The Anticipation
Morning on Monte Carlo,
Cepheus wiped his perspired forehead; he worked all night to make the weapons for the knights. A broadsword lay on the wall. The artificer decided that he would finish the next after taking the break. Suddenly, someone blocked him. He recognized the figure,
"Sir Astlar…you're surprises me," The blond knight spoke hoarsely,
"Did you finish my sword?" Cepheus noted Strife's demeanor looks different, yet he decided not to argue,
"There, I've finished the sword last night…" he pointed to the sword, which lies on the wall. Striding, Strife took the sword and noted that was fit for him. He turned again to the old artificer,
"How about Siegfried's? Did you finish it too?" Sensing something dangerous, the old man replied,
"No…not yet. I don't have a time now…" The knight grinned in response,
"Pity then…" He turned to the racks that filled with other weapons, and swung his sword with lightning-like speed. The racks instantly destroyed in to pieces, along with its contents. Cepheus shocked to see that, but Strife said,
"Just in case…" He laughed maniacally and then left the artificer alone. The old man shook his head, later he turned to the hidden sword…which he intended to give for Siegfried.
Meanwhile at the barn,
Sunlight shines softly upon two lovers inside. Their armors lay nearby. Sophitia lay facedown, while Taki wrote a poem upon her back. They really enjoyed the solitude, as the Greek said adoringly,
"Taki, I must say this is thrills me…" The kunoichi smiled,
"I learn this art when I was at China. Just part of job…the Chinese says this art is erotic, but expressive. I can't think the other way to express my love to you than this, Sophie-chan," The blond woman answered,
"I like it, but what if someone learns this…" The raven-haired woman put her brush down,
"Don't worry, the ink will dissolve instantly on the water and our secret will safe," When Sophitia rose, she held her shoulders,
"As long as you beside me, I don't care anything, Sophitia." The Greek goddess held her hand,
"Yet, we still have a quest. To hunt Soul Edge…and Nightmare," Taki gritted his teeth,
"I know, however I didn't hear about Cervantes. He must be defeated by someone," She glanced to her ninjatos,
"Though he returned from Jigoku, I shall face him and destroy that fiend for good,"
"No, Taki. We shall banish that demon together, if he comes back," They kissed each other again until Sophitia remembered something,
"Oh, no! Today is Cassandra's match! I'm already too late!"
At the Coliseum, the people had already gathered inside. Demuth and his fellow nobles also present, except Ivy and Aurelia. He gestured Chester to prepare everything and then turned to the spectators.
"Let the fighters enter the arena!" He announced,
Below, four people entered into the arena. They are Hong Yun-Seong, Mitsurugi Heishiro, Cassandra Alexandra and Setsuka. Everyone was confused with this event, since they're used to see mano-a-mano. Not for long, the Genoan shouted,
"Ladies and gentlemen, today I'd like to present you with new variation! Instead one-on-one, the fighters will face their opponents in the same arena. It's free for all matches! The participants are free to choose whom they will fight or to continue with their respective opponents…" The audience was silent momentarily, but then they shouted a huge hurrah for the games. The ronin and the geisha glanced coldly to each other, while their younger opponents looked uneasy. Mitsurugi came forward and asked,
"If this is free-for-all matches, how do we know the victor?" Demuth had prepared the answer,
"Hmmm, it is the same with the previous matches. Only the last man standing shall be declare as a winner, but the fighters may choose to fight another day if they wishes so. Do you have problem with that?" To their surprise, it was Setsuka who replied,
"I don't see the problem with that, milord. In fact, this is quite interesting," The ronin shot back,
"If she has no problem, why not?" He turned to Cassandra and Yun-Seong,
"How about you, kids? Do you have problem with that?" The Greek girl felt irritated,
"Of course not, I am not afraid of that!" The Korean followed,
"Yeah, what do you think we are? We aren't cowards!" Mitsurugi could only grinned,
"Glad to hear that!" The noble clapped his hand,
"Excellent, then we give you 5 minutes to choose who will be your opponent!"
Setsuka noticed her situation; she had no problem fighting with the youth and the girl, however they were not a match to the grizzled ronin. Her chance might better if they joined her. The thought of her joining Mitsurugi was appalled the geisha; after all he was her master's murderer. Beside, it would be unfair to these youngsters. She had to decide…
Cassandra watched Yun-Seong and Mitsurugi nervously. Had her sister is here, she wouldn't worry so much. As far as anyone concerned, she won't mind fighting women but not men. Especially someone like Yun-Seong. Not for long, the geisha called her,
"Cassandra-san, could I talk to you?" the girl turned around,
"What is it?" Setsuka said,
"Would you care to join me?" The idea was startled Cassandra. Her would-be opponent wanted to join her. As she hesitated, the geisha continued,
"You won't have a chance to fight the ronin. I know you are the able warrior, but he's more experienced than you. If we're fighting together, our chance to survive is high…beside you might be able to fight Yun-Seong. I think both of you are even…" The Greek girl had to admit that Setsuka had a point. Finally, she decided,
"All right, I'll join you…" The geisha bowed her head,
"Thank you, I won't disappoint you."
In other hand, Mitsurugi called the Korean,
"Hey, kid. Can I speak with you?" Annoyed, Yun-Seong replied,
"I'm not a kid! What do you want to talk?" The ronin continued,
"Do you care to join me instead fighting?" Hearing that, the red-haired youth was sure that he almost laughed,
"Why do you want to join me?"
"I don't used to fight women…"
"The same here! Instead fighting them, I would rather fight you, ronin!" Mitsurugi frowned,
"Watch your attitude, kid! I offer you because those women have difficulty to make their minds now…don't blame me if you have trouble later!" The Korean turned to see Cassandra and Setsuka taking their position; he was certain that the Greek girl won't join the geisha. He said,
"Thanks, I'm sticking to our previous arrangement…" Unable to persuade the youth, the ronin sighed,
"Well, that's your decision then…" Not for long they were facing Cassandra and Setsuka. Everyone were waiting and wondering who against who now. Demuth steepled his finger, while Chester watched nearby. Above, Talim waited nervously; she wanted to know who will be Yun-Seong's opponent: the ronin, the geisha or the Greek.
Instead facing the youth, Mitsurugi turned to the women. He assumed that they might join forces to fight him, and probably left the Korean out cold. He held the pommel of his katana lightly, ready to anticipate the worst scenario. Meanwhile Yun-Seong was ready to pull White Storm, as his attention turned to the ronin who seems ignoring him. He won't be lose easily. Then the ringmaster shouted aloud,
"Let the game begin!" Suddenly, Cassandra and Setsuka sprang simultaneously to their opponents; the Greek girl went toward Yun-Seong. The maneuver caught the youth in surprise, while Mitsurugi was prepared. Sunlight glinted as Shishi-Oh pulled out from its sheath. At the same time, Setsuka unsheathes her Ugetsu Kageuchi from her parasol. When her opponent sent two high horizontal slashes, she whirled her parasol to block the ronin's vision and evade those slashes. Once evaded, the geisha went into the stab. Yet, the ronin has another trick from his sleeve. He quickly shifted the failed slash into a horizontal slash at the opponent's head. Realizing that. Setsuka folded her parasol and batted the attack. Then she sent a gentle downward thrust toward the ronin using her Iai sword. Mitsurugi instinctively use Mist Hop to avoid the attack and distanced himself from the opponent. Upon the attack, the geisha's kimono revealed her shoulder in a scandalous manner, which earned her a big applause from the male audience. Ignoring that, she grinned mockingly to the ronin,
"You aren't serious…ronin," The grizzled warrior replied with a smirk,
"I can't be serious when the lady is around me," Setsuka covered her bare shoulders with the kimono and positioned herself,
"Try to be more serious then," she purred gently, "…or else, shall I cut you limb from limb?" The audience gasped to hear such daring words from the beautiful woman like her. Mitsurugi didn't felt intimidated at all, though it was difficult for her to fight a woman, except Taki. He answered,
"You won't make it through this fight." The killing glare passed inside the geisha's beautiful eyes but she managed to hide behind the smiling facade,
"We shall see that…" she mused inside, "Murderer…"
At the same time, the shocked Yun-Seong saw Cassandra attacked him instead the geisha. He had nothing to lose and instinctively pulled his Chinese sabre. White Storm clanged loudly when impacted with the Omega Sword. Though confused, his eyes was quick enough to saw her shield flying toward him. Evading the shield bash, he dropped himself flat to the ground , and then rolled away from the opponent. Once distancing himself, he asked Cassandra,
"Cassie, why do you attack me? I thought we're friends…" The Greek girl replied,
"I'm sorry, Yun-Seong. I've decided to join with Setsuka…she said that I can't win against the ronin…" she sighed,
"So, I choose you. Since we'd known each other, would you care to fight me?" Seeing his indecision, Cassandra teased by blinking her right eye,
"Don't worry, I won't hold this against you…consider as a friendly match," Then the Korean replied,
"If that's the case, I will do my best. Do you mind to play hard and dirty, Cassie?"
The girl shot back, "Why don't you try and find it? We, the Greeks are quite dirty when comes to the game," Simultaneously, they took the combat stance.
Above the arena, Talim watched their conversation with a frown on her face. She immediately commented,
"Anong ginawa ni Kuya Yun-Seong? He's speaking with Ate Cassie instead…hindi ko gusto ito!" Then she stood and began to shout aloud,
"Kuya, manalo ka! Don't let Ate Cassie beat you! Naniwala ako sa'yo!" The audience turned on her with a breeze. Aghast, Hualin pulled her down and said with a horrified face,
"Talim, what are you doing? You're embarassing us!"
"Pero…" the Priestess replied innocently, "I don't want Kuya to lose…gusto ko suportahan sa kanya!" Giradot couldn' t help to smile,
"Don't worry, I think he knows it…"
Back to the Arena, a huge sweatdrop appeared on Yun-Seong's head when he heard Talim's shout. Cassandra wasted no time to quip,
"Look, it seems your girfriend has give you support,"
"She is not…" the youth stopped short from completing the sentence, "…whatever! I won't be lose from you Cassie!"
"All right, let's get this over with." She replied.
Back to the another fight, Mitsurugi tried his best to end the fight quickly, however judging from the fight that was somehow insurmountable task.
"Calm Breeze!" He takes a step forward and does a horizontal slash at the opponent's head. Silent but gently, Setsuka held her parasol away, while put her sword close to the breast. Then she whirled her parasol. Before the sword came, suddenly the entire arena showered with flower petals. The ronin was stunned temporarily, but it was enough for her to attack. Bringing her folded umbrella to block the sword, she moved swiftly and pointed her blade to his chest. Though surprised, the warrior shifted her failed attack to slash toward the opponent's waist. The geisha quickly evaded the attack, allowing the sword to slice her kimono. Then she whirled to his unprotected side and slashed downward. Mitsurugi rolled, but the attack managed to shatter her shoulder plate into pieces.
"I've had enough of this charade." Setsuka said impatiently, "Fight me seriously, Mitsurugi. I don't come here to play with you!" The ronin wiped his sweated brow, while saying,
"I have no business with you!" The geisha stared him with a cold, steely gaze as she answered,
"You have now…" This time, she put her umbrella in front of her and whirled it. Instead attacking, Mitsurugi opted to wait what his opponent's next move. The flower petals around them whirled softly and at the same time, Setsuka sang a mourning song.
Outside, the audience amazed with the geisha's skill to conceal herself. Due to the petals, nobody couldn't see what happened inside. Talim commented,
"Grabe, magalit talaga si Ate Setsuka!" Girardot added,
"That's impressive, but I doubt it will hold the samurai forever…"
In other side, Taki and Sophitia came to the arena and surprised to see four people fighting in the same arena. The kunoichi asked the Manji beside them,
"Elder, what happened? Why are they fighting now?" Yoshimitsu answered,
"Our host just changes the rule; they now fights free-for-all!" Taki noticed the geisha was fighting with the ronin,
"Setsuka…" She remembered when they fought for the first time. She was not to be underestimated.
"He'd better be careful; Setsuka has plenty of tricks from her sleeves,"
Back to the arena, Mitsurugi found himself in the midst of the whirling flower petals. His opponent were nowhere to seen. Frustrated, he shouted,
"It doesn't matter how many times you try! I'll win!" Then he brings his sheathed sword in front of him and pulls the blade out slightly. He closed his eyes, trying to find Setsuka's whereabouts. Everything came to deafening silence for him. Suddenly, Setsuka appeared from nowhere with her sword pointing to his head. At the same time, Mitsurugi's eyes burst open and he blocked the incoming attack instinctively. As the geisha startled, he unsheath his sword and and swing it around like figure of eight pattern. The slash sliced a good amount of her garment, but failed to wound her. Once again she disappeared into the whirled flowers. Now Mitsurugi felt irritated; he wasn't used to face hit-and-run attack. He couldn't fathom the geisha's attack, much more why she hated him very much. The fragrance had distracted him, while the sun seared him. If he didn't find the way out, the $ will kill him at the spot. He begun to feel something that never happened before,
Despair…
He roared again, this time with a hoarse voice, "I don't care who you are! I'll win!" A melodious voice came, but with a mocking tone,
"Begging for mercy? How dishonorable!" The ronin turned around, but he see none. The voice continued,
"I will make you feel what I feel, Mitsurugi…" Mitsurugi spat,
"You thought you could defeat me? How absurd!"
"Perhaps, but the way to win are many…and there's something worse than the death itself," Like a curtain, the petals gave way to reveal the geisha. This time, she pointed her parasol , while holding her Iai sword paralel to her ear. She opened her parasol and whirled it, thus blurring her image from the opponent's sight. Mitsurugi won't waste the chance; he take a step forward, his sword by his side, and then brings it in a downward vertical slash with great force. The attack thrust through Setsuka's parasol, but she wasn't around. Yet he shocked to see Setsuka whirled beside his open defense, ready to slash him. She smiled as her blade sliced the ronin chestplate and sent him sprawling to the floor. Those who witnessed the event were shocked beyond belief. The ringmaster shouted,
"What a surprise, ladies and gentlemen! Our demure participant, Setsuka has beat the veteran Mitsurugi with one blow!! It's an unexpected development, but the fight wasn't over yet…" The geisha took her damaged parasol and glanced to the ronin. He tried hard to rise and stared her fiercely. She said,
"This will take but a moment." Roaring to his lungs, extends his sword forward and points at his opponent's stomach. He takes a small step forward, giving this attack a decent range. Again, the geisha does the unthinkable; she dropped her sword on the ground and welcomed the incoming attack. The Filipino screamed hysterically,
"Huwag, Ate Setsuka! Huwag kang namatay!! HUWAAG!!" Taki shouted,
"She's crazy; she will kill herself! There's nothing to stopped the attack!" The audience screamed, shouted and even cursed to them. Unable to see, Talim closed her eyes. At the nick of time, Mitsurugi held himself and stopped the attack in the midst. He pointed Shishi-Oh an inch from her neck; had he wanted Setsuka's head would be separated from her shoulders. The geisha stared him calmly but with a cold gaze. Everyone waited what will come out from the battle of wills.
Surprisingly, Mitsurugi lowered his katana and turned back from her. He told the ringmaster,
"I've decide to not continuing the match…I simply…can't fight…" Not sure with what he hear, the chubby man asked,
"Excuse me? Are you sure, Sir? You'll forfeit the match if you withdraw now," The ronin glanced to Setsuka uneasily,
"Yes, I'm sure…" Then the ringmaster turned around and announced,
"With this, I declare Signorina Setsuka is the winner of this match!" Everyone bewildered to hear such controversial decision. Before Chester moved, Demuth stopped him. Setsuka picked her sword again and shouted to the ronin,
"Why so sudden? Have you become a coward now?" Mitsurugi was stopped cold in his track, however he replied,
"Maybe, but I won't humiliate myself by killing an unarmed lady! No matter what you say, I won't regret my decision!" He left her immediately, while Setsuka bowed gently. She smiled,
This is the first nail of your coffin…the next will follow tonight,
Meanwhile, the fight between Yun-Seong and Cassandra continued on. They put their best in the match until…
Cassandra shouted, "Guardian Revenge!" The Greek girl steps toward her opponent and jabs them in the
stomach with her short sword. However, the Korean grabs his opponent's arm and twists it while launching
them into the air. Due to the rigorous training with her sister, Cassandra controlled herself and managed to perform a graceful backflip. The maneouvre sent Yun-Seong backpedaled, yet he managed to land on his foot. Before he breathed out, the girl rushed toward him full speed and crouched to kick her opponent's shin. The youth quickly anticipated the attack by rolling backward. Cassandra smiled as she kept followed her opponent. The chance came by itself, when Yun-Seong landed his left feet. She swayed right and then blitzed to the left, stomping the youth's toe.
At the same time, Talim commented,
"Masakit talaga yun…"
Yun-Seong clenched his teeth in a comical look, as the Greek stomped his toes very hard. The bulging veins appeared around his forehead. He quickly sent a horizontal slice, but the opponent had already crouched and sent 'a cheerleader kick'. Realizing the danger, the red-haired youth dropped himself to the ground, so the kick hit the empty place. This time, she didn't pursue him. While hopping on one feet, Yun-Seong shouted,
"Hey, that's not fair! Stomping toes isn't in the rules!" Cassandra winked only,
"I've told you, the Greeks can play dirty…would you keep complain or continue this fight?" She pointed at the back, "Someone has worrying you…" The Korean glanced to the audience and saw Talim cheering him. Then he said,
"All right, Cassie! We, the Choson people might not so tough compared with you, but at least we know how to play…get ready!" He quickly positoned himself into the fighting stance; Cassandra followed the same. This time, Yun-Seong attacked first and hard. The girl advanced into a cartwheel stance, and changed into a backflip. But the youth blocked the attack. He was shocked to see another attack came…when the girl turned her backside to his face.
Taki glanced to Sophitia, "Do you teach her that?" The elder Alexandra shook her head, while burying her face in embarassment.
Blushing red, Yun-Seong evaded the attack. He didn't think that Cassandra would use every tricks in the books. Even Mi-na did that rarely. He had to think fast, or else she would win this match! The Greek girl shouted,
"Give up, Yun-Seong!" She inserts her short sword violently into her opponent's right shoulder, but then Yunsung grabbed his opponent's arm and twists it while launching them into the air. Cassandra wouldn't expect such counterattack. Instead kicking her to the ground, both of them slammed to the ground with a loud thud.
The entire audience gasped when they saw Yun-Seong was above Cassandra, pinning her hands. Their distance almost a breath. The priestess watched that with jealousy. For a moment, the warriors didn't flinch from their position until the Greek girl called,
"Er, Yun-Seong…" The Korean replied,
"Yes, Cassie?" She asked,
"May I stand now? The match is already over, except…" she teased, "…if you want to keep like this," Realizing the awkwardness, Yun-Seong shocked and let his hold off. Then the ringmaster announced,
"The winner of this match is…Signore Yun-Seong!" The thunderous applause and whistles greeted the embarassed young warrior. He looked for Talim, however he didn't saw anyone but Hualin and Girardot. When he turned around, Cassandra lifted herself and shook her blond hair. She sighed,
"Well, it seems I need more practice! You are better than me, Yun-Seong…I must admit that,"
Still red with embarassment, the red-haired youth scratched his head and answered,
"You're flattering, Cassie! You're a good fighter…this is because I've trained with Edge Master,"
"Hmm, perhaps you can introduce me to him…ask him to teach me too," Before they continued, Sophitia already called,
"Cassie!" Overjoyed, the younger Alexandra went and hugged her elder sister.
"Sophie! Where are you awhile ago? Do you see my fighting?" Sophitia answered,
"Yes, I have watching them! You're great!" Then the girl's face slightly fell,
"But I don't win the match…" Shaking her head, the elder sister brushed her sister's hair and comforted her,
"Silly girl, I can't ask for more. In fact, I'm proud of you…someday you'll win your first match!"
Cassie smiled, "Thanks, sis!" At the same time, Talim suddenly came and hugged Yun-Seong tightly.
"Manalo ka, Kuya! I'm glad to see that!" The red-haired youth facefaulted,
"Talim…" he begged, "Please…too many people here!" Seeing that, Cassandra and Sophitia couldn't help to smile. The young girl quipped,
"Well, is she your biggest fan?" The Filipino immediately put herself between Yun-Seong and them. She quickly said,
"Huwag kang lalapit kay Kuya…" The Greek giggled,
"Ooh, she's jealous…then we shall leave both of you, Yun-Seong! Enjoy!" With that, they left those couple. Not for long, Setsuka came to them. She said,
"Congratulations for your victory, Yun-Seong…" Yun-Seong felt ticked, since he knew the geisha was doing the switch deliberately. Yet, he won't make anything sour since Talim was around,
"The same for you too…" Suddenly someone remarked,
"Not bad, Yun-Seong! Not bad at all!" They saw Seong Mi-na standing nearby. The youth shouted,
"Mi-na!" Instead of congratulating him, the girl knocked his head very hard. That startled Talim and Setsuka.
Yun-Seong held his pained head and yelled, "Why do you hit me?" Mi-na crouched and shouted back,
"Because you're too slow to end the match! Like you aren't coming from the Seong's dojo!" Then she caressed his head soothingly,
"You've grown up…and I'm sure that Father would be proud of you…good job!"
He smiled, "Thanks, Mi-na!" Mi-na turned to the Filipino and said,
"You're lucky to have someone like her. Don't mess it, ha!" Setsuka replied,
"I'll make sure for that!" Before they left the arena, Talim said to the youth,
"Kuya, I ask you to come to the harbour. I want to show you something…" Yun-Seong asked,
"What is that?"
"Secret!"
In other place, Siegfried visited Cepheus and got his brand new sword. He examined the broadsword carefully, even using it to hit the air. It felt light at his hands. He turned to the artificier and said,
"It is excellent, Herr Cepheus! You're a genuine blacksmith!" Cepheus nodded,
"That's what they've said about me…by the way, I don't see Countess Valentine,"
The knight replied, "She doesn't feel well today,"
"Pity!" the artificier shrugged his shoulder, "I hope she won't miss your match."
"I hope so, thank you very much!" After he left, Cepheus glanced to the sky,
"It seems steel tempers steel. Strife and he are different; we shall see the outcome,"
Late afternoon,
Seong Mi-na was preparing special meals for Sophitia, but she wasn't around. When placing the meals on the table, she noticed a folded paper upon it. She took and found out that was a message. She knew little Japanese upon her journey, beside the writing didn't use Kanji. The message was written in Japanese:
Sophitia, meet me at the shipyard at midnight. I will wait you there…my love.
Instantly, Mi-na felt surging anger inside. She hit the table very hard. She didn't have to guess who wrote the message. It was upset her very much; she was cheated by her trusted friend. It seemed nobody can be trusted, man or woman either. She crumpled the message beneath her fist. At the same time, Cassandra entered the room.
"Miss Mi-na, do you see my sister?" At first, the Korean want to unleash her emotion to the young girl, however she thought something better.
"No, I didn't see Sophie." She answered, "…but she send a message for you that she will wait you at the shipyard at midnight." Now Cassandra was puzzled,
"Strange, why does she do that? She can speak to me…" Mi-na shrugged,
"I don't know, but that's the message she've told me…perhaps you will know when you're there."
"You're right, thank you!" Once she disappeared, Mi-na's sweet face was marred with a malicious smile,
I hope you'd like it when you meet Sophie's sister, kunoichi! I will enjoy to see your secret revealed to her…
When the night cometh, the crowd came to the coliseum, anticipating the next matches. Meanwhile at the balcony, Demuth was terribly disappointed. Aurelia and Ivy didn't come to watch the match. Steepling his fingers impatienly, he saw the fighters were on the arena. Chester sensed something amiss, and dared himself to ask,
"Master, do you upset with the ladies' absence?" The noble glanced him with a dagger look,
"Should I explain it to you, Chester?" he asked rhetorically. The lanky gentleman chuckled only, and then said,
"I know you too well, Master. There's a rumor that she meets with her fighter, Darklord…" Demuth clenched his teeth after hearing that, afterward he went calm and ordered,
"Do whatever you think necessary! I'll take the responsibility…" Chester nodded in agreement,
"I will, milord!" Once the Genoan gone, Demuth turned his attention to the incoming match.
Below, Yoshimitsu and Maxi stood side by side, awaiting their opponents. The pirate was unruffled with the Manji's appearence. It was hard to discern what behind the mask. For some reason known only to him, he brought the Evil Seed with him. Then someone came from the opposite gate. Miser and Assassin walked calmly toward their respective opponents. The female bandit deliberately put herself into Yoshimitsu's line of sight. She greeted him with familiarity,
"It is a long time not seeing each other, Yoshimitsu-sama…" While everyone was stunned with that, the ninja still silent. Miser continued,
"In fact, I never think that you can make it here…this must be karma," Finally, the Manji replied,
"Miser, I shall show you the errors of the way! The souls of the dead Manjitou are screaming for revenge…" The bandit snickered only, and she quickly produced her Red Crow.
"I could never lose to the likes of you, old man!" she mocked. At the same time, Yoshimitsu unsheathed her katana and prepare himself to fight.
In other hand, Maxi faced the Assassin. Somehow the pirate felt something familiar with his opponent.
He asked, "Have we met before?" The masked man replied, as he shrugged his shoulders,
"Perhaps, maybe in another life…" Hearing that, Maxi laughed,
"Strange, I start to like you…too bad we're in a match," Assassin chuckled in return,
"I hope you're not too fond to me…I promise you will not be forgotten." The fighters were ready to fight, and Demuth gestured to the ringmaster who shouted,
"Let the game begins!"
Kilik and Xianghua watched the matches, while hugging each other like lovers do. Then Sophitia came to them,
"Excuse me, have you seen Cassie? I don't see her since last afternoon," The Chinese girl shook her head,
"No, I didn't."
"Strange, she never going to other places without telling me…" The Greek woman pondered, "Have you seen Mi-na?" Kilik replied,
"Miss Mi-na is with Hualin and Sir Girardot…Perhaps they know where Cassie is,"
"Thank you!"
As the match started, Hong Yun-Seong waited impatiently at the harbour. He was puzzled why Talim asked him to come. He almost opt to leave when someone called him,
"Kuya Yun-Seong, nandito na ako!" Yun-Seong turned around and saw the Filipino girl. Talim wore the simliar costume when they were met first time at Ayyuthaya, except the pants were shorter and she wore a hat. She exuded an exotic aura. The youth could only reply with the Tagalog word he'd known,
"Ang ganda…" Talim's face blushed red when hearing the compliment in her native language.
She replied, "Kuya naman, nahihiya ako…paano ang itsura ko?"
"Great, you looks great…" The Priestess came closer to him and they spoke about everything, including the maho-tsukai's scheme. At first, the Korean youth was surprised but he's glad that Talim was alright. It wasn't herself, when she almost killed him. Then he put his arms around her,
"Now, I know! Don't be afraid!" he reassured, "From now on, I'll protect you and I won't let you far from me…" Talim put her head gently on Yun-Seong's chest and said,
"Alam ko, Kuya…" she stared him deeply, "Mahal kita talaga,"
"Nanun nul sarang handa, Talim…" The red-haired youth kissed her forehead softly, "…however you're a priestess. I afraid your parents might not agree…"
"We haven't done anything wrong, Kuya. Pagbalik ko sa Baguio, tatanong ko kay mga magulang ko para magpakasal kita dalawa," The youth puzzled to hear the latter,
"Kasal?" The young girl smiled,
"It means 'marry', Kuya…don't worry, we might be engaged first…" Yun-Seong merely nodded, but then he asked again,
"Talim, may I…" Before he continued, the girl already kissed him first. He was startled, yet he savored her sweetness inside. After finished, she asked,
"Do you ask something, Kuya?" He shook his head only,
"Wala…just continue it." They kissed again…until the Korean felt they weren't alone. He quickly turned around. Sensing that, the Filipino girl asked,
"Ano'yun, Kuya?"
"We're not alone!" At the same time, Tira and Voldo appeared before them.
"Naku, ito ang bulag halimaw yun kalaban ni Ate Taki dati!" Talim shouted. The Danish girl smiled cheerfully,
"Good, I hate to disturb you two!" She immediately lifted Aiselne Drossel, "Unfortunately, I have to present your souls to Soul Edge. Don't worry, both of you can continue your romance in hell! Voldo!" The Hell Guardian instantly sprang with katars on both hands. Yun-Seong pulled the White Storm, while Talim took Syi Syarika and Cao Ankana. The fight broke between them!
Meanwhile in the dungeon,
Raphael groomed himself, feeling comfortable beneath the darkness. He turned,
"Milady, I ask a favor from you,"
"Name it, my beloved…"
"The countess," the Sorel master hissed, "She must be removed immediately, or she'll become a trouble for us. You know what I mean?"
"The feeling is mutual. I shall get rid of her, my dear…" Then he kissed her hand.
Nearby, Chester watched the dungeon and saw…Lady Aurelia came out. The lady simply walked upstairs, leaving the dungeon. Just when he wanted to follow her, someone chided,
"Why does the gentleman like you skulking like a rat? Could we speak peacefully" The Genoan startled to find Raphael already standing behind him. He pulled Kingslayer nervously, pointing the blade to the Frenchman.
"So, the rumors is true! You'd have an affair with Lady Aurelia…" The vampire showed a mock surprise,
"Affair? Probably, but now your lady is my instrument! Actually, I want to let you live but since you'd know too much, it is dangerous to let you live…I can't afford that…" Realizing his fate, Chester took the fighting stance and replied,
"Be careful, I won't be easy to get rid off…" As a response, Raphael pointed Soul Edge rapier,
"I won't say so, if I were you…" The yellowish eye throbbed along with Chester's heartbeat…
At the open sea,
A thick mist crept upon the surface of the ocean, covering almost the harbour of Monte Carlo. Then a huge ship passed through the fog and threw its anchor not far from the harbour. Cervantes de Leon stood proudly at the ship astern. He commented,
"What the Egyptian said is true…they are here! I can feel it!" The Immortal Pirate glanced to his silent companion,
"Just bring me more souls as much as you can. I believe you do the same when Nightmare with you…" A harsh voice growled,
"Destroy them all!"
In other place, the sound of clang was echoed. Rock swung his axe, before followed it with the stab. However, Siegfried quickly countered the attack with the well-placed horizontal and vertical slash. The Earthshaker performed the turnaround slash, while the knight performed a vertical slash followed by a sweeping low horizontal. The impact pushed both combatants backward. Heavily perspired, they stopped their fight. Both of them smiled.
The German complimented, "Herr Rock, you're a formidable foe! I have to admit that…" The huge man replied,
"You too, boy! Thanks for asking me to be your sparring partner…" Siegfried went to the water drum and took the towel to wipe his sweat,
"I appreciate that. I have to practice hard for my rematch with Strife…"
"Why don't we try the actual one?" Siegfried and Rock were startled to see Strife Grand Astlar leaning on the door. He had brought his new weapon as well. The Englishman wanted to say something, but the German stopped him,
"I see you already have a new sword. It must be Herr Cepheus' work," he said politely,
The blond knight laughed, "You too…come, let's finish our business," Siegfried held his hand,
"I want to, but this is unofficial match…both of us might be disqualified…"
"Come on! I'm the one who will be responsible for that!" The German glanced to Rock; he nodded and took the distance. He hoped that someone would come and stopped them, even so he took his fighting stance and faced his opponent. Both of them shouted their battle cries…
Far from the coliseum, Mitsurugi Heishiro walked away from the local inn. He drunk too much beverage to bury his frustrations after being defeated by the geisha. He walked uncontrollably, sometimes hitting the people. He whom the people called 'Mercenary in the Wartime Age, Demon, One Man Army, Lone Swordsman, The Guardian in This Age of Civil War and Great Swordsman' had been beaten by a mere woman! Luckily, he had nothing to defend for being a ronin…no honor, yet his pride was wounded. That was too much! When he tried to pour the beverage into his mouth, it was empty. He threw the empty bottle away, and fell on the muddy pool. He screamed,
"Why? Why? Why does I lose from that $#$? Do I need Soul Edge for that?" After screaming his heart out, he fell asleep and snored loudly. Meantime, Setsuka in her new attire had waited this opportunity. Walking closer to her hated enemy, she pulled her Iai sword…
At the same time, Taki walked cautiously into the shipyard as she promised. Her eyes discerned a faint figure in front of her. Assuming that was Sophitia, she called,
"Sophitia, there you are! I miss you…" The figure didn't answer, however the kunoichi continued,
"I want to clarify our relationship, Sophie. We've spending night together, but I don't want to trouble you and your family…I love you too much to let you go," Slowly, the figure came to the light. Instead Sophitia, she saw…Cassandra in her battle attire. The young girl was shocked as well; her face was a mask of mixed emotion. She looks aghast with the blatant confession, and then she croaked,
"It is true…what Inferno say to me is true! How stupid I am to not know that…"
"Cassandra, it isn't like what you think…" Taki tried to explain. The Greek girl pulled her Omega Sword angrily and pointed it to the ninja, while shouting angrily,
"Enough!! I've respected you like a sister, because you are Sophie's friend and the one who rescued her! But after hearing those words from your lips, it is disgusts me to see your face! Have you realize the consequences? In our custom, having an affair with a man is a dishonor to our family, but…what you have done is terrible! Your blood might be not enough to erase the stain!!" Taki sat slumped on the ship frame,
"I don't hope you to understand this, Cassie…we'd planned to tell you this…"
Cassandra shouted again, "Don't say that again! I hate you!" Suddenly the applause echoed in the darkness. Both women turned around from the source and the ghastly voice spoke,
"Bravo! It bleeds my heart…to hear the forbidden romance and the faithfulness of the beloved sister. Zasalamel was right…I should know about this!" Taki shouted,
"Whoever you are, come out!" Beneath the faint light, the mysterious guest came out, and made the Greek girl's face turned pale. She whispered fearfully,
"No…it can't be…you're…" The kunoichi gritted her teeth,
"Cervantes, I've waiting this moment, and finally you're come!" Cervantes sardonically smiled,
"You too…" He glanced to Cassandra, "So, is she the Goddess' sister?" Instinctively, Taki pulled Rekki-maru, while put herself between the girl and the undead,
"Leave her alone and face me! She has nothing to do with our feud!" As the pirate came closer, she kept the distance. Cassandra retorted,
"I don't need your help!" Cervantes laughed again,
"Good, but I only take one of you . This time, the result will be different tonight…I'm not alone this time!" The undead and monstrous sailors came out from the shadow, after the Immortal Pirate gestured his hands,
"Take the girl, matey!" he rasped, "…but leave the ninja to me,"
Author's note: I apologize for making you waiting, but I've finished this chapter. The all-out fight will begin amongst the heroes. What will be the result of this? Will Setsuka get her revenge over the ronin? What happened with Ivy? Find the answer in the next chapter, 'Feast of All Souls'. Send review, critics, or even flame; thank you!
Glossary:
Filipino:
hindi ko gusto ito- I don't like this
Naniwala ako sa'yo- I believe in you
gusto ko suportahan sa kanya- I'd like to support him
magalit talaga- really angry
huwag- don't
Huwag kang namatay-don't die!
Masakit talaga yun-that must be painful
Manalo ka-you win
Huwag kang lalapit kay Kuya-don't so close with Kuya
nahihiya ako-I'm embarrassed
paano ang itsura ko?-how is my look?
Mahal kita talaga-I love you
Pagbalik ko sa Baguio-when I return to Baguio
tumatanong ko kay mga magulang ko para magpakasal kita dalawa-I will ask my parents to marry both of us
Naku, ito ang bulag halimaw yun kalaban ni Ate Taki dati -Oh, no, that's the blind monster that Ate Taki fought before
Korean:
Nanun nul sarang handa- I love you