Sorry It took a while to publish this chapter I don't have internet at home right now, so I had to send this to TriforceandSheikahArts as soon as possible, If you didn't know she helps me with the chapters (all the fancy words you read are there because of her and it's awesome)
I wrote this chapter while on the phone and it was a real mess
Anyways back to the story
Chapter Two
"Melia, is there something wrong?" Dunban said while noticing a strange look cross the High Entia queen's face.
"N-nothing is trouble me, Dunban… I was merely taken back by how magnificent the village looks tonight for the festivities." Melia replied, struggling to hide how nervous she was on account of Shulk's unannounced presence.
"Dundun look worried." Riki said while hugging Dunban's right leg.
Really? Dunban thought, struggling to hold back a laugh.
"Hmm, well, don't worry, Riki. I've just had a tiring day. In any event, we should head downstairs. The chief is waiting." Dunban said as he was about to put a foot on the stair. "By the way Melia," he said, looking at her with a smile, "that dress looks beautiful on you."
Melia looked partially startled but nonetheless responded with a smile. "Thank you, Dunban."
Meanwhile in the kitchen, Reyn had his hands full of things to put on the tables outside. In his arms he struggled to carry a variety of meats, salads, drinks and even a suspicious looking soup.
Man, I can't wait to eat all of this. I'm going to try every single one. This is going to be great! He thought to himself, imaging how wonderful the evening would be.
Suddenly Shulk arrived running through the door. "Reyn!" he exclaimed quite agitatedly, making all of the kitchen Nopon jump in surprise and jump onto Reyn's shoulders in fright.
"Shulk! Look what I got here!" exclaimed Reyn with a laugh as he struggled to show his friend all the food he held in his arms while barely managing to stay upright with the added weight of seven Nopon situated overtop of his shoulders.
Shulk paused for a moment to take in the sight. He could barely suppress his chuckles. "Reyn, you look ridiculous."
The fighter rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before. Now go on, what were you going to tell me?"
"Oh." It then returned to Shulk. "Well, I've got to tell you about something very important. This is serious; I need you to know about this."
Reyn rolled his eyes while leaning backwards to let the little Nopons jump off his tall frame. "Geez Shulk, I haven't seen you so nervous in a long time." He pursed his lips together. "Let me guess what's bothering you. Hmm, Fiora helped with the dinner?" He said, trying to be funny as always, but soon he realized by the look on Shulk's face that this was indeed nothing to joke about.
"'K man, what is it?" He tried to stay calm.
"It's about Dunban." Shulk replied as Reyn was being carefully leaving the food on the table.
"What's so bad about Dunban? Wait, let me guess," Reyn rebutted, his amusement getting the better of him again. "There's a dance competition tonight, isn't there?"
Shulk crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. "No, Reyn. Dunban said something about not wanting me to act stupid tonight." He paused to look away a small amount of pink slowly dusting his cheeks. "I think he meant that I shouldn't drink this evening," he whispered softly.
Reyn merely huffed to Shulk's displeasure. "Eh, sounds like the kind of stuff he always tells me. My advice would be to just ignore it. I mean, this isn't the first time he says something like that. Also, he gets pretty drunk without noticing it himself." Reyn explained while fixing his hair.
"This time is different Reyn, you should've seen it." Shulk replied with a suspicious look.
"But this is a party, Shulk! He can't deny you the chance to have some fun. Plus, he gets pretty embarrassing when he's drunk too. If you came here to ask me what to do about it, I'd say just ignore him." Reyn replied pretty confidently.
Why did I even bother coming to ask him? Shulk thought with a sigh.
Just then, the kitchen doors burst open and seemingly hundreds of Nopon arrived talking and making noise. And with all of them were Fiora and Sharla dressed in their respective armour.
"Hello guys, ready for tonight?!" exclaimed Sharla with Fiora by her side.
Shulk and Reyn quickly turned their backs to both Sharla and Fiora and whispered to each other.
"Just don't get me in trouble, please," Shulk hissed.
Reyn blinked, stumped. "What's that even suppose to mean?"
Shulk then turned back to face the women. "Of course we are. You both look ravishing—I mean—" Shulk quickly realized what he was about to say and thought in a fraction of a second: Why would I? If Dunban was here I'd be dead... No, don't do this to yourself Shulk! Stay calm!
Reyn decided to fill the silence. "Doesn't the food look delicious?" He laughed loudly and then slung an arm over Shulk's shoulders pulling him close. Then without a trace of seriousness, he whispered without moving his mouth. "You sounded like me there."
Shulk only rolled his eyes.
Sharla watched the two boys with a bemused expression while Fiora replied, sounding all excited, "Yeah? I had a feeling that you guys will love the food!"
Fiora didn't realize what Shulk had said. Sharla took it a little more seriously and thought. Well, well, what was all that about? Could it be that— Suddenly, Riki fell into her arms.
"Hello, sidekicks!" The nopon exclaimed, rubbing his ears all over Sharla's face.
"Hello, Riki," Fiora answered with a smile.
Shulk didn't waste a second and took the chance to escape from the awkward situation by saying, "Hi Riki! Anyhow, let's look for a seat, Reyn!"
"Cya later, Sharla, Fiora and Riki!" said Reyn as he was being dragged out of the kitchen.
"Bye guys!" Shulk stammered hastily as the two exited the room.
Sharla stared at the doors from which they exited looking even more confused. However, she didn't have enough time to question their actions since once again the doors opened to reveal Dunban and Melia.
"Hello there you two," she said. "It's about time you both showed up."
Fiora continued. "Hello, Melia. You look amazing."
Melia smiled curtly. "Hello, Sharla and Fiora." She paused to observe their choice in evening attire. With hesitation coating her every word, she somehow managed to articulate a small compliment. "My, you both look quite… eye-catching." Her eyes wandered over Fiora's armour, which in contrast to Sharla's was quite modest in terms of how much skin she was showing.
"If you do not mind me asking, why are you two dressed in such… garments?" She asked, trying not to look away in obvious disdain at both Fiora and Sharla's clothing choices.
"Oh, didn't Dunban explain it to you?" Sharla replied, confused, and for some odd reason she decided to put Riki on the top of her head.
"Oh yes, my apologies on not informing you sooner, Melia," Dunban spoke softly. "See, earlier this morning I had gotten my clothes rather dirty. On account of last minute preparation details, I didn't have enough time to pack another set of clothes before I left the Colony to come to the Nopon Village." He continued. "Since I only had clothes on my back, and my armour tucked inside my bag, Sharla, Fiora and the others were kind enough to decide to wear the same style of clothing as I would be wearing this evening… mostly so that I wouldn't stand out too badly." He added on that last bit with a hearty chuckle.
"I see." Melia spoke. "But Dunban, why did you have that… style of armour stowed inside of your bag?"
"Why, I was coming to the Nopon Village, Melia. I wanted to look somewhat authentic. As well, we're all wearing this style of armour so that we all match."
"Isn't it cool?" Fiora continued with a smile.
"How… convenient," Melia replied sarcastically.
"You don't have to wear it if you don't want to Melia. As I said before, you look fine in that dress. And remember, this is entirely my fault." Dunban said with a sigh.
"If it makes you feel any better Melia, your dress matches Riki's fur colour." Sharla voiced making the queen laugh.
"Yes, I suppose you are correct there, Sharla." Melia replied with a smile.
"Yay!" exclaimed Riki, jumping on Sharla's head. "Me and Meli match! Me and Meli match!"
"Ouch! Take it easy, Riki!" Sharla complained at Riki, swatting at him with her hands in an attempt to calm the older Nopon.
Meanwhile, Melia was lost in her thoughts. If everyone else is sporting a similar colour then that means that Shulk will be wearing something similar to that of Dunban. She looked up to survey the older Hom. Her gaze briefly wandered up and down his lean yet physique figure making her blush as she quickly averted her gaze elsewhere. Then a flash of Shulk donning the same clothing as Dunban came to mind, making the tips of her ears turn cherry red.
"Ahh!" she screamed. "I will not allow that! I will not allow that!"
Dunban quickly fell back, surprised, because of the sudden scream.
"Fine," Sharla replied, trying to calm Melia down. "Let's look for a seat, shall we, Melia?" She asked as she took Melia and Riki with her leaving Dunban and Fiora in the kitchen.
"What was that all about?" Fiora said, scratching her head in confusion.
"You wouldn't understand. Fiora, you're still too young." Dunban replied, smiling.
"And what's THAT supposed to mean?!" Fiora asked with a suspicious look crossing her face.
"Nothing," Dunban responded, preparing to leave the kitchen. But before he did, he turned to her and said. "Fiora, trust me, its better like this." And with that, he left to join the others.
Fiora puffed her cheeks in vain. Stop treating me like a child, Dunban! She thought in dismay.
Shulk and Reyn had found themselves a table in the Great Nopon Hall and were discussing the past actions that occurred in the kitchen. Surrounding them and sitting at the many other tables were hundreds of Nopons, Homs and High Entia, who had come from far and wide across the Bionis to partake in the evening festivities.
"What the hell happened, man? I didn't know you had those kinds of dirty thoughts! Hahaha…" Reyn said, slapping Shulk on the back.
"It wasn't my fault, you know me Reyn." Shulk replied, getting all flustered.
"Hey, I don't blame you. I know what the problem is." Reyn replied in a serious tone looking off into the distance.
"Really?"
"They both looked delicious… Hahaha!" Reyn busted out laughing, thinking his joke was funny.
"Reyn, it isn't that! It was Dunban who made me get all nervous. You know me, it was merely an accident." Shulk continued, looking at his feet.
"Hey!"
Shulk shut his eyes before it dawned on him; Reyn had openly implied that both Fiora and Sharla looked—he still cringes when thinking about it—"ravishing." Without sparing a second, Shulk voiced that realization to Reyn. Reyn responded with a laugh.
"Don't get mad Shulk. It was a joke. Plus, what about you? You looked like a creep staring at Sharla. I bet she thought you were twice as creepy compared to your usual self." Shulk glowered upon hearing that comment but Reyn merely continued. "I'm not making a big deal out of it because I know I'm the best out of the two of us but—"
Quickly a familiar voice was heard behind them. "What do you mean by that Reyn?"
Suddenly Shulk felt a heavy hand on his right shoulder. He turned around to lock eyes with Dunban.
"Dunban!" Reyn said without realizing what was going on.
"What were you discussing?" Dunban said, taking out his blade while taking a seat beside Shulk.
Reyn replied with a smile. "You won't believe it, Dunban; we were just talking about how—"
But he was quickly got cut off by Shulk who continued. "Just about how much of a creep Reyn is… haha…" Shulk replied nervously as he knew this was the worst possible scenario.
Uh? Reyn thought in confusion.
"Really?" another familiar voice was heard.
"Oww! Sharla, please, not the hair!" shouted Reyn.
"Baby," she laughed and released her grip on his strands. Meanwhile, Melia and Riki slowly approached the table. Riki took a seat beside Reyn while Melia sat beside Dunban.
"A creep, uh?" Sharla continued.
"Nothing new to report," Dunban continued this time putting his sword away.
"Hey! It isn't funny!" Reyn exclaimed.
"Yeah, nothing to be really surprised of, right, Shulk?" Sharla asked, looking at him with a dirty scowl.
"Yeah," Shulk replied nervously not making eye contact with anyone except his feet.
Meanwhile, Melia was watching the scene before her with glossy eyes, her gaze locked specifically on Shulk. Physically she was there with her friends, but mentally she was miles away lost in her own thoughts. He is so—Ahh! This is enough! Stop this at once!
Dunban quickly took notice of Melia's attitude but didn't say a thing. He would leave it up to her to speak her thoughts. Just then, Fiora arrived to the table, carrying a glass of water in her hands.
"Hey guys, didn't you save a spot for me?" She asked, looking quite disappointed because the table was already full.
"Fiora, sit beside Shulk." Dunban replied, standing up offering his seat to her.
Melia quickly interrupted. "No need for that Dunban. Sit here, Fiora. I can sit..." Melia began to look for another place to sit. "There!" She pointed to another table located on the other side of the hall that was surrounded by several Nopon villagers.
"Melia, there's no need for that." Dunban articulated. "I don't mind sitting alone. All I need for company is Riki. Right Riki?" He said, looking at the orange furry Nopon.
"Heropon and Herohom always together!" yelled Riki while dancing joyfully.
"Don't worry, Dunban. I shall enjoy being surrounded by Riki's fellow villagers." Melia spoke, lying straight through her teeth.
Dunban arched a brow, not seeming the least bit impress. Yet, he agreed to her demands. "Alright Melia, if you insist. However, if you should reconsider, bear in mind that I will not mind moving tables."
"It is dually noted." She stated while slowly leaving the table.
Dunban watched her walk off, rubbing the bottom of his chin. I wonder—
A large gong interrupted his thoughts as the whole hall went silent. Slowly but surely the Nopon Chief walked towards the wooden podium situated in the centre of the room to begin his speech. "Welcome all to the Great Nopon Carnival. You all shall enjoy the music and delicious food prepared with the help of our Hom Hom, High Entia and Nopon friends."
During the speech, Reyn made a small comment to Shulk, "So Fiora helped after all, uh? I'll stick with the meat." Much to his surprise, Shulk leaned over and ever-so-casually whacked him in the side with his elbow. Reyn, taken by surprise, had been unable to block the small attack. He leaned over slightly as a small groaned escaped from his lips. "Shulk, that hurt!" he whined.
"Now, let's not wait anymore and let the eating begin!" The chief had finished his speech.
That was quite a speech. Sharla thought sarcastically.
"Yaaay!" all the Nopon—including Reyn—exclaimed with glee. They then dove for the food and began to devour it. To the naked eye, it seemed like they were literally jumping on it.
Why did I even mind with the decorations? Fiora thought feeling more than disappointed.
Everyone in the group but Riki was shocked by the Nopons means of eating. To be blunt, none of them were used to eating with this much noise and chaos. Out of everyone though, Reyn didn't seem to mind as much, since he was too busy stuffing his own face to take much notice.
"I didn't know we had two Nopons in our group." Dunban commenting casually while watching Reyn stuff his face in slight amusement.
Reyn was too hungry to care about what Dunban was trying to say, so he continued. "This is delicious! Give it a try Dunban." He handed him a nearby plate filled with food.
"I will Reyn, just let me find a fork." Dunban replied. Just as his fingers grasped the utensil, a thought crossed his mind. Melia was sitting not too far away from the others… surrounded by several other Nopons. If he and his friends were taken back by the lack of manners, he could only image how Melia was reacting. With little hesitation he turned around to see Melia sitting not too far away. She was leaning as far back in her chair, watching the Nopons around her devour the food with a look of disappointment lining her youthful face.
With all of this food flying around, her dress is bound to get sullied. He thought with a frown. His eyes darkened partially. Melia, I know the reason behind your actions… you might've had the right intention in mind, but—
"Riki!" exclaimed Dunban, trying to make his voice be heard through all of the noise.
"Yes Dundun?" The Nopon replied, covered in food.
"Get Melia out of there. Tell her I need to have a talk with her."
"Uhh?" Riki looked startled by the suggestion, and, if Dunban had to guess, a little less than happy at the idea of having to stop eating for a few minutes. However, the little guy was more than willing to oblige. "Leave it to Riki!" He exclaimed as he left jumping across the table.
"Excuse me." Dunban said to the group as he got up from his seat.
"Dunban, where are you going? You can't leave me alone with Reyn and Shulk," Fiora yelled.
"Don't worry, I wasn't hungry anyway, but I'll need these." Dunban replied as he grabbed two plates of food.
"I thought you said you weren't hungry." Sharla pointed out.
"Let him go, Sharla. I'm sure he has his reasons." Shulk continued, knowing the bigger the distance between him and Dunban the better… especially for his safety.
Dunban then left the hall leaving Shulk, Fiora, Reyn and Sharla at the table.
Geez that was close. Shulk thought with obvious relief.
"Where's Dunban going?" Reyn asked.
"He'll probably isolate himself from the fun like always." Fiora replied, cutting her food with a knife.
"He's one of a kind that Dunban." Reyn continued with his mouth full, but added to himself mentally, Wow, he's so cool!
"Don't talk with you mouth full, Reyn." Sharla hissed, making everyone but Reyn chuckle.
Riki bounced over towards Melia's table, shouting. "Melly!" He extended his small arms out as far as possible managing to stain the queen's face with mash potatoes and carrots.
"Oh, hello Riki," Melia replied, faking a smile as she wiped her face clean with a napkin.
"Why Melly look happy if she seem sad?" wondered Riki. "Is Melly sad because not many bird people here? Riki can call bird people!" Riki said almost leaving without delivering the message.
"It is not that Riki. It is just that—it is nothing really..." Melia replied.
"Huh? Yes!" Riki exclaimed, remembering. "Dundun want to talk with Melly!" He continued, pointing at Dunban who was now standing next to the entrance of the hall talking with a blue Nopon.
"Dunban you mean?" Melia asked, confused, but not surprised.
"Yup! Message delivered now. Riki must return to base!" Riki replied as he left jumping across the table again.
I guess I shall need to speak with him and see what this is all about. Not that I was really enjoying here anyways. Melia thought, standing up and heading to where Dunban was standing.
Back on the other side of the room, Reyn was already starting one of his games. "Okay guys, you wanted to defy the champ now you'll have your chance!" Reyn exclaimed, agitating a huge bottle of beer in his hand.
"What are you talking about? Nobody asked to defy you," Fiora stated.
"Yeah plus, its way too early for this kind of thing," Sharla continued, wiping her mouth with a napkin.
"Oh, I see how it is! The ladies can't take challenge, uh?" Reyn replied, taunting both if them by drinking his beer in one go.
"That has nothing to do with it Reyn! It is bad for your health to drink that much." Fiora replied drinking her glass of water.
"Don't worry, Fiora, I know Dunban wouldn't let you anyways," Reyn continued, taunting her.
Oh not this again. Shulk thought, remembering how Reyn made him get wasted the last time.
"Oh yeah?!" she yelled. "Shulk!" she continued.
"Y-yes?" he stuttered caught off guard.
"Give me that bottle!" She demanded.
"Yes Sir—I mean, Ma'am!" He exclaimed, handing her the bottle.
"Ha! A bottle?" Reyn exclaimed.
"Sharla, give me three bottles!" He cried.
"What?!" Sharla replied, annoyed, with her arms crossed.
"Please?" Reyn answered a little intimidated as Sharla gave him the three bottles.
Meanwhile at the entrance of the hall, Melia arrived to where Dunban was waiting.
"Riki said you wanted to see me." Melia spoke, getting straight to the point.
Dunban nodded. "That's right. But here is not the place. Please follow me." He said, leaving the hall and heading upstairs. Melia followed without saying one word. They walked in silence for several minutes until Melia couldn't help but notice how Dunban was struggling with the two plates of food he was attempting to balance with only his left hand.
"Let me help you with that Dunban," she said.
"Oh, yeah... thanks!" Dunban replied, handing her one of the plates.
"What are these for?" Melia kindly asked, looking at the food.
"For you and me," Dunban said, opening the door of a room, waiting for Melia to head in first.
Us? She thought while entering the room.
It was dark inside until Dunban flicked on the light switch. The room had a little desk and a bed with a green carpet on the floor. One of the two windows the room had was open making the view and the nighttime stars look amazing.
"Please, Melia, sit here." Dunban said, touching the bed where he was sitting with his left hand.
Melia, unsure of what was going on, agreed to sit beside Dunban.
"How has your night been?" He asked as he removed his sword entirely.
"Fine… thank you for asking, Dunban. I quite like how the Nopon have decorated their village, and the food appears to be delicious." She answered.
"Don't forget the fireworks that are going to take place later at the beach," Dunban added on.
"Yes." Melia murmured as she quietly ate her food, listening as Dunban continued to talk.
"Riki even told me about how we're all going to dance after." He finished while watching the stars through the open roof window.
Melia remained silent quickly beginning to suspect that Dunban's sudden urge to talk with her had more purpose to it then just a friendly chat. She, however, chose to keep these thoughts to herself and decided to focus more on finishing the food on her plate.
"So... How is it? Does it taste good?" Dunban added, looking for a knife to cut his meat.
"It is a bit cold, but still good."
It was then silent for roughly ten seconds. Dunban knew he could not keep avoiding the issue that he wanted to address. He decided to tackle the issue head-on.
"Melia, do you have any thoughts about why I wanted to talk to you alone?" He inquired slowly.
"I guess it has to do with the others… as usual." Melia replied a little bit uncomfortable.
"This isn't about the others," Dunban said, standing up. "This is about you."
Melia eyed him suspiciously. "What are you suggesting Dunban?"
"You're not enjoying this night." He began. "To be honest, you always seem to be worried about something. You were like that since the first day we met on the back of the Bionis." He added, covering his mouth with his hand.
"Well, Dunban, that is because I was then princess, and am now a queen. Just imagine all I have to worry about, it is only natural." Melia stated, already beginning to feel quite offended.
"I always thought the same and I respected that of you, Melia… But this time, this time is different, am I wrong?" He questioned, sounding rather confident.
Dunban, Melia thought nervously, feeling her heart beginning to race.
"The looks, the tone of your voice, your expressions, and the way you're acting right now." He continued taking a breath. "It's obvious. You are in love, Melia."
Melia was shocked. She knew what was Dunban talking about and quickly replied, trying to look as innocent as possible. "I don't understand, Dunban."
"I know you like Shulk," he said with a small smile. "You've always liked him. The thought first crossed my mind a long time ago, but because of the situations we were dealing with back then, I didn't really give it much importance… until now..."
Melia, shocked, quickly stood up yelling, "How dare you?!"
"Am I wrong?" Dunban quickly continued.
There was silence. Melia already knew there was no point in hiding it, she was discovered.
"You are right." She stammered, ashamed, as she sat back down.
"I should have told him when I had the chance... now look at me... Making people worried. First Sharla in Alcamoth, now Riki, and finally you..." Melia continued, looking at the floor. "So, yes, what are you going to do now, Dunban? First and foremost, you are Fiora's brother; I do not blame you for thinking my feelings are wrong… or that I am weak and not a worthy leader of the High Entia..." She covered her eyes with her hands, beginning to tremble.
"Melia I'm not here to judge you, but I can't stand seeing a close friend of mine suffering like this. While I am Fiora's brother and protector, you and the others can always count on me... for anything." Dunban stated, touching Melia's shoulder.
Melia took her hand out of her eyes and looked directly at Dunban who was standing beside her.
Her eyes were wet. She was crying.
"Thank you… My, this is rather embarrassing, is it not?" She questioned as she stood up.
"Nothing to be ashamed of Melia, we've all been there." Dunban replied with a smile.
Suddenly Melia hugged Dunban. That action took him by surprise especially because it was Melia, but he hugged her back even tighter.
"Now that I think about it, I am quite happy that someone took notice." Melia said, drying her tears on Dunban's clothes rather timidly.
"Hey!" Dunban said. "The night is young, let's just have fun. I'll help you." Dunban stopped hugging Melia and continued. "I'll bring the mighty Heropon with us."
The swordsman was about to open the door when Melia said. "Dunban, this my biggest secret and—"
"I understand. I will say nothing." Dunban replied with a smile as he left the room.
Melia watched him walk off and couldn't contain her smile. Dunban, thank you…
And that's the end of chapter 2, I really hope you liked it and I guess chapter 3 is going to come out as soon as possible
(this chapter didn't come out as soon as possible for example, so that you get the idea)
I'm not going to even hint where this is going so try to figure it out hahaha
and thanks again to TriforceandSheikahArts as I said before she made my story look awesome