Eternal Scars
Dunban... I don't know how to ask this...
What is it, Melia?
The man in the metal-faced Mechon... Mumkhar I think? Were you and he acquainted before he became that... thing?
We were comrades-in-arms.
One year ago, he and I risked our lives fighting the Mechon. But when the battle turned, he chose to make a run for it.
So he was a cowardly man?
He was always fairly unreliable. Deep down I knew that one day he'd fail us in a time of need. But in the battle a year ago, he still seemed to be on our side.
What do you mean, Dunban? Are you saying he wasn't always the monster he became?
Whatever his reasons... That day, he was fighting off those machines as hard as we were.
That is... difficult to believe.
I know the truth.
That's why I'm so full of regret. Maybe I could have stopped him.
You mustn't blame yourself. You could not have stopped this.
Perhaps. But it's complicated. I can't deny that he was a bit of an... unreliable fellow. But he saved my life countless times. After I took up the Monado there was a definite change in him.
He was taken by its power. I pity him.
I just wish he'd realised. I wasn't the true heir to the Monado, Shulk was! He never should have had a reason to hate either of us.
Dunban...
Mumkhar, I doubt I’ll ever forgive you for what you did... But I’ll never forget you and I hope you can find peace... 
You would not understand.
Hmph. That may well be what you think, Dunban.
I apologise, Melia. My words are not meant to hurt. But I knew him, and I can only tell you what I saw.
Do you think he had a reason for fighting? Someone to protect?
I've often thought about that. He is originally from another colony. One destroyed long ago. So in theory, he had nothing to lose. Maybe that's all it was...
Perhaps you are right. Whatever the reasons, his atrocities can never be justified.
Of course. I suppose it would be futile to think too hard about it.
Dunban... Does it hurt to remember?
Hmph. I didn't mean for you to worry over this. This is one of many tales of battle. A neverending circle of betrayal.
If you say so. But I look forward to the day that our world is free of war.
What difference does it make?
W-well...
I apologise. I didn't mean to sound so defensive. I just don't quite understand the relevance of your question.
It's difficult to explain. But I need to know. I must know, Dunban. He murdered my father, yet I know nothing about him.
I understand, Melia. I'm sorry. I should have spoken to you about this sooner.
Thank you. I know it's not easy for you to talk about him.
I'm fine. Ask away.
I am partly responsible, after all.
You? What do you mean?
He changed right around the time I started using the Monado. He coveted it so much that his jealousy consumed him. If I'm honest, I wasn't completely oblivious to this. But I didn't act. And then it was too late.
You should not blame yourself. The darkness that haunted his heart was to blame. He was lost long ago, it seems.
I just wish that fool had realised. I wasn't the true heir to the Monado, Shulk was! He never should have had a reason to hate either of us...
Dunban...
I shouldn't get emotional. You probably didn't want me to go on about the old days like this.
Actually I found great value in it. Thank you, Dunban.
It will never be easy!
Not after what he did to our home! And to Fiora!
Believe me, I know. He stole my father from me as well.
I doubt the day when I forgive him will ever come, Melia.
Just as long as you understand the danger of living in the past.
I do. I know if I live with hate in my heart, I'm no better than him. He became consumed by his hatred for me. And he died for it...
I see...
It was Shulk who showed me the light. I'd have gone down a dark path otherwise. I'd have taken Mumkhar's life. I'm very grateful to Shulk. I hope I can repay the favour one day.
I feel much the same way. Let us work together to live by Shulk's example.
