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.
NOTE: I do have my plans for Taki but it isn't something that is going to eat at her constantly throughout the fiction, that isn't in her character. More will be revealed on the one man that was ever actually close to her in several ways. Also some have been asking why Link is so deep and angst in this fic, I wanted to do a different take on him. Read on to find out why he has such a change in his normally positive mood.
Original Character Profiles: Link, Karenna and Renzo Added!
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Soul Calibur II: Of Souls And Swords
Chapter Twenty-Three: Another Shattered Sword
While the tense group of seekers tried their best to catch their rest in the middle of the desert a search of a different nature was going on just over the next few miles to the east. The large group that Talim had predicted had finally come to a stop ready to capture the piece of Soul Edge, as believed it was indeed the ominous Black Wind. It seemed that another group had located the shard somehow. A large group of miners and excavators had recently unearthed what looked like a ruin that had been covered by sand over the multiple years. However once the Black Wind arrived it is needless to say that they were all put out of their misery by the Azure Nightmare and his cohorts.
That had been two days ago and the mixed legions of troops had taken up searching the temple, it was obvious that whoever first came in contact with the shard either wanted to keep it secret or didn't want anybody to get to it. With a storm heading that way and over fifty complaining troops Nightmare was beginning to get irritated, the Soul Edge was provoking the clouds above to rain upon them, if the temple was flooded it would be easier for Renzor's troops. He felt better that this time he had left a number of his more reliable and skilled troops on board the Nemesis while taking the lower level fighters, it wasn't like orcs or Uruk-hai couldn't be replaced. This was thanks to Diablo's dark powers and Karenna's magic.
The only thing that was beginning to get to Nightmare was the fact that the camp could have probably be seen from a number of miles away. Astaroth and Renzor were there of course along with Cervantes and Ivy, neither of those two could be left behind. One out of value in combat, the other due to the enormous amount of distrust Nightmare possessed for them. Anubis had also come along enjoying being so near to his point of origin, all the while Diablos had returned to the Nemesis to keep an eye on the elves. Though both Renzo and Karenna had proven themselves trustworthy the fact that Razorback had reported a creature like them in Istanbul his trust was shaken.
Nightmare looked around him at the troops they had taken with them. Most of their group was made up of the lower class Orcs and Uruk-Hai that had come on foot and had been used in the raid, it surprised even Anubis that the miners were able to take down around twenty of them in the initial battle. There was a smoldering pile of random cadavers just a stone's throw away from the camp consisting of both Orcs and the men they had killed, they only spared an architect who pretty much knew what they had seen of the ruins. For helping them they would give him some food and water and leave him to find his own way back to civilization.
Cervantes was walking along the roof of the ruins that lead into the underground, as he reported it was some sort of labyrinth starting off at the top level and going underground into an impressive amount of caverns. Isabella Valentine was of course in the camp with himself and Anubis, though she was content with allowing the grunts to do the work she was getting annoyed as this was taking such time although they figured that they were getting close but the water in the temple makes it very difficult to move through.
Renzor ran his sword over the sand once again giving a light growl at the fact that the legion of his own he had brought were wanted on guard duty, they performed much better in the water than those mindless swine. Astaroth grumbled as he looked at his four Berserkers he had assigned to come as well, they were strong but hardly a match for either of Nightmare's two destroyers. He finally spoke "How much longer are we going to have to wait?!" he growled out, Nightmare looked toward him from where he stood with the Soul Edge stabbed into the sand "You need to learn some patience Astaroth. Otherwise you will go mad." Astaroth grumbled. He then slowly looked to Renzor "The orcs are worms. Completely useless." Renzor nodded as he sheathed his sword.
Ivy chuckled as she walked up to Nightmare looking down at him as her cloak was lightly blown around by the wind "Seems there is a lot of tension among our ranks." she stated. Nightmare growled at her words "Tell me something I don't know." he said cursing lightly at the mens restlessness. It wasn't Astaroth or Renzor it was the orcs and Uruk-hai who kept complaining on how they wanted fresh meat, it probably wouldn't bug Diablos too much to make some more, these fools were more than ready to return to the mud from where they came. The architect claimed they were getting close and that they would have it by night fall, it was going to be a long day.
Meanwhile only a few miles across the desert the group that sought Soul Edge found themselves at long last within striking distance of it, they would have their chance very soon. The trio had returned to the camp late in the night. While Cassandra had departed for bed Link, Sophitia and a curious Kilik discussed plans of how they would do this, she felt it would be best if they could neutralize Nightmare without having to fight him. Kilik and Link had agreed that they would stand back while Sophitia would approach him, she would be their only hope in doing this effectively otherwise they would have to take action.
Although the others were oblivious to Sophitia's encounter with Nightmare that told her who he was under the armor, she had told Link and Kilik of this and made them swear to keep this secret. Both of them had agreed to this and gone with the theory that seeing Sophitia again may force Soul Edge's influence from him. Whatever was left of the man called Siegfried Schtauffen had been forced out before apparently, hopefully it could be done again. However, if this failed they would allow the Elven Swordsman the chance to kill Nightmare or get the Soul Edge away from him, which ever one came to opportunity first, Kilik and Xianghua would follow up if he was killed or was rendered no longer battle worthy.
Sophitia was skeptic to having a one on one fight with Nightmare but with the likes of Astaroth, Cervantes and his daughter there they were going to have to cover Link as he went after Nightmare. See meanwhile was going to challenge Renzor who would surely come after her, little did she know of course that she once knew him as Aeon but that was a whole different story. This was the plan and they were going to have to follow it perfectly if they wanted to have any hope in capturing and destroying Soul Edge.
Link had brought up concern about the Soul Blade in the possession of the Immortal Pirate. Kilik explained to him that the Soul Blade, although still a powerful weapon had lost its evil spirit when its physical body was shattered, though its remains caused humans to be corrupted it was still unable to control them directly like Soul Edge. They would take care of Cervantes afterwards.
Mitsurugi watched as Maxi and Kilik worked to wrap the tents up Sophitia for some reason had become a lot more anxious to get this done with and wanted to move out as soon as possible. Taki stood up on a rock formation holding the sword that had apparently been infected by a piece of the Soul Blade, she was probably going to try and use it against the incomplete version Cervantes carried. It was a good thing they left the shards back on the ship hopefully they would not be able to be tracked from there but Sophitia meanwhile kept possession of the five Soul Edge shards they had collected, that is including the one that Taki had brought with her.
Mitsurugi looked at Kilik as he stepped up to one of the horses "What are you all planning?" he questioned as he waited for them to move out "Sophitia will explain on the way, if this works you'll thank us." he said starting to walk off "And if not?" Kilik shrugged "Thats where we hope we have good luck." he said before walking to Xianghua and Maxi. Link seemed to be checking over his bow and arrows constantly as if he would have to be fighting from a distance, Mitsurugi doubted he would get the chance to do anything before the gap was closed.
It wasn't long before they were moving again each of them managed to get some nourishment from what food they brought with them. Sophitia rode out in front following the vast amounts off foot prints they found in the sand around five hours after setting out, it was a good thing to as not too long after finding them the storm clouds began to rumble with fury. Cassandra winced lightly as the thunder struck loudly overhead, she was at this point so nervous that her natural instincts told her any sound could be deadly. Link grit his teeth as it was about to rain, and over the desert of all places. This was surely more of Soul Edge's work nature hold any other explanation.
Taki looked up beyond Maxi's shoulders calling out to the group "Hold it." everybody followed her orders and all the horses came to a halt. Taki jumped down from her horse her feet touching down on the soggy sand, the cloak which concealed the black and silver outfit from before was lightly tossed by the wind. Link and Sophitia watched with more than a little impatience, Mitsurugi could sense this among the group and looked to Kilik and Xianghua "Be on your guard." he ordered them, they both nodded. Taki stood back up holding a small leather strap "They went this way. Come." she said as she stepped forward toward a rather large hill.
Link and Kilik both dismounted taking weight off the horses as they forced their way up the sandy hill, they stayed closed to Taki as she came toward the top. She got down on one knee peeking over and looking around, she looked back motioning that it was safe. Kilik looked at Taki "What was that all about?" he asked looking at her, the huntress held up the sword she kept on the back of her waist "My blade can feel out the Soul Blade and I myself can feel the darkness from the Soul Edge. They are very close by, I thought you had the same sense." she said. Kilik nodded his head, he had the ability to sense Soul Edge but didn't keep his soul open to sense it out. Because he had been effected by the Evil Seed once before and the Dvapara-Yuga was no longer there to protect him he didn't want to risk it at such definite range.
Taki looked back at everybody as they came up onto the hill, sheathing her sword she pointed out over the next few dunes "I'd say that we only have a matter of miles to go before we run right into them." Sophitia nodded her head from her horse, she could feel the blades energy without even trying. She looked to Link as he stepped forward his cloak dragging the sand lightly, his determination was fierce as was Kilik's. If it came down to it she was confident in their abilities, but she was worried for her sister's sake as well it was obvious that she wanted to know Link on a closer level. Though first she would have to chip away that layer of depression and anger left by fate's dealing to him in his own world.
Maxi brought out a telescope and kneeled looking out over the next few dunes, the clouds had become so dense that there was hardly any light left in the sky. Maxi lowered it and pointed "I think there are torches lit over the third ridge. They have look outs too." Mitsurugi huffed as he climbed off his horse "Don't start regretting that the gunner went with the other seekers. A gunshot would be a lot more noticeable that us." he said taking his horse by the reigns it wouldn't be a good thing if they were spotted because of their animals. Cassandra pointed down to a rock formation at the bottom of the dune surprisingly there was some foliage growing around it, they began moving toward it.
Kilik and Xianghua took the duty of making sure the horses would stay there, it wasn't like they were going to run off while they were in the middle of the desert. Sophitia looked at Link "Are you sure that your ready?" she asked, Link closed his eyes before speaking "You have no idea how many times I've been asked that. Nightmare is just another to me Sophitia, but I will try my best to avoid damaging him." he said. Sophitia nodded her head knowing that Link was ready, she then moved to Kilik and spoke "If you have to face Nightmare don't show any mercy. He will know how your attack pattern works and will more than likely be ready for a rematch."
Xianghua nodded as she brought up the Krita-Yuga swiping it once through the air "You have nothing to worry about. If it goes anything like last time the Soul Edge is as good as gone." she said looking at her sword. Though she acted confident she was begging in her heart that it would transform for her again, into the same mysterious blade that allowed her to defeat it the last time. Kilik looked toward her as Sophitia stepped away "Your afraid arn't you?" he questioned. Xianghua looked at him "Don't be ridiculous." she said back her voice forced and not at all very convincing. Kilik shook his head "You're a terrible liar." he looked toward Link as he sat against one of the rocks running one of them down the edge of his blade.
Xianghua looked as well. His resolve and determination were deep as finding inner peace and this was fighting for a world that he would never be able to return to not to mention their own and he didn't possess any of the personal experience that all of them did. "Link is a real spook." she said as these thoughts passed through her mind. Kilik looked at her as she continued "I mean, he claims that this is just another challenge for him and nothing more, its almost like he doesn't care what happens if he fails." Kilik shrugged at this "I don't expect him to." he said causing Xianghua to look at him a little shocked.
Kilik leaned on the Kali-Yuga and spoke "It makes sense when you think about it Xianghua. He has come from another world and knew from the start he could never return home, he will never again see those he loves and cares for, and he is like an alien in this world despite the similarities between us. He is missing a reason to fight, we all fight for something weather we realize it or not. Who has he to fight for in this world, us?" Xianghua looked to the ground and then looked toward Link who monotonously continued to draw the rock across his sword his eyes narrowed with a deep resent for his fate "Poor guy." she murmured. Kilik nodded "Fate isn't fair." he echoed.
Link stood up slowly sheathing the Athenian made sword that had served him so far, looking up toward the sky it began to rain at last. Some of them cursed their luck while Link just started walking away from the rock formation bringing his cloak back around his shoulders including the hood. Mitsurugi looked up as Maxi spoke "Where the hell is he going?" he asked as Link was already halfway to the next dune. Cassandra breathed as Sophitia began to follow, it was obvious at this point that both of them were ready to end this "What he came to do." she answered picking up her shield and going after. The others followed in time.
It wasn't long before they came upon the top of another dune moving past the two guards that had fallen, the first by an arrow to the back of the head and the neck from one of Taki's swords piercing his neck. They looked down as the rain continued though they made the attempt to hide themselves behind more of the rocks. Sophitia looked down on the camp and could see what they were doing with the temple "I guess they really came for one of the shards." Taki nodded to Sophitia before speaking "I can feel it. Its moving. There." she pointed toward the cavern just as a single lizardman rushed out and toward the camp.
Kilik looked up taking his chance at looking over the rock able to see the crimson gleam in one of the creature's fist as he ran toward the middle of the camp. The troops were using several large tents obviously set up by whoever was here first to shelter themselves from the rain, some sat around a large fire near the entrance and at the center of the camp was a single large tent which the Lizardman stepped into. The signal was then stronger than ever, that was where the Azure Nightmare was and there was no mistaking it.
Mitsurugi looked down on the battlefield before looking toward Taki and Maxi who planned on moving in first "There has to be at least sixty of those lower class demons down there, not counting the Black Wind's personal forces." he said in reference to the Berserkers and Lizardmen. Taki narrowed her eyes as she looked toward the main tent "I feel the presence of a very powerful demon and it is not Nightmare or Cervantes." Cassandra looked back at everybody "Has anybody got any bright ideas?" she asked. Her concern could be understood as they planned on moving into this camp and making an attempt at reaching the center and destroying Soul Edge. The orcs might have been weak and expendable but the Lizardmen and Uruk-Hai were vicious and organized.
There was a light huff before there was movement from behind her, she turned to see that Link had stood up and started down the dune right toward the camp. Cassandra jumped up ready to scream for him to get back to them when Kilik clapped his hand over her mouth "Don't. They'll know we're here." he warned her before turning her loose. Cassandra looked back and forth before speaking "But he is walking right in, he'll be killed!" she said as low as she could. There was another sound of movement from the side, she turned out head swiftly "Not you too!" she groaned.
Sophitia had stood up as well "I doubt the fatigued can be that much of a threat." she said before looking at Taki "Wait for a signal before you come after us. I'll try to resolve this peacefully." she said before stepping down the hill after Link who had just arrived at the edge of the camp. He looked back at Sophitia who adjusted the short cloak that only covered down to her legs before nodding bringing his own over his head, they both moved in using the shadows as best they could.
On of the several Lizardmen in the area was against one of the wooden posts sleeping when he woke with a start to the sound of a sword being unsheathed. He turned just in time to have his maw pierced through, the Athenian let him drop to the ground before turning back toward the center tent. She could see shadows thanks to the light from inside, she had been told to wait while Link got into position. They had already discussed this small plan, she would go alone and try to speak with Nightmare, if it became obvious he would not fall back Link would do what he was sent to do.
She looked up as one patrolling member of the orcs group suddenly crumpled to the ground, another looked over just as there was a sound of something cutting the air, there was a splash of blood from the neck area before he fell to the ground as well. Sophitia moved toward the tent which was guarded by the two Destroyers that Nightmare had brought with him, empowered by Soul Edge they were something to watch out for. Both of them stood with their blades stabbed into the ground, they were the only things between Sophitia and Nightmare. However Link made no actions to attack them so Sophitia took the only other course of action available to her.
Sophitia took a breath sheathing her sword before she stepped out from the shadows walking toward the tent with her palms held up. One of the two powerful knights looked up and spoke to his partner as the woman stepped forward of course unable to see her face "What do you make of this?" he asked. "No idea. Call him out here." his partner ordered leaving no room for argument. The second knight stepped inside the tent while the other stepped forward going into stance as Sophitia crossed an unseen point "Stop where you stand!" he ordered from under his helmet. Sophitia did so taking a breath as she did raising both of her hands with her palms held outward showing she had nothing to hide.
The fallen knight spoke once again "State your purpose here girl." he demanded to know, Sophitia narrowed her eyes under her hood before she spoke "I've come to speak to the one called the Azure Nightmare." the knight looked back as the cloth that covered the door way was flung aside and he stepped out, Sophitia narrowed her eyes at what she saw. Nightmare lacked the normal deep azure armor that he had been known for, he now only wore the armor around his legs and feet while his upper body seemed left alone. Needless to say it was not easy to see the monster that held Soul Edge walk around open air with Siegfried's body.
Two others stepped out with them one of which Sophitia recognized from the ancient tales of the Romans, this must have been the demon that Taki had been sensing. It was Anubis, the infamous false God that was supposed to have been banished from the world long ago. The other was a woman that wore a cloak of her own over the revealing leathers that would be thought to belong to a cruel slave owner, this was obviously Nightmare's right hand and alchemist Ivy Valentine. Nightmare spoke to the Destroyer who had informed him "Go to the front of this camp and kill whoever is on duty. We don't need fools with us." he said, the Destroyer moved off.
Nightmare then looked toward Sophitia. It had been a long time and already the Soul Edge had started effecting Siegfried's body even more, there were ominous scars up and down his right arm which had somehow returned to normal, his eyes now shown a dark amber and his flesh was darkened by the sword's energy. He spoke after what seemed like ages "It is rare that somebody would actually track us this far and into this camp of all places. What is your business here M'lady?" he asked.
Sophitia was inwardly shocked. This was not the Nightmare she had met back in Germany. Back then everything Nightmare did was aggressive, angry and forced by the Soul Edge obviously a result of Siegfried's wish to fight it. But this Nightmare was different. He was collected, calm and far for smooth in his speaking, something wasn't right and Sophitia knew it. She spoke "I've come to ask you flat out to return to us. There is nothing more I can say that this." Nightmare looked at her as she looked up. "You were once called Siegfried Schtauffen. This was probably a life time ago and I've come to ask that you please stop yourself and come back to us." Sophitia didn't dare approach him as she could already see the ominous shadow demon eyeing her.
Nightmare was silent and Anubis and Ivy both looked at him, there was finally a found but it wasn't anything like a struggle or like Sophitia expected. Nightmare brought his left hand to his face and chuckled to himself before flat out laughing, he then raised the Soul Edge pointing it at her "Judging from your purpose you can only be one of two people, but all of your efforts are in vain, Alexandra." he said and it wasn't in the sword's voice this time. Sophitia looked at Nightmare in a glare as Ivy smirked "No. If you can hear me fight it!" she shouted.
Nightmare laughed before speaking again "There is nothing to fight Sophitia. So don't bother trying to reach him from with in me because anything that even resembled Schtauffen within me, is long since dead." Sophitia looked at him unable to believe it "There is no way that can be true." Nightmare chuckled before he swiftly brought his sword up looked upon her, his eyes glowed crimson and his hair grew blood red "Let me prove it to you!" he shouted as he jumped taking a heavy swing at her. Sophitia's eyes grew wide as Nightmare came at her unrelenting, he had every intention of killing her!
As the blow was about to land something cut the air coming straight at Nightmare, however the sword took notice as did he and he stopped in his steps to bring the sword down just as an arrow cut the air where his head would have been. Ivy drew her sword and looked toward one of the tents as it collapsed, a shadow moved from it sheathing his sword before he came to walk up behind Sophitia "So much for peaceful." the stranger said from under his hood. "I'm sorry, I should have known better." Sophitia growled to herself.
Ivy looked up toward the young man a slight smile coming to her lips as she recognized him as the one who took the shard in Istanbul. His right hand remained clinched as he reached across his belt gripping the hilt of his blade "So that is the infamous Soul Edge. I expected better." he murmured to himself. Nightmare looked at him as he brought the flat side of the blade to rest on his shoulder "Oh? And who might you be little man?" Link slowly drew his sword and pointed it toward the Azure Nightmare "That is irrelevant, I'm just here to relieve you of your sword." he said in such a voice Nightmare narrowed his eyes as well.
Link looked back as he noticed one of the orcs rushing to tell the others, he reached down and hurled another of his secondary weapons at it. It flew through the air straight as any arrow before pegging the creature in the back of the head with a bone cracking impact, it then turned and returned to the boy who caught it without much effort. Nightmare chuckled "With an order I can have everybody in this camp ready to destroy both of you, I don't supposed you'd just want to surrender." Link held up something with looked like a rather large nut in his palm "Afraid not." he said right before he tossed it at the ground right behind him.
A blinding flash went up just as in Istanbul and the four before they covered their eyes as it happened, seeing this the group began moving down from the dune to assist. In only a matter of minutes a fight had broken out in the front of the camp and three managed to come through the rumble, Nightmare chuckled right before he gripped the hilt of Soul Edge and a dark feeling went through the area. All of the enemy stopped and backed off from them as they approached Nightmare and his other high ranking officers.
Kilik and Xianghua ran up to Link and Sophitia along with Maxi who was still looking left and right for Astaroth ready to make him pay. Nightmare chuckled as he saw the two that nearly killed him two years ago "I see that you've tried to pull out any chance of failure Sophitia, thats just like you isn't it?" he mocked her. Link narrowed his eyes stepping forward, Kilik and Xianghua also noticed the change in the Azure Nightmare. "How? How did you manage to free yourself of him?!" Sophitia shouted angrily at Nightmare or Soul Edge, one of the two. "He would never just back down, I know this!"
Ivy smiled at this as she remembered the tale that she had heard not to long ago, their reaction was going to be priceless. Nightmare smiled before he spoke "It is quite hilarious but I owe it all to my own defeat. More specifically I should thank your Chinese friend there for nearly killing me." Xianghua's eyes went wide before they narrowed. "Lying bastard." Kilik growled ready to skip ahead of Link "You didn't even know what you had and yet you keep trying to awaken it from within that little sword of yours. I'm afraid that the sword did not transform, its place was only taken by the spirit sword that is called the Soul Calibur." Xianghua didn't like this. They were never one and the same.
Nightmare smiled as he reached behind his back and removed something tossing it toward them, it scrapped across the ground at Xianghua's feet and her mouth parted in a gasp. Though it had been a long time she recognized it as a blade from the sword that appeared to her when Nightmare took them to the void, it was part of the twin bladed sword. The Soul Calibur was still around but along with the Soul Edge it had also been shattered! Nightmare chuckled "That is the risk you take in trying to split light and darkness. You end up with one or the other!" he laughed.
Next Chapter: The Master Sword VS Soul Edge
Link finally goes into his long planned duel with Nightmare in the determination to capture and destroy the sword that has plagued his homeland. Maxi meanwhile finds himself trying to get to Astaroth who is apparently in the Labyrinth. But with the Soul Calibur no longer in one piece, will it be possible to truly destroy the Soul Edge?
OOC: Needless to say this isn't going to end any time soon! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!
NOTE: I do have my plans for Taki but it isn't something that is going to eat at her constantly throughout the fiction, that isn't in her character. More will be revealed on the one man that was ever actually close to her in several ways. Also some have been asking why Link is so deep and angst in this fic, I wanted to do a different take on him. Read on to find out why he has such a change in his normally positive mood.
Original Character Profiles: Link, Karenna and Renzo Added!
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Soul Calibur II: Of Souls And Swords
Chapter Twenty-Three: Another Shattered Sword
While the tense group of seekers tried their best to catch their rest in the middle of the desert a search of a different nature was going on just over the next few miles to the east. The large group that Talim had predicted had finally come to a stop ready to capture the piece of Soul Edge, as believed it was indeed the ominous Black Wind. It seemed that another group had located the shard somehow. A large group of miners and excavators had recently unearthed what looked like a ruin that had been covered by sand over the multiple years. However once the Black Wind arrived it is needless to say that they were all put out of their misery by the Azure Nightmare and his cohorts.
That had been two days ago and the mixed legions of troops had taken up searching the temple, it was obvious that whoever first came in contact with the shard either wanted to keep it secret or didn't want anybody to get to it. With a storm heading that way and over fifty complaining troops Nightmare was beginning to get irritated, the Soul Edge was provoking the clouds above to rain upon them, if the temple was flooded it would be easier for Renzor's troops. He felt better that this time he had left a number of his more reliable and skilled troops on board the Nemesis while taking the lower level fighters, it wasn't like orcs or Uruk-hai couldn't be replaced. This was thanks to Diablo's dark powers and Karenna's magic.
The only thing that was beginning to get to Nightmare was the fact that the camp could have probably be seen from a number of miles away. Astaroth and Renzor were there of course along with Cervantes and Ivy, neither of those two could be left behind. One out of value in combat, the other due to the enormous amount of distrust Nightmare possessed for them. Anubis had also come along enjoying being so near to his point of origin, all the while Diablos had returned to the Nemesis to keep an eye on the elves. Though both Renzo and Karenna had proven themselves trustworthy the fact that Razorback had reported a creature like them in Istanbul his trust was shaken.
Nightmare looked around him at the troops they had taken with them. Most of their group was made up of the lower class Orcs and Uruk-Hai that had come on foot and had been used in the raid, it surprised even Anubis that the miners were able to take down around twenty of them in the initial battle. There was a smoldering pile of random cadavers just a stone's throw away from the camp consisting of both Orcs and the men they had killed, they only spared an architect who pretty much knew what they had seen of the ruins. For helping them they would give him some food and water and leave him to find his own way back to civilization.
Cervantes was walking along the roof of the ruins that lead into the underground, as he reported it was some sort of labyrinth starting off at the top level and going underground into an impressive amount of caverns. Isabella Valentine was of course in the camp with himself and Anubis, though she was content with allowing the grunts to do the work she was getting annoyed as this was taking such time although they figured that they were getting close but the water in the temple makes it very difficult to move through.
Renzor ran his sword over the sand once again giving a light growl at the fact that the legion of his own he had brought were wanted on guard duty, they performed much better in the water than those mindless swine. Astaroth grumbled as he looked at his four Berserkers he had assigned to come as well, they were strong but hardly a match for either of Nightmare's two destroyers. He finally spoke "How much longer are we going to have to wait?!" he growled out, Nightmare looked toward him from where he stood with the Soul Edge stabbed into the sand "You need to learn some patience Astaroth. Otherwise you will go mad." Astaroth grumbled. He then slowly looked to Renzor "The orcs are worms. Completely useless." Renzor nodded as he sheathed his sword.
Ivy chuckled as she walked up to Nightmare looking down at him as her cloak was lightly blown around by the wind "Seems there is a lot of tension among our ranks." she stated. Nightmare growled at her words "Tell me something I don't know." he said cursing lightly at the mens restlessness. It wasn't Astaroth or Renzor it was the orcs and Uruk-hai who kept complaining on how they wanted fresh meat, it probably wouldn't bug Diablos too much to make some more, these fools were more than ready to return to the mud from where they came. The architect claimed they were getting close and that they would have it by night fall, it was going to be a long day.
Meanwhile only a few miles across the desert the group that sought Soul Edge found themselves at long last within striking distance of it, they would have their chance very soon. The trio had returned to the camp late in the night. While Cassandra had departed for bed Link, Sophitia and a curious Kilik discussed plans of how they would do this, she felt it would be best if they could neutralize Nightmare without having to fight him. Kilik and Link had agreed that they would stand back while Sophitia would approach him, she would be their only hope in doing this effectively otherwise they would have to take action.
Although the others were oblivious to Sophitia's encounter with Nightmare that told her who he was under the armor, she had told Link and Kilik of this and made them swear to keep this secret. Both of them had agreed to this and gone with the theory that seeing Sophitia again may force Soul Edge's influence from him. Whatever was left of the man called Siegfried Schtauffen had been forced out before apparently, hopefully it could be done again. However, if this failed they would allow the Elven Swordsman the chance to kill Nightmare or get the Soul Edge away from him, which ever one came to opportunity first, Kilik and Xianghua would follow up if he was killed or was rendered no longer battle worthy.
Sophitia was skeptic to having a one on one fight with Nightmare but with the likes of Astaroth, Cervantes and his daughter there they were going to have to cover Link as he went after Nightmare. See meanwhile was going to challenge Renzor who would surely come after her, little did she know of course that she once knew him as Aeon but that was a whole different story. This was the plan and they were going to have to follow it perfectly if they wanted to have any hope in capturing and destroying Soul Edge.
Link had brought up concern about the Soul Blade in the possession of the Immortal Pirate. Kilik explained to him that the Soul Blade, although still a powerful weapon had lost its evil spirit when its physical body was shattered, though its remains caused humans to be corrupted it was still unable to control them directly like Soul Edge. They would take care of Cervantes afterwards.
Mitsurugi watched as Maxi and Kilik worked to wrap the tents up Sophitia for some reason had become a lot more anxious to get this done with and wanted to move out as soon as possible. Taki stood up on a rock formation holding the sword that had apparently been infected by a piece of the Soul Blade, she was probably going to try and use it against the incomplete version Cervantes carried. It was a good thing they left the shards back on the ship hopefully they would not be able to be tracked from there but Sophitia meanwhile kept possession of the five Soul Edge shards they had collected, that is including the one that Taki had brought with her.
Mitsurugi looked at Kilik as he stepped up to one of the horses "What are you all planning?" he questioned as he waited for them to move out "Sophitia will explain on the way, if this works you'll thank us." he said starting to walk off "And if not?" Kilik shrugged "Thats where we hope we have good luck." he said before walking to Xianghua and Maxi. Link seemed to be checking over his bow and arrows constantly as if he would have to be fighting from a distance, Mitsurugi doubted he would get the chance to do anything before the gap was closed.
It wasn't long before they were moving again each of them managed to get some nourishment from what food they brought with them. Sophitia rode out in front following the vast amounts off foot prints they found in the sand around five hours after setting out, it was a good thing to as not too long after finding them the storm clouds began to rumble with fury. Cassandra winced lightly as the thunder struck loudly overhead, she was at this point so nervous that her natural instincts told her any sound could be deadly. Link grit his teeth as it was about to rain, and over the desert of all places. This was surely more of Soul Edge's work nature hold any other explanation.
Taki looked up beyond Maxi's shoulders calling out to the group "Hold it." everybody followed her orders and all the horses came to a halt. Taki jumped down from her horse her feet touching down on the soggy sand, the cloak which concealed the black and silver outfit from before was lightly tossed by the wind. Link and Sophitia watched with more than a little impatience, Mitsurugi could sense this among the group and looked to Kilik and Xianghua "Be on your guard." he ordered them, they both nodded. Taki stood back up holding a small leather strap "They went this way. Come." she said as she stepped forward toward a rather large hill.
Link and Kilik both dismounted taking weight off the horses as they forced their way up the sandy hill, they stayed closed to Taki as she came toward the top. She got down on one knee peeking over and looking around, she looked back motioning that it was safe. Kilik looked at Taki "What was that all about?" he asked looking at her, the huntress held up the sword she kept on the back of her waist "My blade can feel out the Soul Blade and I myself can feel the darkness from the Soul Edge. They are very close by, I thought you had the same sense." she said. Kilik nodded his head, he had the ability to sense Soul Edge but didn't keep his soul open to sense it out. Because he had been effected by the Evil Seed once before and the Dvapara-Yuga was no longer there to protect him he didn't want to risk it at such definite range.
Taki looked back at everybody as they came up onto the hill, sheathing her sword she pointed out over the next few dunes "I'd say that we only have a matter of miles to go before we run right into them." Sophitia nodded her head from her horse, she could feel the blades energy without even trying. She looked to Link as he stepped forward his cloak dragging the sand lightly, his determination was fierce as was Kilik's. If it came down to it she was confident in their abilities, but she was worried for her sister's sake as well it was obvious that she wanted to know Link on a closer level. Though first she would have to chip away that layer of depression and anger left by fate's dealing to him in his own world.
Maxi brought out a telescope and kneeled looking out over the next few dunes, the clouds had become so dense that there was hardly any light left in the sky. Maxi lowered it and pointed "I think there are torches lit over the third ridge. They have look outs too." Mitsurugi huffed as he climbed off his horse "Don't start regretting that the gunner went with the other seekers. A gunshot would be a lot more noticeable that us." he said taking his horse by the reigns it wouldn't be a good thing if they were spotted because of their animals. Cassandra pointed down to a rock formation at the bottom of the dune surprisingly there was some foliage growing around it, they began moving toward it.
Kilik and Xianghua took the duty of making sure the horses would stay there, it wasn't like they were going to run off while they were in the middle of the desert. Sophitia looked at Link "Are you sure that your ready?" she asked, Link closed his eyes before speaking "You have no idea how many times I've been asked that. Nightmare is just another to me Sophitia, but I will try my best to avoid damaging him." he said. Sophitia nodded her head knowing that Link was ready, she then moved to Kilik and spoke "If you have to face Nightmare don't show any mercy. He will know how your attack pattern works and will more than likely be ready for a rematch."
Xianghua nodded as she brought up the Krita-Yuga swiping it once through the air "You have nothing to worry about. If it goes anything like last time the Soul Edge is as good as gone." she said looking at her sword. Though she acted confident she was begging in her heart that it would transform for her again, into the same mysterious blade that allowed her to defeat it the last time. Kilik looked toward her as Sophitia stepped away "Your afraid arn't you?" he questioned. Xianghua looked at him "Don't be ridiculous." she said back her voice forced and not at all very convincing. Kilik shook his head "You're a terrible liar." he looked toward Link as he sat against one of the rocks running one of them down the edge of his blade.
Xianghua looked as well. His resolve and determination were deep as finding inner peace and this was fighting for a world that he would never be able to return to not to mention their own and he didn't possess any of the personal experience that all of them did. "Link is a real spook." she said as these thoughts passed through her mind. Kilik looked at her as she continued "I mean, he claims that this is just another challenge for him and nothing more, its almost like he doesn't care what happens if he fails." Kilik shrugged at this "I don't expect him to." he said causing Xianghua to look at him a little shocked.
Kilik leaned on the Kali-Yuga and spoke "It makes sense when you think about it Xianghua. He has come from another world and knew from the start he could never return home, he will never again see those he loves and cares for, and he is like an alien in this world despite the similarities between us. He is missing a reason to fight, we all fight for something weather we realize it or not. Who has he to fight for in this world, us?" Xianghua looked to the ground and then looked toward Link who monotonously continued to draw the rock across his sword his eyes narrowed with a deep resent for his fate "Poor guy." she murmured. Kilik nodded "Fate isn't fair." he echoed.
Link stood up slowly sheathing the Athenian made sword that had served him so far, looking up toward the sky it began to rain at last. Some of them cursed their luck while Link just started walking away from the rock formation bringing his cloak back around his shoulders including the hood. Mitsurugi looked up as Maxi spoke "Where the hell is he going?" he asked as Link was already halfway to the next dune. Cassandra breathed as Sophitia began to follow, it was obvious at this point that both of them were ready to end this "What he came to do." she answered picking up her shield and going after. The others followed in time.
It wasn't long before they came upon the top of another dune moving past the two guards that had fallen, the first by an arrow to the back of the head and the neck from one of Taki's swords piercing his neck. They looked down as the rain continued though they made the attempt to hide themselves behind more of the rocks. Sophitia looked down on the camp and could see what they were doing with the temple "I guess they really came for one of the shards." Taki nodded to Sophitia before speaking "I can feel it. Its moving. There." she pointed toward the cavern just as a single lizardman rushed out and toward the camp.
Kilik looked up taking his chance at looking over the rock able to see the crimson gleam in one of the creature's fist as he ran toward the middle of the camp. The troops were using several large tents obviously set up by whoever was here first to shelter themselves from the rain, some sat around a large fire near the entrance and at the center of the camp was a single large tent which the Lizardman stepped into. The signal was then stronger than ever, that was where the Azure Nightmare was and there was no mistaking it.
Mitsurugi looked down on the battlefield before looking toward Taki and Maxi who planned on moving in first "There has to be at least sixty of those lower class demons down there, not counting the Black Wind's personal forces." he said in reference to the Berserkers and Lizardmen. Taki narrowed her eyes as she looked toward the main tent "I feel the presence of a very powerful demon and it is not Nightmare or Cervantes." Cassandra looked back at everybody "Has anybody got any bright ideas?" she asked. Her concern could be understood as they planned on moving into this camp and making an attempt at reaching the center and destroying Soul Edge. The orcs might have been weak and expendable but the Lizardmen and Uruk-Hai were vicious and organized.
There was a light huff before there was movement from behind her, she turned to see that Link had stood up and started down the dune right toward the camp. Cassandra jumped up ready to scream for him to get back to them when Kilik clapped his hand over her mouth "Don't. They'll know we're here." he warned her before turning her loose. Cassandra looked back and forth before speaking "But he is walking right in, he'll be killed!" she said as low as she could. There was another sound of movement from the side, she turned out head swiftly "Not you too!" she groaned.
Sophitia had stood up as well "I doubt the fatigued can be that much of a threat." she said before looking at Taki "Wait for a signal before you come after us. I'll try to resolve this peacefully." she said before stepping down the hill after Link who had just arrived at the edge of the camp. He looked back at Sophitia who adjusted the short cloak that only covered down to her legs before nodding bringing his own over his head, they both moved in using the shadows as best they could.
On of the several Lizardmen in the area was against one of the wooden posts sleeping when he woke with a start to the sound of a sword being unsheathed. He turned just in time to have his maw pierced through, the Athenian let him drop to the ground before turning back toward the center tent. She could see shadows thanks to the light from inside, she had been told to wait while Link got into position. They had already discussed this small plan, she would go alone and try to speak with Nightmare, if it became obvious he would not fall back Link would do what he was sent to do.
She looked up as one patrolling member of the orcs group suddenly crumpled to the ground, another looked over just as there was a sound of something cutting the air, there was a splash of blood from the neck area before he fell to the ground as well. Sophitia moved toward the tent which was guarded by the two Destroyers that Nightmare had brought with him, empowered by Soul Edge they were something to watch out for. Both of them stood with their blades stabbed into the ground, they were the only things between Sophitia and Nightmare. However Link made no actions to attack them so Sophitia took the only other course of action available to her.
Sophitia took a breath sheathing her sword before she stepped out from the shadows walking toward the tent with her palms held up. One of the two powerful knights looked up and spoke to his partner as the woman stepped forward of course unable to see her face "What do you make of this?" he asked. "No idea. Call him out here." his partner ordered leaving no room for argument. The second knight stepped inside the tent while the other stepped forward going into stance as Sophitia crossed an unseen point "Stop where you stand!" he ordered from under his helmet. Sophitia did so taking a breath as she did raising both of her hands with her palms held outward showing she had nothing to hide.
The fallen knight spoke once again "State your purpose here girl." he demanded to know, Sophitia narrowed her eyes under her hood before she spoke "I've come to speak to the one called the Azure Nightmare." the knight looked back as the cloth that covered the door way was flung aside and he stepped out, Sophitia narrowed her eyes at what she saw. Nightmare lacked the normal deep azure armor that he had been known for, he now only wore the armor around his legs and feet while his upper body seemed left alone. Needless to say it was not easy to see the monster that held Soul Edge walk around open air with Siegfried's body.
Two others stepped out with them one of which Sophitia recognized from the ancient tales of the Romans, this must have been the demon that Taki had been sensing. It was Anubis, the infamous false God that was supposed to have been banished from the world long ago. The other was a woman that wore a cloak of her own over the revealing leathers that would be thought to belong to a cruel slave owner, this was obviously Nightmare's right hand and alchemist Ivy Valentine. Nightmare spoke to the Destroyer who had informed him "Go to the front of this camp and kill whoever is on duty. We don't need fools with us." he said, the Destroyer moved off.
Nightmare then looked toward Sophitia. It had been a long time and already the Soul Edge had started effecting Siegfried's body even more, there were ominous scars up and down his right arm which had somehow returned to normal, his eyes now shown a dark amber and his flesh was darkened by the sword's energy. He spoke after what seemed like ages "It is rare that somebody would actually track us this far and into this camp of all places. What is your business here M'lady?" he asked.
Sophitia was inwardly shocked. This was not the Nightmare she had met back in Germany. Back then everything Nightmare did was aggressive, angry and forced by the Soul Edge obviously a result of Siegfried's wish to fight it. But this Nightmare was different. He was collected, calm and far for smooth in his speaking, something wasn't right and Sophitia knew it. She spoke "I've come to ask you flat out to return to us. There is nothing more I can say that this." Nightmare looked at her as she looked up. "You were once called Siegfried Schtauffen. This was probably a life time ago and I've come to ask that you please stop yourself and come back to us." Sophitia didn't dare approach him as she could already see the ominous shadow demon eyeing her.
Nightmare was silent and Anubis and Ivy both looked at him, there was finally a found but it wasn't anything like a struggle or like Sophitia expected. Nightmare brought his left hand to his face and chuckled to himself before flat out laughing, he then raised the Soul Edge pointing it at her "Judging from your purpose you can only be one of two people, but all of your efforts are in vain, Alexandra." he said and it wasn't in the sword's voice this time. Sophitia looked at Nightmare in a glare as Ivy smirked "No. If you can hear me fight it!" she shouted.
Nightmare laughed before speaking again "There is nothing to fight Sophitia. So don't bother trying to reach him from with in me because anything that even resembled Schtauffen within me, is long since dead." Sophitia looked at him unable to believe it "There is no way that can be true." Nightmare chuckled before he swiftly brought his sword up looked upon her, his eyes glowed crimson and his hair grew blood red "Let me prove it to you!" he shouted as he jumped taking a heavy swing at her. Sophitia's eyes grew wide as Nightmare came at her unrelenting, he had every intention of killing her!
As the blow was about to land something cut the air coming straight at Nightmare, however the sword took notice as did he and he stopped in his steps to bring the sword down just as an arrow cut the air where his head would have been. Ivy drew her sword and looked toward one of the tents as it collapsed, a shadow moved from it sheathing his sword before he came to walk up behind Sophitia "So much for peaceful." the stranger said from under his hood. "I'm sorry, I should have known better." Sophitia growled to herself.
Ivy looked up toward the young man a slight smile coming to her lips as she recognized him as the one who took the shard in Istanbul. His right hand remained clinched as he reached across his belt gripping the hilt of his blade "So that is the infamous Soul Edge. I expected better." he murmured to himself. Nightmare looked at him as he brought the flat side of the blade to rest on his shoulder "Oh? And who might you be little man?" Link slowly drew his sword and pointed it toward the Azure Nightmare "That is irrelevant, I'm just here to relieve you of your sword." he said in such a voice Nightmare narrowed his eyes as well.
Link looked back as he noticed one of the orcs rushing to tell the others, he reached down and hurled another of his secondary weapons at it. It flew through the air straight as any arrow before pegging the creature in the back of the head with a bone cracking impact, it then turned and returned to the boy who caught it without much effort. Nightmare chuckled "With an order I can have everybody in this camp ready to destroy both of you, I don't supposed you'd just want to surrender." Link held up something with looked like a rather large nut in his palm "Afraid not." he said right before he tossed it at the ground right behind him.
A blinding flash went up just as in Istanbul and the four before they covered their eyes as it happened, seeing this the group began moving down from the dune to assist. In only a matter of minutes a fight had broken out in the front of the camp and three managed to come through the rumble, Nightmare chuckled right before he gripped the hilt of Soul Edge and a dark feeling went through the area. All of the enemy stopped and backed off from them as they approached Nightmare and his other high ranking officers.
Kilik and Xianghua ran up to Link and Sophitia along with Maxi who was still looking left and right for Astaroth ready to make him pay. Nightmare chuckled as he saw the two that nearly killed him two years ago "I see that you've tried to pull out any chance of failure Sophitia, thats just like you isn't it?" he mocked her. Link narrowed his eyes stepping forward, Kilik and Xianghua also noticed the change in the Azure Nightmare. "How? How did you manage to free yourself of him?!" Sophitia shouted angrily at Nightmare or Soul Edge, one of the two. "He would never just back down, I know this!"
Ivy smiled at this as she remembered the tale that she had heard not to long ago, their reaction was going to be priceless. Nightmare smiled before he spoke "It is quite hilarious but I owe it all to my own defeat. More specifically I should thank your Chinese friend there for nearly killing me." Xianghua's eyes went wide before they narrowed. "Lying bastard." Kilik growled ready to skip ahead of Link "You didn't even know what you had and yet you keep trying to awaken it from within that little sword of yours. I'm afraid that the sword did not transform, its place was only taken by the spirit sword that is called the Soul Calibur." Xianghua didn't like this. They were never one and the same.
Nightmare smiled as he reached behind his back and removed something tossing it toward them, it scrapped across the ground at Xianghua's feet and her mouth parted in a gasp. Though it had been a long time she recognized it as a blade from the sword that appeared to her when Nightmare took them to the void, it was part of the twin bladed sword. The Soul Calibur was still around but along with the Soul Edge it had also been shattered! Nightmare chuckled "That is the risk you take in trying to split light and darkness. You end up with one or the other!" he laughed.
Next Chapter: The Master Sword VS Soul Edge
Link finally goes into his long planned duel with Nightmare in the determination to capture and destroy the sword that has plagued his homeland. Maxi meanwhile finds himself trying to get to Astaroth who is apparently in the Labyrinth. But with the Soul Calibur no longer in one piece, will it be possible to truly destroy the Soul Edge?
OOC: Needless to say this isn't going to end any time soon! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!