Phantasy Star: Mechanical Error Chapter 11
Written by Sarah Schoenlaub
A voice boomed in the yellow building. "Ah, Protectors of Algo, you have arrived. I am Le Roof, the guardian of Algo."
"Le Roof… Palmalatin," Kyle remarked.
"You seek entry to The Edge? Take care…"
"We know the danger," Laurie said.
"It's not about knowing the risk you take. Protectors before you knew the risk, and nearly died when the section they were in collapsed. Elsydeon protected them."
Mune stepped forward. "We still possess it, Le Roof."
"Ah, Lutz. You have quite a decision to make."
Erick looked at Mune. "What does he mean?"
"A great responsibility will be given to you, Erick, descendant of Chaz."
"Me?" Erick looked shocked.
"Unless you fear it…"
Mune interrupted. "He is ready, Le Roof."
"The decision lies with you, Lutz."
"What about the rings?" Laurie asked.
"I can do no more with them. I only have my other guardians, who will be sent with you."
Laurie turned to Mune. "Why didn't you tell us?"
"It was necessary that we come to Rykros, Laurie."
Le Roof spoke again. "The rings are protection. There are other preparations to be made. Sa Lews and De Vars will accompany you on your quest. I wish for Feria to meet Re Faze, my third guardian."
"Courage, strength, and… anger?" Kyle translated. "Why must Feria visit one called 'Anger?'"
"The power she will need is there."
"I'll take her there," Mune said.
"No, Mune. You have other responsibilities."
Kyle looked around. "I have the location in my data banks from Wren's memory. I will take her."
"I'll join you," Laurie said.
"I need to take Erick to Dezolis," Mune said to Kyle.
"The coordinates should still be there. Set the ship on autopilot."
Erick looked at Mune. "Why must I go to Dezolis?"
"Erick, your power lies there."
* * *
Feria, Laurie, and Kyle walked cautiously through the Anger Tower, a purple crystal building, when a green-robed man was seen walking by.
"What's that?" Feria asked.
"Green-robed cultic mage. Known as Le Faw Gan," Kyle replied.
"The frightening magician," Laurie translated.
"What do you know about this… Le Faw whatever it is, Kyle?"
Kyle looked at the man walking. "They use the power of Tandil."
"Tandle?" Laurie repeated.
"No, Tandil. Not lightning based, some other power."
Feria nodded.
They continued slowly, trying to avoid the Le Faw Gans in the hallways. As they ascended another flight of stairs, a voice boomed overhead.
"Only Feria need enter here!"
Kyle and Laurie looked at Feria, who shrugged a moment, then proceeded up the stairs.
* * *
Mune led Erick to the inner chambers of the Esper Mansion. An elderly esper stopped them as they entered. "Sir, what brings you back?" he asked Mune.
"I was unsure at first, but my decision has been made. This boy is the one," he explained.
The man nodded. "The decision is yours, Lutz."
Erick looked at Mune. "What does he mean?"
Mune led Erick into the inner chamber and walked over to a narrow shelf in the corner. "This." He picked up a long, beautifully decorated sword and held it before Erick. "You are the one who will wield Elsydeon in the coming battle."
"Me?"
"You, Erick Ashley, descendant of Chaz Ashley. Though there was confusion in your heart before, you have grown much."
Erick pondered the words, spoken with the wisdom of many thousand years. It still amazed him how Mune, a man who looked to be in his late twenties, could possess such
amazing knowledge. Erick took the sword from his hands, grasping the hilt within his own palms, when he saw a person there in front of him; it was not Mune, but rather Chaz, smiling at him.
"Don't be afraid, Erick. I was, when I was in your position. But you are not alone. Within this sword lies the spirit of every Protector who fought for Algo, from Alis Landale to Zelan's own Fuoren." Erick saw the faces before him, all silently encouraging him.
"Fuoren?"
Wren nodded. "I am here with the other Protectors. Demi will join me when she no longer functions. It was feared that we would not rest in Elsydeon without true souls, but humans breathed that life into us. I am here with my creators, Ava and Garis. Tell them, Erick… tell Demi and Laurie that it will be alright."
Chaz stepped forward again. "Erick, we all stand with you. Do what is right for Algo, and we will be right behind you." Each Protector raised a hand high, saluting Erick, swearing to be there to help. Erick lifted the sword high.
"I will. I will fight for Algo, even to my death."
* * *
Feria looked around the large room and saw Erick standing there, silent, in the middle of the room. "Erick? I thought you were with Mune. What are you…?"
He jumped forward, swinging his sword.
"What are you doing, you retard? This is no time for games."
He slashed again, cutting Feria's arm. Red blood trickled from the wound.
"Erick, stop it!"
He slashed again, catching her thigh, cutting cleanly through her skin, though not deep.
Feria jumped back.
Erick began to charge, his sword aiming to her heart. In fear, she threw her slasher. It embedded itself into his back and he stopped. He fell to his knees, then to the floor. He lay, blood pouring from the wound.
"By the Light… Erick… Erick!"
Feria ran to him and knelt by his side, turning his still body over. His eyes were rolled back. He was… dead.
Feria screamed and jumped up. "No, I didn't mean to, I didn't…"
His body engulfed in flames and was replaced by a strange flaming demon. It seemed to grin at her.
"What did you do?"
"Ha ha… you killed him, didn't you? But fear not, Feria, for what you saw was a mere illusion."
"But I…" she trailed off, seeing there were no cuts on her. No blood. Even her slasher lay on the floor, without a trace of blood. "Why are you doing this?" she screeched.
"Ha… see how angry you become? See how much you hate my trickery? You become powerful with that hate. You know, I can teach you a way to use that power."
"What? Are you crazy?"
"The power of anger and hate… enough to kill any Profound Darkness you seek."
Feria stopped and thought about it. "But… even if I could use it to kill the Profound Darkness, what would be the point?"
"What?"
"Using hate… to fight darkness? It's like fighting fire with fire!"
The creature laughed. "So, you too are clever and understanding enough to know better."
"Of course! It'd be like a hunter fighting a hunter. Stupid."
"Then you can use this power…. A forbidden technique."
Feria raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"Megido. The most powerful technique that exists. It is only to be entrusted to those who use it for good, which you certainly shall."
Feria nodded. She felt the knowledge tough her mind as the flaming demon seemed to sear the technique into her brain.
"Tell Le Roof that Re Faze has proven you worthy."
* * *
Back at the main tower of Rykros, Feria, Kyle, and Laurie waited for Mune to return. When Erick entered the room, Feria ran up to him and embraced him. "I'm so glad to see you," she said.
Le Roof's booming voice ended the reunion. "So, you Protectors have proven yourselves. I will now attempt to open a portal into The Edge."
Demi rushed out into the room. "Sorry, had to make sure the engines were shut down."
Mune looked at everyone. "Everyone have a ring?"
They all nodded slowly.
"Remember, my guardians, Sa Lews and De Vars will be with you. They will not come out of hiding until they have reached the final enemy. They cannot risk their safety."
Mune nodded.
"Are you all prepared? There is no turning back."
Erick stepped forward. "We are ready, Le Roof. Show us the way!"