Xenoblade Chronicles

Chapter 19 - City Above the Seas

Melia, Shulk, Sharla, Dunban, Riki, and Reyn found themselves standing on a beach. Around them, reefs floated in midair, and a dark tower rose towards the heavens. The horn of Bionis was seen from the north, and a lighthouse's light was flickering weakly on one of the reefs. They found themselves staring at a city, floating in mid-air, with an incredible amount of security systems. Circling the capital were some-sort of evacuation pods, scanning the sky and the ground. Shulk raised his hand to block out the harsh sunlight, the soft rushing of the waves against the sand filling his ears. "Who would've thought Eryth Sea was right on top of Riki's village," Reyn remarked. "Dive deep enough, you can reach their tree!" "Perhaps you should try," Dunban said sarcastically while Sharla rolled her eyes. "Might do," Reyn shrugged, suddenly looking uncomfortable. "Haven't decided yet." Shulk hesitated, before turning around and facing Melia. "Is something wrong?" She scanned his face, looking confused. "Aren't you curious?" Shulk asked. "About why we're going to Prison Island I mean." "It is not common for Homs to visit this region," Melia admitted. "You may have good reason, but forgive me. I do not pry into other people's business." "It's definitely bugging her, Shulk," Reyn smirked. "H-How dare you!" Melia's face flushed crimson. "You clown!" "It's okay, Melia," Shulk said with a smile. "We're not strangers anymore." "Well I…" Melia seemed as though she wanted to protest but gave in. "You are right." "So you'll listen to our story?" Shulk asked. Melia hesitated, but nodded none the less. "Yes," She said. "Tell me why you are here." "Basically, it all started when…" Shulk began to explain what had happened, started at when the Mechon attacked Colony 9. He proceeded to explain what had happened in Tephra Cave, how he had met Sharla, and how they saved Juju. He explained how he attacked Metal Face, and saw them at Prison Island, along with Melia. When he had finished, Melia nodded. "I see," She said. "I had heard about the assault on the lower regions, but did not know the situation was so grave. How lucky we are…" She trailed off and shook her head. "Hey, what's that?" Sharla said, noticing the dark tower. She pointed towards it, Melia followed her finger, before speaking. "You are looking at Prison Island." "So that's Prison Island," Shulk murmured. "Yes," Melia nodded, and pointed towards the floating city. "And that is the imperial city, Alcamoth." "It's not just me, right?" Reyn whispered. "A floating city's a bit weird?" "Built with superior defenses in mind," Melia said, ignoring Reyn. "Incredible," Shulk said appreciatively. "What technology makes this possible?" "I do not know," Melia replied. "And I have never had the need to." "You don't know?" Reyn looked at Melia as if she had gone insane. "And it doesn't freak you out?" "You can eat bread without knowing how to bake it," Dunban said wisely. "Makes sense to me." "You will need imperial sanction to enter Prison Island," Melia said, repeating the information she had told them back in Frontier Village. "Okay," Shulk nodded. "We will travel to the capital first." "And how'd you expect us to get up there?" Reyn snorted, scanning the floating reefs. "Fly?" "There's a transporter up ahead," Melia pointed to a platform by the beach. A peculiar light was moving in a cylinder-like formation, surrounded by smaller rings. "We can use that." "We've been deep sea diving, now we're gonna fly?" Reyn groaned. "This place gives me the creeps, but I guess we don't have a choice. Right, onwards to the capital!" "Still…" Dunban breathed, looking around the sea. "What is it, Dunban?" Shulk asked. "It's a sight to behold," The former user of the Monado remarked. "Those look like anti-Mechon defense systems." He pointed to the pods circling the capital, and the barrier that was occasionally visible. Melia nodded, and lead them off of the beach. They made their way through the grass, and Shulk picked a bit of a nearby plant off to study at the lab when he got back. Reyn rolled his eyes as he did so, and it was awhile before they stepped on the transporter. They appeared on a floating reef, and Reyn almost instantly froze, refusing to get off of the transporter. It took the combined efforts of Dunban and Shulk to force him off of it. Melia led them to the left, and they stepped into another transporter, appearing at what Melia informed them was the center gate. As they approached the final transporter that would take them into Alcamoth, five men emerged from it, striding forwards and examining the group. "Who are these guys?" Reyn muttered. "Are those wings on their head?" Shulk looked instantly curious. "They must be High Entia!" "Great, now he'll want a sample of their wings," Grumbled Reyn. He folded his arms as the men suddenly strode forwards and knelt before Melia. "Welcome home, Lady Melia, "The man in front said humbly. "Lady?" Dunban repeated, looking utterly shocked. "Thank you, Captain," Melia seemed oblivious to their reactions. "These Homs and this Nopon are my guests. See them safely to the guests quarters. Give them anything they need." "As you wish." "What's going on?" Reyn demanded, turning to Melia. "I have no idea," Sharla shrugged. "Melia, are you…?" Shulk cut himself off as the vision hit him. Melia was kneeling in front of an altar, her face covered by a mask. She screamed, and everything faded to black. "Melia," Shulk said her name again, but Melia shook her head, silencing him. "I cannot speak now," She said, her voice devoid of all emotion. "But I shall fulfill my promise." "I understand." "I will arrange an audience with the Emperor," Melia informed them, still not turning around to face them. "Will you wait?" "We wont move an inch," Shulk promised. "Trust me." "My thanks," Melia said, and even though Shulk couldn't see her face, he could tell she was smiling. She walked towards the transporter and stepped through it, followed by the guards. "'Lady Melia' he says," Dunban said thoughtfully once they had gone. "Shulk, you thinking the same as me?" "Whatever her position is here," Shulk said slowly. "Melia won't let us down. "I'm sure you're right," Dunban agreed. No sooner had he finished talking, then the five men returned, this time carrying swords and shields. "Huh?" Sharla took a step back, one hand on her rifle. "More of these guys?" Reyn cursed as they surrounded them. * * * After Melia stepped through the transporter, she went forwards a few paces, dread settling in on her stomach. She was back in Alcamoth, for better or worse. She had left with Aizel, Hogard, Garan, and Damil, but returned without them. What would their families say? Even worse, what would the Emperor think about it? She took in a deep breath, and put a hand over her heart, trying to calm herself. I must report the Telethia's defeat to His Majesty and request entry to Prison Island, She thought reminding herself of her goal. Shulk is depending on me. I must hurry to the Audience Chamber.She stepped forwards, welcoming herself back to Alcamoth. The Imperial Capital was by no means a stunning place. It was filled with technology a Homs could only dream of, with buses that hovered at least a few inches off the ground, and moving staircases that lead to the second floor. The same pods that patrolled the outside of the capital were also inside, watching for crime or any suspicious signs of danger. The amount of fountains were impossible to count, unless you spent a healthy amount of your time noting where each one was, and counted each and every single one. High Entia roamed about, some with long wings that dragged on the ground, and others with shorter and more maintainable ones. Melia stepped forwards, and entered the city, several guards welcoming her and informing her that His Majesty was awaiting her in the Audience Chamber. Had word of her arrival traveled that quickly? However, as Melia approached one of the escalators, she was blissfully unaware of someone watching her. A woman stood on a balcony, wearing a regal dress and her wings reaching down to her ankles. "You say the Second Consort's child survived her ordeal?" Her lips pursed in obvious displeasement as she watched Melia. "Forgive me, First Consort," A woman at her side knelt . She was wearing a purple uniform, with a mask covering her facial features. A pair of wings reached down to her hips. "I, Tyrea, vow to see your orders fulfilled." "Whilst she's in the capital?" The woman, Yumea, snorted. "Do not underestimate the lengths to which His Majesty and the child's loathsome goons will go." She turned to face Tyrea, scanning the girl distastefully. "How, pray tell, will you avoid the guards," She asked. "I will do whatever it takes," Tyrea said nervously. "Oh your stupidity bores me." "Your Highness-" "Enough of your drivel!" Yumea growled, folding her arms and watching Melia once more as she approached the palace. "We will have our chance once she stakes her claim to the throne," A woman walked onto the balcony from behind, putting one hand on her hip, and smirking. * * * Melia stepped into the Imperial Palace, and was greeted by beautiful architecture. Exactly three fountains sat in the main hall, two on either side of her, and one large one, boarded by staircases that led to a transporter. Melia approached the fountain and examined it. It was her favourite in the capital. It depicted the ancient battle between the Bionis and the Mechonis, how their bodies eternally rested after striking their final blows to each other. Water gushed over the mural, and Melia was shaken out of her daze as a guard called to her. "Lady Melia? His Majesty is awaiting you in the Audience Chamber." "Huh?" Melia glanced over at the guard. "Oh, yes. My apologies." She nodded and climbed the stairs, stepping into the transporter. She was facing another flight of stairs, before taking a deep breath. The Emperor was waiting for her in this room. Her punishment or praise was up to him. She came forwards as the guards lining the walkway knelt reverently. When she got close enough, she approached the the Emperor and knelt before him He was a tall man, who was well aged with snow white hair and a regal robe cast about his shoulders. His wings reached down to his thighs, and he observed Melia with kind eyes. "Melia Antiqua, First Princess, has returned Your Majesty," Melia said, trying to keep her voice from trembling. "Raise your head," The Emperor ordered. "Your Majesty," She said, and obliged. "The Telethia rained havoc on countless veteran knights," The Emperor said with a small smile growing on his face. "You triumphed where they could not. I find it difficult to suppress these feelings of pride for you, my kin. "But your Majesty," Melia protested, already feeling the tears burning at her eyes. "I failed to return with any of the subjects you entrusted to me. My inexperience cost them their lives." "We will grieve for them," The Emperor admitted. "But it could not have been avoided. It was their duty and honour to fight beside you. They were all aware of your limits." "Emperor-" "Keep those feelings of frustration close to you," The Emperor advised. "It will help you to remember the debt you owe to those that have fallen." "Your Majesty," Melia said quickly, deciding that this was a good of time as any to bring up the matter of Shulk and the others, as well as Prison Island. "Concerning such debts, there were others that aided me." "The Homs and Nopon that accompanied you to the capital?" A man standing next to Emperor finally spoke. He was also wearing a regal robe, with wings that reached down to his knees. He had silver hair, like Melia, and was scanning Melia's face closely. "They have been arrested by Imperial Security." "Shulk and his companions?!" Melia drew in a sharp breath, rising to her feet. "Yes," The man nodded. "For reasons pertaining to the weapon this Shulk possesses." "Shulk's weapon?" Melia muse,d, before her eyes widened. "Do you mean the Monado?" "So it is true!" The man suddenly looked triumphant. "If that weapon truly is the Monado, we will be forced to take action." "Why?!" "There is a legend, passed down through the generations," The man said, folding his arms. He seemed unsure how to proceed with his statement. "Of a divine weapon -the Monado. It is said that the Bionis itself bestows the blade upon a chosen one. However, if the chosen one is black of heart, he will cause the destruction of the High Entia." "Among High Entia exist the good and bad alike," The Emperor folded his arms. "Homs and Nopon are no different. If this boy is the chosen one…" He shook his head. "The divine seer's interrogation will reveal where his allegiances lie," The man explained. "So you intend to keep them confined?" Melia demanded. "We must," The Emperor insisted. "Father! I mean...Your Majesty!" Melia quickly corrected herself. "I assure you, Shulk is of pure heart!" The Emperor stepped off of his stand and took a few steps towards Melia. "As my successor, you will play a role of great importance," He said. "Calm your spirit and be patient." "I…" Melia hung her head as the Emperor turned and left. "Dear sister," The man said kindly. "I can see the Emperor's words have confused you." Melia glanced up to see him striding towards her. "Brother," She said with a smile. "His Majesty has spoken," Melia's brother stopped before her. "He recognizes you as the crown princess. You are to be the next ruler of the High Entia." "Me?" Melia was shocked. Her brother was older then she was, so why was she the one to rule? "And not you?" "Yes," Her brother nodded. "The Emperor asked for my counsel and I told him as I tell you now. You will make a fine Empress. There is no one more suited to leading our people. You proved that when you dispatched the Telethia." "I…" Melia hesitated. "Don't know what to…" "Melia." "But the soldiers," Melia pointed out. "I am not fit to rule. I should visit their families and beg for pardon." "Melia, you know that this is not allowed!" Her brother told her sternly. "I know," Melia said. "But it does nothing for the guilt I feel." "It is as the Emperor said," Her brother said, putting a hand on Melia's shoulder. "Grieve their departing, but engrave in your heart their great deeds." Melia hesitated, before nodding. "I will." "You are right to question these things," Melia's brother said. "But take pride in who you are. The Emperor has chosen wisely in you, Melia." He nodded, and left the room, striding towards the transporter. "I...am to be crown princess?" Melia frankly couldn't believe it. "Yes, you are." Melia turned and saw a woman striding up to her, one hand on her hip. "The Ministries of Research and Records are united in support of His Majesty's decision," The woman said. "I, Minister Lorithia, have no objection to your appointment." "I understand." "I would never openly question our divine Emperor," Lorithia admitted. "But the wielder of the Monado, the chosen one, might be a useful tool." "You think so too?" Melia gasped, her eyes widening. "Yes," Lorithia nodded. "But a lowly servant of the realm, such as myself, could never question His Majesty. However, if the divine seer were to...intervene…" "The seer could free Shulk?" "They should be exchanging words as we speak," Lorithia informed her, a small smirk creeping again up her lips as she put a hand on her hip. * * * Reyn groaned and kicked the side of the prison once again. Shulk, Sharla, Dunban, Riki, and Reyn had been arrested at the Center Gate and thrown into prison. It was large and roomy, but the air was stuffy and there wasn't anywhere to relax, despite the grand table spread across the middle of the room, with a pure white tablecloth and quite a few chairs. "Idiot birdbrains!" Reyn growled. "What'd we do? A fancy prison is still a prison." "What happened to Melia?" Sharla asked. "I don't see her locked up in here with us." "Exactly!" Reyn said. "She's in on this!" A moment of silence came and went as everyone was consumed with their own predictions on why they were here and what happened to Melia. "Shulk," Dunban finally said. "Any thoughts here?" "Melia won't let us down," Shulk said firmly. "She promised to take us to Prison Island, and she's not the kind of person to break a promise." "Okay, Shulk," Reyn scowled. "You win. I believe you. And if you believe Melia, then no arguments from me." He sighed and sat down at the table. Sharla, Riki, and Shulk followed him, while Riki danced happily on the table. Despite the situation, the Nopon still managed to make them laugh, while Dunban stared off into space. When he finally joined them, the door opened and two High Entia guards came into the room. "You are to be interrogated by the divine seer," One said. "Stand back." They parted, and took up positions by the doors, in case they tried to escape. The door opened again, Alvis came up the ramp. "Alvis?!" Shulk gasped. "What are you doing here?" Alvis simply smiled and said nothing. "Explain yourself, please," He said, folding his arms. Shulk hesitated, before explaining what had happened after Alvis had disappeared. When he had finished, the seer look interested. "I see," He finally said. "So that is why you are here." "Is Melia okay?" Shulk asked. "We didn't mean to cause her any trouble." "Rest assured, she is fine," Alvis said. "The real reason you have been detained is not because you are outsiders." "You don't mean…" "Yes. The Monado," Alvis nodded. "You see the High Entia and the Monado go back many years. Millennia, in fact." He scanned the group, before smiling. "Leave everything to me," He said. "I shall see to it that you are not held for long. We cannot have the saviors of Her Highness be treated as criminals, now can we?" He approached the guards, and looked at them seriously. "Free these people," He ordered. "I shall take responsibility for their actions whilst inside the capital. They are now guests of the Imperial Family." "Sir!" "I am required to report to His Majesty," Alvis admitted, turning to face the group. "Otherwise I would escort you around the capital. Use this room at your leisure. You are free to roam the city or stay here and rest. Farewell." He turned and walked briskly from the room, followed by the two guards that had accompanied him here. "Hold on Alvis!" Shulk stopped him just before he stepped out the door. "I need to ask you-" "Be patient," Alvis cut him off. "I know what it is you wish to ask. Do not fear. You will learn when the time is right." And with that, he left. The group gathered at the window, and Reyn grinned, looking down at the city. "The life of the rich," He said. "So, where are we going?" "Anywhere but here," Sharla said. "I'm bored of this stuffy room." "Okay then," Shulk smiled. "Let's go explore the capital." "Riki find Melly for Shulk!" Riki said confidently, and walked towards the door, when it suddenly opened, and a guard came rushing in. "Your Eminence!" He cried, rushing into the room, and looking around for someone. "What guard want?" Riki said, startled by the guard's sudden appearance. "If you're after Alvis, he's gone," Dunban said. "What?" The guard gasped. "Where did he go?!" "What happened?" Shulk asked and the guard hesitated. "We received an SOS from a small squadron repairing a transporter at Eryth Sea," The guard said. "But the transmission was interrupted, and we lost all contact with the squadron!" "Sounds like they need our help," Reyn commented. "Shulk and Riki go help!" Riki said. "Riki and friends help people in trouble!" "Of course," Shulk nodded, and looked at the guard. "We're happy to help." "But you're outsiders…" "Soldier man no worry!" Riki cheered. "Heropon Riki is here to save the day!" "It is...most appreciated," The guard was at a loss for words. "We need all the help we can get. Last we heard they were at the Syrath Lighthouse on Hovering Reef Four. You can get there through the transporters at the Center Gate. Please hurry." The guard left the room, glancing back anxiously at them as they soon followed.