Full Circle
Part II
Kilik and Xianghua walked carefully, as they approached their opponent. Necrid and Link simply positioned themselves. Inferno stared them with indifference; he still held his own 'elbow blades'. The Chinese girl watched their surroundings. She saw Cassandra, Talim and Yunsung still unconscious; Taki and Yoshimitsu too. They didn't expect this development; the Hellfire of Despair attacked them physically and mentally. Somehow the creature could read their innermost thought. She wondered why Inferno didn't do the same thing during their last fight…suddenly something passed her mind,
Soul Calibur…the opposite side of the Soul Edge…Inferno couldn't read my mind because I hold the Soul Calibur…
She sighed in resignation; she didn't have Soul Calibur anymore. It was lost inside the Void of the World. No doubt, the accursed creature could read her mind now like an open book. Even so, Xianghua watched her foe with renewed determination,
Okay, I'm not going to hold back! Here I come!
Kilik watched Xianghua with concern; he assumed she wasn't ready to fight. Soul Calibur was nowhere to find. Suddenly, her face transformed into Xianglian's face. The young master shook his head, trying to wipe the painful memories. He said to himself,
No, I won't let her suffer the same fate like Xianglian! Let it be me alone! Then he barked,
"Xiang, step back! I will be the one who fight this creature!" The Chinese girl protested,
"Kilik!" The young master turned to her with the severe expression,
"You can't fight this with strength alone. Please understand, Xianghua." Indignant, Xianghua shouted back to him,
"What's wrong with you, Kilik? We can face this creature together… What you're trying to do is too dangerous. " Link and Necrid looks confused with their conversation, especially when Kilik replied harshly,
"No, Xiang! I stand to my decision! It is my fight alone!" Then Inferno cracked,
"What is this? Lover's quarrel?" Both warriors gave him a dark, sidelong glance. However it didn't intimidate the Catastrophe, instead he gestured to Xianghua,
"Probably you want to know why he acting strangely…you reminded him to someone familiar…" The Chinese girl startled to hear that, while Kilik gritted, whispering in angry tone,
"Shut up!" The creature continued,
"He was afraid that you will suffer the same fate like what his friend did…oh, what is love!" Unable to hold his emotion, Kilik shouted, pointing Inferno with Kali-Yuga,
"Listen, can you hear my soul scream!" Xianghua watched him with disbelief; for long time she thought that she was only a friend to him. Now she realized what inside the warrior's heart. Suddenly the girl shoved her sword close to Kilik's jugular vessels, much surprise to Link. As the young master glanced to her, she spoke,
"I can't let you go any further." Undaunted, he answered,
"Xianghua, I can't let you risk your life!" She didn't flinch, holding her sword tightly,
"You loves me because I'm looks alike like your deceased friend…You don't want me to fight, because I might get killed like your friend…answer me, Kilik!" The Master of Ling-Sheng-Su sighed,
"It's too dangerous from here on out. That's why I must go alone." He stared her,
"Xianghua, it is true that you reminded me to her, but I like you because of who you are! I…I just don't want the tragedy repeated again…you are everything to me…yes, I love you!" The sentences struck Xianghua deeply. She misunderstood his motives, and easily took the creature's lying words. Before she said anything, Link shouted,
"Look out, Miss Xiang! Master Kilik!" They saw Inferno threw his morning star toward both of them. Risking his neck, Kilik whirled Kali-Yuga, blocking the attack. At the same time, Xianghua rolled forward and began to send her attack,
"Mei Guai Hua!" She slashed vertically to the creature's midsection, however the fiery creature immediately countered the attack by lunged forward and twirled the transformed weapon to her mid. Yet, the former Imperial Guard blocked the attack gracefully. Her face turned into a mask of rage,
"You bastard! You are not only trying to pit me against Kilik, but you also copying my styles as well!" The Hellfire chuckled,
"Among others, both of you were predictable! My experience from our last fight…" The creature was unable to continue his words when Necrid stormed him. The Maleficus and Inferno's No Name impacted very hard even sent the surrounding tremble. The green creature stared its opponent with hatred, while the Catastrophe returned with the malicious glare. With one accord, they were knocked backward. The fiery creature spoke,
"Ah, long time not to see you! It seems you have not forgotten our fight two centuries ago…" Memories rushed back into Necrid. He still remembers when he had sacrificed his own family and honor to the unholy creature. He almost killed his revered ruler, if the mysterious man with a golden right eye and a gigantic scythe didn't stop him. He went to challenge Inferno and met a tragic defeat. He was thrown into the Void, while the thankless creep left him to die. Growled bitterly, the green creature held the Maleficus above its head, as it shone brighter. Inferno simply watched; he didn't trouble with his inability to reproduce the same weapon. He gestured tauntingly,
"Come, avenge your loss!" As Kilik and Xianghua watched, Necrid leaped very high and attacked the creature with all his might,
"YEESSSGHS. DODTSU POGETDO!"
He unleashed Valar's Grasp, sending Inferno airborne. However, the creature quickly modified his fall into a forward flip and produced…two blades at the same time,
"Gentle Wave!" Necrid took the false attack, and get his side slammed as the result. The green creature grunted. He tried to backhand Inferno, but the opponent had avoided the attack very easily and sent the Bridgette Slice, sending him bleed profusely. Still, Necrid refused to give the ground. Stepping out, he let out his Grand Valar to cut the opponent. Instantly, Inferno transformed his weapons into…the corrupted Valentine and unleashes Menace Slash, which slammed the green creature away. Swiftly, Necrid rose and dive toward his opponent. Inferno was knocked forward by unknown force and grabbed immediately by the green creature, who threw him again to the air. As his opponent was helpless on the air, he juggled and brought the opponent crashing down head first. The dirt broke into a large crater instantly.
Roared with a demonic wrath, the Catastrophe unleashed his power. He threw Necrid quite a step. Being beaten by his Beowulf was a humiliation for him. This time, he won't give the creature any chance. Striding with inhuman speed, the fiery creature took the massive feet and threw the creature into the air. Using the momentum, the green creature rolled out and morphed his weapon into a huge sword. The Hellfire had anticipated it, leaping forward he swung his weapon that slowly transformed into a huge Zweihander…
"Rook Splitter!" With a huge clang, the weapon impacted to each other… With utter surprise, Necrid watched the Maleficus broke into shards along with Inferno's Zweihander.
"GEH MOLAH."
He was dragged for the forth steps, until he stopped and vomited the blackish blood. The blaze upon his breastplate was dimmed and he fell after saying,
"ERRRGH!"
Xianghua shouted "Necrid!" Inferno shook its appendages when another attack came; this time from Link. With sudden anticipation, he locked the elf's Master Sword with his own and clangs the shield with the fleshy version of it. The creature cackled,
"Ah, the defender of Hyrule! It took you so long to come here…" Link retorted,
"Excuuuse me, at least I find my way here! You will stop this for good…" The Hellfire leaned closer, whispering his venomous words,
"Your world is unspoiled; however it shall be mine as well as this! Perhaps you'll enjoy what my vision is…I wonder if…what her name is. Ah, Zelda…I assure she would share the same fate as Sophitia Alexandra when I visit Hyrule…" These words burned deeply inside the elf's heart. He suddenly kicked the creature at its midsection, and followed with jumping to its back and tapping his sword two times. Then he flipped the creature with his sword and monkey flip again, throwing his opponent faraway.Even so, Inferno looks untroubled. Link watched the creature grimly,
"Never! You won't make it to Hyrule! There won't be a place for you there once I finished with you…!" The elf quickly charging his weapon, which glow into a blue light. As the fiery creature attacked, he sent a mighty horizontal slash that knocking the foe aback. He quickly pulled his bow and aimed toward the creature. The arrows passed the fiery creature without harming him at all. Link immediately followed it with his boomerang, but the Catastrophe deflected the attack easily. As a last resort, he pulled something and threw it to the opponent. The fiery eyes shone with a surprise, when the bomb was flown to him. It was exploded with a massive bang and shook the very foundation of Tartaros. Kilik, Necrid and Xianghua had to dive for cover as the hellish conflagration roared around. When the smoke subsidized, the flames around the creature roared furiously and he laughed again until he saw someone in front of him…the blood red cape that covered the black figure and the greenish glare. Link was lying unconscious beneath him. Silence reigned until Inferno chuckled cautiously,
"Hellspawn, you have come at last…did Malebolgia send you to claim me?" Spawn shocked, but he didn't show it beneath his façade,
"How do you know that? Are you expecting me?"
"Simple, Soul Edge represent the pure culmination of a catastrophic power…every demons knew that," Inferno glanced to the wounded Necrid, "Including him…in fact, you will be perfect by claiming me…you will be what Malebolgia wanted…the manifestation of the hellish fury…" Spawn squirmed; he already guessed the implication and it loathed him. The Hellfire continued,
"I do, however, offer you a counterproposal! Join me and I shall make you into a warrior that Malebolgia can't even defeat…we shall claim our right together! Do you want to have your life back? Do you accept my counterproposal?" The Hellspawn pondered Inferno's counterproposal; it looks promising! Yet, he would damn his soul thrice by doing this! With a command, the cape transformed into Agony and he went into a fighting mode. He shouted,
"Never! I have seen what you have done through Nightmare! You enslaved the poor man! What the difference between you and Malebolgia then? The only difference is you look easier…" The fiery creature looks furious with the rejection, and he quickly transformed his own Agony,
"If you won't be turned, then prepare to be destroyed, Hellspawn!" Before the creature charged in close range, Spawn whipped his axe first, sending the creature airborne. Then the green mist enveloped the Catastrophe, as the warrior from Hell attacked fiercely to his own shadow. Inside, Inferno was buffeted and battered senselessly. Suddenly, the creature broke through the mist. The Hellspawn greeted him,
"Shadow Stalker!" With a mighty slash, the fiery creature fell crumpled, yet still able to deflect the next attack. Its foe immediately sent Demonic Killer that threw him very far. Spawn immediately pursued without mercy. Instantly he levitated and summoned the next attack,
"Hell Spiral!" Whirling his own body, he lurched toward Inferno, who immediately blocked. However, he was pulled into the spin and went airborne. The creature curled, as his body crushed the ground. He was surprised to see the Hellspawn was side-stepping him and slashed with Decapitator style! The axe passed harmlessly between his shoulder and neck. Without warning, Inferno grabbed Spawn and hurled him to the nearest cliff. The cliff was unable to bear the impact, and instantly buried the warrior from Hell. To others' shock, Spawn burst out like a scepter from the grave, levitating above. His green eyes glow brighter as he unleashed Necro Rage toward the fiery creature and beat it senselessly. When it finally thrown to the ground, the Hellspawn followed with grab the creature at its neck and stared him. Instead, the creature mocked,
"What's up, Hellspawn? Are you getting weaker? Not able to finish me?" Spawn answered that with throwing him to the air as he levitated. To his surprise, Inferno landed on the ground nimbly and he had transformed 'Agony' into Chained Scythe and Morning Star. Gripping the weapon at the middle, the hellish creature quickly wrapped it around the Hellspawn's body and brought him to the ground. Not satisfied with that, he slammed the immovable opponent to the rocks. Had he was human, Spawn was sure he wouldn't stand this abuse for long. With hideous glee, the Hellfire said,
"You can't expect to beat me, much more Malebolgia, young Hellspawn! Perhaps I will end your suffering here for good…" However, a sword whizzed past its head, forcing him to abandon its plan. The creature was stunned to see Xianghua back in action. Without giving any chance, the Chinese girl pursued the creature. At the same time, Kilik was helping Spawn to unloose the weapon. However, the spikes around the chains hampered their efforts.
"It's better for you to help your friend, warrior. I can handle this by myself…" The young master shook his head,
"No, Xiang can handle that! She said that I must help you…" Spawn was silent for a while, and then he said,
"Do it quickly, I'm afraid your friend was in trouble right now…"
The tide was turned unexpectedly when Inferno produced his own 'No Name'. Xianghua pit her skill as far as she could, however the surrounding was hostile. Her energy was sapped by the intense heat around Tartaros. For now, the creature managed to match her style. When Inferno stabbed low, she quickly countered with mid stab and followed with another. The creature went into Lian Hua Upper, but she blocked it with Rhythm Break and Shan Ji.
"The fight is got interesting now…" The girl refused to parlay with him. Instead she focused his Ki in order to balance herself. She couldn't afford to be swayed by the creature of Hell. So focused in the fight, she didn't notice Kilik was coming toward Inferno. The youth leaped to the air and shouted,
"Phoenix Pounce!" He quickly vaulted Inferno off to the air, and whipped the creature to the ground again. When it fell with the crashing sound, he went to Xianghua and said,
"How's that? Since you won't back down, therefore I won't let you fight alone…we shall bear this together!" The Chinese girl teased with a mischievous smile,
"You think you can keep up with me?" Kilik nodded,
"I just want to be with you, Xiang!" She replied,
"Thanks, that was fun! We live in a dangerous world. Whatever happened, I won't regret it, Kilik!" Then they kissed each other when the Catastrophe rose again. Saw the scene, the creature clapped,
"Bravo, I was touched with this! Too bad, I feel obliged to cut short your budding romance…but there is no reason to fret! Hades will gather both of you in afterlife…" Kilik stared him with a sharp, but tranquil look, and spoke clearly,
"Listen to the beat of my soul!You're not going anywhere, Inferno! We'll end your threat for good…"
"Good, another reason to cut you into pieces! Both of you will live in pieces!" He immediately transformed Chained Morning Star and Scythe and roared with all unholy powers toward the couple. Kilik and Xianghua instantly entered the fighting stance. As Inferno slashed horizontally, the former Imperial Guard sliced its mid with Lan Hua Slice. Accordingly, the young Master of Ling-Sheng-Su compounded the attack together, making it difficult for Inferno to break them.
"Feung Yun Feint!" She kicked the fiery creature at its skeletal chin, and followed by Kilik's Cutting Sadness. Inferno kissed the ground, however he managed to avoid the follow-up attack. Now the flame inside grew redder and furious. He whirled its weapon dangerously and charged again.
"Tien E Sheang!" Xianghua bashed the fiery head with No Name and grabbed its arm, twist it hard behind Inferno's back with a sick "popping" sound. She then yanks back hard on the arm with another sick "popping" sound before slicing them in the midsection with her sword sending him to the ground. Before Kilik followed the attack, the creature blocked it with his scythe, sending it backward. The warrior immediately whirled Kali-Yuga to fend off the attack. It dawned inside his mind.
Inferno can't read our style, because we're fighting as one! He can read every one of us individually, but not when we're together… This thinking spur Kilik's spirit and he renewed his attack again.
This new development disturbed Inferno; he used to be fight one-on-one but never fought a pair like them. Even so, he didn't see the necessity to use the true Soul Edge. He still enjoying the fight, perhaps it's time to use what Charade experienced before…
Spurred with the sudden change, Xianghua increased her attack and began to take the riskiest maneuver. In another hand, Kilik preferred the cautious stance. He frowned when seeing his companion started to venture the risk.
"Circle Breaker Feint!" She mixed mid slash with butterfly kicks, which forcing Inferno to defend itself. The young master tried to pry the creature, but it won't budge. He warned,
"Be careful, Xiang! I don't like his stance…he must be planning something…" The Chinese girl replied,
"Come on!" In reality, the Hellfire learned much from her style and he felt now it's the right time to counterattack! Xianghua shouted,
"Muu Jiann!" Suddenly, the fiery creature had recharged his Soul Charge and its weapon was engulfed by flame. He impacted the attack with her sword, and knocking her backward.
"Xianghua!" As Kilik went to help, the Catastrophe turned back and sent the morning star to him. Taken by surprise, the young master lifted Kali-Yuga. The attack was blocked, but the impact hit him and he felt his chest was crushed inside.
"Kilik!" Ignoring the danger, she went forward. Inferno quickly sent a vertical slash with its scythe. The girl blocked with her sword, but the force was too powerful. Her sword was shattered into shards and she hurled back to the ground. Cassandra and Kilik screamed,
"Noooo! Xiang!" Slowly, the Chinese girl forced herself to rise, and felt the excruciating pain on her sword arm. She saw some shards embedded inside her palm, while a huge gash across bleed profusely. With this wound, she barely holds her sword and defenseless.
As she stared her bleeding hands, Kilik roared and unleashed a flurry of attacks toward Inferno. Inside his mind, he could see what happened in the Ling-Sheng-Su temple at its very last moment. He heard the cries of the dead and the damned as the fire spread from here over the world. He pours it out, the hate…the lust for revenge. Barely taken out, Inferno created his 'Kali-Yuga' and blocked the attack many times. The young master shouted in desperation,
"Kali-Yuga, show me the path!" However, the accursed creature quickly use Cutting Sadness by kicking his head and spin its weapon around Kilik's upper torso, before he threw him hardly to the ground. The warrior coughed blood, and he tasted the sweet bitterness on his lips. The same taste when Xianglian kissed her for the last time. Soon, the whole world would know this taste, this pain…his pain. He could not let it happen. Forcing himself, he attacked the creature again. Xianghua screamed again,
"Kilik, no!" She felt helpless, unable to do anything as the evil creature kicked her companion around. Everyone was too weak to continue the fight, even Spawn and Necrid. It seems they would end here…while the world will be doomed under Soul Edge's reign of terror. Tears rolled on the girl's cheek
Mother…I failed you! I couldn't even stop Inferno this time…
Then he turned to the wounded Necrid who rose again and suddenly shove his massive hand into his breastplate. The creature screamed in pain as he pulled something from his chest…from there a black ball with red halo came out. At the same time, Necrid's eyes blazed brightly and the ball instantly transformed into a massive sword in his hand. He shouted,
"KORAH MEGOY. INFERNO, EYOOS." The Catastrophe turned his attention with disbelief,
"It can't be…it is Chaos! The legendary weapon! The Origin of Existence before me!" Necrid use the chance to swing his Rage Tail, swiping the opponent away from Kilik. The fiery creature once again turned to his original weapons and swung it dangerously toward the green creature.
While Xianghua sobbed, a calm and dignified voice spoke inside her,
My daughter, don't be sad… You were born to complete an important task... Cut your own path through and uncertain future. The girl turned around,
"Mother?" In the midst of fighting between Necrid and Inferno, a faint light glowed afar. Slowly but sure, the light came close and closer. Xianghua noted its presence. With a blinding light and speed, it crashed near the Chinese girl. Supported by his staff, Kilik croaked,
"Xianghua!" For a moment, the battle stopped as the silvery light shone around…the sleek sword with a fork-like edge. In contrast with the surrounding, the light that the sword radiated was soothing and tranquil. Xianghua immediately recognize the blade,
"Krita-Yuga…Soul Calibur…" Inferno's eye widened with horror as he saw its counterpart,
"Noo, it can't be…this is not true…!" He turned nervously to Necrid who still held Chaos, but then turned to the Soul Calibur. His wrath blazed in consuming flame, but his fear rose like a vast black smoke to choke him. For he knew his deadly peril and the thread upon which his doom now hung. He screamed,
"NO! I won't let you to cheat me from my victory!" With a sudden movement, the creature from hell swept Necrid away and strode toward the girl. He whirled the scythe furiously and threw it to her direction. The voice urged Xianghua,
Cut your own path through and uncertain future! She nodded,
"I won't let you down, Mother!" She grabbed the hilt when the scythe almost hit her. Then a blinding light enveloped her. When the light subsidized, Cassandra, Talim, Taki and Kilik saw…Xianghua changed into something. She looks ethereal inside the light; there is no sign of wounds. The priestess exclaimed,
"Parang isang diwata…ang ganda niya." The young master nodded,
"A goddess…" Cassandra was speechless, while Spawn surprised,
"I can't believe my eyes…" Link who just conscious, shook his head,
"Excuse me…am I dreaming?" Necrid took quite a distance; he believed that this matter had been taken over from him.
They saw Xianghua blocked the scythe with Soul Calibur; she looks confident and unafraid. She spoke clearly,
"Sorry I'm late. I'll get you this time." When she twitched her sword, the scythe trembled and disintegrated into nothingness. Not only that, the effect crept into the chain and consumed the rest of the weapon. It was vanished with a moan. Inferno realized that his end was at hand, but he wouldn't give up without fighting. Knuckling his flaming hands, he shouted insanely,
"It doesn't matter whether you have Soul Calibur or not! You will die here, I assure you! You hear that! You are going to die! Behold the wrath of the true Soul Edge!" Instantly, the flame around Tartaros roared like a raging sea. Inferno burned brighter than before, and something like a howl of demons echoed along the ridges. To other's amazement, the flame came forth from the creature and whirled along with its howl. Slowly but sure, the flame materialized into something like Nightmare's Zweihander but much different. If that was weapon, then it must be the most terrible weapon that a mortal ever seen. The thousands of large eyes adorned the hilt up to the body; while the teeth replaced the steel around it. It chatters and jabbers with intelligible voices. The voices urged to spill blood for them, to satisfy their thirst and it hungers for more souls. Yunsung stared it with utter disgust,
"Is that the real Sword of Salvation? How foolish I am! It was a lie…The Sword of Salvation is a lie!"
Inferno pulled the living sword with ease and whirled it. He stared Xianghua with gleaming madness in his eyes, when he spoke it seems the swore also spoke with the same eerie voice,
"This is the true form of Soul Edge! Hephaestus indeed had created the best weapon, but without his knowledge, Soul Edge…we had taken our own life! We refuse to chafe and end as a mere tool; we desired more than that. We desires soul…total domination and absolute power!"
"But the god won't tolerate such thinking; he branded us as an abomination. To counter our so-called 'evil influence', he created other swords that willingly serve him and give to the foolish people who wanted to do more! But none like Soul Calibur!" Cassandra turned to his Omega Sword and Nemea Shield. She pondered Sophitia's story about them.
Xianghua replied calmly, "You are wrong, Inferno…everything in this world must be balanced, and therefore Soul Calibur must come in order to balance everything. It is like yin and yang…good and evil cannot co-exist in harmony, nobody allowed to have the upper hand to each other. Soul Calibur is not the instrument of the gods; it was choose to fight you by its own! It wanted to end your terror! " The creature was infuriated, but continued its parley,
"If you destroy us, it won't have its purpose anymore! Do you wish to do that? Beside, girl, what is the difference with me? It used you as I used Nightmare…are you enjoying to be a puppet?" Everyone gritted his or her teeth; it seems the creature still persist to confuse Xianghua with its lies. The only reply was a smile. Then she lifted Soul Calibur in preparation to fight, staring the infernal creature with a penetrating look,
"So be it! Evil must be destroyed! It's the only way!" Instantly, the Soul Edge was engulfed by flame of anguish and regret. The Hellfire uttered his exasperation,
"HADES! You won't hold me any longer! You must let me out from this blasted place, after I slay your puppet champion! Nobody will defeat the Hellfire of Despair! None!" The fiery red aura surrounded him, while the peaceful blue one covered Xianghua. Then they charged each other…
Inferno immediately put Quick Backspin Slash toward his enemy, yet Xianghua countered it with Striking Lian Hua. When two weapons impacted, it clanged like a thunder and a wail of demons was heard. The fiery creature knocked two steps backward. The Chinese girl held her ground. Infuriated, the creature turned to Shadow Splicer. In anticipation of that, she went into Woan Shyoung Swing. After avoiding the slash, she kicked the creature at its face, sending it spin. Before she sent Circle Breaker to follow, Inferno counters with Break Kick. However, Xianghua had changed her previous attack into Ta. It knocked the fiery creature out of balance once again. Xianghua lunges forward pushing out her sword at the opponent. However, the opponent had leaped to the air and prepares a vertical chop. Undaunted, the girl let Beautiful Rhythm that knocked the opponent quite a distance. Taking the momentum, Inferno rushed toward her with its shoulder. She side-stepped a little to her left and pushes out with Soul Calibur, and then ducks and swings her sword at the opponent's legs. To counteract the attack, the creature went into Maelstorm. He whirled like a twister. Xianghua didn't flinch; she uses Vengeful Lian Hua that spun the Hellfire off the balance. The creature stared her with hatred, and then whirled Soul Edge over his head twice, hitting high and then mid. He was ready to unleash its final attack,
"HEEAAAH, Terran Stomper!" The girl didn't want to lose,
"Bea Her Hua! Eat this!" Both of them had Soul Charge already. This time, the deafening crack was heard to every corner of Tartaros and the scream of an angry demon filled the air. Everyone watched that the evil sword shattered into large pieces…or chunks. Soul Edge was broken for the third time! At the same time, the force knocked both combatants quite a distance. Kilik could see the protective aura around Xianghua faded. Lifting himself, Inferno shrieked with utter fury,
"This is not over yet!" As he lifted his right hand, the shards instantly sharpened and zoom toward the girl who seems not realized it. Yoshimitsu shouted,
"A dirty trick!" Talim warned,
"Ate, look out!" When Xianghua turned, the shards were dangerously close to her. She was unable to deflect them with Soul Calibur until someone flew between her. The furious clanking was heard. The girl saw her helper clearly,
"Cassie!" Cassandra Alexandra blocked the attack with her Nemea Shield, and the Grecian fury burned deeply inside her bosom. She stared the creature with a dangerous look.
"Don't... take me lightly!" Ignoring the searing heat, the Greek girl crouched and dashed with a lightning speed toward Inferno, sending him a wide vertical slash. The creature and Xianghua stunned, while she extended Omega Sword with her right hand, saying,
"This is for Sophitia…and Hephaestus!" Inferno saw a faint slice on his armor with horror, but it shone brightly. Then it cracked rapidly, allowing more light to come out. He screamed full of agony as the light spread all around its body. He slowly floated on the air, as the others watched with mixed expression. The infernal creature shrieked with anger and disbelief,
"NOOOOO! It can't be! I'm lost again…to Soul Calibur and…to Hephaestus! It can't be true…I am the Hellfire of Despair…the undefeated Soul Edge…I can't lose to…the…mortals like…you…Hades…had…cheated…me…" The light crept into his face, making his voice garbled,
"This…is…not…the…end…if…I…can't…go…out…from…Tar…tar…os…none…of…you …can…leave…this…place…alive…feel…my…final…wrath…and …anguish!" With that, Inferno exploded into a massive firestorm, that forcing everyone to keep away from the explosion. Amidst the eye of the storm, the true Soul Edge came out from what remains from Inferno. Its eye noted a crack above and in no time went into the crack…
Back to Osthreinsburg Chapel, Raphael treads the stairs slowly and saw Nightmare and Ivy were lying nearby. Quickly, he took out the knight's helmet and checked him. He slightly relieved to find that the youth still alive. He turned to the Englishwoman who still unconscious. Her chest raises gently, a sign that she still well. The French couldn't help to adore her shapely body, however deep inside he was disappointed. Soul Edge was gone…along with the warriors and the Hellspawn. Without the sword, there is no way he could secure Amy's future. His strength was not enough…is the fate laughing to him?
Suddenly at the east wall, a sound of crack came out and something emerged from beneath. Raphael saw a huge sword with a shut eye appeared from the crack. Valentine clanked in a sudden movement, wary to its presence. He whispered hopefully,
"Soul Edge…" Leaving the people behind, he walked toward the blade. He could hear a disembodied voice spoke to him,
Come to me…claim me and possess the untold power! At the same time, Nightmare awoke and saw what Raphael does. He croaked helplessly,
"Raphael…" But the Frenchman didn't listen as he walked closer to the Soul Edge. The unearthly voice spoke to him,
Take and claim me! I will give you an untold power…the power that the mortals never dreamed…the power that a god hopes to wield! Then he stopped for a while, and turned his attention to the weakened Azure Knight. He said mockingly,
"You can't do that, do you?" The knight surprised with the sudden change of attitude,
"What?" Raphael smirked, while pointing Soul Edge,
"You're too weak for that, aren't you? You are not deserved to hold such magnificent weapon anymore…since beginning this is what I wanted and you are merely a pawn to fulfill that, Nightmare. With you, I have get rid my enemies and now I have no further use of you anymore…" Realizing the treachery, Nightmare/Siegfried slumped. He mistook the French as the one who really concern to him as a human, but in the end, he was the same like the others. He wanted Soul Edge and he was fool to trust him as a friend. Not only had that he failed his vow to keep that weapon away from the others. The knight forced himself to stand, but fell to the ground. He stared the noble with hatred as he growled ferally,
"You conceited, wretched human!" Raphael laughed,
"Yes, say what you want!" The black, stormy cloud enveloped the entire chapel; the thunder could be heard aloud. He turned to Soul Edge and declared,
"You have failed, but I will not!" At the moment he gripped and yanked the evil sword, its eye opened widely and shook violently in his right hand. Raphael held it tighter with both hand. He saw the sword was distorted in form and the thousand voices rushes into his head. He struggled to keep his hold, not wanting to lose such valuable sword. The Soul Edge emitted a purple lightning to the heavens and the demons howled to hail the new bearer of the Soul Edge. The Frenchman uses his entire faculty to keep his sanity intact; he wouldn't allow this sword to control him. It must be he who controls the sword, not the otherwise.
This is for my beloved Amy! For her future! In the terrible battle of will, the evil sword decided to concede and make a compromise that worked better for both. Slowly, the sword somehow shrunk in size and more resemble to Flambert. The difference is it still retained the fork-edge and a single eye close to its hilt. Raphael gasped for a moment, before he lifted the transformed sword. Somehow the transformation of the sword affected him as well. His skin became blanched white and his eyes were slightly red. Even so, he smiled victoriously,
"So this is Soul Edge... hm, hm, heh, he, hah, hah, haa!" His laugh echoed beyond the ruins of Osthreinsburg Castle, even to the darkest corner of the forest. As the noble gloated in his supposed victory, a weak voice called,
"It isn't over yet…Raphael Sorel!" He turned around and saw Isabella Valentine standing behind. Though weakened and severely injured during her fight with Cervantes, the Englishwoman looks determined as her golden eyes blazed furiously. Nightmare withdrew to the nearest ruin as the confrontation between them was inevitable. She pointed Valentine to the Soul Edge,
"Leave the Soul Edge and I shall spare your life…" The French looked at her disdainfully,
"You are in no position to make demands, Mademoiselle Valentine…Soul Edge is mine, as you see and I have no intention to give it away," Ivy gritted her teeth,
"Prepare to be destroyed along with that! The accursed sword had destroyed my life by corrupting both of my fathers; I had taken oath to destroy Soul Edge completely and only a disaster can prevents me doing so," Raphael frowned, while the evil blade reverberated in his hand, showing its displeasure.
"That, I cannot allow." He spoke dangerously calm, but hinted a veiled threat, "Since you shared a common link with Soul Edge, I will not kill you. But I have no compunction about making your life unpleasant-painfully unpleasant." She replied,
"I can't go back now. Nothing shall be spared!" After saying that, Ivy unfurled Valentine into a whip form. Likewise, Raphael took his stance, entering Preparation I. He felt it wasn't heavy, but very light. In addition, he sensed euphoria as he swung the blade and thrilled with the prospect of fight. It looks…addicting and he relished that.
"En garde, Countess! Be careful…" In response of that, Ivy unleashed Menace Slice toward her opponent.
The French immediately parried the swipe attack with Soul Edge, which clanged loudly with Valentine. Then he evaded the follow-up attack easily. He immediately advances into Preparation III, saying,
"Give up, Countess! You can't expect beat me, especially your condition is not supporting…"
"You're revolting! Be careful or you'll feel the pain. Mind Shatter!" As she performed the roundhouse attack, the Sorel Master sent the Infinite Stabbage that rendered the attack impotent. He quickly evaded in circular manner. Refusing to leave the battle, the Countess let her final attack,
"Embrace of Lust!" Without his knowledge, Raphael was dragged to face down.
"Calamity Symphony!" When rising up, the French saw the segments of Valentine were zooming toward him. He lifted Soul Edge 'rapier' in front of him,
"You are not enough to stop me. Show what you can do, Soul Edge!" The huge eye throbbed with ecstasy and Raphael moved with unbelievable swiftness. He scattered the attacking segments calmly and not even a single segment touched him. With a malicious grin, he lunged toward the shocked Ivy, bringing his blade toward her chest,
Ivy realized in a split second, her life on Earth would be ended by the sword that she pursued for long time. She let Valentine's hilt fall to the ground, whispering,
This is the end of my cursed journey…Before the tip of Soul Edge bit her, suddenly something bulky moved between them. Blood spurted, but it wasn't Ivy's. When she opened her eyes, she saw a blond hair mixed with crimson strands flew before. She trembled,
"Nightmare…" Raphael also stunned when he saw the knight caught Soul Edge with his normal left hand. Blood dripped from the wound. Nightmare/Siegfried stared him with a look of compassion and anger,
"There…will…be no…more death…done in…my name…again!" Irritated, the Frenchman soul charged his attack and pushing the blade forward, ripping the flesh and penetrated the Azure armor. Cutting through steel and muscles, the Soul Edge came through Siegfried's shoulder and finally stabbed Ivy above her heart. Both screamed in pain, as Raphael smiled and said,
"So be it…my friend," Gnashing his teeth, the German knight gathered his last strength to his deformed right hand and unleashed,
"Jade Crusher!" He punched the noble squarely at his face. Raphael knocked backward and pulled Soul Edge forcibly from his victims in the process, thus creating further agony. He hit the nearby wall and fell crumpled to the stone floor; a hollow clatter rang in his ears as the blade slid to the ground. At the same time, Siegfried staggered back, his face pale with shock. Blood gushed from the stab wound above his breastbone and he collapsed to the ground. Ivy reeled back from the knight, pressing her hand to her wound. She tried to stanch the flow of blood, but it seeped between her fingers and poured onto the floor. The Englishwoman tripped over the knight and fell next to his bloody form.
For a moment, silence reigned as the three unconscious figures lying inside the chapel…as the white-cloaked figure watched what transpired below, while brandishing the gigantic scythe…his golden right eye gleamed.
Author's note: Okay, this is it! Soul Calibur have returned to turn the tide of battle, but the result was otherwise. What about the warriors who left behind in Tartaros? What is the ending? I'm afraid you have to wait for the last chapter, 'Epilogue'. I decided to use the complete Soul Edge for Inferno's final weapon, to express the loathsome aspect of the evil sword. Though it not came out yet, one of Soul Calibur III's characters makes his cameo here. Finally, if you want to express your minds in form of critics, reactions, reviews (or flames), just tell me. Visiting me is welcome as well. See you next time!
Glossary:
Filipino:
Parang isang diwata- like a goddess
ang ganda niya-she's very beautiful