Quick author notes: There will be a lot of Xenoblade Spoilers down below. I'm writing this in hopes that the people who read it have played through the game. But while I'd love for everyone to play it, I know it's one of the rarer, and more expensive Wii games (at least in North America), so I fully understand why that wouldn't be a realistic possibility. Now then... Let's start with spoiling the last words of the game.

"One day I hope I can meet them all. The people of this endless world."

"Me too, we will, I know it."

"We'll meet them. And whatever happens, we'll face our future together."

~ Shulk and Fiora, Xenoblade Chronicles

Chapter 1: Departure to the Mansion

A young blonde man was sitting at a dock, looking out at the sea. In his hands was a letter that he had received about a week ago. On the envelope it just had the words "To Shulk, wielder of the Monado." It was held shut by a wax seal with a circle that was divided into 4 pieces that were different sizes. Since then he must of read through it at least a hundred times.

In Shulk's hands was that letter. Despite reading through it countless times before, his hands were shaking in anticipation as he read through it once again.

Dear Shulk,

My name is Master Hand, and I have heard of your adventures, fights, and the slaying of the god Zanza. I would like to invite you to become a member of the Smashers.

Sincerely,

Master Hand

The letter had a second page that just detailed more of the technical things, and that they would be coming here on this day, awaiting the answer.

"You're looking at that letter once again?" A voice said. Shulk looked up to see his best friend Ryen standing behind him on the dock. Reyn was a person with rather short red hair. He was fairly well built, as he was apart of Colony 9's defense force.

"Yes." Shulk sighed. "I knew that there were others out there, I just didn't expect them to contact us so quickly."

"Are you nervous?" Reyn asked.

"Of course." Shulk said. "I don't think I was ever this nervous at all during our previous adventure."

Reyn just laughed. "Is that so?"

"Yes." Shulk replied. He glanced once again at the paper. "Back then, we knew what we were facing. The Mechon, Zanza... Now, I don't know what I'm fighting. It could be anyone or anything. But, I'm glad that this came now, instead of a few months ago."

"You'd be too worried about how the restoration would of turned out, right?" Reyn said.

"Right..." Shulk replied.

"But, now that the restoration of everything is complete. Are you actually going to take up this offer?"

Shulk smiled. "I've thought about it over the past week, and I decided, that yes, I will go out and meet these people."

"You might be meeting people even scarier than Zanza, and you'll be facing them alone." Reyn said.

"But, I'm not alone." Shulk admitted. "I know you'll always be giving me your support."

"And you won't have the Monado." Reyn added on. "That might be a problem for you."

Shulk looked at Reyn rather offended. "I'd thought you'd know that I can fight just fine without it."

"Come on, Shulk. You need every advantage you can get." Reyn laughed. "And that sword would give you a rather big one. Having the god-slaying sword, that would be sure to strike fear into your enemies and intimidate them."

Shulk just laughed. "I didn't think about it that way..."

"Have you told Fiora about this yet?" Reyn asked.

Shulk just cringed.

"Not yet, eh?" Reyn laughed.

"She's seen the letter, she just doesn't know my final decision." Shulk replied.

"Well, you better go tell her then." Reyn said.

Shulk just nodded. "Yes." He got up and faced Reyn. He stretched out his hand and the two began to shake and then gave each other a brief hug. "Reyn, you've been with me since, well, I first came to Colony 9 when I was 4 years old."

"What's this?" Reyn said rather annoyed. "It almost sounds like you think you're never going to see me again."

"Well..." Shulk began.

"I don't want a good bye." Reyn sternly said. "We'll be seeing each other again. It's just you'll be else where because you have a new job."

"Right." Shulk said. He just smiled.

"Don't you dare forget about us." Reyn said.

"Reyn! Shulk!" A voice said. The two turned their attention to the source of the voice. Running towards them was a red headed teen. "Reyn, Sharla is looking for you!"

"Thanks Juju." Reyn said.

"Guess I should say good bye to her as well." Shulk said.

"You're leaving?" Juju said shocked.

Shulk just nodded. "Yes, I've decided to go and meet these people."

"That's great." Juju said. "I'll know you'll do everyone proud."

"You've grown since I first met you Juju." Shulk said. He remembered the scared boy that they had saved from two rampaging beasts. That they had to rush off and save from several Mechon, because he was an idiot who didn't listen to reason, and had no concept of sneaking, and caused them several problems. "Keep an eye on Reyn while I'm gone, make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."

"Of course Shulk!" Juju said. "Now Reyn, Sharla wanted you now."

"Right." Reyn said. The two of them quickly began to run off.

Shulk began to walk. His first stop was going to be at another of his companions houses. Riki the Heropon. He got to a house, and just knocked. Opening the door was a yellow and red fur ball with a pair of stubby legs and arms, but two rather large ears that he could control like hands. This creature was a Nopon.

"Hom hom Shulk!" Riki said.

"Hey there Riki." Shulk said. "How's the heropon doing?"

"Oh, it's been hard. Riki been out hunting monsters to feed all littlepon." Riki said.

"14, right? Or is there a 15th on the way?" Shulk asked.

"We're still at 14 littlepon." Riki replied. "What brought hom hom here?"

"Well, Riki, I've come to say goodbye to all my companions."

"Shulk going on more adventures?" Riki asked.

"Yes." Shulk said.

"Riki also wish to go!" Riki said jumping up on Shulk's shoulders.

"Sorry Riki, but I don't know if you would be allowed." Shulk said. "To be honest I'd wish that everyone was there. But, I was the only one invited... Also, I don't know how your wifeypon would like it if you weren't there to help with the littlepon."

Riki began to shiver in fear. "Oka would not like that at all."

Shulk just hugged the Nopon. "Riki you were a great help, and I'm going to miss you."

"Riki wish Shulk much luck." Riki eventually said. "Hope to see hom hom soon."

Shulk just nodded. "I'll come back and visit if I can."

He got up and began to walk through the streets. Eventually getting to another house. Where Sharla, Reyn, and Juju lived. He knocked and opening the door was a woman with long black hair. On her back an ether rifle was holstered.

"Sharla." Shulk said.

"Shulk, Reyn told me you were going to be leaving." She said.

"Yes." Shulk said. "I wanted to say goodbye to everyone."

"Will you be fine, with out me there to patch you up?" Sharla wondered.

"I'm sure of it." He said. "Although, I do have to question your timing of trying to heal at times..."

Sharla just glared at him for a second. "Well, you do have one healing art. But let's see how far you get with that."

"I'm sorry Sharla." Shulk said.

"Hey, I'm just teasing you." Sharla said, she came in and hugged Shulk. "Well then. I wish you much luck."

"Thanks." Shulk said. "And take care of Reyn, he can be stubborn at times, but I'm sure by now you're well aware of it."

"Of course." Sharla said. "You better be careful too. He might not show it, but he's really worried about you."

"I know." Shulk said. "Thanks for everything Sharla."

He walked away, and through the streets, his next stop was going to be Melia's house, however he had seen the ruler of what remained of the High Entia. She had rather short white hair, along with what looked like two small bird wings on the back of her head that went slightly past her shoulder. Despite having the appearance of girl in her young teens she was actually 88 years old.

"Melia!" Shulk said.

Melia just looked at Shulk rather shocked. "Shulk, I didn't expect to see you out here."

"I was actually just heading over your house." Shulk said. "I've decided to leave, and I will be departing later today."

Melia just smiled. "I see. Well then, I wish you much luck."

"Thank you." Shulk said.

"Have you told Fiora yet?" Melia asked.

Shulk just shook his head. "She's the last person I'll be telling. It's just her and Dunban left."

"Very well then." Melia said. "I won't delay you any further then. Just make sure you come over when you visit Shulk."

"Of course." Shulk said.

He walked over to the final house, and just knocked.

"Come in, Shulk." A middle aged man said. "The door's unlocked."

Shulk walked into the house. Sitting at a table was a man drinking tea. He had long dark straight hair that went down to his mid back, and a small beard. He had a black cape that was draped over his shoulders, and went down to about his waist. His right arm however was almost completely paralyzed, and just remained at his side.

Shulk just walked over to beside the man. "Dunban." Shulk said.

Dunban just smiled. "You don't need to say a word."

"I don't?" Shulk said a bit confused.

"It's right there in your eyes." Dunban replied. "You're craving more adventure. You wish to fight stronger opponents. Go get them, while you're still young."

"Thank you Dunban."

"Although, you better remain faithful to Fiora. If you don't and I find out, I will kill you." Dunban said.

Shulk just cringed. "Of course." He said, afraid. Even if Dunban's right arm was limp, he was still a terrifying force on the battlefield with just his left arm. He was able to stand with everyone else when fighting the Mechon. Shulk didn't want to cross Dunban. Especially since Fiora had said that his brother was looking into the High Entia's and Machina's technology to help with his physiotherapy, there was a chance that he would soon be back to normal.

"Well then, Fiora is waiting for you." Dunban said.

"Right." Shulk said. He turned to some stairs and began to walk upstairs, until he got to a bedroom door. He knocked and then walked right in.

"Fiora." Shulk said as he walked into the room. The girl turned to him, and just came to hug him.

"Shulk."

"I've come to tell you, I've made up my mind." Shulk said.

Fiora just leaned in and kissed him. "You're going aren't you?"

"How did you know?" Shulk said surprised.

"You've been fidgety, and couldn't sit still." Fiora replied. "I'd be more surprised if you were staying."

"You're not angry?" Shulk asked.

"Not at all." Fiora replied. "It's not like you're going to be gone forever. Besides, I'm sure you would be able to visit, and we can visit you."

"You're right." Shulk said. "Let's walk outside."

Fiora just warped her arm around Shulk's and leaned against him. "Yes, let's."

The two walked out, of the house. After the defeat of Zanza, Fiora had spent half a year in a regeneration chamber, regaining her old body. Once she had gotten out of the chamber, the two of them had immediately hooked up and started dating. Of course, then the invitation to the Smashers came.

They had gotten to a park and just sat down on a bench.

"I'm going to miss you." Shulk said.

"Same." Fiora said. "Just when I thought we could finally be together."

"I'll come back whenever I can." Shulk said.

The two stayed on the bench, talking until a ship appeared in the sky. It landed in the water. "I guess that's my ride." Shulk said getting up.

The two of them just began to run towards the ship. Several other villagers also approached the ship, interested in what it was doing there. Among the crowd of people was Reyn, Sharla, Juju, Riki, Dunban, and Melia.

Stepping out of the ship, was an anthropomorphic fox. He just looked around at all of the people, occasionally glancing at a photograph in his hands.

"Hello." Shulk said running up to him. "I'm guessing you're the one here to pick me up?"

"Yes, assuming that you are accepting the offer." the fox said.

"Yes, of course. I'm Shulk."

"Fox McCloud." Fox extended his hand and Shulk shook it. "Now then I trust you said your goodbyes."

"All but one." Shulk said. He just turned to Fiora. The two embraced, and then kissed. "Good bye, Fiora. I'll see you soon."

"Good luck Shulk." Fiora replied.

Reyn, Sharla, Dunban and Melia ran up to Shulk to give him some final words of encouragement.

"Good luck." Reyn said.

"Knock em down." Melia said.

"Please don't get too roughed up out there." Sharla said.

"Go get them." Dunban said.

"Thank you guys." Shulk said. They all just embraced for one final group hug.

When it was over, Shulk walked into the ship with Fox, and the doors closed. The group stood there for several seconds.

"Did anyone else notice that Shulk didn't bring a bag of clothes?" Fiora wondered.

"Are we really sure he's going to be okay?" Reyn wondered.

"Well, guess he didn't notice that either." Dunban sighed. "Oh well, it's clothes I'm sure he can buy some new ones."

They got back away from the ship and watched as it began to move, and then as it flew away.

"Hey, wait, where's Riki?" Melia asked.

Shulk was lead to an office on the ship. Behind the desk was a giant white glove.

"I am Master Hand." It said.

Shulk was just staring at the giant glove a bit dumbfounded. "I'm a bit confused." Shulk managed to say. "I was expecting Master to be your title, and Hand was just your last name... I wasn't expecting this, that you were actually a hand."

Master Hand just laughed. "Well, I get that a lot. Anyways... I'm here to just brief you over a few things before we get to the Smash Mansion. First of all, your weapon."

Shulk just paused. "Right, about that. I don't have my weapon, the Monado was destroyed 6 months ago after the battle with Zanza."

"Don't sweat it." Master Hand said snapping his fingers. Suddenly a red sword appeared in front of him. Shulk just looked at it rather shocked. "Don't worry, it's safe to touch." Master Hand reassured the Hom.

Shulk just reached out and grabbed the sword. He swung it a few times and then activated it. It opened up and a laser blade shot out extending his reach.

"Now, we'll be at our destination in 30 minutes." Master Hand said. "However, mostly everyone will be sleeping, so you won't get to meet them until tomorrow."

Shulk nodded.

Shulk and Master Hand were now outside of a gate, about 500 meters away from them was a large building. Prior to this moment, Shulk didn't have any fear, in fact he was excited. But now, he was suddenly nervous. The building was now intimidating for him.

"Others, like me are in there?" Shulk asked.

"Heroes, villains, mercenaries, champions from all over are in there to test their strength and skill against anyone and everyone." Master Hand said.

Shulk just nodded.

"Well then, I wish you luck." Master Hand said. "I've got to go find more newcomers." The giant glove snapped his fingers and he disappeared. Shulk then went through the gate and up a pathway towards the Smash Mansion.

He glanced back at the Monado. Master Hand didn't exactly explain the power that the Monado had. It looked like the Monado 1, which meant it couldn't hurt humans, in a competition such as this, it might be a disadvantage.

He got to the front door and just knocked. A few moments later someone opened the door, "Ah, you must be the newcomer." The man said, "I'm Mario, it's nice to meet you." He extended his hand and Shulk shook it.

Shulk walked into the Smash Mansion. He was expecting a large group of people there to welcome him, but it was just Mario. "Sorry." Mario said, having seen the look of disappointment on Shulk's face. "But I drew the short straw and had to wait for you to arrive."

"How did you..."

"It was written all over your face." Mario said. "That and after seeing a bunch of newcomers you can pretty much guess their reactions. Sorry, but it's 2 in the morning here. Hardly anyone was willing to stay awake even for the new guy."

"Maybe it's better this way." Shulk said.

"Some people find it better. They can meet people at their own pace. Others say they would like to just get it all done right away. Well then, follow me, I'll show you to your room."

Shulk just nodded, and Mario led the person to his room. They came to a door that was labeled Shulk, and Mario just opened it up. The room was surprisingly small. Just having a single bed, a bedside table, a dresser, a desk, a closet, and then a washroom.

"I see you don't have a bag of possessions." Mario said. "Master Hand will be ordering clothes for you to wear. Now then, I suggest you try to go to bed and get some sleep."

"Yes, thank you." Shulk said. Mario walked away and Shulk just placed the Monado on the dresser. He then collapsed on the bed. "So, this is my new home." He said eventually closing his eyes and going to sleep.

Elsewhere, on the ship that had brought Shulk to the Smash Mansion, a figure was moving through the dark hallways.

"Riki follow Shulk!"

The Heropon quickly made his way to the exit and got out of the ship, and then looked up at the building. "Big building, Shulk must be there." He quickly began to run towards the Smash Mansion.

I wanted to do a story for Shulk, even way back when he was just rumored. I don't know how these stories have worked in the past, the few I looked up for a quick reference showed the new character just going to the Smash Mansion first. I felt like starting with the goodbyes of his companions was the proper thing to do with Shulk. And then go to the interactions with the various Smashers in the next chapter.

Can't say I'm too happy about Melia's goodbye section. I kind of completely forgot about her, and realized that someone was missing, and then just wrote it. It just fell into "Okay, I've done this scene 5 times before, I'm sick of it. Let's just get through Melia as quickly as possible."

I don't plan on this being too long... Maybe between 5-8 chapters at the most.

In case you're wondering why it was up so quickly after the announcement, I basically had a file on my computer titled "In case of Shulk: Break Glass" I actually had this prepared back before the Robin and Lucina trailer, and was anticipating posting this on that day...