Xenoblade Chronicles

Chapter 23 - Prison Island

Emperor Sorean Antiqua stood with his Imperial Staff in hand at the top of Prison Island. He was examining the battle between his forces and the Mechon. Behind him was a long slab concrete, and was about wide enough for something huge to rest on. "Our forces can only take so much," Sorean murmured as he watched the explosions. "The capital's defenses are sure to fall!" He released a heavy sigh, and turned towards the concrete slab, spreading his arms. "Forefathers, grant me your wisdom!" He requested, before raising the staff. The circle around him began to glow, and it spread towards the concrete as he began to chant in an ancient language. "Iluna Mel Rukan Tak'sis," Sorean said, his voice echoing. "Duku Aruke Mese Dakhini Ehato!" There was a bright light that surrounded the concrete, and it eased open. A giant rose through it, his head bowed and his wrists bound tightly. Surrounding him were several rings, probably built to absorb the his power. Sorean's eyes widened in shock, and he nearly dropped his staff. "It can't...It can't be!" He breathed, realizing what it was. "A giant?" He frowned, watching it as the platform rose to a stop. "So this is what was sealed away." "How long has been been, Emperor?" The giant finally spoke, his voice old and crackly from eons of not being used. "This is our first encounter," Sorean said, trying to hide the fact that he was trembling. "It is not you that I speak to, but your blood," The giant said. "The blood that shackled me." "I see," Sorean spread his hands. "Then I assume I do not need to tell you the reason I am here." "There is no need," The giant agreed. "I already know why you have come." Sorean glanced at his staff, when the giant spoke. "Use it. It is the reason I am here, after all." The Emperor hesitated, before plunging his staff into a small hole in the ground. There was a bright flash of light, and eight floating, crackling balls of energy erupted from above. They sat there, until one fired off two deadly blasts that destroyed a Mechon instantly. "How did they?!" Metal Face's eyes widened as watched what just happened. He cursed under his breath as a barrier appeared, blinding two people watching from the Center Gate. "That light it's…" Kallian trailed off while Alvis gave him a confused look. "Father…" Alvis didn't say anything, but a small smile spread over the seer's face as he watched. * * * Shulk, Melia, Sharla, Riki, Reyn, and Dunban appeared at the base of Prison Island. Two statues flanked an enormous door with a large yellow symbol on the front. "Whoa," Reyn said, looking up at it. "Big door! Whatever needed this door was massive." Riki turned to look at one of the statues before he yelped, instantly on the defensive. "Ah! Dinobeast!" They approached the statue cautiously as Riki took out his biter and glared at the statue. "It's just a statue," Reyn chided. "Don't freak us out like that, Riki!" "Is this...a person?" Sharla asked. "I can't make it out." "This may very well be the appearance of my forefathers," Melia said thoughtfully. "The legends tell that they differed greatly to how we look now." "And this is what they looked like?" Dunban questioned. "Wait a minute," Reyn said. "I've seen this thing somewhere before…" "Dinobeast! Dinobeast!" Riki cried. "You might be right," Reyn nodded. "It reminds me of the Telethia as well." "Did your ancestors build this island?" Shulk turned. Melia didn't answer for a long time. "No," She said finally, turning to face the blonde. "The stories tell of this place existing long before my people. No one knows for sure, but we think our forefathers are the ones who sealed it." "I wonder what's sealed inside," Sharla shrugged. "Well, we'll know soon enough, I suppose." Melia looked around, before pointing. "There!" She said. "An engraving by the forefathers!" She approached a tablet, with a symbol on the front, and an ancient language on the rest of it. "I've seen this engraving around the capital. Many researchers have tried and failed to discover it's meaning." "Hey, Shulk," Reyn nudged the blonde. "That symbol." "Yeah," Shulk agreed. "It's similar to the Monado's symbols. There...must be a connection." "Connection?" Dunban repeated. "The sealed door of Prison Island," Melia said, looking up at the giant door. "It is said only a true successor to the throne can open it." "Then the Emperor must be inside," Shulk said grimly. "I believe so," Melia agreed. She stepped forwards, spreading her arms as she spoke. "Forefathers! I, your descendant Melia Antiqua, stand before you. For the sake of our world, release the seal!" Almost simultaneously, the ring of light that had scanned Melia's DNA back at the High Entia Tomb did it here, going up and down over Melia's body. "Just like at the Tomb," Melia breathed. "What's it doing?" Reyn demanded. "Aren't we going to help?" Sharla chimed in. "Please, do not worry," Melia pleaded. "It is necessary." The circle of light vanished, and as did the symbol on the door. It slowly opened with an agonizing creaking sound when- "Heir to the Monado!" There was a giant, surrounded by particles of light. He was standing before Shulk, who was holding the Monado at his side. "Let the shackles be released!" He raised his hand, and there was a bright flash of light. Shulk opened his eyes, to find the others staring curiously at him. Reyn, however, had a huge grin plastered on his face. "What is it, Shulk?" He demanded. "Get a move on. You saw it, right? Us bashing that tin man's head in!" "Hold on a second!" Shulk said quickly. "Ah, here we go," Reyn rolled his eyes. "I knew you'd start overthinking." "There's not much time, Shulk," Sharla agreed. "We've got to go now." "Sharla's right," Reyn said. "We'll miss our chance to take that murdering Mechon down!" "I…" Shulk hesitated. "Okay. Let's get going." They went forwards and took their first steps into Prison Island. Melia instantly walked through black, multi colored swirling transporter-type thing, and the others followed her. They appeared at another part of the tower, and they started running. As they did, Shulk realized he could see the Bionis's head. "We must be outside the tower," Sharla remarked as they ran. "Are we here?" Reyn asked, as they glanced around, slowing to a stop. Shulk closed his eyes, remembering his vision. "This is it," He nodded, remembering blasting Metal Face back with the Monado. "This is the place I saw." Suddenly, two Mechon came soaring upwards, but with two powerful blasts they were destroyed. Throwing up her hands up to protect her face, Melia glanced behind her, and spotted a flight of stairs. She sprinted up them, followed by the others. She stopped at the top of the stairs, her eyes widening. "Father!" She came forwards, glancing over at the Emperor and then the giant. "Father, who is this?" The Emperor didn't reply as the giant's eyes fixed on Shulk. "Welcome, true heir to the Monado," The giant said. "Who...are you?" Shulk asked, his eyes wide. "Check this guy out!" Reyn said in awe. "Is this…?" Melia breathed. "He's one of the giants, said to have become extinct eons ago," Sorean said. "This is what our forefathers locked away." "I am Zanza," The giant said. "And I have waited centuries for you." "You waited for him?" Melia said, confused, looking at Shulk. "But I thought our forefathers imprisoned you here! How could you have waited centuries for someone you have not met?" "I forged the Monado," Zanza said simply. "It is moulded from me. All who wield the sword are made known to me." "You made the Monado?!" Shulk gasped. "Yes," Zanza nodded. "I made it millennia ago to oppose Mechonis." "But...why are you imprisoned?" "The Monado controls the principle upon which life is based, the source of your existence -ether," Zanza explained. "Master the principle of life and all things will bow to you. Your power would be infinite. As you now know, the sword gives the wielder the power of foresight. And I myself once used that sword against the Mechonis and defeated it." "You're telling us you beat the Mechonis with that tiny thing?" Reyn snickered. "It's appearance is merely an illusion," Zanza said. "It's form morphs to conform to the will of it's master. The power comes from within. But it's power was feared by some. That is why the High Entia imprisoned me here, long ago." "That can't be true!" Melia cried. "Our forefathers would have had better reason!" "You are what you are," Zanza said simply. "Do you not believe your own eyes? Open your mind! New ruler of the High Entia. The Monado is the blade of the Bionis. The only force that can oppose the Mechonis. As the wielder grows, so too does his ability to control all things. Yet there is still power trapped in the sword. The Monado is in shackles." "Shackles?" Shulk tilted his head out of confusion. "It is suppressed." "You mean…" Shulk's eyes widened. Zanza was talking about how the Monado couldn't cut people. "Yes," Zanza nodded. "It was this constraint that gave rise to faced Mechon. Mechon that cannot be harmed by the Monado." * * * Another white-hot blast of ether energy made Metal Face swerve and dance in order to avoid it. Most of his comrades were already destroyed. "This is beginning to wear thin," Metal Face growled, charging up an attack of his own. It bounced off the shield harmlessly. The eight balls of energy fired again, and Metal Face found himself dodging more then attacking. He knew he couldn't keep this up forever, so he went in close to the shield examining it. "Now, where is it?" He demanded. "Where's this power coming from?" He glanced around the island, before spotting the annoying brats and Zanza himself at the top of the island. "Is that...?" If Mechon could smirk, Metal Face was doing so. "So he's come out to play! That's cheating. Can't have that!" He cackled and soared up into the air shouting. "This is gonna be good!" Metal Face took out the spear strapped to his back, and aimed it. "Try and stop my new toy," The Mechon said nastily. "Catch this, Zanza!" * * * "These shackles," Shulk said thoughtfully. "They must be why the Monado can't hurt people as well. Does that have something to do with the faced Mechon?" "You must find that out by yourself," Zanza said. "I will remove those shackles for you. But you must take the Monado and free me from this prison. Free me, and the Monado will cut down anything you wish. Nothing but a god can stand in your way!" Shulk hesitated, before stepping forwards. "Don't do it, Shulk!" Melia called after him. The young user of the Monado turned to face her. "But Melia...why?" "Something's not right," She insisted. "The forefathers must have had good reason to seal him!" "I need that power!" Shulk said. "I thought you of all people would understand!" "I do!" Melia seemed at a loss for words. "But...It's just…" "Hold on a minute," Reyn intervened. "He only said he'd release this new power. Sounds like a good idea to me." "But…" "Melia, please understand," Shulk said with a reassuring smile. "I must do what I set out to. The Mechon must pay!" He turned, remembering the attack on Colony 9, and worse of all, Fiora's death. "Young Shulk," Said Zanza. "I will not force you. I ask for nothing in return. It is your choice." Shulk hesitated, before turning around and unsheathing the Monado. "I will!" He said, his teeth gritted. He raised the Monado high above his head, activating it. The blade of light expanded, raising high above the giant he was about to free. Shulk sliced the Monado sideways, and the chains binding Zanza broke. There was a bright flash of light, and Zanza stood groaning. The giant slowly straightened up, particles of light surrounding him. "Heir to the Monado!" He said, raising his hands and looking down at Shulk. "Let the shackles be released!" All at once, there was huge flash of light that filled Prison Island, and washed over Eryth Sea. "This party's over!" Shulk spun around at Metal Face's voice, and all of the sudden, a spear flew through the air, and impaled the shield surrounding the island. It passed through it and impaled Zanza through the middle. "No!" Everyone screamed as the giant fell backwards. "Zanza!" Shulk shouted, reaching for him. All at once, the seven crackling balls of energy vanished and the shield did as well. The group spun around, spotting Metal Face high above them. "It's him!" Growled Reyn. "Metal Face!" Shulk agreed, his eyes narrowed. He sliced the Monado through the air. "Sorry we're late to the party," Metal Face giggled sadistically. "What do you think of our leader's gift?" "How'd you know we'd be here?!" Reyn shouted. "What's that?" Metal Face feigned not being able to hear. "The poor insects are a little confused? We're here for the old fool!" He pointed at Zanza, who was slowly being injected with ether poison. "If he's dead, he can't power up the Monado! You being here is just an added bonus!" Meanwhile, Face Nemesis circled above him, before straightening up and hovering in midair. "A silver faced Mechon!" Sharla breathed as they all came in for a landing. "Zanza," The Mechon spoke in a soft calming voice. "Respond, Zanza. I know you can hear me." There was a moment of silence until anger overcame Shulk, and he leapt at the silver Mechon. "Mechon!" He screamed as Face Nemesis leapt out of the way. "You will pay for what you've done!" "Please wait!" She pleaded. "I mean you no harm!" "Give us back Fiora!" Shulk yelled, sprinting towards her. "Give her back!" He leapt at the Mechon, when Metal Face blasted Shulk away from her with his claws. "I told you to stay outta the way, boy!" He shouted, slamming Shulk back to Zanza's remains. The Monado deactivated as it flew from his hands. "Shulk!" Dunban yelled. "Weak!" Metal Face glowered down at them. "Weak and pathetic!" Everyone rushed forwards and Shulk was dimly aware of Reyn and Dunban jabbing at Metal Face with their weapons while Sharla fired off powerful blasts with her rifle. Metal Face shook Reyn and Dunban off, and Melia rushed forwards. "Dunban!" She shouted, before a bright light surrounded her palm. She fired it off and Metal Face was blasted back several hundred feet. "Stupid bug!" He growled, before raising his claws. Dunban raced forwards and tackled Melia out of the way of the Mechon's attack. "Melia!" Sorean screamed towards his daughter as both she and Dunban skidded towards the edge of the platform. "Look at you!" Metal Face growled. "Worthless without the Monado!" He scanned the group, before his red eyes fixed on the former user of the Monado. "Isn't that right, Dunban?" "What or who are you?!" Dunban demanded, hovering over Melia. He struggled to his feet, pointing his katana at Metal Face. "How do you know me?" "Let's see if this jogs your memory!" The Mechon cried, leaping into the air and slamming his claws down. Dunban dodged it, his eyes widening. "He moves like…" He breathed, leaping aside as the other pair of claws came impaled the ground right where Dunban would have been. "But that's impossible!" "Dunban!" Reyn shouted, running to said man's aid. Sharla, meanwhile, was firing off powerful blasts at two Mechon with the exact likeness of Xord, the report of her rifle making her ears ache. "Cease immediately!" Face Nemesis ordered, jumping in front of them. "They are not our target!" Sharla's eyes widened as she looked at the silver-faced Mechon, who was looking at Metal Face. He advancing upon Reyn, Dunban, and Melia, charging up his signature ether attack. "Any final words?" Metal Face said, his voice filled with glee. When they didn't say anything, the Mechon cackled. "Die!" Before he could attack, however, a bolt of electricity ran through the Mechon, paralyzing it. "Who dares…?!" He growled, turning around. His eyes fixed on Sorean, who had his hands curled tightly around the Imperial Staff. It's tip was glowing with power, and the Emperor's eyes were narrowed. "Stop at once!" He commanded. "Mechon!" "Emperor!" Shulk cried, attempting to get to his feet. The Emperor raised his hand, and eight bolts of lightning streaked through Metal Face. It's eyes slowly dimmed as it thrashed, until falling to it's knees, it's head bowed. Sorean lowered his hand, shaking slightly as Melia ran towards him. "Father!" "Are you hurt, Melia?" Sorean asked, embracing his daughter. "No," Melia said. "Father." All at once, Metal Face began to move again, it's eyes lighting up, murder in it's eyes. "You're gonna pay for that," It growled. "You bag of bones!" In one swift motion, he knocked aside the Imperial Staff. It skidded away from the Emperor and Metal Face raised his claws. "Melia!" Sorean cried, pushing his daughter away from him. She hit the ground with a bump as the Emperor turned around to face the Mechon. Metal Face's claws came down, ripping through Sorean. Melia opened her eyes from where she was laying on the ground, and found bloody claws, inches from her nose. Her eyes widened in shock Metal Face pulled his weapons from the Emperor's side. "Father!" She screamed, reaching towards him as Sorean Antiqua fell over. "Emperor!" Shulk joined in with Melia's cry, starting towards him. Metal Face giggled sadistically, lifting his blood-covered claws. A single drop fell from them, and splattered on the ground. "Looks like he's had his wings clipped!" He said as Melia rushed to her father. "Did you really expect to beat me?!" "Emperor," Shulk said, trembling. "I...failed you." He closed his eyes tightly, before hearing Zanza speak. "Heir to the Monado." Shulk looked up with a start, noticing the giant. His chest was slowly rising and falling, even though there was a giant spear sticking out of it. "Zanza! You're alive!" Shulk said, scooping up the Monado and raising it above his head. "Give me the power I need!" "I am now a mere shell," Zanza said. "The power is already yours." "What?!" "The shackles have been broken," The giant said, his breathing slowly coming to a stop. "Wield the sword. It bends to your will. Think of your enemy and the power to defeat them is yours!" Zanza let out an agonizing cry, and his body exploded into tiny green particles of ether that surrounded Shulk. "Zanza," The blonde closed his eyes tightly, before opening them and raising the Monado. "Mechon." He remembered Fiora's death, and her ear-splitting scream filled his ears again. Shulk's grip tightened on the sword. "It's not over! The people of Bionis will never let your triumph!" Shulk raised the Monado and yelled, the blade beginning to glow. It suddenly shifted form into a double-edged sword. The blue blade of light came out, growing until it was the length of the large spear that had killed Zanza. "It's changing form!" Melia gasped. Shulk ran forwards, joining his struggling friends and Face Nemesis tensed. "Be careful!" She warned. "We cannot withstand such power!" "Shulk!" Dunban said, getting to his feet. Everyone else did the same as Shulk readied the Monado. He jumped forwards with a yell, slicing Metal Face's arm off , and sending the Mechon crashing backwards. "You!" Metal Face growled as Shulk went forwards, his eyes narrowed. "You will know the pain and suffering you caused the Emperor and Fiora!" He shouted, raising the Monado above his head. "Desist!" Face Nemesis cried, flying in the way of the Monado, and thus protecting Metal Face. "What?" Shulk's eyes widened. The front of the silver-faced Mechon's armour came crashing off. "Look at him!" Reyn grinned. "The Monado has changed!" Dunban agreed and Face Nemesis struggled to stay upright, before crashing down onto one knee. Shulk suddenly heard Zanza's voice echo throughout the island. "Good!" He chuckled. "Now you feel it! Swing the blade to your heart's content!" "Wait!" Face Nemesis pleaded, and Shulk looked up at her. "Is this what you truly desire, Zanza?" Shulk frowned, peering into the contents of the faced Mechon. "I see now," Zanza said. "It is as I suspected. You exist outside of the pre-established harmony." Shulk's eyes widened as he saw a body within the machine. He froze. "Is that…" He gasped. "A Homs?" The Homs raised her hand to remove the mask covering her face. Shulk felt his grip on the Monado as he saw her face. Piercing green eyes. Blonde hair. "No way," Reyn said, his eyes widening in shock as the Monado deactivated. "F-Fiora!" Shulk gasped as she glowered down at them with a cold expression. "Fiora!" Dunban said, his katana loose at his side. "You're still alive!" There was an explosion on the right side of Face Nemesis, and Fiora lurched sideways, her expression pained. "Zanza," She said. "You have not changed at all. That is clear. But still, I cannot…" "Do as you please," Zanza said nastily, finishing her sentence for her. Face Nemesis straightened up and hovered in the air, preparing to leave. "Fiora!" Dunban shouted, sprinting forwards as Fiora turned to leave. Shulk and Reyn chased after him. "Wait!" Shulk screamed, reaching out for her as she eyed them, before turning around. "My mission is complete," Fiora said. "Returning to base." She flew upwards, before speeding up and rocketing into the sky. Metal Face followed her, glowering at Dunban as he clutched the socket where his arm once was. "You got lucky this time, Dunban!" He growled. "But next time, I'll slice you in two!" He cackled, before speeding after Fiora. Shulk sprinted down the stairs, and ran to the balcony, reaching out towards Face Nemesis, screaming after her. "Fiora! It's me -Shulk! Fiora!"