Disclaimer: I don't own Soul Caliber, Tekken or any of it's characters. They all belong to NAMCO. And I certainly don't own anybody from the Zelda Series, Nintendo does. And Todd McFarlen owns Nercrid and Spawn. I only own the original characters pointed out in my profile.
Author's Note: Let me point out, when Nightmare is not holding the Soul Edge his is perfectly normal with Siegfried's body. Only his hair is dark blond. Also the extensive scene of the Black Wind in this is around five to eight days later, and Ivy is a day ahead of the White Wind by about a day or so.
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Soul Calibur II: Of Souls And Swords
Chapter Fourteen: On The Move Once Again
The group lead by Kyle Strife eventually revealed as 'The Four Blades' waited for about an hour outside and on the Eternal Wind while Sophitia, Xianghua and Talim tended to the wounded Defenders and towns folk. Yunsung meanwhile sat up on deck waiting for all of them to cast judgment upon their group, if they would be allowed to at least follow or not. They just wanted a chance at claiming the Soul Edge. Yunsung couldn't care less, it was called the Sword of Heroes by his people and thus the ultimate practice to prove himself. The one man whom he had wanted recognition from would have to notice him if he completed the task he had tried for and failed at for six years.
Raphael believed that rumor that the sword did have a mind of its own but had also heard that the one who wielded it before Cervantes had managed to at least hold it long enough to hide it away. Thus he had been relieving himself of all lust for power he possessed to his best effort, clearing his mind of all great and sinful negatives that could give the blade an advantage. Although he had yet to find a balance within his soul he was sure that sheer will would keep him safe should the sword be inheritely evil. Power had been known to drive men insane more often than anything such as a sword.
Kyle looked around from his place at the bottom of the ramp with Seung Mina, Yunsung was on deck. Raphael was at the helm of the ship speaking with the eastern captain of the boat, likely checking to see how the conflict in France was going at this point. Kyle constantly kept an eye on Yunsung, but there was something about Raphael Soral that he just felt he couldn't trust. He was far too confident in battle and seemed to never lose track of himself, but it seemed that it wasn't a problem to Mina. He just couldn't like him, though he himself wasn't exactly the most social person he was still at least human.
Sophitia calmly walked back from the square rubbing off her hands that were lightly stained by blood, few were gifted in sewing up wounds. Sophitia walked up to the dock and called the others out, Yunsung looked at White Storm in his grip lightly brushing his free hand through his hair "Guess this is the part where they all huddle and judge us like slabs of meat." he huffed. "I suppose. But they did say they needed help." Raphael added in from behind. They all stepped up to meet Sophitia. Kilik, Xianghua and Maxi were the first to arrive. Jack went below to tell the others.
Kyle, Mina, Yunsung and Raphael all lined up on the docks in front of them as they all started to deliberate if they would allow them to follow or not. Sophitia spoke up to her group "We could always use more help and from what Mina tells me she and their leader have no intention of capturing the sword." Kilik nodded at this "I say we should give them a chance. It isn't like they can force us to help them and if they get the sword there is still time to steal it before it takes them over." Xianghua nodded. Maxi spoke "The French guy said that they have their own boat so they will have our backs at sea just in case." Sophitia nodded at this, with four more experienced warriors it gave them a better chance at saving Siegfried.
Yunsung yawned lightly as he sat on the ground cross legged, Mina sat on a crate with Kyle standing next to her. Being that he had sent a letter to her father promising to take care of her he had to back that up. Raphael meanwhile polished his rapier without a word "Tough crowd." he murmured to himself. There were then a few footsteps coming down the ramp as Jack, Talim and the still in pain Cassandra joined them. The girl called Talim didn't trust Yunsung obviously, though Raphael was more concerned on where the young warrior that used the both a sword and bow had run off to.
Eventually they all came to some sort of agreement. Maxi and Kilik returned to the ship as Sophitia and Talim walked up to the group "Alright we have come to an agreement. Because you have your own ship we have no problem with you following us as long as our allegiance does not falter." Raphael nodded at this understanding "Though we have different motives the destruction of the Black Wind is first priority. The sword comes second." he said. Yunsung rolled his eyes as Talim looked at him "And don't you dare try to double cross us." she said simply. Jack backed this up by placing his hand on one of his pistols. Yunsung groaned "Whatever." Sophitia looked at the two and sighed.
Kyle spoke up as he looked at Sophitia "For anybody who cares I'm Kyle Strife. I have no conflict with the Azure Nightmare. The loud one in Yunsung. The patient one is Raphael Sorel. This is Seung Mina." Yunsung shot a glare at his superior both in age and skill who ignored him. Sophitia nodded at this "We should make haste. The Soul Edge is traveling to the South." Kyle nodded before he headed off. There was another voice "So I'll take it we have some company now." Yunsung recognized the voice as that of the swordsman/archer and turned to greet him "Yeah. But any friend of Talim is a friend of..." Yunsung cut himself off as he turned to see Link no longer wearing his cape and hood.
Kyle and Mina noticed this as well and lightly raised an eyebrow, Raphael brought a hand to his chin "Interesting." he said simply, intrigued. As Link walked down the plank toward Yunsung he jumped back like a cat from an angry dog, Link was confused. Yunsung spoke "What the heck are you?" he asked simply. Link realized what Yunsung was gawking at and raised a hand to hold the place between his eyes "I'm not from around here alright lets drop the subject." he said before he stepped back on the ship obviously irritated that he would be questioned after saving his life. Kyle shrugged accepting this.
Yunsung looked at Talim trying to ask her the same question, Talim breathed before speaking "I don't want to strain your mind with thoughts so lets just say he is a victim of the Evil Seed alright." Talim then stepped away. Yunsung scratched his head as he got this very angry response "Uh sorry." he said not knowing that he had hit a soft spot. Sophitia looked at Kyle and spoke "We'll be heading for the Suez Canal soon. Bring your ship around here and we'll move onward. You have an hour." she said before stepping onto the boat.
Yunsung was still confused as Mina looked at him "It doesn't matter Yunsung. Ask at a more appropriate time." she said before she and Kyle started to walk off. Raphael chuckled and walked as well "Interesting fellow." he said on Link as he walked. Yunsung huffed and followed them back to the ship entrusted to them, the Nightwraith. Essentially it was a ship made for speed rather than combat and was perfect for a small group to use even though Kyle was the only one who knew anything about sailing. Of course he himself was only a novice at it, maybe while they were near one another Maxi would lend them one of his people.
As they walked Mina looked to the south and breathed knowing the Soul Edge was that way. The blurry vision from underwater watched her, unseen due to the fact it was not together, easily able to sense they sought the source it was broken from. Without another thought it moved from underwater, a simple orb from the shadows to the darkness of the deep. However as it moved several fragments of what could have been anything between stone and bone came toward it gathering around it making a shape of a human. And it walked on its skeletal feet digging into the sand of the ocean floor.
While the others took their time to gather their groups and moved slowly toward the Suez Canal unknowing to the creature watching them, Ivy had moved at least a day ahead of them with the help powerful wind from the North as well as the power of the Lizardmen's labor below decks. Just over a week later the Darkthorne would come to a billowing storm that was gathering in the Arabian Sea, obviously the power of either the Soul Edge or an example of Anubis's power to manipulate the darkness and shadows. The Darkthorne moved up to the Nemesis effortlessly, luckily her helmsman as well as main squad leader, Razorback was spared from death and they had picked up a number of the stragglers that swam from the Defenders.
As the Darkthorne came alongside the much large Nemesis part of the hull opened and a small walkway was extended to the edge of the ship. Ivy breathed as she pulled her cloak around her shoulders a little bothered by the blowing wind, her servant who was to follow however seemed to be intrigued by it for some reason. She didn't bother asking as she walked on aboard, her servant followed her followed by Razorback. The black and red Lizardman glared at the Uruk-hai on the ship lightly snapping at them to get under their skin, unlike the others he had been presented with a rather durable Gladius and shield. Ivy lightly rolled her eyes as her captain continued "Come young one." she said to the trailing boy, he obeyed.
It seemed that a unit of the Black Wind's strike forces had arrived from the edge of the southern continent, unlike the expendable orcs and Uruk-hai as they were strictly desired to fight. They were made up of three groups, including Renzor's Lizardmen. One group, originally Astaroth's followers was the violent group of empowered humans known only as Berserkers, all of them very powerful though not nearly as lethal as Astaroth himself but easily stronger than any normal man. They had great loyalty to their leader even to the point of also using giant axes and clubs.
Nightmare's Destroyers were also of human variety, barring the mark of Soul Edge's eye on their forehead, all of them were knights of Europe who were cast away taken in by Nightmare. All of them were strengthened by Soul Edge however they were completely under Soul Edge's control after they practically handed over their soul for a chance at revenge upon those that exiled them into the Middle East. They were some of the Black Wind's best forces, and under the Soul Edge and Blades influence they were made to be efficient killing machines.
Though at this point the ten of each they had brought were only acting out defense on the Nemesis, the others back on the island were standing guard. If she had taken a few with her she might have had better luck in Istanbul. The only problem with them being humans is that they had mental flaws that had yet to be ironed out. Of course Renzor's people were powerful as well and they were brought up to fight as well. The only difference is they had a common sense of danger and knew when to back out.
Razorback looked up as they came to the stairway that would lead up to the deck, Renzor stood there with his sword slowly trimming his claws. Razorback grunted something incoherent to him, Renzor nodded. Ivy had heard it before apparently her captain's salute to his leader. Ivy breathed harshly knowing that now she had to face both the Azure Nightmare and De Leon with news of her failure. She sighed before stepping forward followed closely by her servant, he seemed to be ready to defend his mistress should her father were to start comparing her to himself.
Isabella Valentine stepped from below decks finding that a number of the Destroyers were on deck, many of them wore fragmented armor only their captain possessed a full suit of armor. Though he wasn't present he was like Nightmare's right hand when he was present with the group. The destroyers like their leader wielded long bladed swords, each either possessed a Flamberge or Great Blade a pair of mass produced blades. Ivy then looked up toward the helm spying Nightmare standing there, the blond hair blowing in the wind was unmistakable. She breathed before stepping forward down the deck ignoring a few of the stares she received from them, her servant simply narrowed his eyes back at them.
Ivy stepped up the stairs to the helm where Nightmare stood his with back to the back of the commanders cabin. The Soul Edge was nowhere to be seen obviously left in the next room generating the storms, Ivy stepped up the last stairs seeing that Cervantes was there as well Turmoil jammed into it hilt the Soul Blade was also present. Turmoil was his newest version of the pistol hilted blade, armed with a more powerful trigger at the hilt. The ever intimidating Anubis was there as well holding the gold and black eight foot spear known as Longinus, apparently named after the roman soldier who pierced Christ's side with his spear 1500 years ago.
Nightmare turned slowly from Anubis who had brought Ivy's failure to his attention and looked at her "Anubis tells me that Sophitia of Athens was involved in your attempts." Cervantes turned at once to look at her his immortal eyes carrying an accusing glint in them, however he also felt the Soul Blade angry at hearing that name. Ivy's servant crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against the railing. Ivy spoke up annoyance in her voice "It was chaos in that city. Seems the 'White Wind' as they call themselves were there already trying to get the fragment. Then the Defenders appeared, I retreated." she sighed. Nightmare chuckled "White Wind. Thats just like Sophitia." he said reminiscing.
Anubis shook his head "They say that cutting one's loses gives at least some success to a mission. It could have been worse." he said in his dark voice. Cervantes looked back at the demon before speaking "Do you have an excuse? I don't see how hard it would be to track down and steal the fragment." Ivy glared at him "For you information it was already being fought over and fell into the clash and I wasn't about to rush in blindly like you would!" she shouted. Cervantes growled at her disrespect, Anubis spoke "Do you at least know who claimed the shard?" he asked.
Ivy crossed her arms over her abdomen "I don't have a name or a face. But he somehow managed to surpress the shard from even tempting him. It was as if he had some sort of a mental barrier around himself. He seemed to be with the Athenian's group." Nightmare brought one hand to his chin as he heard this "Interesting." he said. Anubis pushed himself off the wall "I feel mortals approaching." he said simply before vanishing. Ivy watched Anubis leave before she looked at them "There was absolutely nothing I could do to get it away from a group of over twenty." she said referring to the White Wind and the Defenders.
Cervantes was about to speak when the servant spoke "Its true. After losing both of the guard ships staying longer would have placed the Darkthorne in great danger as well." Cervantes glared at the boy before him who stood at around five feet and a quarter "I would cut off your head child if you were bold enough to reveal it." he said referring to his hood. Nightmare glared at both of them "That is enough. The boy brings up a point. Just because they have it now doesn't mean we cannot claim it later." Ivy looked at the boy and motioned for him to leave, he did so walking away.
Cervantes knowing that he had no place to argue stepped away from the helm walking down the stairs standing against the reinforced mast. He looked to his right as he heard a pair of wings fold before and impact was heard, Diablos stood there. Probably the only member of the entire force that Cervantes didn't plan on killing outright aside from his daughter. Diablos looked up at the helm as Nightmare placed his arms around Ivy's abdomen bringing a blush to her face, Cervantes growled "He isn't worthy to touch my blood." he snarled.
Nightmare hugged Ivy's back to his chest, Ivy blushed lightly as he did this a few strands of his dark blond hair fell over her shoulders. He spoke softly into her ear "Don't allow the old man's words to discourage you darling. It is only a matter of time before he will taste defeat again. Immortal or not, nothing lasts forever." Ivy smiled evilly at this. She wondered if Nightmare was like this before he acquired Soul Edge, either way the fact that he despised Cervantes as much as she did entertained her. Nightmare mentally smirked, though he and Ivy lacked a very deep relationship seeing Cervantes blood boil at the sight of them was too hilarious to give up.
Cervantes turned his glare from Nightmare and his daughter snarling, first that knight had robbed him of his sword, had made the Soul Edge favor him, allowed it to be damaged and now he was constantly flirting on his daughter. He glared across the deck toward Ivy's servant apparently her soul source of inspiration to the battle. He carefully removed his cloak and hood his golden amber hair being revealed half way down his back tied near his neck. His bright blue eyes gazed over the ocean as he dropped his cloak to the ground, he wielded a pair of short bladed katanas. One was worn on his back and the other on his hip, much like the woman who killed him had.
Diablos huffed lightly the dark energy able to be felt around him "Children are such pest aren't they especially when they just have to be fighting along side you." he said outright. Cervantes de Leon looked at the demon "That child is only her slave. He is not part of us and if he makes a wrong move I will not hesitate to cut him down." Diablos looked at him "Your too anxious to be powerful Cervantes. Wait for the master of the Soul Edge to fall before you attempt to claim it. As long as he lives it has no other host or master." he said. Cervantes nodded "...but still he and my daughter are a disgusting sight." he growled.
Before they could continue there was suddenly the sound of a cannon over the distance before a large ball of metal smashed into the large oak mast of the Nemesis, however it feel harmlessly to the deck. Nightmare looked up removing his arms from Ivy's waist, Nightmare looked around the storm had gone down into only a blanket of clouds. Cervantes looked up over the distance only now sensing the presence of mortal souls, Anubis had been correct "All crews to their stations!" he shouted as he stepped away from Diablos who flexed his wings and flew up to the crow's nest to watch.
Several ships could be seen off in the distance approaching, Cervantes looked closer before sneering "The French Navy? Are they trying to insult us?" he grunted as he turned. Nightmare and Ivy walked down from the helm as the anchors were pulled up, they all gathered at the starboard side looking over. Ivy's servant looked at her "You think they intend on sinking us?" he asked monotony, Ivy smiled as she placed a hand on his shoulder "I wouldn't worry about it Drake. I doubt they know what they are doing." she assured him as around seven boats came into view all of them gunships.
Astaroth stepped out onto the deck followed by four of his Berserkers all of them clad in bluish armor two of them wielded Battle Axes while the other two carried War Hammers. Astaroth meanwhile wielded the Kulutues. Renzor stepped up on deck holding the Xi Sword and Game Shield in his grip, a number of his own kind followed him. The two elves Renzo and Karenna also appeared at the helm "Hurph. Human military. This should be entertaining." Karenna chuckled.
A voice called out to the Nemesis a French accent in their voice obviously the commodore of the fleet "Attention Black Wind!" it called out. They repeated this in Spanish, French and German before Nightmare called out "Silence!" he shouted out over the waves his deep voice taking effect. The commodore continued to speak as the fleet drew closer pulling to the side their multiple cannons showing all of them aimed at the Nemesis. Cervantes spoke with a chuckle "Do they expect us to be afraid?" he asked as the leader spoke again "You will surrender the Soul Edge and yourselves! We don't want any blood spilled!" there was silence.
The Commodore stood on the side of the ship, the Darkthorne and the Nemesis were alone obviously the other ships had taken refuge near the rocks or smaller islands. One of the sailors walked up to him "We should retreat. It is not wise to attack them at sea not with the power they possess." the commodore looked at him "Don't be a fool. That sword is a weapon but at sea it is only another blade. I don't know what manner of beings some of them are but I'm betting they can't go without air." suddenly there was a laugh from the Nemesis, the mocking laugh he had heard before. He pulled up a spy glass and focused.
He gasped as he saw him Cervantes de Leon standing there along side Nightmare who truly looked exactly like the leader of brigates from Germany. "So it is true. All ships prepare to fire!" he shouted the six ships around the flag ship prepared. Nightmare watched from where he stood as he gripped the Soul Edge and chuckled looking at the female elven as she approached. Ivy locked gazes with Karenna for a few seconds before looking toward the master of 'white magic' behind her. Renzo looked at Nightmare as he chuckled "Cannonfire?" he asked, Nightmare nodded. Renzo nodded as he closed his eyes concentrating. Cervantes chuckled as he shouted for the Nemesis to prepare an attack.
"FIRE!" was heard over the waves and multiple explosions of gunpowder was heard, and they sailed over the water a number of them not even making it. Renzo had more than enough time to gather himself and thrust up his hands, the cannonballs fell into the water as they made contact with some sort of invisible protective field before them. Several were also taken down by a powerful force that pushed several to stop, more of Anubis's doing. The Nemesis then moved toward the fleet. The commodore was shocked by this as the mate looked at him "I told you they were demons!" he shouted as the mammoth ship moved toward the fleet.
Drake turned and walked with his mistress as they moved from the deck as Cervantes and Nightmare brought up their weapons. If the enemy was foolish enough to actually board the Nemesis they would allow Astaroth and Renzor to have their fun. It was time to check on the Death Merchant's servant anyway. For any ships passing through the area they would have only seen one thing, whatever was left behind of the French Navy's interceptor force.
Next Chapter: Looking on the Past
After traveling down the Suez Canal and arriving in the Red Sea Link approaches Kyle and asks him exactly why he is traveling with them. He explains exactly why he is out to destroy Cervantes. Talim also continues to think over her own thoughts. Before they can truly enjoy this peace an odd creature appears. But what is this creature and why does it seek the shards?
OOC: If you interested in the status of the original characters and the guest characters go to the following site which will be updated regularly as more information is revealed on them:
Author's Note: Let me point out, when Nightmare is not holding the Soul Edge his is perfectly normal with Siegfried's body. Only his hair is dark blond. Also the extensive scene of the Black Wind in this is around five to eight days later, and Ivy is a day ahead of the White Wind by about a day or so.
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Soul Calibur II: Of Souls And Swords
Chapter Fourteen: On The Move Once Again
The group lead by Kyle Strife eventually revealed as 'The Four Blades' waited for about an hour outside and on the Eternal Wind while Sophitia, Xianghua and Talim tended to the wounded Defenders and towns folk. Yunsung meanwhile sat up on deck waiting for all of them to cast judgment upon their group, if they would be allowed to at least follow or not. They just wanted a chance at claiming the Soul Edge. Yunsung couldn't care less, it was called the Sword of Heroes by his people and thus the ultimate practice to prove himself. The one man whom he had wanted recognition from would have to notice him if he completed the task he had tried for and failed at for six years.
Raphael believed that rumor that the sword did have a mind of its own but had also heard that the one who wielded it before Cervantes had managed to at least hold it long enough to hide it away. Thus he had been relieving himself of all lust for power he possessed to his best effort, clearing his mind of all great and sinful negatives that could give the blade an advantage. Although he had yet to find a balance within his soul he was sure that sheer will would keep him safe should the sword be inheritely evil. Power had been known to drive men insane more often than anything such as a sword.
Kyle looked around from his place at the bottom of the ramp with Seung Mina, Yunsung was on deck. Raphael was at the helm of the ship speaking with the eastern captain of the boat, likely checking to see how the conflict in France was going at this point. Kyle constantly kept an eye on Yunsung, but there was something about Raphael Soral that he just felt he couldn't trust. He was far too confident in battle and seemed to never lose track of himself, but it seemed that it wasn't a problem to Mina. He just couldn't like him, though he himself wasn't exactly the most social person he was still at least human.
Sophitia calmly walked back from the square rubbing off her hands that were lightly stained by blood, few were gifted in sewing up wounds. Sophitia walked up to the dock and called the others out, Yunsung looked at White Storm in his grip lightly brushing his free hand through his hair "Guess this is the part where they all huddle and judge us like slabs of meat." he huffed. "I suppose. But they did say they needed help." Raphael added in from behind. They all stepped up to meet Sophitia. Kilik, Xianghua and Maxi were the first to arrive. Jack went below to tell the others.
Kyle, Mina, Yunsung and Raphael all lined up on the docks in front of them as they all started to deliberate if they would allow them to follow or not. Sophitia spoke up to her group "We could always use more help and from what Mina tells me she and their leader have no intention of capturing the sword." Kilik nodded at this "I say we should give them a chance. It isn't like they can force us to help them and if they get the sword there is still time to steal it before it takes them over." Xianghua nodded. Maxi spoke "The French guy said that they have their own boat so they will have our backs at sea just in case." Sophitia nodded at this, with four more experienced warriors it gave them a better chance at saving Siegfried.
Yunsung yawned lightly as he sat on the ground cross legged, Mina sat on a crate with Kyle standing next to her. Being that he had sent a letter to her father promising to take care of her he had to back that up. Raphael meanwhile polished his rapier without a word "Tough crowd." he murmured to himself. There were then a few footsteps coming down the ramp as Jack, Talim and the still in pain Cassandra joined them. The girl called Talim didn't trust Yunsung obviously, though Raphael was more concerned on where the young warrior that used the both a sword and bow had run off to.
Eventually they all came to some sort of agreement. Maxi and Kilik returned to the ship as Sophitia and Talim walked up to the group "Alright we have come to an agreement. Because you have your own ship we have no problem with you following us as long as our allegiance does not falter." Raphael nodded at this understanding "Though we have different motives the destruction of the Black Wind is first priority. The sword comes second." he said. Yunsung rolled his eyes as Talim looked at him "And don't you dare try to double cross us." she said simply. Jack backed this up by placing his hand on one of his pistols. Yunsung groaned "Whatever." Sophitia looked at the two and sighed.
Kyle spoke up as he looked at Sophitia "For anybody who cares I'm Kyle Strife. I have no conflict with the Azure Nightmare. The loud one in Yunsung. The patient one is Raphael Sorel. This is Seung Mina." Yunsung shot a glare at his superior both in age and skill who ignored him. Sophitia nodded at this "We should make haste. The Soul Edge is traveling to the South." Kyle nodded before he headed off. There was another voice "So I'll take it we have some company now." Yunsung recognized the voice as that of the swordsman/archer and turned to greet him "Yeah. But any friend of Talim is a friend of..." Yunsung cut himself off as he turned to see Link no longer wearing his cape and hood.
Kyle and Mina noticed this as well and lightly raised an eyebrow, Raphael brought a hand to his chin "Interesting." he said simply, intrigued. As Link walked down the plank toward Yunsung he jumped back like a cat from an angry dog, Link was confused. Yunsung spoke "What the heck are you?" he asked simply. Link realized what Yunsung was gawking at and raised a hand to hold the place between his eyes "I'm not from around here alright lets drop the subject." he said before he stepped back on the ship obviously irritated that he would be questioned after saving his life. Kyle shrugged accepting this.
Yunsung looked at Talim trying to ask her the same question, Talim breathed before speaking "I don't want to strain your mind with thoughts so lets just say he is a victim of the Evil Seed alright." Talim then stepped away. Yunsung scratched his head as he got this very angry response "Uh sorry." he said not knowing that he had hit a soft spot. Sophitia looked at Kyle and spoke "We'll be heading for the Suez Canal soon. Bring your ship around here and we'll move onward. You have an hour." she said before stepping onto the boat.
Yunsung was still confused as Mina looked at him "It doesn't matter Yunsung. Ask at a more appropriate time." she said before she and Kyle started to walk off. Raphael chuckled and walked as well "Interesting fellow." he said on Link as he walked. Yunsung huffed and followed them back to the ship entrusted to them, the Nightwraith. Essentially it was a ship made for speed rather than combat and was perfect for a small group to use even though Kyle was the only one who knew anything about sailing. Of course he himself was only a novice at it, maybe while they were near one another Maxi would lend them one of his people.
As they walked Mina looked to the south and breathed knowing the Soul Edge was that way. The blurry vision from underwater watched her, unseen due to the fact it was not together, easily able to sense they sought the source it was broken from. Without another thought it moved from underwater, a simple orb from the shadows to the darkness of the deep. However as it moved several fragments of what could have been anything between stone and bone came toward it gathering around it making a shape of a human. And it walked on its skeletal feet digging into the sand of the ocean floor.
While the others took their time to gather their groups and moved slowly toward the Suez Canal unknowing to the creature watching them, Ivy had moved at least a day ahead of them with the help powerful wind from the North as well as the power of the Lizardmen's labor below decks. Just over a week later the Darkthorne would come to a billowing storm that was gathering in the Arabian Sea, obviously the power of either the Soul Edge or an example of Anubis's power to manipulate the darkness and shadows. The Darkthorne moved up to the Nemesis effortlessly, luckily her helmsman as well as main squad leader, Razorback was spared from death and they had picked up a number of the stragglers that swam from the Defenders.
As the Darkthorne came alongside the much large Nemesis part of the hull opened and a small walkway was extended to the edge of the ship. Ivy breathed as she pulled her cloak around her shoulders a little bothered by the blowing wind, her servant who was to follow however seemed to be intrigued by it for some reason. She didn't bother asking as she walked on aboard, her servant followed her followed by Razorback. The black and red Lizardman glared at the Uruk-hai on the ship lightly snapping at them to get under their skin, unlike the others he had been presented with a rather durable Gladius and shield. Ivy lightly rolled her eyes as her captain continued "Come young one." she said to the trailing boy, he obeyed.
It seemed that a unit of the Black Wind's strike forces had arrived from the edge of the southern continent, unlike the expendable orcs and Uruk-hai as they were strictly desired to fight. They were made up of three groups, including Renzor's Lizardmen. One group, originally Astaroth's followers was the violent group of empowered humans known only as Berserkers, all of them very powerful though not nearly as lethal as Astaroth himself but easily stronger than any normal man. They had great loyalty to their leader even to the point of also using giant axes and clubs.
Nightmare's Destroyers were also of human variety, barring the mark of Soul Edge's eye on their forehead, all of them were knights of Europe who were cast away taken in by Nightmare. All of them were strengthened by Soul Edge however they were completely under Soul Edge's control after they practically handed over their soul for a chance at revenge upon those that exiled them into the Middle East. They were some of the Black Wind's best forces, and under the Soul Edge and Blades influence they were made to be efficient killing machines.
Though at this point the ten of each they had brought were only acting out defense on the Nemesis, the others back on the island were standing guard. If she had taken a few with her she might have had better luck in Istanbul. The only problem with them being humans is that they had mental flaws that had yet to be ironed out. Of course Renzor's people were powerful as well and they were brought up to fight as well. The only difference is they had a common sense of danger and knew when to back out.
Razorback looked up as they came to the stairway that would lead up to the deck, Renzor stood there with his sword slowly trimming his claws. Razorback grunted something incoherent to him, Renzor nodded. Ivy had heard it before apparently her captain's salute to his leader. Ivy breathed harshly knowing that now she had to face both the Azure Nightmare and De Leon with news of her failure. She sighed before stepping forward followed closely by her servant, he seemed to be ready to defend his mistress should her father were to start comparing her to himself.
Isabella Valentine stepped from below decks finding that a number of the Destroyers were on deck, many of them wore fragmented armor only their captain possessed a full suit of armor. Though he wasn't present he was like Nightmare's right hand when he was present with the group. The destroyers like their leader wielded long bladed swords, each either possessed a Flamberge or Great Blade a pair of mass produced blades. Ivy then looked up toward the helm spying Nightmare standing there, the blond hair blowing in the wind was unmistakable. She breathed before stepping forward down the deck ignoring a few of the stares she received from them, her servant simply narrowed his eyes back at them.
Ivy stepped up the stairs to the helm where Nightmare stood his with back to the back of the commanders cabin. The Soul Edge was nowhere to be seen obviously left in the next room generating the storms, Ivy stepped up the last stairs seeing that Cervantes was there as well Turmoil jammed into it hilt the Soul Blade was also present. Turmoil was his newest version of the pistol hilted blade, armed with a more powerful trigger at the hilt. The ever intimidating Anubis was there as well holding the gold and black eight foot spear known as Longinus, apparently named after the roman soldier who pierced Christ's side with his spear 1500 years ago.
Nightmare turned slowly from Anubis who had brought Ivy's failure to his attention and looked at her "Anubis tells me that Sophitia of Athens was involved in your attempts." Cervantes turned at once to look at her his immortal eyes carrying an accusing glint in them, however he also felt the Soul Blade angry at hearing that name. Ivy's servant crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against the railing. Ivy spoke up annoyance in her voice "It was chaos in that city. Seems the 'White Wind' as they call themselves were there already trying to get the fragment. Then the Defenders appeared, I retreated." she sighed. Nightmare chuckled "White Wind. Thats just like Sophitia." he said reminiscing.
Anubis shook his head "They say that cutting one's loses gives at least some success to a mission. It could have been worse." he said in his dark voice. Cervantes looked back at the demon before speaking "Do you have an excuse? I don't see how hard it would be to track down and steal the fragment." Ivy glared at him "For you information it was already being fought over and fell into the clash and I wasn't about to rush in blindly like you would!" she shouted. Cervantes growled at her disrespect, Anubis spoke "Do you at least know who claimed the shard?" he asked.
Ivy crossed her arms over her abdomen "I don't have a name or a face. But he somehow managed to surpress the shard from even tempting him. It was as if he had some sort of a mental barrier around himself. He seemed to be with the Athenian's group." Nightmare brought one hand to his chin as he heard this "Interesting." he said. Anubis pushed himself off the wall "I feel mortals approaching." he said simply before vanishing. Ivy watched Anubis leave before she looked at them "There was absolutely nothing I could do to get it away from a group of over twenty." she said referring to the White Wind and the Defenders.
Cervantes was about to speak when the servant spoke "Its true. After losing both of the guard ships staying longer would have placed the Darkthorne in great danger as well." Cervantes glared at the boy before him who stood at around five feet and a quarter "I would cut off your head child if you were bold enough to reveal it." he said referring to his hood. Nightmare glared at both of them "That is enough. The boy brings up a point. Just because they have it now doesn't mean we cannot claim it later." Ivy looked at the boy and motioned for him to leave, he did so walking away.
Cervantes knowing that he had no place to argue stepped away from the helm walking down the stairs standing against the reinforced mast. He looked to his right as he heard a pair of wings fold before and impact was heard, Diablos stood there. Probably the only member of the entire force that Cervantes didn't plan on killing outright aside from his daughter. Diablos looked up at the helm as Nightmare placed his arms around Ivy's abdomen bringing a blush to her face, Cervantes growled "He isn't worthy to touch my blood." he snarled.
Nightmare hugged Ivy's back to his chest, Ivy blushed lightly as he did this a few strands of his dark blond hair fell over her shoulders. He spoke softly into her ear "Don't allow the old man's words to discourage you darling. It is only a matter of time before he will taste defeat again. Immortal or not, nothing lasts forever." Ivy smiled evilly at this. She wondered if Nightmare was like this before he acquired Soul Edge, either way the fact that he despised Cervantes as much as she did entertained her. Nightmare mentally smirked, though he and Ivy lacked a very deep relationship seeing Cervantes blood boil at the sight of them was too hilarious to give up.
Cervantes turned his glare from Nightmare and his daughter snarling, first that knight had robbed him of his sword, had made the Soul Edge favor him, allowed it to be damaged and now he was constantly flirting on his daughter. He glared across the deck toward Ivy's servant apparently her soul source of inspiration to the battle. He carefully removed his cloak and hood his golden amber hair being revealed half way down his back tied near his neck. His bright blue eyes gazed over the ocean as he dropped his cloak to the ground, he wielded a pair of short bladed katanas. One was worn on his back and the other on his hip, much like the woman who killed him had.
Diablos huffed lightly the dark energy able to be felt around him "Children are such pest aren't they especially when they just have to be fighting along side you." he said outright. Cervantes de Leon looked at the demon "That child is only her slave. He is not part of us and if he makes a wrong move I will not hesitate to cut him down." Diablos looked at him "Your too anxious to be powerful Cervantes. Wait for the master of the Soul Edge to fall before you attempt to claim it. As long as he lives it has no other host or master." he said. Cervantes nodded "...but still he and my daughter are a disgusting sight." he growled.
Before they could continue there was suddenly the sound of a cannon over the distance before a large ball of metal smashed into the large oak mast of the Nemesis, however it feel harmlessly to the deck. Nightmare looked up removing his arms from Ivy's waist, Nightmare looked around the storm had gone down into only a blanket of clouds. Cervantes looked up over the distance only now sensing the presence of mortal souls, Anubis had been correct "All crews to their stations!" he shouted as he stepped away from Diablos who flexed his wings and flew up to the crow's nest to watch.
Several ships could be seen off in the distance approaching, Cervantes looked closer before sneering "The French Navy? Are they trying to insult us?" he grunted as he turned. Nightmare and Ivy walked down from the helm as the anchors were pulled up, they all gathered at the starboard side looking over. Ivy's servant looked at her "You think they intend on sinking us?" he asked monotony, Ivy smiled as she placed a hand on his shoulder "I wouldn't worry about it Drake. I doubt they know what they are doing." she assured him as around seven boats came into view all of them gunships.
Astaroth stepped out onto the deck followed by four of his Berserkers all of them clad in bluish armor two of them wielded Battle Axes while the other two carried War Hammers. Astaroth meanwhile wielded the Kulutues. Renzor stepped up on deck holding the Xi Sword and Game Shield in his grip, a number of his own kind followed him. The two elves Renzo and Karenna also appeared at the helm "Hurph. Human military. This should be entertaining." Karenna chuckled.
A voice called out to the Nemesis a French accent in their voice obviously the commodore of the fleet "Attention Black Wind!" it called out. They repeated this in Spanish, French and German before Nightmare called out "Silence!" he shouted out over the waves his deep voice taking effect. The commodore continued to speak as the fleet drew closer pulling to the side their multiple cannons showing all of them aimed at the Nemesis. Cervantes spoke with a chuckle "Do they expect us to be afraid?" he asked as the leader spoke again "You will surrender the Soul Edge and yourselves! We don't want any blood spilled!" there was silence.
The Commodore stood on the side of the ship, the Darkthorne and the Nemesis were alone obviously the other ships had taken refuge near the rocks or smaller islands. One of the sailors walked up to him "We should retreat. It is not wise to attack them at sea not with the power they possess." the commodore looked at him "Don't be a fool. That sword is a weapon but at sea it is only another blade. I don't know what manner of beings some of them are but I'm betting they can't go without air." suddenly there was a laugh from the Nemesis, the mocking laugh he had heard before. He pulled up a spy glass and focused.
He gasped as he saw him Cervantes de Leon standing there along side Nightmare who truly looked exactly like the leader of brigates from Germany. "So it is true. All ships prepare to fire!" he shouted the six ships around the flag ship prepared. Nightmare watched from where he stood as he gripped the Soul Edge and chuckled looking at the female elven as she approached. Ivy locked gazes with Karenna for a few seconds before looking toward the master of 'white magic' behind her. Renzo looked at Nightmare as he chuckled "Cannonfire?" he asked, Nightmare nodded. Renzo nodded as he closed his eyes concentrating. Cervantes chuckled as he shouted for the Nemesis to prepare an attack.
"FIRE!" was heard over the waves and multiple explosions of gunpowder was heard, and they sailed over the water a number of them not even making it. Renzo had more than enough time to gather himself and thrust up his hands, the cannonballs fell into the water as they made contact with some sort of invisible protective field before them. Several were also taken down by a powerful force that pushed several to stop, more of Anubis's doing. The Nemesis then moved toward the fleet. The commodore was shocked by this as the mate looked at him "I told you they were demons!" he shouted as the mammoth ship moved toward the fleet.
Drake turned and walked with his mistress as they moved from the deck as Cervantes and Nightmare brought up their weapons. If the enemy was foolish enough to actually board the Nemesis they would allow Astaroth and Renzor to have their fun. It was time to check on the Death Merchant's servant anyway. For any ships passing through the area they would have only seen one thing, whatever was left behind of the French Navy's interceptor force.
Next Chapter: Looking on the Past
After traveling down the Suez Canal and arriving in the Red Sea Link approaches Kyle and asks him exactly why he is traveling with them. He explains exactly why he is out to destroy Cervantes. Talim also continues to think over her own thoughts. Before they can truly enjoy this peace an odd creature appears. But what is this creature and why does it seek the shards?
OOC: If you interested in the status of the original characters and the guest characters go to the following site which will be updated regularly as more information is revealed on them: