Title: The Ancient Sword
Author: sabor ice Main Characters: Vincent Valentine, Cervantes, Talim Summary: In this cross-over story, Vincent Valentine (Final Fantasy VII) and Cervantes (SC2) are on a journey to retrieve an ancient sword that could decide the fate of the planet. They are joined by Talim (SC2), a young woman they encounter along the way. Together the three will find out the meaning of friendship vs. survival. Author's note: This story is based off a dream I had. It's a cross-over story with things from Final Fantasy VII and Soul Calibur 2. Some characters, places, and situations are from the games, while others are brand new. Also, although both Cervantes and Talim are from SC2, they are in FF world, despite the quest for the sword, which is taken from SC2. Disclaimer: I own nothing pertaining to Final Fantasy or Soul Calibur 2.
Feedback: Yes.
Chapter One
Vincent Valentine crouched on the highest tower of the ruined city of Midgar. His red eyes surveyed the land that had once been full of activity and life. This was the first time he had been back since the attack of Bahamut and the defeat Sephiroth on some foreign area outside the city. He had taken no part in the destruction of the calamity, Sephiroth, though he had seen it. And, although, he was nowhere near the final battle between Sephiroth and Cloud Strife, his impecible sense of hearing allowed him to hear every word the two exchanged. None of them seemed all too important to him, save for the last. I will never be a memory.
That was then.
He watched as the orange-colored sun rose from the east. The brightness reflected in his red eyes, making them seem like they were on fire. He could not feel the heat against his skin, though. It had been long since he could feel much of anything. His love had died when he was still just a lab rat of Professor Hojo's. Lucrecia. He shook his head at the thought. He had long given up his search for her, knowing that she was truly gone.
His friends were also gone. Cloud, Tifa, Cid, Yuffie, Cait Sith, Barret, Nanaki, and even little Marlene and Denzel were all gone now. After all, it had been over a century. Perhaps it was for the best, though. Aeris would take care of them now. Yet, he still remained here as a dark shadow, a forgotten thought, a forsaken rogue, and creature of the night. He would forever dwell on this planet, never aging, never dying, and in the end, never finding peace. He had acceptance...acceptance of what he was, a beast, but never had any peace.
Nothing was the same anymore. The planet's Lifestream had both taken and given so much. It had ruined some cities, like Midgar, and spared others. Midgar was one of the ancient cities, though. Throughout the years new cities and civilizations had emerged. New battles and enemies and new friends and allies came with the change. Everything was different, yet Vincent was still the same.
"Vincent, it's time," a familiar voice came from the ground below. "Come."
Vincent regarded the large man for a moment, before standing. He took one last look at the rising sun, before jumping off the top of the tower and easily gliding to the ground below. His feet touched the ground; he straightened out his red cape, before looking at his companion.
"Cervantes," Vincent said in his deep voice, nodding towards the aging man.
Cervantes was a large and husky man. He had white hair and beard. Vincent didn't know exactly how old he was, but figured in human years, he was about 55. He had met the man a couple months back, while traveling through Kenyon, a village of not more than a hundred residents, located near Nibelheim. In that time, they had traveled through North Corel, Gold Saucer, Cosmo Canyon, and Gongaga. They had then chartered a hoverboat and traveled to the sea city of Junon. From there, they had made their way to Midgar. The sword had not been in any of these places, so they had to move on.
Normally, Vincent wouldn't let himself get caught up in the affairs of others, but Cervantes' story had intrigued him. He had told him about an ancient sword, who's name was not spoken. This sword was sought by all types of warriors for its believed powers. It was believed that whomever controlled the sword could control time. Many warriors sought this ancient weapon for the wrong reasons, but Cervante's swore he sought it only to keep it safe from others. Vincent believed he spoke the truth and joined him in his cause. After everything, even if Vincent wanted to undo some things from his past, he knew that medelling with time could be folly. He knew that if this sword fell into the wrong hands, the planet would be doomed.
"Where are we headed to now?" Vincent asked. "Kalm Town?"
The other man shook his head, resting his arms on the hilt of his large, slightly curved sword.
"We go to Neco. It is between Midgar and Kalm Town," Cervantes replied.
"What's in Neco?" he wondered.
"Nearly nothing," the warrior answered. "It seems like a perfect place to hide a certain ancient weapon, don't you think?"
"Possibly," Vincent said. "Or it could be a perfect place for an ambush by your enemies."
"Our enemies. It's our enemies now," the man corrected.
Valentine crossed his arms, the finger of his golden claw idly tapping the top of his right arm. He didn't like the idea of having new enemies. He knew by being Cervante's ally, though, he had made many new ones. Cervantes tipped his head to the side somewhat and regarded the black-haired man.
"Something on your mind?" Cervantes asked.
"It's nothing," Vincent answered.
"You having those dreams again?"
"I don't dream."
"Oh, yes, I forgot. You having those 'nightmares' again?"
Valentine glared at him, obviously not amused by the man's dry sense of humor. Vincent lowered his arms to his sides.
"I don't know what they are, but it's none of your affair," Vincent stated, matter-of-factly. "So, just let it be."
"Good, glad you feel that way," the man said, clapping his big hand over Vincent's shoulder roughly. "We have work to do. Come."
He watched as Cervantes left the area. Glancing back at the ruins of Midgar one last time, Vincent finally took his leave and followed him towards Neco.
End, 'Chapter One.'