Amidst the shared space of the medical ward's open floor plan, Eko couldn't shake the reality of how the once-private rooms had now transformed into a makeshift shelter for survivors, including her cousin Madison. The communal atmosphere brought an uncomfortable edge, heightened by Madison's evident frustration who had stormed out in search of a moment of peace.

Eko recognized the strain of sharing hitting Madison harder than expected. This communal living situation was a far cry from the autonomy Madison was accustomed to, and it showed in her mood swings. 

Taking cues from Madison's actions, Eko considered the idea of escaping the confines of the overcrowded room. Her stomach grumbled in agreement, signaling that food was a priority. Rising from her makeshift and still disheveled bed, she adjusted her attire – a black shirt tucked into the dark pants resembling the uniforms worn by soldiers during their off-duty moments away from the field.

Without the luxury of a mirror, Eko ran her fingers through her brunette hair, attempting to fashion it into a high ponytail. A quick assessment of her appearance had to suffice in the absence of reflective surfaces. Stepping out into the crowded infirmary, Eko couldn't help but contrast the stark reality with the opulence of the palace she was accustomed to. The lack of decorum, as pointed out by Madison, was a stark departure from the usual standards.

What differentiated Eko from Madison was her familiarity with situations where basic accommodations were the only option. Unlike Madison, Eko had firsthand experience in adapting to less-than-luxurious living conditions. This adaptability was likely influenced by her dual roles—a crowned princess and future queen on one side, and a warrior fighting youma and monsters on the other. It served as a reminder that not everything was glamorous and living in bubble like Madison had only damaged her resilience to the war. 

Stepping over the slumbering figures scattered across the room, she successfully reached the main entrance of the infirmary. As she turned the corridor, much to her astonishment, she noticed a familiar individual entering the same hallways. He had been engaged in a conversation with the administration front desk and the lady who had gestured towards the room she had just left.

A flicker of butterflies sat in her stomach – was he looking for her? A giddy smile spread across Eko's face as she made her way towards Matthew. The infirmary was filled with numerous bodies, yet all he could focus on was the sight of this brunette, petite girl ready to venture out into who-knows-what mischief.

"Hey," Matthew greeted with an infectious smile that stretched from ear to ear. Eko came to a standstill before him, fully aware of his perpetually suspicious demeanor, signaling that he was up to something. Her curiosity peaked, she wanted to know what was behind that mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Come," Matthew nodded without hesitation, signaling for her to follow him.

Eko was guided away from the infirmary, leaving behind the chaotic world within its walls. They entered a vast floor-to-ceiling glass corridor that seamlessly led them back to the center of the academy.

"To what do I owe the visit?" Eko asked, her gaze lifting from beneath her long, dark lashes to the imposing figure of the god-like man beside her.

"Well," he replied, shifting his attention momentarily to her. "Since I have completed everything I needed today, before our departure tomorrow, I thought you might want some company—a tour of the academy?"

"So, does that mean you're all mine for now?" Eko's tone carried a seductive note, and Matthew paused momentarily, amused. She gracefully stepped past him, grinning, and cocked her head over her shoulder, a glint in her eye hinting at potential mischief.

He laughed. How could he not? As she continued ahead, he found himself naturally following her lead.

Unaware of the contemplative thoughts swirling in her mind, similar to Eko, she regarded him as a welcomed blessing – a genuine distraction from the somber anticipation of her next move.

Was it truly a misstep to momentarily divert her thoughts, to engage in some playful flirting and immerse herself in the present?

The man possessed a strikingly handsome face, and Eko couldn't help but entertain the thought that, perhaps when he wasn't noticing or if she could distract him enough, she could discreetly acquire the codes and access cards from him. This would grant her entry into the training arena she had been eyeing, although that was a separate ulterior motive she harbored.

Exiting the medical wing, the main hall of the academy unfolded before them. It presented a relatively new ambiance, in stark contrast to some of the older sections of the academy that Eko had encountered during her late-night explorations.

Despite its vastness, there were multiple levels that remained inaccessible to her. As extensive as the academy was, the primary interface system developed by the institution proved to be a helpful tool, guiding her to the necessary locations. Beyond that, navigating the academy involved a fair amount of guesswork, observing the activities on different levels to discern their purposes.

"As you might be aware," his voice drew her attention back to him, "this particular base was initially utilized as an orphanage after the war."

He wasn't certain about how much she already knew or if she was genuinely interested, but anything was better than silence. To Matthew's relief, Eko attentively listened and nodded at the appropriate moments, allowing him to guide her through the academy.

"Allegiant was initially established as a simple school after the titles were changed, but as the war persisted, there was an increasing need for militia. That led to the transformation of this base into the first academy for combatants and technicians, with children and teenagers, previously homeless, serving as their initial pilots for case studies."

"And were you one of them?"

"Something like that," Matthew nodded.

"With a certain Commander hailed as the youngest in command of his time."

Matthew grinned, "You let me ramble?"

"I like hearing you talk," she smiled, glancing up at him briefly. "Besides, it's something to be impressed about. You were the first to achieve district domination and ensure the boundaries were set with the Eastern District and the rest of the population at eighteen. You and Cid were also among the very few, besides the Royals of the courts and houses of the elite, to communicate with the Elders—our closest trading partners, skilled in their magical attributes."

"So," he chuckled, "you do know your history?"

"I do, and I also know that at age twenty, you led the team against the Eastern District, regaining some of Isadora's land back in the fight. It hadn't been done since the first invasion they waged against us. I think they called it the new age of domination for Isadora. That's how Isadora prospered in the last few years, and it's why I believe Jesse was able to advance all of our systems."

"Jesse is very, very smart for her age," he spoke with a warm tone, portraying a proud older brother. Eko found herself liking him even more as his love for Jesse shone through. "She's also extremely intelligent when it comes to those intricacies, and that big brain of hers doesn't stop thinking for a moment."

Eko smiled, allowing him to continue talking about Jesse. From her own research, Eko knew that the red-haired maiden was no pushover; she was someone not to be dismissed lightly. Jesse's rank, second only to Matthew, spoke volumes about her capabilities. Her expertise in software and development made her highly intimidating, often described as having her own near-messianic belief in the software intelligence revolution.

They stopped at the elevators, and Matthew selected the next level to continue their tour.

"So," he smiled at the brunette beside him, the scents of lavender and liliies almost overwhelming his senses.

"Did your stalking cross-research mention that I have led the total enemy's death count since it started?"

Chuckling, Eko felt her cheeks flare as she made a desperate attempt to keep control of herself. She couldn't help the giddy smile that broke through. "It has actually, with a very cute photo of when you were eighteen. I was very impressed."

He leered down at her. "I should get that updated."

"It also mentions you were a pompous ass and that your cockiness has led you to bed more than a hundred and fifty women in your time," she said, biting her lip, making Matthew wonder where the hell the elevator was. "She reckons you probably have the equivalent of love children out there."

"I don't take any chances if that is what you are subtly asking," his eyes narrowed.

"Oh, I know," Eko beamed up at him as he cocked his head, wondering how she could know that. "Doesn't the whole academy, as a prerequisite, give you these little rods so you don't have kids or something? Mandatory and all?"

"Something like that," he chuckled. "The board that oversees the high-level stuff of Allegiant, along with the other academies under their wing, didn't want soldiers procreating, especially given what we sign on for. It came into effect a while ago. Besides, we don't raise children here."

"Just create soldiers."

"We're trying to stop a war, do you really think this is the best place to raise a baby?" 

Eko conceded, already understanding the rationale behind preventing the mixing of war and children. She observed Matthew leaning forward, pressing the elevator button again.

"You know," she smirked, "Mieko also wrote that she believed a sexually transmitted disease would cause your death rather than a battle wound?"

"I think Meiko was being a touch harsh, to be honest, when she wrote that," he laughed. The elevator doors opened, greeting them.

"Your chances are high in that category, just stating facts from that piece of information." He heard Eko's wonderful laugh as she looked up at him, biting her lip as if she had been studying him.

"If I was an idiot, sure, but trust me, I'm built on control," he leaned forward, his arm extended on the elevator doors to guide her in. She swallowed the nervous butterflies in the pit of her stomach. A fleeting thought of him naked crossed her mind, and she felt her palms quickly become sweaty.

Shaking the thought away, Eko stepped into the elevator. As Matthew stepped beside her, he selected the level on the control panel, and the elevator began its ascent.

Eko's sky-blue eyes glazed over the exquisite world that Allegiant was, allowing Matthew to continue talking, her attention solely on the world before her, stretching higher than her eyesight could maintain. It seemed to travel for miles, expanding beyond what she could perceive.

"What's this structure, levels, how far does it go up?" Eko murmured in awe, watching the levels pass by her.

"Didn't find any of that in your research?"

"It was a bit skewed, to be quite frank."

"The ground level we just left encompasses our processing offices, scheduling teams, and administration. You observed that our medical wing occupies a significant portion of the bottom level.

As we ascend, the subsequent levels host our research and development departments, where we focus on technological advancements, weapon development, and tactical strategy planning. Above that, residential quarters and communal spaces are located. Further up, the uppermost levels are dedicated to simulation and training arenas, refining combat skills through simulations across various terrains and enemies. The academy continually grows to meet evolving advancements and needs.

Levels one through five encompass cafeterias, study halls, libraries, classrooms, and more. Advancing to levels six through eleven brings us to living quarters, while levels thirteen to sixteen are exclusively designated for training arenas, categorized by combat skills. Level seventeen houses our swim center, and level eighteen is the open sky deck. Beyond that lies Sky Point.

Exiting on level three, where study halls and libraries are situated, they moved forward. "The structure funnel upwards, with an authorized elevator taking you twenty-five stories above sea level to the headmasters. Allegiant accommodates over eight thousand soldiers, including cadets, all 100% combat-trained and prepared. Spanning approximately a thousand kilometers in distance, Allegiant's property covers a vast expanse."

"Honestly," Eko said, enchanted by the world around her, "you can't really take it in until you're here like this. It's another world. I just don't have words for it." She was simply mesmerized by the academy and its enormity.

"Did you ever leave the palace at any stage?"

"Sometimes. Not for long; we were grounded to the palace all these years. I tried to get out when I could, but it was never for long."

"Here," he offered to continue moving, "I thought you would want a proper tour instead of wandering around seamlessly at night trying to find whatever it was that you were looking for."

Eko cracked up in laughter awkwardly, instantly busted at her late-night rendezvous.

"Shit, how did you find out?"

"The Academies are equipped with monitoring and tracking. When you are brought in, you are given IDs that allow us to monitor your vitals and level locations."

"I don't have an ID, so how did you track me?"

"You were trying to enter restricted-level areas. Cameras got ya."

"Stalkerish much?"

Laughing, the Commander shrugged, "If you want to describe it in that context."

"I don't really see how you could place it in any other context?"

"Were you ever told how much of a smartass you can be?"

"Numerous occasions," Eko smirked.

"Anyway, the system allows us to track basic soldier numbers and vitals. It also allows us to account for everyone or if unknown visitors breach us. It's primitive, with a lot more intelligence that needs to be designed, but it gets us by for now. Come, I'll show you what you need to know, and where to go so you're not wandering around looking like an idiot."

"Your way with words, Commander. No wonder women fall at your feet," Eko quipped, earning the biggest grin from the man in front of her. Her mind mused, "Oh, this could be a very good distraction," and if she played her cards right, she knew there could be far more enjoyable things to be doing in her spare time as well.

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Maybe if we take a softer less, abusive approach.. voting will work.... hmmmmm

Or.... just vote!!