Chapter 33
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Dunban returns back to the colony to sleep, but to only get up again a couple hours later, to discover that Fiora hadn't returned. Worried he goes off to find her.
::Colony 6 (Hope Farm)::
Fortunately, Dunban finds her still at the farm, but sitting outside staring at the colony rather absentmindedly.
Wondering what was wrong, Dunban sits next to her and tries to start a conversation: "... It's sad to see the devastation here was far worse than in Colony 9."
To his surprise, he gets a light nod.
"There were two things we had that they didn't: Shulk and the Monado. Not that their Defense Force was anything to sneeze at ... But in the end, the Mechon just overwhelmed them."
(*... I am really sorry ... *)
Meyneth was red with shame but kept quiet and pretended she didn't hear. Wondering why Fiora did not reply, Dunban awkwardly continues on, "You know? Shulk was a wreck. I'd never seen the boy so distraught. When I saw him after you came back, he was beaming!"
What Dunban heard next was something he never expected to hear.
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"... The world is a complicated place. That boy ... ...There is no point in consistently worrying about everything. As much as those visions has helped him alter the future, what will happen will happen regardless ... ... ... ...
So breath, look on the bright side, have some laughs, accept what you can't change and carry on ...
To actually live is courageous. Most people exist, that is all ... Everyone living through this troublesome time will come to understand and treasure that. I am sure you have as well."
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Meyneth turns to see Dunban in a state of shock. She could tell he was about to question her but was making strange almost-freaking-out noises as a result of stopping himself from freaking out. Was he okay?
"Uh ... Uh ... It is something I've thought about especially since the battle at Sword Valley ... maybe ... but what about you, Fiora? Is that really how you feel?
Meyneth admits, "... ... ... I know it's hard not to worry. It's not as if I condone worrisome thoughts. Yet I do wonder ... why ... 'I' am here ... instead of the Fiora you know."
(So ... that does bother you too. Huh? Anyways ...)
"Hey, don't forget we have another task ahead of us. We need to finish what we set out to do. That's what matters most. Meaning you are just as important as everyone. We're fighting for the entire world!"
"... You're strong ... I wish I had your resolve." Meyneth sighed.
"It's all a matter of perspective. But I understand why you find it difficult to deal with this. It just means you truly care as you ... not as my sister, but ... 'you'."
The only reply Meyneth could give was a gentle sad smile.
::Colony 6 (Park)::
The next day, the group diligently worked on reconstruction. When it was lunchtime, they rested in the local park.
As the rest ate, Meyneth was admiring the flowers.
"This park is quite pretty ... Flowers are a beautiful sight to see ... "
Riki plops down beside Meyneth with a huge sandwich. "Park bring back - CHOMP! SWALLOW! SLURP! - memories for Fiora?"
"... ... No."
(*Riki ... that was nasty ... *)
"Don't worry! Park remind Riki of forest!" Riki smiled back with Juicy Blueberry jam all over his face.
" ... Nature is wonderful, isn't it?" Meyneth chuckled seeing the amusing sight.
"Riki agree! Grass whispering, trees talking!"
"... The sounds of nature? You must miss your home."
"Fiora so clever! Fiora understand Riki's talking and feeling! When Riki is in forest, Riki only feel warm and happy! Park is nice. Park make Riki happy. Also make Fiora happy!"
The sun was shining, the wind was gently blowing and the birds were singing. Meyneth closes her eyes for a moment.
This Nopon was right. There was a warm ... and fuzzy feeling right now for being here.
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A small breeze blows through the park to then suddenly shower all in the park with a display of all the flowers blooming at once. All present were shocked to see such a sight. This had never happened in Colony 6 before.
Riki, however, knew the cause:"Nopon not usually magic, but Fiora is! Flowers bloomed!"
Meyneth wanted to treat the Nopon for keeping her company. Making the flowers bloom for him worked like a charm.
"Mmm ... Riki love Fiora's smile. Fiora seems to be always so sad ... No good for camera," says Riki innocently.
(=_=') ~ (*Really Riki? The camera?*)
"When friend cry boo-hoo, everyone cry boo-hoo, including Riki." Riki proceeds to pretend that he was tearing up.
(!) "Riki ... "
This was the first time Riki had spent much time talking with Fiora. Why was she always so sad looking?
"What's wrong, Fiora? Fiora's smile upside down. Cheer up, Fiora. Cheery Fiora make happy Fiora! Fiora must have met Nopons before. Did Riki help stir memories of Fiora's old self?"
"No ... ... but let us just focus on the present for now. I got to meet a wonderful comrade who cheers everyone up."
(*And who is rather adorably cute.*)
"Hee! Hee! ... Riki embarrassed from Fiora's kindness." Riki was blushing.
"Riki's job is to make friends feel bestest ever! Riki ready! Come, come, Fiora! Go find friends. Riki follow Fiora!"
Riki proceeds to drag Meyneth to the rest of the group.
"OK! Where is mean old Reyn? I make him into happy Hom Hom! When Frontier Village have peace, all Nopon have big party!"
(*Thank you ... Riki.*)
::Colony 6 (Ether Mine)::
The group had to replenish their ether supplies so they spent the rest of the day at the mine. Sharla introduced the mines to the group and gave Reyn a personal tour. Later on, their conversation about ether was interrupted by Meyneth, who had overheard the two talking about ether mixing. Meyneth told Sharla about the ether fuel tank mixing near-mishap incident back at Colony 9 that Reyn got the HUGEST scolding of his life.
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Meanwhile, Dunban was still worried about Fiora and took her to the side.
"Hey Fiora ... Are you feeling alright?"
"... Yes. Why?" Meyneth was a little confused.
"Oh .. It's ... alright. You ... went to bed a little late. Just checking."
::Last Night - Colony 6 (Hope Farm)::
Meyneth had fallen asleep from exhaustion. Sleeping on Dunban's shoulder was probably not the best idea. Therefore, Dunban had to carry Fiora on his shoulder back to the colony. He had some difficulties with only one arm but he managed.
As he crossed the farm field, a small voice whispered in his ear. A small sleeping voice that made him thought he was hearing things just earlier. A small voice that said something spectacularly honest just earlier. A small voice that he longed to hear once again.
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" ... DunbanZZZ ... Don't worryZZZ ... Please ... tell Shulk ... Reyn ... ... everyone ... I'm ... ... ... okayZZZZZZ ... ... ... ... "
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