Fallen Brethren

## Introduction

**Melia:** ...

**Shulk:** Something bothering you, Melia?

**Melia:** Forgive me, Shulk. I’m not myself today.

## Gain (+8)

**Shulk: *[What’s wrong?]***

**Melia:** ... It happened before I met you. In this spot, my four protectors laid down their lives for me.

**Shulk:** Really? I didn’t know... Was it when you fought the Telethia?

**Melia:** Yes. Until that day, the four of them accompanied me everywhere. They were true friends to me. I grieve for them deeply...

**Shulk: *[They sound like great people.]***

Melia: They were indeed. I have spent the bulk of my life hidden away in the Imperial Villa. They took care of me for all that time.

**Shulk:** You must have been close. It’s sad to lose people like that.

**Melia:** Shulk, will you help me? I want to give them a proper sending off.

**Shulk:** Of course. We’ll do it together, you and me.

**Melia:** Thank you, Shulk. *My fallen brethren, I promise to live my life to the fullest. Look over me as I journey on.*

## Net 0 (+4, -4)

**Shulk: *[What’s wrong?]***

**Melia:** ... It happened before I met you. In this spot, my four protectors laid down their lives for me.

**Shulk:** Really? I didn’t know... Was it when you fought the Telethia?

**Melia:** Yes. Until that day, the four of them accompanied me everywhere. They were true friends to me. I grieve for them deeply....

**Shulk: *[I bet you got on their nerves.]***

**Melia:** How can you say such a thing?! I was the perfect companion.

**Shulk:** Haha. I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist. I forgot you’re way more grown up than someone like me.

**Melia:** You think I’m grown up? It is possible I troubled them by acting beyond my years. I found it hard hidden away in that stuffy Imperial Villa.

**Shulk:** Cooped up in there? I can imagine. But I’m sure they cared for you deeply, Melia. Don’t feel bad.

**Melia:** I know they did. And their sacrifice to save me will not be forgotten. That I promise. I shall remember them forever.

## Net 0 (-4, +4)

**Shulk: *[That’s OK. Hey, look at this!]*** Check out this massive plant. The flora in this region really are something else. The people back home will never believe the stories!

**Melia:** They are... quite amazing, yes.

**Shulk:** Sorry, Melia. I guess you find this stuff kind of boring.

**Melia:** It’s not that. Really, it isn’t. In fact, I think I feel a little better already listening to you.

**Shulk: *[Are you OK? I’m worried...]*** You can talk to me. If you want to, I mean.

**Melia:** ... All right. Before we all met, it was at this spot that I lost four of my brethren.

**Shulk:** Oh... I didn’t realise. It was that Telethia, right?

**Melia:** Yes. The four men had been my shield since I was a little girl. They were kind and considerate... and my friends. How I miss them...

**Shulk:** It sounds like you were close. Fighting for your life was a part of who they were, though.

**Melia:** Yes. I know that now. But I shall never forget their sacrifice. It will stay with me for as long as I live.

## Loss (-8)

**Shulk: *[That’s OK. Hey, look at this!]*** Check out this massive plant. The flora in this region really are something else. The people back home will never believe the stories!

**Melia:** They are... quite amazing, yes.

**Shulk:** Sorry, Melia. I guess you find this stuff kind of boring.

**Melia:** It’s not that. Really, it isn’t. In fact, I think I feel a little better already listening to you.

**Shulk: *[Oh, good! You do like plants!]***

**Melia:** Erm... I have to say, that’s not exactly what I meant.

**Shulk:** Well... if you say so.

**Melia:** Hmph... You’re not going to ask me what is wrong?

**Shulk:** If you’ve cheered up, then I guess I don’t need to know. Besides... I’m not too good at knowing when to ask and when to keep quiet.

**Melia:** Haha! I can tell. But it’s all right. You’ve turned the gloomy cloud over my head into sunshine. Just being here with you is enough for me. Thank you.