Hello, new chapter! yeah believe it, took long enough (I need to fix that) it had a few problems but of course that wasn't a problem for TriforceandSheikahArts
(that's what I like to think) she helps me with the story btw.
Anyways I really hope you like it (as always)
Chapter three
Reyn and Fiora continued their little competition to see who could drink the most without getting completely wasted.
"Ah, Fiora, are you sure that you want to keep going? I mean, you look like Shulk when he's about to give up," Reyn exclaimed as he set down his second bottle with a teasing tone.
"Reyn! Stop it!" Shulk exclaimed while immediately turning his back to talk to Fiora.
"No one is able to beat Reyn at this Fiora; this is the one thing he's good at… sadly."
"Hey! I remember saving you from the bad guys many times in the past." Reyn exclaimed, feeling a little bit offended by his best friend's previous statement.
"Hahaha!" Sharla's laughter was heard in the background, as well as the difficulties she was having in trying not to choke on the food she was inhaling.
"Stay quiet Shulk, I don't need you to treat me like a child too!" Fiora who was already drunk exclaimed quite offended thereby breaking up the light-hearted moment.
Shulk stared, stunned. "But I haven't—" He was cut off by Fiora.
"Shulk, I said to shut up!" She continued, waving a bottle around that she seemed tempted to throw at his face. Shulk gulped and moved back to avoid getting hit.
But suddenly a loud voicing shouting "Hey!" was heard in the approaching background.
Shulk and Reyn didn't want to look back to see who it was because they already knew.
"What do you three think you're doing?!" Dunban shouted while Melia followed from behind not looking too surprised.
"Well, Shulk it was a good ride while it lasted." Reyn laughed loudly.
Shulk sighed and shut his eyes. Meanwhile, Dunban continued to shout, "FIORA! REYN! I'm talking to you both also!"
Reyn slowly stood up and thought, Ahh, this is gonna be hard to explain.
He cleared his throat. "Let me explain, Dunban... we had a—"
"There's nothing to explain, I know you well enough, Reyn!" Dunban roared.
"Oh yeah, I forgot." Reyn murmured, looking down at the floor.
"Fiora, I can't believe you let Reyn encourage this! You're better than this, Fiora. You're an adult but right now you're acting like a child! I assumed you would know better given the last time…"
Dunban continued to complain while everyone was quietly listening, until Fiora shouted, "Shut up Dunban!" making the whole hall silent.
...
"Fiora," Dunban murmured as he covered his mouth with his functioning hand, surprised by his sister's behaviour. "Y-You're drunk, aren't you?"
"So what!?" she yelled back with her arms crossed.
The room had gotten tense very quickly. Everyone was petrified as both Fiora and Dunban stared down at each other seeming to be contemplating on whether or not to fight.
"Ok, Ok, what if we just calm down for a second?" Sharla asked, trying to extinguish Dunban's anger by standing in front of him.
"Oh, yeah! Ha-ha," Reyn voiced still sounding pretty nervous, "Erm, you win, Fiora! You had me there." Reyn said standing in front of her as Sharla was doing with Dunban.
Shulk, who was awkwardly staring at the floor, quickly looked at Riki and whispered, "Riki, it would really help if you could silence them." He said, pointing to the rest of the room full of curious Nopons who were watching the scene before them in silence.
"Oh yes!" Riki replied as he turned back to the whole table, exclaiming, "All is ok, this is how Hom Hom friends talk to each other. Riki know because Riki is friend of them."
"Oh, all right."
"I get it."
"I've seen worse."
Saying like the following and many more were heard coming from the Nopons after Riki ceased talking. Plus, several seconds afterwards they all went back to eating and making noise as if nothing happened. On the other hand, the group remained silent for a few seconds until Reyn decided to break the ice by saying, "Uh, let's go get you some water Fiora." He had to literally drag Fiora by the arm because she was refusing to cooperate.
"Reyn let me go!" She exclaimed vengefully as she tried to separate herself from him. "REYN!" she yelled as they both disappeared from sight.
"Oh." Dunban sighed.
That was intense, Shulk though hopelessly with his eyes closed.
"I'm sorry you had to see all that," Dunban said, scratching his head, looking a little bit ashamed.
"Don't be sad, Dundun, LittlePons have these kinds of discussions too," Riki said, trying to cheer him up.
"These kinds of things happen, Dunban. Remember, it's hard to be the big brother sometimes." Sharla spoke with a soft smile lining her cheeks.
"But this has never happened before," Dunban sighed, "I never expected things like this to happen given the fact that I thought we were all fairly mature… But I guess I was wrong…" Dunban continued, murmuring to himself.
There was a moment of silence among the group.
"Dunban?" voiced Melia, who was standing behind the swordsman.
"Oh, um, yes Melia?"
Melia cleared her throat. "Perhaps you, Riki and I might like to take a little stroll… to, um, help you clear your thoughts?"
Riki, who was about to go back to eating, voiced his thoughts aloud without thinking. "Will Dundun scream at Riki if he gets mad?" The Nopon asked the question so straightforwardly without a hint of malice tainting his words that Dunban couldn't help but laugh.
"Of course not, Riki…"
Riki then turned back and continued, "Can Riki bring food with him?"
I didn't think about that, Dunban thought to himself but nonetheless agreed.
"I see no problem with that."
"Yay!" exclaimed Riki as he got off the table and grabbed the largest plate filled with food that he could find.
"Um, am I missing something?" Sharla asked slowly, eyeing the scene in confusion.
"It's nothing. We're just going to have a little chat," Dunban explained, sounding convincing as always.
"Why bring Riki then?" Sharla inquired with an arched eyebrow.
"Riki is educated Nopon!" Riki complained but no one really paid attention to him.
"Before the evening's festivities had commenced, Riki had promised me that he would teach me how to properly use my wings so that I could be able to fly," Melia spoke quickly but mentally scolded herself.
How utterly childish of me to say such a thing, she thought with a frown.
"Oh. I see." Sharla trailed off eyeing Melia suspiciously.
"Alright, go ahead, Melia and Riki, I'll be right behind you in a moment," Dunban added.
"Of course," Melia calmly replied as she started to walk towards the exit with Riki following behind her.
Meanwhile Shulk was thinking. I guess I didn't mess this up, right? He was starting to feel a bit more relaxed on account of Dunban believing that Reyn had convinced Fiora to start drinking instead of assuming that it was him who encouraged her. But before Shulk could exhale in relief, he felt someone grab him by the right shoulder and whisper in his ear, "Shulk, please take better care of Fiora next time, alright?"
Shulk laughed nervously. "Don't worry Dunban, to be honest, I was trying to tell her to stop but—"
Dunban quickly interrupted him whispering quietly, "Or there won't be next time, Shulk."
Shulk, who was caught off guard by such a comment, remained silent.
"Alright!" exclaimed Dunban as he patted Shulk on the shoulder and quickly inched away. "See you all at the beach later-on for the fireworks. I'm off to join Riki and Melia." And with that, he left the room making the tense atmosphere disappear.
"See ya Dunban!" Sharla exclaimed, waving happily, seeming rather oblivious to the situation that had thus encompassed the entire group.
The entire hall was still eating as both Shulk and Sharla returned to the table. Shulk quickly began gathering the bottles Reyn and Fiora had forgotten and pushed them off to the side in order to have more room on the table.
"So... we're all alone now, right?" Sharla said looking strangely at Shulk.
"Y-yeah I guess." Shulk replied, smiling, remembering how embarrassed he was before.
"I've never seen Fiora so mad. I guess she feels as if Dunban is controlling her all the time." Sharla continued putting her hands behind her head while looking up at the building's roof.
"Why would he do that?" Shulk asked with a curious look.
"Oh, just—you know big brothers have to take care of the little brothers, right?" Sharla replied looking back at Shulk with a kind smile gracing her tanned face.
"I see... I guess I wouldn't know since I don't have a brother." Shulk replied smiling back.
"Right," Sharla laughed.
~00~
Reyn and Fiora were in messy kitchen which the Nopon chefs seemed to have completely forgotten about cleaning.
"Wow, Fiora. I didn't know you would go so far as to yell at Dunban, ha-ha." Reyn said as he struggled to find a glass on what looked to be a counter top. Meanwhile, Fiora seemed to have suddenly decided to cease talking.
Reyn, on the other hand, continued to speak. "I wouldn't have lasted—"
Fiora interrupted him by saying loudly, "Dunban is al-always telling me what to do. Y-You don't know him l-like I d-do..."
"Well, I wouldn't be surprised with his behaviour, Fiora. After all, you had nearly died once." Reyn responded with a laugh.
"Always... telling... other people what to do and... when to do it…" she continued trying to not fall to the ground.
"Yeah, I can relate to that." Reyn replied with a smile before looking back to her. "But it ain't that bad Fiora; sometimes I wish Dunban was my brother, you know? We have so much in common… I'm a soldier, err, he's a soldier, we kill things... sometimes..."
Reyn managed to find a glass and fill it with water. He then approached Fiora and handed it to her, saying, "But anyways... here, you'll need it." He handed her the glass of water which she struggled to grab.
"You don't understand... Reyn you're just always looking at things from a good... perspective." Fiora responded still unable to grab the glass, let alone deduce what it was since she was too drunk.
"Why are you so surprised all of a sudden?" Reyn replied with a smile.
"Oh whatever…" Fiora replied almost falling to the ground but Reyn managed to catch her.
"Oh, easy there, I guess I'll carry you to your room." Reyn replied as he began to lead her out of the kitchen.
"Get your hands off me." Fiora yawned as she slowly closed her eyes.
"Good night, sweet princess," Reyn replied sarcastically.
...
"Now I see why Dunban doesn't let you drink... I guess that's another point to the good o'l Reyn," he murmured to himself as they rounded a nearby corner.
"REYN! I'm still awake, you know?" Fiora said with her eyes closed, sounding rather menacing.
"Oh and how was I supposed to know that?! I'm not a doctor …"
~00~
Meanwhile Dunban was thinking to himself. Maybe that was unnecessary... but Shulk and Reyn better start taking me seriously. It pains me to this but they better get the message.
As he was approaching the entrance to the Nopon Village, Dunban overheard a portion of Melia and Riki's chat.
"So, bird people not fly with wings on their head like Riki?"
"We do, but it is only because I am half Hom that my wings are not able to support my entire weight... which would be required to help me fly," Melia replied, gesturing the small size of her wings.
"Sorry I kept you waiting." Dunban said, making a gesture with his hand.
"Nonsense, Dunban, you barely took a minute," Melia replied.
"I guess you're right," Dunban replied, covering his mouth to conceal a yawn.
"So… what is Dundun planning to do?" Riki asked, flying up from the ground with his big Nopon ears.
"Alright this is the plan: I was thinking of a walk on the beach and then we could appreciate a few—" but Dunban stopped as he noticed how both Melia and Riki remained silent not looking the least bit impressed. "Is there a problem?" He inquired.
"Oh, Dundun so boring!" Riki exclaimed.
"Uh?"
"Riki want to swim on beach," the Nopon exclaimed, now back on solid ground... while dancing.
"Swim?" Melia asked concerned.
"Isn't it too late?" Dunban asked. "I mean the weather is nice but still—"
"You walk on beach, Riki swim on beach… all win!" Riki exclaimed with a jump.
"That sounds like a great deal but that's what WE want, we have to ask Melia what SHE wants to do, it's only fair." Dunban continued, looking at Melia who seemed to have gotten distracted by the luxurious flowers that were growing beside her.
"I guess we could go appreciate a few flowers and..." Then Melia saw the looks on Dunban and Riki's faces... they were not impressed.
They remained silent for a few seconds until Dunban slowly broke the silence. "You mean smell… the flowers, Melia?" He questioned softly.
Melia sighed, frustrated. "Give me a moment to change my clothing. Afterwards, I will be fine with taking a quick swim."
"Yay!" exclaimed Riki.
"All right we'll wait for you here." Dunban replied, sitting down on the edge of the stairs.
"There is no need for that Dunban. Please, go ahead, I know where the beach is, but you have my thanks." Melia responded as she walked past the two men leaving them alone in the calm night.
"As you please, Melia," Dunban replied gently, watching her small figure retreat.
...
"Dundun," Riki said slowly almost as if there was someone he was trying to not wake up.
"Yes, Riki?"
"Can Hom Homs fly with ears?" Riki asked, looking at the stars.
"What are you suggesting Riki?" Dunban eyed him, seeming rather confused.
"Race to beach! Run! Dundun! Run!" Riki suddenly exclaimed as he began running through the forest to the Nopon Beach.
"Oh, I see how it is!" Dunban yelled cheerfully as he ran behind him.
~00~
Meanwhile Shulk and Sharla were kind of trying to keep their conversation going, especially Shulk to avoid a possible awkward moment.
"The weather is nice, right?" Sharla asked, cutting her food with a knife.
"Yeah, quite I like the weather here, the food, the decorations, the costumes, the Nopon..." Shulk said as he kept looking at the multiple things and people that filled the hall.
"Eem… that guy… with the drunken girl off in the distance," he pointed to two small figures.
"You mean Reyn?" Sharla asked with a quirked brow.
Time for a pair of glasses Shulk, he thought to himself in dismay.
"Yeah... Reyn!" he continued to act surprised. "HELLO, REYN!" Shulk waved while shouting loudly hoping to catch Reyn's attention.
Reyn, who had managed to hear the call from the other side of the room, shouted back, "HELLO SHULK!" as he continued his search for a room for Fiora to lie down in.
"Hahaha," Shulk and Sharla laughed in unison as Melia passed right behind them to get a swimsuit from the Nopon Costume Chamber.
Of course those two are having a good time, she thought, annoyed, as she saw that both Homs were laughing their heads off. She tried to ignore the feelings of dismay and anger she felt bubbling inside the pits of her stomach as she quickened her pace to reach her destination.
When Melia reached the Nopon Costume Chamber she was surprised to find Reyn flexing his muscles by a nearby mirror while Fiora was sleeping on top of a random bed.
"Melia!" exclaimed Reyn, nearly falling back onto his rear. "I'm just—" he continued to stutter, seeming to be struggling to cover himself with his arms, acting as though he had been caught naked… or something of the sort.
Melia sighed and continued, "Do not worry Reyn; I am only looking for something."
"Alright... j-just keep quiet?" Reyn replied as he continued looking at himself in the mirror.
"Look who's talking..." Melia murmured to herself.
"Hey! I heard that!" He yelled turning to face the High Entia Queen.
"Shhhh," Melia, who was now searching through a backpack, hissed.
"Oh, yeah..." he murmured and with a brief scratch of his head he turned his back to Melia and once more continued to flex his muscles in front of the mirror.
Melia kept looking for a swimsuit but had no success. Whether from boredom or frustration, she voiced a passing thought aloud. "Reyn, why are you not with the others?"
"You mean Sharla and Shulk?"
"Yes, of course."
"I'll be with them in a moment. I'm just having some Reyn quality time with myself; got to keep these guns ready for action," Reyn replied while fixing his hair.
At least he's self-sufficient, Melia thought, looking rather unimpressed. Just then, a passing thought came to mind. I know what to do; she thought with an evil look crossing her face for half a second before disappearing completely; luckily, Reyn didn't notice it.
"Reyn, you ought to hurry… Shulk was acting rather odd out there." She was hoping to capture his attention with her words.
"Uh?" it seemed to work since Reyn had turned around to look her way. "What're you talking about, Melia?"
"He is alone… with Sharla," Melia suggested, sounding rather concerned.
"I guess they would be alone... I mean you, Riki and Dunban left... and I took Fiora with me so that leaves..." Reyn replied clueless as he was doing the math in his head.
Melia then took a deep breath and added, "They were getting quite personal…"
…
"What do you mean by 'personal'?" He asked, sounding quite confused.
"… They looked much, much closer than best friends should," she hissed.
…
"Me and Shulk are best friends. I don't think it gets any better than that," Reyn replied.
"Are you certain?" Melia asked, trying to make Reyn figure out what she was suggesting.
…
"I mean, I guess we could figure out a way to end up like brothers… but we'd have to talk about it to the Colony..." Reyn replied, still seeming highly confused by Melia's insinuations.
"Of course, of course, Reyn, but what if I tell you that it looked like Shulk and Sharla are attempting to get... closer?"
Reyn blinked. "You mean Shulk wants a sister? Well, it would certainly get awkward but still..."
Urgh! This pesky clown! She hissed, looking to the ceiling in dismay.
She exhaled loudly hoping to maintain some composure. "They are having some... quality alone time together... if you understand that form of terminology, Reyn."
...
"WHAT?!" exclaimed Reyn as he turned his back to face Melia. "YOU MEAN SHE'S REALLY FEELING IT?" He continued, actually looking worried for once.
"Um, yes!" she responded with her hopes starting to rise drastically.
At last, she thought but then something unexpected occurred… Reyn didn't believe her.
"No way, Melia, that's not possible." He laughed loudly. "You can't have a rainbow without Reyn baby, after all. Besides, Shulk wouldn't do that to me, we're best friends." He said while crossing his arms, his voice coated in nothing but confidence.
Melia grunted and left the room with her swimsuit. "Fine, Reyn! Believe what you want!" With that, she slammed the door behind her and stalked off.
"Geez, I though it was my problem not yours, Melia," Reyn whispered sarcastically as he stared at now the shut door.
He then started to think of Melia's words and he couldn't help but snort. "Shulk… was trying to get Sharla? HA! What a joke." He continued talking to himself in themirror. "Fiora would kill him and besides... look at me. Am I good or am I good?" He then clasped both of his hands together, sighing. "I guess I'd better get back to the others."
~00~
Riki and Dunban had already finished their little race to the beach. It was beautiful; you could see the whole horizon and the full moon reflecting on the calm water. The sand was so soft and pure that even the moon made it glow and faraway from their location on the same beach a few torches could be seen glowing around the musicians who were getting their instruments ready for the dance competition that would soon occur.
"Not fair, Riki's ears got stuck on tree," Riki yelled at Dunban.
"That's what you get for being more preoccupied in taunting me than looking where you were going. That's not how us heroes do things, Riki." Dunban replied while looking at the beautiful horizon.
"No, Dundun wrong Dundun have not big ears… Dundun cannot get stuck."
Dunban sighed and shook his head. "Anyways, why don't you go ahead and try the water? It seems pretty clear and calm."
The Nopon replied with a jump. "I'll wait for Melly."
"Oh, you mean Melia?" Dunban asked with a laugh.
"Yes! Riki call Melly that because Melly is Heropon's friend."
"Can't argue with that logic," Dunban shrugged. Just then, he asked. "Riki, is that, um, the reason why you call me… Dundun?"
"Yes, Dundun, is Riki's friend," Riki nodded.
"What about the others? Why should I get special treatment?"
"Well, Shulk has Fiora, Reyn hates Riki, and Sharla is close friend of Reyn so..." Riki replied looking down at the sand, "Riki has Dundun and Melly," the Nopon concluded.
"Oh." Dunban murmured. "Sorry to hear that."
"Why Dundun sorry? Riki not Dundun's friend?" Riki asked, looking back at Dunban.
"That's not it, Riki, don't get the wrong idea, it's just that... no one's given you the attention that the mighty Heropon deserves..." He continued with a sigh.
"Riki don't need attention. Riki only needs Melly and Dundun," Riki continued sounding a little upset.
"Well, you better not say that in front of the others, but thanks," Dunban replied with a smile.
"Why Dundun thank Riki?" Riki asked getting closer to Dunban.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm grateful to have you as a friend." He said with a kind smile crouching to get closer to Riki's height.
"Aww," Riki replied softly.
They both went mute for a few seconds appreciating the light-hearted moment until...
"BAD DUNDUN!" the Heropon suddenly yelled.
"What?!"
"DUNDUN IS SUPPOSED TO BE STRONG! WE HEROES, AFTER ALL! DUNDUN GET AWAY FROM RIKI!" the agitated Heropon screamed as he threw sand at Dundun
But you were the one who got close to me first, Dunban thought sighing for what seemed like the hundredth time that evening.
~00~
Meanwhile Melia was crossing the hall, her arms crossed and lips pouted as she headed for the exit to join Dunban and Riki at the Nopon Beach.
Who does he think he is?! That clown Reyn made me waste my time. She thought, vexed. And Sharla! Uhh, she knows my secret but she still dares to talk to him about issues most likely concerning it. She then passed right behind Shulk and Sharla who both noticed her.
"Look, there's Melia," Shulk said, watching her stalk past them without saying a word.
"She sure looks angry," Sharla voiced.
"Why would her be?" Shulk asked curious.
"No idea. Maybe she's mad because her dress got messed up?"
Just then, Reyn emerged onto the scene. "Hello fellas, it looks like you both are pretty bored without me, uh?" Reyn asked with a teasing tone.
"Hi Reyn, that was pretty quick," Shulk said turning back to face his best friend.
"What, did you want me to take longer?!" Reyn replied aggressively.
"Uh?"
Reyn then sighed. "Sorry guys, I guess I'm just a tad tired…"
Shulk decided to change the subject. "How is Fiora? She seemed pretty upset."
"She's fine. I sent her to sleep," Reyn replied pointing his thumb to the room were she was in.
"I guess she was drunk, after all," Sharla added.
"You bet. You two should've seen her in the kitchen, she was acting as if Dunban was some kind of monster." Reyn laughed while scratching the back of his head.
"Not too far from the truth." Shulk murmured to himself.
"What was that?" Sharla asked.
"Nothing," Shulk gulped and tugged at his collar for extra incentive.
"Anyways guys, I've heard there's a dance competition tonight," Reyn said
"Yup, I guess I'll have to see if I can wake up Fiora before it starts." Shulk worriedly replied.
"Fiora?" asked Sharla, sounding rather surprised.
"She just fell asleep, man; you can't just wake her up. You should probably start thinking of a replacement, unless you want to dance with a Nopon." Reyn said teasing Shulk in a friendly way.
"Yes, I guess I'll ask Melia," Shulk murmured, touching his chin.
"No need for that Shulk, you can dance with me," Sharla said.
"What?!"
"What is it, Reyn?" Sharla asked with a tone as if she knew that would bother Reyn.
"But... I mean, it's just that..." Reyn tried to explain but couldn't find the right words. "Shulk," he continued, looking to get help from his good friend.
SHULK! TIME TO DO THE RIGHT THING! Shulk thought to himself.
"Oh yeah, don't worry, Sharla, that would only mean Reyn doesn't get to have a dance partner." Shulk continued knowing that Reyn said before that he was trying to impress Sharla.
"Of course, Shulk, what would I do? Dance with the princess or the old man? Don't even get me started on Dunban because he sucks at dancing," Reyn voiced laughing to himself.
"Alright, I see… calm down I was only suggesting an alternative," Sharla replied, laughing.
"Anyways, let's keep eating! There are still some things that I want to try," Shulk stated.
"Now you're talking!" Reyn added with enthusiasm.
~00~
Meanwhile, Melia had just returned to the beach where Dunban and Riki sat talking.
"I am sorry that I took so long," Melia apologized with a timid smile.
"Yay! Melly back!" Riki exclaimed joyfully.
"No problem," Dunban continued with a laugh.
"Where's Melly's swimsuit?" Riki asked seeing how Melia was still wearing the orange dress.
"Oh sorry… I guess I should have changed already," Melia said apologizing again.
"Don't worry, Melia, if you have any problem with us seeing you change, then we'll just turn around," Dunban stated as he gave his back to Melia.
"You mean change here?!" Melia exclaimed her face turning beat red.
"What's the problem? No one can see us..." Dunban trailed off calmly.
"I suppose you are correct, Dunban," she murmured, still blushing rather profusely. "Please, would both of you turn around…"
"Of course," Dunban turned to face the other direction. He heard the sound of a zipper before something caught his eye. His jaw dropped as he shouted loudly, "RIKI! TURN AROUND!"
"Riki fine. Riki no dirty minded like Dundun," Riki said closing both eyes, seeming rather proud.
"What are you talking about?!" Dunban replied put off by Riki's statement.
"It is fine, Dunban. Riki is correct," Melia added trying to lessen the situation's severity.
Dunban gaped, stunned. "Are you suggesting that I—"
"No!" Melia screamed, making him sigh and looked away.
"Alright," he mumbled to himself before he turned around again and shut his eyes for extra precaution.
it always ends with those two hahaha I like to give atenttion to all characters :P I hope you liked it and I'll start working on the next one in a day or two
I can't say when it'll be released, not because I'll take a break is just that I can't keep promises hahaha
and of course thanks again to TriforceandSheikahArts she always finds the right words (we could say she pretty much voices Melia and Dunban)