

"Serenity!" Melia called out, knowing her assistant was most likely waiting behind the door with James and Elrich. The young Homs Entia rushed in, pen and notebook in hand. "Send word to the cabinet that I will be unavailable today, but I will be back for our cabinet meeting tomorrow. Please move around the meetings I had scheduled today as I'll be heading down to Colony 9."

"Empress, is everything alright?" Serenity asked, alarmed.

"Yes, I'll explain tomorrow morning when I come back."

The assistant nodded and left without another word. She was a devoted servant; Melia knew she would need to do something to thank her for her dedication and service. Making a mental note to think about it at another time, Melia turned her eyes back to Dunban. "Shall we?"

There was something in his eyes, not like anything before. Was it disquiet? But he nodded and it was gone. "Yes. The sooner the better."

The flight to Colony 9 was relatively silent. With Elrich and James at the helm, Melia had hoped she and Dunban may have a chance to talk, but it was not to be. Dunban spent the flight looking out the window, apparently lost in thought. And so, Melia had consumed herself in drafting the election procedures, taking great care to avoid any interaction with Dunban. Disappointment showered her as she jotted notes down on parchment. It seemed the conversation would have to wait until another time, if at all. Three hours later, their shuttle touched down in Colony 9, on the hillside across from Dunban's home.

As Melia and Dunban walked down the ramp, they saw Fiora rushing towards them. "Dunban!" She cried and leapt towards him, wrapping her arms around him. As he pulled his sister close, Melia saw a smile creep onto his lips. It was the first smile Melia had seen on his face all morning. Melia stood a few feet away, giving them a moment of privacy. It had, after all, been a month since they had last seen each other. When Fiora stepped out of the embrace, she burst out, "They just appeared, right here. It was so weird." Then Fiora saw Melia and the Homs girl smiled, waving her over. "Melia, it's nice to see you. You're a good friend to come."

Confused, Melia was about to ask Fiora what she meant when Dunban interjected curtly, "Her mother's family is from Colony 3."

"Oh!" Fiora exclaimed. "Wow I didn't know your family was from Colony 3."

Melia nodded, "Yes, my mother grew up there. But that was over ninety years ago. It might be a long shot but at least I hope to learn something about my family."

"Where are they?" Dunban said.

"Right now they're in the military district. But–" Dunban didn't wait. Instead, he took off without waiting for Fiora to finish. Rolling her eyes and shrugging, Fiora turned to Melia and said, "Guess we should go after him."

What is Dunban so worked up about? She thought to ask Fiora, but decided to wait and see.

"How long have they been here?" Melia asked as the two young women jogged after Dunban towards the military district.

"Well, they arrived two days ago." Fiora must have written right after the arrival then, Melia mused. "They said they came through the passage in Tephra Cave. There's about forty of them, I think. Apparently, they've been in hiding since the Battle of Shakrala."

"What's that?"

"That was when Colony 3 was destroyed four years ago by the Mechon."

"To be honest, I don't know that much about it."

"It was a huge loss. Colony 3 was known for its defense capabilities and advanced weapons that could injure and destroy the Mechon. Everyone who lived there was a trained soldier. Those that grew up there started training at age nine."

"Wow...that's incredible."

"But the Mechon destroyed the colony, as they knew it was a stronghold for the Homs. And all of the technology they had built was erased as well. I was just thirteen at the time. That was before Dunban began using the Monado."

They arrived at the base, just on Dunban's heels. He was a good few feet in front of them, out of earshot. They changed from a jog to walk as they ascended the stairs to the main hall. Fiora turned to look at the Empress and said, "Melia, I'm sorry if I've interrupted your plans in any way with this. Dunban has told me how incredibly busy you are. I just thought he would want to know."

"Of course, Fiora. I'm glad you told him. Otherwise I wouldn't have known either and I might have missed out on an opportunity. Besides, Dunban is free to come and go as he likes." She made a concerted effort to sound perfectly amiable and calm. Nonetheless, Melia felt unsettled. She felt like she was missing something about the severity of this event. As they walked into the hall after Dunban, she asked, "Did Dunban know someone from Colony 3?"

"Oh gosh. You don't–"

"DUNBAN!" A voice cried from the other end of the hall, filling the air with its incredulity.

And as the Homs Entia watched, she knew what the missing piece to the puzzle was. She knew why Dunban had been distracted, distant, incommunicative for the past several hours. Unable to take her eyes off of Dunban, Melia watched as a tall, dark-skinned woman rushed towards the Homs male and wrap herself around him, planting a passionate kiss on his lips.

What was she doing? Everything in her screamed to escape from Colony 9 and go back to Alcamoth. At least she'd be safe there. Safe from emotional turmoil anyway. Over and over again, she replayed the scene in her head, watching Dunban and the dark skinned woman locked in a passionate embrace. What was going on? Who was she?

There was a knock on the door, jolting Melia from her thoughts. "Melia? Are you alright?" Fiora called out from behind the door.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little faint. I haven't yet eaten anything today." Bent over the sink, the Empress could feel the sadness and shame screaming through her body, forcing it to collapse on itself. No, she couldn't give in. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she slammed down the rising tide of emotion. No, she couldn't get emotional here. She'd have to wait until she was alone.

Inhaling and exhaling, Melia exited the small washroom and came face to face with Fiora, who wore an expression of concern on her face. "Should we go get you some food?"

"No, no. In a bit. I...I want to see if I have any relatives among the group. I only have a day to spend here before I go back to Alcamoth."

Fiora nodded. "I'll wait here for you. Dunban and Senara left already." Senara. That must be the name of the woman.

Slowly, Melia nodded and walked away from Fiora, towards the group of people. They all looked fairly haggard, though it appeared that the residents of Colony 9 had generously procured new clothes and access to wash stations to the refugees. They huddled together, speaking in hushed tones. As she approached, they stopped and turned to look at her. From what she could see, they were mostly middle-aged, with a few elderly and a few young ones. Their eyes questioned her appearance, focusing on the wings on her head and the difference in her clothes.

Her heart beat thumped in her ears and her mouth was dry. The possibility of getting answers to questions she'd long dismissed was frightening. Almost as frightening as the prospect of learning nothing. "Hello there. My name is Melia. I've come to ask you..." With all of their eyes on her, she began to feel self conscious. What exactly could she say? Her mother had died almost 50 years ago. Would any of these people have known her, let alone remembered her? But if Melia said nothing, if she did not ask, she knew she would regret it. Melia recalled that her mother's maiden name had been Fraser and thought that would be a wise place to start. "Do any of you belong to the Frasier family? Or know of their whereabouts?" There was a slight tremble in her voice as she awaited the answer.

They continued to watch her, silent. But she waited.

Finally, an elderly man spoke. "What do you want with the Frasiers?"

"My mother...my mother was a Frasier. Her name was Gweneviere."

No one appeared to recognize the name, save for the old man, who's eyes widened. "You...you're Gweneviere's child?"

A bright spot of hope blossomed in Melia's chest. "Yes, yes I am."

"I remember Gweneviere. I was just a child when she left the village. But I remember everyone talking about it. How the Bird Man came and asked her to be his bride. She was the prettiest girl in the colony. It was so long ago, but that's not something one just forgets."

She could feel her throat close as she listened to him discuss her parents. It was a story she had asked her mother about several times. Oh goodness how she wished she could hear her mother's voice now.

"I'm sorry to say child that her sister and her husband did not survive the attack."

The breath she had held in her throat released itself. Melia's whole body slumped forward as she felt the hope she'd encased in her heart for so long evaporate. Her mother's family was dead and gone. She was the last of her line on both her father's and mother's side. She was truly alone. Tears threatened to collect in her eyes, but she knew better than to exhibit signs of weakness. Instead, she turned to the old man and said quietly, "Oh. Well, thank you for letting me know."

"If you'd like to break bread with us, I can tell you more about what I remember of your mother."

She smiled at the kindly old man and nodded. "I would like that very much."

That evening, Melia sat at a dining table with Fiora, Shulk, Dunban, and Senara in Dunban's home, trying to focus on the meal in front of her instead of the conversation. How desperately she wanted to be anywhere else but there. Earlier, when she and Fiora had met up with Shulk in the town, Melia had valiantly attempted to secure a room at the tavern for the evening, but Fiora wouldn't hear of it. Her Homs friend had stated that there was more than enough room for Melia to stay with her and she insisted upon it. Now, she found herself unable to escape the situation without any plausible excuse.

"Senara! I'm sure you've told Dunban everything by now, but what happened when Colony 3 was blown up? How did you survive?" Fiora urged.

Melia gave a sidelong glance at Dunban, who sat stoically. He didn't exactly look like one reunited with his long lost love. From the kiss earlier, Melia would've thought he would be over the moon. Perhaps the reunion hadn't gone exactly how her over-active imagination conceived it. A tiny part inside her woke with excitement but she tempered it. As a friend, she needed to care more about how this would impact Dunban rather than their romantic chances (which, she reminded herself, were approximately zero as there was no evidence to support her fantasies).

"Oh god, you really want to hear the whole story? It's pretty depressing." Senara lounged back in her chair, putting her arm up around the top of Dunban's chair, her fingertips lightly touching his shoulder. Her jet black hair cascaded past her shoulders, glinting in the light of the house.

"Yes! Everyone is dying to know in Colony 9. You all have been shut up in the fortress with the Defense force and we're all buzzing with questions."

"Alright, well you know the whole shebang about how Colony 3 was burnt to the ground. My team had been fighting those metal-faced buggers outside of the colony in the highlands, so we weren't in the blast. We took cover in Shakrala Cave nearby for a few days, living off fruits and anything we could catch and eat raw without getting sick. We took turns, checking to see if Mechon were still patrolling the area. Eventually, we figured they were long gone and rushed inside to see if there was anyone still alive. Of course, there wasn't. Or at least they had already fled. But as we retreated into the caves, we found a group of survivors. Since then, we've just been hiding out."

"Wow. That's amazing that you survived." Shulk said.

"We mostly stuck to traveling through caves and in the mountains. It was the easiest to stay out of sight from the blasted Mechon." Senara said and rested her hand on Dunban's shoulder, her green eyes glancing towards him.

"But Senara, why didn't you come to Colony 9? We would've protected you here." Fiora asked, her brow furrowed. It was a good question, something Melia had been wondering herself.

Senara looked back at Fiora and said, "We wanted to, but being on the Bionis' left leg and Colony 9 being on the right, it was quite a ways to travel out in the open. The Bionis' left leg is just like the right: a wide open area without much cover. We thought if we tried it, the Mechon would see us. And without our weapons, we wouldn't stand a chance. We tried once..." she trailed off, her face turning serious, and continued, "We lost quite a few people."

Fiora nodded solemnly. "That must've been hard. Wanting to get here but being unable to."

Senara looked at Dunban, who met her eyes. "You have no idea."

Despite not wanting to be involved in the conversation, especially at that moment, Melia found herself questioning Senara's story. Not everything seemed to add up. Breaking the silence, the Homs Entia asked, "Why didn't you send one person ahead to scout out a possible pathway? Surely a single individual could avoid detection from the Mechon."

"As I said, without our weapons, we were nothing more than prey to those bastards." Senara said, leveling her gaze with Melia's.

But the Empress wasn't about to back down. Instead, she pressed, "And why now? Why did you decide to emerge from hiding and come to Colony 9? Especially if you didn't know if it was safe?"

"The Mechonis and Bionis fell. That was a signal that the war was at an end. Or at least we hoped it was."

"And yet you were still uncertain but you decided to wander out in the open, where presumably you could have been killed."

Senara paused and questioned icily, "What are you getting at?"

"Nothing, I'm just trying to understand the sequence of decisions."

"What would you know about fighting the Mechon? Where were the High Entia when we needed them? You all sat in your castle in the sky while we fought and bled for the freedom of the Bionis." Her eyes blazed with anger.

"Let me be clear. I do not condone the actions of the past; the High Entia isolationism as the rest of the Bionis suffered at the hands of the Mechon. But do not mistake that I am unaware of the dangers of battle, especially with the Mechon. I fought alongside Dunban, Fiora and Shulk against the Mechon. I have seen combat and its horrors."

"Then you'll understand that I do not enjoy being interrogated about past decisions that have cost the lives of innocent people. So if you'll excuse me, I will head back to the barracks. Thank you for dinner, Fiora." Senara snapped and rose from her chair.

"I'll walk you back." Dunban said, rising from the table quickly. For a second, Melia's eyes met his, and she could see him questioning her actions. Had she overstepped?

But then he turned away, escorting the irritated Senara out the front door. As Melia watched the door close behind them, she knew one thing for certain. There was more to the story than the woman was letting on.

"It's such a nice night." Fiora sighed as she stretched out on the grass under the full moon.

"Yes. It's peaceful." Melia agreed holding her knees to her chest. They were out by the beach below the house, watching the fireflies dance over the black water. After dinner, Shulk had gone home, citing tiredness, but Melia knew better. She was sure Fiora had indicated to her boyfriend that they needed some privacy. Left to their own devices, Fiora suggested they go down to the beach and enjoy the warmth of the evening.

There was still a small fire burning in the pit of her stomach, smarting at Senara's words. Of course she knew the horrors of the Mechon. Hadn't she lost her entire family to the Gods' war? But she knew she wasn't the only one who could claim that. Sighing, Melia attempted to let the slight go. She knew she shouldn't have antagonized Senara in the first place. It had been childish, especially since the questions were born more from jealousy than logic (though, in all fairness, looking at the conversation objectively, the questions were not irrelevant).

"Melia, I know things haven't always been easy between us. But...I can tell something is wrong."

Melia stayed silent, waiting to see if the Homs girl would say anything more.

"Is it that you didn't find any family in the refugees?" Fiora sat up on her elbows and looked over.

"Something like that."

"Did something happen with my brother?"

Tread carefully. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know...I just know that there's this tension between the two of you. And I know you're going back tomorrow and he's not."

"I cannot afford to linger. There is to be an election in three days and I can't spend a minute more away."

"You know that's not what I mean."

This was not a conversation she wanted to have with anyone, especially since she had no concrete information other than her own perceptions. And Melia did not think it would be wise to have any sort of discussion about Dunban with his sister. "Fiora–"

"Did you have a disagreement? Sometimes he can be headstrong about thinking his way is better than others. I can try and knock some sense into him." Fiora rolled up onto her knees and crossed her arms across her chest.

"No, we did not have a disagreement. There is no need for you to speak with your brother." That was the last thing she wanted Fiora to do. If Dunban thought she had confided in his sister...

"He can also be annoying rational and unemotional. Has he offended you?"

"Nothing of the sort. Truly Fiora. Your brother has been nothing but helpful to myself and the High Entia."

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to pry. If you say there's nothing, then I'll take you at your word." She fell silent for a moment, hesitated and then continued, "Maybe it's just...I just...I feel like you've pulled away from all of us and I feel like it's my fault," she laughed, embarrassed. "Oh god, saying that out loud sounds a bit selfish and self-centered."

"Why would you think that?"

Fiora shook her head and sighed. "The whole thing with Shulk..."

That couldn't be furthest from her mind. Despite how guilty Fiora looked, Melia couldn't help but smile. "I understand where you're coming from, but no, that's not why. I want nothing more than to be friends with Shulk, I can happily assure you. There have been many things that have not gone according to plan, many unforseen problems I've encountered with rebuilding the lives of the High Entia. And it's my duty to my people to rectify them. And in the process, I have neglected the relationships of those I like to consider friends."

"Melia, we'll always be friends. No matter what."

"Truly?"

"Of course, silly! Nothing would change that." Fiora lay back down in the grass and said, "Dunban hasn't told me much about what's been going on. Do you want to talk about it?"

Her first impulse was to decline. What had her father said? Friends were luxuries. And that the only ones you could trust were family. Yet her she was, alone, with no family to confide in. Surely those she had fought alongside, risked her life with, were more than just friends, more akin to family?

As if reading her mind, Fiora turned on her side to Melia and said, "It's okay if you're not comfortable telling me. But, just so that you know, anything you tell me will stay between us. I won't even tell Shulk.

And it all came tumbling out. The trials of centralizing her people, to the concern about the tensions between the Homs Entia and Entia, and finally the fear of the enemy in the shadows. Once she began talking, it was hard for Melia to stop. She had turned on a faucet and the water continued to run until there was none left. Finally, the young woman fell silent, lying back in the grass, looking up at the moon set in the dark night sky. A small weight felt lifted off of her chest. Perhaps it wasn't such a terrible crime to share ones burdens with another.

"Oh god, Melia I had no idea."

"These are not things I wish to make public. The High Entia are a proud race."

"But it sounds like things are going well now."

"Yes. It's been quite a relief actually. Quite unbelievable considering how terrible it was just a month ago."

"But..."

"Hmm?"

"There's obviously something that's got you down."

Melia changed the subject: "Tell me about Senara."

Fiora rolled onto her back. "Oh, sure. Well, she was the liaison from Colony 3 to Colony 9. So she'd visit often to deliver messages about coordinating attacks and other military matters. From what Dunban's told me, she stopped by the training grounds one day and saw him sparring. Senara challenged him and they fought. Eventually, Senara won, and demanded Dunban take her out to dinner. I'm sure that's not hard to imagine. I think they dated for about a year and then Colony 3 was destroyed." Hesitantly, Fiora added, "Dunban was pretty broken up about it for a couple years. And then he took up the Monado."

Melia felt her shoulders sag. She had been right. It was a serious relationship.

"Did something happen with Dunban?"

Melia closed her eyes. What was she to say to that? There was no use in dancing around it anymore. Fiora wasn't stupid, just polite. Sighing, Melia responded, "Nothing happened. There was just the...possibility of something. Though I could be completely making something out of nothing."

"But then he got my letter...dammit I'm so sorry, Melia." Fiora sat up and looked at the Homs Entia.

"It's not your fault, Fiora."

"but if I hadn't told him..." she was wringing her hands.

"He would've found out eventually, and we might be in a worse position. Besides, I really shouldn't be getting mixed up in a relationship right now. I responsibilities and I cannot afford to get distracted." More than I already am.

"Melia..."

"I don't know what you must think of me. First Shulk, and now your brother."

"Oh please. I'm just concerned about your taste in men." Fiora grinned.

Melia burst out laughing, and rolled over to face the other girl. "Thanks, Fiora."

A light came on in the upper bedroom. "Looks like he's home. You're leaving tomorrow?'

"Yes. At first light."

"Would you like me to come with you? I could bring Shulk too. He'd be happy to help."

"Thank you, Fiora, but I don't want to trouble you."

"It would be no trouble at all. Just, please consider it."

"I promise."

At dawn, Melia rose, put her clothes quietly into her bag and exited the guest room. As she tip toed down the corridor, the young woman stopped in front of Fiora's door and slid an envelope under the door. It was just a simple thank you letter, asking her to keep in touch. Straightening her clothes out, the Empress walked downstairs and was crossing through the living room when a voice said, "Tea before you leave?"

Dammit. She was hoping to avoid him. Turning around, she saw Dunban pouring hot water into two mugs. It would be rude to refuse and Melia didn't want their last interaction to be tainted with bitterness.

Setting her bag down by the front door, she joined him in the kitchen. She picked up a mug and blew on the water, watching the steam rise from the top.

They stood in silence for a few moments.

"Melia, I...I know we haven't had a chance to discuss the past few days."

"Dunban, there's nothing to say. You are needed here and I need to go home. That is all."

"I disagree."

"You owe me nothing." The words came out harsher than she wanted them to, but she pressed forward: "You have been a wonderful friend and I thank you for the time you've spent in Alcamoth, supporting the restoration efforts. Should your plans change in the future, Alcamoth would welcome you back with open arms. Now, if you'll excuse me, I really must be on my way so that I may be in time for the cabinet meeting." She set the cup down and walked to the door hastily. If she stayed a moment longer, she wasn't sure she wouldn't be able to keep her thoughts inside. And this was not an occasion to be truthful with her feelings.

"Melia."

Her hand was on the door handle, but she forced herself to turn around and meet his eyes.

"Have a safe journey."

She forced a smile. "Thank you. Good-bye." And she quickly left.

As the Empress walked to the shuttle, she could feel her eyes warm. Her vision blurred and a few tears cascaded down her cheeks. Silently, she wiped them away, sniffling. God, was she so weak-willed? How could she let this happen? How could she allow herself to become emotionally compromised to such a degree?

She did know one thing as she boarded the shuttle: whatever was between her and Dunban was now over.

A/N: This one is quite a long one, but I had a bunch of fun writing it. I hope you enjoyed it and let me know what you think ^_^ Thank you to everyone who has left reviews! They are very motivating and it's really wonderful to know that people are enjoying reading the fic. :)