=The Convergence =
Part I
Two and a half months later, late midnight at the mountainous region of Carpathia, Romania,
Talim shouted, "Magandang gabi po!" Nobody greeted back; instead they ignored her. Yunsung has changed his costume by wearing the blue-green armor and green pants, while Taki still wore her red costume. She warned the girl,
"Be careful, the people around here aren't so friendly to the strangers…" The Korean asked,
"Why is that? Do we look strange?" The former Fu-Ma ninja paused before she continued,
"Not exactly, but people here believe the region once belonged to the powerful prince named Vlad Tepes…" Talim listened to her story attentively, while walking to the keeper. She asked,
"Ate, go on…" Taki merely turned to the keeper, asking,
"Sir, do you have the vacant rooms?" The gray bearded man stared with suspicion, and then he said gruffly,
"Two rooms on the second floor…" He threw the keys to her without turning back,
"Here are the keys…" The ninja took it, while Yunsung commented the attitude,
"Well, I think that is rude…"
"You can't blame them…the fear of nosferatu still strong here…" Now the Filipino girl was confused,
"Ate, what is a nosferatu?" Taki glanced to her,
"Nosferatu means the living dead…we calls it akuma or kyuuketsuki. The people refers it as vampire, a blood-sucking creature…" Talim hushed,
"Parang tiyanak? Meron pa rin dito?"
The red-haired youth shocked with the explanation,
"Then they think we're…how can these people believe the superstitious things like that? I thought you've said that Europe is a civilized continent…" The ninja replied,
"What I've say still stands, but it doesn't mean all Europeans are civilized…there is some place where the ignorance prevails…" When they were close to the upstairs, she added,
"Being civilized isn't mean an excuse to do anything you're pleased…" Talim nodded; she had seen the consequences of the civilization in her country: exploitation and oppression. Then her father's words echoed in her head,
You'll carry our name once outside, so show to them what you are really…
As they went upstairs, a band of tough men passed them. They wore the fur coats and hats. One of them was ogled Taki's curvaceous body, and suddenly slapped her behind in a split second. For a moment, everything looked fine as the men continued to the tavern. However, the ninja stopped and turned to the men with furious and disgusted look. Realizing something wrong, Talim asked,
"Ate, what's wrong?" With calm façade, the pony-tailed woman said to her and Yunsung,
"Both of you go first, I have something to take care…" Yunsung wanted to protest, but her fierce stare made him changing his mind. As they continued to their room, Taki went back to the tavern.
Inside the tavern, the same men were enjoying themselves. They drunk and laughed raucously. The burly man sat at the chair, while his companions made fun with the local women. Then he saw a black, pony-tailed woman stood in front of her. She was smug to her unpleasantly. The man called,
"Hello, dear…are you cares to join us?" Taki stared her unflinchingly, while speak in the firm tone,
"I demand an apologize! You have acted insolently to me and I demand your apologize…" Instantly, everyone was silent. Instead, the man laughed back,
"Oh, that one…well, my answer is…Nyet!" His companions laughed simultaneously. Yet, the ninja continued,
"You have one minute to apologize or else…" Undaunted, the man rose from his chair. He was slightly taller than the Japanese woman. He stared her like the beast stared its prey. He stated,
"My dear, why should I apologize? Beside, your body is making my blood hot…" He reached to the breast; suddenly Taki kneed his crotch very hard. As the Russian howled in pain, she jumped to his back and propelled very high before she was coming down and crashing him to the floor. The burly man's companions were alarmed and immediately surrounded her, while the people inside ran away. Slowly, the man rose angrily,
"Bolzhemoi, you'll sorry for that…" As the answer, the ninja swiped him at the face, and uppercut him with Rekki-maru. Instead of using her ninjato, she took a bottle and smashed it to his face. Another Russian roared and charged her from behind, but she jumped backward and placed the dull side of Rekki-maru to her opponent's throat. Then she rolled backward, choking the poor man. Enraged, the other tried to grab her. Yet she anticipated that by sent a standing shin kick, followed by an overhead arc kick. She kicked the rest with her spinning kick, throwing them to every direction. At the same time, the burly Russian had brandished a broad sabre with the elevated edge, making it almost like L. He growled,
"B@#$, I will cut your beautiful body into pieces and give them to the wolves outside…" Unimpressed, Taki taunted,
"Don't waste my time, let's go!" As the man swung his weapon, she crouched and sent a low sweep to his legs. When her opponent fell, she caught his neck with her right leg and twisted it forcefully to face him. The Russian became pale as snow when he saw she put her ninjato to his neck. He struggled but unable to move. Taki asked again,
"This is your last chance…apologize or…taste the consequences!" The man shouted nervously,
"You've won! I give up! I apologize for slapping your behind! I apologize!! I meant it!" Satisfied, she threw him crashing the window. The other Russians hurriedly followed their friends outside. Then the ninja went to the frightened bartender and threw the gold coins,
"This is for the repair…I'm terribly sorry for what happened…" As she left, the black-cloaked figure watched what happened in the tavern. Moreover, the strange aura that came from her lower ninjato attracted its attention and it sensed the same yearning feeling…yet it went outside and followed those Russians.
Next morning at Raphael's mansion,
Amy entered the library silently. She pushed the large door slowly and slips inside. The girl looked around and saw someone sat close to the partially curtained window, but she couldn't see the person since the chair turned backward. Then someone called,
"Who is it?" Amy startled, yet she asked politely,
"Monsieur Soir, did you see Papa? I'm looking for him…" Nightmare replied,
"You must be Raphael's daughter…no, I don't see him…" The voice didn't harsh like usual, but more human. Then the red-haired girl went closer,
"I'm not his real daughter, Papa took me as her daughter…"
"Ah, I see then. He must be the luckiest man…" Then the knight called her,
"Little girl, come closer, so I can see your face…" Before the girl went closer, Raphael shouted loudly,
"Amy!!" The girl surprised and turned to him immediately. He stared her seriously, yet sweat dotted his brows. Then he asked sternly,
"Amy, do I tell you to not enter the library without my permission?" Amy couldn't answer for a while, until she said,
"I can't find you, Papa…that's why I go to the library, I thought you're there…" Feeling sorry, the young master knelt and held the girl's face. Then he spoke gently,
"I'm always here for you…now go to your room. Lumiere will prepare lunch for both of us…" Amy nodded and went outside. After she gone, Nightmare said,
"You don't have to do that, I won't harm her…" The French was unconvinced, yet he decided to divert the subject,
"It seems not like you, Sir…is there anything I can help?" When the knight turned, Raphael was taken aback with what he saw. Nightmare had discarded his azure armor for the first time. Instead a monster, he saw a forlorn-looking youth. His blond hair mixed with reddish strands. The crimson eyes has gone and replaced with the sad blue eyes. While the left portion of his body looked like a normal human, the deformed right arm still remained. Raphael couldn't hold his revulsion when the red eye at the right chest of the man stared him. Everything was silent until Nightmare broke it,
"You're the only one who see my true form…" The French stammered,
"Who…I mean, what are you?" The man who were once called Siegfried Schtauffen sighed heavily,
"I was once a man, like you…until my past sins drives me to find Soul Edge as the only mean for my redemption…" He turned to the accursed sword at his right hand,
"I never dream to be a nightmare to the world…but then the dream becomes real…"
"I'm tired of this endless torture, but I can't stop until Soul Edge is satisfied…what I wanted is to be a human again…" Raphael said sympathetically,
"I don't know that…I thought Astaroth is your only friend…" Nightmare turned to the French with displeasure, gritting his teeth,
"That freak isn't my friend, for your information!! Like the rest, he just want Soul Blade for himself…unlike you, Raphael…" The French was stunned with the statement, as the knight continued,
"You're different… Soul Edge is not your objective. I could have killed you, but then you welcomed me into your house, while nobody wanted me…you are befriended me, while nobody were afraid of me…" Then he turned to the window,
"Once Soul Edge has complete, I shall be whole again…and you have nothing to fear from me. I wished she would understand this…but then…forget it…" Raphael listened to Nightmare's ramblings for a while and then he excused himself for something. Once outside, his mind filled with inner turmoil,
Is this the feared Nightmare? A broken shell? How could I have been so wrong? He…trusted me, while I'm plotting mischief behind his back! He considers me as his friend! Then another voice came,
Steel yourself, Raphael! Is Soul Edge your main objective? Nightmare is pathetic; he doesn't deserve to have Soul Edge anymore! You must dispossess him! The French argued,
No, I won't do that! Deception is one thing, but treachery is another! I won't forfeit my honor by betraying Sir Nightmare…The voice mocked,
You've used him as a weapon against those pompous nobles, what is the difference between you and them? Then what happened if he doesn't want to hold Soul Edge anymore? Will you let it happen? How do you defend yourself once Nightmare has gone? Raphael went to his bedroom, as he struggled deep inside. He threw himself on the bed,
Are you really care of Amy? Will you let her to face uncertainty? Suddenly he tightened his fist, while saying,
"That's right! Amy's welfare and future is my concern! Nightmare doesn't deserve to hold such powerful weapon! I'll be the one in his stead…" A cold smile formed in his lips.
In order to win, I must lose my last shreds of honor…Then Lumiere called him,
"Monsieur Berthine…" The French was startled, yet he managed to control himself and asked the butler,
"What's going on, Lumiere?" The bearded man bowed,
"Monsieur, there is a young girl outside. She says that she's looking for a job here…"
Cassandra watched the mansion with amazement. Not even in Athens, she could see such luxury. Actually the fragment guided her to this place. Though her mind is full with misgivings, the girl decided to give the try. This time, she wore the green jacket with a butterfly knot on her neck, the leather thigh boots and had her short blond hair tied ponytail. She had hidden Nemea Shield and Omega Sword inside her sack. Inside she hoped that the owner of the mansion would accept her. Not for long, she saw a handsome looking man came out from the mansion. His blond hair looked bright and he was so dashing. For a moment, she struck by awe with his appearance until he asked her,
"Mademoiselle, may I know your name, please?" Startled, she quickly introduced herself,
"Bonjour, Monsieur…my name is Cassandra Alexandra and I'm coming from Athens…" The French nodded, before he took her right hand and kissed it gently,
"It is an honor to meet you, Mademoiselle Cassandra…what brings you very far to France?" Blushed, the Greek said,
"Er, I just want to find a work…to help my family in Athens…" Raphael had to admit that the young girl was quite beautiful. Then he took her hands again and said,
"Well, it seems you're used to be to work hard…let's see if we can use your help, Lumiere!" The butler went hurriedly to his master, asking,
"What is it, Monsieur?" The master turned to him,
"Do you think we can spare some help here? Mademoiselle Alexandra will be working here…" Lumiere bowed,
"As you wish, Monsieur," He turned to the Greek girl, "Come this way, Mademoiselle…" Cassandra couldn't let her sight away from Raphael, as Lumiere led her to the servant's quarter. Once away, she watched the place with worry and amazement. The mansion was so large and there were many people around here. She wondered how she could find the Evil Seed here. Silently, she prayed in her heart,
Pallas Athena, please show me the way to find the Soul Edge…At the same time, she smiled mischievously,
…and may Aphrodite and Cupid favor my choice…
Meanwhile at the huge chateau not far from Orleans, several nobles gathered around. A corpulent man sat lazily, while leaning to his staff. He wore the greenish coat and brown pants. The fox-faced man with purple coat looked impatient, and he addressed,
"Comte Duc Salle, the mysterious killings had continued for two and a half months and yet the King ignored our pleas…" The corpulent man answered,
"May I remind you, Le Sorel? The King is confident that we can handle this minor problem…" The fox-faced man retorted,
"Minor, you say? Those who killed our soldiers and brigands aren't the ordinary people…tell me, how could they took the well-armed soldiers with ease? The survivors told us that they were impervious to the bullets, even the cannon…" Duc Salle's eye twitched, before he replied back,
"Do you think I'm worry about that? Not only us, the peasants began to afraid as well. The only consolation for them is those murderers don't picked them, only the soldiers and brigands…" It didn't make Marquis Le Sorel felt comfortable, as his fellow nobles looked skeptic. The aged noble continued,
"I have my own solution for that…however, it seems you aren't agree with that! Why? Are you scared with your lost cousin?" Le Sorel gritted his teeth,
"That's not your concern! If the King don't want to send the Royal Army to deal with this matter, let me deal this with my own way!!" After saying so, the Marquis stormed from the hall, accompanied by some people. Duc Salle sighed out, until someone spoke,
"It is pity that Marquis Le Sorel don't want to follow your suggestion… I thought the Sorel Family is well-known with their decisiveness," The voice came from a woman with a purple rosy gown. The gown almost revealed her breast cleavage, while her white hair styled to the usual fashion during the time. She held a purple-feathered fan in front of her face. The French spoke haltingly, trying to control himself as he watched her chest,
"You're probably heard the rumors, my dear…they have internal strife inside, which is common in the nobles. Like in England…" The woman replied,
"That can be settled easily, for now we must concentrate on the knight who wear the azure armor…"
"You're quite perceptive, Countess Valentine! I salute with your resourcefulness," Hearing that, Isabella Valentine folded the fan and offered her usual cold smile to Duc Salle,
"Those who are resourceful are the one who wins a war…"
Three days later, close to border of Germany,
Sophitia sat close to the bonfire, while Link gathered the firewood. They caught a rabbit and a wild fowl, and then roasted them. She stared the elf with curiosity. Being stared like that, Link was uncomfortable,
"Princess Sophitia… why are you staring me?" The Greek woman surprised, yet she asked back,
"Link, may I know why you are here? I never heard the place called Hyrule," The young elf sighed, after he put the firewood into the bonfire. He began his story,
"Hyrule is a different world, not like Europe, my princess. The people there never know war like here, yet the evil does exist. I had fought an evil magician in order to restore peace, only to found out that he wasn't the one who are responsible. The evil sword named Soul Edge, was the real culprit…" Sophitia gasped in shock; she knew what Soul Edge is capable of, but it was beyond her understanding that the accursed sword can affect another world like Link's place as well. The elf continued,
"To ensure the peace, I must go to your world to destroy the Soul Edge, by then the peace shall be restored again…" The blond woman spoke,
"Then our quest is same, Link of Hyrule! To destroy that damned sword for good…" Link didn't respond; instead he expressed his wonder with words,
"That's nice, Princess Sophitia, but I do believe that you're having your own reason to pursue Soul Edge…" Sophitia was silenced with the comment; the elf spoke truthfully. She pursued Soul Edge to save her children who had been afflicted by its evil power and at the same time, finding Cassandra back. It seemed insignificant with Link's objective, but then they were the same. The sword gave nothing but misery and despair; only the pure-hearted warriors realized the only way to help them was destroying the sword. A moment later, Link rose and went to the other direction. Surprised, the Greek asked,
"Link, where are you going?" He answered casually,
"I'm going to catch a wild animal. Don't worry, Princess! I won't be long…"
Once away from Sophitia, the elf sneaked among the bushes silently. It was easy for him, since he always doing that to surprise Zelda. Then he saw a mysterious figure not far from their place. Stepped lightly on the ground, he went closer until he accidentally cracked a dead twig. To his shock, the figure instantly swung a glaive toward him. Instinctively, he blocked the attack with Hylian Shield and countered the attack with a hard vertical slash. The attacker shouted, before performed two horizontal attacks to him and sidestepped his attack,
"Gale Feint!" The impact staggered them, yet both were able to put themselves into attacking stance. Now Link could see the attacker clearly; it was an Asian girl with braided hair and a revealing red costume. Wasting no time, he asked her,
"Who are you? Why do you watching us?" Instead, the girl replied vehemently,
"Jerk, what are you doing with Sophitia?" Link replied in his usual style,
"Excuuuse me! I am not a jerk and I'm protecting Princess Sophitia from the people like you!" She smirked,
"Looks like we'll have to settle this the hard way!" Then she added a mocking smile, "Don't worry, it'll be over soon!" Unfazed, the elf answered,
"Sorry, but you will be the one who fall first…"
"Okay! Let's go! Blunting Kick!" The girl slashed horizontally toward Link, and then followed by the roundhouse kick. The young elf evaded the attack and rolled forward, bringing his sword to the opponent. Yet, the mysterious girl swung her glaive turnaround. The maneuver was enough to force Link to take a safe distance from her. The girl didn't stop her attack; she followed it with a backhand swing. Again, the elf rolled away and took a boomerang from his pocket,
"Boomerang Stance!" The girl saw the boomerang was flying toward her when she charged. Swiftly, she performed an overhead slash, which knocking out the boomerang. Before she followed it with chest stab, the elf caught her left hand and twisted it into the odd angle. Gritting her teeth, she countered the attack by grabbing the opponent's shoulder with her free hand. Soon they were locked each other, unable to break the hold. As the fight raged, Sophitia entered the fray and surprised with what she saw. She shouted with commanding voice,
"Stop it, both of you!" Everyone was stunned with her appearance, yet they didn't let their embrace off. Then she called,
"Mina, is that you? Why are you here?" Seung Mina asked back, while her arm still wrenched by her opponent,
"Sophie…what are you doing with this long-eared jerk?" The remarks stung Link, who shouted irritably,
"Excuse me!! I am an elf and how many times I've told you that I'm not a JERK!" The Korean girl retorted,
"You are if you aren't going to let my arm go!!" Before the verbal fight broke, the Greek shouted aloud,
"Stop it now!! Yes, I talk to both of you!!" Sophitia turned to the elf,
"Link, this is Seung Mina from Choson Peninsula and she is my friend…Mina, this is Link of Hyrule. Now would you let off the hold, please?" Though half-doubtful, Mina let her grip off. The elf returned the favor by releasing the twist. While stretching his pained shoulder, he said,
"If you aren't the friend of Princess Sophitia, I wouldn't let you go…" Mina almost lashed him back, if Sophitia didn't pull her. The Greek stared her,
"Mina, you have not answer my question," Smiling sheepishly, the Korean girl answered,
"I was looking for the Sword of Salvation, Sophie…" The blond girl gasped in shock,
"I thought Hwang had told you that the sword was evil!" Mina merely scratched her head,
"Well, he hasn't! He dragged me back to home, but forgot to tell me the whole story. Beside, I also look for Yunsung. He also looking for the sword like me…" Shaking her head tiredly, Sophitia realized that Mina didn't mean anything harm. After sighing for relief, she said,
"Then our objective are same; I'm also looking for my sister Cassandra. Mina, why don't you join us?" The Korean didn't answer; she glanced the elf that stood quite a distance from them. She whispered,
"Where do you got him, Sophie? Had he not so rude, he's quite cute…" Facefaulted, the Greek replied,
"Er, that's a long story, Mina. Don't worry, he's very good…" The Korean smiled mischievously, patting the blond girl's shoulder,
"Pity, I already attached with Hwang…anyway, this is just like the old time, right?" Then Link called them,
"Princess Sophitia, the food is ready…Ask your friend to join us!" Sophitia nodded and turned to Mina,
"Come, Mina! Let's eat…" They went to the bonfire and ate their dinner. The stars adorned the night sky above them.
Back to Romania,
Taki was behind Talim and Yunsung, when they trailed the path that passes through the Carpathian Mountains. The trail would lead them to the border of Hungary. Not very far from the border, there was an abandoned castle. The people believed the castle once belonged to no other than Prince Vlad' the Impaler' Tepes. Though the Filipino girl begged to go to that place, she firmly refused, since they have no time to visit such terrible place.
While they walked before her, the ninja pondered something. Talim somehow reminded her to Sophitia,
Ah, her beloved Sophitia…Taki simply couldn't forget the Greek woman. They had developed a certain bond between them after their last adventure. How could she forget the moment when they kissed each other in the dark? Suddenly, she dismissed the thought instantly, turning her attention to the Korean youth and the Filipino girl who were talking to each other.
No doubt, Sophitia already has her own family with Rothion…what a lucky man…then she remembered her answer to Talim when they met for the first time,
Sorry, I don't like to baby-sit the children…she smiled with myrrh,
Look, Taki! What are you doing now? What does she says when she sees you now? No doubt, she would laugh and smile to her. After all, there was no difference between them now; both of them have a 'family'.
"Ate, ayos ka ba? You looks like daydreaming," The girl's words jerked Taki back to the reality. They were traveled across the trail at the Transylvania. Yunsung gave a suspicious glance,
"Ninja, are you all right? It is the first time I see you like this…" The pony-tailed woman replied absentmindedly,
"I'm fine…" Then she turned to them, "What's going on?"
The red-haired youth said, "Talim wants to collect some flowers around here. If you don't mind, I'm going to accompany her. This would take few minutes…" The ninja didn't like delay; the smart thing to do would be to continue walk until they found something about Soul Edge.
But why start doing the smart thing now? She sighed and said again,
"Fine, but don't too long…we must reach the Hungarian border before the sundown…" Talim nodded, before calling the Korean,
"Salamat, Ate Taki! Tara, Kuya Yunsung…" The youth retorted,
"How many times I tell you not to call me kooya?" As they chased each other, Taki simply laid herself on the grass, muttering slowly,
"Youngsters…"
Watching Talim and Yunsung from afar, Charade was certain that the ninja was completely alone. The right time to lay a trap…
Faraway, Talim gathered the flowers that she could find, while the Korean waited nearby. She called him,
"Sali na, Kuya! The flowers here is very beautiful…" Yunsung snorted only,
"Flowers are only for girls, not boys!" Ignoring him, the girl continued to gather the flowers. It reminded her to the annual festival of flowers at her place. In 'Pangabenga', she and her friends always gathered the various flowers and adorn themselves with those flowers before dancing with the wind. She picked the yellow flower, saying,
I'll take this for Ate Taki. Probably she will like it…
Before fell asleep, a clunking noise disturbed Taki's nap. At first, she tried to ignore it but no avail. Curious, she went to the direction of the noise. There the ninja saw the skeletal remains scattered around, it formed a circular pattern. Taki moved forward into the center. She knelt and examined the bone carefully. As she preoccupied, a fleshy core with the large eye rolled quite a distance from her. Taki pondered inside,
Strange, it is unusual to have animal skeleton around here…there is no sign of the predators around. Then how do these bones coming from? At the same time, the fleshy core slowly floated behind her and throbbed. Instantly, the scattered bones around there floated, surrounding the ninja tightly. Sensing something wrong, she pulled Rekki-maru. With one accord, the bones zoomed to her simultaneously. Instinctively, Taki pulled Reaping Hook; she performed a low, sweeping slash that sending the nearest bones away. She followed the maneuver with Bamboo Cutter, by slashing in circular arc. In the end, she deflected the attacking bones by using Blood Scroll. Rapid Destruction kick swept the rest away. Before she breathed a relief, one of the bones knocked her face squarely. Howled, she staggered backward, while holding her injured forehead. In retaliation, the ninja sent the horizontal slash to the offending objects. Once finished, Taki tried to open her right eye, but it was very painful and she could only see stars. She also had a bleeding scar at the right part of the forehead. Even so, she forced herself to see what next.
The bones gathered to the fleshy core and formed something akin to skeleton. Slowly but sure, they formed disproportionate limbs and finally a makeshift ribcage to encase the core inside. The eye stared the ninja, while throbbing rhythmically. If it had a mouth, it might laugh at her. She hissed furiously,
"Demon…" To her surprise, the creature's right limb has transformed into a broad blade with the elevated sharp edge. She recognized it as the weapon of the Russian who fought her three days ago,
How could this creature obtain that weapon? No doubt, those people have met the grisly end at its hand! She realized that she has a disadvantage. Her right eye seemed refuse to cooperate, while the painful sensation still stung deeply. But she was a ninja…though reneged from her clan! She wouldn't withdraw from the battle, no matter the situation. The injury wouldn't stop her! She refused to accept the karma like those Russians! Putting herself into an attacking stance, Taki spoke coldly to Charade,
"I don't care who you are, but I know from where you are…and I'll send you back there!" The creature replied with sending a vertical strike. Taki blocked the attack, and then shouted as she sent her attacks,
"Say your prayers, lost soul!" Three fast stabs went like a lightning, forcing the creature backward. Yet, she didn't forced the attack; instead taking a safe distance. She cried aloud. Instantly she jumped airborne and spun her body, before zooming to the opponent. Charade was ready, yet it didn't expect the ninja to land behind it. Wasting no time, she slashed horizontally, knocking the creature to the ground. Though cornered, the creature that spawned from the fragments of Soul Edge, rose in no time and turned to her. In addition of the blade, it added a claw weapon at left limb. Charging again, it performed 2 horizontal slashes, followed by a huge vertical chop. Taki countered it by performing Stalker stance. She jumped away, landing far from the opponent.
That was Nightmare's move! How could the creature learn it? Unless…it was coming from the Evil Seeds! Charade attacked again; this time it whipped its weapon while spun around. Once again, the ninja used Stalker to evade the attack. Realizing the gravity of the situation, she pondered,
To destroy the creature, I must use Exorcism at once…however it might mimic my movements! The only way to defeat it is to use a lightning attack…Possession Stance! Once made up her mind, she took the distance and prepared herself. When the creature attacked again, she sidestepped to left. With suddenness, she leaped to Charade's right side and slashed high. The creature was knocked very far with sudden attack. Giving no quarter, she followed the opponent. At the same time, her left hand pulled the lower ninjato. The unholy creature quickly crossed the blade and claw together. Taki slashed the left ninjato, while shouting,
"Mekki-maru's Darkness!!" As the enchanted sword went downward, it carried a flaming trail and impacted with the opponent's weapon. When the steels impacted, the sound was deafening. Charade was knocked farther from the ninja, and fell crumpled. Taki quickly sheathed Mekki- maru back, while staring to her opponent. The creature started to rise again, however it didn't attack her. It was stunned with the impact. Before it could recover, she already moved close to her and sent Assassin's Strike. Though taken aback, the creature managed to block low, only to be taken by her. As its defense open, the ninja shouted aloud as she sent three fast stabs,
"Burning Misery!" The suddenness of the attack left Charade to block with the blade, yet the weapon was shattered into pieces when impacted with Rekki-maru. Startled, it took three steps backward and stared the broken blade. Taki almost gloated in victory, if the pain on her head didn't remind her. She satisfied herself by smiling mockingly.
The creature immediately threw its broken blade away, but what surprised Taki was it threw its claw weapon too. To her amazement, another weapon has materialized on Charade's limbs. It was the spiked morning star and a scythe; the chain connected both. She cursed,
"Damn, now it becomes harder…" However, she was certain that her Possession stance could outwit the creature. Slowly, the fight continued. The creature whirled the morning star and swung it toward her. She avoided the strike, yet almost got cut in two when the scythe flew toward her. Once again, she performed Storm Scroll toward the opponent. When close to the favoring distance, she unsheathed Mekki-maru again and stroke closer. Anticipating that, Charade blocked the attack with the scythe. Failed, Taki attacked again with Dream Scroll; she planned to connect it with Exorcism. Before her attack reached the midsection, the creature sidestepped it unexpectedly. She cried aloud,
"No!!" Now she was open to the attack. Charade launched itself, hitting her at the head. Staggered backward, she felt the impact has aggravated her injury. As she tried to recover, the creature grabbed and threw her faraway. Yet, the ninja rolled to lessen the force. She saw the scythe coming, and blocked it with Mekki-maru, but then the chain entangled her left hand. As the creature pulled her closer, she gasped as the morning star flew in full speed toward her head. Instantly she lifted Rekki-maru at the right hand, however the spiked ball was extremely too close to be deflected away. She managed to whisper,
"Sophitia…" The sickening, crash sound echoed along the mountains…
Few hours later, Yunsung and Talim returned but they couldn't find Taki. The Korean complained,
"Great, she must leave us here and go by herself…" The Filipino replied, while carrying a bouquet of flowers,
"Huwag kang ganyan, Kuya! I'm sure Ate Taki won't leave us here…" She shouted,
"Ate Taki! Ate, where are you?" Impatient, the red-haired youth looked around, but there was nothing. Then he went to the nearest slope that leads to the foot of the hills. As he scanned the surrounding, something attracted his attention. He saw something colored in red below the hills. He went to see the object closer. Instantly, he exclaimed with utter shock,
"A-nio!!" Hearing him, Talim ran toward him and asked,
"Kuya, anong nangyayari? Do you see Ate Taki?"
Yunsung didn't answer her question; he simply stared something below blankly. When Talim went closer, she could not hold her shock. Instantly, the flowers fell from her hands. They saw Taki lying facedown below. Though the distance was too far, they could see blood splattered around her. Unable to hold her emotion, the young girl trailed downward to the ninja, screaming,
"Ate Taki!! Ate Taki!!!" Yunsung followed her down. Once there, they stood transfixed to the ninja's body. Talim shook the body tearfully, wishing this were only a dream,
"Ate Taki!! ATE TAKI!!!" She didn't answer. Shaking, the Korean turned her body around. They were frightened to saw what they saw. There was a large gash on Taki's head; blood smeared the right part of her face and her black hair was disheveled. Her eyes closed tightly. The girl broke into tears, crying,
"Patay na si Ate Taki…patay na siya,Kuya!" However, Yunsung shook her,
"Stop crying, Talim!! Crying won't bring her back!" It didn't stop Talim from crying; she still sobbed. Yunsung was at loss; he never saw the dead people like this one. Worse, he didn't know what to do in this situation. Slowly, he hugged the Filipino, trying to comfort her,
"Calm down, Talim…I know what you feel, however there is nothing we could do now…" Suddenly a weak moan slipped from the ninja's lips. Startled, they hurried to her. The red-haired youth checked her pulse and said cautiously,
"She's still alive…she isn't die…" Wiping her tears, Talim checked Taki's wrist and exclaimed,
"Tama, Kuya! Buhay pa siya! We must bring her to the safe place. I have some medicines in my sack…"
"You'd better hurry, or she will left us for good…" Immediately, Yunsung took the ninja's limp body and carried her on his back. The young girl followed him from behind, while carrying Rekki-maru. However they didn't realized that the lower sheath behind the ninja's back was empty…
Faraway, another ninjato dangled out from Charade's grip. Its purple aura glowed brighter…
To Be Continued
Author's note: Okay, this is the first. The second part will come whenever I had a spare time. If you find something not correct, just tell me! As usual, your critics (and flames) are welcome! See you!
Glossary:
Korean:
A-nio (No)
Filipino:
Magandang gabi po (good evening)
Parang (like)
Meron pa rin dito (there is too?)
Ayos ka ba (are you okay?)
Salamat (Thank you)
Tara (Come)
Sali na (Join)
Huwag kang ganyan (Don't be like that)
Anong nangyayari (What's going on?)
Patay (Dead)
Patay na siya (She/he is dead)
Tama (right)
Buhay pa siya (she/he is still alive)
Miscellaneous:
Nosferatu (Rom.)/Kyuuketsuki (Jap.)/Tiyanak (Fil.) = a blood-sucking creature; vampire, undead.
Akuma (Jap.)= devil
Pangabenga = the annual festival of flowers that celebrated in Baguio City, Philippines.
Part I
Two and a half months later, late midnight at the mountainous region of Carpathia, Romania,
Talim shouted, "Magandang gabi po!" Nobody greeted back; instead they ignored her. Yunsung has changed his costume by wearing the blue-green armor and green pants, while Taki still wore her red costume. She warned the girl,
"Be careful, the people around here aren't so friendly to the strangers…" The Korean asked,
"Why is that? Do we look strange?" The former Fu-Ma ninja paused before she continued,
"Not exactly, but people here believe the region once belonged to the powerful prince named Vlad Tepes…" Talim listened to her story attentively, while walking to the keeper. She asked,
"Ate, go on…" Taki merely turned to the keeper, asking,
"Sir, do you have the vacant rooms?" The gray bearded man stared with suspicion, and then he said gruffly,
"Two rooms on the second floor…" He threw the keys to her without turning back,
"Here are the keys…" The ninja took it, while Yunsung commented the attitude,
"Well, I think that is rude…"
"You can't blame them…the fear of nosferatu still strong here…" Now the Filipino girl was confused,
"Ate, what is a nosferatu?" Taki glanced to her,
"Nosferatu means the living dead…we calls it akuma or kyuuketsuki. The people refers it as vampire, a blood-sucking creature…" Talim hushed,
"Parang tiyanak? Meron pa rin dito?"
The red-haired youth shocked with the explanation,
"Then they think we're…how can these people believe the superstitious things like that? I thought you've said that Europe is a civilized continent…" The ninja replied,
"What I've say still stands, but it doesn't mean all Europeans are civilized…there is some place where the ignorance prevails…" When they were close to the upstairs, she added,
"Being civilized isn't mean an excuse to do anything you're pleased…" Talim nodded; she had seen the consequences of the civilization in her country: exploitation and oppression. Then her father's words echoed in her head,
You'll carry our name once outside, so show to them what you are really…
As they went upstairs, a band of tough men passed them. They wore the fur coats and hats. One of them was ogled Taki's curvaceous body, and suddenly slapped her behind in a split second. For a moment, everything looked fine as the men continued to the tavern. However, the ninja stopped and turned to the men with furious and disgusted look. Realizing something wrong, Talim asked,
"Ate, what's wrong?" With calm façade, the pony-tailed woman said to her and Yunsung,
"Both of you go first, I have something to take care…" Yunsung wanted to protest, but her fierce stare made him changing his mind. As they continued to their room, Taki went back to the tavern.
Inside the tavern, the same men were enjoying themselves. They drunk and laughed raucously. The burly man sat at the chair, while his companions made fun with the local women. Then he saw a black, pony-tailed woman stood in front of her. She was smug to her unpleasantly. The man called,
"Hello, dear…are you cares to join us?" Taki stared her unflinchingly, while speak in the firm tone,
"I demand an apologize! You have acted insolently to me and I demand your apologize…" Instantly, everyone was silent. Instead, the man laughed back,
"Oh, that one…well, my answer is…Nyet!" His companions laughed simultaneously. Yet, the ninja continued,
"You have one minute to apologize or else…" Undaunted, the man rose from his chair. He was slightly taller than the Japanese woman. He stared her like the beast stared its prey. He stated,
"My dear, why should I apologize? Beside, your body is making my blood hot…" He reached to the breast; suddenly Taki kneed his crotch very hard. As the Russian howled in pain, she jumped to his back and propelled very high before she was coming down and crashing him to the floor. The burly man's companions were alarmed and immediately surrounded her, while the people inside ran away. Slowly, the man rose angrily,
"Bolzhemoi, you'll sorry for that…" As the answer, the ninja swiped him at the face, and uppercut him with Rekki-maru. Instead of using her ninjato, she took a bottle and smashed it to his face. Another Russian roared and charged her from behind, but she jumped backward and placed the dull side of Rekki-maru to her opponent's throat. Then she rolled backward, choking the poor man. Enraged, the other tried to grab her. Yet she anticipated that by sent a standing shin kick, followed by an overhead arc kick. She kicked the rest with her spinning kick, throwing them to every direction. At the same time, the burly Russian had brandished a broad sabre with the elevated edge, making it almost like L. He growled,
"B@#$, I will cut your beautiful body into pieces and give them to the wolves outside…" Unimpressed, Taki taunted,
"Don't waste my time, let's go!" As the man swung his weapon, she crouched and sent a low sweep to his legs. When her opponent fell, she caught his neck with her right leg and twisted it forcefully to face him. The Russian became pale as snow when he saw she put her ninjato to his neck. He struggled but unable to move. Taki asked again,
"This is your last chance…apologize or…taste the consequences!" The man shouted nervously,
"You've won! I give up! I apologize for slapping your behind! I apologize!! I meant it!" Satisfied, she threw him crashing the window. The other Russians hurriedly followed their friends outside. Then the ninja went to the frightened bartender and threw the gold coins,
"This is for the repair…I'm terribly sorry for what happened…" As she left, the black-cloaked figure watched what happened in the tavern. Moreover, the strange aura that came from her lower ninjato attracted its attention and it sensed the same yearning feeling…yet it went outside and followed those Russians.
Next morning at Raphael's mansion,
Amy entered the library silently. She pushed the large door slowly and slips inside. The girl looked around and saw someone sat close to the partially curtained window, but she couldn't see the person since the chair turned backward. Then someone called,
"Who is it?" Amy startled, yet she asked politely,
"Monsieur Soir, did you see Papa? I'm looking for him…" Nightmare replied,
"You must be Raphael's daughter…no, I don't see him…" The voice didn't harsh like usual, but more human. Then the red-haired girl went closer,
"I'm not his real daughter, Papa took me as her daughter…"
"Ah, I see then. He must be the luckiest man…" Then the knight called her,
"Little girl, come closer, so I can see your face…" Before the girl went closer, Raphael shouted loudly,
"Amy!!" The girl surprised and turned to him immediately. He stared her seriously, yet sweat dotted his brows. Then he asked sternly,
"Amy, do I tell you to not enter the library without my permission?" Amy couldn't answer for a while, until she said,
"I can't find you, Papa…that's why I go to the library, I thought you're there…" Feeling sorry, the young master knelt and held the girl's face. Then he spoke gently,
"I'm always here for you…now go to your room. Lumiere will prepare lunch for both of us…" Amy nodded and went outside. After she gone, Nightmare said,
"You don't have to do that, I won't harm her…" The French was unconvinced, yet he decided to divert the subject,
"It seems not like you, Sir…is there anything I can help?" When the knight turned, Raphael was taken aback with what he saw. Nightmare had discarded his azure armor for the first time. Instead a monster, he saw a forlorn-looking youth. His blond hair mixed with reddish strands. The crimson eyes has gone and replaced with the sad blue eyes. While the left portion of his body looked like a normal human, the deformed right arm still remained. Raphael couldn't hold his revulsion when the red eye at the right chest of the man stared him. Everything was silent until Nightmare broke it,
"You're the only one who see my true form…" The French stammered,
"Who…I mean, what are you?" The man who were once called Siegfried Schtauffen sighed heavily,
"I was once a man, like you…until my past sins drives me to find Soul Edge as the only mean for my redemption…" He turned to the accursed sword at his right hand,
"I never dream to be a nightmare to the world…but then the dream becomes real…"
"I'm tired of this endless torture, but I can't stop until Soul Edge is satisfied…what I wanted is to be a human again…" Raphael said sympathetically,
"I don't know that…I thought Astaroth is your only friend…" Nightmare turned to the French with displeasure, gritting his teeth,
"That freak isn't my friend, for your information!! Like the rest, he just want Soul Blade for himself…unlike you, Raphael…" The French was stunned with the statement, as the knight continued,
"You're different… Soul Edge is not your objective. I could have killed you, but then you welcomed me into your house, while nobody wanted me…you are befriended me, while nobody were afraid of me…" Then he turned to the window,
"Once Soul Edge has complete, I shall be whole again…and you have nothing to fear from me. I wished she would understand this…but then…forget it…" Raphael listened to Nightmare's ramblings for a while and then he excused himself for something. Once outside, his mind filled with inner turmoil,
Is this the feared Nightmare? A broken shell? How could I have been so wrong? He…trusted me, while I'm plotting mischief behind his back! He considers me as his friend! Then another voice came,
Steel yourself, Raphael! Is Soul Edge your main objective? Nightmare is pathetic; he doesn't deserve to have Soul Edge anymore! You must dispossess him! The French argued,
No, I won't do that! Deception is one thing, but treachery is another! I won't forfeit my honor by betraying Sir Nightmare…The voice mocked,
You've used him as a weapon against those pompous nobles, what is the difference between you and them? Then what happened if he doesn't want to hold Soul Edge anymore? Will you let it happen? How do you defend yourself once Nightmare has gone? Raphael went to his bedroom, as he struggled deep inside. He threw himself on the bed,
Are you really care of Amy? Will you let her to face uncertainty? Suddenly he tightened his fist, while saying,
"That's right! Amy's welfare and future is my concern! Nightmare doesn't deserve to hold such powerful weapon! I'll be the one in his stead…" A cold smile formed in his lips.
In order to win, I must lose my last shreds of honor…Then Lumiere called him,
"Monsieur Berthine…" The French was startled, yet he managed to control himself and asked the butler,
"What's going on, Lumiere?" The bearded man bowed,
"Monsieur, there is a young girl outside. She says that she's looking for a job here…"
Cassandra watched the mansion with amazement. Not even in Athens, she could see such luxury. Actually the fragment guided her to this place. Though her mind is full with misgivings, the girl decided to give the try. This time, she wore the green jacket with a butterfly knot on her neck, the leather thigh boots and had her short blond hair tied ponytail. She had hidden Nemea Shield and Omega Sword inside her sack. Inside she hoped that the owner of the mansion would accept her. Not for long, she saw a handsome looking man came out from the mansion. His blond hair looked bright and he was so dashing. For a moment, she struck by awe with his appearance until he asked her,
"Mademoiselle, may I know your name, please?" Startled, she quickly introduced herself,
"Bonjour, Monsieur…my name is Cassandra Alexandra and I'm coming from Athens…" The French nodded, before he took her right hand and kissed it gently,
"It is an honor to meet you, Mademoiselle Cassandra…what brings you very far to France?" Blushed, the Greek said,
"Er, I just want to find a work…to help my family in Athens…" Raphael had to admit that the young girl was quite beautiful. Then he took her hands again and said,
"Well, it seems you're used to be to work hard…let's see if we can use your help, Lumiere!" The butler went hurriedly to his master, asking,
"What is it, Monsieur?" The master turned to him,
"Do you think we can spare some help here? Mademoiselle Alexandra will be working here…" Lumiere bowed,
"As you wish, Monsieur," He turned to the Greek girl, "Come this way, Mademoiselle…" Cassandra couldn't let her sight away from Raphael, as Lumiere led her to the servant's quarter. Once away, she watched the place with worry and amazement. The mansion was so large and there were many people around here. She wondered how she could find the Evil Seed here. Silently, she prayed in her heart,
Pallas Athena, please show me the way to find the Soul Edge…At the same time, she smiled mischievously,
…and may Aphrodite and Cupid favor my choice…
Meanwhile at the huge chateau not far from Orleans, several nobles gathered around. A corpulent man sat lazily, while leaning to his staff. He wore the greenish coat and brown pants. The fox-faced man with purple coat looked impatient, and he addressed,
"Comte Duc Salle, the mysterious killings had continued for two and a half months and yet the King ignored our pleas…" The corpulent man answered,
"May I remind you, Le Sorel? The King is confident that we can handle this minor problem…" The fox-faced man retorted,
"Minor, you say? Those who killed our soldiers and brigands aren't the ordinary people…tell me, how could they took the well-armed soldiers with ease? The survivors told us that they were impervious to the bullets, even the cannon…" Duc Salle's eye twitched, before he replied back,
"Do you think I'm worry about that? Not only us, the peasants began to afraid as well. The only consolation for them is those murderers don't picked them, only the soldiers and brigands…" It didn't make Marquis Le Sorel felt comfortable, as his fellow nobles looked skeptic. The aged noble continued,
"I have my own solution for that…however, it seems you aren't agree with that! Why? Are you scared with your lost cousin?" Le Sorel gritted his teeth,
"That's not your concern! If the King don't want to send the Royal Army to deal with this matter, let me deal this with my own way!!" After saying so, the Marquis stormed from the hall, accompanied by some people. Duc Salle sighed out, until someone spoke,
"It is pity that Marquis Le Sorel don't want to follow your suggestion… I thought the Sorel Family is well-known with their decisiveness," The voice came from a woman with a purple rosy gown. The gown almost revealed her breast cleavage, while her white hair styled to the usual fashion during the time. She held a purple-feathered fan in front of her face. The French spoke haltingly, trying to control himself as he watched her chest,
"You're probably heard the rumors, my dear…they have internal strife inside, which is common in the nobles. Like in England…" The woman replied,
"That can be settled easily, for now we must concentrate on the knight who wear the azure armor…"
"You're quite perceptive, Countess Valentine! I salute with your resourcefulness," Hearing that, Isabella Valentine folded the fan and offered her usual cold smile to Duc Salle,
"Those who are resourceful are the one who wins a war…"
Three days later, close to border of Germany,
Sophitia sat close to the bonfire, while Link gathered the firewood. They caught a rabbit and a wild fowl, and then roasted them. She stared the elf with curiosity. Being stared like that, Link was uncomfortable,
"Princess Sophitia… why are you staring me?" The Greek woman surprised, yet she asked back,
"Link, may I know why you are here? I never heard the place called Hyrule," The young elf sighed, after he put the firewood into the bonfire. He began his story,
"Hyrule is a different world, not like Europe, my princess. The people there never know war like here, yet the evil does exist. I had fought an evil magician in order to restore peace, only to found out that he wasn't the one who are responsible. The evil sword named Soul Edge, was the real culprit…" Sophitia gasped in shock; she knew what Soul Edge is capable of, but it was beyond her understanding that the accursed sword can affect another world like Link's place as well. The elf continued,
"To ensure the peace, I must go to your world to destroy the Soul Edge, by then the peace shall be restored again…" The blond woman spoke,
"Then our quest is same, Link of Hyrule! To destroy that damned sword for good…" Link didn't respond; instead he expressed his wonder with words,
"That's nice, Princess Sophitia, but I do believe that you're having your own reason to pursue Soul Edge…" Sophitia was silenced with the comment; the elf spoke truthfully. She pursued Soul Edge to save her children who had been afflicted by its evil power and at the same time, finding Cassandra back. It seemed insignificant with Link's objective, but then they were the same. The sword gave nothing but misery and despair; only the pure-hearted warriors realized the only way to help them was destroying the sword. A moment later, Link rose and went to the other direction. Surprised, the Greek asked,
"Link, where are you going?" He answered casually,
"I'm going to catch a wild animal. Don't worry, Princess! I won't be long…"
Once away from Sophitia, the elf sneaked among the bushes silently. It was easy for him, since he always doing that to surprise Zelda. Then he saw a mysterious figure not far from their place. Stepped lightly on the ground, he went closer until he accidentally cracked a dead twig. To his shock, the figure instantly swung a glaive toward him. Instinctively, he blocked the attack with Hylian Shield and countered the attack with a hard vertical slash. The attacker shouted, before performed two horizontal attacks to him and sidestepped his attack,
"Gale Feint!" The impact staggered them, yet both were able to put themselves into attacking stance. Now Link could see the attacker clearly; it was an Asian girl with braided hair and a revealing red costume. Wasting no time, he asked her,
"Who are you? Why do you watching us?" Instead, the girl replied vehemently,
"Jerk, what are you doing with Sophitia?" Link replied in his usual style,
"Excuuuse me! I am not a jerk and I'm protecting Princess Sophitia from the people like you!" She smirked,
"Looks like we'll have to settle this the hard way!" Then she added a mocking smile, "Don't worry, it'll be over soon!" Unfazed, the elf answered,
"Sorry, but you will be the one who fall first…"
"Okay! Let's go! Blunting Kick!" The girl slashed horizontally toward Link, and then followed by the roundhouse kick. The young elf evaded the attack and rolled forward, bringing his sword to the opponent. Yet, the mysterious girl swung her glaive turnaround. The maneuver was enough to force Link to take a safe distance from her. The girl didn't stop her attack; she followed it with a backhand swing. Again, the elf rolled away and took a boomerang from his pocket,
"Boomerang Stance!" The girl saw the boomerang was flying toward her when she charged. Swiftly, she performed an overhead slash, which knocking out the boomerang. Before she followed it with chest stab, the elf caught her left hand and twisted it into the odd angle. Gritting her teeth, she countered the attack by grabbing the opponent's shoulder with her free hand. Soon they were locked each other, unable to break the hold. As the fight raged, Sophitia entered the fray and surprised with what she saw. She shouted with commanding voice,
"Stop it, both of you!" Everyone was stunned with her appearance, yet they didn't let their embrace off. Then she called,
"Mina, is that you? Why are you here?" Seung Mina asked back, while her arm still wrenched by her opponent,
"Sophie…what are you doing with this long-eared jerk?" The remarks stung Link, who shouted irritably,
"Excuse me!! I am an elf and how many times I've told you that I'm not a JERK!" The Korean girl retorted,
"You are if you aren't going to let my arm go!!" Before the verbal fight broke, the Greek shouted aloud,
"Stop it now!! Yes, I talk to both of you!!" Sophitia turned to the elf,
"Link, this is Seung Mina from Choson Peninsula and she is my friend…Mina, this is Link of Hyrule. Now would you let off the hold, please?" Though half-doubtful, Mina let her grip off. The elf returned the favor by releasing the twist. While stretching his pained shoulder, he said,
"If you aren't the friend of Princess Sophitia, I wouldn't let you go…" Mina almost lashed him back, if Sophitia didn't pull her. The Greek stared her,
"Mina, you have not answer my question," Smiling sheepishly, the Korean girl answered,
"I was looking for the Sword of Salvation, Sophie…" The blond girl gasped in shock,
"I thought Hwang had told you that the sword was evil!" Mina merely scratched her head,
"Well, he hasn't! He dragged me back to home, but forgot to tell me the whole story. Beside, I also look for Yunsung. He also looking for the sword like me…" Shaking her head tiredly, Sophitia realized that Mina didn't mean anything harm. After sighing for relief, she said,
"Then our objective are same; I'm also looking for my sister Cassandra. Mina, why don't you join us?" The Korean didn't answer; she glanced the elf that stood quite a distance from them. She whispered,
"Where do you got him, Sophie? Had he not so rude, he's quite cute…" Facefaulted, the Greek replied,
"Er, that's a long story, Mina. Don't worry, he's very good…" The Korean smiled mischievously, patting the blond girl's shoulder,
"Pity, I already attached with Hwang…anyway, this is just like the old time, right?" Then Link called them,
"Princess Sophitia, the food is ready…Ask your friend to join us!" Sophitia nodded and turned to Mina,
"Come, Mina! Let's eat…" They went to the bonfire and ate their dinner. The stars adorned the night sky above them.
Back to Romania,
Taki was behind Talim and Yunsung, when they trailed the path that passes through the Carpathian Mountains. The trail would lead them to the border of Hungary. Not very far from the border, there was an abandoned castle. The people believed the castle once belonged to no other than Prince Vlad' the Impaler' Tepes. Though the Filipino girl begged to go to that place, she firmly refused, since they have no time to visit such terrible place.
While they walked before her, the ninja pondered something. Talim somehow reminded her to Sophitia,
Ah, her beloved Sophitia…Taki simply couldn't forget the Greek woman. They had developed a certain bond between them after their last adventure. How could she forget the moment when they kissed each other in the dark? Suddenly, she dismissed the thought instantly, turning her attention to the Korean youth and the Filipino girl who were talking to each other.
No doubt, Sophitia already has her own family with Rothion…what a lucky man…then she remembered her answer to Talim when they met for the first time,
Sorry, I don't like to baby-sit the children…she smiled with myrrh,
Look, Taki! What are you doing now? What does she says when she sees you now? No doubt, she would laugh and smile to her. After all, there was no difference between them now; both of them have a 'family'.
"Ate, ayos ka ba? You looks like daydreaming," The girl's words jerked Taki back to the reality. They were traveled across the trail at the Transylvania. Yunsung gave a suspicious glance,
"Ninja, are you all right? It is the first time I see you like this…" The pony-tailed woman replied absentmindedly,
"I'm fine…" Then she turned to them, "What's going on?"
The red-haired youth said, "Talim wants to collect some flowers around here. If you don't mind, I'm going to accompany her. This would take few minutes…" The ninja didn't like delay; the smart thing to do would be to continue walk until they found something about Soul Edge.
But why start doing the smart thing now? She sighed and said again,
"Fine, but don't too long…we must reach the Hungarian border before the sundown…" Talim nodded, before calling the Korean,
"Salamat, Ate Taki! Tara, Kuya Yunsung…" The youth retorted,
"How many times I tell you not to call me kooya?" As they chased each other, Taki simply laid herself on the grass, muttering slowly,
"Youngsters…"
Watching Talim and Yunsung from afar, Charade was certain that the ninja was completely alone. The right time to lay a trap…
Faraway, Talim gathered the flowers that she could find, while the Korean waited nearby. She called him,
"Sali na, Kuya! The flowers here is very beautiful…" Yunsung snorted only,
"Flowers are only for girls, not boys!" Ignoring him, the girl continued to gather the flowers. It reminded her to the annual festival of flowers at her place. In 'Pangabenga', she and her friends always gathered the various flowers and adorn themselves with those flowers before dancing with the wind. She picked the yellow flower, saying,
I'll take this for Ate Taki. Probably she will like it…
Before fell asleep, a clunking noise disturbed Taki's nap. At first, she tried to ignore it but no avail. Curious, she went to the direction of the noise. There the ninja saw the skeletal remains scattered around, it formed a circular pattern. Taki moved forward into the center. She knelt and examined the bone carefully. As she preoccupied, a fleshy core with the large eye rolled quite a distance from her. Taki pondered inside,
Strange, it is unusual to have animal skeleton around here…there is no sign of the predators around. Then how do these bones coming from? At the same time, the fleshy core slowly floated behind her and throbbed. Instantly, the scattered bones around there floated, surrounding the ninja tightly. Sensing something wrong, she pulled Rekki-maru. With one accord, the bones zoomed to her simultaneously. Instinctively, Taki pulled Reaping Hook; she performed a low, sweeping slash that sending the nearest bones away. She followed the maneuver with Bamboo Cutter, by slashing in circular arc. In the end, she deflected the attacking bones by using Blood Scroll. Rapid Destruction kick swept the rest away. Before she breathed a relief, one of the bones knocked her face squarely. Howled, she staggered backward, while holding her injured forehead. In retaliation, the ninja sent the horizontal slash to the offending objects. Once finished, Taki tried to open her right eye, but it was very painful and she could only see stars. She also had a bleeding scar at the right part of the forehead. Even so, she forced herself to see what next.
The bones gathered to the fleshy core and formed something akin to skeleton. Slowly but sure, they formed disproportionate limbs and finally a makeshift ribcage to encase the core inside. The eye stared the ninja, while throbbing rhythmically. If it had a mouth, it might laugh at her. She hissed furiously,
"Demon…" To her surprise, the creature's right limb has transformed into a broad blade with the elevated sharp edge. She recognized it as the weapon of the Russian who fought her three days ago,
How could this creature obtain that weapon? No doubt, those people have met the grisly end at its hand! She realized that she has a disadvantage. Her right eye seemed refuse to cooperate, while the painful sensation still stung deeply. But she was a ninja…though reneged from her clan! She wouldn't withdraw from the battle, no matter the situation. The injury wouldn't stop her! She refused to accept the karma like those Russians! Putting herself into an attacking stance, Taki spoke coldly to Charade,
"I don't care who you are, but I know from where you are…and I'll send you back there!" The creature replied with sending a vertical strike. Taki blocked the attack, and then shouted as she sent her attacks,
"Say your prayers, lost soul!" Three fast stabs went like a lightning, forcing the creature backward. Yet, she didn't forced the attack; instead taking a safe distance. She cried aloud. Instantly she jumped airborne and spun her body, before zooming to the opponent. Charade was ready, yet it didn't expect the ninja to land behind it. Wasting no time, she slashed horizontally, knocking the creature to the ground. Though cornered, the creature that spawned from the fragments of Soul Edge, rose in no time and turned to her. In addition of the blade, it added a claw weapon at left limb. Charging again, it performed 2 horizontal slashes, followed by a huge vertical chop. Taki countered it by performing Stalker stance. She jumped away, landing far from the opponent.
That was Nightmare's move! How could the creature learn it? Unless…it was coming from the Evil Seeds! Charade attacked again; this time it whipped its weapon while spun around. Once again, the ninja used Stalker to evade the attack. Realizing the gravity of the situation, she pondered,
To destroy the creature, I must use Exorcism at once…however it might mimic my movements! The only way to defeat it is to use a lightning attack…Possession Stance! Once made up her mind, she took the distance and prepared herself. When the creature attacked again, she sidestepped to left. With suddenness, she leaped to Charade's right side and slashed high. The creature was knocked very far with sudden attack. Giving no quarter, she followed the opponent. At the same time, her left hand pulled the lower ninjato. The unholy creature quickly crossed the blade and claw together. Taki slashed the left ninjato, while shouting,
"Mekki-maru's Darkness!!" As the enchanted sword went downward, it carried a flaming trail and impacted with the opponent's weapon. When the steels impacted, the sound was deafening. Charade was knocked farther from the ninja, and fell crumpled. Taki quickly sheathed Mekki- maru back, while staring to her opponent. The creature started to rise again, however it didn't attack her. It was stunned with the impact. Before it could recover, she already moved close to her and sent Assassin's Strike. Though taken aback, the creature managed to block low, only to be taken by her. As its defense open, the ninja shouted aloud as she sent three fast stabs,
"Burning Misery!" The suddenness of the attack left Charade to block with the blade, yet the weapon was shattered into pieces when impacted with Rekki-maru. Startled, it took three steps backward and stared the broken blade. Taki almost gloated in victory, if the pain on her head didn't remind her. She satisfied herself by smiling mockingly.
The creature immediately threw its broken blade away, but what surprised Taki was it threw its claw weapon too. To her amazement, another weapon has materialized on Charade's limbs. It was the spiked morning star and a scythe; the chain connected both. She cursed,
"Damn, now it becomes harder…" However, she was certain that her Possession stance could outwit the creature. Slowly, the fight continued. The creature whirled the morning star and swung it toward her. She avoided the strike, yet almost got cut in two when the scythe flew toward her. Once again, she performed Storm Scroll toward the opponent. When close to the favoring distance, she unsheathed Mekki-maru again and stroke closer. Anticipating that, Charade blocked the attack with the scythe. Failed, Taki attacked again with Dream Scroll; she planned to connect it with Exorcism. Before her attack reached the midsection, the creature sidestepped it unexpectedly. She cried aloud,
"No!!" Now she was open to the attack. Charade launched itself, hitting her at the head. Staggered backward, she felt the impact has aggravated her injury. As she tried to recover, the creature grabbed and threw her faraway. Yet, the ninja rolled to lessen the force. She saw the scythe coming, and blocked it with Mekki-maru, but then the chain entangled her left hand. As the creature pulled her closer, she gasped as the morning star flew in full speed toward her head. Instantly she lifted Rekki-maru at the right hand, however the spiked ball was extremely too close to be deflected away. She managed to whisper,
"Sophitia…" The sickening, crash sound echoed along the mountains…
Few hours later, Yunsung and Talim returned but they couldn't find Taki. The Korean complained,
"Great, she must leave us here and go by herself…" The Filipino replied, while carrying a bouquet of flowers,
"Huwag kang ganyan, Kuya! I'm sure Ate Taki won't leave us here…" She shouted,
"Ate Taki! Ate, where are you?" Impatient, the red-haired youth looked around, but there was nothing. Then he went to the nearest slope that leads to the foot of the hills. As he scanned the surrounding, something attracted his attention. He saw something colored in red below the hills. He went to see the object closer. Instantly, he exclaimed with utter shock,
"A-nio!!" Hearing him, Talim ran toward him and asked,
"Kuya, anong nangyayari? Do you see Ate Taki?"
Yunsung didn't answer her question; he simply stared something below blankly. When Talim went closer, she could not hold her shock. Instantly, the flowers fell from her hands. They saw Taki lying facedown below. Though the distance was too far, they could see blood splattered around her. Unable to hold her emotion, the young girl trailed downward to the ninja, screaming,
"Ate Taki!! Ate Taki!!!" Yunsung followed her down. Once there, they stood transfixed to the ninja's body. Talim shook the body tearfully, wishing this were only a dream,
"Ate Taki!! ATE TAKI!!!" She didn't answer. Shaking, the Korean turned her body around. They were frightened to saw what they saw. There was a large gash on Taki's head; blood smeared the right part of her face and her black hair was disheveled. Her eyes closed tightly. The girl broke into tears, crying,
"Patay na si Ate Taki…patay na siya,Kuya!" However, Yunsung shook her,
"Stop crying, Talim!! Crying won't bring her back!" It didn't stop Talim from crying; she still sobbed. Yunsung was at loss; he never saw the dead people like this one. Worse, he didn't know what to do in this situation. Slowly, he hugged the Filipino, trying to comfort her,
"Calm down, Talim…I know what you feel, however there is nothing we could do now…" Suddenly a weak moan slipped from the ninja's lips. Startled, they hurried to her. The red-haired youth checked her pulse and said cautiously,
"She's still alive…she isn't die…" Wiping her tears, Talim checked Taki's wrist and exclaimed,
"Tama, Kuya! Buhay pa siya! We must bring her to the safe place. I have some medicines in my sack…"
"You'd better hurry, or she will left us for good…" Immediately, Yunsung took the ninja's limp body and carried her on his back. The young girl followed him from behind, while carrying Rekki-maru. However they didn't realized that the lower sheath behind the ninja's back was empty…
Faraway, another ninjato dangled out from Charade's grip. Its purple aura glowed brighter…
To Be Continued
Author's note: Okay, this is the first. The second part will come whenever I had a spare time. If you find something not correct, just tell me! As usual, your critics (and flames) are welcome! See you!
Glossary:
Korean:
A-nio (No)
Filipino:
Magandang gabi po (good evening)
Parang (like)
Meron pa rin dito (there is too?)
Ayos ka ba (are you okay?)
Salamat (Thank you)
Tara (Come)
Sali na (Join)
Huwag kang ganyan (Don't be like that)
Anong nangyayari (What's going on?)
Patay (Dead)
Patay na siya (She/he is dead)
Tama (right)
Buhay pa siya (she/he is still alive)
Miscellaneous:
Nosferatu (Rom.)/Kyuuketsuki (Jap.)/Tiyanak (Fil.) = a blood-sucking creature; vampire, undead.
Akuma (Jap.)= devil
Pangabenga = the annual festival of flowers that celebrated in Baguio City, Philippines.