The group was nearly at the end of Sword Valley when they finally found the damned Mechon again. Only this time, it seemed already focused on someone, someone definitely of the Bionis.

A dark-skinned man, with silver hair and eyes stared up at the Mechon, a small smile on his face. He wore quite the ornate outfit, from his coat to his boots he seemed to be someone important… It reminded Egil quite a bit of how High Entia used to dress, when he could see them on a regular basis.

And then there was his choker, fastened around his neck with a key hanging from it.

Everything about him made him stand out in Sword Valley, and his sword did not look quite as sturdy as one would need to easily take on a Mechon. Realizing the jig was going to be up soon anyway, Egil moved to get between him and the Mechon. He didn't want the sap dying due to his own stupidity.

"Bionis' life like you isn't fit to handle something such as this." He spoke as he stepped between him and the robot. "Step back and allow us to handle this."

"Oh my." He chuckled a bit, moving to stand next to him. "Machina outside of the Mechonis? I suppose you couldn't ignore the sudden aggression of the Mechon, either."

Egil grimaced. Had Mechon already attacked the Bionis, then? This was not a good sign. "If your people are in danger, go help them. We can handle things here."

"I'm afraid I can't just do that, besides…" He brandished his sword. "You'll find I'm better at fighting than I look. There is a reason the High Entia chose me to represent them in this fight."

Egil still had plenty of questions for the strange man, but now wasn't the time for that. This Mechon was on the attack and its focus was honed in on Egil. The Mechon had nearly ripped his chest open again, and he only avoided it because the man pulled him out of the way.

Linada shot at the Mechon, grimacing as it turned to her. Vanea was quick to hop in, her whip striking out at it. Egil recovered and began doing what he could to help. Thankfully he was able to shut it off for a moment as they all caught their breath.

Then the man struck it, knocking it off balance enough for Vanea to pull it to the ground. Without waiting, Egil was quick to drive his heel into it, dazing it in place for a moment. Taking the chance a dazed Mechon presented, he had his drones get to work, freezing and burning it all at once, watching its armour melt under the heat only to freeze in place.

Linada was quick to keep health and morale up as Vanea continued to tear into it with her whip. The man showed use with ether as well, confusing the target with attacks that seemed to come out of nowhere as it stumbled to its feet for a few precious moments

They soon enough defeated it and Egil took a step back before sitting himself on the ground. He let out a groan as the man sat next to him with a smile.

"So…" Egil rubbed his neck. "Who are you, exactly?"

"I am Alvis, a Homs… Though I suppose Machina don't know what those are." He chuckled a bit. "You are Egil, correct?"

"How did you know that?" He furrowed his brow.

"I know many things." He placed a finger to his lips, looking at Egil's chest. "How interesting… you haven't unlocked the true power yet."

"Excuse me?" He wasn't sure that comment was a welcome one. "What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, I'm sure you'll understand in time." He let his finger glide down to touch it. "As long as you want to understand, that is."

All Egil could do was stare at Alvis, utterly confused by the Homs' words.


"Vanea, are you alright?" Linada looked at Vanea. "You seem upset."

"Upset?" Vanea jumped a bit, looking over at the man speaking with Egil as she tried to force the frown off her face. "No, I'm fine, I just…"

His voice seemed familiar, and she didn't like it. The voice was like the one that told her to press Lady Meyneth's soul into Egil's body. Was she imagining it, or was there a reason for it? It was hard for her to tell, and if it turned out to be nothing she would just be embarrassed to face the fact she said something.

So she kept quiet, turning away from them and trying to block out as he spoke. "How are you Linada? Not hurt, are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you." Linada smiled. "With that man's help we were able to avoid too much trouble. It was impressive."

"Impressive, that is true." She glanced back at them for only a moment. "I wonder where he learned to fight like that."

"He mentioned the High Entia, yes?" Linada tapped her chin as she thought. "I suppose they could have been the ones to teach him."

"I suppose so." She nodded. "That sword of his is interesting, as well…" It reminded her vaguely of that cursed sword…

But now she was starting to think she was just overthinking. Paranoid after what had happened to Egil… She took a deep breath and pushed the thoughts out of her mind before looking back at Linada, a smile on her face.

"Please, ignore what I said." She shook her head, forcing a smile onto her face. "I wasn't thinking straight."

"If you say so…" Linada hummed, tapping her foot against the ground. "But if you change your mind…"

She doubted she would actually do that, but she still gave her a grateful look. "I will keep your offer in mind, Linada, thank you."


"Now that you've all rested up, I suppose I should ask what you're planning on doing." Alvis looked at the group, a hand on his hip. "Will you simply return home?"

"No, I…" Egil took a breath, stepping forward. "I wish to go onto the Bionis. There is something I need to do there."

He still wasn't sure what it was, but he would trust Lady Meyneth. If anyone was trustworthy… it was her. She had protected the Machina in their time of need, gone to sleep because of it. If he could return the favor, even a bit, he would.

"I see." He hummed. "In that case, I will lead you all through Valak Mountain."

"Lead us…?" Vanea seemed hesitant. "That would make you compliant in our breaking of the treaty."

"Yes, well…" He tapped Egil's chest. "Bodies like yours will have trouble in the snow of Valak. If you allow me, I can ensure you all make it out of there alive."

"I suppose that is true." Linada put a hand to her chin. "Our bodies are not made for extreme weather. His help could be useful."

Egil nodded. "Then we will accept your help. Thank you, Alvis."

"It's not a problem." He gave a laugh. "I may even be able to keep you out of most treaty-related trouble."

"Just how important are you on the Bionis?" Vanea crossed her arms.

"Oh, not that important." He put a finger to his lips. "I just so happen to be very good at talking."

"As we've noticed." Egil sighed, hand on his hip. "Where shall we begin?"

"Your heels." He gestured towards their feet. "You're all quite heavy and will just sink into the snow with those. You need snow shoes of sorts…"

"I see." Linada nodded. "Shall I tell you more about Machina anatomy, then? That may help you understand what else we may need."

"Ah, perfect." Alvis nodded. "Please, start wherever you'd like."