Eryth Sea. A vast expanse of ocean, with islands dotted about over the surface. Literally: the islands were floating above the ocean. Reyn, Dunban and Sharla were in awe. Riki and Melia had seen this before, and Shulk was just vaguely impressed: impressed enough to write it down, at least.
"Now how did an ocean get on top of Frontier Village?" Dunban asked.
"Dive deep enough, and you can reach their tree!" Reyn commented, laughing a little.
"Perhaps you should try?" Melia asked. Reyn shook his head. Shulk turned to Melia.
"Prison Island is up there. You'll be able to tell it from the other islands, no problem," Melia said. The Homs turned. Sure enough, black as night and patterned in blue, Prison Island stuck out like a sore thumb. Jagged and chained, where the other islands were rounded and green.
"Like I said, you will need imperial sanction to enter Prison Island. I will require that you come with me to Alcamoth before we go there," Melia said.
"Riki no want go to Prison Island!" Riki said.
"I'll admit I agree with furball on this one," Reyn said.
"Knock it off, you two. What's so dangerous about a giant hunk of rock?" Sharla asked. Melia and Shulk began walking at a right angle to Prison Island, instead making the imperial capital Alcamoth their destination. If the islands didn't contrast Prison Island, Alcamoth definitely did: a collection of white, uniformly laid discs formed an elegant city.
"What made this possible?" Shulk asked, his eyes combing the city for clues.
"I do not know. It is never something I have needed to consider," Melia responded. Dunban nodded knowledgeably, and the party followed Melia through Eryth.
Using High Entia teleporters, the party arrived at the imperial capital, Alcamoth. Melia took in a deep breath, and walked into the silver circle that surrounded the teleporter to Alcamoth.
"Glad to be home, then?" Shulk asked.
"Yes…" Melia agreed. Before anyone could enter Alcamoth, though, four faceless High Entia figures came out.
"Welcome home, Lady Melia," one of these figures said, as all four got on one knee. Melia curtsied.
"Glad to meet you too, Thomas, Arthur, Reginald, Fergus…" Melia said. The group looked between each other. It was uncommon for High Entia nobles to know the names of their guard.
"Now, if you do not mind, I must have access to the capital. I need a signature of formal sanction into Prison Island for a party of six: four Homs, one Nopon, and one High Entia," Melia explained. The eyes of the High Entia were drawn to the party. Reyn and Sharla were quite surprised to hear Melia's heritage.
"High Entia? She doesn't look anything like one!" Reyn commented.
"I suppose we should've figured it out when the Nopon called her Bird-Lady…" Sharla added.
Tyrea will use Flying Bee on Melia. This will kill her. You have until sometime tomorrow.
Shulk shook himself from his vision. He looked up.
"Shulk, you will be accommodated for. Please attempt not to talk to me. Riki, likewise. The rest of you… don't talk to me, period," Melia said.
"Oh, give it a rest!" Reyn said. Shulk was scratching his head in a furious train of thought.
"Wait for me to arrange an audience with the Emperor," Melia said. She and the guards that met her entered the city.
"OK, before we get to the Orluga in the room… Dunban, did I not hear a surprised reaction from you?" Shulk asked.
"Dickson informed me that the emperor of the High Entia was named Sorean Antiqua, and his daughter Melia. I knew of this before we even met her," Dunban said.
"So that's why you asked!" Reyn said.
"But why did he tell you in the first place?" Sharla asked.
"It isn't something I'd like to discuss here. Shulk, you mentioned an Orluga?" Dunban said.
"Oh, right… I had a vision. A person called Tyrea will kill Melia tomorrow," Shulk said. It was a mark of how important Melia was to the current situation that Reyn refrained from saying 'Good riddance'.
"Shulk, you're the only one in this party who both I and Melia trust. Keep one ear open for when Tyrea plans to strike," Dunban said.
"No faith in Riki?" Riki asked.
"No. I suspect politics is involved, and Shulk is just barely qualified for the job," Dunban said honestly. "In an ideal world, I would be the one to perform this duty, with Sharla backing me up. But Melia would hate my guts for it."
More High Entia appeared from the teleporter. These ones were armed.
Melia walked through Alcamoth, and made her way to the audience chamber, to seek an audience with her father. She held her hand to her heart as she walked.
Shulk… I want nothing more than your success, Melia thought to herself. She arrived at the Audience Chamber, and came to see her father and brother, Sorean Antiqua and Kallian Antiqua.
"Melia Antiqua has returned, Your Majesty," Melia said, curtseying.
"You have done well to slay that Telethia, my kin. My pride for you is without rein. My apologies in advance," Sorean said.
"Your Majesty… I deserve no pride. Although I delivered the final blow, it was without any of the four subjects you entrusted: Hogard, Garan, Damil or Aizel. And a large portion of the work was done with the aid of a travelling party of Homs and the local Heropon," Melia said modestly.
"We will grieve, but their deaths were unavoidable. Do not allow them to weigh you down, my kin," Sorean said.
Just what Shulk said…
"And you mention Homs and Nopon? Would these be the same Homs and Nopon who accompanied you to the capital?" Kallian asked. "The same Homs and Nopon who have been arrested by Imperial Security?"
"Arrested? Shulk! Riki!" Melia cried out.
"That's two…" Kallian said.
"You can leave the other Homs," Melia said coolly. "Shulk will let them out if he sees fit. I couldn't care much less about them."
"Melia, under normal circumstances, I'd see fit to release the Shulk and Riki under the condition that the other three remain. But their arrest was made due to the weapon Shulk carries: the Monado. I cannot allow Shulk to wander freely," Kallian said.
"Why?" Melia asked, holding back tears through the last of her reserve.
"The Monado is a divine weapon, bestowed by the Bionis itself. However… he will destroy the High Entia if he is black of heart," Kallian recited.
"I can vouch for Shulk's kindness. If Shulk desired the destruction of the High Entia, he would not have saved my life in the forest," Melia said.
"That is for the divine seer to reveal. Calm your spirit, and be patient, First Princess," Sorean said. He turned, and left the room.
"My sister… I can tell our words have confused you. You are to be next ruler of the High Entia. Father and I are ignorant of a better candidate. It was your resourcefulness and heart in dispatching the Telethia that proved this to us," Kallian said.
"Me? But I…" Melia started.
"The deaths of the soldiers we entrusted to you: Hogard, Garan, Damil and Aizel. Their deaths are not a sign of your unfit-to-rule nature. Engrave their deeds in your heart. The Emperor has chosen wisely. Now, I can see it in your eyes… go to your room, and allow the fear and hatred that has amassed free, away from prying eyes. I will make sure your friends are catered for as quickly as High Entia bureaucracy allows," Kallian said.
"Not quick enough…" Melia said.
"I know. But it's the only speed at which I can go," Kallian admitted. He left at his fastest walking speed without appearing to rush. Melia turned to go to her room, to see Lorithia in her way.
"The Ministries of Research and Records agree with His Majesty's decision. I, Lorithia, see no reason to object. However, be wary… there are those who will. Tread carefully: you do not want to face a sticky end," she said, casting a meaningful glance at a pillar to their side. Melia laid a hand on her staff, and nodded gratefully.
"And Melia? I agree: the wielder of the Monado might make a useful tool. I will personally see to it that he is released from our captivity as quickly as possible. But for a heart such as yours, no speed longer than instantaneous is satisfactory. Please try not to take your anger out on those who mean well," Lorithia added.
Reyn would do well to heed Lorithia's advice. He was angrily punching the one wall in the beautiful glass room that could withstand the beating. Shulk stared determinedly in the opposite direction, while Dunban and Sharla sat at the large table. Riki was beside Shulk.
"Reyn, this is why Melia hates you, you know," Shulk said, without looking over his shoulder.
"What do you expect? Those birdbrains have us here for no good reason!" Reyn said.
"Well, Reyn, seeing as how we are unable to do anything about our situation, why don't you sit down, and make this stint more tolerable for everyone else?" Dunban asked. Reyn gave one last punch, and sighed. He sat beside Sharla at the table.
"What we do know is that Melia is in on this. Shulk, stop defending her!" Reyn said.
"This is not of Melia's design," Shulk said. "I can vaguely see her chambers from here. I think: that looks like Melia. She's taken off some of her more distinctive clothes, but I think that's her. She's crying her poor little heart out," Shulk said.
"Shulk, get away from that window," Sharla said without turning around. Shulk continued to stare out the window, mapping Alcamoth in his head.
"Your point is still valid: Melia did promise to take us to Prison Island. Well, you mostly. She would have us arrested, but the fact they specifically took your Monado first says that it is you the High Entia are taking offense to," Dunban said. They had lost their weapons: Shulk's Monado, Reyn's Driver, Gadolt's rifle, Dickson's Anti-Mechon katana, and Riki's iconic biter. The door to their room opened, and two High Entia entered.
"You are to be interrogated by the divine seer," one said.
"Send him in," Shulk said idly, still analysing the view.
"I'm already here, Shulk," Alvis' distinct voice, a voice Shulk was more than familiar with, said, standing beside him. "I can see the appeal of this particular window, but please, concentrate on our interrogation. Leave us." The two High Entia nodded, and went to bar the door.
"Alvis? What are you doing here? And what do you mean, see the appeal?" Shulk asked. Reyn, Sharla and Dunban looked between each other, somewhat worriedly.
"Aw, don't tell me… you lot, I don't appreciate you guys not explaining this to me. You go all quiet and awkward whenever we talk about Fiora, and Dunban, you've been doing it a lot around Melia, too!" Shulk said. Alvis nodded slowly.
"That would probably be a long conversation then… I decline to answer that second question of yours, then. As for the first, I am the divine seer for the royal throne of the High Entia," Alvis said.
"Wait, what? You know this guy?" Reyn asked.
"Alvis. He saved me from the Telethia while I was going for those Ether Crystals," Shulk explained. While he was doing so, Alvis looked up and down thoughtfully.
"I know why you are here, Shulk," Alvis said.
"Is Melia OK?" Shulk asked.
"From your point of view, no. No, it is next to impossible for Melia to be OK in this climate. You have seen the anguish from here. From ours… by her normal standards, she will recover. There has been no lasting damage to anything particularly important done today. Except maybe her trust in the High Entia," Alvis responded. He inhaled.
"You have been detained for other reasons. A red strike against your back, Shulk," Alvis said. He held out his hand, and summoned a red symbol in the palm. The Monado. Riki giggled.
"Red strike… that funny, Hom Hom Alvis!" he said.
"Oh… oh, so that's what's so funny. I try not to make jokes too often. It clashes with my mystique. Nopon, do not expect more," Alvis said.
"Riki sad now…" Riki said. Alvis ignored this.
"The High Entia and the Monado go back many millennia. Leave everything to me. Trust me, expect to see some High Entia corpses if we detain you unnecessarily…" Alvis said. "And maybe mine, as well." He walked over to the High Entia guards.
"These people are to be freed at once. They are now guests of the royal family. Return the driver, the rifle, the katana and the biter," Alvis said. With a small tumbling noise, said weapons appeared on the table. Reyn, Dunban and Riki all grabbed theirs happily, while Sharla hugged her rifle to her chest before stowing it away.
"Um?" one guard asked.
"Sentimental value," Reyn said. This satisfied the guard.
"To satisfy my curiosity…" Shulk started.
"What of the Monado? To raise as few eyebrows as possible, I will be keeping it as a safety measure. Shulk, I will escort you to Lady Melia's side. She will need you in the near future. As for the rest of you, feel free to explore our city, but do not cause any trouble for the citizens. However, feel free to aid them if you so desire," Alvis said. Everyone nodded, and Shulk followed Alvis from the room.
"Well, we have learned quite a good deal from this conversation," Dunban said.
"And Dunban? How on Bionis did you expect Shulk to fall for Fiora?" Sharla asked. She and Dunban began an argument on the topic.
"Riki go act as Heropon for Bird-People. Reyn coming?" Riki said. Reyn looked at Sharla and Dunban.
"Yeah," he said. The two left to go talk to the citizens.
Melia and Shulk had had much discussion, thanks to Alvis. However, it was not long before Melia was called to see Sorean. Shulk was permitted to come.
"Melia… we have had some discussion, and we have decided that, to help become Empress, that you must undergo the Trial of the Tomb," Sorean said.
"Melia, I am against this…" Kallian said.
"I am not, Brother. I accept. If I am to lead the High Entia, if I am to succeed the throne, despite my mixed heritage… I accept what must be done," Melia said.
"A wise decision, Melia," Yumea, First Consort to Sorean, said.
"The path to greatness is fraught with danger. You have the worth to be my successor," Sorean said.
"Your Majesty… Forgive me for my ignorance, but is this a job that Melia must do alone, or is she allowed a companion?" Shulk asked.
"Alone," Yumea said. Sorean held up a hand, and the three engaged in a huddle.
"I might have started more than I intended, Melia…" Shulk said apologetically.
"It has been redefined. As the consort to the future Empress, your company is well within the bounds defined for the Trial. However, you are required to stay out of any confrontation," Sorean said.
"I understand. And without the Monado, it's not like I have a choice," Shulk said. Yumea glared at him. Must've been a two-to-one majority vote. Yumea's glare also encompassed Melia.
"Excellent. You leave tomorrow," Sorean said.
…Tomorrow… I am missing the Monado about now…
Dunban and Sharla woke up the next morning. Reyn and Riki had yet to return, but that didn't bother them. They were very directionless, and it would be natural for them to get lost. They would just have to find them later. They looked out the window, to see a ceremony taking place.
"My loyal and beloved subjects. Sorean Antiqua speaks," they heard.
"This is interesting… what might be going on?" Sharla asked.
"I have been your emperor for little more than twenty years. But today, I stand before you in celebration. I will remain your emperor for years to come. But now is the time to announce my successor," he said.
"That seems a little fast…" Dunban said.
"May I introduce your Crown Princess? And the future Emperor Consort?" Sorean asked.
"Shulk?" Sharla asked.
"Melia Antiqua! And Shulk… no last name given!" Sorean announced.
"Yep," Sharla said.
"Hopefully he knows what Emperor Consort means…" Dunban added.
"My daughter, Melia Antiqua, and her fiancé, Shulk, will depart immediately to face the Tomb," Sorean said. Shulk raised an eyebrow, but Sharla and Dunban couldn't quite make that detail out.
"They will seek the approval of our ancestors and become your crown rulers!" Sorean announced.
"I wish the best for them…" Dunban said. He stood up in worry.
"But didn't Shulk say Melia was to die at the hands of Tyrea today?" Dunban asked.
"I'd forgotten about that…" Sharla said.
"Hold it! You will not leave this room… alive!" a masked voice said. Five identical figures entered the room.
"Oi!" Reyn said. A few slashes of the driver, and four such figures fell. The last one was held in place by Riki's biter.
"Now out with it, assassin. What do you know of Tyrea?" Dunban asked.
"She's already gone to assassinate that wretched half-Homs Melia and her fawning husband. Without the Monado, they're helpless!" the assassin said. Reyn shoved his driver at her, not-quite killing her.
"We've no time to lose. We must hurry after Melia and Shulk," Dunban said. "This will be no honeymoon for them if we do not act!"
Shulk and Melia stood before the Tomb.
"As agreed, there is to be no more assistance granted unto you, Melia. We wish you a safe return…" Lorithia said. Melia curtsied, and Shulk clumsily bowed. He was still reeling from the advice given by Sorean and other heads of Alcamoth. Melia's half-Homs heritage and their use of words like fiancé and consort chief among them.
Dunban, Reyn, Sharla and Riki were rushing through Alcamoth, drawing eyes from everyone in Alcamoth. They ignored these eyes and stepped through the teleporter to the High Entia Tomb. They stopped to see the massive door. Alvis was beside them. No one had the breath to question it.
"There are defensive measures in place for exactly this situation. I will aid you in circumventing them," Alvis said. Again, no questions were drawn. He would've probably only talked to Shulk anyway.
Melia and Shulk walked through the Tomb.
"The altar is deep within the Tomb. I wonder what trials await us…" Melia asked. She walked forward, Shulk following. Melia pushed a button in front of a door, and waited.
2512 cycles since last visitor. State your name and purpose, a voice said.
"Melia Antiqua. Shulk. We have come to be judged on my legitimacy to the throne by the ancestral spirits."
Permission granted. Commencing analysis of genetic data.
A green ring surrounded both Shulk and Melia. Shulk reached for his Monado, only to remember it was gone. The door disappeared, and Shulk and Melia could travel through the passage.
The Homs and Riki appeared not long after.
"It's so cold and sterile…" Sharla commented.
"This is a Tomb," Dunban pointed out. "There are ancient spirits about."
"And there are defence systems to prevent uninvited-" Alvis added. He turned to the button Melia had pressed earlier.
"What does this button do? Riki want touch!" Riki said. He jumped up, and hit the button. Green rings surrounded the entire party. The circle of land the party was standing on vanished, as all five travellers fell.
Melia and Shulk walked through the tomb. Shulk was looking around at the tablets, with arcane alphabets. Melia was walking over sacred platforms, which appeared only as Melia walked. Melia easily dispatched any foe that appeared, as the two arrived in the Ceremony Hall.
You have done well, my descendant.
"Descendant? Are you the progenitor of Antiqua?" Melia asked.
Think of me as a recreation of said ancestor, possessing his thoughts and speech.
"But he must've passed way centuries ago," Shulk said.
"Millennia," Melia corrected.
Do not mistake me for a living being. I am a replica of your ancestor. I am merely a projection of what he would be, if you were to meet him now.
"I do not understand… but I do not suspect you of falsehood..."
It is beyond doubt. If I could feel, I would feel joy. I am not real, but I do not lie.
"Joy?" Melia asked.
The results of the gene analysis show Homs gene integration of 90%.
"Counting me?" Shulk asked. A green ring surrounded Melia alone.
80%. My bad. Estimates suggest evolution within a revised eight generations. Our wishes are almost fulfilled. Our purpose, as decreed by the Bionis, is linked to our genetic sequence. We have spent millennia analysing sequences to free ourselves from the curse. Only a certain gene set will unlock the mechanism and set us free.
"I do not understand…" Melia said. She looked to Shulk.
"I never studied biology. My realm of understanding is in machinery and engineering," Shulk added. "However, I understand each term he uses, and I can sort of see what he means."
You have chosen well, Antiqua. It is of no consequence you do not understand. Consider it my personal musings. I grant to you both this seal.
A green light shot from the light in the room where the sound was being emitted. A symbol appeared on Melia's forehead, and a slightly less intricate one showed on Shulk's.
It is to be you who will rule the High Entia. And you will likely be the last. Go forth and rule, descendant.
"So the spirits look favourably upon you, coward," a voice said. Shulk turned on the spot. Melia took a more dignified movement.
"Explain yourself. Only imperials are permitted to enter this place. …And future imperials," Melia said.
"I am the subject of Her Highness the First Consort. I require no permission!" the woman said.
"Mother's subject?" Melia asked.
"No impure child of the Second Consort has the right to refer to the First Consort as 'Mother'. A filthy Homs half-breed has no right to the throne! I, Lady Tyrea, will see to it that you and your pathetic Homs sidekick are removed from this plane of existence!" she said.
Tyrea… sounds familiar… oh no!
"Melia! Do you have another staff?" Shulk asked. Melia withdrew such a weapon, and Shulk grabbed it. He focused, and used a Summon Bolt art.
"You will fall here, scourge of Bionis!" Shulk said.
"Who puts a great big hole somewhere like that?" Reyn asked.
"Ask Riki. It was he who activated the defensive mechanisms. If we hurry, we can still catch Melia," Alvis said.
"Oh no! Is it Riki's fault that Shulk and Melly are in danger?" Riki asked.
"Yes, Riki. But if we hurry, I'll give you the first shot at saving them," Sharla said. Alvis held out his hand, and summoned the Monado.
"You've got it?" Dunban asked.
"Shulk will need it," Alvis said.
The party traversed through the tomb, and heard some voices.
"A filthy Homs half-breed has no right to the throne! I, Lady Tyrea, will see to it that you and your pathetic Homs sidekick are removed from this plane of existence!" a female shouted.
"Melia! Do you have another staff?" Shulk's voice asked.
"You will fall here, scourge of Bionis!" Shulk continued. The party burst through the door, to see Shulk and Melia both carrying a staff, with a Summoned Bolt. A roar sounded, and a beast descended on the arena.
"A Telethia?" everyone asked.
"Why should you care? You're about to die!" Tyrea said.
"Shulk!" Alvis called out. He tossed the Monado through the air. Shulk discharged the Summon Bolt, and grabbed the Monado, using a Purge immediately. Shulk looked between the Solidum Telethia and Tyrea.
"Reyn, Dunban, Riki, go for Tyrea! Sharla, aid me, Melia and Alvis in fighting the Telethia! The Monado cannot harm people of Bionis…" Shulk said. The party agreed on this, and Reyn, Dunban and Riki fled with Tyrea. Sword slashes and gun shots echoed around the chamber, as the enemy combination became really hectic.
"Shulk. Activate a Chain Attack," Alvis said.
"So quickly?" Shulk asked. "OK… Chain Attack!
MELIA: Starlight Kick!
SHULK: Shaker Edge!
ALVIS: Lost Ray!
SHARLA: Head Shot!
The Telethia went down.
"What happened?" Shulk asked.
"I willed for you to win…" Alvis said. "So that is what happened." The group turned to the fight against Tyrea. Reyn used a Sword Drive, and sent Tyrea to her knees.
"Almost bought it there…" Reyn said.
"Thank you, Alvis…" Shulk added. "You saved our lives!"
"My pleasure," Alvis said. He turned. "But it seems our assailant Tyrea vanished…"
"No matter… You saved us… Reyn, Sharla, Dunban… I thank you…" Melia said. She smiled as she looked at them.
"Guess she trusts us now… and all it took was saving her life," Reyn said.
"All it took?" Dunban said.
"…Yeah, I guess I'd trust someone who'd do that for me," Reyn concluded.
"Melly safe thanks to Heropon!" Riki said, jumping into Melia's arms. Melia gave Riki a soft stroke, and Shulk gave him a stroke as well.
"And that's what happened," Alvis said. "Sadly, nothing was able to be proven today…"
"But still, the Bionite Order working under our noses…" Kallian said. "Just the thought gives me chills."
"Melia, you have returned unharmed from the Tomb. Our forefathers have spoken," Sorean said. "With or without Shulk, your legitimacy to the throne is intact."
"Thank you, Father…" Melia said.
"And you do not need to worry about Shulk. I must consider my move. If I find it a wise decision, you might access Prison Island," Sorean said. Shulk nodded. He was content to simply watch Melia's little ceremony here. The other Homs and Nopon had also been invited.
"Thank you for aiding my daughter," he added. Shulk bowed.
"She is a lucky girl to have met someone as kind as you, Shulk. We have claimed it earlier, but I formally give you my blessings for courting her at a time when matters are not so pressing," Sorean said.
"I am really going to have to ask you about what everyone's talking about at some point, Dunban," Shulk said out of the corner of his mouth.
"But I must warn you… you must stop the Mechon assault immediately. If we allow the invasion to continue… the Bionis is awakening. If the Bionis awakens, all life on Bionis could come to total extinction," Sorean said.
Reyn, Sharla, Dunban and Riki were content to watch a beautiful show put on by the High Entia as celebration. Melia and Shulk were watching on a higher ledge, Melia in Shulk's arms. Melia's smile was hidden under her Imperial mask, but Shulk could feel the muscles on his leg. Shulk looked up, and saw some odd lasers in the sky.
"That's not normal…" Shulk said. He decided to overlook it, just in case. He heard footsteps, and found Riki behind them. Reyn, Sharla and Dunban weren't too far behind.
"You came to see me?" Melia asked.
"Of course. What you did earlier was amazing!" Sharla commented.
"And I must say, you have an excellent garden," Dunban added.
"Ah, you found the garden? It was one of my mother's favourite places. We'd be in there so often… ah," Melia said.
"You were in there with Yumea?" Shulk asked.
"No… my birth mother. She was a Homs…" Melia reminisced.
"Oh… and in less than an hour, there will a banquet. I'd like you all to come," she added.
"Reyn, Riki, the banquet food is for everyone," Shulk said. They hadn't even accepted, and Shulk was already pre-chewing them out.
The Face Malice will use Killing Claw on Sorean. He will not survive the attack. You have until later tonight.
"…Uh oh…" Shulk said.
"Another vision?" Reyn asked. Everyone looked between each other, before a siren sounded.
"Mechon!" Melia cried out. Sorean looked up from a corner.
"Quickly… we must go to Prison Island! Whatever our ancestors sealed there will not remain there if the Mechon get there first!" Sorean said. The party jumped up on the spot.
"Father! Bad idea!" Melia cried out. Sorean had scooped up the Imperial Staff from its resting place, and began to run towards Prison Island.
"We must go. The Emperor… he is going to die if we do not give chase," Shulk said. They started to run.
The party arrived at Prison Island. The Mechon were firing lasers around the island, as other beasts started to defend. They saw High Entia machines and some beasts that existed only in the group's nightmares conflicted with the foes. The party ascended the island at a quick-step pace. The island itself began firing lasers, zapping Faces and shielding the island. Shulk concluded that it would not harm them, and the party continued up. Statues of Telethia marked the way. Shulk and Melia opened doors marked by a High Entia symbol. The High Entia must really have not wanted people to climb. At the top of the tower… was the place Shulk was waiting to reach since he saw that vision. Sorean Antiqua stood there, in front of a giant.
"Who is this?" Melia asked.
"Welcome… True Heir to the Monado," it said.
"Who are you?" Shulk asked.
"I am Zanza. And I have waited centuries for you," it said.
"But weren't you sealed eons ago?" Melia asked.
"I forged that Monado. It is moulded from me. All who wield the sword are made known to me. You two Homs at the back… you and that other guy were very dim in trying to wield it. Shulk, however… the Monado is yours to wield," Zanza said.
"You made…" Shulk said.
"Yes… I made it millennia ago, to oppose Mechonis. It controls the principle upon which life is based… ether. Mastering that power would generate infinite power. Most of your species didn't want this to happen, and imprisoned me here. I once beat the Mechonis with that…" Zanza said.
"You? With that?" Reyn asked.
"Appearances are merely illusions. What shape it takes depends on its master. The sword was forged to oppose Mechonis. As the wielder grows, so too does their ability to control all things. Yet… the Monado is in shackles. Suppressed…" Zanza said.
"You mean… the fact it cannot harm people of Bionis?" Shulk asked.
"Yes… that constraint. Thanks to it, Faced Mechon appeared. Mechon which resist the Monado's power…" Zanza said. More kabooms.
"I will remove the shackles on the Monado. Only if you remove my own shackles. Free me, and the Monado will cut down anything you wish. Nothing short of a god could stand in your way!" Zanza said.
"Shulk… bad idea. We have no idea why Zanza is shackled. Is it worth it, to try and kill the Faced Mechon? Is Face Malice worth the effort?" Melia asked. Shulk looked between Zanza and Melia.
"…Yes. It is worth it," Shulk said.
*SHING* *SHING*
With a cross of blue light, the Monado chopped off the shackles of Zanza.
"Ah… that's better. Heir to the Monado. Your will shall be done. Let the shackles be released!" Zanza cried out.
*This party is now over!* a familiar growl cried. Zanza was pierced by a spear, and vanished.
*Sorry we're late. We came for Zanza… dumb barrier. But if he dies, he can't power up that Mechonis-forsaken Monado!* Faced Malice said. Another Face Unit came beside Face Malice.
*Oh, and I'd like to introduce you to the Faced Purity. Dumb name, didn't come up with it, would really like to kill the woman who did. She'll be helping me exterminate you bugs!*
"You will pay for what you've done!" Shulk cried out.
*Please wait. I mean you no harm!* Face Purity said.
"Return Fiora at once!" Dunban roared.
"Dunban, she was returned to the Bionis!" Shulk called. His Monado strike rang false, and Face Malice blocked it.
*Weak. Weak and pathetic,* Face Malice said. The party began their blows. Face Malice swiped at Melia, and Shulk grabbed her, pulling her out of the way.
"Melia, are you alright?" he asked.
"I'm fine. Just don't let me go for a little…" Melia said.
*Worthless without the Monado… ain't that right, Dunban?* Face Malice said.
"…What, or who, are you?" Dunban asked.
*You know me quite well, Dunban. How rude to ask!* Face Malice told him. He swiped with his claws.
It can't be… that dirty!
*Cease fighting at once!* Face Purity cried out. Face Malice did not, and was Mind Blasted by Sorean as a result. Face Malice turned to face Sorean. Shulk and Melia ran up to Sorean.
*You're going to pay for that, you bag of bones!* Face Malice called out. He raised his claws, and cleaved down. Sorean fell to his knees, pierced in the heart and stomach. Same wounds as Fiora.
"NO!" Shulk cried out. Face Malice raised the bloodied claws to his face in glory. Shulk raised his blade, and a new symbol appeared in its centre.
"The people of Bionis will never let you triumph!" Shulk said. The blade changed form.
"YOU WILL KNOW OUR NAMES!" Shulk cried out. Shulk climbed onto Face Malice, and slashed again and again. Melia fired Elementals at the Face. Face Malice was knocked to his knees.
"You will know the pain and suffering you caused the Emperor and Fiora!" Shulk said. He slashed at Face Malice… which Face Purity blocked. The protective armour on her chest began to shatter. A red light coated Shulk, and a whirring light appeared within the chest cavity. The armour fell to the ground. Shulk gasped, as he caught a glimpse of what… no, who… was inside it.
"But… that's not possible!" Shulk cried out. The Homs inside the machine shook a piece of armour away, and it was Reyn and Dunban's turn to gawk.
"F-F-F-Fiora?" Dunban asked.
*That was a close call… but the mission is complete. Returning to base,* Fiora said. Face Purity climbed into the sky, and soared away. Grumbling, Face Malice followed.
"Fiora?" Shulk asked.
The party turned to Sorean. Melia was nursing him. Unlike Dunban, she knew it was too late. All Melia did was hold Sorean. She made no attempt to fix what was already broken.
"Father… we were too late…" Melia cried.
"Melia… you must not cry," Sorean said. "I know it is tempting, but do not."
"Father… you're dying. I will cry however much I feel like it!" Melia said. Shulk kneeled beside the pair.
"You are the hope of the High Entia… this is something you must choose. Remember this, and be worthy of that title. I love you, Melia. I desire only great things for you, my daughter," Sorean said. He turned to Shulk.
"Heir to the Monado… that blade is yours now. Whatever my forefathers desired is meaningless now…" Sorean said. "You must succeed."
"Melia… cry as long as you must. Shulk will care for you, my child… When your tears are dry…" Sorean began. His last breath flowed out, and fell limp.
"Melia… I will be at your side for always and always. Do you understand, now and today, why I pursue the Faced Malice? Because I have learned, as well. It was never my own desire for revenge… it was revenge on behalf of the families those claws have sliced in two. For Dunban's sister… for your father… for who knows how many people he has eaten with a smile… he will pay. I don't know who's in that chassis… but he will learn a few lessons. From this blade…" Shulk said. Melia looked up, and nodded, sniffing.