Chapter 6: Keeping a Favour

After their day on the beach, Shulk, Fiora, Reyn (who's carrying a load of fish with him), Sharla, Riki and Juju are all walking back into Colony 6 while talking with one another.

"I must say," Reyn starts to say. "We sure caught a few big ones today."

"Thanks mostly in part to Shulk after he taught you how to fish a little better," says Juju.

Reyn just grumbles, which gets a few giggles from both Fiora and Sharla.

Shulk chuckles then says, "Don't take it so hard, Reyn. We all need a little help everyone once in a while."

"Well, in some way, Shulk," Reyn says. "You are the voice of experience in that field, seeing as you always needed my help back then before you found your own strength."

Shulk chuckles again, saying, "Yeah, you're definitely right about that."

"Well, either way, we got enough fish to last us a while," says Reyn. "Especially given that Oka won't be giving Riki a hard time about needing a good bit of food to feed all of his children."

"Yes, Reyn catch more fish than all of Riki's littlepon will be able to eat. Even wifeypon will be happy," says Riki. "Reyn become good fisherman with Shulk's help."

Just then, after the group shares a little laugh, they all look ahead to see Dunban coming their way and with a troubled look on his face.

"Hey, it's my brother," says Fiora. "He looks somewhat upset."

"I wonder what the problem is," asks Reyn.

As they reach Dunban, Fiora says, "Hey, Dunban."

"Oh? Uh, hey there," says Dunban. "Did you and Shulk have a good time?"

"Sure did, brother," says Fiora. "Hopefully, we'll have even more in the future."

"Me too," says Shulk to Fiora in a gentle tone.

Riki then says, "What is matter with Dun-dun? Dun-dun not look happy for some reason."

"Yeah, what's going on, Dunban," asks Sharla.

"Well, it somewhat has to do with Shulk," says Dunban.

"What about me," asks Shulk.

"Well... it's Colonel Vegarre," says Dunban.

Shulk asks, "Square-stache?"

Dunban nods, then continues with, "I told him you were having trouble trying to finish the weapon as told by my sister, and that you were taking the day off that Otharon gave you. That said, he was nice enough to let you have it."

"Then why so serious," asks Shulk with concern.

"Well, there is a catch," says Dunban uncomfortably.

"Which is," Shulk asks.

"Since you couldn't find the materials for finishing the weapon," says Dunban. "You're the spend the next few days finding the materials you need to complete it until you can get enough."

"He can't be serious," says Shulk in surprise. "Dunban, I know something is missing from that weapon to get it to work properly, but even I don't know where to start looking. I haven't the foggiest idea. It's hasn't been long since I started to work on technologies belonging to the High Entia and Machina."

"I told him that you might say that," says Dunban. "So he told me to tell you that you'd better spend all night looking the weapon over to make sure you know what it needs. When all is said and done, Colonel Vegarre really needs this weapon to be finished."

"The Colonel's got to be cracked in the head if he thinks we need this Ether Disruptor so badly," says Reyn. "I mean, I guess it is good to be safe than sorry, but with the power it's supposed to be capable of, it's like he thinks we're still at war with the Mechon."

"Yeah, but you can't really blame him, Reyn," says Dunban. "After all that happened that time, it's enough to get anyone's dander up a bit. Living during such uncertain times, you see what it can do to people like the Colonel."

"Well, I guess you do have a point," says Reyn.

"Yeah, such moments can be traumatic for anyone and mess up them psychologically," says Sharla.

"That is understandable," says Reyn. "But with the peace we have going on, it's not like we'll suffer another attack like we did so long ago. The Mechon are helping us, and all of the Telethia are gone as the remaining High Entia we have with us are half-breeds. That said, the only threat should be the wildlife, and nothing more."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Reyn," says Shulk.

"And what's with you," Reyn asks.

"I forgot to tell you all, except for Fiora and Dunban," says Shulk. "But I had a visit from Alvis last night."

"Really," asks Sharla.

"Hey, now this has to be important if he came to talk to you," says Reyn. "So spill it. What did Alvis say?"

"Well, he was being pretty unclear," says Shulk. "But let's see, he said that another force could be out there with this new world I created, that they could be more dangerous than Zanza."

"Another force," asks Sharla.

Juju then asks, "More dangerous than Zanza?"

"If anyone else told me such a thing, I would figure them mad," says Shulk. "But seeing as this was Alvis telling me, I can't overlook it."

"Shulk look very uneasy," says Riki. "If Shulk look worried, then Alvy must be telling truth."

"Bah, I find that hard to believe," says Reyn. "A powerful seer Alvis may be, but I think he's full of poppycock this time. Shulk created a world without gods, so what else could there be?"

"Perhaps it's the fact that this world has no gods that such a threat could occur," says Shulk. "Not that having gods made the world we had better, far from it. But at the same time, who knows what type of can of worms I've allowed to be opened by getting rid of the former one?"

"Eh, didn't think about it in that way," says Reyn.

"Well, whatever does come, it will only strengthen Vegarre's position on needing the weapon to be finished," says Dunban. "So until such a thing does occur, we will need the Ether Disruptor to be finished so we'll be ready for this threat."

"I guess I truly have no choice, then," says Shulk. "Very well, I'll look the weapon top to bottom to see what it needs to be finished, and then, I'll head out to find the raw materials until I manage to get enough to do it."

"Well, if Shulk is going," says Reyn. "Then so am I. I ain't gonna' let Shulk break his back doing this mess alone."

"Same here," says Dunban.

"Thanks, you two," says Shulk. "I would offer more positions, but I think you two should be enough to help things go along smoothly."

"Well, I know Shulk is stronger than he used to be," says Fiora. "But I want you both to look after the best you can."

"Don't worry, dear sister," says Dunban. "Seeing as you and Shulk are officially together now, I will do my best to make sure he's not harmed."

"Yeah, you got no problem if I'm to go with Shulk," says Reyn. "He won't get one scratch from any creature out there. You can count on it."

"I know, Reyn," says Fiora. "You're much more dependable than before, so I know you'll do your best to keep him safe."

"Ah, there you go again, Fiora," says Reyn. "You make it sound like totally undependable in the past."

"Not really," says Fiora. "You were a dependable guy, if not a little too hot-blooded, as well as a bit clownish, but you've become such a stronger over time. I do mean what I say as a compliment."

"Clownish," says a surprised Reyn. "You can't be serious?"

"Sorry, Reyn, but... I kind of am," says Fiora.

Reyn just sulks, which gets Sharla to laugh then say, "Oh don't take is so hard, Reyn. Even if you are a bit of a clown, it's one of your more likeable traits."

"You too, Sharla," asks Reyn as he starts to look more depressed.

Sharla laughs again, and says, "I'm just saying I love that about you, and I wouldn't have you any other way."

"Oh, right," says Reyn starting to look a bit happier, though not by much.

Sharla just giggles again before giving Reyn a kiss on the cheek, which gets Reyn to look even happier, as well as just a little embarrassed as he blushes a tiny bit.

"Seems like Reyn should perform much better after that," says Shulk with a chuckle, which gets Reyn to blush even brighter.

"Yes, well, in any case," says Dunban. "All three of us will need to be at our most focused if we're to find those materials for the Ether Disruptor."

"Don't worry, Dunban," says Shulk. "You know I will be."

"Same here, man," says Reyn.

"Very well, I'll go give Colonel Vegarre the news," says Dunban. "Until then, take care."

"Right," says Shulk.

"Oh, and Fiora," says Dunban.

Fiora answers, "Yes?"

"Will you be staying home tonight, or will you be spending it with Shulk," asks Dunban again.

"Well, obviously, I want to be with Shulk again tonight," says Fiora, causing Shulk to look embarrassed, especially since he's getting looks from both Sharla and Reyn.

"Okay, just had to know that," says Dunban. "But try not to distract him too much, if possible."

"Don't worry, brother," says Fiora as she starts to dance her fingers across Shulk's chest. "I'll make sure to get him to work his hardest while with him."

Shulk both chuckles and blushes at the same time, then says, "I'm sure you will."

"Well, we could be here all day listening to Fiora flirt with Shulk," says Reyn. "But we'd better go our separate ways right about now. I need to get these fish over to Oka and the others so she doesn't end up killing Riki."

"Yes, wifeypon probably getting very impatient for Riki's return," says Riki. "Riki and Reyn must hurry!"

"I suppose we'll meet up tomorrow then, Reyn," asks Shulk. "You, Dunban and me?"

"Guess we will," says Reyn. "Anyway, take care man. And Fiora, don't get TOO frisky with Shulk."

"We'll see, Reyn," says Fiora while looking at Shulk seductively. "We'll see."

Reyn just gets a stupid grin on his face, then he looks at Sharla and asks, "So, you and Juju coming?"

"Oh, not at the moment for me," says Sharla. "I've got to stop by Junks for a minute to talk with Linada."

"Linada," asks a surprised Reyn. "What for?"

"It's something between doctors, so it's confidential," says Sharla. "Don't worry, it's nothing to concern yourself with, okay?"

"Well, if you say so," says Reyn. "Come on, Juju. Let's go meet with Oka."

"Right," says Juju. He then looks to Sharla as he walks off with Reyn and Riki and says, "See you in a while, sister."

After Reyn, Riki and Juju are gone, Sharla then says, "Well, I better go to Junks while the day is still fresh. See you all later."

Sharla begins to walk off in the direction that Junks is in.

"I guess the rest of us should shove off, as well," says Shulk.

"Hold on for a minute," says Fiora. "I need to go say something real quick to Sharla. It won't take long."

"Oh, uh, okay," says Shulk with a great deal of curiosity.

Fiora runs to catch Sharla and as she does, she asks her quietly, "So, you really are going to talk to Linada about my request?"

"That's right," says Sharla. "If I get something helpful from Linada, I'll call for you to come meet me at Junks tomorrow, okay?"

"Thank you, Sharla," says Fiora. "I hope you'll have good news tomorrow."

"Same here," says Sharla. "Though if I had it my way, I wouldn't have you put through this, Fiora. We did a lot of hard work to convert you from that Mechon form to your original Homs body."

"Well, remember, I don't want to sacrifice my body," says Fiora. "I just find some way to enhance it, that's all."

"I do remember, but what will have to be done, that's what worries me," says Sharla. "Still, you are a good friend, Fiora, so I'll do this for you as a favour. I just hope I won't regret it."

"Same here," says Fiora. "But somehow, I think this is what needs to happen."

"I only hope we can make it happen," says Sharla.

"Thanks again, Sharla," says Fiora.

"Don't mention it," says Sharla. "Anyway, I better be off now. Hopefully, I'll see you tomorrow at Junks."

"Right," says Fiora. "Take care."

After that, Sharla begins to head off again, and Fiora then heads back to where Shulk and Dunban are.

"So, what did you tell Sharla," asks Shulk.

"Don't worry, just had to ask a small favour," says Fiora. "It's somewhat of a thing that needs to remain between us girls."

"You're not pregnant already, are you," asks Dunban.

Shulk puts on a panicked look.

"Brother," says a flabbergasted Fiora.

Dunban chuckles and says, "I'm only joking, sister. I don't think even Shulk's THAT ready to be a father just yet."

"You think correct, Dunban," says Shulk sighing out of relief.

"Well, whatever it is," says Dunban. "I guess we'll let it be between Fiora and Sharla for now. I guess I'll head back home."

"So do I," says Fiora. "At least that way so I can change before going back over to Shulk's."

"Good idea," says Shulk. "See you in a minute, Fiora."

"Okay," says Fiora before her and Dunban walk back to where their house is.

As they do that, Shulk begins to head in the direction of his house.

To Be Continued in Chapter 7.