This chapter took a little longer than usual because of certain commitments. Not only that, but I had a hard time getting this story to about 1000 words. I apologise.
The images of the lizard like creatures that attacked the ship still ran though Corundum's mind. The servants of the evil blade, cursed by its influence, drained of their sanity, forced to fight with such malevolence. It reminded her of her own possession and the horrible acts she committed during that time. It pained her to think that such grief, regret and sorrow could be inflicted on others. Years of solitude and repentance had turned her stoic, her heart becoming encased in thick ice. She no longer cared about herself. All that mattered was that Soul Edge was ended for good, no matter the consequences.
After arriving at Qingdao, Corundum immediately boarded another ship headed for India, going against her previous plans. After tainting her sword with the blood of the lizardmen on the previous voyage, she had to reconsider her options. By observing their physical appearance and behaviour, she was certain that they were from the mainland of Asia and there were likely to be many more of them. By travelling around the south of the continent, Corundum was sure she could avoid them until she got to Europe. She didn't want to be reminded of her own pain.
After boarding the ship, she once again decided to make herself comfortable in the cargo hold. This time there were no disturbances, so the Moon Fury Blade sang its song continuously. The occasional thud of chests sliding along the smooth wooden floorboards was actually a nice accompaniment, as well as the gentle crashing of the waves against the hull.
After about three days Corundum grew restless. Something was wrong here. Corundum hardly ever became agitated unless there was a reason for it. She deduced that she was being followed. At first she thought the man from the previous journey was the culprit, but she dismissed that idea when she remembered seeing him leaving Qingdao from the port.
Two days later, the Moon Fury Blade stopped singing abruptly. Corundum's hand had dropped to her side. She slowly stood up. She sheathed her blade, and slowly walked outside. It was raining heavily, and the boat was rocking violently in the swell. Corundum stood unaffected by the storm, looking around swiftly. She could feel it. She could feel the aura of Soul Edge. Not just a fragment, not just an artifact infused with it, but Soul Edge itself. She was already facing the cursed blade. She could feel her blood throbbing through her head; her silent pulse becoming loud ominous drum beats (cliché, I know, but I think it works well).
Corundum quickly looked up. A large figure was coming down at her. She ducked to the side as two swords stabbed into the deck. The attacker fell onto his feet, eyeing the girl maliciously. Corundum closed her hand on the handle of her blade. She could feel the energy surrounding this man as well as the blade. He had pale purple skin, white eyes and hair and wore pirate clothes and armour. He wielded a large sword. Corundum recognised it immediately. The dark metal, the red veins, the distorted eye. Soul Edge.
"Foolish girl. Prepare to be destroyed."
Corundum made no reply. She focused all her energy into her blade, causing it to become encased in a powerful purification aura. She had practiced this art for years. Lightning struck the mast of the ship, igniting it and sending bits of wood, rope and fabric down on the ship. Corundum charged at this man, her blade drawn and ready.
The fight was intense; the man's powerful attacks splintering the deck, but missing the girl who dodged swiftly and performed fast strikes. The man didn't have time to react to Corundum's attacks, eventually losing grip on Soul Edge and falling backwards. Corundum drew all her strength from her body and mind, preparing to purify this blade. Her arms glowed in a brilliant white light, blinding the man. She slammed her arms into the cursed blade.
What happened next is confusing to say the least. The force of the explosion knocked the man over the edge of the boat. Soul Edge was greatly weakened by the blast, releasing red sparks and white clouds. But someone snatched away the blade before it could be destroyed completely. Corundum turned around. It was the woman from the temple. Cornudum changed the purification light into a powerful laser and released it at her. The woman swiftly dodged it until Corundum's energy was spent.
"You said you would fight Soul Edge. Yet you are here bringing its salvation." Corundum said after recovering her breath.
"You know so little about what is happening. Allow me to open your eyes."
She infused the Soul Edge in her hand into Mekki Maru, increasing its dark aura. In her weakened state, Corundum's rage took over. She started attacking her. Her blade sliced through the air, narrowly missing the woman as she leapt over her and used ninjutsu to create an explosion underneath Corundum. It knocked her into the side of the boat, weak and exhausted. The woman drew Mekki Maru, prepared to end Corundum's journey.
"You will just be an obstacle if I let you live. This is the end for you."
Before she could strike her, lightning struck the deck. The ship began splitting apart. Not wasting any time, Corundum used what was left of her strength to blow up the ship with fire ninjutsu. There was a blast of red light then all was quiet.
Corundum tried her best to keep her consciousness. She was holding onto a wooden plank, drifting through the ocean. The storm hadn't let up, the heavy rain and wind blasting her from all directions.
A single thought kept playing through her mind; that woman, the one claiming to be against the cursed blade.
Could she have been corrupted by it?
