Disclaimer: I do not own Soul Calibur, Soul Edge, Taki, Mitsurugi, Sophitia, Cassandra or Raphael.
These all belong to NAMCO. Such a pity--they won't let me have them. Oh well. But this fanfic is
mine.
Viator: By Your Side
The Sequel to Requietum:A Journey Home
by jin long
lycan11@yahoo.com
Chapter 6
Sophitia rode into the busy town that was clearly the last of its kind before the long way to the
borders of the Ottoman empire. The place was bustling with activity, and the answer as to why
came to Sophitia as soon as she went further into the town. It was market day, and a bazaar
was highly active, right smack in the middle of the town.
No better place to get supplies, Sophitia thought, dismounting from her horse and eagerly walking
down the street, browsing what the merchants had for sale as she kept her equine companion in
tow. Gods knew how far she still had to go to find Cassandra. Sophitia paused to look over
what one merchant had for sale.
The Greek felt the tip of a blade against her ribs, not firm enough to draw blood, but not to be
ignored either. The owner of the blade spoke evenly, in a deep and obviously masculine tone,
though Sophitia couldn't understand for the life of her what he said. But she could guess as she
slowly untied her coin purse from her belt and heard the thief snicker.
"This is what you want, I suppose?" Sophitia said, transferring the coin purse from her belt
to her right hand and holding it a bit to the front as she continued talking. "Please, don't hurt me,
okay?" the Greek continued, in mock fright. "I hope you understand me somehow..."
It was obvious that nobody noticed, and Sophitia knew that the ruffian's cloak hid the fact that he
had a dagger to the ribs of her right side. Still, if this fellow thought that she was going to let go
of her main means of economic survival on this journey that easily, he was dead wrong.
"Hehe." The thief reached over her left shoulder trying to get at the coin purse. Inadverdtedly,
the tip of his dagger eased away from Sophitia's side as he tried to get his prize. As soon as
Sophitia felt the blade brush against her arm, away from her prone ribs, she sprang into action
and quickly turned around, dropping the money bag as she slipped under the surprised cutpurse's
arm, safely away from his dagger.
Sophitia pushed against the thief's left shoulder with her palm, at the same time bumping into his
right hip with her own. Completing the motion, she swept the man's feet from under him and he
crashed to the ground, grunting with the impact and spewing what were obviously cuss words as he
tried to rise to his feet again.
Instead he stopped in a half-kneeling position as his eyes saw Sophitia's drawn sword at his throat.
"Thief!" Sophtia yelled. "Does anyone speak Greek?" she addressed the crowd.
"I... I do," she heard the merchant at whose stall she has paused.
"Good. Now go get whoever's in charge of law and order here," Sophitia quickly said, and the
merchant nodded, soon yelling at an errand boy, who took off and immediately returned with
two cloaked soldiers. The merchant pointed at the thief and Sophitia, and said something that
she didn't understand.
Soon the cutpurse was in the hands of the soldiers and was being hauled off, struggling terribly, as
Sophitia reached down to retrieve her coin purse and tie it back on her belt
"Pity," Sophitia heard the merchant say to her. "Thieves get their hands cut off around here, you
know."
"What?" Sophitia said, aghast. She'd only hoped to keep the ruffian from stealing her money and
that of others with her actions, not get someone harmed. "That's disgusting!" she replied to the
merchant.
"It's the law," the merchant finished. "Now then," he began, smiling, "What will you be needing from
my wares, miss?"
Sophitia arched an eyebrow at the merchant's indifference.
"Regular brutes, aren't they?"
Sophitia turned around to see a blonde-haired man, stately in appearance, obviously the
descendant of some aristocratic family. He had a rapier at his side, and a cool grin on his face.
"One second they'll try to steal your gold, another they'll cut the hands off a thief."
He sighed, then looked at her, beaming. "You were quite impressive back there, miss. It was my
first encounter with a woman who knew how to defend herself."
The Greek grinned as she handed over some coins and accepted a package from the merchant.
"Flatterer. Then again, I would suppose that most ladies of your class have others act in their
defense too often for them to even consider taking up the sword," she said.
The man grinned. "Perhaps that is the case. I was inclined to act in your defense, but as things
were, it was obviously not essential."
Then he slapped his forehead, remembering something. "Do forgive me, miss, I have forgotten my
manners out of my fascination with your capabilities." He bowed slightly, then rose and introduced
himself.
"I am Raphael Sorel, of France. And you, my lady are?"
Sophitia put her purchases into her saddlebag before she answered. "Sophitia. I am from Greece."
She closed the saddlebag, preparing to walk away. "Do tell me," she began, "How is it that you
speak Greek so well?"
"I could ask you a question myself," replied Raphael. "How is it that you took up the sword?" Then
he paused. "Ah," he continued. perhaps an inn, maybe? The street is not a proper place for
conversation."
---------------------------------
The inn was busy, as all good ones were. Travellers, mostly those from the desert regions of the
Ottoman empire bustled about, some clamouring for a room, others taking in too much alcohol,
some taking a meal before travelling yet again.
Sophitia watched them all, taking occasional sips from her mug of sweet yet dry wine. She was
kind of tired, she had to admit. It had been about a week's worth of travel from Greece to here,
with not too many stops for rest. Sophitia sighed--it certainly was difficult trying to locate
Cassandra. Gods knew where in the world she was now.
Or how she was now.
Sophitia took another swig from the mug. One day of rest should be enough, she mused. One
day to rest, then travelling once more.
"I was required to learn it. A classical language, my father said. Though I didn't quite see the
use for it till now," the Raphael said, answering her earlier question, grinning as he sipped from
his mug. "And it was not as ancient as I thought. Somehow it still serves a purpose these days."
He put his cup down. "So, what's a lady like you doing all the way out here in the Ottomans'
realm?" Rapahael asked, taking a sip from his mug and stretching back a bit. "I take it you're on
some quest or something, silly as it may sound, since you carry weapons and seem quite able to
deal with whatever gets in your way."
Sophitia grinned. "I'd be glad to answer your question, but first I'd like to know what you're doing
here yourself," she said, placing her mug on the table with both hands gripping it. "Not to be rude,
but I am a rather private person, if you will," she continued, "and it's not often that one sees
someone obviously of some breeding travelling on his own, at least as far as my journeying has
shown me."
Raphael didn't seem miffed, Sophitia noted, as he put his mug down, ran a hand through his hair
then spoke. "Well, alright then, I'll tell you. Though I am a tad apprehensive, so please, bear with
me if what I say should seem juvenile," the Frenchman replied.
"Oh, not a problem. I do have a generous amount of patience," Sophitia said. "Please."
"Have you heard of Soul Edge?" the Frenchman began.
"Yes, though isn't it simply a figment of children's imagination? Something like a story that mothers
use to scare children into doing what they should?" Sophitia asked, hoping that she was masking
the fact that she actually had encountered it before.
"Well, it would seem that way. But you'd be surprised." Raphael put his mug down on the table and
gestured with emphasis, saying. "I happened to find a letter in my library talking about the rumor
of the Evil Seed. I assume you're familiar with this tale?"
"Yes... it is said that the Evil Seed is sort of like Soul Edge's child."
"Correct! And do you know exactly what Soul Edge is?" the Frenchman continued.
"Not really," Sophitia lied.
"It is a blade that drives one insane. Yet, in exchange, it grants whoever wields it the utmost
power. Though the same could be said of one's position in life," Raphael added with some hint of
distaste. "Kind of like the way the nobility grows mad with power these days."
Sophitia thought for a moment. "You pursue the blade?" she finally asked.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"For its power," the Frenchman replied.
Sophitia stared at him for a moment, then looked away and smiled a wan smile. No different from
before, she thought to herself. It's always the same reason. Everyone always wants power, some
control over anything.
I must admit, Sophitia thought, that sometimes I've had the same thoughts. But isn't the important
thing why they want such power? No... the end doesn't justify the means. Especially not with Soul
Edge. But why would Raphael here seek power? Doesn't one of his standing have enough of it?
"You know very well the tale of the Evil Seed and what part Soul Edge played, I assume?" she
began. "You are aware that some call it the sword of evil?"
Raphael nodded. "Yes. I have, actually," he said. "I happened to meet another traveller, a woman
of the faraway Ming empire by her appearance. She had much knowledge on the subject, and we
talked at length about it." Raphael tapped his chin with one finger. "Yes, a woman... and a man
who also appeared to be from the Ming..."
Then Raphael trailed off, and his eyes looked upwards, obviously lost in thought. After a couple of
seconds, his brow furrowed and he looked back at her. "I... well, most likely so, but still... Sophitia,
would you happen to have a sister?"
A sister? Sophitia's eyes widened. Here at last was probably some clue as to where Cassandra was.
She'd been hoping to find one, just one. Cassandra's trail had begun to grow cold by the time she'd
managed to reach the desert regions, but now... Now it was quite possible that she would be able to
trace Cassandra's whereabouts from here on.
"Yes! Yes I do!" Sophitia said, with hardly concealed excitement. "I... Why do you ask?" she asked,
trying to calm herself down.
"There was this other girl with that man and woman from the Ming empire." Raphael gestured at
Sophitia's shield, which was lying on the table within arm's reach of the Greek. "She had a shield
of the same make, and the insignia was pretty similar. Also," the Frenchman continued, gesturing
towards Sophitia, "you kind of remind me of her."
Yes! It was certain. Cassandra had passed through the area. Now where had she gone? What
direction? And with who?
"Did she say where she was headed?" Sophitia asked, itching to pursue her sister as soon as
possible.
"Not really. She more or less just followed the man and woman from the Ming empire."
"Where did they go then?"
Raphael placed a finger on his chin. "As soon as they heard about fighting in the east, they decided
to go there. Somewhere near these places called Buda and Pest." He scratched the back of his
head. "Don't know why they would think of going there. The Ottomans are everywhere and-"
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Sophitia said, quickly gathering her shield and strapping it to her
back. Placing a few coins on the table, she turned to leave, blurting out, "My apologies! But I must
go now! I can't lose track of her."
"Not a problem. But hey... about those two from the Ming empire," Raphael began, but Sophitia
was out of earshot, and seconds later galloped by the entrance to the inn on her horse. Obviously,
she had not intention of staying any second longer.
The Frenchman shrugged, then turned his attention back to his drink. "Funny thing about those two
from the Ming empire," Raphael murmured to himself.
"They both spoke Greek."
-------------------------
to be continued...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
sorry if it takes me some time to update. the school year is just about ending where i'm from, and
i - am - SWAMPED with all sorts of things to do and report on, and i haven't quite been able to
make time to write more chapters for viator. plus, my mind is kind of taxed trying to study, so,
you get the idea.
rest assured, the story has a couple more chapters in the works so far, so i will be updating. just
not as quick as some people would like though, but i will.
that's 'bout it.
jin long
These all belong to NAMCO. Such a pity--they won't let me have them. Oh well. But this fanfic is
mine.
Viator: By Your Side
The Sequel to Requietum:A Journey Home
by jin long
lycan11@yahoo.com
Chapter 6
Sophitia rode into the busy town that was clearly the last of its kind before the long way to the
borders of the Ottoman empire. The place was bustling with activity, and the answer as to why
came to Sophitia as soon as she went further into the town. It was market day, and a bazaar
was highly active, right smack in the middle of the town.
No better place to get supplies, Sophitia thought, dismounting from her horse and eagerly walking
down the street, browsing what the merchants had for sale as she kept her equine companion in
tow. Gods knew how far she still had to go to find Cassandra. Sophitia paused to look over
what one merchant had for sale.
The Greek felt the tip of a blade against her ribs, not firm enough to draw blood, but not to be
ignored either. The owner of the blade spoke evenly, in a deep and obviously masculine tone,
though Sophitia couldn't understand for the life of her what he said. But she could guess as she
slowly untied her coin purse from her belt and heard the thief snicker.
"This is what you want, I suppose?" Sophitia said, transferring the coin purse from her belt
to her right hand and holding it a bit to the front as she continued talking. "Please, don't hurt me,
okay?" the Greek continued, in mock fright. "I hope you understand me somehow..."
It was obvious that nobody noticed, and Sophitia knew that the ruffian's cloak hid the fact that he
had a dagger to the ribs of her right side. Still, if this fellow thought that she was going to let go
of her main means of economic survival on this journey that easily, he was dead wrong.
"Hehe." The thief reached over her left shoulder trying to get at the coin purse. Inadverdtedly,
the tip of his dagger eased away from Sophitia's side as he tried to get his prize. As soon as
Sophitia felt the blade brush against her arm, away from her prone ribs, she sprang into action
and quickly turned around, dropping the money bag as she slipped under the surprised cutpurse's
arm, safely away from his dagger.
Sophitia pushed against the thief's left shoulder with her palm, at the same time bumping into his
right hip with her own. Completing the motion, she swept the man's feet from under him and he
crashed to the ground, grunting with the impact and spewing what were obviously cuss words as he
tried to rise to his feet again.
Instead he stopped in a half-kneeling position as his eyes saw Sophitia's drawn sword at his throat.
"Thief!" Sophtia yelled. "Does anyone speak Greek?" she addressed the crowd.
"I... I do," she heard the merchant at whose stall she has paused.
"Good. Now go get whoever's in charge of law and order here," Sophitia quickly said, and the
merchant nodded, soon yelling at an errand boy, who took off and immediately returned with
two cloaked soldiers. The merchant pointed at the thief and Sophitia, and said something that
she didn't understand.
Soon the cutpurse was in the hands of the soldiers and was being hauled off, struggling terribly, as
Sophitia reached down to retrieve her coin purse and tie it back on her belt
"Pity," Sophitia heard the merchant say to her. "Thieves get their hands cut off around here, you
know."
"What?" Sophitia said, aghast. She'd only hoped to keep the ruffian from stealing her money and
that of others with her actions, not get someone harmed. "That's disgusting!" she replied to the
merchant.
"It's the law," the merchant finished. "Now then," he began, smiling, "What will you be needing from
my wares, miss?"
Sophitia arched an eyebrow at the merchant's indifference.
"Regular brutes, aren't they?"
Sophitia turned around to see a blonde-haired man, stately in appearance, obviously the
descendant of some aristocratic family. He had a rapier at his side, and a cool grin on his face.
"One second they'll try to steal your gold, another they'll cut the hands off a thief."
He sighed, then looked at her, beaming. "You were quite impressive back there, miss. It was my
first encounter with a woman who knew how to defend herself."
The Greek grinned as she handed over some coins and accepted a package from the merchant.
"Flatterer. Then again, I would suppose that most ladies of your class have others act in their
defense too often for them to even consider taking up the sword," she said.
The man grinned. "Perhaps that is the case. I was inclined to act in your defense, but as things
were, it was obviously not essential."
Then he slapped his forehead, remembering something. "Do forgive me, miss, I have forgotten my
manners out of my fascination with your capabilities." He bowed slightly, then rose and introduced
himself.
"I am Raphael Sorel, of France. And you, my lady are?"
Sophitia put her purchases into her saddlebag before she answered. "Sophitia. I am from Greece."
She closed the saddlebag, preparing to walk away. "Do tell me," she began, "How is it that you
speak Greek so well?"
"I could ask you a question myself," replied Raphael. "How is it that you took up the sword?" Then
he paused. "Ah," he continued. perhaps an inn, maybe? The street is not a proper place for
conversation."
---------------------------------
The inn was busy, as all good ones were. Travellers, mostly those from the desert regions of the
Ottoman empire bustled about, some clamouring for a room, others taking in too much alcohol,
some taking a meal before travelling yet again.
Sophitia watched them all, taking occasional sips from her mug of sweet yet dry wine. She was
kind of tired, she had to admit. It had been about a week's worth of travel from Greece to here,
with not too many stops for rest. Sophitia sighed--it certainly was difficult trying to locate
Cassandra. Gods knew where in the world she was now.
Or how she was now.
Sophitia took another swig from the mug. One day of rest should be enough, she mused. One
day to rest, then travelling once more.
"I was required to learn it. A classical language, my father said. Though I didn't quite see the
use for it till now," the Raphael said, answering her earlier question, grinning as he sipped from
his mug. "And it was not as ancient as I thought. Somehow it still serves a purpose these days."
He put his cup down. "So, what's a lady like you doing all the way out here in the Ottomans'
realm?" Rapahael asked, taking a sip from his mug and stretching back a bit. "I take it you're on
some quest or something, silly as it may sound, since you carry weapons and seem quite able to
deal with whatever gets in your way."
Sophitia grinned. "I'd be glad to answer your question, but first I'd like to know what you're doing
here yourself," she said, placing her mug on the table with both hands gripping it. "Not to be rude,
but I am a rather private person, if you will," she continued, "and it's not often that one sees
someone obviously of some breeding travelling on his own, at least as far as my journeying has
shown me."
Raphael didn't seem miffed, Sophitia noted, as he put his mug down, ran a hand through his hair
then spoke. "Well, alright then, I'll tell you. Though I am a tad apprehensive, so please, bear with
me if what I say should seem juvenile," the Frenchman replied.
"Oh, not a problem. I do have a generous amount of patience," Sophitia said. "Please."
"Have you heard of Soul Edge?" the Frenchman began.
"Yes, though isn't it simply a figment of children's imagination? Something like a story that mothers
use to scare children into doing what they should?" Sophitia asked, hoping that she was masking
the fact that she actually had encountered it before.
"Well, it would seem that way. But you'd be surprised." Raphael put his mug down on the table and
gestured with emphasis, saying. "I happened to find a letter in my library talking about the rumor
of the Evil Seed. I assume you're familiar with this tale?"
"Yes... it is said that the Evil Seed is sort of like Soul Edge's child."
"Correct! And do you know exactly what Soul Edge is?" the Frenchman continued.
"Not really," Sophitia lied.
"It is a blade that drives one insane. Yet, in exchange, it grants whoever wields it the utmost
power. Though the same could be said of one's position in life," Raphael added with some hint of
distaste. "Kind of like the way the nobility grows mad with power these days."
Sophitia thought for a moment. "You pursue the blade?" she finally asked.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"For its power," the Frenchman replied.
Sophitia stared at him for a moment, then looked away and smiled a wan smile. No different from
before, she thought to herself. It's always the same reason. Everyone always wants power, some
control over anything.
I must admit, Sophitia thought, that sometimes I've had the same thoughts. But isn't the important
thing why they want such power? No... the end doesn't justify the means. Especially not with Soul
Edge. But why would Raphael here seek power? Doesn't one of his standing have enough of it?
"You know very well the tale of the Evil Seed and what part Soul Edge played, I assume?" she
began. "You are aware that some call it the sword of evil?"
Raphael nodded. "Yes. I have, actually," he said. "I happened to meet another traveller, a woman
of the faraway Ming empire by her appearance. She had much knowledge on the subject, and we
talked at length about it." Raphael tapped his chin with one finger. "Yes, a woman... and a man
who also appeared to be from the Ming..."
Then Raphael trailed off, and his eyes looked upwards, obviously lost in thought. After a couple of
seconds, his brow furrowed and he looked back at her. "I... well, most likely so, but still... Sophitia,
would you happen to have a sister?"
A sister? Sophitia's eyes widened. Here at last was probably some clue as to where Cassandra was.
She'd been hoping to find one, just one. Cassandra's trail had begun to grow cold by the time she'd
managed to reach the desert regions, but now... Now it was quite possible that she would be able to
trace Cassandra's whereabouts from here on.
"Yes! Yes I do!" Sophitia said, with hardly concealed excitement. "I... Why do you ask?" she asked,
trying to calm herself down.
"There was this other girl with that man and woman from the Ming empire." Raphael gestured at
Sophitia's shield, which was lying on the table within arm's reach of the Greek. "She had a shield
of the same make, and the insignia was pretty similar. Also," the Frenchman continued, gesturing
towards Sophitia, "you kind of remind me of her."
Yes! It was certain. Cassandra had passed through the area. Now where had she gone? What
direction? And with who?
"Did she say where she was headed?" Sophitia asked, itching to pursue her sister as soon as
possible.
"Not really. She more or less just followed the man and woman from the Ming empire."
"Where did they go then?"
Raphael placed a finger on his chin. "As soon as they heard about fighting in the east, they decided
to go there. Somewhere near these places called Buda and Pest." He scratched the back of his
head. "Don't know why they would think of going there. The Ottomans are everywhere and-"
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Sophitia said, quickly gathering her shield and strapping it to her
back. Placing a few coins on the table, she turned to leave, blurting out, "My apologies! But I must
go now! I can't lose track of her."
"Not a problem. But hey... about those two from the Ming empire," Raphael began, but Sophitia
was out of earshot, and seconds later galloped by the entrance to the inn on her horse. Obviously,
she had not intention of staying any second longer.
The Frenchman shrugged, then turned his attention back to his drink. "Funny thing about those two
from the Ming empire," Raphael murmured to himself.
"They both spoke Greek."
-------------------------
to be continued...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
sorry if it takes me some time to update. the school year is just about ending where i'm from, and
i - am - SWAMPED with all sorts of things to do and report on, and i haven't quite been able to
make time to write more chapters for viator. plus, my mind is kind of taxed trying to study, so,
you get the idea.
rest assured, the story has a couple more chapters in the works so far, so i will be updating. just
not as quick as some people would like though, but i will.
that's 'bout it.
jin long