A/N: I'm so disappointed in myself; this chapter should have been done months ago! How could I allow this delay happen? I'm sorry everyone!
It looks like I'll be moving this story over to the new crossover section sometime soon. I hope to attract a few more readers before then!
Again, I deeply apologize for this lateness. Now enjoy the next chapter!
Remember to keep an eye out for mistakes and whatnot!
Chapter 26: The Light that Shines Within the Soul
It did not work. It was a completely failed attempt. It was the only chance; the only hope to return the time taken from not only him but his friend as well.
He knew he had lost; his sword; his light, was struck right out of his hands. Darkness surrounded him, pitch-black and cold. Icy tendrils draped around his body, tightening around his limbs and neck. It was cold. Very cold. He was freezing to the core. Harsh whispers grated his eardrums. Incomprehensible words spewed from an unknown being speaking of things he knew weren't friendly.
He couldn't move. He was captured; held stiff by the darkness. He saw nothing. Everything was black. An empty abyss.
He opened his mouth, wishing to scream at the darkness, to curse at it, to demand it to let him go. However, he ended up choking.
With a breathless snarl, he mustered all his strength to break free. It was a futile struggle. He was held in place in an iron prison.
He bared his clenched teeth, not willing to give up so easily. He had to escape. He had to fight!
He couldn't fall just yet. He still had promises to keep to his friends!
Holding his breath, he tried again.
He threw his body forward, trying to force his way free. He twisted his body; he twisted his arms just to loosen the tendrils holding him. No matter how many times his attempts had failed, he never gave up.
He had to go back… he had to.
He was nearing his limit, his breath had gone short and his body was tired.
The whispers turned to laughter. It was a thunderous boom that resounded all around, jeering, mocking, and making fun of his weakness.
Damn it… he silently swore. He was not afraid, he never was. He was only angry; angry at the stupid darkness that imprisoned him.
He needed the light to help him – the light of the Goddesses.
He whispered a silent prayer and made one last attempt to escape. He felt a warm tingling sensation from his left hand before his arm broke free. At that moment he was overwhelmed with hope and reached out with his free hand, desperate to grab hold to something that was not touched by the darkness.
His hand found another – an open palm waiting for his reach. The moment he touched it the moment he saw it: a slender, feminine hand bathed in golden light. Fingers entwined around his small wrist in a firm grip, their warmth spreading through his icy skin. Soon to follow was another light – a light that belonged to him.
From the back of his palm came forth a radiant heat as three golden triangles appeared, with one brighter than the rest. His light – his power – resonated with the light of the other.
Together their light was blinding. It swallowed the shadows, freeing his body and silencing the harsh whispers that haunted the freezing darkness.
Gone was the cold, replaced with a pleasant, comfortable heat that warmed every part of his body. He drew a deep, relieving breath, feeling his strength return if not stronger than before.
Standing before him, with her hand around his, was the one who saved him. Light of pure gold shone from her noble figure, enhancing the beauty of her very being. He himself was bathed in the very same light, not a single shadow was visible.
Realization finally dawned on him, he was quite literally shocked. He craned his head up to see the angelic face of the other.
It had been months since he had last seen her and yet it did not feel as if they ever parted. She was always there, always somewhere in spirit. She was the other presence that he often sensed whenever he thought of her.
To see her emerge from the shadows and literally lend him a hand was completely unexpected. However, he knew that she was not truly there even though he could feel her soft touch on his skin.
Her blue eyes were looking down at him, reflecting the smile she wore. He was quick to form a wide grin but then her expression became saddened.
Slowly, she shook her head and spoke; "Link, you have no other choice left." Her voice was soft and rather sympathetic, making his smile fade. Her words echoed all around as if she wasn't really standing before him but far away; "You must defeat the wielder of evil with all your power to put an end to this."
The boy frowned heavily, sighed, and looked away. "I can't, Your Highness," he whispered, failing to sound stern against her request. He wanted to deny that she was wrong, that there was more that could be done.
She gently squeezed his hand but when she spoke her tone was unrelenting; "Do you remember why you left our world?"
He was slow to answer. He curled his fingers into a fist within her palm and drew away. "Yes, but… I don't want to do it."
Keeping his eyes away from hers, he heard her shift in her posture. "Why?" she asked, "Was it not your ambition when you crossed the Gate?"
"It was… but it had changed just as I have changed," he answered, gesturing to himself with a simple wave of his hand. He frowned at the golden princess, meeting her passive gaze. "I'm a child now and so is he. The Master Sword and Soul Edge transformed us and Siegfried was freed…"
"But he is no longer that man," she was quick to address, "He has chosen the sword of evil and its power. He is not a man. Nor is he your friend. He returned to the path of –"
"He had no choice!" Link shouted at her, defending his friend. She narrowed her eyes just as he pressed on, "It was all he had. He would've died. And not just him, there were many others who were in danger." He softened his glare and turned his back to her, remembering that incident clearly in his head. "In spite of what he became, he is still my friend."
There was a moment's pause. He heard her sigh in what sounded like frustration yet when she spoke her voice was indifferent, "What is it that you want to do?"
There was no hesitation when he answered her directly, letting his true ambition to show, "I want to save him."
She looked at him quietly, seemingly impassive to his decision.
He furrowed his brow and continued on, "But I know with my power alone I won't be able to do it." He raised his left hand, free of the cloth that usually covered it, his eyes falling on the glowing mark on his bare skin.
The Triforce of Courage: his power; his light.
Even combined with the Master Sword, Link knew that the Triforce of Courage was not enough to save his friend from the terrible evil that consumed him.
She let out a sigh – one that sounded like defeat. He raised his head to see her smirk. "You want to save him," she stated more than asked. "How stubborn. Always the impossible."
Link slightly pouted and crossed his arms. He was about to retort when she added, "But I know it won't be impossible for you."
He blinked at her and she merely smiled – it was a rather confident smile. "Do you know what I should do?" he asked her, knowing that she always had some sort of plan when she had that look.
"You're not alone, Link," she answered with a slight shake of her head. "You have said so before that you alone cannot save him. There are others beside yourself who wants to save him; others who can fight, who are strong. They can help you, Link."
"Others?" Was she referring to Lizard?
Cassandra? Possibly Sophitia and Taki too?
Considering the number of days that had past since their separation, it was logical that they could have traveled quick enough to reach the land Soul Edge had created.
Even if they were all here… He shook his head. "No… I don't want to put their lives at risk. The time portal – the one thing that changed us – What if they are caught in it?"
"Those people are capable of more than what you think. You need to trust them, you need their help." She raised an eyebrow and cocked her head to the side. "Besides, are they not your friends as well? You should know better than me what they're capable of."
He opened his mouth only to shut it tight.
She really had a point.
Even though his time together with his new companions was relatively short, he had learned a lot about them – he had seen what everyone could do. He should have known better that they were a hardy band of individuals set on the same goal. They had helped him and Siegfried – they had agreed to aid them – knowing the many risks that lay ahead and the dangers they were destined to face.
It was foolish for Link to think that they would back down after coming so far because back in Athens, Link, Siegfried, Cassandra, Sophitia, Taki, Seung Mina and Yunsung had all agreed to reach the end together…
And Lizard…
Farore…
Lizard was the same: the reptilian warrior didn't care about the dangers of being caught in a time portal despite Link's warnings. Lizard was determined to move forward; to fight; to protect.
Link had been stupid – very stupid.
He should have known that he wasn't able to do everything on his own. After all, he hadn't come thus far by himself.
Ashamed of his own selfish belief, his eyes were downcast, staring at his bare feet, standing on unseen ground. "You're right, Princess. I'm such an idiot… I only thought that the whole situation was mine and Siegfried's problem – that no one else should be involved in it. How could I forget?" He raised his head slightly. "Yunsung and Seung Mina even told us that each and every one of them was involved with Soul Edge in some way."
"Then you understand what it is you have to do?"
He nodded and formed an amusing smirk. "I'm not the only hero: this world has its own kind of heroes. With their help, we will combine our powers to defeat Soul Edge and save Siegfried." Bowing his head, he murmured, "I have to beg for Lizard's forgiveness first though…"
"Link." Her voice was quiet, drifting farther away. He focused on her, seeing the princess still in place. She was smiling yet the warmth that graced her lips did not reach her eyes. "Your path has been decided… This is all I can do for you… It's time for you to go back. Please be careful."
He was sad to depart but he didn't show it. "Princess," the boy stepped forward, cupping a hand over his heart, his expression determined. "Thank you. I've lost hope many times but it was you that had always brought it back. Once everything is over I will return!"
He reached out a hand and she did the same in response. His small, childish hand was overshadowed by her larger size but the light they both bore shone the same. Their fingers crossed in a gentle embrace, sharing the warmth that both possessed. At that moment, he felt her true spirit – her thoughts and feelings were one with his. Their minds mingled together, their hearts beat as one. As the light they held grew overwhelming, neither one would let go. Their bodies lifted and slowly, they drifted apart, their fingers slipping free.
'Don't die, Link. Don't die…'
'I won't, Zelda. I made a promise to everyone, didn't I?'
Darkness was all around, emanating from his very form, dissipating into nothingness beyond his reach. He saw through it clearly, never did the darkness seeping from his body and sword hinder his sight. It was Soul Edge's granted power, too overwhelming for his body to contain, seeping out into the land and twisting it to his very image.
Icy black tendrils snaked around the limp body that dangled in his grasp. The vile little elf, the foolish Hero, the one being he truly despised was finally at his mercy! He always had a powerful desire to kill the brat – the stupid, obnoxious child – for taking his power away, for sealing Soul Edge and cursing him with a pathetic body. In one way or another, the elf opposed him every time – always a hindrance!
His hand was on the verge of breaking the weak little neck in his grip. The elf had ceased struggling mere moments ago. Such a pitiful Hero, what could be more satisfying than crushing the bones of the wretched creature he loathed?
His power. Take it!
Ah, yes. Taking the Hero's soul – his power – that would be more gratifying.
The elf possessed great, destructive powers; magical abilities that can conjure natural elements and the strange, abnormal ability to teleport between distances!
He sneered in delight, exhilarated at the mere thought of controlling such powers.
It would soon all be his. The pale, motionless child in his grasp could no longer breathe. Death would be quick and painless.
Sliding against hard stone, the edge of Soul Edge was drawn by his side with ease. The demonic blade, hardly did it resemble the shell it once was. Now awakened and empowered with the harnessed souls from the Guardian, its form was complete. Its power had fully returned to what it once was if not more before it was broken and scarred from that wretched Soul Calibur.
Its physical form differed from the original. The blade was shorter and slimmer to accommodate his smaller body. Its tip ended in a deadly point while the sharp, broad edge curved back beyond the length of the rough, bony hilt. Its surface glistened with red pulsing flesh and veins that merged with the silver-black metal of the blade. Hard, brownish plates with protruding spikes protected the guard of the hilt. Once again, the yellow gleaming eye remained in the same position as before, watching him with anticipation, its hunger immense.
Soul Edge desired the young, powerful soul of the Hero to gain not only the magic but the knowledge the child had of his distant world. To see what has never been seen; to know what should never be known; there was much to understand and this single soul would reveal it all.
Soul Edge was impatient. Nightmare could hardly hold back against its thirst to cherish the sweet moment of having his helpless prey clutched tight in his grip. It would have been better if the elf was conscious to feel the pain, to see the truth in the weakling once believed a friend.
Oh, the betrayal the child would feel! The anger, the hurt, the pitiful emotions that would run by before the final moments of life!
Slowly, Nightmare curled the corners of his lips into a malicious sneer as he turned Soul Edge's sharp edge towards the Hero with the simple twist of his inhuman arm. A twisted monstrosity, his right arm had transformed into a large three-fingered claw. Similar to the abomination he last had, the arm was strong, infused with Soul Edge's unlimited power. There was no effort in wielding the demonic blade single-handedly.
"Farewell," he whispered to the Hero. He released his hold on the child's neck to step back to perform a finishing blow. Nightmare was only in mid-step when he was abruptly stopped.
Something as bright as the cursed sun flashed before his eyes and touched his left armoured wrist. A painless rush of heat flowed through his arm followed by nothing – his left limb had gone completely numb. He stumbled away with a surprised snarl, sensing Soul Edge flinch. Both wielder and sword were momentarily blinded.
He blinked rapidly, trying to regain his sight, only to see annoying remnants of the light lingering in his vision. The sound of violent coughing caught his sudden attention.
He saw him immediately; the cursed little brat was weak on the ground, crawling away.
That vile pest!
Nightmare was certain that the Hero was dying in his grasp mere seconds ago! How was it possible?!
"You!" he growled, furious at the elf's persistence to die and angry at the brat's hidden powers. He stomped forward, dragging his sword mindlessly along the terrain while his left arm hung useless by his side.
The boy was up on one knee, his back towards the other. He turned only his head at the sound of Nightmare's approach. His expression was pained and full of sorrow when he met the demon's blazing glare. "S-Siegfried," the elf choked out between staggered breaths as Nightmare towered over him. "We… We'll save you…"
Nightmare was taken back by surprise. "Save? Me?" spat the demon knight in disgust. He held Soul Edge above the pitiful brat, ready to cleave him in half. "Utter nonsense! I am not the one who needs saving!" Darkness grazed the child's pale skin, penetrating the soft golden light coming from the back of the boy's covered left hand, and made him shiver. Despite that, the elf's complexion remained the same: Fearless against the greatest evil, pitying the one that would bring his death!
After everything Nightmare had done to hurt him how could the brat still follow the foolish belief that his pathetic friend still existed?
This stupid, wretched little boy!
Did he not understand? That weak, useless human was gone! No more!
"I am Nightmare!" he roared, yet the boy did not flinch or cower. Only did the elf stare, unfazed by the threat posing before him.
With the cursed Master Sword no longer in his possession the child still strived for that path. Strengthened with the power of the Guardian, Soul Edge was superior to that weak holy blade! The portal… it was the Hero's last resort and it had failed!
And yet… The elf saw that failure as nothing. Those blue eyes continued to glow with a flame of hope.
What sort of power did the boy truly possess? That golden light he bore on his hand – was that the wretched being's true power?
It was hidden – all of the Hero's secrets were hidden from Nightmare's peering gaze. Those blue eyes held neither fear nor hate, barring the demon from seeing through the child's soul.
Not knowing made Nightmare evermore furious.
He was sick and tired of the Hero's stubborn compassion. That look angered him deeply. It was not meant to be; especially when facing him! The boy – Nightmare despised him!
His hold on Soul Edge had unconsciously tightened enough that he could feel its energy pulse in protest.
Kill him!
He glowered deeply at the pest beneath him and let out a snarl. "That cursed light – I will not allow you to do it again! You will die! Die by Soul Edge!"
With all the strength he had in his right arm, he swung the unholy sword down upon the fool below. His blade descended slowly as time itself seemed to have gone to a crawl when there came forth a light different from before. Green and bright, the boy was glowing.
There was a sudden change in the child's blue eyes – determination flickered over those sapphire orbs as a small, hopeful smile was directed towards the other for one final moment before the light consumed him entirely.
It felt as if Soul Edge struck nothing but air when the blade clashed into the glowing form of the elf, dispersing the body of light into tiny green particles. With a crash that sent dust flying, Soul Edge had pierced the solid ground and nothing more.
It did not take long for Nightmare to realize what the Hero had done as he watched all the particles of light fly away together, caught in some magically conjured wind and disappearing far out of his sight somewhere down in the corrupted land below.
He seethed through clenched teeth, outraged that the elf had yet again escaped death by Nightmare's hands. That magic – it was the elf's teleport spell; the magic of instant relocation… The Hero pulled it off easily without the need to concentrate…
Curse the annoying elf! Nightmare wanted that power! If he was in control of such magic he would be unstoppable!
Fuming at his loss, Nightmare ripped Soul Edge out of the ground and roared at the dark sky with all his breath. Soul Edge too made its disappointment clear, glowing a wicked red as fiery heat took hold of Nightmare. Its insatiable hunger was overwhelming – it desired the blood of that wretched little elf.
What it desired, Nightmare desired it as well.
He proceeded forward in the direction the light had gone but stopped shortly when Soul Edge flared with renewed excitement. Its eye lit up, gleaming at the presence drawing close from behind. Nightmare sensed it then: a life-form… and with it a fragment of Soul Edge's power.
It was then he heard the shuffling of feet along with the ragged breaths of the human behind him. Without even seeing, he knew who it was. Nightmare exhaled slowly, his breath haggard. Teeth were clenched into a snarl and eyes were narrowed at the unseen foe. Unconsciously his left hand had moved to his abdomen, the very spot that he had bled.
There came a dry and rather humorless laugh. "You…" drawled the pitiful human whose voice was strained and hoarse, "So you really are a demon. A spawn of that… that Azure Knight…" Disgust was dredged in the man's hateful accusation.
Nightmare snorted, annoyed that the fool would call him such. "I am no mere spawn," he replied, his tone low and even, "I am the Azure Knight." He turned around sharply, swinging Soul Edge along with him. Blackened steel shrieked against the stone ground.
There stood that man, no longer poised in his noble stature but reduced to a frazzled, hunched form. The sweet aroma of blood coming from that bleeding wound was highly arousing. Blue eyes were narrowed, meeting Nightmare's heated gaze, while a wide amusing sneer adorned the man's face. "Such fearsome power…" the human mused, his eyes falling on the large demonic sword, gleaming with anticipation. "So this is the truth the legends speak of!"
The man's soul was quivering with both fear and excitement. The dark, evil power radiating from both sword and wielder was the human's deepest desire.
Yet the pathetic fool's heart did not entirely wish for it.
Within the human's soul Nightmare could see that the man was hesitant to decide what it was he truly wanted.
He was quite a strong-willed human nonetheless, capable of resisting the dark temptations that filled his mind. A weakling would have already lost to the overwhelming evil and fall into madness.
The man still had thought and reason and the willpower to oppose the darkness wanting to control him. He would make a decent meal for Soul Edge.
Nightmare moved forward in a slow but menacing stride. His steps pounded the solid ground, making the armour covering his body soundly clang against one another. Formed from remnants of the Guardian, the dense, hardened bone was as strong as metal and shimmered with an azure hue when caught in the light. The summoned armour felt the same as always – like an extension of himself acting as a protective layer of skin. The heavy weight felt natural and never a burden.
The echo of his armour was pleasant to his ears. It brought forth the memories of his past victims, either frozen or trembling at the sound of his approach. The man was neither – with a face of caution and tense body, he stood on guard, defying the one who would bring him death.
Being unarmed, the fool had no means to protect himself, making him an easy kill. Not only would a soul be gained but a few fragments of Soul Edge as well once Nightmare was finished with the wretched vermin.
"Looks can very well be deceiving," Nightmare proclaimed with a hidden, amused smile, "I'm sure you have learned your lesson, have you not?"
The human hissed, seething at the mockery thrown at him. Fists curled before him in anger. However he fell back as Nightmare drew near.
There was no doubt that the man feared Soul Edge's wicked power. The demon took that fear to his advantage.
There was no more need of useless chatter. Drawn heavily to the fragments of Soul Edge, he wanted to take it from the wretched human as painfully as possible.
The demon's hunger had grown considerably since the loss of that cursed elf. Anger had been replaced with bloodlust. An unquenchable thirst for bloodshed drove his ambition. Soul Edge burned with excitement, knowing that its first meal since awakening was coming very soon.
When he was close enough, he broke into a run, charging headlong at the startled human. The man's surprise was very brief, much to Nightmare's frustrated disappointment, for the nobleman had anticipated the demon's wide swing.
Quick despite his injury, the human avoided the horizontal slash meant to cleave him in two. Leaping backwards, the man landed and swiftly followed with another few leaps to distance himself from the other. His body was tense with alarm and prepared for another attack. Fervent blue eyes stared intently at the one who possessed Soul Edge, afraid to look away in fear of another sudden attack.
Nightmare sneered beneath his helm as he swung his sword back to his right side. Without a moment to waste, he launched at the human once more. His heavy soles dug hard into the ground for better traction and speed. He closed the distance between him and his target within an instant. With Soul Edge raised above his head, he leapt forward to bring the sharp edge down upon the human's skull.
The moment the blade swung down, Nightmare felt a familiar power surge forth from the man below. Before the blade struck down, he saw nothing but a blur of what was supposed to be his first victim.
With a deafening crash, Soul Edge cleaved hard into solid ground, cracking the earth and sending dust flying.
Nightmare turned to where that wretched human had fled and snarled. That damn vermin had used the power contained in the fragments in his possession to move beyond his body's limit.
That power belonged to Nightmare!
The demon burst through the haze of dust, following the aura of the Soul Edge shards. Down the mountain the human ran, swiveling around the stone spikes and leaping over shallow fissures.
So the fool was trying to escape.
Nightmare snorted in frustration. He was not going to allow that vile man – the one who attempted to kill him – to run away. The human was an easier catch than that blasted elf and currently the most infuriating individual at the moment.
The pain the man had inflicted was never forgotten.
Seeking revenge, the dark knight launched into the air to leap a great distance down, aiming at the fool below. Soul Edge was held above his helmed head, ready to bring an instant death to his target.
The human sensed him and had turned abruptly in time to witness the descent of the demon knight. The man jumped out of the way, nearly missing Soul Edge's razor edge. Again, both Nightmare and his sword crashed on the slanted mountain, creating another crater that damaged the lower portions of nearby spires and causing a few to crumble.
Nightmare withdrew the demon sword roughly out of the ground in haste to lunge at his foe that was visibly hidden by the dust. Even if blind, Nightmare knew exactly where that fool was.
With his powerful right arm, he swung Soul Edge through a pillar of rock that stood in his way, shattering it to pieces and sending heavy debris to fall towards his fleeing target. Remnants of the stone spire either tumbled or rained down on the human below.
The man, unable to dodge it all, twisted around to guard against the barrage of stone with his crossed arms just as he made a desperate leap backwards.
Occupied with the debris, that left him with an opening.
Wasting no opportunity, the dark knight flew with a single bound, ready to pierce the airborne fool. With the rocks to obscure the man's vision, Nightmare came as a devastating surprise, evident by the horrid shock on the nobleman's face.
Trapped in midair, the man had no chance to evade. With a simple thrust of the great sword, Soul Edge instantly closed the distance between human and demon. However, what was supposed to be the killing blow was diverted at the very last moment. A single gloved hand, the very hand that held one of the shards of Soul Edge within the palm, had managed to push the blade's edge just enough to avoid a fatal wound.
Persistence was the man's charm. An unwillingness to die despite all odds. Such individuals were rather annoying.
But even so, it was not unfortunate for Nightmare for the fragment was absorbed into Soul Edge the moment it touched the evil sword. As well, Soul Edge's point had pierced into flesh, drawing blood. Exalted by the taste of the crimson liquid, the sword desired more.
Pain was visible but the man was reluctant to die so soon. Still in the air with a blade cutting into his body, the human managed to twist away from Soul Edge, forcing himself to strike the ground with his shoulder.
Nightmare soared over the wounded vermin as a result. The dark knight landed roughly on the mountain side, skidding along until he came to an immediate stop against an erected spire. Growling, he shook the slight jarring pain running up his left side from the impact and refocused on his target. He craned his neck upwards, spotting the human struggling a fair distance away.
His eyes narrowed while a sneer formed over his hidden lips. The pitiful creature, suffering from a deep wound, was now in Nightmare's mercy.
Soul Edge hungered deeply. The blade trembled with anticipation within his grasp. He ascended the mountain slope in great bounds, letting out a derisive laugh as he approached the injured pest.
The human recoiled from the demon's sight and in desperation, gathered what remained of his strength to throw himself to the side to avoid Soul Edge's darkened blade.
It was a wild miss, one that Nightmare purposely made.
Tormenting his victim brought a certain satisfaction within him. It was unlike the torture that cursed Astaroth had always done with his hapless victims – suffice to say, Nightmare was more generous with his targets, bringing fear and anguish instead of pain before a quick death. Most of the time.
The man disappeared behind an erected spire. A futile attempt to hide.
Nightmare quickly followed, bringing Soul Edge down on the cowering fool's head to finish the chase.
Or so he had thought…
A loud clang of metal striking metal rang through the air. Instead of meeting flesh and bone, Soul Edge was met with a rapier, no less the man's very own exquisite blood-stained blade. How fortunate for the vermin that the rapier had fallen so near. From where he kneeled on one knee, the human had guarded against the demon's deadly strike, using the back of one hand to support the rapier from beneath its naked blade while the other hand held the hilt in a taut grip.
The man trembled under the impact, barely able to hold up against the demon's power. Blue eyes of cold steel met the dark knight's burning gaze. "You will not slay me, demon!" the man snarled through gritted teeth.
"Oh?" Nightmare mused, intrigued by the wounded pest's will to survive. He did not relent, pressing Soul Edge further to force the man to both knees. "How will you stop me?" he lowly whispered in a sardonic tone. Not caring for a reply, he forced his demonic blade downward with all his might.
The man, with a growl, dropped his left arm, causing the evil blade to slide slightly to the side before hitting the ground as he pushed himself away from Nightmare. Staggering backwards with a grimace on his face, the human was still able to stand.
His brow was deeply furrowed with pain and his free hand was clutching tightly over the new, bleeding wound. Rich noble garments the man once wore were torn and bloody. Such an unruly appearance for one such as him!
Before Nightmare advanced on the injured fool, the man had quickly reached behind him with his blood-soaked hand and drew out something small and glowing.
Another fragment! It was the last in the nobleman's possession!
By then the demon had already charged at the wretched creature. Thrusting his blade forward, he aimed for the man's midsection. His attack was diverted at the last second by a rapier clashing against Soul Edge, making sparks to briefly fly.
Nightmare continued to advance despite his weapon being knocked away. He drew close to the human, just enough to lash out with his left, armoured hand to grasp the man's wrist – the one arm that held tightly onto the fragment.
He crushed and twisted the human's arm towards his body, trying to make the vile creature drop his precious shard. However, the cursed pest was not truly that weak. Grunting through pain, the nobleman managed to bring his knee upward to slam against Nightmare's armoured wrist, loosening the demon's hold. The instant he pulled free, the man shot that same leg forward to kick the demon knight away.
The kick was painless but it did knock the Azure Knight back a few steps, leaving him unable to counterattack.
Nightmare huffed in annoyance as he fell back into his stance. He paused in his advance when he sensed a change in the nobleman's aura.
A malevolent energy emanated from the man's form.
So the human wished to harness the shard's true power as his own and not choose to flee.
Stupid fool, only chaos would reign!
The hatred in the man's eyes deepened, the icy blue irises darkened to a bloody red. His face slowly distorted into a deep scowl, lips parted to form an angry snarl. He stood rigid in his posture, the pain of his wounds forgotten. "My last resort…" the man managed to mutter, straining to keep his mind in control. His snarl turned into a wide sneer as madness flickered over his crimson eyes. The man blinked rapidly and shook his head, fighting away the powerful temptations that lurked within his thoughts.
The Azure Knight merely laughed, highly amused at the man's transformation. "It is useless to fight it," he commented, entertained by the human's internal struggle. "Simply give in."
The blond Seeker seethed from his words but cringed away a moment after. His teeth were bared in frustration and his left fist, the one that held the fragment of Soul Edge, tightened into an iron fist. Fresh blood was drawn; the sharp edges of the metal shard had cut through leather and skin. "Still your tongue, you wretched fiend!" the swordsman hissed, straining his words.
"What's the matter?" Nightmare pressed onward, taunting the fool with a pleasurable smile. "Why do you resist? Your attempts are futile – humans who choose to wield this power fall into an uncontrollable madness." He saw the brief moment of shock in the man's eyes before the nobleman flinched away, shaking his head violently.
Stumbling backward, the Seeker uttered quietly to himself in disbelief, "No… No… I am not… I will not…" It seemed that the human was lost in his struggle but it all soon changed within an instant. Frustration turned to burning hatred. The man was overpowered by the evil and was quickly consumed with rage. Without warning, he lunged at the Azure Knight roaring at the top of his lungs.
Nightmare once again smiled with his sword held ready before him. He was highly entertained by the human's frenzied display but Sword Edge was not impressed. In fact, it had grown impatient. Wanting to have a little more fun with the cursed human, the demon silently pleaded with Soul Edge to wait a little while longer.
Nightmare wanted to torture the fool with as much pain as possible.
Swift and free, the wind carried Link through the air, away from the darkness and away from the wielder of Soul Edge, Nightmare. He instantly dropped to his knees when the last of the magic dissipated into nothingness. No longer weightless, gravity took its hold on his weakened body.
He was hurting – limbs were weak, lungs were aching and his neck felt tight and sore. Down on his hands with his eyes closed, he drew in deep, trembling breaths to soothe the pains.
Mouth dry, he swallowed each gasp of air that tickled his raw throat.
A noise coming from behind startled him. Fully alert, the boy held his breath and twisted around in a crouch, one hand on the hilt of the sheathed Kokori Sword. It was then that he took notice of the surroundings that were completely different than the last he had seen. All around there were ugly spires of stone jutting out of the cracked earth, similar to the ones that emerged on the hill. They were as tall as trees and randomly dispersed in either single towers or clusters of twisted rock. They obscured his view but could not completely hide the hideous mountain in the distance.
Link was lucky that he landed on ground and not on top of a spiked pillar. He saw the shadows move as something soundly approached his position. The Kokori Sword was half-drawn by the time someone emerged from behind a mass of stone.
At first, he had mistaken her as someone else due to the similarities but when he saw that long blonde hair neatly tied behind her back it was her name he called: "Sophitia?" In disbelief he stared at the older Athenian sister, surprised to see that she had come thus far so fast. His sword was back in the sheath as he climbed steadily to his feet.
She seemed just as shocked to see him. "Link, it's you!" she exclaimed, sounding quite relieved. She was instantly down on her knees in front of him, checking him over. "Are you all right?" she asked, placing a supporting left hand on his shoulder while her other hand brushed against his bruised and tender neck. She frowned at him, worry etched upon her brow.
He slightly flinched away from her gentle touch and nodded a quick answer. Sophitia followed with another question that made him frown, "Where is Siegfried?"
From her gentle green eyes Link turned his head towards the hideous mountain and pointed at the very peak. "Up there… with Soul Edge," he murmured, pained by that awful truth.
Sophitia squeezed his shoulder in the midst of furling her hands into fists. "So he has…" she trailed off, aware of the situation. "Then that green light I saw, that was you."
Link nodded, his head downcast. "I… I escaped." He hardened his gaze and clenched his jaw, shaking away the feelings of despair that threatened to swallow him. There was no time to grieve. "Sophitia," he addressed her sharply, as if demanding her attention, "To save him I need your help. I need everyone's help. You being here, does that mean that Taki is here as well?"
Sophitia nodded, her expression still troubled. "Yes, but not just her. Everyone is here."
"Everyone?" The Hylian had to ask, not quite believing.
A small smile replaced her frown. "That's correct. Cassandra, Seung Mi-na and Yun-seong."
The young Hylian was more than surprised, he was completely flabbergasted. He looked over her shoulder then to the side, seeing no one else. Questionably, he cocked his head and raised an eyebrow.
"They've gone up ahead," she told him, understanding his look of confusion. "I remained behind to accompany the Lizardman that –"
"Lizard…" Link immediately remembered the state he had left his friend. His insides knotted with guilt while his mind was gripped with worry. He didn't quite hear the exact words Sophitia had said for he was more concerned on finding his frozen companion.
Grabbing her wrist, he tugged her arm to make her follow. "Is he all right?" he asked, leading Sophitia down the path she had come. Softly, the boy trotted over the rough terrain, wincing at the many little rocks that prodded his feet. Sophitia ended up having to lead by pulling him forward when he trailed behind.
"Your friend is unharmed," was the woman's answer after they rounded a large cluster of stone spires. She gestured with her hand towards the slouching form sitting on the ground littered with shimmering blue crystals and growing pools of melt-water.
The magic ice had been broken, possibly shattered from the quake that changed the land. From hearing their approach, a single-horned snout was raised and turned to face them. Red eyes widened, followed by a short, breathless snarl.
Link rushed over just as Lizard attempted to move. The boy grasped the Lizardman's cold scaly arm, hoping to stop the great beast. The Hylian was aware of Lizard's dislike to the cold – it was the reptile's greatest weakness. To be trapped in a prison of ice must have been torture…
"Lizard, I'm sorry!" the boy apologized immediately, his heart wrenching with guilt. He had caused unnecessary suffering to his dear friend. His hands had gone as cold as the Lizardman but he didn't care to let go. Link had to explain his reason so Lizard would understand; "I thought that I could do it alone but I was wrong." He shook his head, eyes closed in remorse. "Clashing the Master Sword and Soul Edge didn't work…"
"It did not?" he heard Sophitia say, sounding quite shocked. Lizard also made a noise as he gently pulled his arm away to rest his hand on the Hylian's shoulder.
Again, Link shook his head. "No. Nothing happened." He straightened and peered at the fearsome peak of the evil mountain. His eyes darkened as he recalled the incident. "Soul Edge has gotten stronger than before. The Master Sword was struck right out of my hands." He knitted his brow, pondering at why the situation had resulted in failure. Then he suddenly remembered: "That one-eyed demon…" he exclaimed.
Lizard gave him a squeeze on the shoulder, making the boy glance at the worried reptile.
"The same one from Iografou?" Sophitia inquired.
"Yes." Link turned to the older woman and began to explain what he knew. "Siegfried called it the Guardian of Soul Edge. It might have… When it approached Soul Edge with Siegfried it… Well, I think…" He trailed off, struggling to find a proper term to describe what could have happened. "Combined? Or fused? With Soul Edge."
There was a short pause. "So that creature was a part of Soul Edge," Sophitia mused quietly. She moved to stand before Link and Lizard with her back towards them.
"Its power is now Soul Edge's power." The Hylian paused as he bowed his head and curled his hands into fists. "And Siegfried… He is Nightmare."
"So it has come to that." Sophitia's tone was low and even. Link looked at her, seeing the woman boldly stand before the twisted evil looming ahead. One hand rested on the hilt of her sheathed sword, ready to draw upon it. "We will have to stop him."
"No." The boy abruptly shook his head, making Sophitia turn and frown at him. Before she could say anything, he explained, "It's possible to save him if we can get the time portal to open again."
"How will you do that? Did you not say that you had failed to open it?" she argued. Her expression was stern yet her voice was soft.
Link gave her a mere nod and said, "Yes, it didn't work. But it was because Soul Edge was far stronger in power than the Master Sword. The level between both swords were not equal that's why the portal failed to form. So I need your help – I need everyone's help." He shifted between Sophitia and Lizard, giving each a pleading look. "If we can weaken Soul Edge to match the Master Sword, the portal will open once again when they connect."
From his side, Lizard let out a throaty growl as he tilted his head to peer down at the boy with one skeptical red eye. Sophitia too did not seem to follow with what the Hylian had said.
"Link, I apologize but to simply believe that it would work with no guarantee will put your life at risk. What if it fails again? You could get killed…"
The Lizardman grunted to agree with her.
"It won't fail. I'm certain of it!"
Sophitia sighed and crossed her arms as she lightly shook her head. "Link…"
"It will work! Please, the both of you must trust me!" He was desperate for their help for he knew they were the ones he must rely on. He furrowed his brow, shifting his eyes between the woman and the Lizardman. "I know it's dangerous," he continued on, "but I'm willing to throw myself in front of Soul Edge. It was how it happened in the first place when we reverted to children and it's the only way to make it happen again." His voice softened and his eyes wandered to the side. "This may sound selfish of me but I want to save him. I want to make everything back to normal for him. Will you two help me?"
For a moment neither Sophitia nor Lizard made a sound. Link could sense their hesitation and unease.
When he was about to let out a sigh having assumed they both wouldn't choose to help him with his suicidal decision, he heard a rumbling growl from Lizard before seeing the reptile move. Lizard tried to stand but only managed to rise onto one knee.
Although weakened, the scaled beast did not fail to show his vigor. Lizard grunted, pounding a fist to his armoured chest while giving the boy a nod.
It wasn't clear at first what the Lizardman had decided. Link wanted to ask but when he opened his mouth Lizard gestured to the mountain then with the same hand he pressed his knuckles gently against the young Hylian's chest before bringing his hand over his own chest, tapping his claws over his heart twice.
Link couldn't help but smile in thanks. Sophitia soundly smirked as she placed one hand on her hip. "I guess it's decided," she said. "You are not the only one that wants to save him. I will help you." Her expression became stern. "However, Link, if the situation becomes impossible for you, you must promise to pull back."
Link would have laughed in a dry, sarcastic way but held back the need to in order to delude the actual truth. There was no pulling back if it ever failed. He certainly knew that. The evil sword's power was overwhelming, stretching across the desolate land and possibly reaching beyond the horizon. The destructive power of Soul Edge would consume him if he could not at least match its level with the Master Sword. There was no doubt about that.
To achieve that equality between both blades would be downright difficult… He only had one chance to open the portal.
Link slowly nodded to falsely assure his friends that he would keep his word. "When the moment is right, everyone needs to stay far away or else you will be caught in the portal of time," he told them firmly. "If another body is present," he continued before anyone could interject, "anything could happen. So it's best not to get caught up in it or else you could end up old or young or… you can even disappear…"
Sophitia gave him a slight nod of her head. "I understand," she murmured quietly. Lizard grunted shortly after.
To both, the boy was very grateful. Breathing a quick sigh, he formed a determined smile. To the Athenian he said, "Sophitia, go on and tell the others of our plan."
She seemed a little confused, as did the Lizardman. Before either of them spoke, the Hylian added, "Lizard and I will search for my Master Sword. It's somewhere on the mountain… Nightmare knocked it pretty far. Besides," he looked at the beast, "you're not ready to move yet, Lizard. You should warm up." With that said Link drew out an arrow and easily lit it aflame. Orange light illuminated the shadows cast by the towering spires and shimmered over the pools of water and remnants of ice.
Albeit a small flame, he could feel its heat warming his chilled body. He held it out for the reptile. Lizard stared at the magic flame dancing on the iron tip, hesitant to grab it.
"Very well," Link heard Sophitia say as he beckoned his lizard friend to take the flaming arrow by the shaft. He glanced over at the woman and saw her give a final nod. "I will hurry to them and explain the situation. Link, Lizard, do be careful in your search. Hurry to us as soon as you find your sword!" As she spoke her last words she was already backing away. In the end she turned around and left, sprinting towards the mountain.
Shouting to her back, Link told her to be careful as well. She needed to be, since she and the others would have to confront Nightmare to initiate the first step of the plan.
Distracted by the Athenian's departure, Link was slightly startled to feel something rough clasp around his hand that held the Fire arrow. Lizard carefully plucked the magic arrow out of the Hylian's grasp and held it cautiously at arm's length. The flame flickered from the movement, its fiery glow reflecting off the beast's shiny scales and armour.
Link grinned at the Lizardman's wide-eyed expression. "Be careful with that," he warned, rather teasingly. "It'll explode if you drop it."
Lizard visibly gulped as he tightened his grip on the arrow. His hand was so tense that it was trembling. The beast was well aware of how dangerous the Fire arrow was – after all he had witnessed the magic fire back in the mountain valleys of Hymettus.
Laughing, the boy moved to stand by the Lizardman's side. The reptile did not notice the Hylian but continued to stare at the flame, treating it as if it were a bomb ready to explode at the slightest bump.
Reaching out, Link gently patted the lizard's free arm to gain the beast's attention. "Come on," he said, grabbing the reptile's large scaly hand to attempt to tug the great beast along with him. "I'm only kidding. It'll only burst into flames if you throw it hard against something."
Lizard soundly heaved a great sigh of relief and relaxed his tense body before snapping his jaws at the boy, rather annoyed to be teased in such a way. He then shortly snarled, giving the young hero a quick nod as he climbed steadily to his feet. Snorting, the beast moved slowly and carefully, stepping over the remaining pieces of ice and into puddles of freezing water.
The Lizardman's body was still wracked with cold, moving stiffly behind the Hylian that led him forward. Link shivered from the icy waters he had to step in. His toes were freezing! As best as he could, he beckoned his friend to move quickly while hopping on one foot then the other.
"Let's hurry and find the Master Sword," Link urged the lagging reptile. "Your sword might react to it again, making it easier." The boy peered over at the peak of the mountain, his mind set. "After that, we'll meet with the others up there. With all of us together we will work – we will fight together to save Siegfried. I promised him that I would free him… I want to keep that promise."
Lizard let out a soft growl, giving the boy a gentle squeeze of the hand. Link looked over his shoulder, seeing the beast give him a meaningful nod. Lizard's red eyes became fierce with intent as he raised his horned head to the mountain.
The young hero smiled. His friend clearly understood the boy's determination.
"There's no time to waste!" he announced, glad to see that the fire was having an effect on the beast. "Let's go!"
Raphael saw nothing but red before his eyes. The pain from his heavy wounds had vanished abruptly. His body moved on its own accord. There was no control; something controlled his very actions and corrupted his thoughts.
That vile demon-spawn… its mocking words had driven him into chaos.
He felt the evil coursing through his body. The curse of the shard in his grasp enveloped him; its chilling aura trapped him within its icy embrace. Sunken deep into his palm, the pain caused by the metal fragment's sharp edges flared like fire within his hand. It was the only part of his body that burned.
He was screaming now; screaming like a murderous madman and he couldn't stop it. Twisted temptations erupted into his thoughts – he wanted nothing more but to kill that cursed demonic child and take the terrible power known as Soul Edge as his own.
Soul Edge was a horrible, astonishing sword of horror.
And Raphael desired it desperately… To rid the world of those noble fools – those wretched beings that took everything away and made him suffer!
Images of battle broke through the veil of red, flashing before his very eyes. Raphael watched from within his body as both he and the demon of darkness clashed their blades. The darkened mist emanating from the monster's form was visible yet he could see through its haze unlike before.
The demon's true form – what a hideous abomination. It was the same size as that cursed demon-child. A deformed and monstrous right arm, with ugly, protruding spikes on the elbow joint and shoulder, held the bony hilt of Soul Edge with its large, claw-like fingers. Soul Edge itself was different than the last Raphael had seen. The blade was smaller to fit the demon's size and sleeker in build. Flesh on the sword's surface pulsed with life. Its once dull, pale metal was now blackened steel and gleaming. The most obvious feature of all was the eye of the blade; it was open, revealing a lustful orb of pure evil.
A fearsome helm adorned the demon's head. What appeared to be the fiend's long hair flowed freely from the back. Demonic wings spread from either side of the dark helm while a single horn protruded from the front rim. A visor hid its awful face, leaving only its eyes to show.
Its armour… it was unnatural. Both dull and metallic at the same time, the wicked pieces of the demon's armour protected every part of its body.
It claimed to be the infamous Nightmare. Yet despite its horrific transformation and its uncanny similarities to the stories both written and oral that spoke of the demonic being, Raphael still doubted the creature before him.
That demon was only a spawn of the Azure Knight.
Raphael's body was merciless and erratic, swinging the rapier wildly at the defending demon. Never did it stop, his body only pressed on with unsuccessful attacks. Between the flying sparks and flashes of steel, Raphael could clearly see the demon's glowing eyes and the amusement behind them.
The monster was enjoying his uncontrolled onslaught. It was sneering – Raphael could sense the dreadful mockery. He could practically imagine the fiend laughing at his helplessness…
Then it dawned upon him – the realization of what was happening.
He really had been a complete fool to rely on the tainted fragments for power. They had transformed him; turning him into a berserk and vengeful creature.
He was no different than those fools who once possessed the fragments. He was no different than the very demon that stood before him.
Cease at once! he demanded of his body. To be a killing monster was not his wish! He would not allow himself to lose against the dark evil!
If he did he would endanger her, his precious daughter… Soul Edge's wicked power would destroy what little innocence she had left.
Raphael would never let that happen.
His scream of madness changed into a scream of pain when he pierced the tip of his rapier through the back of his left hand. The evil shard, soaked in his blood, was instantly dropped. Its fiery pain was gone, replaced with another, equally awful pain. Its cold embrace slipped away from deep within his body but he could still feel it upon his clammy skin.
He staggered backwards, his breath heavy and labored. His sword remained embedded, blood flowing freely down its thin blade.
He felt ill to his stomach, his vision was blurred and no longer was everything red and despite it all, he was completely satisfied to reject the evil power that controlled him.
Low, harsh laughter met his ears and soon Raphael fixed his eyes on the demon before him, its form swaying and visible within the black mist. It knelt on the ground, retrieving the glowing, bloody object lying on the ground with its normal, armoured hand. When it stood, its fearsome eyes locked upon his. A hint of smile reflected on those crimson orbs.
"I would have never thought that a mere human could resist Soul Edge's temptations," spoke the dark knight, highly amused. "Its power was grand and yet your heart and soul did not give in. I was wrong to think you weak, human."
Its attention shifted to its clutched fist where it soon shone red as the hand tightened around the demon sword's fragment. The light was brief and when the demon opened his palm, nothing remained of the shard. The demon had absorbed its power as well. "Your soul still burns with the need to survive," the cursed fiend mused, turning its head to look at the wounded man from the side. "I applaud your efforts but sadly they are futile. You have nothing left to fight me."
Gritting his teeth through pain and anger, Raphael let out a snarl before uttering, "Do no underestimate me." He clenched his jaw tight but was still unable to restrain the whimpers when he freed his sword from his very hand in haste. Hot blood flowed from the gaping wound, drenching the leather glove he wore.
Nauseous and dizzy, he could hardly stand tall and proud in his stance. His left arm hung limp by his side and he leaned forward, resting most of his weight on his right foot. However, even with his numerous wounds ailing him, he stood ready to battle with his bloodied rapier poised out front. "I will continue to fight against you and your wicked evil until my very last breath is drawn!"
The demon fully faced him, a sneer present in his glowering gaze. "Then so be it. Soul Edge would be pleased to devour such a passionate soul."
Slowly, the demon-spawn advanced toward the other, dragging the evil blade soundly along the cracked, broken ground.
Death was approaching him; mocking him; laughing at him – and Raphael could not help but smile in return.
Cold shivers crept down Yun-seong's spine, making his body tremble as he climbed the ugly, nightmare of a mountain. Exhausted, he panted heavily and let out a groan of frustration.
He hated the place.
The atmosphere was so cold and disturbing. It was disturbing enough that Yun-seong wanted nothing more but to get the hell out of the cursed wasteland. He didn't abide to that feeling however – he mentally willed himself to ignore it and follow the same path everyone was going.
It was goddamn dark too. Nothing but dark gray clouds that flashed with red lightning as far as the eye could see.
And hideous – the land of Soul Edge was a horrible-looking place. Nothing but dust, dead trees, fissures, cliffs and stupid rock spires made up the barren landscape. Oh yes, there was the mountain too – a freakishly twisted, rugged pile of rock with spiky pillars and jagged stones all over it.
There was a demon somewhere at the top – the four of them have all heard it just moments ago right when they arrived at the foot of the mountain.
Its awful, furious cry shook the earth and shattered the still silence that hung in the tense air. There was no mistaking the howling, angry roar of a monstrous demon coming from the very peak. That was where the fabled word of salvation had once been held…
Yun-seong held his breath, attempting to calm his anxious heart. The weapon he had been seeking was just at the top… in the hands of a monster. The young man was excited to have finally found it but he was downright nervous at the same time.
Soul Edge's power was incredible. He could feel its power coursing throughout the land even though he lacked the ability to truly sense it like some of the others in the group. That power was what everyone feared and deemed it evil.
Yun-seong had to admit that he was only a little uneasy – no… he was lying… he was afraid. He couldn't stop his body from shivering and his heart from racing.
But being afraid didn't change his reason to be in the cursed land. The very reason why he chose to risk his life to seek the sword of salvation was still burned into his heart.
He would show her – he would prove to Seung Mi-na that Soul Edge was the answer. Many times he was warned of the great weapon's evil power and he grew tired of hearing it, not caring a single word. The ninja, Taki, stopped bothering him after he walked away from her once. It was Seung Mi-na however, that constantly tried to convince him otherwise. To shut her up and make her happy, the red-headed Korean made a promise to her; if the sword, Soul Edge, was indeed too powerful to handle if ever obtained, then Yun-seong would not use it.
Yun-seong was determined to overpower whatever evil possessed the sword and make it his own. He would not fall victim like that stupid little brat…
Slowly, he exhaled. That stupid little demon-brat… it was him up at the peak with Soul Edge, Yun-seong was certain of it. That other kid, Link, was up there too if their assumptions were correct.
That 'time portal' the two had spoken of… it should have happened by now if those two were indeed up at the peak. So far there had been no visible event to indicate the occurrence. So… what was happening up there?
He paused in his climb to peer up; the sight of the peak was obscured by the numerous rock spires that jutted out along the mountain side. Even if those things weren't there he was still far below to even see the very top.
"What's wrong?" he heard Seung Mi-na ask quietly when she caught up to him. He turned and met her sorrowful brown eyes and troubled expression. She wasn't worried about him. Yun-seong could easily tell.
He furrowed his brow slightly and spoke words that only she could understand; "Nothing's wrong. With me, anyway. You're worried about them, aren't you?"
Grief showed upon her face but it vanished when she glanced at the passing Greek woman, Cassandra. The blonde Athenian gave them both a curious look but then continued on when Seung Mi-na gave her an assuring nod. It wasn't long until Cassandra was out of sight. The demon huntress was already ahead of them somewhere, leaving only the Koreans behind.
"Of course I'm worried," Mi-na replied softly, "Look what happened to this place… This is Soul Edge's curse. Link is up there with Siegfried and Siegfried… He's… He's probably not even himself anymore."
"What we heard was probably him." Seung Mi-na made no argument against the young man's claim.
She was downcast at the possible truth. They both had listened to Cassandra's tale of survival in the mountains of Hymettus. She had spoken of her journey with the brat, Siegfried, and it wasn't entirely pleasant. The incidents that occurred had resulted in their separation and final farewell…
Yun-seong quietly snorted as he crossed his arms and looked away. He still hated the demon-brat, there was no denying that. His hate for the brat was the sole reason why he left the group in the first place. Yun-seong couldn't stand being near the cursed boy any longer. Every word exchanged between them was always laced with malice. Their remarks always ridiculed the other, often resulting in heated arguments.
He still loathed the blond-haired freak but his hatred was not as deep as it was before. Yun-seong… had a sense of pity for the kid.
From what Cassandra had told them, Siegfried had risked his life for the sake of others.
Yun-seong respected that selfless act.
The kid was human after all…
But not anymore.
Yun-seong and the others were on their way to discover the truth.
Nothing had happened so far with the exception of mild rumblings that echoed around. Those sounds were far and distant, coming from somewhere high above. What exactly caused that noise?
It wasn't consistent and it was hard to distinguish.
Whatever it was, it wasn't likely the time portal.
The worst may have happened to Link. Yun-seong did not doubt the possibility… A mountain fall and an oversized golem may not have killed the boy but a demon that possessed the legendary sword, Soul Edge, could. Link was too soft, Yun-seong was well aware of that. The boy wouldn't fight against the one he called a friend.
When they reached the top they may have to confront the demon that was once the man named Siegfried. Swords would be drawn and blood would be shed, there would be no holding back or any hesitation.
There would be no time for pity. Only hatred.
There would be no time for sorrow. Only anger.
Yun-seong let out a deep, weary sigh, allowing his arms to fall to his sides. His left hand brushed against the hilt of his sword and he instinctively grasped its cool hilt for assurance. His breathing was unsteady as thoughts of the upcoming battle clouded him.
He was anxious. He and the others would be going against the very monster that possessed the power to change the land into a living nightmare.
It was going to be a hell of a fight; he could predict it already. Taking Soul Edge wasn't going to be so easy.
He was about to tell Mi-na that they should hurry when a female voice sounded below. Turning only his head, he peered over his shoulder down the slope he and Seung Mi-na had come.
He didn't recognize what was being yelled out but he did recognize the speaker.
"It's Sophitia," Mi-na exclaimed, a smile returning to her face. "That Lizard must have recovered."
Yun-sung visibly flinched at the mention of the repulsive reptile. He did not like the idea of having that scaly monstrosity around. It was unbelievable that such a monster with sharp, pointy teeth, wicked claws and a savage appetite could be friendly. Even if it did save Link, Yun-seong still couldn't trust such a thing. He had enough experiences with overgrown lizards, both undead and living, to see what they truly were.
"Don't make such a face," his companion muttered, making him pout at her. "We need all the help we can get." Before he could make a point, she called out; "Sophitia! We're over here!"
Yun-seong snorted and crossed his arms in agitation when he saw the blonde head of the older Greek woman appear from behind a lower pillar. "It's a freaking monster," he wanted to say earlier but murmured it to himself.
Out of breath, Sophitia leaned forward on her knees when she caught up to the two Koreans.
Yun-seong was quick to notice the lack of a Lizardman. "Where's the reptile?" was the first thing he asked the recovering woman.
The Athenian had to take a few deep breaths before answering, "He's with Link."
"Link?" Seung Mi-na questioned. She and Yun-seong exchanged a look of confusion. "Isn't he up –"
Sophitia waved a hand at her to interrupt. "I will explain on the way. Taki and Cassandra have gone up ahead?"
Both Koreans nodded.
"Then let's catch up. I have something important to tell all of you." Sophitia was quick to recover and walked past the pair without another glance. Fortitude defined both her face and her stride. It was hard to miss it.
Yun-seong was still puzzled but Mi-na suddenly smiled as if she understood what was happening. Shrugging, Seung Mi-na turned to follow and said in their mother tongue, "I know that look in Sophitia's eyes; she knows exactly what to do."
"What do you mean?" the redhead questioned as he followed the girl.
"Exactly what I said. Sophitia has a plan. One that I hope will put an end to all this corruption and save our friend."
By 'friend' she was referring to that demon-brat, wasn't she? That kid was not Yun-seong's friend.
He did not care about saving him. (Was it even possible?)
But if Seung Mi-na and the other women were willing to risk their lives for that wretched little demon, he probably had no choice but to follow. He wasn't sure how they would react if he instead chose to kill rather than save. They would probably hate him and Seung Mi-na… she wouldn't forgive him.
Yun-seong didn't want to live with that for the rest of his life.
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed the latest chapter! You may have noticed that I am now using the proper spelling of Yun-seong's and Seung Mi-na's names! Please leave a comment and/or criticism in a review. I would greatly appreciate it - it would completely make my day.
The main reason I had been so slow was due to the lack of time over the spring and summer. Having a job and going to school at the same time is really tiring. Another reason is because of Raphael! He's such a difficult character for me to write! Again, I just hope he didn't seem too out of place given the circumstances he had to face.
At the rate I'm going at I'll never finish this story by the end of 2009 so here's hoping that it'll be complete in early 2010! Just a few more chapters to go! I can do it! I must!