The 9th chapter of Xenoblade Chronicles 1. Chapter 9 centers around the battle of Prison Island where an army of Mechon led by Metal-Face and Face-Nemesis invade it to kill a certain target. Meanwhile, Shulk's group has made it to Prison Island, which they come across Zanza; the island's sealed away prisoner who's the forger of the Monado, and the main target of the Mechon.
1) The Mechon Invade
A flashback is seen within the Alcamoth Audience Chamber where Emperor Sorean is being shown a future vision from the Divine Seer, Alvis. He sees images of Prison Island where Shulk meets a Giant, and the battle against the Mechon which results in Sorean getting stabbed to death by Metal-Face. Following the vision, Sorean asks Alvis if what he saw is all true, which Alvis assures him that it is, but that it can be changed through Sorean's actions.Back in the present, Shulk's group watches the celebration ceremony unfold from the streets of Alcamoth where Melia is officially established to be the High Entia's next ruler. A masked Melia appears before her people at the viewing balcony high up the royal citadel announcing that she's accepted the role to be their next leader, much to everyone's cheers. Shulk's watching companions question if the masked girl is a different person given that Melia's not usually this confident. However, Shulk remains convinced that it's the Melia they know.
Meanwhile somewhere in Alcamoth, Lorithia is seen meeting with Alvis as she wants to know if his seer ability saw anything about Shulk's future. In return, Alvis assures her that nothing will go wrong. That they already have everything they need to see "his" dream fulfilled, which Lorithia questions if "he" will feel the same way.
At that same time, a squad of Face-Mechon led by Metal-Face and Face-Nemesis is seen flying their way towards the head of the Bionis. Metal-Face remains hyped up for the battle now that he's been repaired, but he's also annoyed that Face-Nemesis is coming along. Once the Mechon squad closes in on Alcamoth and Prison Island, Metal-Face leads the charge, and starts attacking the High Entia's aerial ships.
Returning to Shulk's group, they're back in their Whitewing Palace room celebrating Melia's rise to the throne. While celebrating, they discuss what to do next given that they're just waiting until Sorean makes his decision regarding their need for the imperial sanction to enter Prison Island. In the end, they decide to go visit Melia.
2) The Emperor's Decision
Shulk's group arrives at Alcamoth's Imperial Villa where they find Melia taking a break from her ceremonial duties. Melia's glad to see them, which they go about discussing certain things, such as her revealing to Shulk and company her status as a half-Homs, because the Emperor's Second Consort, Melia's birth mother, was a Homs woman. In addition, she states how she has to wear a mask out in public to hide her true appearance given that there's still some pureblood High Entia who aren't fans of half-bloods. Melia then begins to head off to prepare a banquet for Shulk's group, but it's at this moment that Shulk gets a Monado vision where he sees the moment that Metal-Face stabs Emperor Sorean. Shulk warns the group about something bad that's about to happen to the Emperor on Prison Island, which grabs Melia's attention given that it's her father that's in danger. The Alcamoth warning sirens then go off, which an imperial guard arrives at the villa to warn Shulk and company that the Mechon have arrived.At that same time, Metal-Face is seen flying around the skies above the Eryth Sea disposing of any High Entia aerial vehicle said Face-Mechon comes across.
Within the Audience Chamber, Emperor Sorean and Kallian are informed by an imperial soldier of the invading Mechon. Sorean understands the situation, and realizes that he only has one option to take. He retrieves the imperial staff out of where it's being stored within the Audience Chamber, and then puts Kallian in charge of running Alcamoth's defenses. Sorean then announces that he will go to Prison Island himself.
Back at the Imperial Villa, Shulk explains to his companions what he saw in his Monado vision. That they were battling Metal-Face on Prison Island, and that Melia and Emperor Sorean were there. Melia thinks over why her father would be there, and considers a bad theory that causes her to worry. She then races off to the Audience Chamber hoping to stop her father from going, which Shulk and company chase after her.
3) In Pursuit of the Emperor
Melia and Shulk's group arrive at the Audience Chamber where only Kallian is now present. Melia notices that the imperial staff's gone, which she orders her brother to explain where their father went. In return, he reveals to Shulk and company that Emperor Sorean already departed for Prison Island for the sake of the High Entia empire. Alvis then appears having been listening in on the conversation, and inform everyone that Sorean is already aware of what's going to happen given that he showed the Emperor the vision of his death at Prison Island awhile back. Shulk remains confused as to why Sorean's still going through with it if he knows that going to Prison Island results in his death, which Alvis answers that it's because Sorean knows that he must do his duty as the ruler of the High Entia.Kallian asks for everyone to trust Sorean as the latter's fate was already decided long ago, which Melia's left in despair. Dunban in return states that they're going to Prison Island as they've always gone against the rules if it means that they can save those that they care about. Despite Kallian trying to object, Dunban reminds the Prince that the High Entia's rules don't apply to them given that they're Homs, which Kallian's forced to accept. As a result of Dunban restoring her confidence, Melia announces that they will go to Prison Island.
4) Ancient Creatures Swarm
Above the Eryth Sea, the Face-Mechon squadron led by Metal-Face and Face-Nemesis continues to dispose of the High Entia's aerial ships. They then notice a bunch of large aerial creatures known as Skyrays beginning to swarm around Prison Island, which Face-Nemesis theorizes that they must be creatures that were sealed within Prison Island. Metal-Face guesses that the Skyrays are their targets' pets as said Face-Mechon charges at them for a fight.Meanwhile, Shulk's group is seen having left Alcamoth, and are back on the ground along the coast of the Eryth Sea. With the floating landmass of Prison Island as their main destination to head towards, Shulk asks how they're supposed to get there. In return, Melia explains that there's a special transporter that they need to unlock two seals to use it. As a result, they head off to unlock the seals on the Eryth Sea. They eventually complete the objective, which activates Prison Island's transporter.
5) Fighting the Ancient Creatures
Shulk and company arrive at Central Seal Island to take the transporter up to Prison Island, which they notice the aerial battle going on above them between the Mechon and Skyrays. One of the Skyrays then drops down to block the way to the transporter, and fights Shulk's group.6) Reason for the Aggression
Shulk's group defeats the Skyray, which they discuss what the aerial creature is that attacked them. Melia theorizes that the Skyrays are some of the oldest creatures of Bionis, and that they must have been sealed within Prison Island. Dunban also adds that the Skyrays appear to be defending something, which the group then heads into the transporter that teleports them up to Prison Island.7) The Giant Awakens
Sorean is seen standing at the terrace atop Prison Island as the battle between the Mechon and Skyrays continues in the sky above him. He then holds the imperial staff up, and tries to cast out a spell. However, what results instead is the terrace's floor opening up due to it reacting to the imperial staff. A platform rises out of the hole, which reveals a large captive giant chained to a prison contraption. This giant being the one seen from Shulk's Monado visions. The giant asks Sorean how long it's been regarding the Emperor's bloodline that shackles him, which Sorean doesn't properly answer, and states to the giant that the latter must know why he's here. The giant admits he does, and orders for Sorean to go through with it. The result is Sorean using his imperial staff to cast out a spell that appears to suck out the energy of the giant. Using the giant's energy, Sorean creates a massive barrier bubble that encases all of Prison Island. The barrier bubble taking out several Face-Mechon, much to Metal-Face's confusion.From Alcamoth, Alvis and Kallian witness the barrier bubble encase around Prison Island. Kallian remaining worried for his father while Alvis shows interest in what's happening.
8) At the Prison Gates
Shulk's group have been teleported up to the floating landmass of Prison Island. They appear out of the transporter at the locked main gate into Prison Island, which they come across a statue of a certain creature that's been placed next to the entrance. Looking at the statue, Melia theorizes that what they're looking at is what her High Entia forefathers must have looked like way in the past. However, Riki and company quickly realize that the creature depicted in the statue is actually that of a Telethia. Shulk asks if Melia's ancestors built Prison Island, which she answers that no one knows for sure. They investigate the statue further, and realize that it's got the Monado's symbol on it. Thus, they figure that the Monado is somehow connected to Prison Island.Turning their focus to Prison Island's locked main gate, Melia informs the group that only those in line to the throne are able to open it, which they figure that Emperor Sorean has already gone on through. Given that she has the royal bloodline, Melia steps before the main gate where she introduces herself, and orders the gate to release the seal. The gate then proceeds to scan Melia similar to how she was scanned within the High Entia Tomb, and as if reacting to her royal blood, the main gate to enter the interior of Prison Island opens up for them. Shulk then has a Monado vision where he's seen standing before the freed giant, which the giant announces that the "shackles will now be released." Shulk doesn't know what to make of the vision as he continues on with the group into Prison Island.
9) Prison Island
Shulk's group makes their way through the interior of Prison Island to get back outside.
10) The Monado's Shackles
Continuing along an outdoor ramp that goes up along the edge of Prison Island, Shulk sees the horn of Bionis' head in the distance, and realizes that they've reached the dark Prison Island location that he's been seeing within his Monado visions. They eventually arrive at the terrace atop Prison Island, and come across Emperor Sorean and the imprisoned giant. The latter of which greets Shulk by calling the boy as the True Heir to the Monado. Sorean explains how it turns out that it was said giant that their forefathers chose to lock away within Prison Island eons ago, which the giant introduces himself as Zanza, and that he's been waiting centuries for Shulk to make it here.
Zanza reveals that it was he who forged the Monado a millennia ago in order for there to be a weapon that could oppose the Mechon. He goes on to explain how the Monado controls the ether, the substance that all life in their world is based on. Thus, the Monado is capable of providing infinite power to the point of giving the user the power of foresight. Zanza then brings up how he used the Monado ages ago to defeat the Mechonis. Reyn finding it surprising that Zanza the giant wielded a tiny sword. Zanza corrects him that the Monado's appearance is just an illusion as its form morphs to properly fit its current master.
Zanza continues on that he was imprisoned by the High Entia of the past due to their fear of the Monado's power. He assures Shulk that as the blade of Bionis, the Monado is the only force that can truly oppose the Mechonis, and that as its wielder grows, so does said wielder's ability to control all things of their world. However, he reveals that the Monado is currently shackled. Zanza explains that the Monado is currently suppressed, which Shulk remembers how it refused to cut through Fiora during the incident back at the Colony 9 lab. Zanza continues on that it's because of this constraint that the Face-Mechon came to be as Mechon that the Monado can't touch.
Meanwhile, Metal-Face is seen trying to break through Sorean's barrier bubble that now surrounds Prison Island. He sees on the terrace atop Prison Island that their target, Zanza, has finally made his appearance, which Metal-Face pulls out some sort of special spear to throw it at the imprisoned giant.
Back on the terrace, Shulk questions Zanza if the Monado's shackles has some sort of connection between Homs and Face-Mechon since it can't hurt either of them. However, Zanza answers that Shulk has to figure that out himself, but he assures Shulk that if the boy frees him from his prison, he will unshackle the Monado to the point of Shulk becoming so powerful that nothing but gods will be able to stand in his way. Despite Melia trying to convince Shulk not to go through with it since there must be a reason as to why her forefathers chose to imprison Zanza, Shulk still desires revenge for what the Mechon did to Fiora and his Colony 9 home. Thus, he walks up to Zanza's prison contraption, and breaks it with the Monado. With Zanza released, the giant keeps to his word, and uses his power to unshackle the Monado. However, it's at this point that Metal-Face throws the special spear that breaks through the Prison Island barrier, and stabs into Zanza.
Sorean's barrier is shattered, which allows for Metal-Face and the other Face-Mechon to drop down to Shulk and company's location. Meanwhile, Zanza's been immobilized due to the spear stabbed into his body, which a green fluid from the spear is seen draining into his giant body. Face-Nemesis approaches the stabbed Zanza wanting to know how much longer Zanza plans to make everyone suffer. However, the immobilized Zanza refuses to answer, which Shulk attacks Face-Nemesis wanting revenge against the Mechon only to be blocked by Metal-Face. Despite Face-Nemesis ordering the other Face-Mechon to only focus on Zanza, a battle breaks out between Metal-Face's squad and Shulk's group.
The Prison Island battle seen from Shulk's Monado visions plays out for real. During the fight, Metal-Face taunts Dunban like before, much to the latter's continued confusion as to how Metal-Face knows him. Sorean also helps out with the battle by using the power of the imperial staff, but it's not enough as Metal-Face succeeds in fatally stabbing the Emperor. Sorean drops to the floor in defeat, which Shulk starts to fall into despair due to failing to save Emperor Sorean despite the Monado visions warning him ahead of time. However, Zanza turns out to still be alive, and calls out to Shulk within the boy's mind. Shulk orders Zanza to give him the power he needs to defeat the Mechon, which Zanza reminds Shulk that with the shackles broken, the boy already has the power to do so. Thus, he orders Shulk to wield the Monado towards his enemies once more as it will bend to his will.
Due to the green fluid that was within Metal-Face's spear, Zanza's body vanishes into green particles. Shulk then regains his confidence and activates the Monado once more for battle against Metal-Face and Face-Nemesis. Due to it being unshackled, the weapon transforms into its Monado II form.
11) Outside Established Harmony
Shulk's finally able to damage Face-Mechon due to the Monado being unshakled, and battles it out once more with Metal-Face and the Face-Mechon squad. Just like how the Monado vision played out, Shulk overwhelms Metal-Face in order to get revenge for what happened to Fiora and Sorean only to have his attack suddenly blocked by Face-Nemesis. Shulk's slash on Face-Nemesis causes its middle compartment to open up, which it's here that Shulk and company learn of something shocking. That Fiora is alive as Face-Nemesis' pilot, but she doesn't appear to recognize them. Meanwhile, Zanza starts to get the gist of what's going on as to who's actually speaking to him from Face-Nemesis; claiming that it's someone outside this world's established harmony. In return, Fiora, who appears to be under the control of someone else, claims that Zanza hasn't changed at all.
With their goal of killing Zanza accomplished, the Face-Mechon retreat back to Mechonis. Thus, leaving Shulk and company behind to figure out their next move. The group heads over to check on Sorean, who's on the verge of passing away due to Metal-Face fatally stabbing him. In his dying words, he tells Melia that he loves her, and that she's the hope of the High Entia. That as long as she continues to go down this path, she will live up to their Antiqua name. He then tells Shulk that he's leaving the Monado in his hands despite their past forefathers choosing to seal said weapon away, and then passes on. Melia falls to despair due to the death of her father, but Shulk assures her that he will be at her side to help her, and that they must continue on to get revenge on the people who did this, which Melia agrees, and they depart from Prison Island.
Some time after, Alvis appears on the Prison Island terrace, and walks over to Metal-Face's special spear that was left behind. Unbeknownst to Shulk's group, it turns out that Zanza's soul now resides within the spear that supposedly killed him. Alvis congratulates Zanza for the act he put on, which Zanza claims that he did what was necessary for the world, and that he sees that a storm is on the horizon.
Long Summaries
Returning to the present, Shulk's group attend the investiture ceremony where Melia being made crown princess is made official. Fireworks go off, and Alcamoth's Anti-Mechon aerial tanks are seen putting on an airshow, as the masked-Melia appears before her High Entia people. From a high balcony, Melia announces to the High Entia that by the authority of their divine ancestors, she's honored to accept the responsibility to become their next benevolent ruler. In addition, she states that if she's found unworthy, and fails to protect the people of the Bionis, then it's a promise that she will be at their mercy. The people cheer in acceptance, which Dunban notes that Melia being the fragile girl they met in Makna Forest is now a distant memory. However, Sharla questions which is the real Melia. Shulk watches on thinking over the moment Emperor Sorean asked him to be Melia's friend, and answers Sharla his belief that the confident masked-Melia they're seeing now and the fragile girl that they first met are one and the same.
Elsewhere, Lorithia is seen meeting with Alvis wanting to know what their Divine Seer saw. Alvis toys with her in return finding it unsurprising that it's just her, much to her annoyance, but Alvis gives her a proper answer stating that he only wanted to analyse the boy (Shulk). He points out that this was what Lorithia wanted to begin with, which she's unable to answer knowing that this is the truth. Alvis then states that she should be thanking him as he did it without having to interfere with Lorithia's ministerial affairs. In return, Lorithia questions if "he" feels the same way (referring to a mysterious person that Alvis and Lorithia are in league with). Alvis assures her that they have all the information they need, such as the knowledge that the Telethia cannot hurt Shulk and company. As the two of them look at Prison Island, Alvis states that nothing will befall "him" before he sees his dream fulfilled.
At that same time, the mass produced Face-Mechon led by Metal-Face are seen having departed from the Mechonis due to Egil ordering to begin the attack on Bionis. During flight towards the Bionis, Metal-Face remains hyped up for the upcoming fight giving his recent repairs, but also complains that they don't need the goody-two-shoes "her." The her being the newly built Face-Nemesis flying alongside them. Metal-Face taunts Face-Nemesis questioning if the latter won't scream when it's hit by the Monado as they're met by the High Entia's Alcamoth's Anti-Mechon aerial tanks. Said aerial tanks begin firing upon the Face-Mechon, which Metal-Face charges in to start the battle.
Meanwhile, Shulk's group is seen having returned to their Whitewing Palace room following the investiture ceremony. Reyn cheers for the new crown princess while Sharla points out that they're still no closer to reaching Metal-Face. However, Shulk remains confident that they'll reach Prison Island given that it happens in this visions. Reyn asks if it's possible to change Emperor Sorean's mind given that they helped his daughter become crown princess, which Shulk remains unsure. Dunban reminds Reyn that His Majesty's request to think on it was clear. That it's only right to give them time as there's more at play here amongst the High Entia that's beyond their understanding. As a result, Riki suggests that they visit Melia, which Sharla agrees with claiming that them being around Melia could distract her from her ceremonial duties. Thus, the decision is given to Shulk.
Shulk's group is left unable to say anything until Riki asks if Melia actually lives here, which she answers that the Imperial Villa's been her home ever since she was young. She explains that she can't truly go anywhere given her status, but that walking around her garden gives her some much needed relief. Reyn remains confused as to why Melia can't be out and about as if her being half-Hom causes trouble for others, which Dunban explains that the High Entia's way of thinking is different in many ways and morals than the Homs. Shulk catches on that this is why Melia has to wear a mask in public, which she answers is indeed the case. Melia then reveals that there's going to be a banquet at the palace in one hour, and invites Shulk and company to come, which they all get excited, and begin toying with Reyn when he asks what's on the High Entia menu. Melia informs Shulk and company that she has much to prepare before the banquet, and will call for them later, which they accept.
As Melia's about to walk off, Shulk tries to speak to her, but is unable to get his words out. Melia catches on asking him what's wrong, but he assures her that it's nothing, which she finds him to be a funny one, and returns to walking away. Shulk's blue-eyed vision then activates, which he witnesses Emperor Sorean being killed by Metal-Face during the fight on Prison Island. Shulk is left shocked by what he just saw, and informs the group in worry that there's something regarding His Majesty. Melia quickly returns hearing her father mentioned as Reyn questions if Shulk just had another vision. As Shulk's about to reveal what he just saw, the Alcamoth alarm sirens go off, which catches their attention. The imperial guards arrive shortly after, and proceed to inform Melia and company that the Mechon are coming, much to everyone's shock.
Meanwhile in the skies above the Eryth Sea, Metal-Face is seen battling and disposing of the Anti-Mechon aerial tanks as the latter are unable to keep up with Metal-Face's speed. At the Audience Chamber, the imperial guards arrive to inform Emperor Sorean and Prince Kallian of a report from the south station that the Mechon are approaching. Kallian finds this to be impossible, but Emperor Sorean isn't as surprised, and states that Melia's time has come. His Majesty then walks towards a noteworthy stored staff in the room stating that they must not waver from their destines. Watching his father take the Imperial Staff, Kallian remains worried for him, but Emperor Sorean orders his son to take charge of the defenses as he will be going on to Prison Island.
Back at the Imperial Villa, the worried Melia asks Shulk what happens to her father. Shulk explains that it follows his vision where he sees Metal-Face and Emperor Sorean on Prison Island, which leaves Melia confused as to why her father would choose to go there. Refusing to accept this, Melia states that she must return to the palace Audience Chamber to try to stop her father from going. Shulk and company agree to follow along as they all make their way back to the Audience Chamber.
Shulk asks if this means that Alvis saw something as the Divine Seer, which Alvis answers to be the case having seen it during a past ancient divination ritual with His Majesty. The confused Shulk asks why Emperor Sorean's doing this if he knows it doesn't end well for him. In return, Alvis states that it's because of His Majesty's role as the ruler of the High Entia and its imperial family. Thus, they must respect their leader's decision above all else. Shulk remains worried knowing that Emperor Sorean is on the path that will kill him, but Kallian tries to reassure him that they should trust his father as His Majesty's fate was already decided for him long ago, which Melia once more refuses to accept.
Dunban then states that they must go. That respect and destiny doesn't matter to them as they don't need rules telling them when to save the people that they care for. He says this to Melia as well to not give up on her father. That Emperor Sorean is going to die if they don't do anything. Dunban states that there's only one thing to do at this point, and asks everyone if they're with him. Shulk agrees, but Kallian interrupts saying that they can't as he's still holding onto respecting His Majesty's decision. Dunban reminds the prince of how it's Shulk's group that's made up of Homs that don't follow the High Entia laws, and asks for Kallian to do what he must. In return, Kallian apologizes and lets it go. Dunban then turns to Melia for her opinion on the matter, which she announces that they will go to Prison Island.
At that same time, Shulk and company appear back on the ground on the transporter platform that originally took them into Alcamoth. Seeing Prison Island before them above the Eryth Sea, Shulk asks if it takes going through a transporter to get there. Melia answers this to be the case, but that they must unlock the two seals first. Said seals being on a floating rock below Prison Island, which unlocking them will activate the nearby door that will grant them access to reach their main destination. Getting the gist of the goal, Shulk gives the order to move as they make their way to the floating rock and activate the seals.
Sharla questions if this means that the Skyrays protect Prison Island, which Dunban states his belief that it's more like the beasts are responding to something primitive. Dunban explains that the Skyray attacked them because it didn't care who or what they were. That it's drive was as if it was defending against anything. Sharla then reminds everyone that they've wasted too much time here due to the fight against the beast, which they continue on to the door to Prison Island.
Emperor Sorean catches on that the giant now before him is the main object that's been sealed away within Prison Island. The giant finally speaks asking the current Emperor how long it's been, which Emperor Sorean answers that it's their first encounter. The giant then corrects his statement that it's actually the Emperor's blood, the blood that originally shackled him, that he's speaking to. Emperor Sorean starts to understand that the giant's referring to a past Emperor, but states that the giant should know why he's here now. In return, the giant admits that it knows why Emperor Sorean's currently here. His Majesty prepares to use the Imperial Staff to resume the spell he was casting beforehand, but to his surprise, the giant orders him to do it; stating that it's the reason why he's here to begin with. The result is Emperor Sorean fully activating the spell, which the contraption holding the giant captive glows as if it's using the giant's energy.
Due to the spell, a large barrier is summoned up around Prison Island to protect it, much to the surprise of the attacking Metal-Face. Kallian and Alvis spot the barrier from Alcamoth. Knowing right away that it's the work of his father, Kallian worries for him while Alvis smiles in interest.
Shulk asks Melia if her ancestors are the ones that built Prison Island, but she answers no. That the stories tell of how Prison Island existed long before the High Entia people came into existence. However, she states that it's the High Entia's belief that their forefathers are the ones who sealed Prison Island. Melia then notices on the statue an engraving left by the forefathers. The same engraving she's seen around the capital that no one knows the true meaning of. Reyn and Shulk also notice that said engraving consists of symbols similar to what's seen on the Monado, which Shulk figures there must be a connection. Turning their focus to the sealed door into Prison Island, Melia informs the group that only a true successor to the throne is capable of opening it, which they figure that Emperor Sorean's already inside. Melia then stands before the sealed door, and as if she's speaking to her forefathers, she introduces herself as their descendant, and orders that they release the seal. The sealed door then proceeds to run a scan on Melia.
Given their bad experience with the scanning door in the High Entia Tomb, Reyn and Sharla remain on guard questioning if they should help her, but Melia reassures them that the scan is necessary. The seal then disappears having confirmed Melia's royal bloodline, which causes the locked door to open. Shulk ends up having one of his blue-eyed visions, and sees himself standing before the Prison Island giant. Seeing that Shulk's the Heir to the Monado, the giant announces for the shackles to be released. The giant is shown to be free from his imprisonment, and appears to be casting the spell that will "release the shackles." Once the vision ends, Shulk's companions notice that he stopped moving, and questions what's up. Shulk remains confused by what he saw asking for a moment to think things over, but Reyn and Sharla remain impatient to fight Metal-Face knowing that said enemy is just up ahead, and that Melia's father is still in danger. Unable to say anything, Shulk agrees to continue on.
His Majesty still holding the active Imperial Staff to keep the barrier around Prison Island up. Seeing the giant before them, Melia questions her father who it is, but Emperor Sorean remains silent. Shulk then approaches the giant, which the giant speaks by welcoming the arrival of the True Heir to the Monado. Shulk and company remain confused as to what's going on, which Emperor Sorean explains that what they're seeing is one of the Giant race that was said to have gone extinct eons ago. That this is what their forefathers locked away.
The giant introduces himself as Zanza, and that he's been waiting for centuries for Shulk to come here. Melia remains confused by this revelation asking how a person imprisoned by her forefathers could be waiting for Shulk to appear centuries later. In return, Zanza explains that it was he who forged the Monado, and that since said sword was made by him, he will always know of who currently wields the Monado. Shulk questions what the giant means by being the one who made the Monado, which Zanza explains that he made it a millennia ago to oppose Mechonis. Shulk then asks why Zanza got imprisoned. In return, the giant explains of how the Monado is a weapon that controls the principle upon which all life is based. The source of their very existence, also known as ether.
Zanza states that one who masters the principle of life to make all things bow to you, it will make your power infinite. He reminds Shulk of how the Monado gives its wielder the power of foresight, which Zanza reveals that it was he, himself, that used the Monado against the Mechonis, and defeated said titan. Reyn remains confused as to how a giant took on Mechonis with such a tiny sword, but Zanza assures them that the current size is just an illusion. That the Monado morphs to conform to the will, and power within, of its current master. Getting back to Shulk's question, Zanza answers that such power of the Monado caused fear amongst some of the High Entia, which led to them deciding to imprison Zanza long ago. Melia refuses to believe it stating that the forefathers must have had a better reason, which Zanza questions if Melia's incapable of believing her own eyes. Knowing that Melia's become the new ruler of the High Entia, Zanza orders her to open her mind.
Zanza then explains to Shulk and company of how the Monado is the blade of the Bionis, and that it's the only force that can oppose Mechonis. In addition, as its wielder grows, so does said wielder's ability to control all things. However, Zanza informs the group that such power is till trapped within the sword. That the Monado is in shackles. Shulk takes note of the mention of "shackles," which Zanza makes it more clear that the power of the Monado is currently suppressed. This causes Shulk to remember back to the moment in the Colony 9 lab where the Monado failed to slice through Fiora. Zanza explains that it's this constraint that gave rise to the current Mechon that the Monado can't destroy; the Face-Mechon.
Outside the Prison Island barrier, Metal-Face continues to grow impatient as it's unable to break said barrier no matter how many times he strikes it. The barrier fires a counter-attack of energy blasts, which Metal-Face proceeds to dodge. Metal-Face then flies around Prison Island to look for what's powering the barrier, and eventually spots the location on the peak where Shulk and company are currently talking with the imprisoned Zanza. Surprised that their target, Zanza, has been brought out to play, Metal-Face calls this cheating, and that this needs to be stopped. As a result, Metal-Face pulls out a large spear-like weapon, and prepares to throw it at Zanza.
Returning to Zanza's location, Shulk catches on that the Monado's shackles is what keeps said weapon from hurting people of the Bionis. He asks Zanza if this is connected to the Face-Mechon, but Zanza answers that this is something that Shulk must figure out himself. Zanza then states that he will remove the Monado's shackles, but to do so requires for Shulk to use the Monado to free him from his current prison. The giant assures Shulk that freeing him will allow for the Monado to cut down anything that he wishes. That only gods will be able to oppose him. Shulk starts to walk towards Zanza having already decided to free him, but Melia advises against it due to something not feeling right. He asks her what the problem is, which Melia states once more that the forefathers must have had a good reason to seal him. Shulk replies that he needs the unshackled power, and is surprised that Melia of all people doesn't understand this. Melia remains unsure, which Reyn steps in to remind her that Zanza's only goal seems to be to give the Monado new power. Thus, sounding like a good idea.
Despite Melia's continued hesitations, Shulk asks her to understand that he must do what he set out to do, which is to make the Mechon pay for what they've done. This causes Shulk to remember back to the attack on Colony 9 along with Fiora's death. Zanza then speaks again stating that he won't force Shulk to go through with this, and that he wants nothing in return for freedom. Thus, the choice is Shulk's to make. Having already decided to free Zanza, Shulk activates the Monado, and uses it on the prison contraption keeping Zanza shackled. The contraption breaks and disappears, which the freed Zanza finally stands up and basks in freedom. Turning his attention back to Shulk, Zanza states that the will of the Heir of the Monado shall be done. Just like in the vision, Zanza announces for the Monado's shackles to be released, and casts the unshackling spell. It's at this point that Metal-Face throws his spear, which strikes the Prison Island barrier; catching everyone's attention. The spear manages to pierce through the barrier, and stabs directly into its target, Zanza.
As the giant struggles to hang on due to a massive spear now stabbed into his chest, Metal-Face and the mass produced Face-Mechon are seen flying above ready to fight now that the barrier's broken. Shulk and company stand ready to fight, which Metal-Face apologizes for being late, but also asks what they think of their leader's "gift" (referring to the spear). Reyn questions how Metal-Face knew they would be here, which surprises Metal-Face that his enemies are confused. Metal-Face makes it clear that they weren't here for Shulk and company, but the old fool, Zanza. A liquid substance in the spear is seen draining into Zanza's body, which appears to be killing the giant off for good. Metal-Face taunts that killing Zanza will make sure that the Monado doesn't power up, and that Shulk and company being around to also die is just an added bonus. Suddenly, Face-Nemesis appears, and flies before Zanza to talk to him.
Zanza remains unresponsive, but Face-Nemesis refuses to back down knowing that the giant can hear it. Sure enough, Zanza speaks within his mind hearing a nearby wavelength, which is coming from Face-Nemesis. Talking through their minds, Face-Nemesis questions Zanza how many more the latter's going to sacrifice. Zanza's offended by this as the one talking to him is a nobody that knows nothing, but Face-Nemesis clearly knows who Zanza is, and states that it's here to talk. It's at this point that Shulk charges forward motivated by wanting revenge against the Mechon, and attempts to strike at Face-Nemesis with the Monado, who backs away. Face-Nemesis begs Shulk to wait as it means no harm to him, but Shulk charges forward again ordering them to give Fiora back. His next strike with the Monado ends up getting blocked by Metal-Face, who orders Shulk to stay out of the way, and knocks the boy back. The result is the rest of Shulk's group engaging in a fight with Metal-Face.
Holding off the attacks of Shulk's companions, Metal-Face taunts Dunban specifically at how weak they are. Hearing Metal-Face mention his name, Dunban remains confused as to what the former is, and orders Metal-Face to explain how it knows him. In return, Metal-Face figures that its next actions should job Dunban's memory as it proceeds to attempt to strike Dunban with its large claws. As Dunban dodges out of the way, the way Metal-Face attacks with its claws makes Dunban start to realize who he's actually dealing with, yet he still refuses to believe that it's actually the one he's thinking of. As the battle continues, Face-Nemesis orders for the fighting to stop immediately as Shulk's group is not their targets. Metal-Face prepares its long ranged cannon to finish them off, but his actions are stalled by Emperor Sorean using the power of the Imperial Staff to keep Metal-Face stuck in place. The spell cast by His Majesty then causes said Face-Mechon to deactivate.
Melia goes to hug her father having been worried about him this whole time. While embracing his daughter, Emperor Sorean asks if she's hurt, which she answers no. However, Metal-Face instantly wakes up desiring revenge for the stunt just now. Metal-Face moves to stab Emperor Sorean and Melia with his claw, which His Majesty shoves his daughter out of the way and takes the stab himself, much to the shock of Melia and the others. The fatally injured Emperor Sorean falls over as Metal-Face laughs and taunts at everyone how hilarious it is that they actually thought they could beat him. Shulk starts to sink into despair knowing that he failed to save His Majesty despite knowing it would happen, but he's suddenly contacted in his mind by Zanza, who's calling out to the Monado's heir. Seeing that Zanza's still alive, Shulk holds the Monado before the giant, and begs for the power he needs.
In return, Zanza assures Shulk that the latter already has the power as the former's now just a mere shell, much to Shulk's surprise. Zanza states that the shackles have already been broken, and that as Shulk wields the Monado, it will bend to the boy's will. That as long as Shulk's thinking of his enemy, the power to defeat them will be his. It's at this point that Zanza's body finally disintegrates into ether particles due to the liquid in the spear, much to Shulk's sadness. While wielding the Monado, Shulk thinks about the Mechon, and announces to Metal-Face and Face-Nemesis that he will never let them triumph. As if responding to Shulk's will, the Monado, due to Zanza unshackling it, changing forms into the much more powerful Monado II form. Shulk activates the upgraded Monado, which the blade is now much larger, and charges forward. The worried Face-Nemesis warns Metal-Face to be careful knowing that they won't be able to withstand the Monado's newly unlocked power.
Face-Nemesis asks Zanza if this is what he truly desires, which upon seeing the girl in Face-Nemesis' chest cockpit, Zanza states that he's starting to understand what's going on as it's something that he's been suspecting up to this point. Zanza states that the Face-Nemesis before him is someone that exists outside the pre-established harmony. As Shulk looks to the person in the cockpit, he starts to realize something is odd in that the person is actually a girl that looks of Homs origin. The girl then removes her mask, and to the shock of Shulk, Reyn and Dunban, they witness with their own eyes that the person within Face-Nemesis is actually the one that they believed to be dead, Fiora. With not much time left to talk due to the damage to Face-Nemesis, Fiora continues to speak to Zanza being unsurprised that the latter hasn't changed at all. She refuses to accept what Zanza's doing, but Zanza orders her to just do as she pleases.
Stating that her mission is complete, and will now return to base, the damaged Face-Nemesis retreats from the battlefield as Shulk, Reyn, and Dunban try to chase after her wanting to know why Fiora's still alive. Metal-Face and the mass produced Face-Mechon retreat as well, but not before Metal-Face claims that he will finish off Dunban next time. As Shulk reaches the edge of the floating Prison island, he attempts to call out to Fiora, but it has no effect, and is forced to watch her fly away. Shulk, Reyn, and Dunban reunite with the others, which they see Melia holding on to her dying father. Feeling responsible, Shulk apologizes for being too late despite knowing that this was going to happen. Seeing Melia in tears, Emperor Sorean tries to reassure his daughter that she must not cry as she's the hope of their people. Melia refuses due to this being a moment where her crying should be allowed.
Melia then asks why it has to be her just because she's a half-Homs, which surprises her father hearing that Melia believes that to be the reason she was chosen as the successor. He makes it clear to Melia that her thoughts are mistaken. That becoming the hope of the High Entia is a fate that she's chosen for herself. Emperor Sorean adds that as long as Melia remembers this, then it will be certain that she will be worthy. He then asks Melia to remember that along with being the hope of the High Entia, he also loves her, and that it's because he loves her that he wishes for Melia to bring hope to their people. Turning to Shulk, Emperor Sorean tells the Heir of the Monado that he's leaving the sword in said boy's hands. His Majesty states that he's sure that Shulk will succeed using the sword that the forefathers once sealed away.
Turning back to his daughter, Emperor Sorean tells Melia that she can cry as long as she needs. He tries to say something else that must be done once her tears have dried, but he's unable to hold on any further, and finally passes on, much to Melia's sadness. Everyone remains silent over the death of the High Entia Emperor until Shulk asks Melia for a talk. Melia's unable to do so given that she just watched her father die, but Shulk states to her that she'll have plenty of time afterwards to think about what to do regarding her people's empire and hopes. Shulk also makes it clear that he will always be at her side when she needs help, but also reminds her that she's the individual, Melia Antiqua, and that she can't let the Mechon get away with this. Admitting that Shulk's right, Melia replies that her foremost concern will be to make the Mechon pay.
Some time after, Alvis is seen alone on Prison Island, and makes his way over to the leftover large spear that destroyed Zanza's body. Alvis congratulates Zanza for pulling off the scheme just now, which Zanza is heard laughing in return. His ether particles surrounding the spear to show that Zanza's soul has transferred into it. Zanza states that he does what's necessary for the world, which Alvis replies that he could have stood in Zanza's place. In return, Zanza states that Alvis' words are appreciated. Alvis then looks in the direction of the Mechonis, which Zanza admits to seeing a storm on the horizon.
