Chapter 32
:::
::Colony 6::
The reconstruction of Colony 6 was progressing rapidly. From the rubble, buildings were popping up at an astonishing pace. The group had provided many of materials needed for this endeavour. Also they had taken the time to invite many new Homs, Nopon, High Entians and Machinas to live there.
"Incredible. To think this was all rubble not so long ago." Shulk was admiring the progress with Dunban and Sharla. "People can achieve anything when they really work together."
"I agree. Strength in numbers. Teamwork can fell insurmountable obstacles." Dunban was just as impressed.
"So, Sharla ... Is this what Colony 6 is supposed to look like?"
"It's definitely getting there. We've come a long way. A little more work and it'll be perfect."
Shulk encouraged Sharla to make Colony 6 even better and to create as many good new memories as she could, then maybe the bad ones won't seem so bad.
"Now you mention it, we've had some good times on the road. And I don't intend on forgetting those any time soon. And... well, there are other good memories I don't plan to forget."
"Are you talking about the time you spent with Gadolt? It might sound weird coming from me, but hold onto those memories. In the end, memories of Gadolt are the only proof he was here."
Sharla was touched to see her friends mention her love even though they would never ever know who he was. "I'll never forget him, don't worry. Thank you. For everything. I feel like rebuilding the entire world!"
"I know the feeling! But I'll be glad if I can help out even a little bit. So don't worry, Sharla! Everything's gonna be fine. Me, Reyn and Fiora are gonna come and visit all the time when this is over!
"Oh yeah ... I guess Reyn will go back to Colony 9, huh?"
RUMBLE! Chatter!
"What was that? You say something?" A bunch of noisy Nopon merchants had just went by causing Shulk and Dunban not to hear what she said.
(!) "No, nothing. Hey how are you doing yourself? Ever since Fiora joined, you have been a busy man.
(!) "I'm fine."
" ... You're not. (!) You've been watching over her like a hawk. ( ... ) I mean a kind hawk ... But don't over exert yourself. I'm sure she wouldn't want that of you even if she was aware of who you are."
Dunban had to add in. "Please don't think that the duty of looking after Fiora lies with you alone. Everyone is here to help. We're all worried for you as well." He then asks if Shulk had made any progress in understanding Fiora's condition.
Shulk had been spending the late nights in medical textbooks. He didn't believe that this Fiora was another person. He believed she was in there but did not understand why she has no memories of anyone yet be able to do so many familiar things. However, as of late he had reached a dead end.
"Right now it's trial and error. I've only started learning about the nature of memories. It wasn't something I ever looked into before. So it'll need some time. Sorry."
Seeing the sun set, all three realized that they had been talking for a while. During this conversation, Sharla had gained a new impression of her Colony 9 friends. Hoping to not dampen their spirits, she thanks them saying "Let's hurry and find the others. Thanks for lending an ear guys."
::
Tonight was Dunban's turn for security. When his watch was over, Reyn came for his shift. However, the two ended up talking through the night wondering how time has past - that a year had past since the Battle of Sword Valley. Much had changed. Everyone had changed and even grown stronger.
However, there was one change that Reyn still had a hard time accepting.
"... I keep wondering ... if anything of us three is still in her ... or are we totally gone? ... Fiora has changed and so has Shulk ... Shulk hasn't spoken to me much about how he felt. I see him always nearby guarding and watching over her. I'm worried about him. Has Shulk talked to you about how he feels?"
Dunban knew Shulk was still determined to help Fiora but Reyn's comment started to make him wonder about her.
::Colony 6 (Hope Farm)::
At Hope Farm, Dunban arrives to see Fiora, still awake, doing a maintenance checkup on Nemesis. Having Nemesis made moving things much easier for Colony 6. However, Meyneth wasn't comfortable having it inside the Colony, so it had been docked at the farm during the night.
"Fiora?"
(*?! Who would be here at this time of the night? ... Oh. It's the family ... *)
Even though she had been with the group for a while now, Meyneth realizes that she was still not on first name basis with everyone.
"... ... ... Mister Dunban ... if I remember correctly?"
"Just Dunban okay? ... Fiora, how are you doing? Shouldn't you go to bed?"
"... I'm fine. I'll sleep after this."
"Do you need me to bring you anything?"
" ... It's ok ... Dunban."
(*That was awkward ...*)
" ... Uh ... Nemesis is a beautiful machine and very faithful to you."
" ... ... Well it's all mine now." Meyneth looks at Dunban oddly.
Dunban suddenly realizes that he was starting to wander off topic.
"Please promise me one thing ... Don't ever endanger yourself, escape if you need to."
Meyneth saw Dunban's worry for Fiora. It was an odd yet comforting feeling to know that somebody was worried for her ... well not exactly "her".
" ... ... I understand. Thank you for your concern."
"I want to hold you to that promise. We'd all miss you too much if you were gone again ... (especially if it was for good and if it is you ... ) ... Me, Shulk, Reyn..."
(* ... Am I allowed to be attached to all of you? When I'm not "her"? ... What am I to do? ...*)
Meyneth had to think of something to continue the conversation, so she then replies, "... Well ... escaping is honorable ... but it is selfish as well ... "
(! - True, I guess ... ) " ... OK! I think it's time we were getting back to the others. They might be getting worried. You've been gone all evening."
" ... ... I have one more thing to do. If you don't mind. I'll be quick." With that, Meyneth leaves Dunban to finish up the maintenance checkup.
... I promise you, Fiora ... I'll never let you come to such harm ever again, even if ... you don't remember me anymore.