Author's Note:

I don't own Xenoblade Chronicles and all characters belong to their rightful owners.

This chapter answers any questions you have about what Hochipu was doing. Have fun seeing what was printed in Nopon Wood alongside, my favorite character, Sharla. She doesn't appear enough, in my opinion.

Enjoy!

Sharla puttered around her kitchen as she got her morning coffee. She settled down at the small dining table and picked up the newspaper. The front page story was about the Valkyrie, again. Sharla's eyes lit up as she started to read the article. She immediately became engrossed in the interview about Teanna's medical research and the technology she used to make prosthetics.

After devouring the article, she looked up at the clock on the wall and huffed in annoyance.

"Juju! Hurry up or you're going to be late for school!" She didn't even turn in her chair as she yelled. She took a drink of her coffee and flipped through Nopon Wood.

"I'm coming, I'm coming…" The fifteen year old in question plodded down the stairs and into the room. "I still have time."

"I don't want you to get into trouble for being late." Sharla glanced up at him over the paper as he sat down across from her.

"I won't be late." He assured her as he began to dig into his breakfast. "Anything good in the paper?" He asked between mouthfuls.

"The Valkyrie has done some amazing research during her time on the Fallen Arm. She's developed a prosthetic that functions just like the original limb. It's amazing." Sharla's eyes skimmed over the other articles until she stopped on the gossip section. The title of the article caused her to gasp and choke. She coughed loudly and sputtered on her coffee.

Usually, the gossip section never bothered her. It was always talking about outrageous things about her and her friends. They were the heroes of the entire world, so that made them celebrities. However, this time, they had printed something true.

"Sharla? You alright?"

"I'm fine." Sharla immediately began to read the article:

It was long believed that Reyn had fallen for the medic turned doctor, Sharla, but a close source to the ex-captain claims otherwise. This source revealed that Reyn is actually in love with his childhood friend, Shulk. As covered in previous issues, Shulk and Fiora are believed to be a developing couple. The two are often seen out together. Could Reyn's sudden disappearance from Colony Nine, be because of his unrequited love? Was he shot down by Shulk and forced to leave the colony in shame? Or does Shulk remain blissfully unaware of his friend's longing?

Since these feelings have come to light, this begs the question, how will this affect the trio's close friendship? Shulk, Reyn, and Fiora have all been friends since childhood. It is obvious that Fiora has feelings for Shulk, and the two would easily make a great couple. Reyn's profession suddenly turns their friendship into a heated love triangle. Hearts will be broken; there is no way for anyone to come out of this unscathed.

But where does this leave Sharla? She had been very close to Reyn and their friendship appeared as if it would develop into something more. The doctor could have been the first person to know about Reyn's feelings, or she could be just as blindsided by the news. …

The article continued on like that, discussing how a relationship between Shulk and Reyn would affect their friendship. Sharla put her face in her hand and let out a long sigh.

Reyn is going to be mortified…

"Oh, you're reading gossip! I was wondering what had you so upset." Juju's deep voice chuckled at her shoulder. He snickered. "Yeah right, as if Reyn's in love with Shulk! I know he likes you, don't you worry, Sharla."

"Juju," She warned. He laughed again and retreated back a few steps.

"I'm going to school now." He scooped up his backpack and slung one strap over his shoulder. He stopped at the door and snorted. "Reyn in love with Shulk! Wait till my mates hear about this!" Juju waved at his sister before ducking out into the street.

Sharla sighed again. She took a sip of her coffee.

"Why did they have to go and print something true for once? Reyn…" She shook her head. "What are you going to tell Shulk, now?"

End Note:

Since Pate's Talent Art changed last chapter, I'll be putting his Telethia arts down here. He's got eight of them.

1. Soul Read

Aura that allows Pate to see into the minds of enemies

Attribute: Ether

Target: User

Range: Individual Target

Distance: N/A

Damage: N/A

Cooldown: 60.0 seconds

Effects:

Agility & Evasion Up 50%

Empties Talent Gauge 30%

- Effect Time 30.0 seconds

2. Shock Wave

Blast of electrified ether dances across the ground

Attribute: Ether

Target: Enemy

Range: Fan shape in front

Distance: Close

Damage: 900

Cooldown: 15.0 seconds

Effects:

Empties Talent Guage 10%

Hit: Paralysis

- Effect Time 8.2 seconds