'That ruin… I can't take my mind off of it.'

'Something was… wrong. But what was it? It felt like the Monado itself was urging me to get away… as if my very own body was trying to escape.'

'I'm curious, but… I feel as if it'd be best not to head back. Maybe I was the only one who felt it, but… there was something there…'

'Or… perhaps it'd be better if I forget about it. This… this isn't something that needs answers.'

'Perhaps… perhaps it would be best not to know. I feel… as if it is something best left unknown.'

"Yes… that's precisely it. I should not seek further answers…"

"You're awake, kid?"

Marsh's eyes slowly opened to a pattern marble white roof above him – along with dim blue lights that illuminated the room ever so slightly. Marsh noticed a familiar face sitting down, on another bed in the room – it was none other than Aren, who seemed to be cautiously wiping his eyes with his metallic arm.

"Isn't it hard to do that?" Marsh asked Aren with a tone that was a mixture between curiosity and amusement. "Wipe your eyes, I mean."

Aren sighed. "Yeah. Sure doesn't feel safe, but a man's gotta do what he's gotta do."

"That's true, I guess." Marsh added. "So… about that decision, though…"

Aren moved his hand away from his eyes slowly, then placed it onto his bed. "They've forced your hand, haven't they? Unless you work for them, we aren't going to see Reece again. I'm not sure what they're scheming, but… they really want your help."

"I wouldn't have said this before…" Marsh uttered, looking down at the ground, Monado by his side. "Normally, I'd suspect people like this to be scheming something, but these guys… they're completely right."

Aren placed a palm onto his chin, with a quick laugh. "I've known you for hardly more than a day, but… I'll take your word for it, kid." He stated. "But something about those two rubs me the wrong way, you know…? I don't know how to put it, but they're basically using Reece as a captive. I don't like that one bit, so… I'm trusting on you to make the right choice."

"Yeah." Marsh replied. "It is awful that they'd do that, but Lorithia made me realize… the Bionis needs the Monado. Just like they said… it could bring salvation. And if I've got a blade like that… then I can change the future, instead of just sitting around, powerless."

Aren grinned. "Hey, kid, you might be getting a little ahead of yourself there! That's pretty grandiose and all! But what's this about redeeming yourself…?"

"Not just anyone can hold the Monado… but I can. That means it's my duty to fight for the Bionis. To fight against Mechonis. What I want to be is a shining ray of hope for the people of Bionis. Didn't think I'd ever say that, though..."

"Are we sure you're the same Marsh? It's been only a day and you've already changed, it feels like. And by that… you've taken a turn to the dramatic!" Aren laughed. "But, jokes aside… it's good to hear you care about Bionis and its people. That's the type of person who should have a Monado… people who care about Bionis, like you and my old mate Bearce."

"… Anyway, I'll tell you what my plan is. I'm going to help those guys out. I have to – it's my duty as a Monado Wielder, isn't it?" Marsh questioned. "What would I be if I just sat back and did nothing?"

Marsh slowly placed a foot down onto the ground, then headed for the door to the room and gently opened it – causing light to filter into the room. However, more notably…

"Whoa!" Sariel gasped, jumping back as the door suddenly opened. This, in turn, gave Marsh a bit of a spook.

"… Huh?! Marsh whimpered, then turned away. "What were you even doing at the door…? Staring at the wall?"

"Nah… staring at doors isn't for me. Maybe for you guys, though." Sariel joked with a grin. "Sis told me to come get you two, but I heard you guys talking, so I thought I'd wait for a bit… what's this about you being a 'shining ray of hope', Marsh?! I mean, you've got the Monado and all, but… don't hype yourself up too much, bro!"

"… 'Bro'…? Well, anyway, does it really sound that ridiculous?!" Marsh exclaimed. "Aren said that, now you've said it. Is it really that dramatic?"

"Kinda." Aren spoke back. "I mean, I can see why you'd say that. Just don't go saying that in front of ladies… or anyone except us, really."

"That."

Marsh sighed.

"Well… I'll take that in mind…" Marsh uttered. "But I mean it. That's what I want to be, and it's what I have to be. After all, I'm a Monado Wielder, aren't I? So that means I've got to step it up."

Sariel nodded. "Yeah. Don't be like that other guy with a Monado."

"I'd almost forgotten about that tool." Marsh spoke. "That guy… he told me to meet him at Prison Island, but I don't even know where that is. Wonder what his deal is."

Out of the blue, Sariel piped up with an idea.

"Guys! My sister is pretty smart, so maybe we can ask her about some of this stuff? I'm sure she'd know about that guy – she's always been pretty interested in the Monado. Maybe she'd know about this 'Prison Island', or… maybe something about those Mechon?"

While Sariel didn't explicitly say it, Marsh knew immediately what she was talking about. Sariel spoke not of the standard, mindless Mechon… she spoke of the G.E.M Unit Mechon, such as the spiderlike Unit: RUBY – and the one Aren had apparently encountered at Sword Valley, Unit: EMERALD.

Marsh considered it vital to ask Lorithia and Dodge about these Mechon. If they sought to fight against the Mechon using the Monado, then they would surely know about the G.E.M Unit Mechon. But, just what was the source of their invulnerability?

"Not a bad idea, Sariel… I'll tell your sister my answer, then we'll all ask her whatever we want to know." Marsh headed out of the room he and Aren had slept in, and found himself in a hall. "There's a lot of things that need answers."

"So, Lady L, that's exactly what went down! That's where I found them… the Chamber of the Seal. You've gotta understand why I told them about the secret passage… we can't have them milling about there, can we? So it was pretty urgent to get them outta there, ASAP." Dodge hurriedly explained, motioning with his hands all the while to Lorithia.

"That was the right course of action, Dodge. That's almost impressive, coming from you."

Dodge rolled his eyes. "This is the respect I get? You're acting like just getting something right's an accomplishment for me. News flash! Just because I'm new to this stuff doesn't mean I'm automatically bad at it, you hear?" Dodge's tone was one of mild irritation. "I mean… the Big Boss selected me, along with you guys, didn't he-"

Dodge's speech was quickly interrupted by the sound of a door opening, and light filtering into the room as three figures became visible… those of Marsh, Sariel, and Aren.

"Well, I'm back, sis!" Sariel notified, then quickly motioned to Marsh. "And I think he's decided… right, Marsh?"

With a calm voice, Lorithia ordered. "Oh? Then, out with it."

Marsh paused for a second, as he cleared his throat.

"Your words convinced me, Lorithia… I'll accept your offer."

Dodge chortled. "Can't say I'm surprised. You'd have to be downright evil to pick the other option, eh? Some real messed up piece of work. Glad to see you're not that, Monado Boy.

"You've chosen wisely, wielder of the Monado." Lorithia calmly addressed. "Working with us will prove beneficial… of course, as long as you are capable of following orders."

Arenn took a single step to Lorithia, which echoed through the room. "So we agreed to your plan. So you're going to release Reece, aren't you?"

"I suppose that was a part of the conditions, wasn't it? You will see him shortly, in that case." Lorithia notified. "After all, that was a part of our deal."

With a nod, Aren turned away, as if heading for the door… but in no time at all, he looked back over to Lorithia and Dodge, then tapped Marsh on the shoulder without a word.

"Lorithia… we've got a few questions to ask, though. You're part of the Ministry of Research, right?" Marsh inquired. "There's a few things we're wondering about."

Lorithia placed a hand to her chin. "Oh, you flatter me, Marsh. I'm quite knowledgeable, so I'll try to provide whatever answers I can. We're allies, after all." Lorithia looked over to Sariel. "My dearest sister asked me about another Monado Wielder this morning, actually. But this information is applicable to you, Marsh, so I'd thought I'd wait until you'd allied with us."

"You're so cocky, sis. You're acting like there was no doubt he'd join you." Sariel added.

"That wouldn't have been my first question, but… fire away. Tell me what you know about 'Inbris'… and the Prison Island he mentioned."

Lorithia raised an eyebrow. "That boy mentioned Prison Island? This is news to me…" She noted. "However… the boy, Inbris is an oddity. Tell me, Marsh. Are you familiar with the lore behind the Monado?"

Marsh shook his head.

"The Monado was the weapon of the Bionis, used to fight against the Mechonis. However, since the two Titans have entered their slumber… that same Monado has been wielded by countless people. Your friend, Aren, was a comrade in arms of Bearce – the latest Monado Wielder."

Aren nodded. "Yeah, that's spot on... but he abandoned it after Sword Valley. And from the look of it, Marsh's the one who found it."

"But how does this relate to Inbris?" Marsh asked in confusion.

"It doesn't mean much to you, but the very existence of you and Inbris seem to be unusual."

"… Excuse me? What do you mean, 'unusual'?"

"There is only one Monado." Lorithia explained.

However, this attracted the attention of Dodge, who had been leaning against a wall, cleaning his weapon of dirt and grime. "Hold on, Lori – Lady L… isn't – nah, don't worry about it."

"So, naturally… the existence of a second Monado is rather… curious. As for that boy, we know only his name and appearance. Now… it makes me question how he knows of Prison Island. It's rare to find someone who's even heard of it around here."

"Hey, let me explain this one, Lady L!" Dodge exclaimed. "Prison Island's at the top of Bionis… it's got more than a little significance with the Monado. If that kid told you to go there, I would head on up there, you know. Rumour has it that something incredible resides there!"

"… Precisely." Lorithia continued. "Other than that, we have little else to discuss about this topic."

The concept of a mysterious place like that excited Marsh… but he questioned if it were wise to head there, due to Inbris. Not even Lorithia or Dodge knew much about Inbris, or how he knew of it. Not only that, but Inbris evidently was aggressive. Whatever he had planned… it sounded dangerous to Marsh.

"What about the invincible Mechon, then, sis?" Sariel asked. "The Monado couldn't even cut them! It was an absolute load of crap… I don't get how they're don't take damage! Hell… they can even talk…!"

Lorithia grimaced. "Still got quite the foul mouth, Sariel…" Lorithia sighed. "However, you're talking about the G.E.M Units… unfortunately, not even the Ministry of Research has much information on such Mechon."

"… Seriously? Then what can we do against them?" Marsh groaned. "Just run away, hoping not to get killed?"

Dodge made a clicking noise with his tongue, then pointed towards Marsh with one eye closed. "Bingo! A real man doesn't run away, sure, but against those guys, that makes a real dead man. Not even I could fight that emerald one."

This piqued Aren's attention. "You've fought that one? Dang… considering you came back alive, you ain't all talk. That thing… it was a year ago, but I remember it like it was the other day." Aren reminisced, while he visibly frowned. "Not days that I want to remember, though."

"Anyways, I don't suppose you have more questions?" Lorithia said to the trio.

Marsh shook his head, to which Sariel and Aren did the same.

"You bozos should probably take a look around Javena," Dodge suggested. "If you're gonna help us out, maybe you could use some weapons from the guys around here? Heck, even gems, maybe."

"I don't think that's a good idea, really…" Sariel added. "The three of us are a group who stick out. Marsh's got a legendary sword, Aren's… just look at him. And I'm, well… the outcast of Javena. I don't think we'd get a warm reception."

Dodge looked visibly confused. "What did you even do? Kill someone? Get jail time?"

"Nothing that exciting. You're not a High Entia – it's probably not something that you'd get."

"'Nothing I'd get?' All you people are making me out to be some idiot! Does it run in the family or something?!"

Lorithia glared at the man in red, who noticed this – and quickly brought his hat down, hiding his eyes. Lorithia spoke. "Silence, Dodge. This is not your place."

There was an awkward feel in the air as nobody said a word… not until Aren spoke up, his mind still on the location of his pal, Reece. "So… you mind showing me to where Reece's being kept?"

Dodge suddenly perked up. "No problem, no problem… I'll show you where that kiddo is, quick as a flash. That's how your man, Dodge, does things!"

"Can you just say 'no problem' in future? A lot of what you said really could've been cut out." Marsh snarked. "Just saying."

"I'll pretend I didn't hear you and your attitude, Monado Boy." Dodge grumbled. "Well, stick close behind me, alright? We'll be there in a jiff."

Dodge sauntered over to a door briskly, opened it, and quickly headed into a moderately sized hallway, in which Marsh, Sariel, and Aren entered. The hallway wasn't particularly interesting – walls of white stone surrounded the trio, which only served to remind them of how long it'd been since they'd been above ground, to the open air. For the previous few days, they'd been surrounded by walls of rock from all directions – and it was wearing off its welcome.

The group strolled by several different doors situated in the hallway, each labelled with a number. The room Marsh and Aren had stayed in was labelled '4' – out of approximately four labelled rooms. Dodge and the group of three arrived at a door, labelled '2', though oddly enough… the handle of the door was connected to a strange, glimmering white lock.

Dodge pulled off his hat, revealing short brown hair, brushed downwards. His next course of action was to put his hand into the hat – and shortly afterwards, he brandished a key from it.

"You kept some key in your hat? What a world." Aren spoke, enthused. But his tone shifted in seconds, to something more aggressive as he addressed Dodge. "Dodge, right? Don't open that door yet."

Dodge shrugged. "Getting cold feet? Don't tell me you're being a weenie!"

"Alright, let me ask you this. Why do you guys think it's alright to hold a child hostage, just to convince us to work with you?" Aren growled, looking Dodge dead in the eye. "I don't like what you're doing. And I'll be honest with ya, too. You reek of ulterior motives."

"And you, my good sir, reek of jumping at shadows…! Of course we needed to convince Monado Boy to work with us. If he isn't a lost cause, then he'll let this child free." Dodge retorted. "It's not me who is letting your pal go free, here. It's Monado Boy that's doing that."

"You lot were the ones who threw Reece into here… not Marsh!" Aren replied. "You did all that, and you didn't see anything wrong with it?"

Dodge smirked.

"There's nothing wrong with it. If Monado Boy doesn't work with us, then what's gonna happen to Bionis? That's right… it's all gonna come crashing down." Dodge gestured as he spoke, making a distinctively downwards motion as he spoke 'crashing down'. "Or… now maybe I'm reaching here, but maybe that's what you want? I mean, look at you… look at those metallic arms!"

"You… you son of a-!" Aren exclaimed, as he readied his fist and lunged at Dodge – causing Aren's metallic fist to collide with the door that locked Reece away. But the man in red, true to his name, evaded the strike with ease – and in that moment, Dodge drew his sword, which he slung over his shoulder.

Sariel placed a hand onto her ether pistols, but hesitated, before completely taking her hand away. "You two… we can't fight here!"

Dodge lowered his hat, revealing only the bottom half of his eyes. "I can't hit Monado Boy – and I can't hit Sariel, because she's Lady L's sister, you know? But you, Aren? There's no rule against that. Gosh, I even have justification. You could pass as a project from Mechonis, like the G.E.M units… couldn't you?"

"Maybe to a complete idiot," Aren hissed. "You're taking the piss, aren't ya? There's no way you're this dull… I'm not a Mechon. I'm real flesh and blood! And if you want to find out, I'll gladly show ya." Aren uttered with an intimidating, cold tone. "Truth be told, I'm always itchin' for a fight… and if you're gonna try to press my buttons… guess I'll just have to press you against a wall?"

Dodge chuckled. "Oh, you might want to reword that one."

"Shut up, you two!" Marsh, suddenly raising his voice ordered, pointing the Monado ahead at Dodge with a scowl. "Keep this rubbish up and I'm going to ditch your whole plan… and I'll take the Monado with me."

Dodge gazed at Marsh for a brief moment with a smile.

"That's the smart way of defusing this, Monado Boy. Good job! You passed the test - I wanted to see how you'd handle that. Honestly. Didn't think your pal'd get so mad over it, though. Geez louise!"

"… There's no way that was a test." Sariel added. "Quit it with your bull!"

"Own up to your words!" Aren yelled at Dodge. "You're just going to take them back that easily!? Be a man!"

Dodge ignored Aren's words as he opened the door to Reece's room, revealing none other than Reece, all in one piece. A smile grew on Aren's face as he saw Reece, but… the same couldn't be said for Reece.

"Aren… what were you doing? Are you okay?" Reece sheepishly spoke.

Out of the corner of Aren's eye, Dodge slowly left the room. Shortly after, Aren shook his head. "No… nothing happened. And, Reece…" Aren continued. "My bad… my bad for letting those ghosts get you… that was my fault."

"Don't worry about it. It wasn't your fault." Reece assured. "I'm just happy you guys came looking for me. I guess I owe you all for that, huh." Reece leaned against the wall.

"You don't owe us anything, kid! We did what was right… and knowing we've done that, that's the real reward!" Sariel added.

Marsh nodded in agreement, though he didn't say anything.

But, Aren turned to face both Marsh and Sariel, with a relieved smile. "Wouldn't be fair if I didn't thank you two for helping me out here… I'm pretty good, but I wouldn't have been able to get any of that done alone. So, thanks."

"No problem… would've felt wrong if I didn't do anything." Marsh said. "I've got the Monado, so it would've been wrong not to help out."

"So what are you going to do now?" Sariel asked. "You were trying to get out of that cave before, then we ended up in Garal-Javena… so where are you going to go from here?"

"I need to take Reece back to Larane… she's going to be worried about him, real worried. After I do that, chances are that our paths'll be splittin'. I'd love to come along, but Colony 7 – my duty's there, as a defender against the Mechon. If I don't, then… there might be a repeat of Colony 5."

"Colony 5…" Reece mumbled to nobody in particular."

"I won't lie," Marsh began. "It's a shame that we'll be taking different paths. You were a pretty cool guy, all things considered."

Shortly after these words, a semi-familiar presence entered the room, none other than Lorithia.

"I trust I'm not interrupting anything?" Lorithia asked. "However, something rather urgent has arisen, so may I ask for your attention?"

"Fire away." Marsh told.

Lorithia began to explain. "I trust you have heard of Colony 8... for weeks now, they have been suffering small-scale Mechon attacks. While they've proved themselves capable of protecting themselves... it seems as if they cannot hold out much longer. As Wielder of the Monado, this is where you come in. This is where you can make a change..."

Marsh nodded. "A Mechon attack…? Then... I'll go. It's my duty from here on out, isn't it...?"

"Don't say 'I'll go'! Say 'we're going'! Because it's not just you who's fighting the Mechon now – you've got me, and if Aren's coming along, you've got him, too. We're a team, aren't we?"

"… Yeah. We're a team, so we'll do this, together."

Lorithia frowned. "Sister? You, too?"

"It's dangerous, yeah. But think about what you said to Marsh. It's not just him that can't stand by and let people get hurt… I've got to pitch in with an effort, too. Not doing that, well… that'd be just wrong. If I can make a difference, then that's what I'm gonna do."

"I see… if that is your choice, then follow that path. Just be careful, sister." Lorithia spoke.

"I'll be coming along, you two. But I might need to drop off this little ankle-biter, first…!" Aren placed a hand onto Reece's shoulder. "Wouldn't want him getting hurt by those damned machines."

"To exit Javena, all you will need to locate is the Great Gate – found at the top of a large stairway. However, the guards may raise a fuss… so, in that case, I will order Dodge to accompany you. He should have the necessary… permissions to allow you to leave."

Side Notes: Not the most thrilling of chapters, probably, but hopefully that'll be changing soon. The plot's getting somewhere in my head, though, and I like that. Like, I've had a fair bit planned since the start, and it's finally getting into that stuff - outside the beginning. Feels good.

Anyways, made a few edits to Chapters 1-4 to improve readability. It's nothing new, just reworded stuff to hopefully improve them a bit. I'll probably do them for the later chapters too.

Also, thanks to you guys who are reading this - I hope you're enjoying it so far. I'm enjoying writing it, for one.