Untold Stories, Unsung Words
Series Summary: (A series of one-shots, some of them being connected, based on headcanons.) The story of the Bionis and Mechonis, the Heir to the Monado, and the creation of the new world has been revealed. But among that story are smaller stories that haven't been shown. To have it accepted to be as truth is an option, but the existence of them being a possibility is undeniable. These are stories untold, words unsung.
1. Shulk - Beneath the Shimmering Lights
Summary: During their first visit in Satorl at night, Shulk excuses himself from the party. He marveled the scenery around him for a little bit, but no longer does for a certain reason... (Takes place during Satorl Marsh - First Visit, before the cutscene with Dickson by the Ether Lamp)
Pairings: Shulk x Fiora
Disclaimer: I do not own anything.
Satorl Marsh truly is one of the most interesting places Shulk has ever been to. He thought Kneepcap Hill, Gaur Plain, and Believer's Paradise on the Bionis' Leg were the greatest locations he has seen in his journey so far, but Satorl was on many whole new levels.
But it's a double-edged sword in terms of traversing through Satorl. During the day, it was a dreadful place to traverse in. With the ether losing density and scattering to different areas of the marsh and outside, it becomes a hostile place. Fog is always present in the daytime, even though it should only be during the first hours of the day. Hence, visibility is low and monsters can do ambushes easily. How many times have the party have gotten ambushed by the Coppice Quadwings throughout the day? Enough that the cooked meat of the vultures would last a week worth of food. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the entire party, including Reyn with his large appetite equivalent to 2 people.
Hours earlier during the trek, Sharla was complaining on how humid the area was. Dunban seconded the opinion, as the environment decreased his stamina, which was already bad enough as it is with his arm. Shulk mentioned about a growing migraine that would simply never leave as it pestered him. Drinking water and eating didn't help either. And Reyn was nonstop talking about the pungent scent of the bog. Despite these handicaps, the party managed to get pretty far to the beginning reaches of Barren Moor of Satorl without any serious injuries.
It is around 7 PM when the entire marsh undergoes a metamorphosis. The dark night covers the sky. The ether begins to rush out from the ground and water and it becomes dense. From this, a beautiful, shimmering veil of light begins to pervade all around the areas. Lights begins to flicker on the trees. Even the water seems to glow. The terrible pungent odor of the swamp also vanishes with the morning light and fog. Shulk theorized the ether release from the swamp was from the lack of sunlight that the trees and plants in the area were getting. For compensation of photosynthesis, ether was used instead of light, but it was only conjecture. (Seemed convincing enough for the party.) Either way, it was truly a breath of fresh air and more reason to appreciate Satorl in the evening. It is the second night that the group experienced Satorl to shine. The first night was short, as they arrived at the area at around 4:55 AM earlier the day, hence they only got to see Satorl at night for only 5 minutes.
"Oh boy! Twelve hours to experience this awesome place at night!" Reyn cheerfully called out to the party, raising his right arm up as he marched on.
Sharla chuckled. "I agree. We had barely any time to appreciate the scenery earlier today. I'm glad we have this evening to enjoy Satorl."
Shulk noticed a tree to their right, towering quietly before them. The bright ether providing a source of light to see into the distance for enemies. No enemies were seen. He pointed towards the tree, grabbing the attention of everyone else. "Let's take a rest over there. We can appreciate the sights as we recuperate."
"I agree." Dunban replied with a nod. "It appears the more formidable monsters have appeared as well. We should not advance at this time." He noticed how a fearsome, more powerful version of the Coppice Quadwing, which was the Grove Quadwing, appeared at night. Green Ferises were also creeping among them. Getting near their sights would be suicide.
As Shulk, Reyn, and Sharla walked towards the tree, Dickson clicked his teeth. He remembered his visits here in Satorl at night with Mumkhar and Dunban last year, along with other people from Colony 6 and 9 prior. Mumkhar was an extremely stubborn and arrogant man, who loved to pick a fight with monsters and Mechon alike. He especially loved going after the unique monsters that were one-of-a-kind in the region. One monster that he, Dickson, and Dunban encountered was the Indomitable Daulton. Mumkhar set his eyes on those two abominations and yelled, "Hey, look at that faggot wandering out there, owning this place!" and charged right at it, with a utterly annoyed Dickson and Dunban behind him.
Dunban looked at Dickson, noticing how he was lighting his cigarette. It was obvious that he was recalling that memory, which is one that the two really wanted to forget. They were all going to be killed before heading towards Sword Valley, which must be truly a pathetic thing. Let alone losing the Monado to an oversized ape. Thankfully, Dunban was able to topple the beast with Dickson, then making a run for it. Their attacks did nothing, even with the Monado. So it was miracle they escaped with their lives last year. "Bought those memories, huh?"
Dickson let out a puff from his cigarette, with a grey cloud hovering overhead and vaporizing into the night air. "Yeah. At least with these kids I'm sure nothing stupid will happen… I hope."
—
While Dickson and Otharon were off to scout the area and the laughter and giggles from Sharla, Juju, and Reyn were being heard loud and clear, Dunban was busy cleaning his katana which was worn a bit from slicing up monsters from encounters earlier. The blood of the monsters dulled his blade, so he had to resharpen it. Shulk sat next to him, observing him occasionally how delicate the procedure was, along with wondering how Dunban was able to do such a thing with only one hand. His mind however…
"…and that was when I met up with you all. It was a hassle, but I made it. What about yo-"
Dunban noticed Shulk blankly looking at the katana. His eyes weren't at all interested, and his face was completely expressionless. "Shulk?" No response. "Shulk?"
"O-Oh…" Shulk snapped from his absentmindedness and faced Dunban. "Sorry…"
"Are you all right?" Shulk nodded and shrugged. "Yes. I'm fine…"
"You certainly do not. Tell me what is on your mind."
Shulk glanced at the Monado that was leaning against the tree to his left. He looked at Dunban afterwards."I honestly don't have anything really… er…" He looked at the background behind Dunban to make an excuse. "Just admiring the marsh and all…"
"Not surprising… The place is beautiful."
"…Sure is…"
Dunban looked up into the stars. Second time he has been here, and still his breath taken away. He uttered admiringly, "I'll buy your explanation on this place. How instantly the night sky emerged and the fog retreated. The temperature in the marsh got cool too, to the point where it's comfortable. I feel as if a great weight was lifted from me. And my stamina is back."
Shulk was blankly looking at the background behind Dunban, seeing the road lined with the trees. "…My migraine is gone at least… and I can breathe easier…" Shulk quietly replied, though, he didn't sound relieved.
Dunban's mouth folded into a slight frown. "You're not the type to hide things from me, Reyn, and the others, you know. Is it a vision?"
Shulk shook his head. He hadn't had a vision since the fight with the brogs they bumped into earlier. The Monado shield saved their behinds. "No."
"Then?"
"…Mm. I can't explain it… Really."
As soon as he replied, he began to feel a little uneasy. It was strange… Shulk lifted his right hand towards his chest and clutched it for a second, as he felt a slight weight on it that came about out of nowhere.
"Shulk?" Dunban tried to get his attention again.
Shulk nodded no. "I think I should be alone for a little bit… I'll get some fresh water while I'm at it."
Dunban narrowed his eyes at the boy but sighed afterwards. "Dickson did say there's a water source nearby with no monsters around it... Okay. Don't wander too far. And if you get any feeling of danger, head back immediately."
"Right." Shulk stood up and with his right hand lifted the Monado and mounted it on his back. He turned about face and looked at the path ahead of him, illuminated by the ether. "I'll be right back."
"Okay." Dunban replied. "Take care of yourself."
As Shulk followed the path ahead of him, Dunban watched him quietly walk towards the marsh. He stared down at his katana, glimmering with the ether above. "...This place... it's eating you alive, isn't it?"
—
He only walked forward. He didn't make any turns to ensure that he wouldn't get lost. Less than of minute of wandering by himself and he noticed how much darker the sky got. The ether also grew brighter, hence navigating wasn't too bad. Throughout the minute of walking, Shulk simply glanced around him, seeing the night sky, the glowing trees and swamp water, and the ether illuminate the swamp. Beautiful sight but… for some reason, Shulk was starting to feel less excited and pleased by looking around him by the minute. Even the Monado felt like it was dragging him down. The crimson blade never bothered him while walking, running or jumping. But now, it's as if he was carrying 3/4ths the weight of Reyn on his back.
Ahead he noticed a deep pool of water. To the right was a river of water coursing through. Shulk also heard the sound of falling water. It must be a source of water that he could retrieve. He proceeded towards to his right, following the shallow river. Seconds walking, he sees the waterfall. It was small, coming from a hole from a cliff. Below was water that didn't seem too deep, but it was deep enough to approximately submerge his legs he guessed.
But that wasn't the thing that caught Shulk's eye the most. It was a large, glowing ether tree. To the left of the small waterfall was a small patch of swamp ground where a large tree emerged. Its roots were emerging from the ground and from the lake water. It was five times the size of the other trees that were in the marsh that Shulk noticed passing by throughout the entire day. And the light… it illuminated the area much brighter than the ether around the air.
"…Ah." Shulk was taken aback by the sight. Without thinking, he proceeded to walk towards it. With his first steps forward, his shoes became completely submerged into the lake water. It was surprisingly cold. Earlier in the day, the swamp water was warm. How did the temperature drop so quickly despite high specific heat? Either way, he just kept walking. The water began to seep around him with every step. His ankles were submerged. Then his entire legs. Shulk reached the deepest end of the lake. His body began to shake a little from the cold water, but he knew after some time, he would grow accustomed to the cold.
He stopped after he had the perfect view of the tree that took his attention. He glanced down at the water before him, noticing the water reflecting the tree itself, and even a bit of himself too. It wasn't too clear though, as the ripples emerging from his movements disrupted the image.
He continued to stare at the tree longer. The ether was growing denser around tree, so the bright light pervading the area began to grow stronger. Also, the air began to glimmer more too. It felt clean. Shulk silently took a breath and held it in, closing his eyes as he did so. "…"
But at the same time, he felt his throat closing in on him. A sheer, depressing thought that has been haunting him the entire time here in Satorl was choking him. He was all alone now with no one in the party near him to see this. It was time. Shulk let out a pained breath… with one small wet tear forming on his right eye.
This beautiful Shimmering Marsh of Satorl… he couldn't experience this place with the one person that he truly wanted by his side…
He mentioned to Reyn that two voices have been echoing in his head: one to simply move on and live for Fiora, and the other to kill all Mechon with the Monado. The latter came about, with second half of the former partially occurring. It was strange, though. The second voice was quite… vicious. And much more vocal the the former. He hasn't heard that menacing voice since the day of departure from Colony 9. But now, the distant voice was whispering to his ear now of all times in Satorl.
It is all because of them. Those cursed Mechon. They took her away from you. You will never set foot here with her next to you. Let alone the other locations you will soon see in Bionis. Because of those cursed Mechon.
The repetition of the word "her" was stabbing Shulk repeatedly. Far worse with the addition of "Because of those Mechon." It was eerie, as he heard his own pulse beat louder and louder.
Kill all of the Mechon. Kill them and Mechonis. They must pay for what they have done.
His right hand closed into a fist and he clenched it hard. Every second it grew harder, to the point where he can feel his own nails digging into his palm.
Bring them hell.
Shulk slowly opened his eyes as he no longer heard that voice in his head. The tear slowly falling down his cheek, and he opened his right hand, his palm marked with the nails that dug through them. He could have sworn that along with the water he stood upon, blood was creeping out from his palm. He lifted his right hand away from the water, raising it toward his face. Gently, he ran his wet hand down his face, stopping at the lower half. He then covered his mouth hard, trying to hold in his sobs.
The Heir to the Monado's vision suddenly grew sharp. He saw everything around him clearer than ever. Even the ether grew much more brightly. Obviously he couldn't see it for himself, but the boy's eyes suddenly... glowed. A bright blue. And his pupils grew small. Staring straight ahead at the large ether tree with narrowed eyes and a frown, four words escaped from his covered lips in a muffled whisper.
"I'll kill you all."
Headcanon: The image released by Monolith Soft of Shulk in Satorl has him facing away from the viewer. The reason is that he's crying. Satorl at night is the most beautiful place he has seen in Bionis so far, but he couldn't and will never be able to experience the place for the first time with Fiora by his side. [Before events of Prison Island - First Visit]
A/N: This was the first headcanon I've made while playing the game back in December during my first walkthrough. I noticed the official image released by Monolith Soft of Shulk standing in the water in Satorl Marsh. I had to wonder, why face away from the viewer? I considered about how he was astounded by Satorl through that Heart-to-Heart with Dunban. Then I thought, "I'm sure Shulk would have had a nice romantic scene with Fiora here in the marsh. Waiiitttt..." Then the depressing headcanon came to life. I'm terrible. A minor headcanon was slipped in here, which was the one with Mumkhar, Dickson, and Dunban. Oops.
If there's one thing that the mere thought of sends chills down my spine, its the way how Adam Howden provides a beautiful and ridiculously angry voice for Shulk. Those very lines from the beginning of the game where he yelled, "I'LL KILL YOU!" and "DIEEEEE!" was just... damn. Best angry voice I've ever heard. So I had to imagine how Shulk/Adam Howden would sound, pissed and vengeful sounding... Hence the final line of this oneshot. Oooh... (The fact he does this for Zanza too. He makes an awesome antagonist voice as well.) Kudos to Adam Howden, Carina Reeves, Rufus Jones, Jay Taylor, Kellie Bright, Jenna Coleman, Wayne Forester, and the rest of the cast for dubbing this grand game.
Not sure when or which headcanon oneshot will be released next. The current ones in progress are:
-Melia - Riki's Tenderness / Summary: There's more reason as to why Melia loves to cuddle Riki. (Based on a Heart-to-Heart event)
-Dunban, Shulk - Necklaces / Summary: As everyone is wearing their swimsuits in Eryth Sea during a reprieve, Sharla notices the necklaces Shulk and Dunban are wearing. Not only are they of a unique material and designs, but only those two are wearing it. Shulk explains why.
One is writer's block while the other is in progress itself. We'll see what comes first. Don't know when the release will be though, cause school, Final Fantasy Type 0, and Xenoblade 3D will be quite distracting.