Fan Fiction ❯ Second Advent of the Vow ❯ The arrival ( Chapter 9 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: regie27 
Sophitia heads towards the Colloseum and meets a strange Englishwoman..
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 11.15.2003 | Updated On: 02.29.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 1.1K | Visits: 197 | Status: Completed
Sophitia heads towards the Colloseum and meets a strange Englishwoman..
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 11.15.2003 | Updated On: 02.29.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 1.1K | Visits: 197 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: Yes, yes, you should already know by now that I do not own Soul Calibur or any of the characters. It would be cool, though... (shrugs)
Chapter III: The arrival
After countless sunrises and sunsets, the magnificent outline of an ancient Roman Coliseum was finally visible in all it’s breathtaking splendor. The party of travelers halted their march for a moment to admire silently the aging building that in open disregard to time stood proudly amidst the landscape that surrounded it. Although centuries had come and gone and everything that stood at it sides had changed over and over to reflect the unrelenting walk of Father Time, the coliseum had remained stubbornly static, as if there was no possible way its current majestic presence could be improved.
The Colosseum still held the tantalizing promise of thrills, emotions, and challenge on its interior that had characterized the prime of its life during the glory and hegemony of the Roman Empire. Brave gladiators had stood on its large arena for the last time in 405 AD, when Emperor Constantine had prohibited for once and for all the games. Years passed and with the fall of the Roman rule over Europe, its customs and ideals were also lost in time. Christianity had brought upon a new Canon, which had little tolerance for such brutal type of amusement and so gladiators, lions, and everything else that related even slightly to the Games was officially banned.
However, many lords and wealthy characters craved the entertainment their ancestors had enjoyed, so they managed to secretly organize a tournament in which the best and most famous warriors would gather in this arena to fight for money, fame, and for the recognition of being called the best among their peers. Its fame crossed boundaries and seas and after decades of its existence, the tournament was gathering fighters from all the countries of the known world. With the patronage of such wealthy and distinguished families such as the Florence Medicis and the Sforzas, the price money was attractive enough to bring the best representation from around the globe. The famed Lorenzo de Medici had enthusiastically enjoyed so much the games that rumor spread that the family had hired for their personal guard previous tournament champions and his presence always ensured an impressive and unforgettable spectacle. It was also said that many of the artists under his patronage went to the tournament to look for models and topics for their art.
Andreas, usually very reserved, could not hide his excitement. Sources had confirmed that Cossimo II de Medici was among the expected audience and it was a unique opportunity to broaden his business deals. Having his friend's betrothed participating in the renowned tournament with an excellent standing among the contenders only enhanced his opportunities. Sophitia did not mind at all. After all, Andreas and his traveling party had provided her with companionship and definitely a much more comfortable way of traveling. He had assured her lodging and assistance for a good part of her journey through his merchant associates so she hoped in her heart the best of lucks for him in his business deals. Besides, there were more urgent things occupying her attention.
More than three years had passed since Sophitia had beheld those walls but she felt soon her blood quickening as the images of the roar of the audience and the excitement of the fight stirred from a dormant place on her memory. Every step of her horse brought her nearer to the first stage of her journey and to the fulfillment of her destiny. The travel had been characterized by the odd feeling of being constantly observed. This bizarre occurrence had been happening since they had disembarked the “Hermes” and through their way over small villages and large cities, it was as vigilant eyes were upon them at every hour. The Athenian could not explain this experience but she was sure of something: sooner rather than later, whatever was watching her would strike when least expected, and because of that, she had to be in constant alert.
She also recalled the mysterious woman she saw on the port. They had arrived to the city-state of Naples and after disembarking; they were preparing for their upcoming travel so Sophie decided to take a long deserved walk on land while Alexander helped his father with the last details. She mingled with the busy crowd that filled the dock; people from all places and nationalities, most of them contenders for the upcoming Fighters Tournament at the Colosseum, gathered noisily when she felt an unmistakable sensation she had felt years ago but that had left an unforgettable imprint on her mind. It was the sensation of the pure evil that emanated from Soul Edge and Cervantes! Somehow it was like the dreaded pirate had arisen from the dead. Could it be that he had survived and was looking for Soul Edge too? A sudden jolt of adrenaline ran through her as she readied herself physically and mentally for a possible face-off with the Spaniard again. She looked carefully at each face on the crowd, as sweat started to crown her forehead. Suddenly her jaw clenched in tension as her feet took her closer to a tall white-haired woman. Sophie realized aghast that the dark sensation seemed to come from her! She studied her carefully and noticed that the woman concealed an exquisitely ornamented sword under her cloak. Her proud blue eyes had the same mysterious gleam Cervantes had. Sophitia was sure that the dark essence came from this woman and her weapon, but how? As Sophitia struggled to understand these puzzling discoveries, the woman noticed the Greek maiden's glance and a soft smile curved on her ruby lips. With an almost feline purr, she said:
-"Strange. I have the feeling that you are on a quest like I am."
Sophitia opened her eyes in surprise. Gods, was it that obvious to all? The woman seemed to be of noble origin, and even in the inconspicuous travel clothing she wore, it was obvious she was a very attractive woman. Passerby’s turned their heads to look more carefully at the aristocratic looking woman.
"You do not deceive me child. I can sense you are a powerful warrior, but I do not fear you or anybody else in that matter. Be careful, we might be looking for the same thing after all, but be warned, I will not allow anyone to take it away from me!"
And now with the Collosseum drawing closer, Sophia prayed in silence. Every step closer to Soul Edge brought more mysteries to uncover and more danger lurking in the darkness, and she was about to step right in.
Chapter III: The arrival
After countless sunrises and sunsets, the magnificent outline of an ancient Roman Coliseum was finally visible in all it’s breathtaking splendor. The party of travelers halted their march for a moment to admire silently the aging building that in open disregard to time stood proudly amidst the landscape that surrounded it. Although centuries had come and gone and everything that stood at it sides had changed over and over to reflect the unrelenting walk of Father Time, the coliseum had remained stubbornly static, as if there was no possible way its current majestic presence could be improved.
The Colosseum still held the tantalizing promise of thrills, emotions, and challenge on its interior that had characterized the prime of its life during the glory and hegemony of the Roman Empire. Brave gladiators had stood on its large arena for the last time in 405 AD, when Emperor Constantine had prohibited for once and for all the games. Years passed and with the fall of the Roman rule over Europe, its customs and ideals were also lost in time. Christianity had brought upon a new Canon, which had little tolerance for such brutal type of amusement and so gladiators, lions, and everything else that related even slightly to the Games was officially banned.
However, many lords and wealthy characters craved the entertainment their ancestors had enjoyed, so they managed to secretly organize a tournament in which the best and most famous warriors would gather in this arena to fight for money, fame, and for the recognition of being called the best among their peers. Its fame crossed boundaries and seas and after decades of its existence, the tournament was gathering fighters from all the countries of the known world. With the patronage of such wealthy and distinguished families such as the Florence Medicis and the Sforzas, the price money was attractive enough to bring the best representation from around the globe. The famed Lorenzo de Medici had enthusiastically enjoyed so much the games that rumor spread that the family had hired for their personal guard previous tournament champions and his presence always ensured an impressive and unforgettable spectacle. It was also said that many of the artists under his patronage went to the tournament to look for models and topics for their art.
Andreas, usually very reserved, could not hide his excitement. Sources had confirmed that Cossimo II de Medici was among the expected audience and it was a unique opportunity to broaden his business deals. Having his friend's betrothed participating in the renowned tournament with an excellent standing among the contenders only enhanced his opportunities. Sophitia did not mind at all. After all, Andreas and his traveling party had provided her with companionship and definitely a much more comfortable way of traveling. He had assured her lodging and assistance for a good part of her journey through his merchant associates so she hoped in her heart the best of lucks for him in his business deals. Besides, there were more urgent things occupying her attention.
More than three years had passed since Sophitia had beheld those walls but she felt soon her blood quickening as the images of the roar of the audience and the excitement of the fight stirred from a dormant place on her memory. Every step of her horse brought her nearer to the first stage of her journey and to the fulfillment of her destiny. The travel had been characterized by the odd feeling of being constantly observed. This bizarre occurrence had been happening since they had disembarked the “Hermes” and through their way over small villages and large cities, it was as vigilant eyes were upon them at every hour. The Athenian could not explain this experience but she was sure of something: sooner rather than later, whatever was watching her would strike when least expected, and because of that, she had to be in constant alert.
She also recalled the mysterious woman she saw on the port. They had arrived to the city-state of Naples and after disembarking; they were preparing for their upcoming travel so Sophie decided to take a long deserved walk on land while Alexander helped his father with the last details. She mingled with the busy crowd that filled the dock; people from all places and nationalities, most of them contenders for the upcoming Fighters Tournament at the Colosseum, gathered noisily when she felt an unmistakable sensation she had felt years ago but that had left an unforgettable imprint on her mind. It was the sensation of the pure evil that emanated from Soul Edge and Cervantes! Somehow it was like the dreaded pirate had arisen from the dead. Could it be that he had survived and was looking for Soul Edge too? A sudden jolt of adrenaline ran through her as she readied herself physically and mentally for a possible face-off with the Spaniard again. She looked carefully at each face on the crowd, as sweat started to crown her forehead. Suddenly her jaw clenched in tension as her feet took her closer to a tall white-haired woman. Sophie realized aghast that the dark sensation seemed to come from her! She studied her carefully and noticed that the woman concealed an exquisitely ornamented sword under her cloak. Her proud blue eyes had the same mysterious gleam Cervantes had. Sophitia was sure that the dark essence came from this woman and her weapon, but how? As Sophitia struggled to understand these puzzling discoveries, the woman noticed the Greek maiden's glance and a soft smile curved on her ruby lips. With an almost feline purr, she said:
-"Strange. I have the feeling that you are on a quest like I am."
Sophitia opened her eyes in surprise. Gods, was it that obvious to all? The woman seemed to be of noble origin, and even in the inconspicuous travel clothing she wore, it was obvious she was a very attractive woman. Passerby’s turned their heads to look more carefully at the aristocratic looking woman.
"You do not deceive me child. I can sense you are a powerful warrior, but I do not fear you or anybody else in that matter. Be careful, we might be looking for the same thing after all, but be warned, I will not allow anyone to take it away from me!"
And now with the Collosseum drawing closer, Sophia prayed in silence. Every step closer to Soul Edge brought more mysteries to uncover and more danger lurking in the darkness, and she was about to step right in.