DISCLAIMER: The following story is based on fanfiction.Kamen Rider Zi-O, and the Kamen Rider series in general are properties of TOEI, TV-Asahi, and Ishinomori Productions. Soul Calibur is property of Project Soul and Bandai Namco. The Witcher series is property of Andrezj Sapkowski and CD Projekt Red. Metroid, Samus Aran, and all likeness are properties of Nintendo. Ultraman Orb, and the Ultra Series in general are property of Tsuburaya Productions and TV-Tokyo.
Ep. 026: Ling-Sheng Su ~A.D. 2018~[臨勝寺 〜2018年〜/Rin-Shō Ji〜2018-nen〜]
WARNING: This chapter contains scenes of blood, bloodshed, and graphic violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
"Transcending history and the world, a tale of souls and souls, once again eternally retold..."
(*Opening: "Gimmick Zone" by Hiroyuki Takami of access*)
[~Sobieru machi ga sakebu kage wo~] (In a strewn city of echoing shadows)
[~Atsumete yami o tsukisasu~] (Scattering and piercing the darkness)
[~Kouritsuku kiseki no kakera wo~] (A dream wanders in search)
[~Motomete yume ga samayou~] (Of a frozen miracle sword)
[~Tozasa rete ku yoru wo~] (The night that is being shut down)
[~Terasu tsuki ni soreta~] (Losing sight of the illuminating moon)
[~Kieta ashita ga irodoru~] (I will catch the afterimage)
[~Zanzou o tsukamae ni yuku~] (That the disappearing tomorrow is colored)
[~Sen kira reta setsuna wo kizu-goto saratte~] (I scoffed a scar with every moment passed)
[~Yobisamasu negai wa eien no senritsu~] (Hope is eternal melody that evokes)
[~Nidoto wa modosenai kiseki wo koete ku~] (Going beyond miracles that can never be returned)
[~Yami o saku hikari o nusumidase~] (Take the light that splits the darkness)
[~Break out, Gimmick Zone!~]
A.D. 2018
(2018年)
Inside in a private jet with its destination set for China, Taki, Goro, Reiji, and Geiz are going to the abandoned temple somewhere in Taiyuan. That abandoned temple in question refers to the Ling-Sheng Su Temple.
Based on tales she heard in the old timeline, along with the data she overlooked from Zasalamel's, the tragedy behind the Ling-Sheng Su temple is still shrouded in mystery, even to people from the future.
The reason Taki have to investigate the abandoned temple in China is to sure if the rebooted timeline of the 16th century left the same trace of events into the future? In addition to that, Geiz wants to know how the three Sacred Treasures came to be in addition to being among those that needed to complete Soul Calibur based on Zasalamel's journal entry.
And, the reason Geiz had to tag along with Taki and her party, was under Fubuki's order. Having regained his determination to defeat Sougo in the event the young boy embarks in becoming Oma Zi-O, Geiz will take the opportunity to kill him anytime and any place. Fubuki, however, doesn't want him to do that right now to keep him restrained from his impulsive urges.
Either way, that also didn't stop Geiz of seeking after Soul Calibur. He also hoped that the spirit sword also has the power to strip away Sougo of his powers before he could become that aforementioned demon king.
Both Goro and Reiji researched about the origins of the abandoned temple that they are going to investigate with Taki. Whether its true if that temple is connected to the Ling-Sheng Su, and what made it be isolated from the origins of history.
"To think you could even afford to own a private jet while owning a corporation.", Geiz comments in Goro's lifestyle. "No wonder that the commander makes an observation of your sophisticated lifestyle."
To which Goro replies, "It's not the sophistication that counts, boy. It's the hard work and investment.", admitting that despite flaunting his charisma, charm, intellect, and wealth that defines his character. Goro is modest not to elaborate everything and make a simple respond. In short, he keeps a humble behavior in spite of all his accomplishments.
"Hey, aniki.", Reiji then has his boss focus on the investigation briefing at hand. "Did Taki-san mentioned that the tragedy within that martial arts temple 400 years ago was caused by the Evil Seed?"
"Yeah.", Goro nodded. "Ever since that happened, the temple has been isolated from history. And I am curious to find out what did it left behind as the years go by.", then turns his attention to Taki. "Hey, Taki. What was the name of that temple again?"
"Ling-Sheng Su.", the ninja answered. "Ever since that massacre happened, there was never a single mention of that name. But, that staff-wielding warrior invoked the name whenever he unleashes his full potential."
Beijing, China...
Six hours later, Goro's private jet landed in Beijing Capital International Airport in China. Taki and her party's next destination will be the Shanxi province. And so, they travel by train to Taiyuan.
Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China...
The party arrived in their destination two hours later. Once they arrived at the entrance at the abandoned temple, a Buddhist monk appeared before them serving as their guide to their investigation.
"State your business in this place, young ones.", the monk spoke.
To which Taki responds, "We come here to investigate about the lost history involving the Ling-Sheng Su temple. Is this temple ruins connected to the very martial arts school that was isolated from history?"
The monk willingly decided to guide the Japanese travelers in their investigation. As he himself has once heard of Ling-Sheng Su, and he had never heard of people trying to investigate of the tragedy surrounding it. The monk said that the tragedy had something to do with an evil weapon and the three Sacred Treasures.
"It seems people are curious to see what history have left behind as the years go by...", the monk said. "Nowadays, it's hard to interpret because there are instances where history is being changed by so-called time travelers.", then he begins to bring up the story to the four Japanese who want to investigate the tragedy, "Anyway, do you people want to know how did that tragedy happened?"
A.D. 1583
(1583年)
400 years ago...
When the Evil Seed emanated from the cursed blade one fateful day in Spain, it released a white light that burst forth, affecting lands far and wide- even as far afield as Ling-Sheng Su...
A tragedy befell this place.
The Ling-Sheng Su Temple was a famous martial arts school in the far reaches of China.
It was there Kilik learned to master the staff after he was abandoned as a child.
Kilik ate and slept with the other students, and began his training at a young age.
Despite this, he established a family-like bond with just one student- Xianglian, a young girl who was like an elder sister to him.
Dedicated to the way of the sword, she looked after Kilik as if they were siblings.
So close was their bond when one felt happy or sad, the other would feel the same. Together they studied and grew as warriors.
The years passed by...
Kilik's skill earned him a place as a teacher- an honorable position for one so young.
Throughout the ages, Ling-Sheng Su Temple had kept hold of the three Sacred Treasures: Krita-Yuga, Dvapara-Yuga, and Kali-Yuga.
Kilik's years of arduous training earned him the title of rightful bearer of the staff, Kali-Yuga.
Likewise, Xianglian was also designated bearer of Dvapara-Yuga, a sacred mirror.
It all began on the night before the ritual for passing the treasures on to their new masters...
Kilik asked something to his adoptive older sister, "Xianglian... Can I ask you something?"
"Sure.", she answered.
The staff-wielder is curious of her role for Dvapara-Yuga, "How come you were chosen to bear Dvapara-Yuga? I thought you'd get Krita-Yuga. After all, you've dedicated your life to the sword."
Xianglian had her worries. As she knows that Krita-Yuga has been missing from the temple, and hasn't told Kilik about it anyway.
"Kilik, this is not easy for me to talk about.", she replied. "But, I'm going to try.", then she reveals the truth. "The Krita-Yuga...it's no longer at Ling-Sheng Su.", and she does confirmed her worries to him. "The sword has gone for more than a decade. All that is left is the Kali-Yuga and Dvapara-Yuga."
No one ever knows who stole Krita-Yuga or what has become of it after it disappeared from the temple. Even the monks of Ling-Sheng Su themselves had no idea what happened to the sword.
"Really...?", Kilik raised an eyebrow.
"Surprised? Well, there's more.', Xianglian continued, and revealed what happened to the sacred sword. "The one who stole the Krita-Yuga was none other than...my father. That's why I don't have the right to bear it. If I were to accept the sword, everyone would be up in arms. That's why even though it was offered to me, I decided to decline.", she revealed that her father had stolen Krita-Yuga and kept it as a secret from everyone in the temple. "Of course, I love Ling-Sheng Su...and I do wish to see my studies through their conclusion. It's just... I... I just don't want the sacred treasures or my status as a sacred bearer...or anything else to hold me back.", and then brings up to Kilik of the creed that the monks taught to them: "You know what the monks say."
And the two recited it, "Fate is carved with your own hands."
Xianglian continued, "When I spoke to them about that, they decided to let me bear Dvapara-Yuga instead. Now I can feel proud that I'm a sacred bearer, just like you.", she paused for a while before her thoughts were on Kilik. "Um, you know something Kilik...?"
"What?"
"It's okay. Never mind... I'm really looking forward to tomorrow."
"Me, too..."
And so it was Kilik and Xianglian were set to attend the official ritual for becoming sacred bearers.
But the night before the ritual, a terrible calamity plunged everything into chaos.
Drawn by the Kali-Yuga in Kilik's hand, the Evil Seed came to the Ling-Sheng Su Temple.
The monks, driven insane by the evil force, began slaying each other, turning the temple into hell on Earth...
The moment the temple is set ablaze by the ensuing chaos, Kilik had no idea what just happened, and so how Kali-Yuga was acting weird and he happen to have done something against his will.
One of the monks corrupted by the evil force attacked Kilik, forcing the staff-wielder to fight back.
"I don't understand. Everyone...stop this madness... Krgh!", Kilik tries to reason out with the students being corrupted by this evil force.
Kilik prepared himself and Kali-Yuga to fight off the corrupted monk. With little to no effort, he managed to dispatched the Malfested monk. However, the chaos keeps going.
"Ngh! It's kill...or be killed!", Kilik gritted his teeth while trying to hang in there amidst the onslaught. Until... "Huh? Xia- Xianglian...?"
Even his adoptive sister, Xianglian was corrupted by the evil energy. Kilik had no idea why he still retained his sanity for that matter and why is he wearing Dvapara-Yuga instead of Xianglian.
"Get a hold of yourself, Xianglian!", Kilik tries to reason out with a Malfested Xianglian, but to no avail. Only for him to be badly wounded, Kilik in turn, accidentally landed a fatal blow on her.
The young woman collapses on Kilik's arms...
"Xiang- lian...?", Kilik had a grim and sad look on his face upon realizing it before screaming. "Aaaaaaaagh!"
A.D. 2018
(2018年)
Back in 2018, Taki questions of how come the staff-wielder survived the massacre in the temple.
"How come that staff-wielder was able to regain his sanity the moment the Evil Seed struck in the temple?", the ninja asked.
"The young woman willingly gave him Dvapara-Yuga to protect him. Or, so I have heard.", the monk replied. "And that, she was corrupted by the Evil Seed. As the Dvapara-Yuga's sacred stones have the power to protect its wielder from the evil."
The monk continues the story, and now mentions to them of the master swordsman who trained Kilik...
A.D. 1583
(1583年)
When Kilik awoke, he found himself in an unfamiliar cave temple. While he passed out, an old man had been taking good care of him. Aside from identifying himself as a weapons expert from Ling-Sheng Su, the old man spoke little...
"Ungh... Where...am I...?", Kilik opened his eyes and looked around as if he is no longer in the Ling-Sheng Su temple.
Then, the old man who found him in the aftermath of the massacre in the temple appeared before him.
"Did you save me?", the young staff-wielder asked. "Who are y- Ngh!"
The elder asks Kilik to refrain from moving. "You have yet to recover from your injuries. Rest.", he then brings up how the sacred mirror Kilik is wearing in a bandolier-like fashion, "And that mirror- Dvapara-Yuga. Wear it always. There will be grave consequences if you do not. Understand?"
It seems the elder knew that Dvapara-Yuga was the only thing that kept Kilik from being corrupted by the Evil Seed. That said, there was a reason Xianglian had to put it on Kilik before the tragedy in the temple happened. That's when Kilik realizes the guilt of accidentally killing the very loved one he saw as a sister figure.
Kilik is still haunted by that tragedy that befell him...
"Oh, Xianglian...", Kilik weeped quietly while cradling the now-dead Xianglian in his arms.
At present, Kilik comes to that realization.
("So...the power of Dvapara-Yuga saved me. That means... Xianglian...she gave it to me. She sacrificed her life for me. And then I... I...with my bare hands... Why...? Tell me... Xianglian! Why am I still alive?")
The old man continued, "Have you not realized yet? You are being protected. Dvapara-Yuga suppresses the evil within you."
"Evil?", the mention of it caused Kilik to panic.
The old man proceeded to tell a tale.
He told Kilik of the Evil Seed...
How Dvapara-Yuga had pulled Kilik back from the brink of insanity... How Kali-Yuga had the ability to absorb power, and how it was falling under an evil spell...
...And finally, he told Kilik about Soul Edge.
The elder warns Kilik that his fate is entwined to the cursed sword. "Your fate will be set in stone the moment you lose your will to live. Your soul will be swallowed whole by your destiny, leaving behind but a rotten corpse. That is but one path you take. But, perhaps, it is the path you wish to take. To submit to that evil and its wicked power? Is that what you wish? To become a thrall? Do you see...? All is in your hands."
Kilik recalls the creed that he and Xianglian recited back in the temple...
("Xianglian...she told me... "Fate is carved with your own hands." Xianglian gave her life so I could live. That leaves me only one choice.")
From that day forth, Kilik bore the heavy weight of his karma...
As Xianglian's slayer, and the last living member of Ling-Sheng Su, he chose to face his cruel fate head on.
A.D. 1585
(1585年)
Two years have passed, Kilik continued to train his staff-wielding fighting style under the elder's tutelage, who goes by the name of Edge Master.
And so, Kilik chose to fight against his fate, and as such began a period of intense training under Edge Master's guidance.
Edge Master warns Kilik of possible consequences of the latter of the path he has chosen, "If you continue upon this path, the evil within you will create a second Soul Edge out of Kali-Yuga. The only reason you and Kali-Yuga have yet to succumb is because of Dvapara-Yuga's power. However, all is not lost. You can learn to control the evil within."
"Yes, master.", Kilik took his master's instructions zealously.
Kilik's training is all the more daunting, as he continues to keep up, while Edge Master observes the young man's progress.
"Is that it?", said the elder. "If this tests you so dearly, how do you intend to stand up to evil?"
"Ngh... Sorry, master!", Kilik struggles while carrying two rocks dangling from two sides of a wooden stick.
Then, Kilik meditated under the waterfall.
Edge Master further gave his student a sage advice, "To control evil, you must control yourself." The elder emphasized that there is a need for self-control to avoid giving in to the dark nature of his inner evil. "Mastering your own will is the key to overcoming malice."
"Yes, master.", Kilik took his master's instructions zealously.
Later, Kilik is forced to fight with his staff, against a wild bear!
"The enemy is powerful.", the elder continued to instruct Kilik. "You must stand strong, whoever your opponent!"
"Um... Yes, master!", Kilik remained positive while the bear he is facing is about to bare (no pun intended) its fangs on him.
After the days of trials, Edge Master prepares to present his student an opponent to spar with.
"Hmph... Kilik, your next opponent awaits."
To which he asked, "Who?"
The hooded combatant appeared before the staff-wielder.
Only for Edge Master to reply, "Sometimes things reveal themselves when you fight."
And so, Kilik sparred with the hooded swordsman. The battle was intense, but Edge Master's training paid off as Kilik managed to gain the upper hand every single round.
After defeating his sparring opponent for past three rounds, Edge Master summarizes everything what Kilik learned from him.
"So...did you learn something?", the elder asked.
"Yes. I believe I felt how delicate the balance is between myself and evil.", replied the staff-wielder.
"I see... Then the time has almost come.", Edge Master comes to the conclusion that Kilik must go on a journey to master his power.
"Master...?"
"It is nothing.", the elder dismissed. "What are you doing? You have yet to finish your training for the day."
"Y-Yes, master!"
A.D. 1586
(1586年)
The following year passed...
Through the arduous training lasted three years, it seemed to passed by in the blink of an eye. The evil harbored within Kilik and Kali-Yuga was being kept at bay by Dvapara-Yuga. However, with it threatening to spill any moment, the only time he was able to feel anything approaching peace was during intense training.
"Kilik... You have borne the burden of your training well.", said Edge Master.
"Yes, Master.", replied Kilik.
"Now we shall see how you fare against me.", the elder prepares to see if Kilik is ready for the final test.
"An actual fight with you?", Kilik shook his head. "It would be an honor!", regardless Kilik was waiting for this moment.
Both master and pupil do battle, with Edge Master using a staff to fight Kilik at equal footing. Despite that Edge Master having master several fighting styles, the only thing he can fare against Kilik is his own Ling-Sheng Su fighting style.
Despite this sparring being a practice, it seems that Edge Master has saw the growth of his student.
"You have improved. I understand why you were chosen to bear Kali-Yuga.", said the elder.
Kilik still had flashbacks of the tragic event that led to Xianglian's death, but he managed to snap out of it.
Once again, the elder warns Kilik of the perils of giving in to the evil within him, "Kilik, a shadow lies upon your soul. Take heed! If it envelops you completely, the evil within you will stir...and in time tear your soul until nothing is left. You need to banish that shadow. I have shown you to control evil. The rest is up to you."
Kilik bowed to his master, "Yes, Master..."
"Kilik, this will be your final test.", the elder gives Kilik his task, "You must seal away Soul Edge, the cause of all this madness, and cleanse yourself of evil."
"Yes, Master."
"Head west. Keep going to where the wielder of Soul Edge awaits in the heart of a great maelstrom. You must live on, as have I."
A.D. 2018
(2018年)
Fast forward to the present, the monk concludes the story of the Ling-Sheng Su Temple tragedy, along with the story of the survivor of the incident and his training under the hermit named Edge Master.
"So, that survivor in the Ling-Sheng Su Tragedy went on to be trained by the elder who took him in?", asked Goro. "What happened afterward when he finished his training?"
"He was tasked to head to Europe to seek after Soul Edge, the very weapon that drove the people of this very temple to madness.", the monk replied.
Geiz was less than intrigued with Kilik's story, but what made him intrigued is the elder who trained him - Edge Master.
"Um... Geiz-san?", Reiji notices Geiz approaching the monk while at first, he distanced himself from Taki and company while listening to the monk's story.
"And, what became of that Edge Master guy after that?", asked Geiz.
A familiar voice echoed from afar, "Did somebody said my name?" Realizing that, Geiz spoke too soon.
Taki, Goro, Geiz, Reiji, and the Buddhist monk were alarmed as if somebody was watching them. Geiz was about to take out his Ridewatch and put on his Zikuu-Driver, Taki was about to take Rekki-Maru as well.
Within seconds, an elderly man appeared before them. And judging by the sword he's holding and blue-colored tattoo on his forehead. This man is the same person who taught Kilik the ways of the staff.
"That's-", Taki recognizes the elder from before.
"That's right. I am the one called Edge Master.", the hermit introduces himself to the people of 2018.
It seems Edge Master lived for about 400 years... How come he is still alive in the present?
Ridewatches count:
-Taki:
Ridewatches: 10 (G7 Icarus XYZ EX-Strike Armor, G7 Icarus XYZ Archangel Kerberos, G7 Type-S, Grease, Huntress Creator Gamer, Jiraiya, Rewind, Bike, Phone, Unknown Ridewatch)
Ultra Ridewatches: 6 (Ultraman Orb Specium Zepellion, Ultraman Orb Orb Origin, Ultraman X, Ultraman Zero, Ultraman Zero Beyond, Ultraseven)
-Zi-O: 12 (Zi-O, Build, Ex-Aid, Gaim, Fourze, OOO, Kiva, Kabuto, Blade, Ryuki, Bike, Phone)
-Geiz: 10 (Geiz, Cross-Z, Genm, Ghost, Drive, Wizard, OOO Tajadol Combo, Faiz, Bike, Phone)
-Tsukuyomi: 1 (Phone)
-Fubuki: 3 (Fuin, Phone (x2))
-Ray:
Ridewatch: 5 (Rogue, White Wizard, Eternal, Snipe, Sasword)
Kaijuwatch: 3 (Demaaga, Galactron (x2))
Ultra Ridewatch: 2 (Ultraman Belial, Ultraman Geed Primitive)
Days left before the seal in the Unknown Ridewatch is broken: 25.
Ridewatch Profiles
Taki, Geiz, & Tsukuyomi: It's time for the Ridewatch Profiles!We're going to show you the Ridewatch of this chapter!
Geiz: (Takes out the Ultraman X Ridewatch, rotated the dial and pressed its activation button.)
Ridewatch voice: (Digital beeping) Ultraman X!
Taki: Ultraman X is a cyber-like Ultraman from a distant parallel universe. In X's world, this Ultra also has the ability to use heavy armor derived from Kaiju in the form of MonsArmors, through their Spark Dolls. His finishing techniques include the Xanadium Ray, and the Gomora Oscillation Wave through the Cyber Gomora Armor. When used on a Time Mazine, the mecha also gains the ability to use X's MonsArmors.
Taki, Geiz, & Tsukuyomi: Tune in next time, everyone!
On the next episode...
(次回挿話)
Edge Master, the immortal hermit and swordsman who trained Kilik his staff fighting style, appeared before the Taki of 2018 and her party.
With the intent to hone his strength in the hope he can defeat Sougo before he could become Oma Zi-O, Geiz went into a cave within Himalayan Mountains to challenge Edge Master. To his surprise, it seems every fighting style Edge Master knows are not limited to those warriors in the rebooted 16th century timeline, but also to Kamen Riders as well!
Next time on Taki Gaiden, Episode 27: Edge Master ~A.D. 2018~.
Author's Note:
This chapter takes place between this week's episode and before next week's episode of Zi-O.
Starting in this chapter onward, Goro's English voice actor will be no longer Sam Riegel. I finally chose a new fancast for his English voice - Josh Keaton. Josh is famous for voicing Spider-Man from the Spectacular Spider-Man as well as in almost any Marvel animated media and video games (except for that PS4 game where he's voiced by Yuri Lowenthal), and most recently Shiro from Voltron: Legendary Defender.
Fun fact, Edge Master knows almost every fighting style; as in fighting style of every Soul Calibur character. In a sense, he's the Soul Series' equivalent of Kamen Rider Decade as a Ditto Fighter. And, SPOILER ALERT for the next chapter, as mentioned above Edge Master will not only be limited to the fighting styles of the SC characters, he also gains every Kamen Riders' weapons and fighting style, in that he does not necessarily transform into a Rider like Decade to do so.