Fan Fiction ❯ Soul Calibur II: Return of the Soul Edge ❯ Trails of Fate and Destiny ( Chapter 3 )

=Trails of Fate and Destiny=

 

Edge of Chaos, where the Grand Shrine of Palgaea located,

Astaroth watched the place long enough; it didn't take him a long time to realize that the shrine was abandoned long time ago. The heretical order of Fygul Cestemus had been abandoned the place, after they found out about Astaroth and Lizardman's demise. Even Kunpaetku, the grand priest was nowhere to seen. The golem roared furiously,

 

“Deyaaah!! Struggle! Begone!” He waved his giant axe aimlessly, somehow to vent out its frustration. The weapon managed to crush several statues into dusts. Yet, there was no answer to the servant of Ares. Once again, Astaroth laughed,

 

“Shatter…scatter! Neyhahhaha! Is it the end?” Suddenly a heavy voice answered,

 

“I think not…” When the golem turned around, Nightmare was standing behind him. He didn't respond, instead turning his attention to the huge, one-eyed sword at the knight's left hand. Realized the stare, the azure knight said, showing the Soul Edge,

 

“I believe you're looking for this, right?” Again, Astaroth didn't answer. Inside his dead heart, he admitted that was his intention! Moreover, the fragments inside him responded with the same yearnings, wanting to be reunited.

But then the golem hissed,

 

“That's not the sword I've wanted…” Nightmare's laugh boomed inside the strange place,

 

“Of course, Soul Edge needs more soul before it could recover to its full potential…Astaroth, you've helped me once and now I ask you…would you help me again to nourish the never-ending hunger of Soul Edge?” Astaroth pondered the offer; he could attack Nightmare and take the sword to his master. Yet, his master wouldn't be pleased to have such worthless weapon; he must waited the right time first. Slowly, he went closer to the knight. Though looked calm, Nightmare was ready to anticipate any dirty tricks from the golem. Not for long, Astaroth said,

 

“Help Soul Edge…Astaroth will help Soul Edge with his Kulutues…” Slowly lower his guard, Nightmare nodded,

 

Excellent, this brute can help me more…but I must be careful! Even though looks dumb, the creature isn't stupid. Once I have powered the Soul Edge, I must get rid of him immediately… He said nonchalantly to Astaroth,

 

“Come, Astaroth! We still have works to do…” Again, the golem thudded his chest and shouted,

 

“Destroy all! Smash!” Then they left the eerie place, ready to bring destruction and death to another place.

 

 

 

 

Back to Ayutthaya, Thailand,

Yunsung and Talim wondered around the market to find the inn. Then he asked her,

 

“Talim, may I know what inside your pouch? It seems so important to you…” The girl answered carefully,

 

“This is the fragment that contains an evil aura. I must return it to the place where it belongs, before it hurt the innocent people.” The red-haired youth nodded only,

 

“Hmm, it seems the noble cause to help the others…” Now it was Talim's turn,

 

“Kuya, why are you here?” Yunsung surprised to hear her calling him like that,

 

“Ho, wait! What is means?” The young girl explained,

 

“In my language, it means `eldest brother'…I think I should call you that, since you're older than I.” The Korean looked uncomfortable; he never considers himself as older. Of course, there were plenty people older than him like Hwang…and Mina. Slowly, he said,

 

“Er…could you call me Yunsung only? I don't like to be called as your brother…” Talim replied with smile,

 

“Of course, Kuya Yunsung…” Yunsung now panicked; if Mina heard that, she would laugh to death. Once again, he asked her nervously,

 

“Please, don't call me like that! Call my name only…” Confused, the Filipino girl asked him innocently,

 

“Bakit, Kuya? Are you not like me to call you?” The youth was irritated, and then raised his voice one octave,

 

“I'm not your brother!! Is that clear?” Somehow Talim didn't got the message correctly; she replied,

 

“Fine, Kuya! Let's go…” The Korean was facefaulted, while a big sweat drop appeared at his head. Then he dropped his head tiredly,

 

“I give up…you're even more difficult than Mina…” They continued to walk, while someone watched them carefully.

 

 

 

“What? There is no vacant room?” The innkeeper answered Yunsung,

 

“Yes, I'm terribly sorry. Today many people come to participate in the festivals, so it is usual that all the rooms were occupied…” The Korean asked again, while Talim watched them,

 

“There must be something you can do, sir…we're only stay for a night, please,” Pondering momentarily, the elder innkeeper said,

 

“I only have a cot with a single bed…”

 

“Do you have another room?”

 

“Only that, you can take or leave it…” Suddenly, the girl tapped him and whispered,

 

“Kuya, take the room; it's better than nothing…” Annoyed, he said,

 

“I'm not…your brother!” The innkeeper asked again,

 

“Excuse me, are both of you husband and wife?” Simultaneously, Yunsung and Talim shouted,

 

“No!!” The old man was stunned with the answer,

 

“I'm just asking only…” Since they were needed the room badly, the red-haired youth sighed,

 

“Fine, we take the cot…” Instantly the innkeeper guided them to a small cot with a single bed, a table and a chair. It has a window facing to the capital. Blanket folded at the end of the bed. Yunsung watched the room; it was worst than what he had in Seung's dojo. Then he turned the girl who simply put her belongings at the bed anxiously. Realizing the stare, Talim asked,

 

“Kuya, why do you staring me like that?” Embarrassed, the youth answered,

 

“No offense, Talim…but I never sleep inside the room with…a girl before…” She smiled only, as she took the shoes off,

 

“Why not? I always sleep with my father and mother, sometimes with my cousins. There is nothing to be ashamed for, we're not doing anything wrong…” Yunsung's face became red when heard that, then he explained,

 

 

“It isn't what I mean! Probably you think it isn't wrong in your custom, but in my custom, unmarried man and woman aren't allowed to sleep together in one room…” The Filipino girl laid herself to the bamboo bed, while replying,

 

“Kuya, don't be so nervous…beside it just only a night.” Yunsung couldn't say anything to that. He pulled the chair and put it close to the wall near to the window, before leaning on it. The girl offered,

 

“Kuya, if you want, let's trade the place…” Before she could continue, the Korean pointed,

 

“No, you take the bed, while I sleep here…one more thing; I'm not your brother!” Talim shook her head,

 

“Bahala na, Kuya…good night!” As the young girl went asleep, the youth couldn't help to think,

 

She's nice, thinking everyone else before herself…if Mina has one-third of her, it would be nice… He turned to the outside. The capital looked aglow with the background of the night. Yunsung pondered hard,

 

I wonder if I could find the Sword of Salvation and returns quickly to Korea…just before Japan invades it. I envy Hwang who had been at the front line…he must be working hard for defend our country. Soon everything will change once I've got the Sword of Salvation…

 

 

 

 

Back to China, the mist floated silently upon the river. Everything was silent until a raft passed by. Mitsurugi swung the row slowly. Behind him, the Manji ninja sat calmly in a meditating position. Heihachi did the same, but with his back toward them. For minutes, nobody spoke. Then Mitsurugi asked,

 

“You must be enjoying your victory over us, ninja…” Yoshimitsu turned to the ronin,

 

“Both of you fought well, but your overconfidence is the greatest enemy…” The ronin smirked to Heihachi's direction,

 

“Not so much like him…” His smirk was answered with a snort. The ninja continued,

 

“I must do this, because the fragments that you've possesses were dangerous and evil…I must destroy it before it too late…” Mitsurugi ignored him, instead turned his attention forward,

 

“Oh, sure! Don't say that you wanted the Soul Edge as well…” Then he asked, “Your banner…you must be coming from the Manji clan, right?” Stunned, Yoshimitsu said sorrowfully,

 

“I'm the only survivor from my clan…after Nobunaga dealt with us treacherously! How do you know about my clan?” The ronin turned again to him,

 

“My liege once was Nobunaga's ally and have a good relationship with him…I've heard from him about your clan…before I'd become a ronin. I believe that's why you're looking for Soul Edge,” The ninja didn't answer. It was difficult to know what his face like, since it was hidden behind the mask. Then he explained,

 

“It was my first intention until I heard about Nightmare…the azure knight! If I followed my vengeance, I would be no different than him,” He produced the large fragment from his pocket and pulled his beloved katana. The fragment emitted a faint red aura, while Yoshimitsu's katana reverberated with a blue glow,

 

“Then I learned about the truth behind Soul Edge…since then I forsook my vengeance and dedicated my life to fight injustice and defend the innocent. Soul Edge has deceived and cause harm to them, therefore it is my duty to destroy it…how about you, ronin?” Mitsurugi rowed slowly, as he spoke,

 

“Time has changed…human strength has been replaced by gadgetry. I want to find Soul Edge to defeat the Tanegashima rifle. If I found it, I would be invincible enough to defeat any firearms…” Suddenly, Heihachi laughed derisively,

 

“Heh, heh, heh! PATHETIC!” The mock reached Mitsurugi, who almost pulled his Shishi-Oh if the ninja didn't stop him,

 

“Ignore him, ronin! The strength to control self is more powerful than anyone on the earth…” Though dissatisfied, Mitsurugi sheathed his katana back. Silently, Heihachi said to himself,

 

I'd love to show this to that idiot son of mine! Then everyone was quiet, continuing the journey to the nearest port.

 

Late night at Ayutthaya

Talim already deep in sleep, while Yunsung was sleeping at the chair. Sometimes he waved his hands to get rid the mosquitoes around him. The Filipino girl was undisturbed; the pouch was lying close to her head. Then someone entered the cot through the window. The figure walked silently, watching the sleeping people inside. It tiptoed toward Talim and stared her carefully. When she turned around, the figure noticed the pouch beside her. Slowly, the uninvited intruder put forth its hand toward the pouch…

 

At the same time, the Korean smacked the unlucky mosquito at his face. Half sleepy, he opened his eyes slightly and saw the mysterious figure close to Talim. Instantly, he was aroused from his slumber and pulled his sabre.

 

Before the figure reached Talim's pouch, the wheezing sound of White Storm came. The intruder ducked quickly before the sabre cut him into two. Yunsung didn't stop there; he kicked the chair toward his opponent. However, the intruder already jumped to the bed to avoid the attack. The bamboo bed was ruffled and it was enough to wake Talim. Rubbed her eyes, she asked impatiently,

 

“Ano' ba, kuya…?” To her shock, Yunsung just swung his sabre above her face. She almost stopped breathing because of that,

 

“Nakupo!” The intruder quickly somersaulted and jumped out through the window. Turned to the petrified girl, the red-haired youth shouted,

 

“Stay here, Talim! I won't be long…” He jumped out, following the mysterious figure that had entered their place. After recovered from the shock, the young girl quickly checked her pouch and found the fragment was still in its place. Without thinking twice, she took Syi Sarika and Loka Luha…

 

 

 

Outside, Yunsung pursued the figure on the rooftops. Though the intruder was swifter than him, he managed to overtake easily. Then he realized whom he had pursued clearly with the dim light. The intruder was a black, pony-tailed woman with a red costume and some protective gears at her shoulder and wrist. The costume hugged her body tightly, almost like a second skin. She had two ninjatos behind her, but she held the upper one. Even in the dark, everyone could see that the woman has the well-endowed chest. The red-haired youth saw that his opponent was Japanese! He asked suspiciously,

 

“Introduce yourself! Who are you? Are you looking for the Sword of Salvation too?” The woman merely smirked, while staring him fiercely,

 

“Nothing personal, but I must win…” Quickly, Yunsung assumed that the woman must be the Japanese agent who had been sent to find the sword! But why did she checking Talim, instead him? Then he put the attacking stance,

 

“If you really want that, you picked the wrong guy to mess with!” The woman pulled her ninjato and shouted,

 

 

“Seya! Get ready!” Without waiting, the Korean immediately opened his attack by slashing horizontally. The ninja, however parried the attack calmly with the ninjato. Incensed, the red-haired youth sent his left kick toward the head. The mysterious woman rolled herself backward to avoid the kick, and then spun her body upward and zoomed to her opponent. Yunsung was ready to anticipate, but his opponent was landed behind him and sent a horizontal slash. Instinctively, he put his sabre behind his back, blocking the attack. Yet, he was shoved forward by a kick. Before he could rose, the woman sent another kick that forced him to withdraw. When he controlled himself, he was surprised to find his opponent was no longer around. Suddenly he heard a swift whisper upon his ears,

 

“It is useless to resist…” Then the woman held his neck with her left arm; he tried to loose himself but no avail. At the same time, Yunsung caught a glitter of light at the right corner of his eye…it was the ninjato! She would stab his neck with that! Driven by instinct of survival, the youth shoved White Storm to his right side. The ninjato clanged to the weapon. He thudded his elbow to the woman's chest with such force, until she was coughed and relaxed her grip. The Korean now turned the table by taking her nape with the sabre and threw her away. The woman was startled, but still swift enough to avoid the kick to her head. She catapulted herself forward and prepared for another stance.

 

“Not bad, but it's not over…” she smiled with myrrh. Swung his sabre, Yunsung shouted,

 

“DEYAAA! You're going down!” When the youth charged, the ninja crouched and pulled her right hand. A yellowish sparkle formed slowly on her palm. As their distance got closer, she threw the energy ball downward, while shouting,

 

“Evil…begone!” The energy ball bounced and hit Yunsung squarely at the chest. He felt something hot and burning was hitting him; before he could think further, he has already airborne and fell to the ground below.

 

 

The mysterious woman smiled with satisfaction as she saw that,

 

“Don't think ill of me…” When she turned around, the sweeping strike flew toward her face. Though taken by surprise, the ninja managed to avoid it by jumping backward and found out that a young girl stood in front of her, brandishing the elbow blades. The girl smiled,

 

“Kalimutan mo'na ako?”

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Yunsung managed to grab the nearest rope that criss-crossed between the buildings. Using the momentum, he pulled the rope and catapulted himself to the rooftops again. Yet, he missed the edge of the roof an inch. Quickly, he bit his sabre and pulled upward. Once safely secured, the youth saw that his opponent was battling Talim. Then he ran toward them as fast he could.

 

 

 

The fight between Talim and the mysterious woman raged fiercely; both were pitting their skills and swiftness. The ninja slashed horizontally, but the young girl blocked it with the elbow blades. When her opponent sent a low sweeping kick, she quickly made a huge sault behind. When Talim landed, the woman caught her waist and threw her away. The girl was taken by surprise, but then she saw that the woman has ready to send another attack. The ninja immediately whirled, sending a helicopter kick. Talim was forced to block the furious attack; however she instantly cartwheeled from the attack and caught her opponent's leg,

 

“Tagga no Kamay!” Like what she did to Yunsung before, she dragged the woman's leg a little. The ninja wouldn't give up right away. She countered Talim's maneuver by pulling the other ninjato. Unlike the first, the ninjato produced a flame. The woman quickly stabbed toward her opponent side. In order to protect herself, the girl had to let her opponent go, while blocking the attack. To her surprise, the woman uppercuts her with the ninjato at her right hand, slashing forward her. She sent a forceful thrust kick to her stomach for the closing. Talim groaned painfully.

 

“Areku!” At the right moment, Yunsung broke the fight between them. The Korean sent the opponent away before turning to the young girl,

 

“Talim, are you all right?” She answered, though the pain was quite unbearable,

 

“Ayos lang ako, Kuya. Only a little injury…malakas siya talaga…” The youth replied,

 

“You're injured…take a rest first! I'll deal with her!” Talim shook her head, as she forced herself to rise,

 

“Ayos lang ako. I'm going to help you…” Yunsung merely smiled,

 

“You're quite stubborn too, ha! Reminds me to Mina…” In no time, both of them went into their stances. Instead attacking them, the woman stood silently and started to speak,

 

“Have you both lost your mind? I have nothing between both of you…” To this, the red-haired youth answered,

 

“Then tell me, why are you entering our cot silently if not for the Sword of Salvation?” The woman was stunned, but then she pointed Talim,

 

“You…what do you know about the thing inside your pouch?” Talim said,

 

“It is a evil fragment, I must return it back to restore it…” For a moment, the silence reigned between them. The mysterious woman pulled her breath; before she sheathed her ninjatos back, much to Yunsung and Talim's surprise. She continued,

 

“Then let me tell you the story behind that thing…but first, put away your weapons first. I promise I won't attack you…” Yunsung shouted back,

 

“Why should we trust you? How do I know you're not the Japanese agent whom they sent to find the Sword of Salvation?” The black-haired woman spat,

 

“What happened between your country and mine is not my concern; I believe you must know Hwang Sung Kyung,” The mention of Hwang made the youth stunned,

 

“How do you know him?”

 

“We once met in a separate occasion…” Yunsung was doubtful, but then he felt that the ninja might know something about Hwang's quest. While he was pondered the options, the Filipino girl has lowered her weapon and turned to him,

 

“Kuya, sandali. Probably she knows something about the fragment that I've got…” Slowly, she turned to the woman,

 

“Please, may we know your name?” The woman answered nonchalantly,

 

“I'm Taki…”

 

 

 

 

In no time, they had returned to their cot with Taki. The Korean sat upon the bamboo bed, while watching the ninja suspiciously. She returned his stare by giving him a fierce glance. The contest of will between them was broken when Talim asked,

 

“Excuse me, are you mind if I call you `Ate'? You're looks older than me, after all, “Taki said,

 

“Call me as you like. May I see your fragment, please?” The girl poured out her pouch and the fragment fell on the table. Calmly, Taki produced another fragment of her own and also put her Mekki-maru on the same table. Suddenly the fragments were reverberated and started to move to each other. At the same time, the ninjato shook violently. Before the larger fragment managed to pull the small one, the ninja quickly put it inside her pocket and turned to Talim.

 

“So, Talim? What do you know about this?” The girl replied,

 

“I only know that the fragment once was part of a weapon…” Sighed, Taki continued,

 

“Soul Edge…it was the part of Soul Edge before…” Talim begged her,

 

“Tell more about this thing, Ate…” Then the former Fu-Ma ninja began her story,

 

“Once, there is a legendary weapon that can cut the heavens asunder…the weapon is called Soul Edge, but it also known with other names like `Key to Eternal Youth', `Hero's Sword' and `Sword of Salvation'…” Yunsung was startled but he managed to cover it. He listened to Taki's story attentively,

 

“Like its name, Soul Edge was indeed a powerful sword, but you cannot hold on to it and your own soul at the same time…Absolute power corrupts, so is Soul Edge to its bearer…” As she told the story, her memories went to the event when she helped Sophitia from Cervantes' wrath,

 

“The first who wield that sword was Cervantes de Leon, the feared pirate. Soul Edge took his sanity and body, transforming him into a walking dead that thirst to kill…” Talim gasped only, “…but I was succeeding to send him back to Jigoku where his damned soul would burn. Unfortunately, it wasn't the end of Soul Edge…”

 

“Another soul found the sword and transformed into an abomination called Nightmare the azure knight…he even committed more killings than what Cervantes did…until three warriors came and stop his raging madness by breaking the Soul Edge. What happened then, I don't know…”

 

“But then, I found out that Soul Edge hasn't disappeared for good. Instead, they come in form of these fragments or `Evil Seeds'. Unwitting people brought them around the world, without realizing the evil power behind these fragments. I believe you'd feel what it looks like…” Talim didn't answer; she remembers what she felt when she was eight years old. She couldn't bear the agonizing feeling inside the evil aura at that time. At the same time, the ninja said,

 

“Nobody could tell what happen if these fragments were reunited again…I sure the evil would return with the greater power…” Ending her story, Taki took the ninjato and said,

 

“I once incorporated one of these fragment into Mekki-maru and resulted with the stronger evil aura that anyone could sense…” The young girl nodded,

 

“You're right, Ate! Your sword has the same aura with the fragment though different…” Without warning, Yunsung said,

 

“Bullshit, why don't you say that you wanted Soul Edge as well?” Instead angry, Taki replied coldly to the red-haired youth. She said sarcastically,

 

“I think Hwang is wiser than you … I don't want Soul Edge; I just want to pit my Mekki-maru with it so that they could destroy each other,” The Korean was silent. She rose up and walked to the window. Before went out, Taki turned again to them,

 

“You don't know what you're dealing with; I suggest both of you go back to your home…this is no child's play…” Then Talim rose up and said,

 

“No, if what you said is true, then my resolve has become stronger! I won't let this thing to continue its nefarious works…” She turned to the ninja; her eyes looked pleading,

 

“Come with us, Ate Taki…you can help us…” The pony-tailed woman pondered, until she smiled meaningfully to them,

 

“Sorry, I don't used to baby-sit the children like you…” The words instantly got the best of Yunsung, however Taki had disappeared from the sight. The Korean vented his frustration,

 

“Great, what a nice folktale! It is the last time I've trust the Japanese like her…” Talim protested,

 

“Kuya, I think she is sincere…if she wanted, she could kill us during the fight! Yet, she didn't do that…” Then the red-haired youth held her shoulder and explained like a elder brother to his sister,

 

“Talim, you're too young to understand all…not all people can be trusted…” The young girl was silent, pondering the statement. When she turned back, Yunsung already slept on the bed, snoring loudly. She didn't mind with that; she could sleep on the floor. Yet she couldn't banish the ninja's story about Soul Edge.

 

 

 

On the top of the Buddhist temple, Taki stared the ground below. The festive hasn't over yet, but that wasn't disturbing her minds. She still thinking of Talim's offer.

 

Her spirit is like you, Sophitia…she and the Korean boy is determined to find Soul Edge. Must I help them or not? The blond-haired Greek woman filled her mind, she couldn't forget the moment she helped her from certain death and thus reawakened something inside her…

 

Where are you, Sophitia? Answer me…Deep inside; she knew the answer could be found inside her.

 

The night breeze passed slowly

 

 

In the border between Hungary and Bulgaria, something terrible happened at the small village. The people were running away from…the giant who wielded a huge axe. The giant wore a purple horned hood and pants. With a single sweep, he mowed five peoples like mowing a grass. Blood and body parts splattered everywhere. Lifting his blood stained axe, the giant thudded his chest and shouted,

 

“Destroy all!” Then Astaroth turned to another terrified people and charged them with huge steps, while swing the Kulutues,

 

“Begone, you scum! I'm gonna tear you apart!” The screams and shriek was heard everywhere. The flames licked the houses around them; it also reflected the silhouette as the golem killed people around him, even hacked the poor man who had begged to be spared.

 

At another place, Nightmare stabbed his victim with Soul Edge and then shoved him away. The crushed, bloodied bodies piled before him. The crimson eyes watched the carnage with pleasure. He shouted aloud, while lifting his deformed right hand on the sky.

 

“Souls, give me strength!” The crackles were crept around the bulky hand. The knight shouted again, this time with desperation,

 

“I still need more souls! More, need more souls!” He scanned his surrounding out from his visor; nobody alive around him. Then someone called him,

 

“You're pretty reckless, I think…” Startled, Nightmare turned around and saw a blond-haired man standing not far from him. He was amused to find that the man didn't afraid of him at all. He cackled with a hideous hiss,

 

“Fool! Do you not know Death when you see it?” Instead, the man gave a salute,

 

“Allow me to entertain you! My name is Raphael Sorel…and I'll be the one who beat you, Nightmare!” Nightmare laughed again,

 

“Fascinating…I never see someone so willingly offer his soul to be my boon! At least, I know your name, Raphael. The thousands who will follow you will be as anonymous as cattle…” Raphael didn't answer; his face was darkened. The Frenchman pulled his rapier slowly from its scabbard and pointed it to his opponent, while saying gently,

 

 

“To be honest, I'm irritated. Well then, let us dance!” The azure knight lifted Soul Edge and brought it to the dark skies with both hands; he roared with all his lungs,

 

“Blood, darkness, come unto me!” The lightning crackled thrice as the accursed blade glowed with an eerie purple sheen. Its eyes throbbed uncontrollably. As he charged his power, the knight stared his opponent with a murderous look,

 

“I will show you the greatest nightmare!” After finished his word, Nightmare whirled his sword like it was a staff toward Raphael and spun his body before sending a huge horizontal slash. Sensing the danger, the Frenchman evaded the attack swiftly. He moved to his opponent's side and waved Flambert with quick precision. The knight swung Soul Edge to block the attack, and then moved to grab him. But Raphael distanced himself swiftly and taunted again,

 

“I believe this is going to be a waste of time…” This time, he performed a wide slash toward Nightmare.

The knight parried the attack, only to found out the opponent moved to another side and sent a multiple stabbage to him. Roared, he slashed vertically twice,

 

“Mail Splitter!!” The ground cracked as the attack passed over, but once again Raphael was untouched. Impatient, Nightmare sidestepped his opponent and delivered a crushing vertical slash

 

“RHAAAAH!! Rook Splitter!!” The Frenchman quickly countered the attack with his own stance: swung his rapier forward and thrust toward the opponent's midsection. The knight was taken by surprise, thus canceling his attack. After a minute, it was clear that Nightmare's bulk has cumbered his attack. He couldn't able to counter his swift opponent. Like a serpent, the Frenchman attacked the weak points with clear precision. Elated with the situation, Raphael taunted again,

 

“I would love to stay still, but you're so musclebound and slow that I just can't help dodging…” Furious with the mocking, Nightmare roared again,

 

“AGHHH! Annihilate! Sword, give me strength!” Learned his mistakes, Nightmare took a careful stance this time. Yet, it didn't unnerve Raphael until he tripped the sprawling body behind him. He exclaimed,

 

“Damn you!” This was the chance that Nightmare waited for! When the opponent fell backward, he sent the punch with his deformed right hand to the face,

 

“Jade Crusher!” The Frenchman instantly flew very far, far from their fighting site and landed on the haystack. Rubbed his bleeding lips, he tried to clear his head. To his horror, Flambert was lying quite a distance from him. Before he could rose up, the azure knight stood in front of him. The crimson eyes stared him with such hunger. Nightmare hissed victoriously,

 

“This is the end!” Realizing there's no way out, Raphael sighed with resignation; he was ready to accept his fate. He stared the knight, who lifted his sword above,

 

I'm sorry, Amy…I couldn't fulfill my promise to you… Silently, he closed his eyes.

 

 

 

Before Nightmare could finish his opponent, suddenly a loud voice echoed inside his head,

 

Resist the evil influence!! Then a painful sensation stung his head. He thrust Soul Edge violently…to the ground almost close to the Frenchman's groin. Raphael shocked with such reaction, luckily he moved faster before the knight stroke. To his surprise, Nightmare was holding his helmet and rolled in agonizing pain. He even banged his head on the ground, trying to relieve himself.

 

What happened to him? Is he all right? The blond-haired man watched the knight carefully, but then his attention was turned upon the sword that he had looked for,

 

Soul Edge…it is in front of me! Right on my eye! If I could take the sword… While Nightmare still busy, the Frenchman moved slowly and tried to reach Soul Edge. But then the huge stomp came and Astaroth came to his sight.

The golem saw Nightmare groveled in pain, while Soul Edge was impaled on the ground. Once again, the harsh voice came to his head,

 

“Astaroth, take Soul Edge and bring it to me! Take Soul Edge and bring it to ME!!” He nodded and started to move closer. To his surprise and Raphael's, the azure knight had recovered himself and quickly took the sword out from the ground. For a while, nobody spoke. Nightmare turned to the golem,

 

“Astaroth, let's go! This place doesn't have what we're looking for…” The giant gestured to the Frenchman,

 

“How's this? Shall I kill him?” The knight snorted disgustedly,

 

“Forget him…he's pathetic…” Astaroth stared Raphael without any expression, however he left him immediately. Though feel insulted inside, Raphael pondered something,

 

So that is…the azure knight is weakening…probably I can gain some advantage from him…

 

 

 

Not far from the village, Nightmare and Astaroth heard someone calling. It was the Frenchman whom he fought before. They stared eye to eye until the azure knight asked with disdain,

 

“What's the matter?! Do you want to die that badly?” Then Raphael did something unthinkable; he knelt before Nightmare and said,

 

“Great knight, let me serve you…” Astaroth growled,

 

“I will grind you to death!” However, Nightmare stopped him with Soul Edge. Sensed something amiss, he asked the Frenchman,

 

“Why do you want to serve me?” Raphael continued,

 

“I was blind awhile ago; I don't recognize your strength. What is my mettle compared with you, Sir?” The knight answered coldly,

 

“The only way to serve me is…death…” Yet, the former noble was quick to say,

 

“Sir, I will show you the place where you can feed Soul Edge with the strong souls…I know the place!” The words stirred Nightmare, and he lowered his sword slowly. Then he inquired again,

 

“Are you sure with that? Are you not lying?” Realized his chance, Raphael groveled to the ground, begging,

 

“I swear that what I say is true! I'll bring you to my place, Sir Nightmare! I won't ask you anything except to spare my life and my household! …” The golem said,

 

“Shut up and die, vile creature! I'll take your soul!” As Astaroth swung his axe toward Raphael, Nightmare blocked it with such force that made the golem almost stumbled backward. When the giant was furious, the knight gave him a dark, sidelong glance,

 

“Stop it, Astaroth! It is me to decide someone must die or not…and I have decided to spare his life!!” They stared each other momentarily, and Astaroth gave in to the decision, though he didn't like it. Nightmare turned to the Frenchman and held his chin with the right hand,

 

“If you can bring the strong souls to satisfy the hunger of Soul Edge, I won't only spare your life…but also the people around you. But if you are lying…” They glanced to the golem nearby,

 

“Astaroth and I won't be so merciful, understood?” Raphael nodded, though his clothes were wet with cold sweats. When the knight departed, Astaroth stared him with utter disgust, saying,

 

“I'm not going to go easy on you!” As the golem followed Nightmare, Raphael allowed himself a tiny smile,

 

This is all according to my play now. If you can't get Soul Edge, at least you can manipulate its bearer…and I shall secure Amy's future with Nightmare's help…

 

 

 

 

Above the hill, Spawn watched what transpired below. Though the face was covered, he frowned to what he saw,

 

I have to admit the French's cunning…so the Soul Edge was with the knight named Nightmare…confronting him right now isn't a wise decision. I have to plan it carefully…and strike at the right moment! Then he disappeared beneath his blood red cloak…

 

 

 

 

Early morning at Canton,

As usual, the harbor city was filled with hustle-bustle. The labors carried the precious commodities tirelessly from the ships, while the passengers went back and fro from the ships. The merchants shouted aloud, offering their merchandise to the would-be buyers. Among the crowd, Kilik and Xianghua walked around to find the ship going to India. This time, the young man wore a yellow, feathered cloth and black trousers. His companion wore a red mini-skirted costume with a red band and shoes. The girl asked him,

 

“Kilik, what are you doing after returned from Europe?” He replied,

 

 

“I'm perfecting my technique…since Dvapara-yuga has been broken, I must find the other way to purify my body and at the same time, make amends for my past sins, “ Xianghua nodded, and then she said,

 

“Your Majesty is surprised to find out I'm resigned from my duty, but then I says that it will send the good precedent while I try to find whereabouts of the Hero's Sword…”

 

“Did he believe you?” The Chinese girl smiled only,

 

“Who cares? At least, we're together again…like the old times, right?” Kilik paid her with a gentle smile. He stared Xianghua's sword carefully and said,

 

“I thought you're lost your sword…” Realized that, Xianghua explained,

 

“Yes, but then an old man gives me this sword as a replacement…not so good like my Krita-Yuga, but anyway, it is very useful…”

 

“Are you still playing in the dancing troupe?” The girl sighed,

 

“Not so much, especially after Your Majesty stripped my rank last year. Even so, I still practice my moves. Perhaps I will show you when we have a chance…” Suddenly Kilik stopped dead at his track.

 

“Kilik, what is it?” He didn't answer as he stared a familiar figure not far from them. It was a blond-haired man with hair jutted in front of him. He was bare-chested, but wore the orange sash across his body and a green pants with dragon pattern. Xianghua couldn't believe what she saw. Her lips were shook in astonishment,

 

“Kilik…is he…oh, my God! I can't believe this! He's still alive! HE'S ALIVE!!” Then she ran toward the man without even waiting Kilik who followed her from behind. The girl called,

 

“Maxi! Maxi! Wait for us!!” At first, the man ignored the call. Then she came closer and hugged him, while saying,

 

“Maxi, is that really you? I can't believe this! We thought you're dead already…” The man was stunned with her outburst. Then Kilik came and greeted, tapping his shoulder lightly,

 

“Maxi! It is a long time indeed! Where have you been?” Xianghua followed,

 

“Tell us, what are you going four years ago? I can't wait to hear your story…” Instead glad, the man asked with an irritated tone,

 

“Who the hell are you? Do I know both of you?” Instantly, everything was falling into a deafening silence. Ignored them, the man answered,

 

“Yes, my name is Maxi, but I don't remember of having friends like you…” Kilik and Xianghua was facefaulted instantly with a big sweat drops behind their head. Disbelieved, the girl asked,

 

“Is this a joke, Maxi? You really don't remember us? We're once going together, remember?” Maxi said impatiently,

 

“Look, I don't have time for this joke! I really don't know who you are. Excuse me; I have something important to do! Good day!” Then he left them alone.

 

 

 

 

At the harbor, Mitsurugi, Heihachi and Yoshimitsu were looking the ship that could carry them to Europe. Alas, there were no vacant ships. What made Mitsurugi irritated wasn't the fact that they couldn't get the vacant place, but it was Heihachi's condescending attitude that always put him in odds. He always complained to not get the executive class seat and room. Now they sat around the cargos. The ronin glared to Heihachi,

 

“See, are you happy now? There is no ship that willing to carry us! No thanks to you!” The president of Mishima Company ignored him. Then Mitsurugi said with dejected look,

 

“It seems we'll stuck here for good, ninja!” The Manji didn't answer; instead he watched the boxes around him, especially the one that carried into the lower dock of ship. The boxes were so large; even it could include a man inside. Then he said,

 

“There's another way to go, even though not as the passengers…” Mitsurugi and Heihachi stared him with disbelief.

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Maxi took the secluded street around. He had to doing that to avoid the strange people that claimed to be his friends. He laughed such thought inside. His smile was disappeared when he saw a young man blocked his way with a red rod. Turning around, he saw the same girl behind him. He has no place to run! Throwing his sack, he pulled the Soryujuu and held it with his right arm over the shoulder, while holding the other end with his left at the right armpit. He said as he readied his stance,

 

“You want a piece of me? Fine, let's go and you're gonna regret it! WAAAAACHAAA!” Instead attacking him, Kilik put over his rod and said,

 

“Wait, sir…we don't want to fight with you! Forgive us awhile! You're…looks familiar with our late friend. I'm apologizes for our insolence…” Yet, the pirate didn't relax his guard. Then the young man continued,

 

“May I know what brings you here?” Maxi said warily,

 

“I have something to settle with a monster called Astaroth! He has murdered my crews four years ago, including my sworn brother Kyam! Therefore I must avenge them!” A light dawned then, bright and clear and sudden in Kilik's mind. It seemed Maxi didn't forget his past entirely. He went closer, while putting away the Kali-Yuga. He said with a persuasive manner,

 

“Then we have the same objective. The same monster has murdered our friend as well…why not we join together? Is it better to have a company rather than going solo?” Maxi pondered the offer; it wasn't too bad, but then his vengeance was personal. Why should he involve the strangers to his own business? Xianghua watched both of them nervously. She breathed in relief when the pirate relaxed his stance and offered his hand to Kilik.

 

“The enemies of Astaroth are also my friends…welcome, friend! Your name is…” Kilik took his offer warmly and said,

 

“Kilik! And the girl behind is Xianghua…” The Chinese girl went closer and said,

 

“I'm sorry for my outburst…I promise it won't happen again!” Maxi let a hearty laugh,

 

“That's all right! I understood how it is feels to lose someone close…anyway, let's go! We must find the ship toward India…” The former pirate took his lying sack, while Xianghua whispered to Kilik,

 

 

“Kilik, are you sure to do this? I don't like pretending…” The young man explained,

 

 

“Xianghua, I think Maxi has suffered a memory loss… I don't know how he got it, but I sure that he still remember something about us inside. For now, we simply are repeating the time when we meet him for the first time. We'll help him slowly to remember his past…don't give up!” Upon this, she replied,

 

“As usual, you always know what you are doing…all right, I follow your advice!” Then Maxi called them,

 

“Hurry up; we'll be left behind…” As they went to the street, the girl commented,

 

“You're right…just like the old times…” Both of them smiled, while following their friend who didn't remember them at all…

 

 

Author's note: Phew, I'm finishing this after my exam! Probably you won't like the story; however you're free to express your opinion through review (and flames!) The next chapter will have some surprises like this one. Wait `The Company of Three'. See you around!

 

 

 

Glossary:

Kuya (call for eldest brother)

Bahala na (it's up to you/suit yourself)

Ano' ba (what's going on?)

Nakupo (panicked expression)

Kalimutan mo'na ako? (Have you forgotten me?)

Areku (Ouch)

Ayos lang ako (I'm okay)

malakas siya talaga (she's really strong)

sandali (Wait a minute)

Ate(call for eldest sister)