Fan Fiction ❯ New Dawn Of The Heart ❯ New Dawn Of The Heart ( Chapter 1 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
DISCLAMERAll game characters in this story are property of Namco/saga.
DISCLAMERThis story contains people being knocked around in weapon fights and bad language as well as * Shoujo-Ai /girl love*
Taki gazed over at the Ming Emperor's Villa.
Its beautiful garden rose up in front of her while the sunset washed down from above her brightening the trees around her. The blossom trees around her swayed in the gentle breeze. Her gaze drifted to the platform below. The young Xianghua was practicing below her.
The young girl swung her short thin sword in a beautiful display her short hair flowed as she twirled and sprung in a dance of wonderful swordplay. Taki looked down but then turned away trying to remember what was bugging her.
"You know Taki you couldn't look anymore bored if you tried."
Taki found her self looking down again Xianghua had stopped she had her arms folded across her chest. A little smile was on her face. She twirled her blade slightly "Something on your mind?"
Taki put a hand through her hair "No."
The young girl laughed slightly at her answer. She turned swinging her short weapon "Oh come on Taki you haven't been yourself in over a month." She pointed up with her blade. "Even Seung Mina's said you haven't been yourself, she mentioned that you seem to daydream or go trailing of on to some other subject when she's tries to ask what's wrong with you."
She flicked her blade back slightly "I'm getting the impression she wasn't kidding." She pulled up her white jacket slightly " I know the last months where crazy for all of as, I got captured along with Rocks boy Bangoo, we all had to defeat that mad priest who had made a Soul Edge weapon and on top of that Ivy got her comeuppance."
"Sophitia really saved the day thanks to those evil fools casting a spell on her to turn her nasty, when she was cured she remembered where the hidden fort was. I still can't get over how lucky that was."
Taki leaned back Sophitia… what a sweet name… she hummed slightly closing her eyes picturing the beautiful face "Taki!"
Taki pulled herself up sharply "What?"
Xianghua folded her arms again "Geez you just went on a daydream there. Have you fallen head over heals in love or something?" She was replied with a laugh from the ninja woman who crossed her legs and pushed her grey headband up.
Taki leaned over eyeing her "That's really stupid I'm not in love!" Xianghua put a finger up "You know you're a real bad liar Taki. Even Mitsurugi lies better than you."
Taki folded her arms "I'm not in love" she watched the young girl sit down on the platform. Xianghua eyed the ninja woman "Taki you are in love aren't you?" She paused, putting her hand on her chin. "And with whom, I wonder?"
"For the last time, I'm not in love, Xianghua." Taki half-scowled but was answered with a childish giggle from the younger girl who looked up grinning. "I've got it, you love Sophitia don't you?"
Taki raised an eye brow she was shocked and surprised by the young girls guessing ability. She turned folding her arms. Xianghua jumped up "I knew it I saw the way you were looking at her that time when you stitched that nasty wound on her arm, I thought it was just you being sweet, until I spotted that look in your eye."
Taki eyed her "What look?"
Xianghua sniggered "The one that's say's you're the most beautiful thing alive, I could just stand here watching you for the rest of my life." Taki shuffled "Huh shame she doesn't love me." Xianghua shook her head "Please don't act depressed you never even asked her. Ether because your scared or you think she'll freak out."
Taki slapped her hand on her head "Come on Xianghua I'm a ninja she deserves better. I mean loads of people would give their right arm to have her as their girl, it pains me that I have nothing to offer her." Xianghualooked up questioningly "What do you think she needs?"
Taki banged her fist sharply on the roof "she deserves a place to stay a warm bed and someone who will give her everything. I don't have anything apart from a room in the Hoko-ji Temple and a horse." Xianghua lowered her gaze "And you have your undying love?"
The ninja turned sharply. Xianghua tapped her foot then looking up "Taki you really aren't very inapt in the ways of love are you?"
The ninja put a hand up "Oh and you're a pro, I don't see you with a man." Xianghua sighed; "You know that's not what I meant." Taki looked up in frustration "What did you mean then?"
Xianghua stepped slightly across the platform then leaned over looking at the fish as they swam by "I mean that if you love her and you find she truly loves you it shouldn't matter what you have or what your own, because she'll love whatever." The ninja put a hand through her hair.
Xianghua flipped her blade "You know I'm surprised at you Taki I mean you came here two days ago and all you've done is spent time in the royal gardens and from what I've heard you hate flowers. So I'm guessing the only reason you're here is because this place somehow reminds you of Sophitia." The ninja put up a hand in protest but strangely couldn't bring herself to speak.
Xianghua turned to meet her gaze "I think it's about time you left and headed for Athens's don't you?"
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Aeon threw the shield down on the floor hard. He watched it roll across the platform coming to a halt at Sophitia's feet. The young woman looked down slightly then calmly out stretched her hand "I know this is hard for you Aeon but you have to try." Aeon put a clawed hand to his face.
Sophitia picked up the shield "Aeon I'm serious you have to give it a shot." The lizard man swung his sword around pointing at the statue in the far corner of the Shrine Of Eurydice "I'm not going to pray to him or meditate ether he abounded me." He folded his arms "It's ok for you he worships the ground you walk on but I'm betting he hates me just for how I look."
Sophitia adjusted her long cloak then closed her eyes "Aeon we've been over this you have your soul back now, I think that'll be enough to make him listen to you." The lizard man stepped sideways slightly in a frustrated fashion tapping his clawed feet on the platform "What is it with you Sophitia?" "
"I can't believe you'd put yourself through the frustration of bothering with me."
The blonde woman folded her arms "I bother because I care." Aeon could see her gaze drifting he pulled back his lips showing of his teeth "Why care?"
Sophitia moved across the platform "Because I believe in you and I believe you can put right what you've done wrong."
Aeon laughed slightly "You've gotta be kidding me, you think for all the people I've killed and all the hurt I've caused I can ever be forgiven?"
Sophitia raised an eyebrow "Everyone deserves a second chance even you Aeon"
Aeon swung his tail "Perhaps you should tell that to rest of Athens." The blonde woman slapped her hand on her head "Oh Gods Aeon will you give me a break." She pulled up her shield "I have priests telling me that my choice of being you here was wrong day in day out ever since I walked in to town with you at my side."
"My sisters running around worrying about me, and I have people who want to give me a hard time where ever I go, so the last thing I need is your arsy remarks."
Aeon pulled up to his full height coming forward to stand over her "Yeah well here's my problems since we are on the subject, my wife has rejected me my daughter and son see me as a monster every where I go in Athens people look at me funny. I can't even get a drink in bar because they don't allow monsters at their tables!"
"Hell I can't even go to a brothel because my man hood is considered an abomination!" He pulled up a clawed hand "So don't you talk to me about having a hard time because comparedto me your in bliss!"
Sophitia turned slightly Aeon did much the same, Cassandra was standing near by with two water skins. She smiled "I brought you two both something to drink." She turned watching her older sister step forward "Thanks Cassi." The young girl cocked her head smiling then handed the other skin over to Aeon, the lizard man took it the anger seemed to melt from his features.
Cassandra moved in between the both of them "You know you two shouldn't fight, the priests down below can hear you." Sophitia unscrewed the lid of the water skin "Great it'll give them something to talk about."
Cassandra shook her head then folded her arms "Sophitia you're stressed out." She turned to Aeon "And you're just plain moody did you get out of bed this morning on the wrong side or something?"
Aeon looked at the young girl who was smiling up at him "I have a lot of worries Cassandra, they haunt me when I sleep and I get mad during the day." Cassandra smiled "You should speak to my mother, she has some great sleeping drinks they might help you sleep better and stop you having nightmares.
Cassandra slowly walked up to Sophitia who had sat her self on the edge of the platform "I think you need to go on vacation seems to me your stress is getting to you." Sophitia swung around "I'm not stressed I just have a lot on my mind." Cassandra found her self-smiling "It's Taki isn't it?"
Sophitia lifted her shining sword up "I liked her company it made a change from listening to those annoying priests." Aeon pulled him self over sitting next to Sophitia, "Honestly Sophitia if it makes you feel better I don't like their annoying rants ether." He paused then breathed out "I'm sorry for having a go at you, your like my best friend here. I don't mean to rant at you, your family has really helped me."
Sophitia looked over the edge at the clouds as they moved past her. She flicked her sword slightly "It's all right Aeon, I've been pushing you two hard over these past few days. Just my own feelings getting the better of me." Cassandra leaned over slightly "You know you could send your dove to find Taki, I'm sure she'd come down here if you asked and a visit from her would be nice."
Sophitia eyed the sky "You know dragging her away from her adventures isn't a nice thing of me to do. I mean I could pull her away from something important." Cassandra shook her head "You know you ought to send your magic bird I mean what could it hurt?"
Aeon grinned "Sorry Sophitia but Cassandra's right you want to see her again, why not throw cautionto the wind and send the bird." He put a clawed hand on her armoured shoulder "I mean I'm sure she wants to see you again."
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Seung Mina watched the hawk fly upward.
The huge bird opened its wings diving downwards. It shot past her house then turned landing on the perch next to her. Its wings opened as it stretched out and ruffled its feathers. It pulled up its leg showing of its golden message holder.
The hawk leaned forward Mina stroked it under the neck "Good boy Shoi-ming you brought me a reply." She smiled pulling the white peace of long paper out from it's leg holder "That was quick seems Rock was in a hurry to reply."
"Rocks sent his reply already?"
Mina turned to Hwang who was sitting close by. The young man brushed his dark hair back then pulled his cloak over slightly "Rock's message must be important." Mina pulled the strip of paper out to its full length "Maybe or maybe he just wants to chat about the latest happenings."
Hwang put a hand on his chin "Yeah well it was some adventure you guys went on."
"I mean I heard about it from the coast, about the destruction of a dark force and the decimation of an entire dark army, and you getting our weapon empowered by the Greek gods, was that part true?"
Mina looked at her Long blade, the new blade was shining like silver. Chinese's patterns had been carved in to the once the simple blade. Gold rounded plates know supported the tough blade and the once dull metal was now shinning red. While the weighted end was blue with a gold underneath. She smiled admiring it. "Yes that part is true, I saved their Greek warrior they gave me a present in return."
Hwang folded his arms "You know your fathers is going to be so mad if he finds you here." Mina picked up her weapon "He wont find me once I've finished my chores here I'm moving on." Hwang put up a hand "Mina you have to settle down sometime, don't you want children and a family?"
Mina narrowed her gaze "I'm not marrying that rich bastard from the Kim family, I'd rather be hung than have children with him." Hwang shook his head "He's a good choice though your father picked him well." Mina tossed her hair back "Oh yes my father would pick anyone and the only reason he wants me to marry that guy is because the money he has which will profit my family no end."
Hwang sat up slightly "money can be a good thing you know." Mina turned slightly "Oh wake up I don't want to marry someone because they have coins I want to marry though love." Hwang smiled "Oh you're a romantic." Mina slowly eased on her headband on flicking her fridge over it "What does that surprise you?"
Hwang grinned, "Well yes it does somewhat you're always so forward and like to fight your own battles, I really didn't think romance fitted in to you life." Mina slowly pulled her hair over plaitingit "What you don't think someone like me can be romantic?"
Hwang stood up "It's hard to picture I look at you and I see well you, I've always seen you Mina the hard ass kicker, so if you have a softer side guess I just haven't seen it yet." Mina rolled her eyes then tied up her plaittossed it back over her shoulder. Her eyes wandered to the message. She carefully started to read the inscriptions.
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Taki moved through the Athens market.
The night was starting to fall and the shops were shutting down all around her. People were slowly moving away from the stalls with their goods and other items. Others were packing their carts and horse's ready to leave.
She smiled the place was coming to a peaceful halt. The weather was much better than the last time she'd been in the city. It wasn't cold and the snow drifts that had been around some months before had all gone. The whole city had a warm breeze blowing through it, one which made her feel better.
The only places that were still covered in snow were the mountains above the city. The Shrine Of Eurydice could be seen from a distance and the looming shrine of air rose over it, its godly stairs rising in to the clouds.
She moved her gaze to the door frames trying to spot the one with the shield above it. The fluttering of wings above her caused her to turn her attention skywards the sight of a dove caught her gaze. The small bird flew upwards then slowly came downward hovering with the wind, the bird wings went full spread as it lunged in to dive.
Taki's hand went up for her blade as the bird shot towards her, its feet moving outwards as it threw it's self in to a landing grabbing hold of her wrist guard. The small bird toppled hitting her chest she caught with her other hand. She slowly looked at it a smile crossed her face It was a small white dove with a golden message holder on it's leg.
The bird chirped in a dazed manner she put her other hand on it "Hello Beautiful." The bird chirped in reply, she put a finger under its neck stroking lightly "Well what a surprise to see you again, did Sophitia let you go by mistake?"
The bird pulled up it's foot slightly "Oh I see she wanted to send me a message" she stroked the doves belly "Well lets get you home no doubt you'd rather be fed then be flying around here right?"
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Cassandra made a grab for the pot of strew. The lizard man's hand fell short she pulled the bowl sharply over to her side "Hey no fair that was mine!"
Cassandra put the spoon in piling the warm food on her plate "Try harder Aeon." The lizard man grunted "Hey I deserve first servings I was the one carrying the flour bags most of today." Cassandra eyed him "Try sweating over a hot oven see how hungry you are." Aeon pulled up a clawed finger "Hey my jobs hard."
Cassandra looked up sharply noticing her mothers gaze she pulled up her hand-poking Aeon "He started it." Her mother's gaze narrowed "And you'll finish it. now hand Aeon the bowl."
Cassandra slowly pushed the bowl over Aeon who took it grinning. He paused then pulled out his snake like tongue out whishing it in the air. He leaned over grabbing one of the bread sticks with it, then snapped it back in his mouth crunching it.
Cassandra eyed him "You know you have hands I wish you'd use them." Aeon turned eyeing her "Yeah and the last time I tried with my hands I broke the plate I'm going to break half your china if I don't improvise." He whipped his tongue out again leaning forward slightly, then lashed it out with lightning speed.
Sophitia didn't think her hand shot out grabbing Aeon's tongue before it hit the target. The lizard man's eyes went wide he looked up at her slowly. She cocked her head to one side "Please use your hands." Aeon nodded putting up a hand "I got you…can have my tongue back?"
Sophitia let go, Aeon snapped his tongue back putting both clawed hands on his snout "You know it hurts when you do that."
Cassandra smirked "Sophie you got to teach me that sometime." She was about to say more but stopped short, Sophitia wasn't really paying attention to her. She was daydreaming. Her mother turned slightly "Sophitia?"
Sophitia turned meeting her mothers gaze "yes?"
Her mother expression turned to concern "You've been very quite all day is something bothering you?"
Sophitia eyed her food "No mum I'm fine just tired that's all." Her mother put a hand on her shoulder "You know if something's bothering you please tell as, your silence is worrying." Sophitia put a hand up "I'm fine really."
Her father raised his eyebrow "I get the feeling your lonely, maybe we should think of getting you hitched." He paused putting a hand through his beard "That blacksmith who made your armour was a nice gent. I mean with him you could have children and settle down maybe put this whole warrior business behind you."
Sophitia dropped her spoon sharply "I'm not getting married to that blacksmith and I'm not dropping my sword ether. I'll drop it when someone kills me and pries it from my dead fingers." Her mother's hand hit the table "Sophitia don't talk like that!"
Her father slowly sat up "Don't talk like that at my table!" Sophitia looked up slightly. Her father folded his arms "You've been acting odd ever since you got back from that adventure with Taki." he paused "It's like your minds been drifting elsewhere."
Sophitia eyed her food "Yeah well it's not like I haven't been doing my job." Her father leaned forward "True you've been doing a very good job, but your constant day dreaming and silence are worrying."
Sophitia eyed him "Since when do the customers care about what I say. I mean all they care about is buying the goods?"
Her father gazed at her "You know I've been worried about you and people are asking after you asking if you alright. I had the governor and three of the priests asking after if you where all alright and why you'd been so distant."
Sophitia looked up " Wasn't that governor the same horses ass who made me kill that child murder because he wanted me to prove that I was a real warrior."
"As for those priests they just want to rub it in because they think my bringing back of Aeon to Greece means I've become corrupted by the evil seed." She narrowed her gaze "And as for people do you think I give a dame about what they have to say. I mean the only thing they care about is that I'm their hero and icon. Half of them don't even care about the fact that I'm a person."
Her father's hand hit the table hard everything rattled for a moment then went still. Everyone including Aeon and Cassandra went quite. He put a hand through his beard "I'm not sure what's wrong with you right know Sophitia, I'm guessing your going through something that is very hard and you just don't want to talk about it."
"Your thoughts are all over the place and your angry about things, but I'm begging you stop lashing out at as. Were your family were just trying to help you" he breathed out heavily. "We just want you to be happy."
Sophitia felt her anger subside, she put a hand through her hair "I'm sorry father I'm just not ready for marriage and I don't want to lay down my sword."
Achelous sat him self calmly down "That's ok I understand, I just thought if you were settled it might make you happy." Sophitia glanced over at him "Father I want to marry through love. I don't want you hitching me up, and not with Rothion ether true he took me to temple but I don't want to marry him. I called off our engagement remember?"
Her father nodded "My apologises I just thought he was a good match for you." Sophitia put up a hand "We had a thing father but it wasn't love I didn't love him, he loved me I stopped the whole thing once he built me my armour and sword I think the whole affair wasn't right." Her father put his hand on hers "I'm sorry Sophitia."
Sophitia shook her head "It's fine father I'm not upset about it I just wish I had stopped it sooner, but I'm in his debt for making my armour and weapons and someday I'll repay the favour."
Cassandra looked up sharply "Hey well if you don't marry him I will he's so handsome." Sophitia rolled her eyes "Cassi you think everyone's handsome." her younger sister smiled "Yes but Rothion is dreamy."
Aeon put a clawed hand on his chest "I'm handsome check out the muscle" he paused tensing his chest so his whole muscle bulk showed "See I'm a strong guy girls just love strong guys."
He tapped Cassandra with his free hand "If dream boy doesn't work out for you there's always me." Cassandra looked at him then giggled slightly "Aeon your funny you should do entertainment." Aeon laughed slightly "Oh and wear those stupid masks on my face that'd be a good joke."
A sudden banging on the door caused her fathers attention to turn. He stood up going to the door. He opened it and was surprised to see the figure in front of him. The dark haired Japanese's woman smiled pulling up a little white dove "I think your daughter lost this."
Achelous pulled back in surprise "Taki?"
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Seung Mina looked the note for the forth time.
She grabbed her bag pushing her spear cloths in to it then grabbed her combs from the side table.
"Mina you can't go I mean you just got here!"
Mina turned her gaze to Hwang who was standing close by watching her " I have to I'm sorry." Hwang folded his arms "Why?"
Mina looked at the note "My friends in trouble I have to help her." Hwang breathed out heavily "This isn't right Mina I mean you shouldn't have to run around after other people." Mina pulled her pack over her shoulder "Taki is my best friend she saved my life I owe her the favour." Hwang shook his head "You know just because someone saved your life doesn't mean you have to repay the favour."
Mina turned to look at him she felt her teeth grinding together "Just because no one ever repays your favours doesn't mean I'm not going to repay my friend. She helped me out, which is more than I can say for you." She grabbed her long blade from where it was propped "I mean we could have been married once if you had bothered to be around."
Hwang grunted "I was busy my duty is my honour, and my honour is to the Coastal Defence Force." He looked over at the sky line "Your problem is you have no honour your always to busy going on adventures and running away from home."
Mina looked at him an angry snarl forming on his face she pulled up her weapon "I went on adventures to earn both my fathers and your respect, and to show you both I was a good warrior worthy of my family."
Hwang shrugged "That's it you see you're a woman and one who should be at home with children and all adventures really haven't amounted to much apart a weapon upgrade." Mina eyed him but her gaze seemed to shift away from him she slowly walked away pulling open the door. Hwang sighed, "You know you walk through the door your just running away from your duties."
Mina closed her eyes "You know with the disrespect both you and my father give me my duties really don't mean all that much." She turned to look at him "I knew I shouldn't have come home, truth is theirs nothing here worth fighting for." She threw the door back harshly and walked out in to the dark night.
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Taki slowly moved closer to the Sophitia's side.
The Greek warrior smiled at her sweetly "So how have you been Taki?"
Taki put a hand to her chin, she'd been going out of her mind wishing she could sweetly cuddle and kiss Sophitia. Her thoughts wandered was she crazy and was this one stupid pursuit?
She'd been asking herself that question ever since they'd parted a few months before she shook her thoughts away. It wasn't the right time to be thinking about them and she didn't want to spoil the moment. Pulling up a hand she turned to younger woman "I've been good how have you been?"
Taki watched the younger woman move, the long blonde hair flowed with her movement, the muscles could be seen rippling as she leaned against one of Greek gardens stone pillars, but oh how beautiful she was. Her face was so angelic with its light green eyes, and her features where so innocent and sweet.
Because of her looks it was so easy to think her weak and feeble or an easy challenge. In many ways it was what made her truly deadly, but In the mist of all this was someone with so much courage and bravery.
Taki calmly sat her self on the stone stool she watched the Greek light green gaze move to meet hers "It's been tough people don't like the fact I brought Aeon back with me." Taki eyed her for a moment "You know I thought that was crazy idea but from what I've seen you've done a real good job. He seems really happy and pleased to feel at home again."
Sophitia gazed across at one of the statues near by "You think so?"
Taki looked up sharply hearing the doubt in Sophitia's voice "Of course I do, you should be proud of yourself." She watched the Greeks gaze drift to look up at the stars.
Sophitia sighed, "Tell that to those Priests, they've spent the last two months trying rub it in that I've become corrupted." Taki eyed the moon "What do priests know, I mean they don't fight wars or heal broken bodies on blood thick battle fields."
She pulled up a hand "I mean all they do is rant about gods speaking to them when in truth they only hear whispers" Sophitia eyed her then looked at the ground.
Taki stood up slowly walking over to her. She put a hand on the pillar leaning forward "You know I get the impression you've had a hard time" she smiled "How's about you come with me and take a break from these troubles."
Taki hit her self mentally, oh that was a stupid remark. It sounded like a desperate crawl, she watched the light green gaze drift up to look at her.
Sophitia gazed up at the ninja "Where are you planning on going Taki?"
Taki's eyes widened the Greek was actually considering her offer?
Even Seung Mina took a moment to think before taking up her quests offers, but Sophitia hadn't missed a beat before replying. Taki pulled herself up slightly "I was thinking of going back home to my clan. Just thought you might like to come with me."
Sophitia put a hand though her hair "I'd love to come with you" her words cut the ninja short. The dark haired woman seemed surprised by her reply. "Sounds nice I mean it'd be good to get away from this place."
Taki gazed across the Greek gardens "You know this place is real nice, wish where I lived it was so cosy. Not that I live in a nasty place but it's just not as warm as here."
Sophitia looked at her then turned her gaze "I think a break from here might do me some good. Cassandra can live with out me for a few weeks and Aeon will be fine." Taki put a hand gently on the Greeks shoulder "You're sure about this?"
"I don't want you to pull you away from anything important." Sophitia put a hand on hers "You wont and besides I want to come with you." Taki found her self-smiling at the younger woman's sweet remark, she noticed the Sophitia was smiling sweetly back.
She put an arm around the Greeks shoulders "So how's about we get you packed?"
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Mitsurugi pulled up his beer mug slowly taking a sip from it.
He turned his gaze to Seung Mina. Who had her arms folded in annoyance "So you saying you need to find the realm of the ninja's?"
Mina crossed her legs then slammed one of her feet on the table, causing the whole thing to rock slightly "Yes that where I need to go, do you have any idea where I can find it?"
Mitsurugi grunted and adjusted his sword. He looked up "Guess you must want to die real bad." He shook his head "I sent one of army units up there once. None of them ever returned." The brown haired girl scowled "Look, quit with your stories Mitsurugi I'm not interested in them. I just want to know where the place is!"
Her raised voice caused a few people in the Tavern to look around. Mitsurugi leaned back folding his arms "Temper, temper I was hoping for a better reception, especially from a warrior like you." Mina gritted her teeth "Your such a grumpy bastard why is it you like to lead people on?"
Mitsurugi pulled back surprised he put a hand on the table "I'm not leading you on. I'm trying to warn you about what could happen to you." He paused "I'm shocked you'd want to go there, the place is real dangerous to outsiders." Mina flicked her fridge back "I have to go down there my friends in trouble."
Mitsurugi raised an eyebrow "Which friend you have so many?"
Mina looked up slightly "Taki" she paused "I've got to get a hold of Sophitia to, she'll be more than happy to help me out with this problem." Mitsurugi looked around slightly "Sophitia- Oh you mean the cute blonde with the shield and sword, do Taki her have something together because I swear I saw Taki…"
Mina slapped her hand down hard on the table cutting the Samurai of in mid flow "Mitsurugi Will you tell me where the place is and not wander of the subject?"
The warrior put up both his hands "Ok all right I'll give you a map. Unfortunately I can't tell you where the ninja's hide out is, but I can show you the area." Mina watched as he pulled out a map from his pack. He laid it on the table in front of her, then pulled out a red quill from the inkpot near by drawing a large circle on it "This is where you need to go Mina."
Mina gazed at the map as he turned it, she pulled it over looking at the area "Isn't that the Hoko-ji Temple?"
Mitsurugi nodded "The very same, once you get within four miles of that you're in ninja territory and the place is crawling with em so I'd watch your back." He paused then leaned forward "So, do Taki And Sophitia have something going on?"
Mina picked up the map "Not last time I looked." Mitsurugi pulled him self up slightly "But I saw Taki go in to her room when you stayed in my Tavern two months ago, they where in the same bed together." Mina shook her head "Taki pretended to be Sophitia's girlfriend so Maxi would stop bugging her and so we could get passage over the Spanish sea."
Mitsurugi grunted, "Maxi I hate that son of a bitch, let me guess the bastard wanted sexual favours as passage?"
Mina nodded "He wanted Taki to sleep with him, but since Taki tricked him the only thing he got to see was her kissing Sophitia, but that was good enough for him and he gave passage."Mitsurugi shook his head "How'd Sophitia take the whole thing?"
Mina shook her head "Not well." She watched Mitsurugi lean forward "Really what happened?"
Mina smiled "She was sea sick during the whole trip, I mean she was throwing up nearly all the time." She tapped the butt of her weapon on the floor "Taki managed to crowd her the whole time. I mean she was in a really tetchy during the whole crossing as it was and Taki just made her even worse."
Mitsurugi pulled himself up pulling his sword out of its scabbard slightly then slotting it back in "So it wasn't much fun for you?"
Mina laughed aloud "No not much fun for me. In the end I just moved in to Rocks part of the hold, at least that guy doesn't get grouchy."
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Sophitia slowly walked up to where Aeon was standing.
The huge lizard man turned slowly to meet her gaze "Sophitia I could come with you, you know help you out?"
Sophitia shook her head then pulled her pack over her armoured shoulder "It's ok Aeon I'm not going on a mission. I'm just getting a break from this place." The lizard man grunted, "I understand that I just want to be helpful. I could be an asset to you on your travels." Sophitia put her hand on his squeezing lightly "Thank you but I'll be fine you've no need to worry."
Aeon looked down slightly "When will you be back?"
Sophitia moved her gaze she wasn't all that sure herself when she'd be back but I'd be soon she was sure of it, she looked up at Aeon who was grinning "I'll be back in a few months I'm sure of it." She put a hand under the lizard mans jaw "You'll have to look after my family while I'm gone."
Taki's voice broke the quite as she patted Sophitia's leather armoured back "Trust me I'll take care of her." Aeon pulled up a clawed finger "Lets hope you do Taki or I'll be very annoyed." Taki folded her arms "You worry to much my friend. It's not like we'll run into much trouble we can't handle." Aeon looked at her "True but that doesn't mean I don't have to worry."
Taki tapped Sophitia's side lightly "I beginning to see why you like him so much he's very sweet." Aeon grunted, "I'm not sweet, do I look sweet to you Sophitia?"
Sophitia smiled patting Aeons armoured chest "She's talking about your personality not your looks." Aeon pulled his lip up slightly showing of his shining dagger like teeth "Well that's a new one on me." He felt the blonde pat his chest plate again he flicked out his snake like tongue "Sweet personality geez it sounds so sickly."
Taki laughed slightly then adjusted her shoulder guard, "I promise on my word that Sophitia will be fine and that I will protect her even if it mean's my life." Aeon looked up sharply "A ninja's word I'm honoured." He paused then stepped over to where Taki was standing "I look forward to our next meeting Taki."
Taki nodded then pulled her pack over her shoulder "Well I'm personally looking forward to the trip, might get to see a few new places I've ignored in passing." She watched Sophitia strap her shield to her pack and put her Omega sword in its scabbard on the side of white skirt. The younger woman's green gaze shifted slightly in thought.
Taki put a hand on chin, no doubt her thoughts where on her family and her younger sister Cassandra who had been very sad by the fact she was leaving again. The young girl loved Sophitia very much and missed her a lot during her times away.
Taki shook her head if only her stepbrothers and sisters had as much concern for her. Their reply to her coming back was to pat her on the back or a bear hug then give her alcohol until it coming out of her ears.
She hated the hangovers and normally ended up with one after a drinking match with them. The number of times she'd woken up and found herself lying backwards on the bed in her room hair hanging loose while drooling where ever her head way lying was innumerable. On top of that her armour plates and guards were normally scattered around the room and nothing was where she could find it.
Taki shot around Sophitia was standing by her side smiling sweetly. Taki smiled back at her "Ready when you are." She walked forward heading for the main street the blonde grabbed her armoured shoulder pulling her back. Taki turned sharply to look at her "What?"
Sophitia giggled slightly "Wrong way your heading towards the temple of Ares." She saw the ninja grunt then put a hand on her head "Ah, why do half the roads look the same around here?"
Sophitia pulled her around slightly to face another street "It's not so bad once you get used it Taki." she paused pointing down the road in front of them "It's this way." Taki shook her head then smiled following the Greek warrior.
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Mitsurugi calmly walked by Mina's side "So you have all your supplies?"
He was replied with a nod from Mina who threw her pack over her shoulder "I have everything I need plus your directions." The samurai grunted "You know it's not an easy road are you sure you wouldn't like some assistance?"
Mina eyed the dark haired general "No I'll be fine Mitsurugi." The samurai adjusted his sword slightly "well if I were you I'd take a fur skin because once you get to Athens you'll get quite cold." He flipped her hanging skirt with sword end very lightly "I mean it's not like your wearing warm cloths." Mina laughed slightly "I'll remind my self to pick one up when I get closer to the place."
Mitsurugi nodded "I'd advice you do, my soldiers tell me it's very cold up there." He paused then pulled out a little scroll from under his armoured chest plate handing it over to Seung Mina the young woman eyed him in surprise. He pulled him self up straight shrugging his shoulder "And when you see Sophitia give her this."
Mina raised an eyebrow "Is this a love letter or something?"
Mitsurugi put a hand on his chin "No not really it's just a spell I made, but I thought it might be of more use to her than my self." He watched the young woman fold her arms. Mina leaned forward "So what does it do?"
Mitsurugi turned eyeing her "Lets just say it can change the form of things." He pulled his sword out then pushed it back in his scabbard "It's of little use to me I prefer magic cards." Mina looked at him narrowing her gaze "I had no idea you had any interest in magic."
Mitsurugi stiffened slightly "It's my hobby I believe that with the right magic cards I'll be able to make my sword reflect the bullets of the Tanegashima rifle." Mina looked at him then smiled "That's very far fetched." The samurai put a hand on his chin "True but that doesn't mean I'm not going to try."
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Taki slowly sat down next to the campfire.
It burned brightly around the open area lighting up the trees and the forest around her. She smiled then leaned back against the tree behind her stretching her legs slightly. They had walked for almost a day and a night but the time seemed to have come to rest and sleep. The next day would bring them back to the Ming empires grand city.
It would only be A one night stop then on to theHoko-ji Temple. She couldn't wait to get back to see her brothers and introduce them to her Sophitia. They'd probably be stunned by the Greeks looks until she told how much of a punch this young woman packed. She pulled up slightly kicking one of the logs on the fire with her boot.
She moved her gaze across the fire to Sophitia who was cleaning her sword. The young woman flipped the sword lightly closing one eye so she could examine therazor edge. Taki smiled "You know I doubt you have a nick on that sword and even if you did it wouldn't effect its performance."
Sophitia smiled back her "True but it doesn't mean I'm not going to check it anyway" she flipped the blade sharply "Not a nick on it anyhow."
The Greek warrior jammed the weapon in to the ground then placed her shield next to it. Taki pulled out one of her gleaming weapons "Its hit me that if I was touch Mekki-Maru'sblade with the your Omega swords It'd probably kill as both." Sophitia raised an eyebrow "Remind me not to touch swords with you anytime soon." Taki sat up hugging her knees, "What makes you think your going to get out of morning sword practice?"
She stood up sharply noting the look of surprise on Sophitia's face, then sat her self down next to the Greek warrior who's look turned in to more shock than anything else. She put up a hand "It's cold over there. Can I sleep on your side?"
Sophitia seemed to dart her eyes then look up in a questioning manner "What makes you think my sides any warmer?"
Taki put a hand on her lip "Oh I don't know just that I'd prefer to sleep next to someone who's warm." The Greek pulled up a hand "Oh no, where not going there again." She grabbed the fur skin pulling it up around her chest "This is my bed and your not sleeping in it with me." Taki laughed slightly at her remark "You have a problem withsharing don't you?"
Sophitia gave her a look "Can you blame me the last time you slept with me was on the maxi's boat and that wasn't fun." Taki leaned forward meeting her gaze "Which part the kissing part or the sleeping part?"
Taki watched the Greek blush slightly then pull up a hand pointing it at her "I was sea sick and you where crowding me, I prefer to throw up in peace." Taki leaned back smiling "You still haven't answered my question which part got to you the kissing or the sleeping?"
Sophitia eyed Taki this was a first. In all the time she'd known this woman Taki had never acted this way, it was starting to scare her. She wasn't used to people throwing questions at her unless it was an integration. She pulled her self up slightly "Ok, you can sleep next to me Taki just be careful of my sword."
The ninja gave her a smile then pushed her knees under the fur skin, then lay back to look at the stars. Sophitia pulled her sword from where it was propped then lay back herself. She eyed the sky, the stars seemed to shining down though the forest clearing. Her thoughts wandered back to the legends of the Greek heroes that her mother used to tell her, she searched the sky looking for them among the stars.
Taki eyed Sophitia the younger woman was looking up at the stars her eyes in deep thought. She found her self thinking deeply Sophitia hadn't answered her question, not that she blamed her she'd gone totally the wrong way about asking it. Her own feelings where getting in the way of her actions. It felt like a cliff she was so near yet so far she could look at the most beautiful creature on earth, yet she couldn't touch her.
It was frustrating she was to cowardice to say the words I love you in the fear of rejection, or the fact that Sophitia probably didn't have any feeling for her anyway. She shook her head turning back to the younger woman who was still fixed on the night sky "See anything interesting?"
Sophitia turned to look at her "Hero's." Taki leaned on her elbow slightly "You mean among the stars?"
The Greek warrior shrugged slightly "Old Greek myth is that when the great hero's of Greece did great deeds like Hercules and Theseus they where painted among the stars by the gods." Taki looked up slightly at the night sky "Never knew they painted hero's in the night sky. I was always told stars guild you when your lost." Sophitia layback closing her eyes "It's just a story my mother used to tell me when I was small."
Taki leaned on her elbow gazing at the younger woman "Sounds like a great story to listen to, can you tell it to me sometime?"
The green eyes opened slightly gazing back at her "Of course." Taki smiled then lay back pulling out her weapon from it's scabbard and laying it next to her just within grabbing reach "Well don't know about you but I'm going to get some shut eye. We've Got a long days walk ahead of as tomorrow." Sophitia shuffled slightly "Can't wait to see the Ming Imperial City. I've never been to that place before, what's it like?
Taki eyed the stars then closed her eyes "Oh you'll like it, it's very beautiful."
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Seung Mina rubbed her hands across her elbows.
She could feel the chills of cold air going through her spine. She pulled the fur skin further up around her shoulders. She couldn't believe it had snowed the whole morning during her travel up the mountains. Athens was covered in a fresh new snowfall and the whole place was freezing. She gritting her teeth then cursed slightly feeling her feet slip .
The next moments caught her by surprise, her feet slipped loosing all grip. Her whole body was flung back and she hit the floor painful. She winced feeling the pain in her spine, she'd hardly taken one step in to the Athenian city and she was already beginning to hate the place.
"Would you like some help Miss?"
Mina looked up turned slightly a middle aged man with a beard was standing over her with his hand out stretched. Mina eyed him "No I'm fine." The man smiled then put out his other hand "Please let me give you hand you took quite a fall there." Mina put a hand up taking his.
The man smiled pulling her up so she was standing. Her feet seemed to slip again but this time he grabbed her before she could fall "I think you need better boots Miss. Yours don't seem to grip that well."
Mina jammed her weapon in to the snow balancing her self then eyed her boots "There not made for gripping snow they're made for walking." The man pulled out a hand "Jason's the name and you are?"
Jason pulled out a hand to the young woman "Well Seung Mina you should get boots with better grip." The young woman gave him a look "I like my boots, they came with my outfit." Jason laughed slightly "Oh I see your one of those warriors who likes to be fashionable." He put a hand on her shoulder "We have one of those warrior living right here in Greece but she prefers shoes that grip the snow."
"Sophitia" Mina said cutting Jason of in mid flow. He looked at her "You know her?"
Mina put a hand up "We've met." She paused then looked up "Do you have any idea where she lives. I need to find her it's important?"
Jason grinned "Sure I do, sounds like you're in a hurry." The young woman nodded "I am somewhat." Jason smiled then put a hand on her shoulder "Well you just follow me I'll lead you there."
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Aeon pulled up the bag of flour.
He brought it down sharply along side the others. He signed pulling the horse around a bit more so he could get a grip on the other flour bags. He watched as Cassandra pulled them in to the kitchen "Is that the last of them Aeon?"
Aeon pulled the last bag from the horse "Last one I'll just put this down there, then go and up this horse to bed." Cassandra shook her head at his remark "His names Carlos." Aeon pulled the horse slightly "He looks just like an average horse to me." Cassandra folded her arms "Didn't you ever name your horse's when you where in battle?"
Aeon grunted, "I never used a horse I mean I can't get my feet into the stirrups." Cassandra eyed his huge clawed feet then cocked her head to one side "I see what you mean. Even if you did get your feet in the stirrups, your claws would end up breaking the leather." Aeon eyed his feet "Yeah something like that." He shrugged "It doesn't get to me though I mean I can run pretty fast anyway."
Cassandra put a hand on her chin "You can hold your breath under water longer than any normal person." Aeon put up a clawed hand "Yeah there's that to, I guess there are advantages to this body." He grinned then flicked his tongue out slightly "I guess it not all bad." Cassandra pulled the last flour bag in to the house then jumped out walking over to where Aeon was standing.
"How's about I give you a hug?"
Aeon eyed her in a surprised manner "I'm ok really don't you give me enough hugs?"
Cassandra smiled "Well your like a big brother to me, I have to give you something." Aeon put a hand on his chest "Never thought my self as a big brother." He shrugged slightly "Oh well can't hurt to hug you ether."
Aeon grabbed the young girl he squeezed lightly. In all the time he lived he'd never felt so well treated. The Alexandra family treated him as a son and looked after him as well as all there other children. It was nice to come home to a warm bed and warm company and to be treated human despite not even looking human. He closed his eye enjoying the moment.
A bolt of shearing pain suddenly shot through the back of his head, another went through his legs. He let go of Cassandra pushing the young girl back as fast as he could. He turned and was met with another blow to his lower jaw. It threw him back with some force causing him to hit the windows of the Alexandra house hard. He stood up slowly and painfully shaking his head trying to clear the stars from his view.
"You know preying on young girls is very bad, I ought to teach you some manners you ugly bastard."
Aeon groaned shaking his head again he looked up sharply a figure was standing two feet away from him. It was a young woman she looked slightly younger than Sophitia but she had long brown hair with was plaiteddown her back. She wore a red head band which had Japanese marking on it. Her fringe hung over it moving slightly in the wind.
She was wearing a Japanese's shirt, which had yellow scarf around the neck and a yellow belt. A long cut skirt hung down, it was covered in much the same markings as the head band.
She wore brown hand guards and fur skin covered her shoulders, she also wore a brown pair of boots. Her features were oriental and in one hand was a long weighted red staff with a sabre blade at the end. She pulled the weapon up swinging it slightly eyeing him angrily.
Aeon pulled himself up slowly easing his sword from its scabbard "Who the hell are you?"
The girl flicked her hair back slightly "Seung Mina and probably the last thing you'll ever see." Aeon stiffened up then raised his sword "Before you go about ripping my guts out girl I'll tell you that I live here, in this is my home and if you threaten it I'll kill you." Seung Mina laughed slightly "Yeah sure you do lizard men, doesn't your species prefer murky water and eating fish?"
Aeon ripped his shield from its holder on his back "Don't stereotype me girl, you don't know me." Seung mina's brown gaze met his "What's to understand your ugly and you should've died along with the rest of your kind." Aeon knew it was his turn to laugh "Naive girl, why don't you go home before something real bad happens to you?"
Aeon turned slightly Cassandra was shaking her head "Please don't fight her." He smiled slightly "Don't worry Cassandra this idiot wont take much work and she needs a lesson in manners anyway." He stepped forward smiling "Well Seung Mina or what ever your name is, want to kill me give it your best shot."
He pulled up both his weapons eyeing her "Or are you all mouth?"
Mina sneered pulling up her own weapon "Fool!"
She leapt forward swinging her blade. Both weapons met with a clash the sound was like a crack of thunder. She pulled down sharply, snapping her long blade out to full length. The lizard man's shield blocked it as it smashed over and over again. Her next move had to work. Her opponent was a very good blocker but she had a feeling he was holding back.
She swung again this time wrapping her weapon in a loop the first swing hit the shield while the second was dodged. She leapt up in mid air aiming the blade down, In what seemed like a flash the lizard man jumped clean past her. A sharp pain came as the heavy shield hit her in the back, she was thrown forward her whole body hit the floor hard, she came to a painful stop on the ice.
She shook her head slightly then turned, she saw the short sword blade come down hard and fast. She rolled sharply avoiding it as it hit the ground close to her head. She rolled backwards blocking the next blow with her long blade then twirled it so the weighted end was up. Jamming out hard she hit the lizard man hard in the chest. He was thrown back.
Aeon dug his claws in to the snow coming to a stop he winced slightly feeling the pain in his chest. He watched the young girl spin the staff again so the blade end was pointing towards him. He could hear the roars of the crowds, who were starting to gather around to watch the whole battle. He breathed out heavily he'd kill this girl if he had to, if it meant protecting the Alexandra household and keeping his word to Sophitia.
He growled pulling his weapons up. The blade shot forward again smashing the ground near his feet, he leapt up back flipping. He heard the girl cry out as his tail smacked her across the face. He hit the floor then front flipped hitting her a second time before she'd could even recover from the first blow. Her body went flying backwards hitting the floor hard.
Despite the pain he had inflicted she stood up eyeing him. Then she looped the blade again kneeling slightly before thrusting it forward trying to hit his legs. Aeon smashed the blade back with his shield, then ran forward pushing his head downwards.
Mina shot around the lizard man leapt forward his head rammed her in the chest sending her flying in to the nearest house's wall. She groaned feeling the horrible pain as she hit the solid stone. She managed to swing her head just as the sword blade hit the stone. She jumped backwards getting out of harms way. The lizard man wasn't backing down he was relentless.
She pulled up the weapon blocking the sword blows then slammed her foot down hard hitting the lizard man's scaly knee. She watched him jump back growling. Stepping back she pulled her weapon forward. His fighting style it was very similar to Sophitia's. She swung the blade again hitting his shield then jumped back pulling the long blade back over her head.
Aeon jumped forward he felt a sharp pain as the staff hit him. Sparks flew as he half defected the blow, he was sent sprawling back he picked himself up just as the long blade hit the floor close to his chest. He jumped up getting ready to turn around to block what ever the girl had to throw at him but was surprised to see her trying to pull her weapon from the snow. He grinned "The blade tends to stuck in between the stones around here if you hit it to hard."
Mina jammed her foot on the blade trying to free it. The weapon was wedged stiff between the marble stones. She grabbed the staff trying to pull it free she could see her opponent getting closer by the second. She cursed grabbing the weapon again roughly pulling it, there was a sound as the weapon loosened from the crack.
Aeon leapt forward grabbing the girl by the leg. She cried out trying to kick him he grabbed her other leg then pulled her up in to mid air causing her to let go of her loosened weapon. He snarled swinging her down full force so she hit the stone on her front. He roared pulling her up again although this time he was surprised to see she had her weapon in her hand and had it up ready to shove in his chest.
He let go of her legs grabbing hold of her shirt with his shield hand then lifting her up before she could get the range right. He shook her harshly then pulled up his sword pointing it towards her stomach "it's been fun girl."
Seung mina kicked out trying to make the lizard man let go. The huge monster didn't ease his grip she jammed her weapon up both hands ready to plunge it between his shoulder blades.
"Aeon put her down this instant!"
Aeon turned slowly Sophitia's mother Nike was standing behind him and Achelous was behind her with arms folded. Aeon eyed the girl whose brown eyes stared back at him questioningly. He gazed at her then without warning let go. She hit the floor near his feet rolling slightly before coming to a stop. Achelous gave him a stern look "I meant put her down not drop her!"
Aeon pointed at the young girl who was slowly pulling her self up on her staff "She attacked me and it's my duty to defend the Alexandra household. Sophitia would do the same." Mina leaned on her staff breathing in heavily, trying to regain her breath. She looked up slightly "Your AeonCalicos?"
Aeon turned slightly eyeing her "Yes I am, what's it to you?"
Mina pulled her staff up "They told me the Alexandra household was around here and that there was a lizard man hurting everyone. They never said it was you." Nike walked over to where she was standing "Who told you this?"
Seung Mina shook her head "Someone called Jason." She heard the lizard man bang his foot on the ground "The annoying shoemaker, why am I not surprised." He paused "Maybe you should read more carefully in to what you hear Mina. I could've have killed you." Mina grunted "Like hell you could've lizard breath."
Nike stood her self sharply between the two seething warriors "Please calm down both of you."
She cleared her breath then turned to the young girl "Your names Mina are you Seung Mina Sophitia's friend?"
Mina nodded "The very same." She watched the woman clap slightly then put an arm around her shoulders "Please come in out of the cold, we'll get you something to eat and sort out your bruise's." Aeon watched the crowds depart he growled then turned to Achelous "I'll be back in a moment I need to go have a little word with Jason."
The dark haired man nodded "Don't do any thing you'll regret Aeon." He watched the lizard man shrug "Trust me I wont, I'll just teach the guy not to pass out info to newcomers that isn't true." He walked off turning down the lane and disappearing in to the night.
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Sophitia moved slowly through the market place.
The Chinese buildings rose up above her. She yawned slightly she didn't like the sound of the boat crossing to get to the Hoko-ji Temple. Taki's hand shot in front of her face causing her to look around sharply. The ninja was holding up a silk red robe from one of the stalls "I think you'd look great in this Sophitia, I mean it's just your size."
Sophitia eyed the Chinese robe then put a hand on a chin, what was with Taki she was acting real strange?
The whole journey so far had been odd, the ninja had slept by her side. Walked by her side during the whole trip, even pulling her boots out the mud when they got stuck and now she was showing her cloths. She eyed the ninja, Taki hated shopping or so she'd been told by Seung Mina. She watched as Taki grabbed another robe "Ok reds not your colour how's about blue?"
Sophitia put a hand up feeling the silk she smiled "It's very nice but even if I had it what would I use it for?"
Taki smiled at her then pulled up the robe "It's a bath robe you wear them after a good wash." She raised an eyebrow "You've never worn one?"
The Greek shook her head, Taki pulled out a coin from her pocket "I thought every one wore these. So do you Greeks walk around naked then after bathing?"
Sophitia blushed slightly then pulled up both hands "No we wear towels long wrap around ones." Taki grinned "I see, well since your new to this place I'll get you this one." the Greek expressionturned to stunned surprise. Taki tossed the coins over to the shopkeeper, then turned to meet the green gaze. She threw the Chinese robe at the Greek who caught sharply.
Sophitia gazed at the robe in her hands she began to feel the material It was so soft. She eyed the patterns of the little birds flying across the chest line. It was very beautiful. She wasn't used to gifts from friends it had somewhat caught her by surprise. She looked up slightly Taki was standing by her side smiling "You like it?"
Sophitia nodded, she wanted to say something but deep down she had a feeling she'd end up mincing her words and spoiling the moment. Taki put a hand on her shoulder squeezing slightly "How's about you wear it tonight at Royal villa?"
Sophitia looked up sharply "Where going to the Royal Villa?"
Taki folded her arms "That we are, Xianghua has a rooms waiting for as. She'll be very happy to see you again, and her adopted brother Kilik will want to meet you to. Should be an interesting couple of nights." She watched Sophitia smile, she found her self-grinning "I'm looking forward to it. You'll love the food it' taste really nice and the beds are very comfy to sleep in."
"They also have this huge Royal garden. Its has huge blossoming trees and its covered in flowers. It's also got beautiful fish that like to swim around the lake and streams" Sophitia's smile broaden, she put up her hand "Which way to the Villa?"
Taki smiled then put her hand fully around the younger woman's shoulders "It's this way" she pulled up her hand pointing down the main road.
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Mina eyed the food in front of her, it was an assortment of biscuits and bread. She'd tried the Alexandra cooking on her travels with Sophitia, one thing the Greek warrior was really good at was cooking. The number of times she'd tried to take samples from the cooking pot and had been pushed away by Sophitia was innumerable. Although Taki had been just as bad.
She picked up a Roll then looked across at the lizard man who was eyeing her. She gave him a look then turned to Sophitia's mother who was looking at her. The motherly woman smiled gently then sat her self down on the far side of the table "So Seung Mina how can we help you?"
Mina smiled "Is Sophitia here?"
The woman sighed then shook her head "I'm afraid not she left two days ago with the ninja Taki." Mina raised an eyebrow "Taki was here?"
She was answered with a nod "Taki is taking her to the Hoko-ji Temple, although were not sure were that is." The woman paused slightly "Do you have any idea where it is?"
Mina put a hand on her head "I do sort of, I have a map which a friend gave me which points the way, but the ninja hide out I don't have a clue how to get in to it." Achelous banged down his foot turned sharply to his wife "I told you there was something a miss about that ninja! I can't believe she'd lead our daughter in to a death trap!"
Mina sat up sharply "Taki would never do such a thing the ninja's there are her clan and they would never hurt someone who she'd brought along for a visit!"
The bearded man turned slightly looking at her in a confused manner "I don't understand. You say the ninja's wont hurt her but I get the impression she's in danger or else you wouldn't be here."
Mina put both hands on the table "They are both in danger Taki and Sophitia. I got a message from my friend Rock who was in the area not so long back. He said Taki's clan over thrown by another clan her father has been beaten and has had to surrender to the take over." She paused breathing in heavily "The new clan will kill Taki on her return because she's a threat to the take over and Sophitia will be killed for trespassing."
"I thought Taki had returned home but its seems she doesn't know about the take over. I was hoping to get Sophitia's help but it looks like she's going to be in as much trouble as Taki if I don't get to them both in time." The silence seemed to hit the room hard everyone was dead quite.
The lizard man stood up pushing his chair back "Well I know were that hide out is!"
Mina eyed him then pulled out the map that was in her pack. She put it on the table "Great get some red in ink and put a point were the entrance is." His clawed hand came down sharply on the map "No I'll go with you, you'll never find it by yourself and you my die. There are lots of traps around that place." Mina eyed him "I don't need your help."
Aeon put a hand on his armoured chest "You do girl I doubt you have any experience at disarming traps and finding secret doors." The young girl sneered at him "I'll learn I don't need you to help me."
Aeon hit his fist on the table hard "I sent two of my finest units up to that area many years ago, not one of them ever came back!"
"I can assure you no word of a lie you can not go up there on your own Mina. You'll be dead before you reach the temple as would I if I went up there all on my own its suicide." Mina narrowed her gaze "I'm not bringing you along for the ride. Sophitia might think the world of you but I don't. I saw what you did to those people in coastal towns I was picking them up and burying them!"
Aeon pulled back feeling the hate in the young girls outburst. He slapped a hand on his chest plate "What I did I'm paying for, my past haunts me in my dreams and everywhere I walk. I will gladly die to save Sophitia I owe her."
Mina pulled herself up sharply "Yeah sure you care about her. I bet she only looks after you because she pity's you." She paused seeing the family horror at her remark, she stiffening slightly "Why would I want you along anyway? You said your army had gone up to Hoko-ji Temple but they all died, and other than disarming traps you're of no use to me."
Aeon roared aloud his hand smashed the table full force sending some of the plates flying. His hidden spines on his neck and head shot up in a surprising display. He gritted his teeth leaning forward to meet her gaze head on "Listen here you foolish girl. I know not only the were your entrance is, but I have a map of the whole underground labyrinth that goes under the temple."
"I had spies, ninja spies who told me about the place, I know more about it than you ever could!"
Cassandra arm suddenly pulled on his causing him turn "Aeon calm down it's not your fault Mina doesn't see the good in you." Aeon grunted he watched the brown haired girl step away from the table. Cassandra calmly walked over to Mina's side "I understand you don't trust Aeon but there is good in him and he can help you." Mina folded her arms "Yeah sure there is."
Cassandra face turned to scowl "Don't mock the Alexandra household." Mina stopped short everyone in the room was looking at her in an angry manner she had a feeling she'd overstepped the line. Cassandra's blue eyed gaze narrowed slightly "I don't care what you think of Aeon because I like him, true I was afraid of him, but I know he's good I've seen it."
"Maybe you should take a page from Sophitia's book which is not to judge things on how they look." The short haired blonde girl turned sharply. Mina put up a hand "Your Cassandra right?"
The girl nodded then put a hand on Aeon's shoulder. Mina raised an eyebrow "Your just like Sophitia." Cassandra eyed her "I hope you mean that in a good way." Mina put a hand on her chest "I did you have her looks and her personality."
Achelous smiled at her remark "Yes I'd agree our Cassandra is very much like Sophitia." He paused then cleared his throat "What she says about Aeon is true and if you're our daughters friend you'll take Aeon along."
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Taki sat back as one of servants slowly walked over with tray of Chinese tea. He pulled the tray down smiling "Tea?"
Taki took one then watched as he showed the tea to Sophitia. The blonde woman was sitting next to her leaning on a pillow she took one. Taki smiling then leaned over to her "See what I mean they love you treating you like a king around here." Sophitia smiled then took a sip of her cup she pulled back sharply. Taki raised an eyebrow "Strong?"
Sophitia eyed the drink "Very." She looked across the Royal room "It's so beautiful." Taki leaned on her elbow watching the blonde swing her long hair. She was the most beautiful thing in the room.
Sophitia's gaze met hers Taki felt mesmerized by it "This Royal villa is very beautiful but I prefer your Greek shines and temples. I mean those columns I've never seen anything like them . I mean the Shrine Of Eurydice how did your people manage to balance the solid stone on the Columns?"
Sophitia laughed a little "I can't say as I know the Shine Of Eurydice was built long before I was born." She put a hand under her chin "The Greek gardens are the only thing I remember them building as a child. They built it after a civil war to Honour those who died."
Taki leaned closer "Your people had a war? I never heard anything about that."
Sophitia lowered her gaze "My people prefer that Athens trouble aren't known about." An annoyed look crossed her face "They call it keeping Athens powerful and noble to the outside world, I call it arrogance." Taki sipped her tea "I thought you loved your Greek heritage?"
Sophitia eyed her drink "No I love my God and I pray that if I die I'll be sent to the Elysian Fields, but my people are another matter. They don't see me as a person just an icon and something to talk about. When I was given my first weapons by the gods no one believed me. They made me do horrible things to prove myself."
Taki slowly put a hand on hers squeezing lightly "I can admit I've had to do some horrible things which I didn't want to do." Sophitia turned to listen, Taki stopped short. She didn't want to dishearten the younger woman. She smiled slightly squeezing the Greeks hand again "I can see now why you wanted to leave home and come with me."
Taki turned sharply Xianghua and young dark haired man was standing in the doorway.
She pulled her hand away from Sophitia's then put up her hand with tea in it "What kept you?"
Xianghua put up her hand up then winked "We had a break in at the other end of the royal grounds. We had to show the fools the door." The dark haired man twirled his rod staff smirking "Well you sure showed them the door you kicked one of them clean over the wall."
Xianghua gave her step brother a look "You can talk you slammed one of them in the balls with your staff end, I doubt he'll ever be able to breed ever again."
Kilik laughed "I'd be doing him a favour then. I mean what kind of girl would want to get in bed with a guy like that anyway?"
He paused eyeing both the women sitting at the table. They were both looking at each other "Ah and you must be the two good friends my Sister was talking about." He jumped forward landing on the table "So let me see who's, who." He pulled up his hand stopping his sister from speaking "Don't tell me I want to guess."
He moved to the dark haired woman, she was in a red full body suit complete with armoured shoulders and armoured feet and knees. She wasn't wearing a facemask.
Two Ninjato swords were tied to her back one behind her shoulder the other around her lower waist. Her long black hair was up in a high ponytail. She was medium build with Japanese features, her brown eyes looked at him an eyebrow raised very questioningly.
Kilik smiled pulling down a hand to her "You must be Taki my sister spoke much of you. She said you kill demons and like to save the world." Taki nodded "Something like that although the whole saving the world wasn't all my doing I had help."
Kilik put a hand on his chin then turned on his heels to meet the other woman's light green gaze. She was totally different to her companion with very long blonde hair, which was plaited down her back. She was very slender, with armoured shoulders, which had long white cloth around them. High leather boots covered her legs these boots also had armoured heels as well as foot guards.
She had no real body armour to speak of. Her upper body had a blue shirt with laced strings holding the whole top closed. It was held up by armoured shoulder buckles, which had brown leather straps. The whole of her back was covered by brown leather and she had a knee-high skirt, which had blue patterns around the rim. A brown belt held it all together and from that hung her sword. Her shield was propped nearby.
Kilik paused eyeing the young woman's gentle features. He kneeled down meeting her gaze "Sophitia, you're the one who freed my sister from the prison when she was captured."
Sophitia sipped on her tea gulping slightly "It was nothing really." Kilik put a hand up shaking hers "My sister said you were modest, appears you are." Sophitia looked at him "You're Kilik?"
Kilik stood up "That would be me." He turned to his sister who had jumped in between both woman and was giving them both a hug." Shall we show our guests how we do things here?"
Xianghua looked up sharply "Are you referring to dinner or some fight practice?"
Kilik grunted, "Screw fight practice I want to show your friends to a feast." He watched his sister pull both women to there feet and then push them towards the dinner room.
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