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.
Authors Note: This is probably one of the higher points of the story that I have been waiting to finally put in so I want a lot of feedback. Your reviews is what keeps this going, I need to know weather or not you saw this coming.
PROFILES: Drake's Background Added (See author's profile for the link)
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Soul Calibur II: Of Souls And Swords
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Pact With The Darkness
It had been just over a day since they returned and already the White Wind was prepared to leave, actually they had been ready to finally hit the waves again since they arrived the night before but both Link and Maxi insisted they wait on Talim and Jack. Talim of course had the most sensitive ability to track the shards and Jack was one of Maxi's neighbors from his most recent place of residence, it wouldn't be right to just leave them. While one wound have expected Mitsurugi or Taki to be annoyed they felt it was better that they not rush it so quickly, the Eternal Wind needed to be restocked and Sophitia and some of the others were still resting at the Inn they had checked themselves into.
On the Eternal Wind Link and Cassandra found themselves along with Maxi, Mitsurugi, Taki and the two brothers who helped man the ship. Maxi looked back at Taki who sat on the railing of the ship, her legs crossed as she sat in a casual kimono polishing one of her blades "Are you sure they will be back soon?" Taki looked up nodding her head as she ran a soft silk cloth over Mekki-Maru, the blade glowed lightly "Yes. They just entered the town not to long ago, I feel they have obtained a very small piece of the Soul Edge." she said. Maxi shut up, something about how Taki was able to bring Mekki-Maru under her control creeped him out.
Cassandra and Mitsurugi helped Michael and Stephan prep the sails while Link had wandered toward the front of the ship to speak with Maxi and Taki "Where are we headed again?" he asked with a light yawn. Maxi looked up as Taki sheathed her sword listening, perhaps she lacked a visit to their target in her journeys "We are headed to a city called Venice, called one of the more romantic places in the east, its built on the water so take that into account incase there is trouble." Taki huffed as she heard this "How long is this going to take us?" she asked. Maxi explained it would take around two weeks, Taki cursed not wanting to spend fourteen days on such a crowded boat.
Maxi turned his head lightly as Stephan stepped up the stairs speaking up "Alright, we're ready to move whenever you guys are ready. Oh, Sophitia and the others just stepped onto the docks. Looks like were all accounted for." Maxi nodded to his friend. Link followed Maxi as he stepped down to greet Sophitia and the others "You feeling any better?" Link asked Sophitia who nodded simply before looking at Cassandra then back to him "Lets just get on the move as soon as possible." she said before she stepped below decks carrying some of the baggage with her.
Michael looked past the railings toward the Nightwraith that had been ready to go since earlier that morning "Looks like they're back." he said as he saw the familiar figure of Raphael step up to the deck of the ship along with the other three of their group. He also noticed Talim heading over from the same ship but somebody was following her, nobody he had seen before.
When Kilik asked why they were waiting on the Nightwraith as well Stephan explained that they had discussed it with Maxi and Naoyuki. The Four Blades would follow the White Wind and they would work together as any information they could get at this point would involve mutual gain to both of them. This would include alternating between members on board the ships, while the Eternal Wind was large enough to accommodate all of them, some needed their own time to train. He stopped talking as the sound of Talim's shoes became apparent on the ramp.
Talim stepped back on board the familiar ship and placed her bag on the ground lightly stretching before she was approached by Link and Cassandra "So how did everything go?" Link asked her. Talim shook her head "It was a lost cause. The shard got away." Link cursed lightly under his breath but told her that it was perfectly okay.
Cassandra spoke up next as Talim was about to ask the obvious next question "We're heading to Venice, Talim. We have reason to believe that somebody who knows more about the Soul Edge that possibly even Nightmare is there." both Link and Talim had been so busy speaking with his first friend of the world he had not noticed her friend.
"Venice, it is truly a very fine city in the cooler seasons." said a voice from behind Talim. Kilik looked up at the young man that had apparently followed Talim onboard the ship "You must be mistaken, this is not a toll ship. Please leave." Kilik said.
Talim looked at Drake as he narrowed his eyes as if he had been insulted and quickly spoke up "Wait. He is with me, we ran into one another in the desert. He like the rest of us seeks the destruction or at least the exorcism of the Soul Edge. He is an old friend." Maxi breathed not knowing how to feel about yet another youngster taking passage on his ship but decided to just cut him some slack "I'm going to skip all of the 'this isn't a game' crap and get to the point, can this kid half way defend himself Talim?" he asked.
Talim smiled lightly before she spoke "He is without a doubt at least my equal in the Wind Dance style, and I believe he might have studied others." Mitsurugi raised an eyebrow lightly toward Talim before speaking "Really? Such as what?" he asked out of common curiosity. Drake chuckled lightly to himself crossing his arms "Mostly mixed eastern styles, I've rarely taken the time to actually devote myself to any particular style outside the Wind Dance." Mitsurugi nodded, he pretty much understood where the young Drake was coming from.
Maxi looked at Drake for a long moment before looking back at the rest of the group "Its your call guys. I just captain this thing, its your choice." Taki shrugged before speaking "I don't see why not, but he'd best do as we say while he is on board." Mitsurugi and Kilik nodded in agreement. Cassandra took notice that the boy was of western decent but didn't let it bother her "It couldn't hurt." she said. Maxi breathed before he nodded "Alright. We can save introductions for later, I just want to get out of this little piece of nowhere before I lose my mind." he said taking his place at the wheel.
Drake walked with Talim to the front of the ship, Taki took notice on how one of Drake's hands always held the hilt of one of his swords. It was more than just and idle stance, it greatly resembled the original training stance she had been taught before she took the liberty of modifying it. Something about this boy did not seem as pure and other worldly as Link or Talim, she decided she would have to keep an eye on him. Within the next ten minutes both ships had left the harbor and were heading back out into the ocean, en route to Venice where hopefully, all their questions would be answered.
(Yeah yeah I know that was a little lame, but it isn't the meat of the chapter)
In the meantime. While the unsuspicious Drake found himself easily infaltrating the ranks of both the White Wind and the Four Blades the Black Wind had arrived back at their own floating base of operations, all of them were organizing to get on the move and try to anticipate the next action of their enemies. But after such a humiliating turn of events, the long trek through the desert and such knowledge of what he was up against, Nightmare was far from being his perfectly calm, cool as ice self. One could easily tell this as they back themselves against the wall at the sounds of his rantings on the main deck.
Cervantes de Leon for one found Nightmare's outburst of pent up anger and stress very entertaining. The Azure Nightmare, the hard as nails warrior that constantly pushed the opinion that he was better than all those around him was having a fit of rage. A flamburg had been driven straight through the thick wooden mast of the ship and the Soul Edge was impaled into the deck. Nightmare of course lacked his armor as normal but had struck his bare fists into the deck several times, most of this was triggered by one of his destroyers suggesting they retreat, this fool had been hurled toward the rocks at the sides of the ship.
Astaroth had gone down below with his Berserkers as had Renzor and his troops, the elves had also retreated not wanting to be caught in the crossfire. Most of the regular troops were toward the front of the ship while the commanders were at the back witnessing Nightmare outrage. Ivy watched as Nightmare slammed his fist for a third time into the deck, such force would be expected to produce at least a hairline fracture but he hardly reacted to the pain in his hands. Ivy finally spoke up after what seemed like ages "Perhaps you should calm yourself. I doubt that a single being could be that much of a problem to us." she said.
Anubis shook his head from where he stood "I disagree, the boy's purity is almost infinite. I don't know how it can be possible but there is no true darkness to be manipulated within him. He could very well be more of a threat than the Athenian ever could, or Nightmare's better half should he still be among the living." Cervantes nodded his head, as much as he despised Nightmare any problem that faced the Soul Edge also faced the Soul Blade. He spoke "It is bad enough that we have a new punk that can control a weapon of such power but we also have the Athenian and that demon huntress to contend with, and all three of them are well versed in their skills." he said warning them.
Nightmare turned around stepping to the railings of the ship slapping his palms down "You think I don't understand that. What you do not seem to catch is that the sword that boy carried could have completely destroyed the Soul Edge had Ivy not stopped him. We have experiance with Sophitia and the ninja, but this new one I could only read one thing from his soul and it was that his determination is clear and I doubt he will stop until he has destroyed both blades." this was followed by a long amount of silence.
All the while the leaders of the Black Wind spoke they were being watch from a figure that stood upon the mast, dressed completely on black it was no wonder he had gotten as far as he did. He also wore a black cape that lightly fluttered in the wind, the hood shadowing his face [So they failed, I'm not surprised.] he said as he continued to listen, despite the surprising distance. He was slow in his movements as he raised a weapon to be pointed down toward them from the forward most mast wanting to see if helping them would truly be worth him time, without much time aiming he released his grip from the end of an arrow.
Anubis looked back as he felt a burst of power from behind, this was right before an object flew through the air cloaked in the shadows flew through the air exploding against the deck. Cervantes was thrown off his feet and landed on the deck but quickly recovered growling "Stay sharp we are not alone." he growled. Cervantes brought up Turmoil the pistol sword that was his secondary weapon "Anubis. Where is that voice coming from?" he growled. Anubis closed his eyes sensing his way through the shadows produced by the moonlit sky, he then pointed to the mast that was across the deck where the lower ranks were. This was just in time to see a figure jump from the mast landing in the center of the orcs and Uruk-Hai.
Several of the sub-human creatures watched as something dropped down from belong, he took aim down before something shot at them exploding against the deck with a great deal of force sending several of them flying. He landed tossing back his cape and unsheathing a sword as several of the orcs attacked him, he swung hard clashing with some for a few seconds before pushing back. The sheer force of his blows was more than enough to send some of them tumbling back out of his way as he progressed toward the back deck, the orcs however stood ready to stop his advance.
Nightmare and Ivy stepped up to stare toward the aft deck as the single unseen figure dropped one orc after another to the deck "Who the hell is that?!" Cervantes shouted as Anubis looked up. They all looked up as they felt wind and Diablos hit the deck folding his wings "I checked over the area and I cannot find your little dog Valentine." he said in reference to Drake before looking up, he became a little defensive "I'll take it this is more than one of the orc population's inner squabbles." Anubis nodded as he watched another one of the orcs get thrown off the deck. They were attacking mostly in trios but were not getting anywhere, it was almost as if they couldn't see their target.
Suddenly there was a loud stomping sound as Astaroth stepped out from below decks, the orcs all seemed to back off at once and they finally got their first good look at the creature they were fighting. Nothing that resembled detail could be seen of him, he seemed to be nothing more than a shadow wearing a cape and carrying a double edge sword. Anubis spoke up "Looks like a stealth technique, when a being accustomed to the shadows implores them to cling to his being, but something about this isn't quite the same." he announced as Astaroth swung his axe challenging.
Nightmare looked up as Cervantes started down the stairs toward the lower deck "What are you doing?" Nightmare asked as he saw this. Cervantes looked back lightly adjusting his hat "Well, I'm bored and this looks entertaining." he said before he continued. Nightmare looked back at the two demons as Diablos took to the air once again flying up to land on the mast of the sails, Anubis vanished under cover of shadow and reappeared on the sidelines. Nightmare breathed before he recovered Soul Edge and started walking, Ivy followed him with equal interest in a being that could get this far by himself.
All of the Orcs and Uruk-hai backed off as Astaroth's ax cut through the air with a mightly woosh before coming up into his stance, the figure stood across from him his cape lightly ruffled by the wind Astaroth produced with his weapon. He gave an unseen smirk as he swipped his blade before sheathing it behind his back and then rushing at Astaroth jumping up into the air. Astaroth gave a mighty swing at the opponent who kicked up his legs to just dodge the ax, Astaroth then grunted as he was kicked across the face and dropped back against the deck. The shadow spoke in a dark haunting voice "Pathetic, is this all the infamous Black Wind has to offer me?" he asked.
Suddenly there was a high concentration of charged energy from behind as suddenly another figure came at him in a spinning motion with a pair of swords. Without much hesitation he jumped into the air at least five feet throwing his head back as the immortal pirate passed under him stopping a few feet away. The other figure turned his backflip just in time to land on the deck his knee hitting first, he breathed as Cervantes turned to look back at him, his eyes landed on the Soul Blade which he held in his grip. The source of the manipulative shards that had done such wonderful carnage to his homeland, it was all too hilarious.
The shadow spoke toward Cervantes as he stood up brushing his arms off "Not bad old man, had it not been for the short prep time you would have killed me, but I'm afraid I cannot allow that to happen just yet." Cervantes stood up straight pointing Turmoil toward him "Who are you stranger?" the shadowy figure gave another unseen smirk as he straightened up running one hand under his hood to brush his hair aside "Oh wouldn't you like to know, but your all going to have to try harder. I'm still not convinced." he said with a smile.
Cervantes welcomed any challenge that could be thrown at him and jumped into position rushing the figure with both his swords. The figures hands shot back drawing out a sword and a shield as he discarded the cape, the pistol sword's tip stabbed into a shield of solid metal somehow as black and shaded as the rest of him. The other arm twisted up with a sword to clash with the Soul Blade, Cervantes jumped back and in mid-air fired off a single shot from the pistol sword. Powered by the Soul Blade it appeared as a thunderbolt being fired from the muzzel.
The bolt struck the figure hard in the chest sending him tumbling over the deck, he however stopped heard the stairs and growled "Cheap shot." he cursed before he rushed Cervantes again. Cervantes was shocked anybody could survive that, it was as if a concentrated blast of Soul Blade's energy had no effect against him. He jumped into the air bringing down the black bladed sword, Cervantes quickly guarded with his own vile blade before he swung it up to strike. The figure swung his own leg to trip Cervantes and then he went in with his blade to finish him off, Cervantes hardly was concerned.
As he attempted this he heard movement and moved just as the other blade, the Soul Edge cut through the air just barely missing him as he jumped to the side. Nightmare looked at Cervantes "Dead already or not it takes the energy from both our swords to heal your sorry ass." he said before looking around. The outline a person could be seen leaning up against the heavy oak mast, all that could be seen of him was a silhouette and it still wasn't very detailed in the shadows that clung to his being in the already pitch night. The figure breathed as he removed his hood showing that his face was just as pitch with the shadows as the rest of him.
Nightmare growled as he stepped up to glare at the revealed soul that dared to set foot upon his floating fortress and then start a large scale fight with his troops "Identify yourself at once! Give me a reason why I shouldn't kill you!" he shouted. The figure stepped out onto the mask stretching out his arms slightly, not much else could be seen as his face was covered by a hood and only the lower part of his face showed. He spoke up his voice sending chills up Ivy's spine, something about him just got under her skin "My name is none of your concern, consider this a test. Just to see if there is any likelihood you could ever defeat the wielder of the Master Sword." the stranger said.
Astaroth climbed to his feet and was ready to rush again when Anubis looked at him shaking his head, the behemoth complied staying where he had been ordered. The stranger stepped down from the mast holding up his sword toward Nightmare "Lets see if you are truly as skilled as they fear you are." he said in a voice that would mock any warrior. An invitation to fight was all Nightmare needed before he just flat out gripped the Soul Edge and rushed the stranger swinging hard toward the ground "Die!" he shouted. The stranger was quick to move. He jumped back flipping once, his hands contacting the deck before he landed again standing up, he breathed slowly clearly ready to take Nightmare on.
Nightmare took the time to size him up as he stood in a stance that was still lacking a weapon, he was around the same height as the elf but something was different about this one. He paid it no mind as he rushed him swinging the Soul Edge, the stranger still cloaked in the shadows jumped up just barely dodging the sword. Nightmare couldn't understand what he was seeing, even as the stranger moved through the moonlight and torchlight the shadows still masked his body, something about his was otherworldly and Anubis seemed to be clueless as well as the challenger backflipped landing on the railing of the ship.
Nightmare turned toward him standing up straight as he looked at the stranger casually pace up and down the narrow railing "Stop jumping around and fight me." he growled. The stranger didn't speak as he stopped and then something happened, a glowing red line appeared on his cheek and he huffed reaching his hand up, his eyes were finally in view a pair of dark red pupils looked at Nightmare's crimson gaze. With every movement that this challenger made Nightmare was reminded of the boy from the desert.
The silhouette of his opponent haunted him, he couldn't see past the shadows that surrounded it but it was strange the way that just looking at him made him reflect on what that boy's darkness should have been. Whoever this was he must have figured that he was testing Nightmare but he was done fooling around and gripping his blade moved hard at the challenger, Nightmare's opponent was quick to move jumping away as the blade came down to dig into the railing. Nightmare looked back as the stranger sailed over his right shoulder, without a second of hesitation he yanked Soul Edge back toward him.
The stranger grunted as the blade of Soul Edge struck his back but didn't penetrate as there was a metallic clang, he hit the deck on his knees but quickly got to his feet as Nightmare turned and rushed again. As the Soul Edge came down a second time, the stranger's arms shot up one of them holding a shield to slap the broad blade of the Soul Edge away from him. He followed up by swinging his sword at Nightmare which was just barely blocked by the Soul Edge. The two remained in a power struggle pushing against one another and the Soul Edge seemed to somehow became a little stronger in the stranger's aura.
Ivy had been watching and had been waiting too long, she looked back at Diablos who seemed stumped "This is very ominous. While he is clearly not of the same Soul pattern his style mimics the one that Nightmare now fears. Something is not right here." he said with a growl. Ivy decided that she was going to get some answers one way or another and without another second of waiting she whipped out her weapon and thrust it toward the stranger. The blade fired out of the hilt stretching itself out in a long multi-segmented projectile, the stranger looked up and pulled back just as the blade cut between him and Nightmare.
It snapped back toward Ivy as she prepared to attack again, Nightmare stepped back clearing the area of impact as Ivy snapped it forward again. The stranger grunted as he moved to the side the weapon tearing through his clothing breaking flesh, as it slashed him on the side the shadows seemed to vanish melting off his being as he reacted. The shadows were pulled from him as the whip returned and as she fired it off again, but as she looked up she finally caught a look at him, the clothing and the weaponry. As she questioned her own eyes the stranger jumped up flipping toward her. One foot landed to clamp down on the weapon while he swiftly side stepped around her pulling her other arm back, before Ivy could make another move a blade was brought to her throat.
Ivy breathed as this new warrior now had her dead to rights, Cervantes stood off to the side now holding both of his swords while Nightmare looked right at him with Soul Edge in his grasp. The stranger spoke as he found himself hiding his face behind the frame of Isabella Valentine "Not bad. Not bad at all. Perhaps the Black Wind is worth my time after all. Have I gotten your attention yet, or must I continue to show what I am capable of." Nightmare lowered the Soul Edge as it spoke to him, it actually told him to stand down. It told him that this warrior ment no harm to any of the Black Wind. Nightmare spoke to him "Turn Ivy loose and then we can speak." he said narrowing his eyes.
"As you wish." he responded, complying with Nightmare's order. The stranger took his foot from Valentine and pushed Ivy toward Nightmare who caught her, she looked up catching a slightly shocked expression on his face. She then turned back expecting to see the face of some brash warrior looking for fame but what she saw filled her with a heavy amount of shock and surprise. Several thoughts filled her head at this point, the lore between Nightmare and the one called Siegfried, the missing darkness of the boy from the desert. It was hard to see passed this most obvious piece of evidence, this stranger looked almost exactly like him. Aside from the darker hair, bright red eyes and almost ash skin tone they were exact duplicates.
Cervantes finally spoke what everybody else was thinking "What in the hell is going on? He looks just like that pest from the desert." he said with an actual tone of shock in his own voice. "His name is Link." the darker version of the boy in question stated sharply, his voice was smooth, low and confident. Nightmare looked around as he pulled Soul Edge from the deck looking at the speaker "You would be surprised at how many times his simple existence has been a truly vexing problem. He seems to exist only to foil the ambitions of men such as yourself and another much like you back where he hails from." he explained.
Nightmare wasn't surprised, it made since for an exact copy of this Link to know about him. Anubis looked at Diablos shaking his head claiming that the existence of this apparition was no his doing "But I can safely say that he is no man made. It is very shaded but this creature has his own soul. No amount of magic could create such a perfect opposite." Diablos stayed quiet as he continued to watch. Isabella Valentine having recovered finally addressed the shadow after sheathing her sword "Link huh? Well then who are you?" she asked pretty interested at this point.
This apparition. No, this figure of the darkness. No, this shadow of Link raised his sword toward them all in one slow motion "To one such as yourself, I have no name. I have fought my way here from a world where such things are meaningless. My only wish now is to destroy the one that placed me there. The same one that has caused the Soul Edge to know fear." he said in a voice that resembled Link's but in a darker and smoother nature. Ivy recovered her composure and looked at him, there was something about a dark version of a being so pure not even Soul Edge could effect him that was pretty admirable to her.
She spoke after a few moments of looking him up and down trying to count the near endless similarities "You've come to destroy this Link?" the shadow nodded his head before he stepped back toward the railings "Yes. While many would call it trivial revenge, he is the man that allowed the sages of our homeland to steal my birthright. He then caste me into a void of infinite light and darkness, a void of nothing. A purgatory of complete solitude ment to be a punishment for eternity. He will pay for my pain." he said his voice becoming much deeper as his eyes glowed a bright and piercing red that rivaled Nightmare's possessed gaze.
Nightmare crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against Soul Edge "Then why do you come to us? You seem to be just as powerful as he is. What is stopping you from taking your shot?" the shadow breathed as he took a seat on the railing and looked at Nightmare "It isn't that simple. Link has been rigorously put through most any challenge the natural and unnatural world had to offer him. It leaves him with a high amount of creativity which allows him to very easily think on his feet, and the fact that he is traveling with others makes it difficult now doesn't it?" he rhetorically asked. Nightmare nodded understanding.
Ivy looked at the apparition as he shared this information with him "You wish to request our help in destroying him. We're flattered but we must ask what is in it for us?" the shadow simply laughed before looking at Ivy "Mutual gain. After all he is the only one that can control a sword that will threaten Soul Edge, it also has the ability to reconstruct any weapon. Specifically the only other one that Soul Edge has ever feared." he stated. Nightmare narrowed his eyes as the apparition told them this "The Soul Calibur." he growled, now wishing that he had not thrown them that shard, he believed it was completely useless.
The shadow sighed closing his crimson eyes "I don't expect you to trust me any more than you trust one another. I simply wish for you assistance in eliminating him, in return my sword and my service are yours. Like Link, I am trapped in your world." Cervantes nodded his head toward the apparition "It sounds like a good plan to me, but nothing funny or I will put a hole in your chest." he threatened. The shadow paid Cervantes' threat no mind as he gave a light bow toward Nightmare and Ivy, Ivy in response gave her own slight bow pretty much forgetting the fact he was willing to kill her just minutes prior to the present.
With this done he started toward the railing once again and Nightmare spoke up "Hey where are you going?" he shouted at him. He looked back at them "I've never been much of a team player unless I must. I pretty much know where Link will head and I plan to intercept him there before he can get his hands on another shard of the Soul Calibur. If you want to insure his destruction follow me." he slowly reach behind his back "I pretty much doubt I'll be needing something such as this. It was the only way I could breach your forsaken world." he said before he turned and hurled something right at Nightmare.
His free hand casually shot up as something slammed right into his fist glowing and crackling with crimson lightning, a large shard of the Soul Edge. Nightmare chuckled "Thanks. Now who are you I want to hear it from your mouth." he said as he absorbed the energy from the shard. The shadow looked back at him before speaking "Only Link addresses me by my true name..." he said allowing everybody to get this registered before speaking. "The mortals of Hyrule however call me Dark Link." he said. Such a title seemed appropriate for one such as himself, but the fact of what he truly was remained a mystery to this point.
Dark Link looked at the Soul Edge as its eye glared right at him something about him made the blade envious of him, Dark Link suddenly spoke "What I really am is my own business. Once I feel that I can trust you or once Link's life has ended I'll tell you. Whichever one comes first." with this said he walked away the darkness slowly gathering up around him before he vanished into a cloud of putrid black mist. It took the commanders a few seconds to recover before Anubis finally spoke up.
"It would be an obvious move to track and pieces of the Soul Calibur, while the blade wielded by the elf may be able to shatter the Soul Edge it cannot truly wipe it from existence." Cervantes cursed lightly "You know all this and yet you still have no clue where they might be?" suddenly there was a echoing sound from the Soul Edge as it once again spoke directly into their minds in its series of signals THE SOUL CALIBUR IS A BLADE MADE TO DESTROY ME! IT WILL DO ALL IT CAN TO SURVIVE! THE FRAGMENTS LIKELY WENT TO THOSE WHO HAVE THE UPMOST WILL TO DO SUCH AN ACT!
Nightmare looked at Cervantes "Do you believe this 'Dark Link' can be trusted?" Cervantes nodded his head slowly "I believe we can. His ambition to destroy his lighter side is beyond measure and I doubt that he has any interest in stabbing us in the back." he said as he watched Ivy step toward the railing of the ship wondering if he had truly just vanished into the darkness. There was a long akward silence as Nightmare looked at Ivy slightly admiring her but at the same time wondering on the possibilities.
Nightmare breathed before speaking "De Leon. I believe I know where one of them is." he said. Cervantes looked at him as he spoke "Don't forget your 'daughter' had so much ambition she dedicated her life to destroying the blade before it took hold of her. At such a point in time don't you think that she would have been worthy to use a piece of the Soul Calibur in her crafts?" Cervantes nodded his head commenting he was correct. Nightmare looked at him before looking north able to feel a very faint signal in the back of his mind "We are going to England." he said simply.
Next Chapter: undecided
The White Wind and the Four Blades head toward Venice with the intent of meeting Siegfried who they believe is still in the area. Along the way more is revealed on Link's escapades along with a little more information on the newcomer, Drake. But in what way does any of his past or style connect to Taki? And exactly what is the uncomfortable feeling Link feels in the air.
OOC: HA HA! There goes one of my shockers. Anyway let me explain. Dark Link is NOT the same one you fight in the Water Temple on OOT. He is litterally Link's repressed darkness that the Soul Edge would need to control him. More on how he came to be will be revealed in later chapters, but they won't come unless you REVIEW!!!
Authors Note: This is probably one of the higher points of the story that I have been waiting to finally put in so I want a lot of feedback. Your reviews is what keeps this going, I need to know weather or not you saw this coming.
PROFILES: Drake's Background Added (See author's profile for the link)
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Soul Calibur II: Of Souls And Swords
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Pact With The Darkness
It had been just over a day since they returned and already the White Wind was prepared to leave, actually they had been ready to finally hit the waves again since they arrived the night before but both Link and Maxi insisted they wait on Talim and Jack. Talim of course had the most sensitive ability to track the shards and Jack was one of Maxi's neighbors from his most recent place of residence, it wouldn't be right to just leave them. While one wound have expected Mitsurugi or Taki to be annoyed they felt it was better that they not rush it so quickly, the Eternal Wind needed to be restocked and Sophitia and some of the others were still resting at the Inn they had checked themselves into.
On the Eternal Wind Link and Cassandra found themselves along with Maxi, Mitsurugi, Taki and the two brothers who helped man the ship. Maxi looked back at Taki who sat on the railing of the ship, her legs crossed as she sat in a casual kimono polishing one of her blades "Are you sure they will be back soon?" Taki looked up nodding her head as she ran a soft silk cloth over Mekki-Maru, the blade glowed lightly "Yes. They just entered the town not to long ago, I feel they have obtained a very small piece of the Soul Edge." she said. Maxi shut up, something about how Taki was able to bring Mekki-Maru under her control creeped him out.
Cassandra and Mitsurugi helped Michael and Stephan prep the sails while Link had wandered toward the front of the ship to speak with Maxi and Taki "Where are we headed again?" he asked with a light yawn. Maxi looked up as Taki sheathed her sword listening, perhaps she lacked a visit to their target in her journeys "We are headed to a city called Venice, called one of the more romantic places in the east, its built on the water so take that into account incase there is trouble." Taki huffed as she heard this "How long is this going to take us?" she asked. Maxi explained it would take around two weeks, Taki cursed not wanting to spend fourteen days on such a crowded boat.
Maxi turned his head lightly as Stephan stepped up the stairs speaking up "Alright, we're ready to move whenever you guys are ready. Oh, Sophitia and the others just stepped onto the docks. Looks like were all accounted for." Maxi nodded to his friend. Link followed Maxi as he stepped down to greet Sophitia and the others "You feeling any better?" Link asked Sophitia who nodded simply before looking at Cassandra then back to him "Lets just get on the move as soon as possible." she said before she stepped below decks carrying some of the baggage with her.
Michael looked past the railings toward the Nightwraith that had been ready to go since earlier that morning "Looks like they're back." he said as he saw the familiar figure of Raphael step up to the deck of the ship along with the other three of their group. He also noticed Talim heading over from the same ship but somebody was following her, nobody he had seen before.
When Kilik asked why they were waiting on the Nightwraith as well Stephan explained that they had discussed it with Maxi and Naoyuki. The Four Blades would follow the White Wind and they would work together as any information they could get at this point would involve mutual gain to both of them. This would include alternating between members on board the ships, while the Eternal Wind was large enough to accommodate all of them, some needed their own time to train. He stopped talking as the sound of Talim's shoes became apparent on the ramp.
Talim stepped back on board the familiar ship and placed her bag on the ground lightly stretching before she was approached by Link and Cassandra "So how did everything go?" Link asked her. Talim shook her head "It was a lost cause. The shard got away." Link cursed lightly under his breath but told her that it was perfectly okay.
Cassandra spoke up next as Talim was about to ask the obvious next question "We're heading to Venice, Talim. We have reason to believe that somebody who knows more about the Soul Edge that possibly even Nightmare is there." both Link and Talim had been so busy speaking with his first friend of the world he had not noticed her friend.
"Venice, it is truly a very fine city in the cooler seasons." said a voice from behind Talim. Kilik looked up at the young man that had apparently followed Talim onboard the ship "You must be mistaken, this is not a toll ship. Please leave." Kilik said.
Talim looked at Drake as he narrowed his eyes as if he had been insulted and quickly spoke up "Wait. He is with me, we ran into one another in the desert. He like the rest of us seeks the destruction or at least the exorcism of the Soul Edge. He is an old friend." Maxi breathed not knowing how to feel about yet another youngster taking passage on his ship but decided to just cut him some slack "I'm going to skip all of the 'this isn't a game' crap and get to the point, can this kid half way defend himself Talim?" he asked.
Talim smiled lightly before she spoke "He is without a doubt at least my equal in the Wind Dance style, and I believe he might have studied others." Mitsurugi raised an eyebrow lightly toward Talim before speaking "Really? Such as what?" he asked out of common curiosity. Drake chuckled lightly to himself crossing his arms "Mostly mixed eastern styles, I've rarely taken the time to actually devote myself to any particular style outside the Wind Dance." Mitsurugi nodded, he pretty much understood where the young Drake was coming from.
Maxi looked at Drake for a long moment before looking back at the rest of the group "Its your call guys. I just captain this thing, its your choice." Taki shrugged before speaking "I don't see why not, but he'd best do as we say while he is on board." Mitsurugi and Kilik nodded in agreement. Cassandra took notice that the boy was of western decent but didn't let it bother her "It couldn't hurt." she said. Maxi breathed before he nodded "Alright. We can save introductions for later, I just want to get out of this little piece of nowhere before I lose my mind." he said taking his place at the wheel.
Drake walked with Talim to the front of the ship, Taki took notice on how one of Drake's hands always held the hilt of one of his swords. It was more than just and idle stance, it greatly resembled the original training stance she had been taught before she took the liberty of modifying it. Something about this boy did not seem as pure and other worldly as Link or Talim, she decided she would have to keep an eye on him. Within the next ten minutes both ships had left the harbor and were heading back out into the ocean, en route to Venice where hopefully, all their questions would be answered.
(Yeah yeah I know that was a little lame, but it isn't the meat of the chapter)
In the meantime. While the unsuspicious Drake found himself easily infaltrating the ranks of both the White Wind and the Four Blades the Black Wind had arrived back at their own floating base of operations, all of them were organizing to get on the move and try to anticipate the next action of their enemies. But after such a humiliating turn of events, the long trek through the desert and such knowledge of what he was up against, Nightmare was far from being his perfectly calm, cool as ice self. One could easily tell this as they back themselves against the wall at the sounds of his rantings on the main deck.
Cervantes de Leon for one found Nightmare's outburst of pent up anger and stress very entertaining. The Azure Nightmare, the hard as nails warrior that constantly pushed the opinion that he was better than all those around him was having a fit of rage. A flamburg had been driven straight through the thick wooden mast of the ship and the Soul Edge was impaled into the deck. Nightmare of course lacked his armor as normal but had struck his bare fists into the deck several times, most of this was triggered by one of his destroyers suggesting they retreat, this fool had been hurled toward the rocks at the sides of the ship.
Astaroth had gone down below with his Berserkers as had Renzor and his troops, the elves had also retreated not wanting to be caught in the crossfire. Most of the regular troops were toward the front of the ship while the commanders were at the back witnessing Nightmare outrage. Ivy watched as Nightmare slammed his fist for a third time into the deck, such force would be expected to produce at least a hairline fracture but he hardly reacted to the pain in his hands. Ivy finally spoke up after what seemed like ages "Perhaps you should calm yourself. I doubt that a single being could be that much of a problem to us." she said.
Anubis shook his head from where he stood "I disagree, the boy's purity is almost infinite. I don't know how it can be possible but there is no true darkness to be manipulated within him. He could very well be more of a threat than the Athenian ever could, or Nightmare's better half should he still be among the living." Cervantes nodded his head, as much as he despised Nightmare any problem that faced the Soul Edge also faced the Soul Blade. He spoke "It is bad enough that we have a new punk that can control a weapon of such power but we also have the Athenian and that demon huntress to contend with, and all three of them are well versed in their skills." he said warning them.
Nightmare turned around stepping to the railings of the ship slapping his palms down "You think I don't understand that. What you do not seem to catch is that the sword that boy carried could have completely destroyed the Soul Edge had Ivy not stopped him. We have experiance with Sophitia and the ninja, but this new one I could only read one thing from his soul and it was that his determination is clear and I doubt he will stop until he has destroyed both blades." this was followed by a long amount of silence.
All the while the leaders of the Black Wind spoke they were being watch from a figure that stood upon the mast, dressed completely on black it was no wonder he had gotten as far as he did. He also wore a black cape that lightly fluttered in the wind, the hood shadowing his face [So they failed, I'm not surprised.] he said as he continued to listen, despite the surprising distance. He was slow in his movements as he raised a weapon to be pointed down toward them from the forward most mast wanting to see if helping them would truly be worth him time, without much time aiming he released his grip from the end of an arrow.
Anubis looked back as he felt a burst of power from behind, this was right before an object flew through the air cloaked in the shadows flew through the air exploding against the deck. Cervantes was thrown off his feet and landed on the deck but quickly recovered growling "Stay sharp we are not alone." he growled. Cervantes brought up Turmoil the pistol sword that was his secondary weapon "Anubis. Where is that voice coming from?" he growled. Anubis closed his eyes sensing his way through the shadows produced by the moonlit sky, he then pointed to the mast that was across the deck where the lower ranks were. This was just in time to see a figure jump from the mast landing in the center of the orcs and Uruk-Hai.
Several of the sub-human creatures watched as something dropped down from belong, he took aim down before something shot at them exploding against the deck with a great deal of force sending several of them flying. He landed tossing back his cape and unsheathing a sword as several of the orcs attacked him, he swung hard clashing with some for a few seconds before pushing back. The sheer force of his blows was more than enough to send some of them tumbling back out of his way as he progressed toward the back deck, the orcs however stood ready to stop his advance.
Nightmare and Ivy stepped up to stare toward the aft deck as the single unseen figure dropped one orc after another to the deck "Who the hell is that?!" Cervantes shouted as Anubis looked up. They all looked up as they felt wind and Diablos hit the deck folding his wings "I checked over the area and I cannot find your little dog Valentine." he said in reference to Drake before looking up, he became a little defensive "I'll take it this is more than one of the orc population's inner squabbles." Anubis nodded as he watched another one of the orcs get thrown off the deck. They were attacking mostly in trios but were not getting anywhere, it was almost as if they couldn't see their target.
Suddenly there was a loud stomping sound as Astaroth stepped out from below decks, the orcs all seemed to back off at once and they finally got their first good look at the creature they were fighting. Nothing that resembled detail could be seen of him, he seemed to be nothing more than a shadow wearing a cape and carrying a double edge sword. Anubis spoke up "Looks like a stealth technique, when a being accustomed to the shadows implores them to cling to his being, but something about this isn't quite the same." he announced as Astaroth swung his axe challenging.
Nightmare looked up as Cervantes started down the stairs toward the lower deck "What are you doing?" Nightmare asked as he saw this. Cervantes looked back lightly adjusting his hat "Well, I'm bored and this looks entertaining." he said before he continued. Nightmare looked back at the two demons as Diablos took to the air once again flying up to land on the mast of the sails, Anubis vanished under cover of shadow and reappeared on the sidelines. Nightmare breathed before he recovered Soul Edge and started walking, Ivy followed him with equal interest in a being that could get this far by himself.
All of the Orcs and Uruk-hai backed off as Astaroth's ax cut through the air with a mightly woosh before coming up into his stance, the figure stood across from him his cape lightly ruffled by the wind Astaroth produced with his weapon. He gave an unseen smirk as he swipped his blade before sheathing it behind his back and then rushing at Astaroth jumping up into the air. Astaroth gave a mighty swing at the opponent who kicked up his legs to just dodge the ax, Astaroth then grunted as he was kicked across the face and dropped back against the deck. The shadow spoke in a dark haunting voice "Pathetic, is this all the infamous Black Wind has to offer me?" he asked.
Suddenly there was a high concentration of charged energy from behind as suddenly another figure came at him in a spinning motion with a pair of swords. Without much hesitation he jumped into the air at least five feet throwing his head back as the immortal pirate passed under him stopping a few feet away. The other figure turned his backflip just in time to land on the deck his knee hitting first, he breathed as Cervantes turned to look back at him, his eyes landed on the Soul Blade which he held in his grip. The source of the manipulative shards that had done such wonderful carnage to his homeland, it was all too hilarious.
The shadow spoke toward Cervantes as he stood up brushing his arms off "Not bad old man, had it not been for the short prep time you would have killed me, but I'm afraid I cannot allow that to happen just yet." Cervantes stood up straight pointing Turmoil toward him "Who are you stranger?" the shadowy figure gave another unseen smirk as he straightened up running one hand under his hood to brush his hair aside "Oh wouldn't you like to know, but your all going to have to try harder. I'm still not convinced." he said with a smile.
Cervantes welcomed any challenge that could be thrown at him and jumped into position rushing the figure with both his swords. The figures hands shot back drawing out a sword and a shield as he discarded the cape, the pistol sword's tip stabbed into a shield of solid metal somehow as black and shaded as the rest of him. The other arm twisted up with a sword to clash with the Soul Blade, Cervantes jumped back and in mid-air fired off a single shot from the pistol sword. Powered by the Soul Blade it appeared as a thunderbolt being fired from the muzzel.
The bolt struck the figure hard in the chest sending him tumbling over the deck, he however stopped heard the stairs and growled "Cheap shot." he cursed before he rushed Cervantes again. Cervantes was shocked anybody could survive that, it was as if a concentrated blast of Soul Blade's energy had no effect against him. He jumped into the air bringing down the black bladed sword, Cervantes quickly guarded with his own vile blade before he swung it up to strike. The figure swung his own leg to trip Cervantes and then he went in with his blade to finish him off, Cervantes hardly was concerned.
As he attempted this he heard movement and moved just as the other blade, the Soul Edge cut through the air just barely missing him as he jumped to the side. Nightmare looked at Cervantes "Dead already or not it takes the energy from both our swords to heal your sorry ass." he said before looking around. The outline a person could be seen leaning up against the heavy oak mast, all that could be seen of him was a silhouette and it still wasn't very detailed in the shadows that clung to his being in the already pitch night. The figure breathed as he removed his hood showing that his face was just as pitch with the shadows as the rest of him.
Nightmare growled as he stepped up to glare at the revealed soul that dared to set foot upon his floating fortress and then start a large scale fight with his troops "Identify yourself at once! Give me a reason why I shouldn't kill you!" he shouted. The figure stepped out onto the mask stretching out his arms slightly, not much else could be seen as his face was covered by a hood and only the lower part of his face showed. He spoke up his voice sending chills up Ivy's spine, something about him just got under her skin "My name is none of your concern, consider this a test. Just to see if there is any likelihood you could ever defeat the wielder of the Master Sword." the stranger said.
Astaroth climbed to his feet and was ready to rush again when Anubis looked at him shaking his head, the behemoth complied staying where he had been ordered. The stranger stepped down from the mast holding up his sword toward Nightmare "Lets see if you are truly as skilled as they fear you are." he said in a voice that would mock any warrior. An invitation to fight was all Nightmare needed before he just flat out gripped the Soul Edge and rushed the stranger swinging hard toward the ground "Die!" he shouted. The stranger was quick to move. He jumped back flipping once, his hands contacting the deck before he landed again standing up, he breathed slowly clearly ready to take Nightmare on.
Nightmare took the time to size him up as he stood in a stance that was still lacking a weapon, he was around the same height as the elf but something was different about this one. He paid it no mind as he rushed him swinging the Soul Edge, the stranger still cloaked in the shadows jumped up just barely dodging the sword. Nightmare couldn't understand what he was seeing, even as the stranger moved through the moonlight and torchlight the shadows still masked his body, something about his was otherworldly and Anubis seemed to be clueless as well as the challenger backflipped landing on the railing of the ship.
Nightmare turned toward him standing up straight as he looked at the stranger casually pace up and down the narrow railing "Stop jumping around and fight me." he growled. The stranger didn't speak as he stopped and then something happened, a glowing red line appeared on his cheek and he huffed reaching his hand up, his eyes were finally in view a pair of dark red pupils looked at Nightmare's crimson gaze. With every movement that this challenger made Nightmare was reminded of the boy from the desert.
The silhouette of his opponent haunted him, he couldn't see past the shadows that surrounded it but it was strange the way that just looking at him made him reflect on what that boy's darkness should have been. Whoever this was he must have figured that he was testing Nightmare but he was done fooling around and gripping his blade moved hard at the challenger, Nightmare's opponent was quick to move jumping away as the blade came down to dig into the railing. Nightmare looked back as the stranger sailed over his right shoulder, without a second of hesitation he yanked Soul Edge back toward him.
The stranger grunted as the blade of Soul Edge struck his back but didn't penetrate as there was a metallic clang, he hit the deck on his knees but quickly got to his feet as Nightmare turned and rushed again. As the Soul Edge came down a second time, the stranger's arms shot up one of them holding a shield to slap the broad blade of the Soul Edge away from him. He followed up by swinging his sword at Nightmare which was just barely blocked by the Soul Edge. The two remained in a power struggle pushing against one another and the Soul Edge seemed to somehow became a little stronger in the stranger's aura.
Ivy had been watching and had been waiting too long, she looked back at Diablos who seemed stumped "This is very ominous. While he is clearly not of the same Soul pattern his style mimics the one that Nightmare now fears. Something is not right here." he said with a growl. Ivy decided that she was going to get some answers one way or another and without another second of waiting she whipped out her weapon and thrust it toward the stranger. The blade fired out of the hilt stretching itself out in a long multi-segmented projectile, the stranger looked up and pulled back just as the blade cut between him and Nightmare.
It snapped back toward Ivy as she prepared to attack again, Nightmare stepped back clearing the area of impact as Ivy snapped it forward again. The stranger grunted as he moved to the side the weapon tearing through his clothing breaking flesh, as it slashed him on the side the shadows seemed to vanish melting off his being as he reacted. The shadows were pulled from him as the whip returned and as she fired it off again, but as she looked up she finally caught a look at him, the clothing and the weaponry. As she questioned her own eyes the stranger jumped up flipping toward her. One foot landed to clamp down on the weapon while he swiftly side stepped around her pulling her other arm back, before Ivy could make another move a blade was brought to her throat.
Ivy breathed as this new warrior now had her dead to rights, Cervantes stood off to the side now holding both of his swords while Nightmare looked right at him with Soul Edge in his grasp. The stranger spoke as he found himself hiding his face behind the frame of Isabella Valentine "Not bad. Not bad at all. Perhaps the Black Wind is worth my time after all. Have I gotten your attention yet, or must I continue to show what I am capable of." Nightmare lowered the Soul Edge as it spoke to him, it actually told him to stand down. It told him that this warrior ment no harm to any of the Black Wind. Nightmare spoke to him "Turn Ivy loose and then we can speak." he said narrowing his eyes.
"As you wish." he responded, complying with Nightmare's order. The stranger took his foot from Valentine and pushed Ivy toward Nightmare who caught her, she looked up catching a slightly shocked expression on his face. She then turned back expecting to see the face of some brash warrior looking for fame but what she saw filled her with a heavy amount of shock and surprise. Several thoughts filled her head at this point, the lore between Nightmare and the one called Siegfried, the missing darkness of the boy from the desert. It was hard to see passed this most obvious piece of evidence, this stranger looked almost exactly like him. Aside from the darker hair, bright red eyes and almost ash skin tone they were exact duplicates.
Cervantes finally spoke what everybody else was thinking "What in the hell is going on? He looks just like that pest from the desert." he said with an actual tone of shock in his own voice. "His name is Link." the darker version of the boy in question stated sharply, his voice was smooth, low and confident. Nightmare looked around as he pulled Soul Edge from the deck looking at the speaker "You would be surprised at how many times his simple existence has been a truly vexing problem. He seems to exist only to foil the ambitions of men such as yourself and another much like you back where he hails from." he explained.
Nightmare wasn't surprised, it made since for an exact copy of this Link to know about him. Anubis looked at Diablos shaking his head claiming that the existence of this apparition was no his doing "But I can safely say that he is no man made. It is very shaded but this creature has his own soul. No amount of magic could create such a perfect opposite." Diablos stayed quiet as he continued to watch. Isabella Valentine having recovered finally addressed the shadow after sheathing her sword "Link huh? Well then who are you?" she asked pretty interested at this point.
This apparition. No, this figure of the darkness. No, this shadow of Link raised his sword toward them all in one slow motion "To one such as yourself, I have no name. I have fought my way here from a world where such things are meaningless. My only wish now is to destroy the one that placed me there. The same one that has caused the Soul Edge to know fear." he said in a voice that resembled Link's but in a darker and smoother nature. Ivy recovered her composure and looked at him, there was something about a dark version of a being so pure not even Soul Edge could effect him that was pretty admirable to her.
She spoke after a few moments of looking him up and down trying to count the near endless similarities "You've come to destroy this Link?" the shadow nodded his head before he stepped back toward the railings "Yes. While many would call it trivial revenge, he is the man that allowed the sages of our homeland to steal my birthright. He then caste me into a void of infinite light and darkness, a void of nothing. A purgatory of complete solitude ment to be a punishment for eternity. He will pay for my pain." he said his voice becoming much deeper as his eyes glowed a bright and piercing red that rivaled Nightmare's possessed gaze.
Nightmare crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against Soul Edge "Then why do you come to us? You seem to be just as powerful as he is. What is stopping you from taking your shot?" the shadow breathed as he took a seat on the railing and looked at Nightmare "It isn't that simple. Link has been rigorously put through most any challenge the natural and unnatural world had to offer him. It leaves him with a high amount of creativity which allows him to very easily think on his feet, and the fact that he is traveling with others makes it difficult now doesn't it?" he rhetorically asked. Nightmare nodded understanding.
Ivy looked at the apparition as he shared this information with him "You wish to request our help in destroying him. We're flattered but we must ask what is in it for us?" the shadow simply laughed before looking at Ivy "Mutual gain. After all he is the only one that can control a sword that will threaten Soul Edge, it also has the ability to reconstruct any weapon. Specifically the only other one that Soul Edge has ever feared." he stated. Nightmare narrowed his eyes as the apparition told them this "The Soul Calibur." he growled, now wishing that he had not thrown them that shard, he believed it was completely useless.
The shadow sighed closing his crimson eyes "I don't expect you to trust me any more than you trust one another. I simply wish for you assistance in eliminating him, in return my sword and my service are yours. Like Link, I am trapped in your world." Cervantes nodded his head toward the apparition "It sounds like a good plan to me, but nothing funny or I will put a hole in your chest." he threatened. The shadow paid Cervantes' threat no mind as he gave a light bow toward Nightmare and Ivy, Ivy in response gave her own slight bow pretty much forgetting the fact he was willing to kill her just minutes prior to the present.
With this done he started toward the railing once again and Nightmare spoke up "Hey where are you going?" he shouted at him. He looked back at them "I've never been much of a team player unless I must. I pretty much know where Link will head and I plan to intercept him there before he can get his hands on another shard of the Soul Calibur. If you want to insure his destruction follow me." he slowly reach behind his back "I pretty much doubt I'll be needing something such as this. It was the only way I could breach your forsaken world." he said before he turned and hurled something right at Nightmare.
His free hand casually shot up as something slammed right into his fist glowing and crackling with crimson lightning, a large shard of the Soul Edge. Nightmare chuckled "Thanks. Now who are you I want to hear it from your mouth." he said as he absorbed the energy from the shard. The shadow looked back at him before speaking "Only Link addresses me by my true name..." he said allowing everybody to get this registered before speaking. "The mortals of Hyrule however call me Dark Link." he said. Such a title seemed appropriate for one such as himself, but the fact of what he truly was remained a mystery to this point.
Dark Link looked at the Soul Edge as its eye glared right at him something about him made the blade envious of him, Dark Link suddenly spoke "What I really am is my own business. Once I feel that I can trust you or once Link's life has ended I'll tell you. Whichever one comes first." with this said he walked away the darkness slowly gathering up around him before he vanished into a cloud of putrid black mist. It took the commanders a few seconds to recover before Anubis finally spoke up.
"It would be an obvious move to track and pieces of the Soul Calibur, while the blade wielded by the elf may be able to shatter the Soul Edge it cannot truly wipe it from existence." Cervantes cursed lightly "You know all this and yet you still have no clue where they might be?" suddenly there was a echoing sound from the Soul Edge as it once again spoke directly into their minds in its series of signals THE SOUL CALIBUR IS A BLADE MADE TO DESTROY ME! IT WILL DO ALL IT CAN TO SURVIVE! THE FRAGMENTS LIKELY WENT TO THOSE WHO HAVE THE UPMOST WILL TO DO SUCH AN ACT!
Nightmare looked at Cervantes "Do you believe this 'Dark Link' can be trusted?" Cervantes nodded his head slowly "I believe we can. His ambition to destroy his lighter side is beyond measure and I doubt that he has any interest in stabbing us in the back." he said as he watched Ivy step toward the railing of the ship wondering if he had truly just vanished into the darkness. There was a long akward silence as Nightmare looked at Ivy slightly admiring her but at the same time wondering on the possibilities.
Nightmare breathed before speaking "De Leon. I believe I know where one of them is." he said. Cervantes looked at him as he spoke "Don't forget your 'daughter' had so much ambition she dedicated her life to destroying the blade before it took hold of her. At such a point in time don't you think that she would have been worthy to use a piece of the Soul Calibur in her crafts?" Cervantes nodded his head commenting he was correct. Nightmare looked at him before looking north able to feel a very faint signal in the back of his mind "We are going to England." he said simply.
Next Chapter: undecided
The White Wind and the Four Blades head toward Venice with the intent of meeting Siegfried who they believe is still in the area. Along the way more is revealed on Link's escapades along with a little more information on the newcomer, Drake. But in what way does any of his past or style connect to Taki? And exactly what is the uncomfortable feeling Link feels in the air.
OOC: HA HA! There goes one of my shockers. Anyway let me explain. Dark Link is NOT the same one you fight in the Water Temple on OOT. He is litterally Link's repressed darkness that the Soul Edge would need to control him. More on how he came to be will be revealed in later chapters, but they won't come unless you REVIEW!!!