Disclaimer: I don't own Soul Caliber, Tekken or any of it's characters. They all belong to NAMCO. I don't own anybody from the Zelda Series they belong to Nintendo. I do not own Spawn or Necrid either, Todd McFarlane does. And if you want the copyright info on the Original Characters it is in my profile.
WANTED: Information on Spawn. Information on his powers. I don't know much but I have seen the movie. I'd like deeper information if anybody can contribute. As I am a little disappointed with NAMCO's version of him.
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Soul Calibur II: Of Souls And Swords
Chapter Seventeen: Views of Pride and Honor
It took just over an hour for the crew of the Eternal Wind to return. Stephan had decided to stay on board the Nightwraith as it was obvious that Link didn't feel like going back. Naoyuki, of course returned to the ship while Talim decided to stay onboard until they reached India where they would meet the mysterious eastern members of the White Wind. Talim just felt like she should remain onboard and keep an eye on the other seekers, she hated to not trust them fully but had no choice. Link had gone back to his room where his belongings as well as the Master Sword were kept.
Kilik and Xianghua climbed back up the rope ladder that was over the side of the Eternal Wind ready to give a report "They're alright. Naoyuki and Raphael are a little shaken up. Yunsung seemed to have injured his knee but it's nothing serious. But they are confused to why that thing ran from us." Xianghua said interested. Sophitia looked at them an unsure expression on her face "I really have no idea. It's odd." Kilik brought up some items, to be specific it was Rothion's Sword as well as Link's shield. Cassandra reached out taking them noticing that there were a few scratches on the blade "Figured he would want these back." Kilik said.
Jack crossed his arms as he looked toward the door that would lead down the stairs and into the inner decks of the ships "I think he wants to be left alone." Maxi nodded as this was said "Salt in a couple of deep wounds would probably do that to a man. I don't care where the hell your from." Cassandra nodded as she sighed lightly wondering what had gotten into him, was he actually taking one wound that hard. Sophitia had gone below to place the fragment away where it couldn't call out to that monster again. Cassandra breathed as she turned and began to walk toward the door "Where are you going?" Jack called out.
Cassandra looked back at the brash gunner holding up the sword Sophitia and Rothion had given to Link "I'm going to go return these if it is any business of yours." she said wondering why he cared. Jack watched as she vanished through the door "Heh. Cute." he murmured. Kilik lightly shrugged "Aggressive and violent but I suppose so." Xianghua lightly shot Kilik a glare he smiled at her. Xianghua then looked at the door having noticed just how much attention that Cassandra paid to Link, maybe it was because she wanted to make sure he'd have his shot at Nightmare or maybe she had a deeper interest. She lightly giggled at the thought.
Kilik and Xianghua's assumptions were suddenly broken up as Maxi shouted out "Okay everybody what are you waiting for a written invitation?" he called out. He and Michael were descending down the ladder. Jack looked up "Huh?" Maxi rolled his eyes "Unless you haven't noticed we ran aground, I'm going to need a little more help pushing the ship off the rocks!" he shouted at him. Kilik nodded and looked at Jack "Come on. I wanna make sure your good for something." he said. Jack just huffed and followed after removing his boots.
It didn't take much more than ten minutes for both the Eternal Wind and the Nightwraith to be back on the water. Maxi and Kyle quickly spoke deciding that they would continue on to India but would stay close in the event that Charade showed up again seeking the shards. Raphael seemed a little skeptic when they spoke, his confidence in the group shaken by their uncollected ability to fight Charade. Not only that but with Yunsung injured they couldn't afford another attack on the Nightwraith, and the elf would be an easy target if his senses were as screwed as Kyle said.
The two ships were eventually on their way once again, the refreshing sea breeze blew over the deck of the Eternal Wind giving a little more awareness to Maxi as night approached. Kilik and Xianghua were also on deck while Michael had returned to his room to rest after deciding to stand guard the night through. Sophitia meanwhile was checking over the fragment case trying to figure out how the monster had tracked them to this point. Jack suspected it had taken up a territory but doubted his theory. Link meanwhile had not come out of his room, Sophitia had warned Cassandra not to bother him, but she knew it was pointless to try and change Cassandra's stubborn mind.
Link Masters sat on the mattress of his bed checking over his slashed tunic cursing the fact that he lacked the few magics he knew of, Nayru's Love would have really helped. He still wore his undershirt which had also been torn open by Charade's claws. He had removed his bracers and placed them aside, one his left hand his wrist and palm was wrapped up in a thin layer of bandages as if to hide something. He breathed as he decided to just discard it as he had at least come to this world with more than one change of cloths, including mythril lace which he didn't think he would need while sailing. He sighed sulkingly as he picked up his knife returning it to the small sheath behind his belt.
Suddenly there was a knock at his door he looked up shocked at first, his vision was still very hazy, his balance wasn't at its greatest and the blinding pain in his back didn't help much either. Link brought his right hand up to his forehead as he asked them to enter, Cassandra then walked through the door holding his shield and sword. Link looked at her as she walked on placing the two pieces on the mattress where he sat "Figured that you might want these back." he just absently nodded. Cassandra looked at him able to see that he was obviously frustrated about something "Are you alright?" Link shook his head "I'm fine." he muttered.
Cassandra narrowed her eyes as she crossed her arms at this "Oh please Link. What kind of a fool do you take me for. Have you even looked at yourself recently? Have you even bothered to patch yourself up?" she asked almost shouting at him. He lightly huffed seemingly annoyed "Alright. I haven't, and if you must know I feel like absolute Hell." Cassandra lightly brought her hand to her forehead "And Sophitia says I'm stubborn." she said before suddenly turning and stepping out of the room. Link mentally kicked himself for his behavior it was obvious that they believed him but he still didn't know how much he could trust them.
Cassandra eventually reentered carrying with her a small bottle with a red cross on it along with a cloth and a bowl of water. She looked at him seriously as she got a good look at his back seeing the size of the tearing in his shirt "Take off your shirt." she said simply. Link at first was a little unsure but it wasn't long before she spoke again "The last thing that any of us need is you getting infected by a wound this sorry. We don't need you to get any worse!" she half shouted. Link lightly huffed before he removed the long white shirt dropping it on the same spot as his tunic. He then turned his back to her crossing his arms.
Cassandra had believed him on much of his story from earlier and she was pretty much dead on at to what his body would look like. Truly his trials and journeys had built him to a fault but along with it came a number of scars that were visible on his flesh. The three scratches from Charade were nothing, his left arm bore two scars that almost looked like bite marks. Few were on his chest showing that he at least knew how to use that shield effectively, there was one on the back of his beck that was clearly made by a blade of sorts. There were others but they didn't appear to be very recent, obviously from his first combat experience she figured. She knew it wasn't easy as she possessed one on her left side from one of the soldiers getting a little too serious.
She forgot about it as she sat on the mattress behind him and proceeded to soak the cloth running it in the four long scratches on his back. He winced as Cassandra did her best to wash the wounds free of dried blood and salt that had coated them. Cassandra at least knew what she was doing as Sophitia had taught her how to nurse for the wounded as it was needed at times in the field. Truly Cassandra couldn't find anything other than his ears that pointed him out as being a Hylian, otherwise he could easily pass for human. She looked over his shoulder noticing the bandages on his hands.
Cassandra closed her eyes as she brought up the bottle, a strong smell came from it obviously it was both pain killer and disinfectant "Did something happen to your hands?" she asked. Link looked back slightly having calmed down he decided he'd speak, seeing as how she was doing this out of the kindness of her heart, it was odd seeing as how he had been chased several times and it was obvious that some of the others were uncomfortable in his presence. He shook his head "Leather rubbing against your hands isn't a very nice feeling." he said with a light smile.
Cassandra nodded as she remembered the bracers he wore "I'd suppose so." she then poked a spot of his right shoulder "What in the world did you do to yourself here?" she said poking more of the puncture wound scars. Link lightly chuckled as he felt the icy yet warm sensation on his back "I've been in your world for six months remember, Talim asked the same and didn't believe me so I doubt you will." he said. Cassandra playfully narrowed her eyes before forcefully scrapping down one of the wounds "Hmm. Try me." she dared him as she rinsed the cloth in the water.
Link reflected back to his younger years, although he had fought and killed that creature during his time in Gannondorf's twisted future it still had existed. It had been released from its place in death mountain but was banished to the dark realm as well, but not before Link had to face it. He pointed back touching on of the hardly visible wounds "A rather feared dragon in my homeland managed to catch me off guard but luckily I wasn't alone at the time. Otherwise...well you get the idea." Cassandra looked at him for a second then smiled "Dragons exist in your world?" she questioned him.
Link shrugged as well ignoring the light pain in his shoulder "They are not as fierce as the ones that may or may have not existed a while ago mind you. Some of them are quite docile. They possess wings and normally possess a great amount of intelligence. The dark and savage ones however possess no wings, they fly by some other odd means but they are rare now. In both breeds there are probobly less than one hundred." Cassandra now felt interested with all the legends on dragons in the world that could explain the connection between worlds, but it also made her uncomfortable. That woman Ivy had the ability to tap into this worlds darker realms and call out demons, what if she could tap into Hyrule's?
Cassandra eventually finished and took the time to wrap some bandages around his wounds to make sure they don't get torn open again. Link stood up pulling his shirt back on before he looked at her "Is your arm feeling better?" he asked her. She nodded as she stood up looking at him "You just take care of yourself. Also if you wanna talk, me and Xianghua would like to hear more of your stories." Link lightly shrugged "Not much to talk about but alright." Cassandra then walked from his room. Link smiled closing his eyes lightly getting help from her didn't harm his ego as much as he thought it would.
Three days later onboard the Nightwraith...Talim walked up the stairs from the lower decks it was fast approaching nightfall and they had found themselves stuck in a vast amount of fog. They had just crossed through the Red Sea the day before and had just left the Gulf of Aden earlier and were now in the Arabian Sea en route to the southeast tip of India where their port was. Now of all times she found herself looking for the still recovering Yunsung even after Seung Mina had demanded that he stop trying to place his weight on that knee of his. Normally it would be Mina's turn to watch but she was resting up for her guard duty, Raphael was currently performing that act on the center of the deck.
After about three seconds of looking she found him on the front of the deck attempting to train, he could walk and run at least but it was obvious he was still in too much pain to do his katas correctly. Talim sighed as she walked up to him "Do I have to lock you in your cabin to keep you from being so foolish?" she asked as she felt a little responsible. Yunsung huffed before he pulled himself from the floor "It was only a dislocation and some bruises. Better to get used to the pain before we get to land again." Talim looked back at Naoyuki who shrugged as he saw her "Hey I just pilot the ship. I don't have time to watch him." he said keeping a keen look out for any lights.
Raphael nodded as he swiped his rapier through the fog "I haven't the time to care. If he hurts himself tough luck, if he requests to be left alone far be it for me to meddle." Yunsung nodded as he stood up holding White Storm "Uh. Thanks." he said a little unsure. Suddenly Naoyuki spotted something from the distance, it appeared to be a number of lights just through the fog he knew little of the areas but knew that the coastal cities lit up large fires to make signals. Naoyuki looked at Yunsung "Check in with the others. We're supposed to be on open sea." he said. Raphael suddenly had a bad feeling as both ships were moving toward the lights like a fly to a candle.
Yunsung moved to the edge "Hey!" he shouted back at the barely visible Eternal Wind that was not far behind the Nightwraith that was trying to take it slow in this fog. Kilik's voice came over the hundred yard distance from the ships "What is that?" his voice shouted. Maxi obviously heard and moved the Eternal Wind to get closer to the Nightwraith, it was a good thing that both stays closed otherwise they could get separated in the mist. Yunsung shouted back "I don't know!" he shouted back. Kyle walked up from the bottom deck his arms crossed "What are you screaming about?" he asked monotony obviously annoyed by it. Yunsung suddenly had an expression of shock in his face before he gulped and pointed...
Link, Jack, Cassandra and Sophitia were all in the first deck, Sophitia had just gone over the plan. They would pick up two other members in India before moving on to track the Soul Edge, being that both of them had experience in fighting them they would be more than useful. However they were suddenly taken off task when Link stood up, he closed his eyes breathing through his nose "What is that smell?" he asked. Cassandra looked up as she noticed the musty scent in the air. Jack narrowed his eyes as he knew this scent all two well and was pretty sure Maxi did as well.
Suddenly the door up the steps burst open and Xianghua called down the them "Uh Sophitia, everyone I think you might want to see this." Sophitia moved from her seat moving up. Suddenly something struck Link's senses the very presence of death in the area, he moved as well following Sophitia, Cassandra and Jack did the same. They all arrived on deck to find that it was shrouded in a light of yellow and orange light, they looked up to see it, the burning remains of a group of ships. Cassandra was shocked at what she saw "What...what could have done this?" she breathed as she looked to Link who glared at the scene.
Sophitia spoke almost instantly uncharacteristic contempt in her voice "The Black Wind." she said simply hate filling her voice. Kilik narrowed his eyes at the wreckage before he looked at Link seeing his hardened expression "There are seven ships..." Kilik said. Link nodded at this. Kilik closed his eyes as he knew he could see the proof "...And not one soul lingers, all of them taken by that infernal blade." he grasped Kali-Yuga even tighter his hands shaking as he did so. Link brought up his hand to be placed on the ridge between his eyes "A vain loss indeed." he murmured sadly.
Raphael huffed uncaringly knowing that it was obviously the nobles of his country who sent these people to their deaths. The Soul Edge could not be claimed by average military means or their technology, it can only be faced on even ground by another fighter otherwise it will just make quick work of the opposition. Kyle lightly shook his head before looking to Yunsung and Talim "There is nothing we can do to help them. Only shatter the blade before it can make use of their souls." Naoyuki nodded as he steered the Nightwraith back east toward India.
Meanwhile just a day North from the decimated seven ship was the mammoth ship known only as the Nemesis. It had taken up hold in a cavern that was unable to be seen unless one knew where it was, one of Cervantes hiding points known as the Pirate's Cove. The Darkthorne was with it and the other few ships had also docked in this rather large base. The Black Wind would easily be able to gather what was needed before they headed out into the Middle East. Nightmare having taken his time had felt out a piece of the Soul Edge, it rested somewhere in one of the Middle Eastern Countries. However there was a minor problem that was taking place near the center deck.
Cervantes had also picked up a shard of the Soul Edge due North from where they were headed but he had made the discovery that it was moving, Nightmare didn't believe it was a great concern and refused to send an entire legion of his forces after it. Cervantes was needless to say furious "If its moving it obviously means somebody has it! It could be the enemy or maybe somebody is drawing off of it's power. You'd be a fool not to send somebody." Nightmare crossed his arms "First thing is first. The one we are going to retrieve is untouched and won't have any problem returning. And we need you to track the Soul Blade fragments." Cervantes growled.
Isabella Valentine who stood against the nearby wall scoffed "Just leave it alone De Leon. There is always later." Cervantes glared at his daughter then back at Nightmare "Well we should at least send somebody to investigate. Renzor or Astaroth would do finely." Nightmare shook his head at this as well. Cervantes growled "Why the hell not?" "Because Astaroth isn't the quickest traveler and Renzor is needed here with his troops. And he cannot sense the fragments anyway." Cervantes growled ready to just attack Nightmare and prove he had no right to give him orders. Until there suddenly came a voice from behind them "If one must try I will go."
They all looked back to see Ivy's servant standing there his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed in seriousness. Nightmare looked at the boy, despite his age he was pretty far out when Ivy met him and fought him and he sure wasn't at any disadvantage put on by fatigue or hunger. Ivy lightly smiled at Drake as he said this "Sure you can handle such a task my boy?" she said with a smirk. Cervantes was shocked that they were considering this "We cannot allow him to take such an action. We cannot trust him with the shard and you both know this." Ivy lightly shrugged as if it was just to spite him.
Drake closed his eyes before he spoke "Unless you forget I have kept my word this long. If I was going to turn and run off I would have done so by now. As for survival you don't need to worry on that. If I don't return in a month you can send one of your scaled friends to retrieve the shard from me." Ivy smiled as she walked up placing her hands on the boy's shoulders easily having the height advantage over him "He was quite skilled last I saw. I wouldn't worry about his safety. If whoever has the fragment can use it, I'm confident Drake will find a way out."
Drake lightly turned to look back at his mistress "I'm honored." he said his monotone attitude remaining constant. Cervantes looked at Nightmare "Please don't tell me your going to consider sending this...infant out after a shard of the Soul Edge?!" Nightmare crossed his arms as he looked at the child having seen exactly how he fights and if this creature was using the shard it would be large and sluggish most likely. Nightmare then looked at Drake his eyes glowing "You have one month before I send Diablos out of collect you. You'd either better have the fragment or one hell of an excuse." Drake nodded his eyes not shifting from their narrowed shape.
Cervantes turned and stomped down the deck Ivy watched and smirked at this, Nightmare spoke "He needs to learn some patience. Ivy, how soon can this child be ready?" he asked. Drake crossed his arms before he spoke "I merely request my weapons back and somebody to transport me to the shore, I can fend for myself afterwards." Ivy nodded before stepping away to retrieve the twin swords he used which had been taken after returning to the Nemesis as it was obvious that he hated a number of those on board. Nightmare then looked at Drake "Do not get overconfident. I feel whoever has this fragment is not normal. Do not rush in and attack as De Leon would."
Drake nodded his head his eyes remaining deep "Your breath is wasted I'm afraid. In my training that is the key lesson. I forgot it once and well...here I am." he said simply. Nightmare nodded "And where you will remain until you've earned your freedom." Nightmare then stepped away to find Diablos who could fly him to the shore. Drake breathed before he turned to look East knowing what was a couple thousand miles away, hopefully if he could play his cards right he would be able to convince them to steer away from the only home he had ever had. Though many wouldn't think he would after what they did to him.
Next Chapter: UNDECIDED
The Seekers eventually arrive in India. While some of them head out to pick up some supplies or have some R&R Maxi confronts himself on what happened five years ago. Kilik and Xianghua share a moment together. One of the new arrivals meets with the Eternal Wind and Link and Cassandra make an incredible find. Shortly after however Cassandra witnesses first hand exactly how much trouble Link's appearance lands him in.
WANTED: Information on Spawn. Information on his powers. I don't know much but I have seen the movie. I'd like deeper information if anybody can contribute. As I am a little disappointed with NAMCO's version of him.
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Soul Calibur II: Of Souls And Swords
Chapter Seventeen: Views of Pride and Honor
It took just over an hour for the crew of the Eternal Wind to return. Stephan had decided to stay on board the Nightwraith as it was obvious that Link didn't feel like going back. Naoyuki, of course returned to the ship while Talim decided to stay onboard until they reached India where they would meet the mysterious eastern members of the White Wind. Talim just felt like she should remain onboard and keep an eye on the other seekers, she hated to not trust them fully but had no choice. Link had gone back to his room where his belongings as well as the Master Sword were kept.
Kilik and Xianghua climbed back up the rope ladder that was over the side of the Eternal Wind ready to give a report "They're alright. Naoyuki and Raphael are a little shaken up. Yunsung seemed to have injured his knee but it's nothing serious. But they are confused to why that thing ran from us." Xianghua said interested. Sophitia looked at them an unsure expression on her face "I really have no idea. It's odd." Kilik brought up some items, to be specific it was Rothion's Sword as well as Link's shield. Cassandra reached out taking them noticing that there were a few scratches on the blade "Figured he would want these back." Kilik said.
Jack crossed his arms as he looked toward the door that would lead down the stairs and into the inner decks of the ships "I think he wants to be left alone." Maxi nodded as this was said "Salt in a couple of deep wounds would probably do that to a man. I don't care where the hell your from." Cassandra nodded as she sighed lightly wondering what had gotten into him, was he actually taking one wound that hard. Sophitia had gone below to place the fragment away where it couldn't call out to that monster again. Cassandra breathed as she turned and began to walk toward the door "Where are you going?" Jack called out.
Cassandra looked back at the brash gunner holding up the sword Sophitia and Rothion had given to Link "I'm going to go return these if it is any business of yours." she said wondering why he cared. Jack watched as she vanished through the door "Heh. Cute." he murmured. Kilik lightly shrugged "Aggressive and violent but I suppose so." Xianghua lightly shot Kilik a glare he smiled at her. Xianghua then looked at the door having noticed just how much attention that Cassandra paid to Link, maybe it was because she wanted to make sure he'd have his shot at Nightmare or maybe she had a deeper interest. She lightly giggled at the thought.
Kilik and Xianghua's assumptions were suddenly broken up as Maxi shouted out "Okay everybody what are you waiting for a written invitation?" he called out. He and Michael were descending down the ladder. Jack looked up "Huh?" Maxi rolled his eyes "Unless you haven't noticed we ran aground, I'm going to need a little more help pushing the ship off the rocks!" he shouted at him. Kilik nodded and looked at Jack "Come on. I wanna make sure your good for something." he said. Jack just huffed and followed after removing his boots.
It didn't take much more than ten minutes for both the Eternal Wind and the Nightwraith to be back on the water. Maxi and Kyle quickly spoke deciding that they would continue on to India but would stay close in the event that Charade showed up again seeking the shards. Raphael seemed a little skeptic when they spoke, his confidence in the group shaken by their uncollected ability to fight Charade. Not only that but with Yunsung injured they couldn't afford another attack on the Nightwraith, and the elf would be an easy target if his senses were as screwed as Kyle said.
The two ships were eventually on their way once again, the refreshing sea breeze blew over the deck of the Eternal Wind giving a little more awareness to Maxi as night approached. Kilik and Xianghua were also on deck while Michael had returned to his room to rest after deciding to stand guard the night through. Sophitia meanwhile was checking over the fragment case trying to figure out how the monster had tracked them to this point. Jack suspected it had taken up a territory but doubted his theory. Link meanwhile had not come out of his room, Sophitia had warned Cassandra not to bother him, but she knew it was pointless to try and change Cassandra's stubborn mind.
Link Masters sat on the mattress of his bed checking over his slashed tunic cursing the fact that he lacked the few magics he knew of, Nayru's Love would have really helped. He still wore his undershirt which had also been torn open by Charade's claws. He had removed his bracers and placed them aside, one his left hand his wrist and palm was wrapped up in a thin layer of bandages as if to hide something. He breathed as he decided to just discard it as he had at least come to this world with more than one change of cloths, including mythril lace which he didn't think he would need while sailing. He sighed sulkingly as he picked up his knife returning it to the small sheath behind his belt.
Suddenly there was a knock at his door he looked up shocked at first, his vision was still very hazy, his balance wasn't at its greatest and the blinding pain in his back didn't help much either. Link brought his right hand up to his forehead as he asked them to enter, Cassandra then walked through the door holding his shield and sword. Link looked at her as she walked on placing the two pieces on the mattress where he sat "Figured that you might want these back." he just absently nodded. Cassandra looked at him able to see that he was obviously frustrated about something "Are you alright?" Link shook his head "I'm fine." he muttered.
Cassandra narrowed her eyes as she crossed her arms at this "Oh please Link. What kind of a fool do you take me for. Have you even looked at yourself recently? Have you even bothered to patch yourself up?" she asked almost shouting at him. He lightly huffed seemingly annoyed "Alright. I haven't, and if you must know I feel like absolute Hell." Cassandra lightly brought her hand to her forehead "And Sophitia says I'm stubborn." she said before suddenly turning and stepping out of the room. Link mentally kicked himself for his behavior it was obvious that they believed him but he still didn't know how much he could trust them.
Cassandra eventually reentered carrying with her a small bottle with a red cross on it along with a cloth and a bowl of water. She looked at him seriously as she got a good look at his back seeing the size of the tearing in his shirt "Take off your shirt." she said simply. Link at first was a little unsure but it wasn't long before she spoke again "The last thing that any of us need is you getting infected by a wound this sorry. We don't need you to get any worse!" she half shouted. Link lightly huffed before he removed the long white shirt dropping it on the same spot as his tunic. He then turned his back to her crossing his arms.
Cassandra had believed him on much of his story from earlier and she was pretty much dead on at to what his body would look like. Truly his trials and journeys had built him to a fault but along with it came a number of scars that were visible on his flesh. The three scratches from Charade were nothing, his left arm bore two scars that almost looked like bite marks. Few were on his chest showing that he at least knew how to use that shield effectively, there was one on the back of his beck that was clearly made by a blade of sorts. There were others but they didn't appear to be very recent, obviously from his first combat experience she figured. She knew it wasn't easy as she possessed one on her left side from one of the soldiers getting a little too serious.
She forgot about it as she sat on the mattress behind him and proceeded to soak the cloth running it in the four long scratches on his back. He winced as Cassandra did her best to wash the wounds free of dried blood and salt that had coated them. Cassandra at least knew what she was doing as Sophitia had taught her how to nurse for the wounded as it was needed at times in the field. Truly Cassandra couldn't find anything other than his ears that pointed him out as being a Hylian, otherwise he could easily pass for human. She looked over his shoulder noticing the bandages on his hands.
Cassandra closed her eyes as she brought up the bottle, a strong smell came from it obviously it was both pain killer and disinfectant "Did something happen to your hands?" she asked. Link looked back slightly having calmed down he decided he'd speak, seeing as how she was doing this out of the kindness of her heart, it was odd seeing as how he had been chased several times and it was obvious that some of the others were uncomfortable in his presence. He shook his head "Leather rubbing against your hands isn't a very nice feeling." he said with a light smile.
Cassandra nodded as she remembered the bracers he wore "I'd suppose so." she then poked a spot of his right shoulder "What in the world did you do to yourself here?" she said poking more of the puncture wound scars. Link lightly chuckled as he felt the icy yet warm sensation on his back "I've been in your world for six months remember, Talim asked the same and didn't believe me so I doubt you will." he said. Cassandra playfully narrowed her eyes before forcefully scrapping down one of the wounds "Hmm. Try me." she dared him as she rinsed the cloth in the water.
Link reflected back to his younger years, although he had fought and killed that creature during his time in Gannondorf's twisted future it still had existed. It had been released from its place in death mountain but was banished to the dark realm as well, but not before Link had to face it. He pointed back touching on of the hardly visible wounds "A rather feared dragon in my homeland managed to catch me off guard but luckily I wasn't alone at the time. Otherwise...well you get the idea." Cassandra looked at him for a second then smiled "Dragons exist in your world?" she questioned him.
Link shrugged as well ignoring the light pain in his shoulder "They are not as fierce as the ones that may or may have not existed a while ago mind you. Some of them are quite docile. They possess wings and normally possess a great amount of intelligence. The dark and savage ones however possess no wings, they fly by some other odd means but they are rare now. In both breeds there are probobly less than one hundred." Cassandra now felt interested with all the legends on dragons in the world that could explain the connection between worlds, but it also made her uncomfortable. That woman Ivy had the ability to tap into this worlds darker realms and call out demons, what if she could tap into Hyrule's?
Cassandra eventually finished and took the time to wrap some bandages around his wounds to make sure they don't get torn open again. Link stood up pulling his shirt back on before he looked at her "Is your arm feeling better?" he asked her. She nodded as she stood up looking at him "You just take care of yourself. Also if you wanna talk, me and Xianghua would like to hear more of your stories." Link lightly shrugged "Not much to talk about but alright." Cassandra then walked from his room. Link smiled closing his eyes lightly getting help from her didn't harm his ego as much as he thought it would.
Three days later onboard the Nightwraith...Talim walked up the stairs from the lower decks it was fast approaching nightfall and they had found themselves stuck in a vast amount of fog. They had just crossed through the Red Sea the day before and had just left the Gulf of Aden earlier and were now in the Arabian Sea en route to the southeast tip of India where their port was. Now of all times she found herself looking for the still recovering Yunsung even after Seung Mina had demanded that he stop trying to place his weight on that knee of his. Normally it would be Mina's turn to watch but she was resting up for her guard duty, Raphael was currently performing that act on the center of the deck.
After about three seconds of looking she found him on the front of the deck attempting to train, he could walk and run at least but it was obvious he was still in too much pain to do his katas correctly. Talim sighed as she walked up to him "Do I have to lock you in your cabin to keep you from being so foolish?" she asked as she felt a little responsible. Yunsung huffed before he pulled himself from the floor "It was only a dislocation and some bruises. Better to get used to the pain before we get to land again." Talim looked back at Naoyuki who shrugged as he saw her "Hey I just pilot the ship. I don't have time to watch him." he said keeping a keen look out for any lights.
Raphael nodded as he swiped his rapier through the fog "I haven't the time to care. If he hurts himself tough luck, if he requests to be left alone far be it for me to meddle." Yunsung nodded as he stood up holding White Storm "Uh. Thanks." he said a little unsure. Suddenly Naoyuki spotted something from the distance, it appeared to be a number of lights just through the fog he knew little of the areas but knew that the coastal cities lit up large fires to make signals. Naoyuki looked at Yunsung "Check in with the others. We're supposed to be on open sea." he said. Raphael suddenly had a bad feeling as both ships were moving toward the lights like a fly to a candle.
Yunsung moved to the edge "Hey!" he shouted back at the barely visible Eternal Wind that was not far behind the Nightwraith that was trying to take it slow in this fog. Kilik's voice came over the hundred yard distance from the ships "What is that?" his voice shouted. Maxi obviously heard and moved the Eternal Wind to get closer to the Nightwraith, it was a good thing that both stays closed otherwise they could get separated in the mist. Yunsung shouted back "I don't know!" he shouted back. Kyle walked up from the bottom deck his arms crossed "What are you screaming about?" he asked monotony obviously annoyed by it. Yunsung suddenly had an expression of shock in his face before he gulped and pointed...
Link, Jack, Cassandra and Sophitia were all in the first deck, Sophitia had just gone over the plan. They would pick up two other members in India before moving on to track the Soul Edge, being that both of them had experience in fighting them they would be more than useful. However they were suddenly taken off task when Link stood up, he closed his eyes breathing through his nose "What is that smell?" he asked. Cassandra looked up as she noticed the musty scent in the air. Jack narrowed his eyes as he knew this scent all two well and was pretty sure Maxi did as well.
Suddenly the door up the steps burst open and Xianghua called down the them "Uh Sophitia, everyone I think you might want to see this." Sophitia moved from her seat moving up. Suddenly something struck Link's senses the very presence of death in the area, he moved as well following Sophitia, Cassandra and Jack did the same. They all arrived on deck to find that it was shrouded in a light of yellow and orange light, they looked up to see it, the burning remains of a group of ships. Cassandra was shocked at what she saw "What...what could have done this?" she breathed as she looked to Link who glared at the scene.
Sophitia spoke almost instantly uncharacteristic contempt in her voice "The Black Wind." she said simply hate filling her voice. Kilik narrowed his eyes at the wreckage before he looked at Link seeing his hardened expression "There are seven ships..." Kilik said. Link nodded at this. Kilik closed his eyes as he knew he could see the proof "...And not one soul lingers, all of them taken by that infernal blade." he grasped Kali-Yuga even tighter his hands shaking as he did so. Link brought up his hand to be placed on the ridge between his eyes "A vain loss indeed." he murmured sadly.
Raphael huffed uncaringly knowing that it was obviously the nobles of his country who sent these people to their deaths. The Soul Edge could not be claimed by average military means or their technology, it can only be faced on even ground by another fighter otherwise it will just make quick work of the opposition. Kyle lightly shook his head before looking to Yunsung and Talim "There is nothing we can do to help them. Only shatter the blade before it can make use of their souls." Naoyuki nodded as he steered the Nightwraith back east toward India.
Meanwhile just a day North from the decimated seven ship was the mammoth ship known only as the Nemesis. It had taken up hold in a cavern that was unable to be seen unless one knew where it was, one of Cervantes hiding points known as the Pirate's Cove. The Darkthorne was with it and the other few ships had also docked in this rather large base. The Black Wind would easily be able to gather what was needed before they headed out into the Middle East. Nightmare having taken his time had felt out a piece of the Soul Edge, it rested somewhere in one of the Middle Eastern Countries. However there was a minor problem that was taking place near the center deck.
Cervantes had also picked up a shard of the Soul Edge due North from where they were headed but he had made the discovery that it was moving, Nightmare didn't believe it was a great concern and refused to send an entire legion of his forces after it. Cervantes was needless to say furious "If its moving it obviously means somebody has it! It could be the enemy or maybe somebody is drawing off of it's power. You'd be a fool not to send somebody." Nightmare crossed his arms "First thing is first. The one we are going to retrieve is untouched and won't have any problem returning. And we need you to track the Soul Blade fragments." Cervantes growled.
Isabella Valentine who stood against the nearby wall scoffed "Just leave it alone De Leon. There is always later." Cervantes glared at his daughter then back at Nightmare "Well we should at least send somebody to investigate. Renzor or Astaroth would do finely." Nightmare shook his head at this as well. Cervantes growled "Why the hell not?" "Because Astaroth isn't the quickest traveler and Renzor is needed here with his troops. And he cannot sense the fragments anyway." Cervantes growled ready to just attack Nightmare and prove he had no right to give him orders. Until there suddenly came a voice from behind them "If one must try I will go."
They all looked back to see Ivy's servant standing there his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed in seriousness. Nightmare looked at the boy, despite his age he was pretty far out when Ivy met him and fought him and he sure wasn't at any disadvantage put on by fatigue or hunger. Ivy lightly smiled at Drake as he said this "Sure you can handle such a task my boy?" she said with a smirk. Cervantes was shocked that they were considering this "We cannot allow him to take such an action. We cannot trust him with the shard and you both know this." Ivy lightly shrugged as if it was just to spite him.
Drake closed his eyes before he spoke "Unless you forget I have kept my word this long. If I was going to turn and run off I would have done so by now. As for survival you don't need to worry on that. If I don't return in a month you can send one of your scaled friends to retrieve the shard from me." Ivy smiled as she walked up placing her hands on the boy's shoulders easily having the height advantage over him "He was quite skilled last I saw. I wouldn't worry about his safety. If whoever has the fragment can use it, I'm confident Drake will find a way out."
Drake lightly turned to look back at his mistress "I'm honored." he said his monotone attitude remaining constant. Cervantes looked at Nightmare "Please don't tell me your going to consider sending this...infant out after a shard of the Soul Edge?!" Nightmare crossed his arms as he looked at the child having seen exactly how he fights and if this creature was using the shard it would be large and sluggish most likely. Nightmare then looked at Drake his eyes glowing "You have one month before I send Diablos out of collect you. You'd either better have the fragment or one hell of an excuse." Drake nodded his eyes not shifting from their narrowed shape.
Cervantes turned and stomped down the deck Ivy watched and smirked at this, Nightmare spoke "He needs to learn some patience. Ivy, how soon can this child be ready?" he asked. Drake crossed his arms before he spoke "I merely request my weapons back and somebody to transport me to the shore, I can fend for myself afterwards." Ivy nodded before stepping away to retrieve the twin swords he used which had been taken after returning to the Nemesis as it was obvious that he hated a number of those on board. Nightmare then looked at Drake "Do not get overconfident. I feel whoever has this fragment is not normal. Do not rush in and attack as De Leon would."
Drake nodded his head his eyes remaining deep "Your breath is wasted I'm afraid. In my training that is the key lesson. I forgot it once and well...here I am." he said simply. Nightmare nodded "And where you will remain until you've earned your freedom." Nightmare then stepped away to find Diablos who could fly him to the shore. Drake breathed before he turned to look East knowing what was a couple thousand miles away, hopefully if he could play his cards right he would be able to convince them to steer away from the only home he had ever had. Though many wouldn't think he would after what they did to him.
Next Chapter: UNDECIDED
The Seekers eventually arrive in India. While some of them head out to pick up some supplies or have some R&R Maxi confronts himself on what happened five years ago. Kilik and Xianghua share a moment together. One of the new arrivals meets with the Eternal Wind and Link and Cassandra make an incredible find. Shortly after however Cassandra witnesses first hand exactly how much trouble Link's appearance lands him in.