A Night-Time Chat

## Introduction

**Sharla:** Sorry to drag you away at a time like this.

**Fiora:** It's OK. What did you want to talk about?

**Sharla:** I didn't want to say this earlier, but... Until I met you, I thought Melia was the one for him.

**Fiora:** For who? Are you talking about Shulk?

**Sharla:** Yeah. Don't get me wrong. I don’t want to meddle. I'm just... an onlooker. I don't really mind which one of you gets the guy.

## Gain (+8)

**Fiora: *[Thanks... I think.]***

**Sharla:** I know that you're a big deal to the boy, so don't worry. Lately that's been clear as can be.

**Fiora:** Lately...? You mean... after he found me?

**Sharla:** Yeah. Since you came back. I mean, Shulk looked out for everyone like the good guy he is. But he's definitely changed since you joined us.

**Fiora: *[I don't think he's changed.]***

**Sharla:** That makes sense. You didn't see him until after you met up again.

**Fiora:** I know, but... Do you really think Shulk has changed that much?

**Sharla:** I don't mean it in a bad way. He's still basically the same guy.

**Fiora:** Well that's a relief. So he never stopped being kind and sweet...

**Sharla:** Not for a second. But that's not what I mean. It's subtle, but he's stronger now. I think it’s because he knows he has to protect you from now on.

**Fiora:** That’s reassuring! I'm glad he hasn't changed too much though. I would hate for Shulk to stop being Shulk.

**Sharla:** Maybe he tried really hard to stop himself from changing.

**Fiora:** That doesn't sound very practical.

**Sharla:** I mean, like, subconsciously. Maybe part of him really wanted to keep hold of who he was.

**Fiora:** You could well be right. Shulk's a kind enough person that deep down, he'd want to stay kind. Thanks for telling me about all this, Sharla.

**Sharla:** Don’t worry. No thanks needed. Just hang in there, OK?

## Net 0 (+4, -4)

**Fiora: *[Thanks... I think.]***

**Sharla:** I know that you’re a big deal to the boy, so don’t worry. Lately that's been clear as can be.

**Fiora:** Lately...? You mean... after he found me?

**Sharla:** Yeah. Since you came back. I mean, Shulk looked out for everyone like the good guy he is. But he's definitely changed since you joined us.

**Fiora: *[He has? How do you mean?]***

**Sharla:** He doesn't seem so... grimly determined.

**Fiora:** Grim anything doesn't sound much like Shulk to me.

**Sharla:** He might not have even noticed the change himself. But I did. Dunban did... Riki might have done?

**Fiora:** But not Melia and Reyn?

**Sharla:** They saw him differently. Reyn's been going through almost the same thing as Shulk. And Melia...

**Fiora:** Melia what? What were you going to say?

**Sharla:** You'll have to talk to her if you want to find that out. I shouldn't be the one to tell you.

**Fiora:** Fair enough...

**Sharla:** But I'd still be happy to see either of you get together with Shulk.

**Fiora:** That's kind of you, Sharla. Wish me luck!

## Net 0 (-4, +4)

**Fiora: *[Oh no!]***

**Sharla:** Something up, Fiora?

**Fiora:** Something's definitely up! You see what my body's like now. Why would he pick me over Melia?

**Sharla:** Talk to me, Fiora. I'm a girl too, so I can relate.

**Fiora: *[You can?]***

**Sharla:** Yes. And I want you to remember something. None of us look at you as someone who needs our pity or anything.

**Fiora:** How can you speak for everyone?

**Sharla:** Because... I see it in their eyes. Especially Shulk's. He deeply regrets that he couldn’t stop this happening to you. But his feelings for you are still clear as day.

**Fiora:** ...

**Sharla:** I'm sorry, that might make you worry that you're a burden to him. But you needed to know that. To know how he feels about you.

**Fiora:** I didn't realise any of this. I was convinced everyone just felt sorry for me, including him. I know you all care about me a lot. I guess I just read it a bit wrong!

**Sharla:** Well, it's hard for me to know for sure what everyone else is thinking. Or what you’re thinking about what they’re thinking...

**Fiora:** Even so... Listening to what you say makes me feel I was mistaken.

**Sharla:** Probably. But who can blame you for trusting what's in your heart?

**Fiora:** You're right! Thank you, Sharla! And if I ever look like I haven't understood something like this... Be sure to let me know!

## Loss (-8)

**Fiora: *[Oh no!]***

**Sharla:** Something up, Fiora?

**Fiora:** Something’s definitely up! You see what my body's like now. Why would he pick me over Melia?

**Sharla:** Talk to me, Fiora. I'm a girl too, so I can relate.

**Fiora: *[No you can't!]***

**Sharla:** Maybe that was a bit of a strong statement on my part.

**Fiora:** No, it's fine. Just... don't pity me or anything.

**Sharla:** I won't. I would never feel sorry for you. Wait, no. That came out wrong.

**Fiora:** Sharla, where are you going with this?

**Sharla:** I don't look at you and think you're someone that needs pity. But I care about you a lot, and I do worry about you. About your new body and... how things are going with Shulk. You probably think I should learn to mind my own business!

**Fiora:** Don't be silly! I don’t think that. You're so nice to me, Sharla. Here I am complaining and you're just worried I'm OK.

**Sharla:** It's who I am. I'm glad I got to tell you about it. And sorry that I pulled you away from you-know-who!

**Fiora:** That's OK! I enjoyed chatting to you. We should do it more often!