Meyneth created a safe bubble around the party. They party could see it from here… Mechonis itself was awakening!
"Gadolt…" Sharla said.
*Gadolt sacrificed himself. Were it not for him, we would all have followed him,* Meyneth said. But there was no time for mourning.
*SHULK? DO YOU HEAR IT? THE AWAKENING OF THE MECHONIS! THIS IS MY PAIN! THE PAIN OF MY PEOPLE ECHOING THROUGH THE MILLENNIA!* Mechonis said in Egil's voice. The Mechonis grabbed Sword Valley, and pulled it from the Bionis.
*FALL TO YOUR DEATHS, WORTHLESS INSECTS!* Mechonis said. Homs, Mechon and machinery fell from Sword Valley, as Mechonis moved it around.
"Stop this! Kallian and the others are still on the sword!" Shulk cried out. Mechonis did not heed Shulk's words. There was not much time left, as Meyneth lost her ability to shield Shulk and the party. They fell as well, only to be saved hurriedly by landing on a ship. Miqol laughed in joy.
*Close one there…* he said. Alvis appeared behind him.
"Welcome to Junks… the Machina ship," he said.
*It was he who informed us that you were in danger in this exact spot,* Linada said. *I'm glad we found you in time.*
"Thank you…" Shulk said. Another ship flew over the party, and Dickson dropped down onto Reyn. He grabbed Shulk and Melia from behind, smirking wildly.
"Hey! You're still alive!" Dickson said.
*So you were unable to stop Egil…* Linada said. Junks had landed on the Fallen Arm.
*Sorry, father…* Vanea said.
*No need to apologise…* Linada said. Miqol grumbled angrily.
"Now what?" Dickson asked. Shulk was busy inspecting the Faced Veteran's cannon, turning it into a rifle for Sharla.
"Alvis, what is the state of the allied force?" Shulk asked.
"Kallian was made aware of the possibility that Mechonis would awaken. He will have acted to minimise casualties," Alvis said.
"Good…" Shulk said.
*There remains time… Mechonis and I exist as one. Egil is using the Bionis' ether to allow it to move. Before Mechonis adapts to this ether, there is still time to strike,* Meyneth said.
*Egil will be at the Mechonis Core… From there, you can stop the Mechonis' movements,* Vanea said.
*And I made sure to fill Junks up. We will be able to reach the Mechonis Core,* Miqol said.
"We fight for Gadolt!" Reyn said.
"Hear, hear!" Dunban said. Sharla was passed Gadolt's cannon, and raised it in a triumphant sign.
*We have little time… we must stop Egil!* Vanea said. Shulk nodded. Junks began to hover, and ascended into the sky.
Junks charged through several laser beams, and docked itself beside a small air duct into the Mechonis.
"Are we all set?" Shulk asked.
"Yep. This is one fight we can't afford to lose…" Reyn said.
"Heropon Riki all set! Riki bounce on some Faces!" Riki said.
"Good… everyone, we charge as fast as we can," Shulk said. With a small moment to prepare, he began to go through Mechonis, before stopping suddenly.
"Shulk? Stop worrying. We haven't got the time!" Reyn said.
"The Monado… I don't know if it can beat Egil. It's not at full strength…" Shulk said.
"You talking about Apocry…whatchamacallit? Shulk, Egil is no match for all of us!" Reyn said.
"At least we know how he fights through previous encounters…" Dunban said. "We won't repeat mistakes."
*And the core is not too far from the Apocrypha Generator. Destroy that, and the Monado will once again function correctly,* Vanea pointed out.
"Excellent…" Melia said.
"Melia… Egil called me Zanza. As in, the Zanza that devastated Mechonis!" Shulk said.
"He was just trying to get to you. Remember, Shulk…" Melia said, sliding her gloves down, showing Shulk her scars.
"…Right. We have to take down Egil," Shulk said.
But is it right… if Zanza destroyed Mechonis with this sword, am I in the right by using it?
The party left the room on that note, only for something horrifying to happen. Shulk was set on electricity. Dunban reached out, and got zapped. Melia grabbed Shulk, and was a bit less cooked. Nodding gratefully, she scooped up Shulk, and calmed him down.
"…I recognise this…" Dickson said. "From Sword Valley…"
"NO! It's happening to him, too!" Dunban cried out. Melia touched Dunban's right arm. He pulled away. She did the same with Shulk's. No special reaction.
"Not yet… but it might!" Melia cried out. Shulk's electricity died down, and he held up his right arm. He swung like he was in a battle.
"It seems fine…" Shulk said.
"I don't understand… have you lost control of the Monado?" Dunban asked.
"No… I think the Apocrypha's to blame…" Melia said.
"Shulk… if something's up, you gotta spit it out. That's what I've been trying to tell you!" Reyn said. "That doesn't just go for visions. If anything is out of place, you must tell someone. If not me or Dunban, at least Melia!"
"…Sorry, Reyn…" Shulk said.
"Don't be. It's my fault for not noticing. Let's get one thing straight: I've got your back!" Reyn said. Shulk nodded…
"This wasn't the Apocrypha… this is a different power… what's happening?" Shulk asked.
"I don't know, but I will make sure that I will help you," Melia said.
"No matter what, we must take out the Apocrypha. Egil will not be easy without the Monado in full power, and we don't know what toll using the Apocrypha Monado will have on Shulk. We have to destroy it!" Sharla said.
"We must go up ahead… they're both ahead," Shulk said. The party began going toward Apocrypha, Melia carrying Shulk.
While Melia carried Shulk (sadly, rather easily), Shulk began to ponder the Monado. He was worried about how Apocrypha had affected it. Speaking of Apocrypha… they had arrived at the Apocrypha Generator.
"So how do we take this thing out?" Reyn asked.
*That should be easy. And the control core is directly above… we are on the brink of this final battle,* Vanea said. As she said this, a small quake occurred.
*Oh no…* Vanea said.
*YES! YOU PUNY PESTS ARE TOO LATE!* Mechonis said. He swung Sword Valley at the Bionis, biting into Valak Mountain.
"Mechonis has struck…" Dickson remarked. Melia put Shulk down, and threw out a Summoned Ice. The Apocrypha Generator froze up, and powered down.
"Nyapakapow!" Riki cried out.
"Nyapakapow indeed, Riki. Nyapakapow…" Melia said.
"Next up, Egil!" Reyn said.
"Correct, Reyn. Melia, I'm fine," Shulk said.
*So, you worms have finally arrived…* Yaldabaoth said. The party were now in the room where Yaldabaoth controlled Mechonis.
"Egil! Stop the Mechonis at once!" Shulk commanded. "We must be able to live in peace!"
*My reasons are clear. And truer than yours,* Egil said. Yaldabaoth made his movement, and opened a window out to see what occurred outside Mechonis Core. The Bionis was clearly visible opposite.
*May the roar of the Mechonis…* Yaldabaoth started.
*BE THE WRATH OF MY PEOPLE!* Mechonis finished. Sword Valley was swung at the Bionis' left shoulder.
*HOW MANY?* Mechonis asked.
*How many Bionites do you think I have killed in that one swing?* Yaldabaoth asked. *Hundreds? Thousands?*
"You'll regret this, Egil!" Reyn called out.
*End this now!* Vanea pleaded.
*It ends when I say it ends. I will end our curse by destroying that world!* Egil said.
*That is not the desire of Lady Meyneth!* Vanea said. *That's why she left us our world!*
*Nonsense. That false Homs is no longer our goddess!* Egil said. *This world no longer needs gods.*
"Egil, stop!" Shulk said.
*Face me, Shulk… successor of Zanza! I will crush the Bionis and return the ashes home!* Egil gloated. *And then… the Monado is next. Only then will there be peace!*
Shulk growled. Yaldabaoth was close to the edge… Shulk held out his hand. Reyn, Dunban, Riki and Fiora charged forth, and began their attack. Sharla and Melia stayed back, using their long distance talents to deal damage to Yaldabaoth. Yaldabaoth began to summon Mechon, and Shulk got a vision.
The Mechonis will use Bionis Slash X on Bionis. THIS WILL DEAL AN UNCOUNTABLY LARGE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE! YOU'VE ONLY GOT TWO MINUTES!
That was… that was the most panicked the Monado had ever got in delivering a vision. And justifiably so.
"…Reyn, Sharla, go around to the back of Yaldabaoth. Dunban, Fiora, to the left! Melia, Riki, to the right! Destroy the Energy Devices that Yaldabaoth is using to control the Mechonis! He's about to destroy Bionis!" Shulk said. The entire party gasped, and ran around in this fashion. Shulk jumped onto the ledge, and used Monado talent after Monado talent. Yaldabaoth really wanted to stop the party, but he had to keep fighting Shulk.
"Done!" Reyn called out.
"We have it!" Dunban said.
"Kill big Face Deity!" Riki said. Shulk nodded, and slashed. His blade locked with that of Yaldabaoth's small Sword Valley blade. From there, Shulk jumped high up, and chopped off the Face of Yaldabaoth, the Faced Deity. He was left facing Egil.
*How…* Egil asked.
Do it… kill him… he tortured Melia… he deserves it… kill him… strike him down from where he sits…
"I will… I will kill him…" Shulk said. "A thousand times."
Finish him… End it! It is what you want!
"Yes… it is what I want…" Shulk said.
"Then go on and do it!" Reyn said.
"I'll kill him… for Fiora. For the Emperor. For Melia. For my home!" Shulk said.
Otharon: Hungry, eh? Chew on this!
Mumkhar: Would you kill a Homs to do it?
Miqol: I want you to kill Egil.
Gadolt: Egil… only wished to break the circle of suffering.
Sharla: Gadolt… I swear I won't stop. Until I've scrapped! Each! And Every! One! Of you!
Meyneth: Yes… you, the villagers, I… everyone loved you.
?: End it… End it now!
"I… I will not!" Shulk said, cleaving down the Monado. He stopped it an inch before Egil's face, before deactivating it and sitting down.
*Why did you stop? Killing me would have saved your world,* Egil said.
"I had forgotten…" Shulk said.
*Forgotten about it?* Egil asked.
"Egil… we share the same pain. I don't have any reason to kill you. Well, apart from you torturing Melia… but no, no real reason, really. Would killing you cure her trauma?" Shulk asked.
*It would make you feel better about it. And remember, even if you do not desire to kill me, I still desire to kill you,* Egil said.
"I know. But I will not kill you," Shulk said.
*If you do not kill me now, my blade will annihilate every last one of your people… Even then?* Egil asked.
"I can't kill you, but I can stop your blade. And I'll do it. Over and over and over again. Until we understand each other. Got it?" Shulk asked.
*You have used the Monado well. But do you honestly believe you are its master?* Egil asked. The party below was curious as to this answer. But silence.
*Mechonis and Bionis once lived in harmony. They coexisted in peace. Without hatred or strife,* Egil said.
"Egil, why do you think we were born?" a giant asked.
*Philosophy! Alas, I am not very good at answering such questions,* Egil answered.
"Have you never thought about it?" the giant asked. "Never contemplated what lies beyond this world?"
*Beyond this world? Lady Meyneth once said that aside from the Bionis and the Mechonis, this world is nothing but the Endless Ocean,* Egil said.
"And beyond that?" the giant asked. "We are still young, and unable to leave Bionis or Mechonis. Unable to say goodbye to our creators, our world. One day, our descendants will. They will leave, and depart for new worlds. Worlds we have never imagined… by strength of will alone."
*Leave? That is not something I have considered. Meyneth is a kind soul… I could not bear to part with her. But I believe that what lies beyond this world, if anything, would be an amazing sight worth seeing at least once,* Egil said.
"Egil. I wish to see that the peoples of Bionis and Mechonis live in peace and harmony, and take care of one another. I wish this for the future of our descendants," the giant said.
*Yes… I, too, desire this, Arglas,* Egil said.
*Everybody shared the belief that the prosperity of our two worlds would continue for all eternity. It would have done, were it not for the Monado. The Monado refused to permit the existence of the Mechonis. Or rather, the existence of anything but itself…* Egil said. *My friend, Arglas, was taken by that Monado. And he became what you know as Zanza. It was what had become of Arglas that directed his sword at Mechonis.*
"So… does that mean being controlled by the Monado mean you will become Zanza?" Shulk asked.
*The Monado is Zanza. Zanza is the Monado. They are one and the same. In order to perpetuate the existence of his soul, Zanza inhabited beings of Bionis. You are different… you retain a sense of self with that blade… perhaps you can break Zanza's curse. And was that not precisely our wish, Meyneth?* Egil said.
"I don't know much of this curse… but for now, all I can do is this, Egil," Shulk said, holding out his hand. "We can live in peace again."
*Again? Oh, I see… Yes, you're right,* Egil said, shifting himself to take Shulk's hand.
"Tut tut… we can't have that, can we?" a voice asked. Everyone turned. The speaker fired a Thunder Flash from his rifle. It struck Shulk directly through the chest.
It was if it went in slow motion. Shulk looked down, as blood began to expand around his chest. Shulk fell from Yaldabaoth, as Egil was horrified to act. Melia ran as fast as possible, and caught Shulk as he fell. She looked at Shulk's chest, horrified. The rest of the party grouped around her, and glared at the culprit.
"You shouldn't have done that, little brat," Dickson said, cricking his neck.
"Dickson… why?" Dunban asked.
"Old man! That was not cool!" Reyn added. "You out of your mind?"
"Don't you kids ever shut up? Just doing my job. As always," Dickson said.
"Who do you think you are?" Fiora asked.
*…YOU!* Egil cried out. Dickson chuckled. *It's you! Disciple Dickson, of the Trinity!*
"Now you remember… it's been a long time, Egil. Too long," Dickson said.
"Wait a minute… so you're Zanza's disciple? When and where did this happen?" Dunban asked.
"Many years before your parents were even thought of, old friend," Dickson told him. "But I don't have to explain anything. Seeing is believing. I authored that quote, actually. Witness with your own eyes… and cutie? You might want to back away from him. It's of no consequence to me. But it might be to you, so I'm just making sure."
Melia set Shulk down, and the party backed away.
"This is Lord Zanza's return!" Dickson called out. Shulk's body was enveloped in light, as a burst came from him.
*I won't let you do this, Zanza!* Egil cried out. He cast a laser from Yaldabaoth's palm, which Shulk absorbed, and returned to Yaldabaoth. Shulk fell to the ground, leaving a golden figure with the Monado.
*Zanza…* Egil said.
Do not be surprised… Everything in this world is dictated by the passage of fate. As all that exists is interconnected, time can flow only towards the inevitable. That is the vision of which I, the Monado, am the origin. That which will be, will be. This was all predestined. Ever since I came to reside within Shulk, the being said. As he spoke, his bright glow dimmed to something that could be looked at, as Zanza created a pair of wings.
"What do you mean?" Sharla asked.
*Zanza grew tired from our battle… and then the High Entia ancestors trapped him. His flesh was sealed away on Prison Island. His soul, and hence the Monado, was confined to Ose Tower,* Meyneth said.
"But what does this have to do with Shulk?" Dunban asked.
"Did you forget? Who discovered those ruins? Who happened to be there?" Dickson asked, having a smoke from a cigar. "Who was the survivor? And who brought back that survivor?"
"What are you saying?" Dunban asked. "That you planned all of this when you found Shulk?"
"That long? Have you not been listening, Dunban? This plan has been in motion much longer than that. Everything I have and have not taught Shulk, everything I have done… it was all so that this day would come to pass. In fact… Shulk never existed to begin with!" Dickson said.
"WHAT?" the party asked.
My soul existed inside the Monado. It was fated that I be released. It was shown to me in a vision. And at last… Zanza being freed from the Monado sometime in the next few millenia has come to pass! Zanza said.
"The people who found the Monado awoke Lord Zanza by bringing it back to Colony 9. He leeched their lives so that he could exist. 'Shulk' was among them," Dickson said.
"Shulk was dead all along?" Reyn asked. "Impossible! We grew up together!"
You grew up with an empty shell. I must say, it was quite annoying, having to listen to a headstrong Homs friend… an annoyingly close Homs girlfriend… but now, I am beyond that. Shulk only appeared to live because I became his life force. That was until that day he matured, and became worthy of wielding the Monado, and allowing me to truly awaken and finally return, Zanza said.
"Lord Zanza is the soul of the Bionis, but he still needs a living body. Just like Meyneth," Dickson said. "Call that corpse a friend? I pity you all…"
"Why Shulk?" Melia asked, her hand over her heart. "What was it that made you choose my Shulk as your vessel?"
No particular reason. Shulk was just… there, Zanza said.
"And there you have it. Anybody would've done. Why, maybe a hero amongst the Homs? A peculiar Nopon? Or maybe… the crown princess of the High Entia?" Dickson said, stroking Melia's chin. Melia slapped him away.
"So Shulk's ability to use the Monado…" Dunban said.
"And the visions that saved our lives…" Sharla added.
"All because of Lord Zanza and his grand design. …What, no applause?" Dickson said. "Understandable. Lord Zanza just simply led you to the inevitable. I guess, maybe it wasn't impressive enough to warrant your applause… the destruction of Colony 9. The death of that pompous old High Entia fool. And that grunt Gadolt's miserable demise. All of it… predetermined, all of that which Lord Zanza manipulated into being!"
"You evil-!" Melia said, jumping at Dickson. Dickson parried the blow easily, and sent Melia reeling.
"And we haven't even got to the best part!" Dickson said, pressing his rifle into Melia's cheek.
"What are you going to do, Dickson?" Dunban asked.
"Don't you get it? You're just in the way. The lot of you. Well… maybe this one a little less, but the rest of you! This world was created by Lord Zanza. By the very Bionis itself. Then you things think you can just spring up all over the place," Dickson said.
All life that is born from me must be returned to me eventually to complete the cycle. For me to continue my existence as before… then all must be restored to its former order, Zanza said.
"In other words, the destruction and recreation of the world," Dickson added. "Nothing more to it."
First, we must eliminate my greatest obstacle… Meyneth! The Mechonis! Zanza said. The party turned around. The Bionis took his turn to awake.
"Bionis moves!" Riki said.
*I've been waiting… Waiting for this day!* Egil said. Yaldabaoth resumed moving, and Mechonis copied his movements. *Zanza!*
Sword Valley descended upon Bionis, and Zanza blocked the skill casually.
*Brother! Stop!* Vanea cried out. *You're too weak!*
*I don't care… I will gladly take my life if it means Zanza dies!* Egil called out. *As long as he lives, there is no peace for us, or for the people of Bionis!*
Then you shall cease to exist! Zanza said, blasting Yaldabaoth with a blast of energy. By the wrath of my blade! He added, holding out the New Monado. This blade was a wreath of spikes. A blade of light appeared in the Bionis' hands.
"The Monado!" Dunban cried out.
*I show you meaning of wrath!* Egil cried out. The Bionis and the Mechonis began their duel anew, as Egil and Zanza did battle in the Core. The Monado sliced straight through Sword Valley… and through the head of the Mechonis. Yaldabaoth was cut through. Yaldabaoth fell there and then.
"Why? Egil and Shulk had put their differences aside!" Reyn said.
Meaningless sentiment… Zanza said.
"ZANZA!" Dunban roared. "How could you do this?" Zanza turned around to look at the party, and snapped his fingers. A golden light enveloped the party.
It is from me that all life is born. It exists only to serve me… and it shall be returned! Zanza said. He held his Monado high, and cleaved down. Meyneth's light activated, and she rushed to stop the Monado.
Heh. So the power of the Dyado has finally become unleashed… Zanza remarked. And there I was, thinking you would die with dignity!
*I understand at last. The futures of our children belong to them alone. Though we are their creators, their lives are theirs to control. Even if the passage of fate is as you have decided… I will teach you the strength of their will to resist!* Meyneth said, her duel with Zanza beginning. She slashed at Zanza, and he countered. She was sent reeling.
*If you choose to deny the existence of every living being but yourself… then I choose to fight!* Meyneth said. Their blades slashed at each other in an intricate flurry of movements. They slammed in between each other.
Something wrong? Is this the height of your skill? You call yourself a god? And you talk of sharing this world with me? Zanza asked. Meyneth growled. Zanza pinned her against a wall, and held the Monado right up against her.
Oh… I see now. That dead boy is important to you. No idea why… Homs are nothing but bacteria clinging to my body! Zanza said.
*They are living beings! If you cannot understand this, you have no right to call yourself a god!* Meyneth said.
And who decides that? A god. Because only a god may decide! This world only needs one god, Meyneth. May you rot for all eternity! Zanza said. He struck a strong blow at Meyneth, sending her to the floor. She got to her feet slowly.
Face me like a god! If not, then say good bye to your putrid friends! Zanza said. He shot a bolt of Monado at Meyneth. She dived into it, and defended the party… at the cost of her spirit.
Such a fool… Zanza said.
*This is what I wish,* Meyneth said. *This world belongs… to you all. Create a world… with no need for gods.* Meyneth disappeared in a puff of light, and a few shapes appeared from her last standing place. Fiora's body fell from the Mechonis, and all that was heard was a splashing sound somewhere below.
"FIORA!" Dunban cried out. He had lost her all over again. And as for Fiora's blades? Zanza pulled them from below, merged them into one blade, and took it in his left hand. Zanza now had the power of Meyneth's blade: the Dyado.
This is the passage of fate! Zanza exclaimed, before disappearing.
"Zanza disappear…" Riki said.
"He's gone… and things aren't looking so hot for us," Reyn remarked. Shulk was dead, Fiora was gone again… all that remained was Reyn, Sharla, Dunban, Riki and Melia. The Bionis' head began to glow, and some ominous green light shone from the vicinity of Alcamoth. Mechonis was left to explode. Vanea tried to grab Egil, but was unsuccessful.
*Vanea… there is something I must do… go. Go, save Shulk, before the last glimmer of hope is extinguished,* Egil said. Vanea nodded, and came up to the Bionite party.
"Egil… go in peace," Reyn said.
"Egil… thank you…" Melia said. She scooped up Shulk's body, and the party left the Mechonis.