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.
Author's Note: Just to let you know, from here on out brackets represent thoughts of characters. I'll be going back to fix it up later. Also forgive me if my Japanese is a little off.
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Soul Calibur II: Of Souls And Swords
Chapter Nineteen: The Mercenary and the Huntress
While Link and Cassandra found themselves confronted by this mysterious woman, Maxi still found himself dying of boredom onboard the Eternal Wind. Raphael had come to join him after finishing up his daily practice with his Rapier, eventually a question was brought up "So who are these two that come to help us?" he asked. Maxi shrugged "I only met them once so I'm not too clear on who they are or what they do. That is something that you'll have to ask Sophitia." Raphael nodded before looking towards the sound of footsteps coming back up the ramp "Hm. Speak of the devil." he said as Sophitia, Kilik and Xianghua walked back onto the ship.
Maxi's attention was taken to the storm clouds above them "Strange it looked just like this seven years ago." he said with a light sigh. Sophitia dropped what she had bought on the deck before looking back at the market "There is a shard somewhere in this city." she said a little angry. Kilik spoke up quickly "We'll have plenty of time to seek it out later. I doubt the Black Wind would come this far and cause a great amount of trouble for a shard that is most likely in a shop." Sophitia nodded "I suppose your right." she said. Xianghua pitied Sophitia, this was her third time going after the Soul Edge she had obviously had all she could stand of it.
There was suddenly a knocking sound on the side of the ship and a rough voice spoke up "Anybody on board?" he called up to the ship, the voice held a broken Japanese accent with the English words. Maxi walked to the ramp and looked down at the man below. He wore a cloak over himself covering the casual cloths that he wore over himself, having no need for his armor at this point. He had a well crafted katana at his side and seemed to constantly be ready to use it. He possessed dark eyes and black hair and couldn't have been beyond the age of thirty, Maxi really didn't need much more than a glance to know who he was.
Maxi walked down the ramp nodding to the man that had helped him and his crew locate Sophitia Alexandra as well as Kilik and Xianghua. Maxi raised one arm to give a half wave to the man who just kept his arms at his sides as he walked up the ramp "At least your efficient. We've only been here three days." he said to Maxi in his native tongue. Maxi half grinned "Nice to see you again too Heishiro." he said using the man's first name. The man huffed before he walked past Maxi onto the ship, Raphael's eyes followed the warriors every step he could tell just by how he moved he had some veteran experience.
He glanced around at those that stood on the deck before he stepped up to Sophitia speaking a greeting in his native language. Sophitia responded with the same greeting before he spoke in his still broken English "You are Sophitia Alexandra, who fought Cervantes de Leon and shattered the Soul Blade seven years ago, correct?" he asked. Sophitia nodded to this "I am her, I assume that you are Heishiro Mitsurugi. One of the first to actually survive an encounter with the Soul Edge and still manage to continue hunting it." she said in the same fashion as he.
The man known as the Demon Samurai shook his head at this "Though the name remains the same that fool who hunted for the Soul Edge for the sake of power is long dead. I wish nothing more than its destruction." he said. Sophitia knew that two years ago Mitsurugi had made some sort of a commitment to not hunt the sword for personal gain though the true reasons were unannounced. But it seemed that the rivalry that Taki and he had going for the sword had ended and they traveled together, often with another warrior called Yoshimitsu.
Sophitia took the time to point out everybody that was currently onboard the vessel though many were still out on the streets, though she had never really met Mitsurugi she trusted Taki Moyika's judgment. Mitsurugi knew Kilik and Xianghua as they had traveled to Japan and me them two years ago under Sophitia's request. Eventually Raphael spoke up to the samurai "Wasn't there another that was to come with you?" he asked in his perfected English. Mitsurugi looked to the French sword fighter "She wished to investigate something a little while back." he said simply before he sat down to wait for her.
Back in the city Kyle found himself in another abandoned area of the market. Silverbolt fidgeted nervously on his shoulder as he walked the talons at time gripping on his jacket. Kyle stopped as Silverbolt sharply gripped with both of his talons, the bird then jumped from his shoulder moving away from him. Kyle knew exactly what these actions ment, he was being followed. He slowly turned to looked back behind him, standing about thirty feet from him was something he really didn't expect this early in his life.
A man stood there before him. From what Kyle could see he had to be at least sixty-five, from what he wore he appeared to be a master of some martial arts but he had never seen an art that used a tiger as its symbol, especially not in such detail. The gi he wore was open just enough to catch a glimpse of a rather nasty scar on his chest, but that didn't matter. His hair mostly gray hair was made to go out and he had a rather powerful build from what Kyle could tell. On his arms were a pair of metal gauntlets, their purpose was obvious but Kyle couldn't tell if this old man was following him or planned to challenge him. Finally he spoke "What is your name little boy?" he asked mocking the much younger swordsman.
Kyle looked up straightening his stance as he narrowed his eyes "Thats not your concern. What do you want old man?" he asked feeling his time was being wasted. The old man huffed before he stiffened up his glare becoming quite intimidating "I've been searching a while for somebody who could offer me a decent challenge. Though the lands are covered in warriors few have seen the same intensity you have. Your fighting spirit is a much more than just an ember." Kyle looked at this man wondering where the hell he got this from. Kyle crossed his arms as well "Are you actually requesting that I fight you?"
The much older fighter lowered his arms looking at the young swordsman "I wasn't asking little boy, I was making a challenge." Kyle looked at the old man's eyes as they narrowed, the dark pupils said it all. This man whomever he might have been was dead serious about taking Kyle on, it wasn't often for an elder fighter to challenge a younger to a battle. He spoke again suddenly, his voice strong and direct "Draw your sword if you wish little boy. Fist to fist you will never come close to defeating me." Kyle narrowed his eyes before he drew the black bladed Oblivion from its sheath and went into stance. Though something told him this was a very bad idea.
Meanwhile back across the market Link and Cassandra still found themselves being starred down by this ominous woman who still hadn't flinched. Cassandra finally got up the courage to speak "Who are you? What business do you have with us?" the woman looked at Cassandra to acknowledge her words but looked at her for a few moments swearing she had seen her before, but seemed to dismiss it. She looked directly at Link who seemed to tense up right before she spoke. He didn't understand her as she spoke in a dialect that was not English but her voice was strong yet somehow it seemed to be only one side of this person. It reminded him of an ally from his own home. (who can guess?)
Cassandra looked at the woman before speaking herself "Neither of us understand you...uh do you speak Latin or English?" she asked. The woman sighed before speaking again "You two possess something that many people search for, if you know what is good for your mortal souls you will release it to me at once." she said in English so perfect one wouldn't know she was from another country. Cassandra looked at Link as the woman seemed to narrow her eyes "I know what you protect and it is not for average mortals to possess. I will not hesitate to harm you. Now hand me the fragment." both of them stepped back knowing there would be trouble.
The woman then looked at the young man again as she then caught a glimpse of something, there seems to be something concealed under the bandanna he wore causing a rift but all his hair was brushed over it. She then looked into his eyes then narrowed her own before she drew the blade that was over her shoulder "You. Where do you hail from?" Cassandra swiftly spoke up "We're both from Athens." the woman chuckled "I can tell that of you young lady but I've been to many places and I've never seen eyes of such depth or pigment." Link's eyes narrowed as he found himself being seen through, there were more differences than he had expected.
The woman looked at Link "I'm through with words demon. If you intend to possess the fragment you'd better be ready to defend it!" Cassandra watched in horror as the woman with perfect speed rushed up to Link swiping one of her swords gracefully through the air. Link seeing this quickly moved ducking as the blade passed over his head, he then moved hard to her right pushing past her. Cassandra looked at him understanding what the woman was, she had to have been the rouge demon huntress Sophitia had spoken of and she had a pretty strong feeling of what she thought Link was. "Link run back to the ship!" she ordered.
Link nodded before he took off running down the streets knowing he wouldn't stand a chance against the woman by himself. Cassandra drew her sword ready to fight the woman but the huntress paid no attention to the Athenian as she sheathed her blade and then gave chase on Link. Cassandra mentally growled before she took off in a sprint of her own kicking up dirt knowing that she had to do something to help. Link ran down the streets diving into an alley at the first chance he got and quickly running in the attempt to lose the female warrior that stalked him.
The unarmed elven moved quickly down the streets of the large market not seeing the woman when he looked back but he could feel her there. Link eventually came to a stop breathing heavily as he looked back trying to catch his breath as he kneeled slightly resting his hands on his knees. Suddenly the thought hit him between the rush and excitement [What the fuck am I standing around for?!] his mind screamed just as he heard a pair of feet stealthily leap into the air. Link moved hard leaping forward to roll on the ground just as there was a flash of metal.
Link rolled on the ground coming into a kneeling stance, the woman had landed just behind where he was and had her swords held in such a way to slit his throat. She didn't speak as she looked up at him "You sure seem well adapted to that body demon, a shame I must cut it off to cut you down." she said before moving at him. The woman made her movements quick and precise, luckily Link's natural agility made it possible to move from the swift blows send at his head and abdomen.
The woman then moved up hard with a kick to his side catching him completely off guard, Link however took this into account and quickly reached up her hold off the blade clutched in her right hand which seemed to be the only one she used. Link then let his own instinct take over as he suddenly rolled back and kicked the woman a good distance into the dirt. He quickly jumped to his feet running as she stood up brushing the dirt from herself, yet now she was curious as to why he ran instead of taking her head off when he had the chance. With renewed interest she continued her chase.
Kyle grunted in strain as he moved hard to the side trying to get a slash in at the old man that he wouldn't be able to counter. Whoever had made those gauntlets for him had taken their time, the Oblivion's blade was hardly being felt through them and what few slashes had actually made contact on the man's arms seemed to be nothing to him. He was luckily freed up from the extra weight of the secondary sword he usually carried but never used, but that little bit of speed wouldn't help much in this situation. The man moved hard thrusting one arm down to catch the blade on his steel bracer, he forced it away and then swung a powerful punch at Kyle's head. Kyle moved down as it flew over his head and quickly through a kick at his ankle sending him off his feet.
The old man fell back and quickly moved to stand up. Kyle came down swinging upwards the blade digging into the dirt a black aura following it as it did so just missing the man. He rolled and jumped up appearing at Kyle's side as he pulled the single edged weapon from the ground "Not bad!" he shouted before bringing back his hands. Kyle turned ready to act when the old man got in close and then sent both of his hands shooting forward to slam into Kyle's chest. The sheer force of the blow knocked the wind out of him as he felt his chest bone slightly bend back as he was sent over fifteen feet away from the old man and into one of the set ups.
Kyle shouted in pain as his back made contact with one of the wooden beams breaking it in half as he flew on. Kyle was motionless then, the old man lowered his fists breathing heavily "Damned kid." he said lightly unable to believe he had to do such to bring him down. Kyle reached up stabbing his sword into the ground as he tried to stand only managing to get up on one knee, his free hand gripping his chest that felt as if his sternum had been bent in. The old man watched him "Interesting. Few can get up after a blow like that." he said before he turned to leave.
Kyle looked up as he noticed he was leaving but by the time he could finally stand on his own two feet the old man had vanished and left Kyle without so much as a name. Kyle fell back against the wall as he sheathed his blade and held his chest there was little pain but alot of ache to it. He started moving through the market slowly and as he came to an area with fewer people he heard a familiar voice call out to him. "Kyle!" he turned around just in time to see Cassandra halt her feet scuffing the dirt up "Have you seen Link? Please tell me." she pleaded to know.
Kyle softly pushed her away with one hand "Calm down. What is wrong?" as she looked at him the concern for her friend could easily be seen "We found a shard earlier and then this woman just appeared and went after Link. She could somehow tell he wasn't normal." Cassandra shifted her glance toward his odd posture "Are you alright?" she asked. Kyle looked at her "I'll be fine. Get back to the ship, if he has any common sense he'll fall back to where the others can help him." Cassandra nodded and ran off leaving the battle unworthy Kyle leaning against the wall.
Back at the docks Link found himself pinned down, he knew that she was out there waiting for him. He had seen a similar style of stalking and hunting before and knew it was not to be underestimated or mocked. Link breathed as his senses were blurring, not as bad as before but all of the activity was triggering the monster's venom that was still somewhat in his blood stream. It seemed that most of those on deck had already gone below, all he could make out was Kilik, Sophitia, Maxi and somebody that he had never seen before. Eventually the pressure built up and he felt he had no choice, he reached up ripping the annoying bandanna away from his ears before he bolted out of the ally.
Link felt that he must have been losing his edge as the second he left the alley the woman appeared jumping from the roof above turning an agile flip before landing right in front of him. Link got ready to move but she suddenly drew something up in her right hand, he could feel her energy charging into it before she hurled it right down at him. Link stepped back wincing his eyes expecting it to be a flash bomb of some sort, instead the second it hit the ground it went off in a powerful flameless explosion. Link was sent flying high into the air by its energies before he fell back to earth slamming into the ground on his back.
The sound of the nearby explosion drew Sophitia's attention as well as the newcomer. Sophitia saw this and gasped knowing exactly what Taki must have thought "Oh no!" she shouted before she ran down the gangplank and toward the scene, Mitsurugi followed her as well. The huntress made her move as Link was now on his back shouting she sent herself into the air as he sat up. Link moved as quickly as he could trying to get up before an armored leg smashed into his chest pinning him to the ground, the sword on her shoulder flashed out of its sheath and then came down at him. Link winced his eyes shut [Gonna kill me! Shit!] his mind shouted in panic.
There was then not a sound as the cold metal stopped, its razor edge just barely touching the flesh of Link's neck. [What the hell?] he questioned her mentally, she had him dead to rights and he couldn't seem to do much. Her left leg pinned him to the ground, her right stepped on his left keeping it from moving, her right hand held her sword to his neck and the other secured his other arm. [Does she want me to admit I lost before she kills me?] Link wondered right before the woman closed her eyes and spoke "As I thought. Your no demon in human form, otherwise you would have tossed it aside by now. What are you boy?" she asked still meaning business.
Link breathed his eyes still narrowed at the woman as a voice called out "Taki don't!" Link then saw Sophitia standing there. This woman apparently called Taki whipped her head to the side to see the Athenian had come to a stop only a few yards away. Another voice came up calling out in another language that Link did no understand "Taki! Tairageru goshujin ittou!" he called out to her. The woman looked toward this man before she took her blade away from Link's neck and moved to stand to her feet.
"Taki! Put down your sword!" she heard Mitsurugi call out to her. She did so standing up and sheathing her sword. The second he was freed up the sharp eared boy she had been hunting down quickly back flipped off the ground landing on his feet in a kneel still breathing heavily. Sophitia looked at Link noticing that his ears were now showing "Its alright, she is not our enemy Link." she said. The elf looked at the Athenian "Could have fooled me Sophitia. Or is it just my curse to be attacked by everybody I meet these days?" he asked quite irritated.
The woman exhaled deeply as the other Athenian rushed up on to the scene with her sword drawn. Sophitia explained the situation to the younger girl before she could start something, she then turned her attention to the pride beaten Link. Taki raised a hand to her forehead "I suppose that I have some explaining to do don't I Sophitia? But first we should get your odd companion out of the streets." she said before she headed back to the ship, the man followed and the others did so after a few seconds.
Next Chapter: Undecided (Open to suggestions)
The demon huntress known as Taki Moyika explains herself before finally revealing their reasons for wanting their help as well. The Black Wind meanwhile lands on the shores of the Middle East and make their way into the desert where a shard of the Soul Edge rests. Drake starts his journey to the north but soon discovers the terrible power the wielder of this shard possesses, all signs drawn in human blood.
Author's Note: Just to let you know, from here on out brackets represent thoughts of characters. I'll be going back to fix it up later. Also forgive me if my Japanese is a little off.
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Soul Calibur II: Of Souls And Swords
Chapter Nineteen: The Mercenary and the Huntress
While Link and Cassandra found themselves confronted by this mysterious woman, Maxi still found himself dying of boredom onboard the Eternal Wind. Raphael had come to join him after finishing up his daily practice with his Rapier, eventually a question was brought up "So who are these two that come to help us?" he asked. Maxi shrugged "I only met them once so I'm not too clear on who they are or what they do. That is something that you'll have to ask Sophitia." Raphael nodded before looking towards the sound of footsteps coming back up the ramp "Hm. Speak of the devil." he said as Sophitia, Kilik and Xianghua walked back onto the ship.
Maxi's attention was taken to the storm clouds above them "Strange it looked just like this seven years ago." he said with a light sigh. Sophitia dropped what she had bought on the deck before looking back at the market "There is a shard somewhere in this city." she said a little angry. Kilik spoke up quickly "We'll have plenty of time to seek it out later. I doubt the Black Wind would come this far and cause a great amount of trouble for a shard that is most likely in a shop." Sophitia nodded "I suppose your right." she said. Xianghua pitied Sophitia, this was her third time going after the Soul Edge she had obviously had all she could stand of it.
There was suddenly a knocking sound on the side of the ship and a rough voice spoke up "Anybody on board?" he called up to the ship, the voice held a broken Japanese accent with the English words. Maxi walked to the ramp and looked down at the man below. He wore a cloak over himself covering the casual cloths that he wore over himself, having no need for his armor at this point. He had a well crafted katana at his side and seemed to constantly be ready to use it. He possessed dark eyes and black hair and couldn't have been beyond the age of thirty, Maxi really didn't need much more than a glance to know who he was.
Maxi walked down the ramp nodding to the man that had helped him and his crew locate Sophitia Alexandra as well as Kilik and Xianghua. Maxi raised one arm to give a half wave to the man who just kept his arms at his sides as he walked up the ramp "At least your efficient. We've only been here three days." he said to Maxi in his native tongue. Maxi half grinned "Nice to see you again too Heishiro." he said using the man's first name. The man huffed before he walked past Maxi onto the ship, Raphael's eyes followed the warriors every step he could tell just by how he moved he had some veteran experience.
He glanced around at those that stood on the deck before he stepped up to Sophitia speaking a greeting in his native language. Sophitia responded with the same greeting before he spoke in his still broken English "You are Sophitia Alexandra, who fought Cervantes de Leon and shattered the Soul Blade seven years ago, correct?" he asked. Sophitia nodded to this "I am her, I assume that you are Heishiro Mitsurugi. One of the first to actually survive an encounter with the Soul Edge and still manage to continue hunting it." she said in the same fashion as he.
The man known as the Demon Samurai shook his head at this "Though the name remains the same that fool who hunted for the Soul Edge for the sake of power is long dead. I wish nothing more than its destruction." he said. Sophitia knew that two years ago Mitsurugi had made some sort of a commitment to not hunt the sword for personal gain though the true reasons were unannounced. But it seemed that the rivalry that Taki and he had going for the sword had ended and they traveled together, often with another warrior called Yoshimitsu.
Sophitia took the time to point out everybody that was currently onboard the vessel though many were still out on the streets, though she had never really met Mitsurugi she trusted Taki Moyika's judgment. Mitsurugi knew Kilik and Xianghua as they had traveled to Japan and me them two years ago under Sophitia's request. Eventually Raphael spoke up to the samurai "Wasn't there another that was to come with you?" he asked in his perfected English. Mitsurugi looked to the French sword fighter "She wished to investigate something a little while back." he said simply before he sat down to wait for her.
Back in the city Kyle found himself in another abandoned area of the market. Silverbolt fidgeted nervously on his shoulder as he walked the talons at time gripping on his jacket. Kyle stopped as Silverbolt sharply gripped with both of his talons, the bird then jumped from his shoulder moving away from him. Kyle knew exactly what these actions ment, he was being followed. He slowly turned to looked back behind him, standing about thirty feet from him was something he really didn't expect this early in his life.
A man stood there before him. From what Kyle could see he had to be at least sixty-five, from what he wore he appeared to be a master of some martial arts but he had never seen an art that used a tiger as its symbol, especially not in such detail. The gi he wore was open just enough to catch a glimpse of a rather nasty scar on his chest, but that didn't matter. His hair mostly gray hair was made to go out and he had a rather powerful build from what Kyle could tell. On his arms were a pair of metal gauntlets, their purpose was obvious but Kyle couldn't tell if this old man was following him or planned to challenge him. Finally he spoke "What is your name little boy?" he asked mocking the much younger swordsman.
Kyle looked up straightening his stance as he narrowed his eyes "Thats not your concern. What do you want old man?" he asked feeling his time was being wasted. The old man huffed before he stiffened up his glare becoming quite intimidating "I've been searching a while for somebody who could offer me a decent challenge. Though the lands are covered in warriors few have seen the same intensity you have. Your fighting spirit is a much more than just an ember." Kyle looked at this man wondering where the hell he got this from. Kyle crossed his arms as well "Are you actually requesting that I fight you?"
The much older fighter lowered his arms looking at the young swordsman "I wasn't asking little boy, I was making a challenge." Kyle looked at the old man's eyes as they narrowed, the dark pupils said it all. This man whomever he might have been was dead serious about taking Kyle on, it wasn't often for an elder fighter to challenge a younger to a battle. He spoke again suddenly, his voice strong and direct "Draw your sword if you wish little boy. Fist to fist you will never come close to defeating me." Kyle narrowed his eyes before he drew the black bladed Oblivion from its sheath and went into stance. Though something told him this was a very bad idea.
Meanwhile back across the market Link and Cassandra still found themselves being starred down by this ominous woman who still hadn't flinched. Cassandra finally got up the courage to speak "Who are you? What business do you have with us?" the woman looked at Cassandra to acknowledge her words but looked at her for a few moments swearing she had seen her before, but seemed to dismiss it. She looked directly at Link who seemed to tense up right before she spoke. He didn't understand her as she spoke in a dialect that was not English but her voice was strong yet somehow it seemed to be only one side of this person. It reminded him of an ally from his own home. (who can guess?)
Cassandra looked at the woman before speaking herself "Neither of us understand you...uh do you speak Latin or English?" she asked. The woman sighed before speaking again "You two possess something that many people search for, if you know what is good for your mortal souls you will release it to me at once." she said in English so perfect one wouldn't know she was from another country. Cassandra looked at Link as the woman seemed to narrow her eyes "I know what you protect and it is not for average mortals to possess. I will not hesitate to harm you. Now hand me the fragment." both of them stepped back knowing there would be trouble.
The woman then looked at the young man again as she then caught a glimpse of something, there seems to be something concealed under the bandanna he wore causing a rift but all his hair was brushed over it. She then looked into his eyes then narrowed her own before she drew the blade that was over her shoulder "You. Where do you hail from?" Cassandra swiftly spoke up "We're both from Athens." the woman chuckled "I can tell that of you young lady but I've been to many places and I've never seen eyes of such depth or pigment." Link's eyes narrowed as he found himself being seen through, there were more differences than he had expected.
The woman looked at Link "I'm through with words demon. If you intend to possess the fragment you'd better be ready to defend it!" Cassandra watched in horror as the woman with perfect speed rushed up to Link swiping one of her swords gracefully through the air. Link seeing this quickly moved ducking as the blade passed over his head, he then moved hard to her right pushing past her. Cassandra looked at him understanding what the woman was, she had to have been the rouge demon huntress Sophitia had spoken of and she had a pretty strong feeling of what she thought Link was. "Link run back to the ship!" she ordered.
Link nodded before he took off running down the streets knowing he wouldn't stand a chance against the woman by himself. Cassandra drew her sword ready to fight the woman but the huntress paid no attention to the Athenian as she sheathed her blade and then gave chase on Link. Cassandra mentally growled before she took off in a sprint of her own kicking up dirt knowing that she had to do something to help. Link ran down the streets diving into an alley at the first chance he got and quickly running in the attempt to lose the female warrior that stalked him.
The unarmed elven moved quickly down the streets of the large market not seeing the woman when he looked back but he could feel her there. Link eventually came to a stop breathing heavily as he looked back trying to catch his breath as he kneeled slightly resting his hands on his knees. Suddenly the thought hit him between the rush and excitement [What the fuck am I standing around for?!] his mind screamed just as he heard a pair of feet stealthily leap into the air. Link moved hard leaping forward to roll on the ground just as there was a flash of metal.
Link rolled on the ground coming into a kneeling stance, the woman had landed just behind where he was and had her swords held in such a way to slit his throat. She didn't speak as she looked up at him "You sure seem well adapted to that body demon, a shame I must cut it off to cut you down." she said before moving at him. The woman made her movements quick and precise, luckily Link's natural agility made it possible to move from the swift blows send at his head and abdomen.
The woman then moved up hard with a kick to his side catching him completely off guard, Link however took this into account and quickly reached up her hold off the blade clutched in her right hand which seemed to be the only one she used. Link then let his own instinct take over as he suddenly rolled back and kicked the woman a good distance into the dirt. He quickly jumped to his feet running as she stood up brushing the dirt from herself, yet now she was curious as to why he ran instead of taking her head off when he had the chance. With renewed interest she continued her chase.
Kyle grunted in strain as he moved hard to the side trying to get a slash in at the old man that he wouldn't be able to counter. Whoever had made those gauntlets for him had taken their time, the Oblivion's blade was hardly being felt through them and what few slashes had actually made contact on the man's arms seemed to be nothing to him. He was luckily freed up from the extra weight of the secondary sword he usually carried but never used, but that little bit of speed wouldn't help much in this situation. The man moved hard thrusting one arm down to catch the blade on his steel bracer, he forced it away and then swung a powerful punch at Kyle's head. Kyle moved down as it flew over his head and quickly through a kick at his ankle sending him off his feet.
The old man fell back and quickly moved to stand up. Kyle came down swinging upwards the blade digging into the dirt a black aura following it as it did so just missing the man. He rolled and jumped up appearing at Kyle's side as he pulled the single edged weapon from the ground "Not bad!" he shouted before bringing back his hands. Kyle turned ready to act when the old man got in close and then sent both of his hands shooting forward to slam into Kyle's chest. The sheer force of the blow knocked the wind out of him as he felt his chest bone slightly bend back as he was sent over fifteen feet away from the old man and into one of the set ups.
Kyle shouted in pain as his back made contact with one of the wooden beams breaking it in half as he flew on. Kyle was motionless then, the old man lowered his fists breathing heavily "Damned kid." he said lightly unable to believe he had to do such to bring him down. Kyle reached up stabbing his sword into the ground as he tried to stand only managing to get up on one knee, his free hand gripping his chest that felt as if his sternum had been bent in. The old man watched him "Interesting. Few can get up after a blow like that." he said before he turned to leave.
Kyle looked up as he noticed he was leaving but by the time he could finally stand on his own two feet the old man had vanished and left Kyle without so much as a name. Kyle fell back against the wall as he sheathed his blade and held his chest there was little pain but alot of ache to it. He started moving through the market slowly and as he came to an area with fewer people he heard a familiar voice call out to him. "Kyle!" he turned around just in time to see Cassandra halt her feet scuffing the dirt up "Have you seen Link? Please tell me." she pleaded to know.
Kyle softly pushed her away with one hand "Calm down. What is wrong?" as she looked at him the concern for her friend could easily be seen "We found a shard earlier and then this woman just appeared and went after Link. She could somehow tell he wasn't normal." Cassandra shifted her glance toward his odd posture "Are you alright?" she asked. Kyle looked at her "I'll be fine. Get back to the ship, if he has any common sense he'll fall back to where the others can help him." Cassandra nodded and ran off leaving the battle unworthy Kyle leaning against the wall.
Back at the docks Link found himself pinned down, he knew that she was out there waiting for him. He had seen a similar style of stalking and hunting before and knew it was not to be underestimated or mocked. Link breathed as his senses were blurring, not as bad as before but all of the activity was triggering the monster's venom that was still somewhat in his blood stream. It seemed that most of those on deck had already gone below, all he could make out was Kilik, Sophitia, Maxi and somebody that he had never seen before. Eventually the pressure built up and he felt he had no choice, he reached up ripping the annoying bandanna away from his ears before he bolted out of the ally.
Link felt that he must have been losing his edge as the second he left the alley the woman appeared jumping from the roof above turning an agile flip before landing right in front of him. Link got ready to move but she suddenly drew something up in her right hand, he could feel her energy charging into it before she hurled it right down at him. Link stepped back wincing his eyes expecting it to be a flash bomb of some sort, instead the second it hit the ground it went off in a powerful flameless explosion. Link was sent flying high into the air by its energies before he fell back to earth slamming into the ground on his back.
The sound of the nearby explosion drew Sophitia's attention as well as the newcomer. Sophitia saw this and gasped knowing exactly what Taki must have thought "Oh no!" she shouted before she ran down the gangplank and toward the scene, Mitsurugi followed her as well. The huntress made her move as Link was now on his back shouting she sent herself into the air as he sat up. Link moved as quickly as he could trying to get up before an armored leg smashed into his chest pinning him to the ground, the sword on her shoulder flashed out of its sheath and then came down at him. Link winced his eyes shut [Gonna kill me! Shit!] his mind shouted in panic.
There was then not a sound as the cold metal stopped, its razor edge just barely touching the flesh of Link's neck. [What the hell?] he questioned her mentally, she had him dead to rights and he couldn't seem to do much. Her left leg pinned him to the ground, her right stepped on his left keeping it from moving, her right hand held her sword to his neck and the other secured his other arm. [Does she want me to admit I lost before she kills me?] Link wondered right before the woman closed her eyes and spoke "As I thought. Your no demon in human form, otherwise you would have tossed it aside by now. What are you boy?" she asked still meaning business.
Link breathed his eyes still narrowed at the woman as a voice called out "Taki don't!" Link then saw Sophitia standing there. This woman apparently called Taki whipped her head to the side to see the Athenian had come to a stop only a few yards away. Another voice came up calling out in another language that Link did no understand "Taki! Tairageru goshujin ittou!" he called out to her. The woman looked toward this man before she took her blade away from Link's neck and moved to stand to her feet.
"Taki! Put down your sword!" she heard Mitsurugi call out to her. She did so standing up and sheathing her sword. The second he was freed up the sharp eared boy she had been hunting down quickly back flipped off the ground landing on his feet in a kneel still breathing heavily. Sophitia looked at Link noticing that his ears were now showing "Its alright, she is not our enemy Link." she said. The elf looked at the Athenian "Could have fooled me Sophitia. Or is it just my curse to be attacked by everybody I meet these days?" he asked quite irritated.
The woman exhaled deeply as the other Athenian rushed up on to the scene with her sword drawn. Sophitia explained the situation to the younger girl before she could start something, she then turned her attention to the pride beaten Link. Taki raised a hand to her forehead "I suppose that I have some explaining to do don't I Sophitia? But first we should get your odd companion out of the streets." she said before she headed back to the ship, the man followed and the others did so after a few seconds.
Next Chapter: Undecided (Open to suggestions)
The demon huntress known as Taki Moyika explains herself before finally revealing their reasons for wanting their help as well. The Black Wind meanwhile lands on the shores of the Middle East and make their way into the desert where a shard of the Soul Edge rests. Drake starts his journey to the north but soon discovers the terrible power the wielder of this shard possesses, all signs drawn in human blood.