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.
NOTE: I'm sorry this is late! Please don't hurt me! *holds up Hylian Shield over his head*
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Soul Calibur II: Of Souls And Swords
Chapter Eighteen: The Harbor of Souls
Maxi couldn't help but sigh as he steered the Eternal Wind through the foggy waters toward the nearby port. After more than a week at sea they had finally arrived at the Southeast Indian port where they were to meet up with the eastern fraction of the White Wind. Two of them had not only searched for the Soul Edge for an extended amount of time but both of them had come into contact and fought against the blade. Though neither of them were truly successful in their goals their actions did weaken the blade, although one of them had until three years ago sought the blade to use for his own before he finally realized it was truly evil.
But there was more significance to this place than simply a meeting point between the two groups, it was the place where Maxi and Kilik apparently first met. It was also where his original crew met their end at the hands of the titan Astaroth and the horrible Renzor, along with their hoard of Lizardmen. His ship had sank beneath the waves somewhere out in the harbor, and he couldn't save them. He had failed them. Maxi gripped the wheel angrily as they pulled into port the sails being hoisted up as they came in. On signal Jack and Kilik jumped down off the sides and pulled their ropes tight around the docks halting the ship.
Jack breathed as he whipped his forehead and looked down over the gap of water to the Eternal Wind's right, the Nightwraith had freshly docked as well. Sophitia spoke as she leaned against the starboard railings "Seems our luck is still holding strong." she looked back at Xianghua who adjusted her sword on her hip "Where and when are we supposed to meet them again?" she asked. Xianghua looked up at their apparent leader "We are to wait at the docks and meet them before the month is out. This is the third week after all so we can expect at least one of them to show up." Sophitia nodded as she looked down at Kilik who stared out over the sea, then to Maxi who seemed to have his head bowed in mourning.
Sophitia sighed "So this is where it happened?" Xianghua nodded as she stepped forward her left hand rested Krita-Yuga's hilt "I've never seen this place for myself. And I wasn't present but this place seems to be the final resting place of the Southern Dandy and its crew." she said. Sophitia shook her head "A true shame." she said bowing her head in respect of the fallen. Jack and Michael dropped the boarding ramp ready to get off the gunslinger then looked up at the figure standing at the front of the Nightwraith.
Kyle Strife stood there with an average sized hawk perched on his shoulder, it was his pet that had returned to him from hunting three days prior to the present. Talim stepped up onto the deck wearing some cloths that Cassandra had given her in Athens, but considering the height difference it could be considered a miracle that she just had them lying around. Essentially she kept her boots on while she now wore a pair of eggshell white pants and a crisp blue shirt, though it made Talim comfortable to keep her wrist guards and medallion on as well.
Seung Mina now wore a green and blue outfit that didn't really display her body as much, although India was a peaceful place she doubted she would need to be prepared to battle but brought her weapon anyway. Talim looked up at Kyle as he stood there at the front of the ship, she then looked to Yunsung who had healed pretty well "Yunsung, seriously what kind of a name is Kyle Strife for a Korean?" Yunsung shrugged at this as he adjusted his sword on his hip just to be safe. He spoke up making sure Kyle couldn't hear, he was more personal about his past than Hwang was "I'm not exactly sure. He is only Korean by decent. He was all over as a child so maybe at one point he changed his name. Ask Mina later." Talim nodded.
Both of them looked over as they noticed the woman in mention making her way to Kyle, something seemed oddly different about her when she was around him. Talim leaned over to Yunsung "Just how close are those two?" she asked curious. Yunsung shrugged "I don't know and I really don't wanna know." Talim giggled lightly as Mina reached up to him flicking his ear to get his attention, Silverbolt jumped off Kyle's shoulder and onto the railing in surprise. Kyle looked back from the sea "Whats wrong Mina?" he asked. Mina sighed lightly dropping her hands to her hips "You need to learn how to relax. I was just going to ask if you wanted to go into town with us." she said.
Kyle lightly shook his head "I'm not really in the mood. Besides that Sorel as well as myself want to get a look at these two fighters that the White Wind is going to have join them." Mina sighed. It was the same as always when he expected new faces "You really have to be more trusting of people, you know." Kyle lightly huffed "Forgive me for not taking chances." he said rudely. Mina groaned at this before going back to Yunsung and Talim "Lets just get going." they agreed and started walking leaving Kyle to reflect and plan for their inevitable meeting with Nightmare's group. Jack met with them and went with them feeling the tension on the Eternal Wind irritating.
Back on the Eternal Wind the crew was pretty much ready to go, Sophitia had dressed in some more common cloths which included a white tunic and past knee boots(her third costume without the change of hair). Kilik and Xianghua also planned to go feeling that as long as they were in such a lively area of trade they could probably find something of interest while Maxi and the two brothers (Stephan and Michael) held down the fort. Link had been up as well for some time but he didn't seem anxious to go out onto the streets, knowing how they first reacted it was no surprise that he didn't want to stick out to people who were close minded to differences.
It wasn't long before the two ships fell silent with most of their people having left, with only Kyle, Raphael and Naoyuki remaining on the Nightwraith it was hardly active. With Maxi waiting on deck, Stephan, Michael and Juan(takes care of cooking and any animals in case you forgot) handling supplies, an ever silent Link sitting on the railings and a sleeping Cassandra below decks it wasn't exactly as exciting as it had been prior to the present. Maxi was however a little interested when he noticed Kyle just suddenly stand up grabbing his cloak. He paid it no mind as he continued to wait.
Rapheal looked at his silent, almost cold-hearted ally as he stood up "I thought you were intrigued by these two that are coming to join them. They have both after all encountered the sword." Kyle shrugged his shoulders as he pinned the cloak at his shoulder "What do I care about that sword?" Raphael nodded at this as he ran a cloth over Flambert "Ah yes. You only seek to murder its former master. Are you worried about the others?" Kyle huffed at this "Please. Yunsung will be fine with that other eastern girl baby-sitting him. I'm just bored." he said before he walked down the plank and then into town with Silverbolt still perched on his shoulder. Raphael shrugged as he stood up standing in the center of the deck to start his daily practice.
Not long after leaving, Seung Mina and her group found themselves in the middle of the nearby market place, it was rather convenient to her as she found a few small knives that she had knowledge of. She couldn't help but stiffen a giggle as she saw Talim looking at one of the jewelry stands, apparently a few of them were from her people as the symbols showed. Yunsung was sticking by Talim as well "Jealous?" a voice suddenly said. Mina slowly brought up the blunt end of Scarlet Thunder to be pushed forcefully against Jack's abdomen "If you actually think I'd be jealous of Talim your asking for a quick nap." she warned.
The gunner brought up a hand to push it away with a chuckle "I just ment the attention he seems to be giving her. I mean from what Talim says they didn't meet on the best of terms. Is he just trying his best to make it up." Mina lightly leaned against her weapon as he spoke "I really don't care. But its probably a good thing that boy learns to try to make up for being an ass from time to time." Jack chuckled before he turned and went back to haggling with the weapons dealer, apparently he wanted to replenish his supply of gunpowder before they headed out.
Mina lightly chuckled as she followed Jack "But you have to admit despite age difference they make a cute couple." she then noticed Jack's expression which was one of seriousness. She looked at him "Something wrong?" she asked. Jack looked at her but didn't turn much "We're being spied on." Mina gulped as she gripped her weapon trying to be as stealth as possible. She followed Jack's eyes to a mirror that had been set up just to the right of the vender from it she could see down the street. "The alleyway two shops down from Yunsung and Talim." he said simply. Mina followed and then saw him.
There was somebody standing in the shadows as if in stealth with his back pushed against the wall and just looking at them out the corner of the wall. He could not be seen from the shadows and people just seemed to walk by not even noticing him. They couldn't see him very clearly but he possessed a muscular frame and an odd hair style that seemed to jut out from his temples. It wasn't long from when they took notice of this man that he turned and moved down the alley, Seung Mina didn't bother giving chase as she turned and just watched waiting for any kind of sneak attack. Nothing came.
Yunsung walked up with Talim who had decided to hold on to what little money she had "Mina...whats going on?" Yunsung asked upon seeing her serious expression. She looked at them as Jack placed a hand on his curved sword "Keep on your guard." he ordered before he turned "...and stay close. I don't like this." he said nervously. Yunsung nodded holding White Storm by the hilt as the group continued down the streets where they could buy some fresh water for their journey. Little did they know their stranger had already lost interest in them, none of them had what he was looking for. They lacked the aura of one who had encountered the Soul Edge.
Maxi leaned more against the mast as he waited for anybody to get back or one of their contacts to show up. Link looked at him as he sat on the railings "How trust worthy are these two?" he asked simply. Maxi looked back at them "One of them once chased the sword but saw first hand how inheritely evil it was and now wishes its destruction. The woman traveling, I feel she can be trusted. If it wasn't for her Sophitia would have been long dead." Link nodded his head at this knowing just how invaluable Sophitia Alexandra was to them.
Link's attention was taken from Maxi as he heard the sound of footsteps coming up from below, Cassandra stepped out obviously having finally woken up. Being that she had been on watch the night before she had gone to sleep in the third first half of the morning (between 6 and 9). She stretched and yawned lightly she had probably been awake a little while as she had redressed into a less elaborate outfit which was essentially just a white shirt and skirt with some red designs on it. Link however gathered from the thickness of the material it probably normally involved combat and was normally accompanied by armor. (Cassandra's third costume without the armor or helmet)
She looked around the deck then glanced over at Link who nodded his head in acknowledgment, she then looked to the pirate from Ryukyu "Where is everybody?" she asked crossing her arms. He pointed toward the city "While Stephan, Michael and Juan went to take care of any needed supplies your sister went into the town with Kilik and Xianghua. Most of the others have hit the markets as well leaving the two of us to watch this crate." Cassandra huffed at Maxi's explanation "And nobody woke me?" she crossed her arms "Typical." she said obviously disappointed.
Link shrugged his shoulders it seemed women didn't change much between Hyrule and Earth, he mentally chuckled at this thought, that is until Cassandra suddenly walked up to him. She looked at him before taking him by one of his gloved hands "Come on. Lets go." she said rather insistently. Maxi looked at the two as Link was almost pulled from his place, he chuckled wondering if Xianghua's off hand assumption had been more accurate than he thought.
Cassandra spoke up "I'm not in the mood to wait around for who knows how long for these two to show up. Lets check this place out." she said lightly reminding him of somebody else he knew. Link was reluctant to going into any town but then again he could at least hide his ears under a bandanna despite how ridiculous it looked. Link not really thinking asked why she wanted him to come along. Cassandra sighed as if embarrassed as he asked this "I've never really been within a hundred miles of Athens alone. I'd figure with all the traveling any of you people have done it wouldn't be as hard for you to find your way back. Give me a break alright?" Link nodded his head knowing the feeling.
Maxi groaned as he straightened his stance "So what you two kids are just going to leave me hanging here like this?" he said, his complaints coated in sarcasm. Cassandra looked back as she headed down the gangplank Link trailing behind her "And since when have you been an adult Maxi?" she asked with a smirk. Maxi chuckled "Ha ha very funny. Just run along before I boot you two off." he said as he sat back down waiting. He remembered this city well and couldn't help but smile as he remembered what his first mate said 'This is a peaceful city where new romances are sparked or those that are current catch a greater flame.' he didn't know about Link and Cassandra but if this was true he could only hope Xianghua and Kilik could remain themselves.
Cassandra and Link moved down the street moving through the market, their cloths didn't really draw all that much attention as it was obvious that all kinds of people visited this port city. Link however felt a little undressed without the weight of his sword or shield but everything seemed safe, in the event it isn't he always had his dagger with him and Cassandra had her sword. They checked out a few of the shops that had been set up, it seemed that the Athenian had brought quite a bit of her own money apparently having some sort of a fascination with foreign jewelry. Link kept near her but wandered from such things when something suddenly caused a spark in his senses.
He looked up everything seeming to go still for a few seconds as he felt the presence of it, another fragment. This matched the energy as the one from Istanbul but, it was close. It was so close the presence of it was almost intoxicating to his acquired sixth sense. It then vanished as quickly as it came and things seemed to return to normal, Cassandra stepped up to Link about to ask him what was wrong. He looked at her "There is a fragment nearby, but it seemed to be weakened like the last one." Cassandra nodded as she looked at the several shops in the market place.
Sophitia opened her eyes as she noticed felt it, another fragment of the blade she destroyed seven years ago. She turned her head to look at Kilik and Xianghua who had been eating what they bought at a small bakery, now they both stood up looking pretty determined. She looked back at Kilik as he was after all the most acute to the aura of the fragments "Well?" she asked hoping to get a distance on it. Kilik shook his head "This place is enormous. It is impossible to sense it out from this far away." Sophitia huffed angrily, not at Kilik but at their less than good fortune.
There was suddenly a rumbling from above as dark gray clouds began to gather over the city coming from the east. Kilik looked at the Athenian maiden "We should head back before the rain comes. Lets go." he started walking as did Xianghua until she looked back seeing Sophitia just standing there starring at the sky. Sophitia was exhausted both mentally and physically. The only thing that continued to support her doing this was both the people that were counting on her and the memory of the one whom she was out to save. "Sophitia...come on." Xianghua said softly. Sophitia turned and nodded before walking after them still thinking of him, that boy from seven years ago.
Cassandra's eyes marveled as the shop keeper slowly peeled away the cloth from the glowing piece of crimson alloy. The spots of black were clearly that of Soul Edge though to normal eyes it appeared to be a glowing stone, they could not see the disgusting fleshy layer over it. Link gazed on it as he saw it wondering how it feel into the hands of a traveling merchant, not that it mattered. Cassandra spoke "How much?" she asked the vender who appeared to be no older than Maxi or Michael. He looked at Cassandra in a manner that really didn't rest well with her or her company "How much do you have to offer?" he asked with a snicker.
Cassandra looked at him before placing a hand on her sword which made him drop his smirk "Nothing that you would be privileged to, sir." she said adding contempt to the last word. He crossed his arms "Another came by earlier and noticed it. A rather threatening looking man who carried a sword. Told me to hold on to it for him, I'm not going to just sell it unless you make it worthy my while." he said obviously serious this time. Cassandra looked at Link as the vender shook his head and turned taking the shard from the counter.
Cassandra then gripped her sword deciding that she would just have to be alot more threatening than his prior customer. She then felt a grip on her wrist as Link caught her arm before the tip could leave the sheath, he looked at her and shook his head. He then reached into his tunic removing a small pouch, a few sounds came from it like smoothly polished rocks rubbing together. He then looked at the vender "Will you make an exception in our case." he said as he placed his hand on the counter holding whatever came from the bag.
The vender turned looking as Link's hand came away from the counter leaving something to be marveled at, a neatly cut gemstone that was blue in color. It had to be at least three inches from point to point and was around an inch and a half wide. The vender's eyes went wide as Link just stood there gripping the small pouch in his hand the sounds of even more of these gems sounding. Cassandra was also surprised. If he had come from the east how had he stumbled upon such a gem, in such a flawless condition. Link then spoke "Is it a trade?" he asked simply seeming hardly concerned in doing this. It was as if he lacked the knowledge of such a gems worth.
The vender examined the gem finding it to be worth more than what he was being haggled for "Ah...uh...yes sir. Excellent trade." he said as he took the fragment back from the counter. Cassandra looked at it "How did you come upon this sir?" she asked still keeping a serious tone that demanded answer. He shrugged before speaking "I was traveling from the north of India when I saw a strange shadow move over the water. I investigated and found this. I guess its one of those magical stones from that cult that resides in the Asian valleys." he said before he turned to place the blue gemstone in a safe place. Link took the fragment and placed it in the same pouch before moving away.
They both moved down the street each of them pretty much silent until they were out of the public in a pretty much deserted and unused area of the market. Cassandra looked at him before stepping in front of him looking him in the eyes only standing an inch or two shorter "Alright Link where did you get that gem?" she said showing she really wanted an answer. Link didn't answer right away "Look the only place I've ever seen gems like that is the treasury in Athens? I certainly hope you didn't rip off that Don in Istanbul." Link chuckled at this. Cassandra blinked annoyed by this "What? Whats so funny?"
Link silenced himself before he removed the pouch careful not to touch the fragment, he then withdrew two more, both of them of the same shape only emeralds. He spoke "These are the currency of my home if you must know. But there is a differing value between these and gems." Cassandra took one looking at it "Your telling me that you have enough of these just laying around to be used as payment. Impossible." Link shrugged as he looked at the other "Its true. That one you have there, five of those are the value of the one I used back there."
Cassandra looked at him as he explained the difference between these green, blue and red gems in Hyrule. They were the most common, however he explained that essentially all of these 'rupees' as he called them were simple pieces of crystal created through magic and alchemy. The ones that grew naturally in nature were of much greater value, fortunately humans had no knowledge of this. She looked at him "Amazing. How many do you have left? We could really work off of these?" she asked him. Link sighed at this question before explaining he had a decent number when he first came but together they were worth quite a bit. He of course had to use several to charter him and Talim all the way to Athens.
Little did either of them know that while they were talking and exchanging this information they were both being watched from the shadows. The woman remained hidden her eyes narrowed upon both of them not interested in the gems this seemingly out of town boy carried but rather something else she sensed from him. She kept well hidden hardly moving as she watched them reading lips as best she could, though by the time she caught up the boy had started speaking of how many of those gems he had squandered. She watched them as she moved from her spot on the roof on one of the buildings dropping down and landing with perfect accuracy.
Cassandra handed him back the gem before she looked up taking note of the storm "We should probably get moving, we don't need to get caught in the rain." Link nodded and they both turned to return to the market however just as they moved Link's ears perked unseen due to the tips being hidden by the bandanna. He heard something moving suddenly through the wind, he then turned around swiftly one leg going back into a stance as somebody had appeared out of thin air where they had been standing just moments before. She stood up straight, her legs brought together and her arms crossed over her chest showing without words she ment business.
Cassandra watched the woman as she stood there threatening to the eyes but Cassandra fought her urge to step back, she wore an outfit that consisted of a white obi which included a black and gold design like a sash going toward her right hip from her left shoulder. Her arms and legs were protected by metallic arm guards and shin guards which were accented in black and silver. Her arms remained crossed under her breasts while she waited for any action to come, Cassandra had no clue what she wanted. This eastern woman didn't appear to be one of the Black Wind but Cassandra really didn't know what to think as she could have sworn she had seen her somewhere before.
Her attire was nothing like Link had seen before, but he could tell that it was obviously not something to be casually worn. Link watched as well as she never dropped her gaze from his eyes, he returned it to her taking notice of her features. Her dark brown eyes were clearly filled with memories of combat, the gaze was enough to show. Her long, shiny raven hair was pulled back to keep it out of her way and she possessed a pair of blades that were normally used for stealth and assassination, one on the reverse of her sash and the other on her back accessible from over her right shoulder. Her body stood firm and in ready to move obviously she was much more impressive that could be seen.
Link and Cassandra were still oblivious to the identity of this woman but only one thing was certain, if push came to shove it would not fair well for either of them.
Next Chapter: The Mercenary and the Huntress
While the Eternal Wind finally receives its visit from their first contact Link and Cassandra discover that this woman also seeks the fragments of the Soul Edge and Soul Blade, however her one personal hatred for another type of living being lands Link in a run for his life when he is revealed. Meanwhile Kyle runs into trouble of his own, another fighter who apparently wishes a challenge from another and is very insistent on it. Though Strife finds himself wondering, what kind of a fool challenges a person who is obviously arms when they themselves possess no weapon.
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.
NOTE: I'm sorry this is late! Please don't hurt me! *holds up Hylian Shield over his head*
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Soul Calibur II: Of Souls And Swords
Chapter Eighteen: The Harbor of Souls
Maxi couldn't help but sigh as he steered the Eternal Wind through the foggy waters toward the nearby port. After more than a week at sea they had finally arrived at the Southeast Indian port where they were to meet up with the eastern fraction of the White Wind. Two of them had not only searched for the Soul Edge for an extended amount of time but both of them had come into contact and fought against the blade. Though neither of them were truly successful in their goals their actions did weaken the blade, although one of them had until three years ago sought the blade to use for his own before he finally realized it was truly evil.
But there was more significance to this place than simply a meeting point between the two groups, it was the place where Maxi and Kilik apparently first met. It was also where his original crew met their end at the hands of the titan Astaroth and the horrible Renzor, along with their hoard of Lizardmen. His ship had sank beneath the waves somewhere out in the harbor, and he couldn't save them. He had failed them. Maxi gripped the wheel angrily as they pulled into port the sails being hoisted up as they came in. On signal Jack and Kilik jumped down off the sides and pulled their ropes tight around the docks halting the ship.
Jack breathed as he whipped his forehead and looked down over the gap of water to the Eternal Wind's right, the Nightwraith had freshly docked as well. Sophitia spoke as she leaned against the starboard railings "Seems our luck is still holding strong." she looked back at Xianghua who adjusted her sword on her hip "Where and when are we supposed to meet them again?" she asked. Xianghua looked up at their apparent leader "We are to wait at the docks and meet them before the month is out. This is the third week after all so we can expect at least one of them to show up." Sophitia nodded as she looked down at Kilik who stared out over the sea, then to Maxi who seemed to have his head bowed in mourning.
Sophitia sighed "So this is where it happened?" Xianghua nodded as she stepped forward her left hand rested Krita-Yuga's hilt "I've never seen this place for myself. And I wasn't present but this place seems to be the final resting place of the Southern Dandy and its crew." she said. Sophitia shook her head "A true shame." she said bowing her head in respect of the fallen. Jack and Michael dropped the boarding ramp ready to get off the gunslinger then looked up at the figure standing at the front of the Nightwraith.
Kyle Strife stood there with an average sized hawk perched on his shoulder, it was his pet that had returned to him from hunting three days prior to the present. Talim stepped up onto the deck wearing some cloths that Cassandra had given her in Athens, but considering the height difference it could be considered a miracle that she just had them lying around. Essentially she kept her boots on while she now wore a pair of eggshell white pants and a crisp blue shirt, though it made Talim comfortable to keep her wrist guards and medallion on as well.
Seung Mina now wore a green and blue outfit that didn't really display her body as much, although India was a peaceful place she doubted she would need to be prepared to battle but brought her weapon anyway. Talim looked up at Kyle as he stood there at the front of the ship, she then looked to Yunsung who had healed pretty well "Yunsung, seriously what kind of a name is Kyle Strife for a Korean?" Yunsung shrugged at this as he adjusted his sword on his hip just to be safe. He spoke up making sure Kyle couldn't hear, he was more personal about his past than Hwang was "I'm not exactly sure. He is only Korean by decent. He was all over as a child so maybe at one point he changed his name. Ask Mina later." Talim nodded.
Both of them looked over as they noticed the woman in mention making her way to Kyle, something seemed oddly different about her when she was around him. Talim leaned over to Yunsung "Just how close are those two?" she asked curious. Yunsung shrugged "I don't know and I really don't wanna know." Talim giggled lightly as Mina reached up to him flicking his ear to get his attention, Silverbolt jumped off Kyle's shoulder and onto the railing in surprise. Kyle looked back from the sea "Whats wrong Mina?" he asked. Mina sighed lightly dropping her hands to her hips "You need to learn how to relax. I was just going to ask if you wanted to go into town with us." she said.
Kyle lightly shook his head "I'm not really in the mood. Besides that Sorel as well as myself want to get a look at these two fighters that the White Wind is going to have join them." Mina sighed. It was the same as always when he expected new faces "You really have to be more trusting of people, you know." Kyle lightly huffed "Forgive me for not taking chances." he said rudely. Mina groaned at this before going back to Yunsung and Talim "Lets just get going." they agreed and started walking leaving Kyle to reflect and plan for their inevitable meeting with Nightmare's group. Jack met with them and went with them feeling the tension on the Eternal Wind irritating.
Back on the Eternal Wind the crew was pretty much ready to go, Sophitia had dressed in some more common cloths which included a white tunic and past knee boots(her third costume without the change of hair). Kilik and Xianghua also planned to go feeling that as long as they were in such a lively area of trade they could probably find something of interest while Maxi and the two brothers (Stephan and Michael) held down the fort. Link had been up as well for some time but he didn't seem anxious to go out onto the streets, knowing how they first reacted it was no surprise that he didn't want to stick out to people who were close minded to differences.
It wasn't long before the two ships fell silent with most of their people having left, with only Kyle, Raphael and Naoyuki remaining on the Nightwraith it was hardly active. With Maxi waiting on deck, Stephan, Michael and Juan(takes care of cooking and any animals in case you forgot) handling supplies, an ever silent Link sitting on the railings and a sleeping Cassandra below decks it wasn't exactly as exciting as it had been prior to the present. Maxi was however a little interested when he noticed Kyle just suddenly stand up grabbing his cloak. He paid it no mind as he continued to wait.
Rapheal looked at his silent, almost cold-hearted ally as he stood up "I thought you were intrigued by these two that are coming to join them. They have both after all encountered the sword." Kyle shrugged his shoulders as he pinned the cloak at his shoulder "What do I care about that sword?" Raphael nodded at this as he ran a cloth over Flambert "Ah yes. You only seek to murder its former master. Are you worried about the others?" Kyle huffed at this "Please. Yunsung will be fine with that other eastern girl baby-sitting him. I'm just bored." he said before he walked down the plank and then into town with Silverbolt still perched on his shoulder. Raphael shrugged as he stood up standing in the center of the deck to start his daily practice.
Not long after leaving, Seung Mina and her group found themselves in the middle of the nearby market place, it was rather convenient to her as she found a few small knives that she had knowledge of. She couldn't help but stiffen a giggle as she saw Talim looking at one of the jewelry stands, apparently a few of them were from her people as the symbols showed. Yunsung was sticking by Talim as well "Jealous?" a voice suddenly said. Mina slowly brought up the blunt end of Scarlet Thunder to be pushed forcefully against Jack's abdomen "If you actually think I'd be jealous of Talim your asking for a quick nap." she warned.
The gunner brought up a hand to push it away with a chuckle "I just ment the attention he seems to be giving her. I mean from what Talim says they didn't meet on the best of terms. Is he just trying his best to make it up." Mina lightly leaned against her weapon as he spoke "I really don't care. But its probably a good thing that boy learns to try to make up for being an ass from time to time." Jack chuckled before he turned and went back to haggling with the weapons dealer, apparently he wanted to replenish his supply of gunpowder before they headed out.
Mina lightly chuckled as she followed Jack "But you have to admit despite age difference they make a cute couple." she then noticed Jack's expression which was one of seriousness. She looked at him "Something wrong?" she asked. Jack looked at her but didn't turn much "We're being spied on." Mina gulped as she gripped her weapon trying to be as stealth as possible. She followed Jack's eyes to a mirror that had been set up just to the right of the vender from it she could see down the street. "The alleyway two shops down from Yunsung and Talim." he said simply. Mina followed and then saw him.
There was somebody standing in the shadows as if in stealth with his back pushed against the wall and just looking at them out the corner of the wall. He could not be seen from the shadows and people just seemed to walk by not even noticing him. They couldn't see him very clearly but he possessed a muscular frame and an odd hair style that seemed to jut out from his temples. It wasn't long from when they took notice of this man that he turned and moved down the alley, Seung Mina didn't bother giving chase as she turned and just watched waiting for any kind of sneak attack. Nothing came.
Yunsung walked up with Talim who had decided to hold on to what little money she had "Mina...whats going on?" Yunsung asked upon seeing her serious expression. She looked at them as Jack placed a hand on his curved sword "Keep on your guard." he ordered before he turned "...and stay close. I don't like this." he said nervously. Yunsung nodded holding White Storm by the hilt as the group continued down the streets where they could buy some fresh water for their journey. Little did they know their stranger had already lost interest in them, none of them had what he was looking for. They lacked the aura of one who had encountered the Soul Edge.
Maxi leaned more against the mast as he waited for anybody to get back or one of their contacts to show up. Link looked at him as he sat on the railings "How trust worthy are these two?" he asked simply. Maxi looked back at them "One of them once chased the sword but saw first hand how inheritely evil it was and now wishes its destruction. The woman traveling, I feel she can be trusted. If it wasn't for her Sophitia would have been long dead." Link nodded his head at this knowing just how invaluable Sophitia Alexandra was to them.
Link's attention was taken from Maxi as he heard the sound of footsteps coming up from below, Cassandra stepped out obviously having finally woken up. Being that she had been on watch the night before she had gone to sleep in the third first half of the morning (between 6 and 9). She stretched and yawned lightly she had probably been awake a little while as she had redressed into a less elaborate outfit which was essentially just a white shirt and skirt with some red designs on it. Link however gathered from the thickness of the material it probably normally involved combat and was normally accompanied by armor. (Cassandra's third costume without the armor or helmet)
She looked around the deck then glanced over at Link who nodded his head in acknowledgment, she then looked to the pirate from Ryukyu "Where is everybody?" she asked crossing her arms. He pointed toward the city "While Stephan, Michael and Juan went to take care of any needed supplies your sister went into the town with Kilik and Xianghua. Most of the others have hit the markets as well leaving the two of us to watch this crate." Cassandra huffed at Maxi's explanation "And nobody woke me?" she crossed her arms "Typical." she said obviously disappointed.
Link shrugged his shoulders it seemed women didn't change much between Hyrule and Earth, he mentally chuckled at this thought, that is until Cassandra suddenly walked up to him. She looked at him before taking him by one of his gloved hands "Come on. Lets go." she said rather insistently. Maxi looked at the two as Link was almost pulled from his place, he chuckled wondering if Xianghua's off hand assumption had been more accurate than he thought.
Cassandra spoke up "I'm not in the mood to wait around for who knows how long for these two to show up. Lets check this place out." she said lightly reminding him of somebody else he knew. Link was reluctant to going into any town but then again he could at least hide his ears under a bandanna despite how ridiculous it looked. Link not really thinking asked why she wanted him to come along. Cassandra sighed as if embarrassed as he asked this "I've never really been within a hundred miles of Athens alone. I'd figure with all the traveling any of you people have done it wouldn't be as hard for you to find your way back. Give me a break alright?" Link nodded his head knowing the feeling.
Maxi groaned as he straightened his stance "So what you two kids are just going to leave me hanging here like this?" he said, his complaints coated in sarcasm. Cassandra looked back as she headed down the gangplank Link trailing behind her "And since when have you been an adult Maxi?" she asked with a smirk. Maxi chuckled "Ha ha very funny. Just run along before I boot you two off." he said as he sat back down waiting. He remembered this city well and couldn't help but smile as he remembered what his first mate said 'This is a peaceful city where new romances are sparked or those that are current catch a greater flame.' he didn't know about Link and Cassandra but if this was true he could only hope Xianghua and Kilik could remain themselves.
Cassandra and Link moved down the street moving through the market, their cloths didn't really draw all that much attention as it was obvious that all kinds of people visited this port city. Link however felt a little undressed without the weight of his sword or shield but everything seemed safe, in the event it isn't he always had his dagger with him and Cassandra had her sword. They checked out a few of the shops that had been set up, it seemed that the Athenian had brought quite a bit of her own money apparently having some sort of a fascination with foreign jewelry. Link kept near her but wandered from such things when something suddenly caused a spark in his senses.
He looked up everything seeming to go still for a few seconds as he felt the presence of it, another fragment. This matched the energy as the one from Istanbul but, it was close. It was so close the presence of it was almost intoxicating to his acquired sixth sense. It then vanished as quickly as it came and things seemed to return to normal, Cassandra stepped up to Link about to ask him what was wrong. He looked at her "There is a fragment nearby, but it seemed to be weakened like the last one." Cassandra nodded as she looked at the several shops in the market place.
Sophitia opened her eyes as she noticed felt it, another fragment of the blade she destroyed seven years ago. She turned her head to look at Kilik and Xianghua who had been eating what they bought at a small bakery, now they both stood up looking pretty determined. She looked back at Kilik as he was after all the most acute to the aura of the fragments "Well?" she asked hoping to get a distance on it. Kilik shook his head "This place is enormous. It is impossible to sense it out from this far away." Sophitia huffed angrily, not at Kilik but at their less than good fortune.
There was suddenly a rumbling from above as dark gray clouds began to gather over the city coming from the east. Kilik looked at the Athenian maiden "We should head back before the rain comes. Lets go." he started walking as did Xianghua until she looked back seeing Sophitia just standing there starring at the sky. Sophitia was exhausted both mentally and physically. The only thing that continued to support her doing this was both the people that were counting on her and the memory of the one whom she was out to save. "Sophitia...come on." Xianghua said softly. Sophitia turned and nodded before walking after them still thinking of him, that boy from seven years ago.
Cassandra's eyes marveled as the shop keeper slowly peeled away the cloth from the glowing piece of crimson alloy. The spots of black were clearly that of Soul Edge though to normal eyes it appeared to be a glowing stone, they could not see the disgusting fleshy layer over it. Link gazed on it as he saw it wondering how it feel into the hands of a traveling merchant, not that it mattered. Cassandra spoke "How much?" she asked the vender who appeared to be no older than Maxi or Michael. He looked at Cassandra in a manner that really didn't rest well with her or her company "How much do you have to offer?" he asked with a snicker.
Cassandra looked at him before placing a hand on her sword which made him drop his smirk "Nothing that you would be privileged to, sir." she said adding contempt to the last word. He crossed his arms "Another came by earlier and noticed it. A rather threatening looking man who carried a sword. Told me to hold on to it for him, I'm not going to just sell it unless you make it worthy my while." he said obviously serious this time. Cassandra looked at Link as the vender shook his head and turned taking the shard from the counter.
Cassandra then gripped her sword deciding that she would just have to be alot more threatening than his prior customer. She then felt a grip on her wrist as Link caught her arm before the tip could leave the sheath, he looked at her and shook his head. He then reached into his tunic removing a small pouch, a few sounds came from it like smoothly polished rocks rubbing together. He then looked at the vender "Will you make an exception in our case." he said as he placed his hand on the counter holding whatever came from the bag.
The vender turned looking as Link's hand came away from the counter leaving something to be marveled at, a neatly cut gemstone that was blue in color. It had to be at least three inches from point to point and was around an inch and a half wide. The vender's eyes went wide as Link just stood there gripping the small pouch in his hand the sounds of even more of these gems sounding. Cassandra was also surprised. If he had come from the east how had he stumbled upon such a gem, in such a flawless condition. Link then spoke "Is it a trade?" he asked simply seeming hardly concerned in doing this. It was as if he lacked the knowledge of such a gems worth.
The vender examined the gem finding it to be worth more than what he was being haggled for "Ah...uh...yes sir. Excellent trade." he said as he took the fragment back from the counter. Cassandra looked at it "How did you come upon this sir?" she asked still keeping a serious tone that demanded answer. He shrugged before speaking "I was traveling from the north of India when I saw a strange shadow move over the water. I investigated and found this. I guess its one of those magical stones from that cult that resides in the Asian valleys." he said before he turned to place the blue gemstone in a safe place. Link took the fragment and placed it in the same pouch before moving away.
They both moved down the street each of them pretty much silent until they were out of the public in a pretty much deserted and unused area of the market. Cassandra looked at him before stepping in front of him looking him in the eyes only standing an inch or two shorter "Alright Link where did you get that gem?" she said showing she really wanted an answer. Link didn't answer right away "Look the only place I've ever seen gems like that is the treasury in Athens? I certainly hope you didn't rip off that Don in Istanbul." Link chuckled at this. Cassandra blinked annoyed by this "What? Whats so funny?"
Link silenced himself before he removed the pouch careful not to touch the fragment, he then withdrew two more, both of them of the same shape only emeralds. He spoke "These are the currency of my home if you must know. But there is a differing value between these and gems." Cassandra took one looking at it "Your telling me that you have enough of these just laying around to be used as payment. Impossible." Link shrugged as he looked at the other "Its true. That one you have there, five of those are the value of the one I used back there."
Cassandra looked at him as he explained the difference between these green, blue and red gems in Hyrule. They were the most common, however he explained that essentially all of these 'rupees' as he called them were simple pieces of crystal created through magic and alchemy. The ones that grew naturally in nature were of much greater value, fortunately humans had no knowledge of this. She looked at him "Amazing. How many do you have left? We could really work off of these?" she asked him. Link sighed at this question before explaining he had a decent number when he first came but together they were worth quite a bit. He of course had to use several to charter him and Talim all the way to Athens.
Little did either of them know that while they were talking and exchanging this information they were both being watched from the shadows. The woman remained hidden her eyes narrowed upon both of them not interested in the gems this seemingly out of town boy carried but rather something else she sensed from him. She kept well hidden hardly moving as she watched them reading lips as best she could, though by the time she caught up the boy had started speaking of how many of those gems he had squandered. She watched them as she moved from her spot on the roof on one of the buildings dropping down and landing with perfect accuracy.
Cassandra handed him back the gem before she looked up taking note of the storm "We should probably get moving, we don't need to get caught in the rain." Link nodded and they both turned to return to the market however just as they moved Link's ears perked unseen due to the tips being hidden by the bandanna. He heard something moving suddenly through the wind, he then turned around swiftly one leg going back into a stance as somebody had appeared out of thin air where they had been standing just moments before. She stood up straight, her legs brought together and her arms crossed over her chest showing without words she ment business.
Cassandra watched the woman as she stood there threatening to the eyes but Cassandra fought her urge to step back, she wore an outfit that consisted of a white obi which included a black and gold design like a sash going toward her right hip from her left shoulder. Her arms and legs were protected by metallic arm guards and shin guards which were accented in black and silver. Her arms remained crossed under her breasts while she waited for any action to come, Cassandra had no clue what she wanted. This eastern woman didn't appear to be one of the Black Wind but Cassandra really didn't know what to think as she could have sworn she had seen her somewhere before.
Her attire was nothing like Link had seen before, but he could tell that it was obviously not something to be casually worn. Link watched as well as she never dropped her gaze from his eyes, he returned it to her taking notice of her features. Her dark brown eyes were clearly filled with memories of combat, the gaze was enough to show. Her long, shiny raven hair was pulled back to keep it out of her way and she possessed a pair of blades that were normally used for stealth and assassination, one on the reverse of her sash and the other on her back accessible from over her right shoulder. Her body stood firm and in ready to move obviously she was much more impressive that could be seen.
Link and Cassandra were still oblivious to the identity of this woman but only one thing was certain, if push came to shove it would not fair well for either of them.
Next Chapter: The Mercenary and the Huntress
While the Eternal Wind finally receives its visit from their first contact Link and Cassandra discover that this woman also seeks the fragments of the Soul Edge and Soul Blade, however her one personal hatred for another type of living being lands Link in a run for his life when he is revealed. Meanwhile Kyle runs into trouble of his own, another fighter who apparently wishes a challenge from another and is very insistent on it. Though Strife finds himself wondering, what kind of a fool challenges a person who is obviously arms when they themselves possess no weapon.