Shulk and his party began their long climb up the Mechonis. Fiora, having been considered in satisfactory health by Linada. She had chosen to follow the party up Mechonis. Shulk accepted, and led the group up to the Mechonis' foot.
"Bionis and Mechonis…" he commented, stopping.
"It is all so… different, from down here," Fiora commented.
"It is so serene…" Melia added.
"But do not forget: lives beyond counting are still lost on the blade above us. A different perspective does not change what something is," Dunban said.
"It's kinda hard to believe… how did these things ever fight?" Reyn asked.
"I wonder how the Machina must've felt…" Sharla said.
"Fear… fear allows us to commit atrocities. Call them acts of self-preservation," Dunban said.
"Egil! Egil very scary. But Egil also scary of us. Scary of big Bionis! Scary make us scary. Scary make him scary. All of us. Scary," Riki said.
"Well said, Riki," Shulk said.
"Perhaps that circle can be broken…" Melia said.
"We will break this circle of fear and destruction. We must do so, for the sake of all life on the Bionis and the Mechonis," Fiora said.
Shulk and the party started their long journey by climbing up the Mechonis Field. Despite it's name, the field was more of a giant machine, with all sorts of generators, pistons and catwalks around it. Shulk was taking lots of notes on his surroundings, while everyone else dragged him through the area. Thanks to him, climbing this field took a long time, resulting in night-fall occuring on the thigh of the Mechonis.
"We'll have to make camp… darn you, machinery," Shulk said. The party split into pairs, and set up their camp. Shulk sat down beside Fiora.
"Hello, Fiora," Shulk said.
"Hello, Shulk. What is it that you want?" Fiora asked.
"Why did you never tell me? About your infatuation?" Shulk asked.
"Hm? Oh… I guess I could never quite pluck up the courage," Fiora said. Shulk nodded thoughtfully.
"Shulk!" Melia said, seating herself beside Shulk. Shulk scooped her up, and sat her down on his lap. Fiora smiled, before laying her head on Shulk's shoulder. The three looked out over the Endless Ocean.
"You ever wonder what's out there…" Melia asked.
"No. It is called the Endless Ocean, after all…" Fiora said.
"One day, I might consider trying to explore it. But for now, all I really care about is this. Spending time with my friends…" Shulk said.
"Friend?" Melia asked, looking at Fiora.
"Yeah…" Shulk said. Dunban looked at the three.
Interesting…
Reyn fixed Sharla's rifle, and handed it back.
"When did you get so handy?" Sharla asked, accepting the rifle back.
"I've been practicing my rifle-fixing skills. I think Shulk appreciated the pile of junk I caused for him…" Reyn said. "Course, Vangarre had some compulsory rifle-fixing classes… but I did mostly sleep through them…" Sharla giggled.
"Reyn… would you keep fighting to kill the Mechon, even if it meant giving your own life?" Sharla asked.
"My own life? No. Dying today might give a victory, but after that, we'll be one man short. I have a very important role in this group. If I fall, there won't be many people to take my place," Reyn said.
"I see…" Sharla said. "That's different from Gadolt's worldview…"
"Course it is. If everyone saw the world the same way, it would be very boring. Peaceful, sure… but what's life without a little argument?" Reyn said.
"Thank you for your input, Reyn…" Sharla said. She aimed, and shot a practice round. A plinking noise sounded, and Sharla looked for what she hit. She couldn't spot it.
It was time to move on. The climb up Mechonis Field was concluded today, as the party arrived at the Zebrai Bulkhead. Reyn and Riki were all for a celebratory feast, but Shulk warned against this.
*KA-BOOM!*
A pillar of flame appeared in front of the group. As it dissipated, a green Mechon took it's place.
*You did well to evade me. Just what you'd expect from he who wields the Monado,* the Mechon said. His face resembled that of a piranhax.
"That voice chip…" Sharla said. "Are you the Homs I think you are?"
*You recognise me? Impossible…* the Face said.
"I am Sharla! And I was to be your wife!" Sharla said, trying to test her hypothesis.
*…Doesn't ring a bell. Very well, Carna. If you knew me once, you must know my fighting style. Let us begin our battle!* the Face said. Shulk, Reyn and Sharla stepped forward.
The Faced Veteran will use Linear Laser IV on Reyn. This will paralyse him. You have sixteen seconds.
"Vision. Reyn, duck for cover. Sharla, keep your distance," Shulk said. Reyn and Sharla did so. The Faced Veteran morphed into a cannon, and fired his laser. It was blocked on the cover. Shulk, Reyn and Sharla travelled through the hallway, using visions like this to survive the blows. Once Shulk got within slashing distance, he used a Monado Buster to bring the Faced Veteran to his knees.
"Reveal your Homs face, Face!" Shulk said. A whirr sounded, and a man climbed from the back of the Faced Veteran. A blond sniper with a grizzled face.
"Gadolt! It is you!" Sharla cried out. " I knew you were alive!"
"Gadolt," Reyn said.
*The destruction of the Monado. That is the will of Lord Egil,* Gadolt said.
"Lord? Gadolt, your infatuated friend is talking to you! Do you not see the error in Egil's ways? Do you see Egil as more in the right than Sharla?" Shulk asked.
*Shulk… Lord Egil is always correct. I expect to see the Monado in his hands sometime in the next three days. This world is in disarray…* Gadolt said.
"Why… why would you say that?" Sharla asked, throwing Gadolt's rifle at him. Gadolt casually deflected it, sending it into the Endless Ocean somewhere.
*I must destroy the cause of this disorder, and restore the world to its original form,* Gadolt said.
*THAT IS MY DUTY… NAY, THE WILL OF THE WORLD! NOW, THE TIME HAS COME! THE TIME TO RESTORE ORDER!* Gadolt continued, a different voice sound. This wasn't Gadolt. This wasn't even brainwashed Gadolt.
*KABOOM*
An explosion sounded in that battlefield. The party was enveloped.
Shulk got up, and looked around. The fog of the explosion cleared, and everyone stood up. Fiora reformed, the golden necklace that had formed her creating her body once more.
"What happened? Fiora, I'm sure you're responsible…" Shulk said.
*It was as I desired, Shulk,* Fiora said.
"Fiora?" Shulk asked.
*That is not Fiora. That is Lady Meyneth,* a voice said. The party turned. A Machina appeared from behind them. She went immediately to Fiora, and inspected the necklace. Fiora smiled, and invited her.
"I remember you… you were at Galahad Fortress! Vanea, was it?" Melia asked.
*The one and the same. I am sorry for what Egil did to you…* Vanea said. *Allow me to introduce myself. I am Vanea, Miqol's daughter and Egil's sister. I was responsible for the upkeep and movements of the Faced Purity.*
"Wait, that wasn't Fiora?" Reyn asked.
*No. The girl you see before you is not Fiora. She is Lady Meyneth, assuming a form that would appeal to you. She always did have a sense of humour,* Vanea said. Shulk looked back at Lady Meyneth, and bowed.
"Oh, stop it, Heir to the Monado. When I am in this body, I am just your old Homs girlfriend," Fiora said. Shulk stood up, sheepishly grinning.
*After Egil sent that face, I was so worried for you, Lady Meyneth. I am truly happy you are alright,* Vanea said.
"Gadolt?" Sharla asked. She could barely squeak that out.
*After the catastrophe that was Faced Purity, Egil determined that memories had no reason to be left in Faced Units. He removed them all. He even said that Faced Malice was flawed due to the remnants of memories,* Vanea said.
"…Sword Drive!" Reyn called, using a Sword Drive on a nearby wall. Sharla simply dissolved into tears, wishing that she had not discarded of Gadolt's rifle.
*…I am so glad to hear that Faced Malice contributed. I would've blamed myself, otherwise,* Meyneth said. Shulk nodded thoughtfully. Meyneth's voice differed from Fiora's significantly.
"…Gadolt…" Sharla said. Reyn put his driver on his back, and scooped up Sharla. Sharla pulled herself up, and let her tears fall into Reyn's shoulder.
"But why turn us into Mechon?" Shulk asked.
*To counter the Monado. No other reason that to render the Monado useless. It could not harm High Entia, Homs, Nopon… all races of Bionis were immune. But I guess that is no longer an issue now…* Vanea said.
"Yeah. Zanza saw to that," Dunban said.
*That sole weakness was tied to Zanza. Zanza's blood was unable to be harmed by the Monado. Zanza lifted the constraint. Zanza is the progenitor of the Homs… and he was once the friend of Egil, before they became sworn enemies. Zanza devastated Mechonis,* Vanea said.
"Zanza… I knew he couldn't be trusted!" Melia said.
"If I'm using the sword of Zanza… what does that make me?" Shulk asked her.
*…It will be quickest for your benefit if I were to take you directly to the Mechonis' capital. Allow me…* Vanea said, turning on her heel. Shulk followed slowly, Melia behind him. Shulk had become quite visibly distressed by the events that had transpired.
Vanea aided Shulk in appearing in the capital of Mechonis, Agniratha. In stark contrast to the wide, sweeping beauty of the Bionis capital Alcamoth, Agniratha was a rusted out old ruin of a city. The sheer majesty of the city was enough to make it appear breathtaking, but there was no getting around its deserted nature.
*Oh, Agniratha… what has happened to you?* Meyneth asked sadly. She looked over slightly.
*And are those… Telethia corpses? My home…* Meyneth said. Shulk started drawing a sketch of the capital of Agniratha, leaving out as many rustic patches as possible. He gasped as he drew. The sketch he was making looked pretty breathtaking.
"The soul has been taken from this town…" Dunban remarked.
"But still… impressive," Reyn pointed out.
"It must be old. It could even be older than Alcamoth," Melia said.
"It must be Dinobeast! Dinobeast destroy city!" Riki said.
*The Nopon is correct. These fossilised Telethia are the remnants of the beasts that attacked our home in the ancient battle of the titans. If you will come with me… there is a way to answer your questions,* Vanea said. She led the party further, to a Data Centre.
Vanea arrived in the data centre. Fiora clasped the golden triangle on her chest, and smiled. Meyneth had a connection to something here.
*Follow me…* Meyneth said. She activated a giant hologram in the centre of the room. *These are memories of a time long forgotten. They were left behind by the Machina before they abandoned this place, so that others may know their story.*
The images changed. They had become the two titans, and began to move in synch with Meyneth's words.
*In ancient times, when the Bionis and the Mechonis came into existence, I was born as well. Just as Bionis had a soul, I came to exist in this world as the soul of the Mechonis. I created my children on Mechonis and acquired this body. They called themselves Machina. And Mechonis became a world brimming with life… so many nice people…
*The Machina gave rise to an advanced civilisation and built this great city. They lived their lives in peace and harmony, and called me friend. I could consider no greater honour than to be trusted by the beings that I had brought into existence… they worshipped me, in a way.
*Life also flourished on Bionis. All sorts of beings appeared there, as did several forms of wildlife. The Machina generously shared the fruits of their civilisation with the peoples of Bionis. I deigned to discourage them. I liked the peoples of Bionis, just as I loved the peoples of Mechonis. The peoples of Bionis and Mechonis believed their worlds would grow hand in hand.
*Then… a terrible fate descended on them from above. Zanza… he drove the Monado into the Mechonis. The Bionis attempted to destroy the Machina,* Meyneth said.
"But… but why?" Shulk and Dunban asked similarly.
*Telethia, Zanza's pets, attacked as well. I tried to save the Machina, and confronted Bionis. I confronted Zanza. Our battle waged on and on. Even as our life forces depleted, Zanza and I continued to fight. It came to an end after a good long while. Zanza was imprisoned by the High Entia race… taking advantage of my final blow on Bionis. However, that battle greatly consumed my life force. I warned the surviving Machina that the Bionis had not been destroyed, and that one day, he would be released…* Meyneth said.
"Holy Mechonis… Meyneth, I…" Shulk said. Everyone gasped. Some were surprised that Shulk had swore on the Mechonis rather than the Bionis, but the sharper ones picked up on that: Shulk had freed Zanza, and the Bionis, just to kill the Mechon.
*I do not blame you. The blame lies with Zanza. Zanza… and that blade… Following the attack, I entered a long and deep slumber, until Zanza inevitably awoke,* Meyneth said, shutting down the hologram.
*It was I who eventually found the means to reawake Meyneth. When I heard that the Monado was on a quest for mechanical blood, I took Meyneth from her resting place, and crafted a Face Unit for her to attempt to stop what has transpired. But our efforts were in vain…* Vanea said. *Although Meyneth could make bounds in capturing your confidence, thanks to her assuming the shape of Fiora…*
Shulk and his party left the Data Centre in dead spirits. Everything they had learned had become distraught by what they had learned. Vanea gave support to the group, but Shulk was simply too horrifired by what Bionis had done. The party travelled to the Meyneth Shrine, to head up to confront Egil. However… there was something they must complete first.
"It's him!" Sharla cried out from Reyn's arms. She had yet to leave his comforting grip. The Faced Veteran zoomed around, before landing in front of Shulk and the party.
*Your mastery of the Monado is astonishing. …You cannot be permitted to live, Shulk,* the Faced Veteran said.
"Gadolt! Stop fighting us! Remember who you are!" Sharla cried out.
"It's no good… he's too far under Egil's control. There's no point in trying to convince him otherwise… while he's still got the Faced Veteran under his command," Reyn said.
"Good point, Reyn. Riki, Meyneth, we fight to avoid killing him. Just disable the Faced Veteran!" Shulk said.
"Heropon fight good!" Riki said.
*Trying to stop the Bionis is all well and good…* Meyneth said. "But this is just too far, Egil!" she continued as Fiora. Shulk stepped forward with Riki and Fiora.
"Beings of the Bionis… you and the Monado are history!" the Faced Veteran said, using a Blow Jaggy, sending Meyneth flying. She was sent into a Daze, which Riki cured. Riki used a Freezinate, blowing some frost on the Faced Veteran. The Faced Veteran used a Linear Laser V on Riki, while Fiora dived underneath. She used a Shutdown on the Faced Veteran, shutting down the device. Shulk leaped into an Air Slash, and chopped one of the cannons from the Face.
"How can you attack Sharla like that?" Reyn asked. "You're supposed to love her… marry her!"
"I don't know or care about Carna! It changes nothing, large unit!" Gadolt said.
"You always protected me and Juju, Gadolt… this isn't you!" Sharla said.
"I SAID: I DON'T KNOW YOU!" Gadolt screamed. "I have been granted this armour of steel so that the will of Lord Egil may be done! This body's movement is so precise! We are unstoppable: we are ONE!"
"If you're so unstoppable, explain this: you have missed us! You have lost to us? How crack a shot are you? Kill us all, if that is in your power!" Reyn said.
"Shut your mouth!" Gadolt said. A stream of bullets was launched, knocking down most of the party. Reyn, still holding Sharla, was missed.
"He's missing Sharla… on purpose!" Shulk realised.
"Wither and die, as all life on Bionis will!" Gadolt cried out. "Feel our wrath!"
*…Even after losing all living flesh… a Homs' heart will remain. That's what I loved about Zanza's Homs… why I trusted them so… This Face still has that Homs heart,* Meyneth said.
"Is that true?" Sharla asked.
*Yes. It is clear from his actions. The remnants of his heart prevent him from harming you, Sharla. I will break the curse that allows Egil to control Faces… Buy me some time, will you?* Meyneth said.
"Of course we will!" Reyn said.
"Melia, grab Sharla. Reyn, Dunban, we'll draw the aggro away from Meyneth!" Shulk said. Sharla jumped from Reyn's arms reluctantly, as Reyn, Dunban and Shulk all ran around to the opposite side of the Faced Veteran. All three blades- Shulk's Monado, Reyn's trusty Driver, and Dunban's katana- licked in and out of the Faced Veteran. Faced Veteran had to face them, and couldn't see Meyneth. She let forth a burst of red light from her necklace, which sent the Faced Veteran into submission. The cockpit burst open, and Gadolt tumbled out. Sharla ran towards him.
"Forgive me… Sharla…" Gadolt said. He remembered her name.
"Gadolt… I'm so glad to have you back!" Sharla said. Reyn smiled, and came over beside them
"Is he all alright, though? I mean…" Reyn started, before Faced Veteran let out a small explosion. Gadolt was sent down, and Reyn and Sharla only barely avoided getting harmed as well.
"*sigh*… I'm just no good with machines," Reyn commented.
"No matter… while I was… under his control… I realised something… Egil… only wished to break the circle of suffering. He believed that… if blood is spilt now… a new world will be born. But something terrible happened. And now… he is consumed with vengeance…" Gadolt spluttered. Sharla stepped back, and prepared a Heal Bullet, only to remember that she still had yet to grab a replacement rifle.
"Go! Get out of here! Stop them doing what they did to me… to anyone else!" Gadolt cried out. Sharla looked up, and nodded.
"I promise I'll be back for you…" Sharla said. "Until then, stay safe…"
"Drink this… you must be thirsty," Reyn said, chucking Gadolt a small metal canteen.
"Thanks…" Gadolt muttered.
"Don't go dying on us…" Reyn said. "Once Egil is down, we'll get a good doctor to have a look at you. She is Machina, though…"
"She'll do…" Gadolt commented. He gestured, and Reyn knelt down. Gadolt's next words were not to be heard by Sharla.
"What's your name, kid?" he asked.
"Reyn," Reyn told him.
"Do me a favour, Ryen… take care of Sharla. I have… I'm not going to survive to see any doctor. She… she cares for you a tremendous amount. Please… if I don't make it, Ryen…" Gadolt said. Reyn nodded. He stood up, and left with Sharla. The rest of the party had already long since moved on.
"Sharla… you and Ryen go well together…" Gadolt said, leaning back on the Faced Veteran. His eyes began to close. Sharla nodded surreptitiously.
Hold on… for just a little longer…
Vanea stepped towards the Meyneth Shrine, with the party following behind. At the foot of the statue was Egil.
*Vanea… where have you been?* Egil asked.
*Egil… why do you go so far to destroy the Bionis?* Vanea asked back. *We survived. We should have made a new world… one of peace. We still can!*
*The rage of those who were annihilated by the Monado will never dissipate,* Egil said.
*Think not of the dead. Think of the living! Please!* Vanea said. *Are you so resigned as to give your life for this cause?*
*Life or death, I care for neither. The agonised cries of our brethren resound within my ears. Until they are silenced, I am deaf to all else,* Egil said. *So… you have finally arrived, Heir to the Monado.*
Shulk nodded.
"You are Egil, leader of the Mechonis," Shulk stated.
*That I am…* Egil said sarcastically. *Of course! You have never seen me outside my Face Unit. I called him the Face Deity at one point… but he has a new name. Yaldabaoth. Even without it, you will never defeat me!*
"I did not come to fight you, Egil. She might, but not I," Shulk said, gesturing to Melia.
*Cowardice? Then relinquish the Monado! You were so willing to do it earlier,* Egil said.
"Only because Melia's life was in danger. I did not come to surrender: I came to learn," Shulk said.
*You have my undivided attention. Ask away, boy,* Egil said.
"I have seen the legends of the Machina right here in the capital. I understand why you desire to fight Bionis. But why send the Mechon to attack the people of Bionis?" Shulk asked.
*Ha ha ha ha ha…* Egil laughed.
"I don't see a joke! We share the same world! Homs, Nopon and High Entia live in harmony! Why not Machina too?" Shulk said.
*Tell me… are you familiar with the concept of starvation tactics?* Egil asked.
"Starvation tactics? A military strategy in which you cut the supply lines and starve out the enemy. Am I not correct, Egil?" Dunban said.
*You are correct, wise Homs advisor to Shulk. The best method to ensure victory over the Bionis is that tactic. I have no particular argument with your peoples. I am simply depleting the energy of the Bionis. You are well aware that all life born of Bionis is returned to the Bionis, correct?* Egil said.
"Of course. All Homs are taught that," Reyn said. Shulk gasped.
"So… we're just food to the Bionis? Fuel for him?" Shulk asked. He turned to Fiora.
*Yes… all life on Bionis exists purely to feed its master. Every Homs, Nopon or High Entia returned to the Bionis gives it strength. So you can see why I was so irked when Face Malice chose to taunt you with that shape's body, allowing you to carry out that foolish custom, instead of taking that body as far away from Bionis as possible!* Egil said.
Fiora… all she is now is just more power to that monster… Shulk said.
*For the Bionis to awaken, it will require an incredible number of lives. By killing Homs and taking their bodies, I am reducing the number of lives available to it,* Egil said. *Do not bore me with your tales of unity.*
"Boring? We only grieve the loss of our loved ones, as do you! Machina, Homs: we've suffered the same. It is not different!" Shulk said.
*You doubt my conviction, my reasons… In order to avenge my people, I have risked everything. Can you say the same?* Egil asked.
"Yes we can! We have fought long and hard to reach where we are today!" Shulk said.
*And yet you do not fight me!* Egil said. *Your words have no meaning. After everything that I have done, you choose peace over long-overdue vengeance. Only strength can prevail…*
"This stinks… but he's got a point," Reyn said.
"Egil, of the Mechonis. The lives of the Machina and the peoples of Bionis are one and the same. We will not stop. Not until you realise that!" Shulk cried out. He, charged forward, and cut into Egil.
*How could you do this… even with Apocrypha?* Egil asked.
"You know why…" Shulk said.
*The power of the will to protect your own? To protect her? Is that what you refer to?* Egil asked. *And you, Vanea? You would side with the Bionis over I? You forfeit your right to exist!* Egil said.
*If that is to be my fate, I gladly accept, brother. As would any villager,* Vanea said.
*So… my few remaining bretheren have betrayed me… Interesting,* Egil said.
*You're wrong. We Machina just want all of this pointless fighting to stop!* Vanea said. *All we wanted was to live with you in peace! Nothing more than that!*
*Nonsense… there will never be peace until the Bionis is destroyed!* Egil said, picking up Shulk by the head with one hand. With the other, he grabbed the Monado, which was still buried in his shoulder, and pulled it away.
*Your blade did not cut deep enough,* Egil said, tossing him aside. Melia ran to his side, and lifted his head up. Shulk shook her away, and got back to his feet. Egil raised his hands, and a Mechon appeared behind the party. Yaldabaoth.
*Permit me to apologise for any rudeness earlier. You proved yourselves worthy adversaries after all,* Egil said. He leaped into Yaldabaoth, and became the Faced Deity once more. Shulk got up, and alongside Melia and Meyneth, began to fight the beast. They didn't get far before a Catatstrophe knocked them all down.
*Prepare to die, Shulk… nay, prepare to die… Zanza!* Yaldabaoth said.
"Not… on my watch!" Melia said, getting to her feet. Meyneth followed. She began using her power.
*So, you have returned. But are you really willing to lay down your life to prevent me from achieving my dream? You said we would live together… Meyneth!* Yaldabaoth said.
*Yes… you, the villagers, I… everyone loved you. That is why they wished to live alongside you. It's clear now...* Meyneth said.
*I awaited the day that you would awaken once more and create a world of light… But you're nothing more than a traitor! To me… to those who worshipped you… and to our fallen brethren!* Egil said. Meyneth started to tear up.
*Please… listen!* Meyneth said, choking back tears.
*I will not. Your words mean nothing. You have sided with my sworn enemy. And gods can never exist alongside mortals!* Egil said. With a crash, Yaldabaoth's punch was…
Swiftly avoided by Meyneth's spell. Yaldabaoth looked around, before travelling to the Mechonis Core.
Shulk and the party began to flee the Mechonis. Whatever Egil was doing was causing Agniratha to come down on the party. Sharla gave pause to try and find Gadolt, but Reyn snapped her out of the attempt, and got her running. However, they weren't quite fast enough. The blast caught up to them…
And was blocked by the Faced Veteran. The Faced Veteran passed Shulk the cannon Shulk had cut from the Face, and turned to Reyn and Sharla.
*Glad I'm on time…* Gadolt said. *I have fulfilled… my promise… Ryen… no, Reyn… you, and Sharla… live…* Gadolt said.