Talim didn't want to believe it. "No.that can't be." She said softly, a
tight fist upon her chest. "Yun Sung must have gone after Nightmare like
Kilik and Link right?"
Raphael looked highly doubtful and Xianghua wouldn't even meet her gaze.
"Come on you two don't seriously think he took the Master Sword do you? I mean this is Yun Sung." Talim stopped then realizing that she didn't really know Yun Sung all that well, but even if she didn't, she would of never of suspected him of such an act.
Why would Yun Sung betray them like this.?
The young girl still couldn't get past the thought when she heard something.
It was soft chime, but it was carried upon the faint winds.
It always happened like this when the spirits of the winds had something to say. So it was second nature that Talim stopped whatever she was thinking and listened. Instinctively she turned her body to where she had heard the sound, and when she did hear it again, she followed it, tuning everything out, and allowing the world to fade away. In this silent place the sounds of the winds were amplified to where it seemed that they could be whispering. They raced by her and around her, their shapeless form gently caressing her face. The wind whispered things not heard and they spoke only to her for she was the only soul who would listen.
And so the wind whispered things not said and never heard to her.
Her eyes fluttered open then, Talim hadn't even realized she'd closed them!
"Talim!" Xianghua's voice reached her and Talim turned her head slightly to find the Chinese woman right beside her, a hand upon her shoulder. "Talim, what is it? What did you sense?"
The wind priestess found herself standing perilously at the edge of the new door way. Wordlessly she raised a pointed finger in the general direction that Nightmare, Kilik and Link had taken off to.
"They're coming from that way." Talim said softly. "Those strange voices that speak Link's language. I can hear them, it's like there are a million of them calling to me, they are coming from that way but they are starting to grow fainter as the darkness grows." The girl trailed off cryptically. But Xianghua and Raphael were no fools and fully understood (well maybe partially) what Talim was saying. While it unnerved them whenever she demonstrated her strange abilities, they always proved helpful in the most critical situations. Xianghua and Raphael exchanged knowing looks and nodded in silent agreement.
Who ever took the Master Sword was headed in that direction.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The darkness that had fallen was heavy, and Yun Sung could not help but feel glad for the extra cover as he silently moved from building to building taking refuge in the darkest corners. In his hands was a long bundle with a tale tell handle protruding from one end.
Yun Sung's heart thrummed in excitement and anxiety, and he feared that he would be heard. Not too long ago he thought he heard what sounded like a building collapsing in the distance. Yun Sung silently cursed to himself while secretly hoping that everyone was okay.
Yeah, even Link too. Sometimes Yun Sung couldn't understand why he just couldn't level with Link. He admitted to himself more than once that he had been a bit hard on the guy. But as always, as soon as this thought had come up, he would dismiss it and heatedly remind himself that some how Link did deserve whatever Yun Sung brought down upon him. And he still owed Yun Sung a rematch.
At the thought of the freakish elf, Yun Sung found himself closing his eyes remembering what he had seen in Siegfried and Link's room as he bore witness to the horrible transformation had begun to happen right before his eyes. It was so painful, as he watched Siegfried toss and writhe in silent pain. It was amazing that the man didn't scream. It was even more amazing that Yun Sung was able to turn away when he did and take off. Of course he couldn't stand the thought of leaving a comrade to suffer, but there was really nothing he could do about it. Really, he didn't want to be there when Nightmare came back and be the first one to face his wrath. Besides the there were other fighters there who were probably plenty experienced with this type of demonic possession deal. And so Yun Sung left things to them.
He regretted running feeling that he was something of a coward, which he firmly believed he wasn't. But there really was no choice. This is what he decided and he was going to stick to it.
The Korean only hoped that the other fighters could hold Nightmare off long enough for him to.
A sudden sound of movement caused Yun Sung's form to freeze as still as stone. Had he been heard? The footfalls came once more but faster and Yun Sung couldn't tell if they were running at him or away from him.
"Damn.." He cursed under his breath.
His thick brow knotted together as he braced himself, as quick as lightning he unraveled the bundle and bolted from his hiding spot. Yun Sung didn't want to take any chances. There was no way now that this could be a clean hit and run as he hoped it would of been but he really didn't have the time to cry over spilled milk now.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was when they reached a clearing in the outskirts of the city of Athens that Nightmare showed any signs of slowing down. And when he reached the steps of some unknown temple, it was then that the Knight stopped his running, but no sooner had he done so than another form appeared in the partial moonlight.
Kilik finally confronted the sinister form of Azure Nightmare, but it had not been an easy task, as the knight was even faster than he realized. Upon first confronting him, Nightmare quickly struck out with his malformed claw trying to tear Kilik apart. Kilik was forced to use his Kali Yuga to beat him back, and when the Knight finally realized that there was no chance of fighting him and winning he took off in the opposite direction.
Nightmare moved with inhuman speed and his dark muscles moved and twitched with strength. Even with the renewed dark armor (probably recreated through dark means by Soul Edge), the Knight moved like the shadows, trying to lose Kilik in the many back alleys of Athens.
Thankfully he was too distracted with trying to get away from Kilik than to attack or wreck the usual havoc upon any of the surrounding buildings. But the youth knew it was only a matter of time before Nightmare would turn his attention to the countless tempting souls around him. So Kilik pursued the unarmed monster to the out reaches of the city, as far as he could possibly get him. The lesser the housing structures the better. But it was easier said than done for Greece was a huge city spreading out for miles in each direction. So Kilik opted for a place where there were hardly any buildings and even such a place was hard to find. It took a long while, as a routed dark Knight was not an easy being to direct. In fact, Nightmare seemed as if he was trying to get somewhere, and Kilik constantly had to cut him off. It was rather strange as he was unused to having such a nemesis RUN away from him. Perhaps it's because he did not have the Soul Edge commanding his every movement, but then again, this WAS Nightmare now, the physical manifestation of Soul Edge.
Nothing at all like Siegfried.
Kilik kept this in mind as he readied his Kali Yuga staff as the Knight seemed unable to run any farther. Unlike Nightmare, Kilik was blessed with stamina, but it could only last so long, and it was apparent that the injuries Siegfried had sustained were finally taking its toll upon Nightmare. But this was nothing to be grateful for as it told Kilik that the human core was dying.
That made saving him just a tad bit trickier.
Even now, Kilik wasn't sure what he was going to do as he locked glares with Nightmare. The armor that glinted in the pale moonlight was significantly different than what he last remembered. Particularly the helmet. The horn that protruded from the front was gone to be replaced by two long iron wings flanking either side of the helmet. But the crimson eyes that burned with such malicious intent remained the same.
It was hard to believe that these eyes had once held the gaze of a man. Kilik gripped his rod tighter.
"Nightmare! Give yourself up! You have no place to run to now!" The youth shouted feeling comfort in his own voice.
The Night looked around as if not believing but he faced Kilik then full on, and built himself up ignoring the pain that ran through his body. He stood his full height and Kilik felt the deep fear that Nightmare imposed. Even without the Soul Edge, Kilik knew that Nightmare was still a force to be reckoned with.
"Insolent pest!" Nightmare growled back, eyes burning fiercely. "You think you have me now do you? You are even stupider than I give you credit for!"
Kilik felt his blood turn hot then even though he knew that this was a typical response coming from Soul Edge. Azure Nightmare flexed his massive claw visibly as he walked forward with a murderous intent. Kilik could actually FEEL waves of dark hate waft off of Nightmare's persona, and it made his stomach turn in a sickly manner.
Immediately the rod rose higher as Kilik steeled himself for an attack. There was no way he could avoid this.
Without warning, Nightmare shot forward claw bared almost catching Kilik off guard as he rolled to the side to recover in time as the Night turned quickly to make a deadly swipe. Kilik threw up his rod instinctively, but as soon as the massive claw made contact with the weapon, it closed itself around it and with Kilik in tow, threw the weapon off to the side with ease. Kilik managed to transform his fall into a roll but it was still a rough landing non-the less. As he recovered he found Nightmare bearing down upon him like a charging bull and as he readied for an attack something flashed before his eyes for a brief second.
Siegfried. An image of the blond knight overlapped Nightmare's form. Emerald eyes staring back at him firmly.
Immediately the man launched himself into the air barely clearing Nightmare's charging form. When he landed, Kilik realized that he could not fight Nightmare for he was still Siegfried, and to wound him further would lessen the chance that the man would survive.
And the Soul Edge could be passed on.
Nightmare rushed once more this time leading in with his claw. Kilik dodged and parried the barrage of attacks as best as he was able but the knight without his heavy sword proved to be much faster, and Nightmare landed a blow as his enormous claw collided into Kilik's mid section throwing the young man back quite a distance.
Upon the ground Kilik gasped for air as it was literally knocked out of his lungs. Psycadellic dots danced before his blurred vision as he pushed himself to his feet. Immediately his hand groped the dark ground for his weapon. Kilik's eyes went wide then as he realized he must of let go of the rod. Frantically his eyes searched the ground as his hands felt around, as it was it was too dark to see.
Where was it?
As if to answer his question an evil laugh drew his attention back to Nightmare. Patches of moon light shown through the clouds allowing Kilik to see where his rod was. Unfortunately it was suspended in mid air held tightly in Nightmare's claw. The Knight held it before him as if to taunt Kilik, and right before his eyes, Nightmare switched the rod to his other hand spinning it expertly and with such ease mimicking his own kata! As suddenly as he started he snapped the rod to a sudden halt. And though it was dark, Kilik could see that his rod's form had changed.
He faltered back a step in disbelief, and to this he heard Nightmare's deep laugh. From the middle where Nightmare had gripped it an evil but vaguely familiar eye grew, veins spouted from this particular eye wrapping itself around the red staff, warping its form into something grotesque. At each end of the staff a long sharp nail protruded. Nightmare had poisoned the spirit of the Kali Yuga with the spirit of Soul Edge!
There was almost no time to think as the dark knight charged in with that same deadly speed, the possessed Kali Yuga flew and spun and Kilik could do nothing but dive from side to side avoiding Nightmare's strikes. Much to his relief and also anger, the moves Nightmare used were the very same as his. The spirit of Soul Edge had managed to learn and copy his moves adding it to its limitless knowledge. However, this made it somewhat easy for Kilik to predict the strikes, but nonetheless, the knight moved with vicious speed and evil desire. The darkness of night made it all the more harder for the young man to see, the patches of moonlight that came and went serving as something of an annoyance.
Why couldn't it of been a cloudless night of all times?
Kilik cursed heatedly as he spun out of the way of his incoming rod. Expertly he launched himself back a good distance trying to find an opening. He needed to get the staff back! Once again Nightmare advanced menacingly, but to Kilik's surprise, Nightmare suddenly staggered a bit as he doubled over coughing.
Retching sounds were heard from within the helmet as thick liquid came forth and poured to the ground from the visor.
There was a thick and metallic smell to it and Kilik realized that Nightmare was coughing up blood!
Despite what he was thinking, Kilik forced his body to run forward determined to use this chance as an opening. Nightmare was using the staff as a support, and all Kilik needed to do was snatch it from his grasp.
But things just weren't all that easy. Of course, and Kilik really should of known better. Perhaps he just couldn't stand to see the Kali Yuga possessed by such a vile spirit, but for what ever the reason, the young man took his and risked everything to retrieve the sacred staff.
Just when the warped staff was a few inches from his reach, Nightmare looked up and their eyes met for one split second. It was then that Kilik knew he was in trouble. As fast as Kilik had been, the knight took the other by surprise reflexively pulling the staff from Kilik's reach and spins it around to catch the man in the back of the neck.
Kilik felt searing pain explode from where the staff connected with his neck. A surge of thick liquid surged up from the back of his throat and he tasted that warm metallic blood. He didn't even feel the ground as he slammed into it. And as he forced his eyes open he found his vision blurred, as the pain echo in his head. It was hard to think, and he struggled upon the ground.
And of all times, the moon light came once again, breaking through the cloudy barrier allowing Kilik to see iron clad feet just inches from his face. His gaze slowly went upwards and he saw a fuzzy but clearly recognizable form of Nightmare standing above him. The dark knight stared back at him with hungry demonic eyes, before holding the dark staff above his form.
In that second Nightmare struck and Kilik shut his eyes waiting for the pain to come, but they opened again in the next second as a loud gunshot ran out. Literally dazed and in the dark Kilik couldn't see very well, but he could clearly hear the sound of chains retracting and Nightmare's angry cry as the Kali Yuga suddenly flew from his startled grasp.
"KILIK!!!" Another voice shouted and Kilik thought he knew it. "Kilik, move now!!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Yun Sung literally threw his back against the wall in sheer exhaustion. A stream of curse and swears rolled off his tongue but non could be made out as he was still wary of being found. In his arms he cradled a wrapped bundle, careful to never allow any part of it to show.
His labored breathing continued to come out harsh and hard, and he felt as though his chest were to explode. Yet despite all this he had managed a rather cocky smile to. "It was all for you." He said softly as his hands moved over the bundle with such gentleness. Everything was all right now. And surely with two weapons, no one would dare come at him. If they did, he'd be sure to cut them to pieces. As Yun Sung ran his fingers over the bundle, he managed to uncover a bit of the item, light suddenly shooting a small thin beam of light. The Korean could only stare in awe as this light was being emitted from the Master Sword itself! He had never before seen such a weapon glow with power. Against his better judgment and tact, he unraveled the rest of the sword allowing the sword's light free reign in the darkness. It glowed so brightly like the very sun were blessing it's quick silver surface with its bright rays. And through his sheer amazement and admiration for the blade an odd thought struck Yun.
Had the Master Sword always shined like this?
He couldn't quite remember. Link only ever pulled it out on rare occasions but even then, he was sure that he'd be able to recall the Master Sword's awesome display of power. Yun lowered the sword and tenderly touched it's silver flawless surface.
As if in response, the light pulsed, a deep resonating sound coming from the very blade itself. Startled, the Korean drew back his hand quickly almost dropping the sword.
"What was that?" Yun asked aloud. "Did the sword, is this sword alive?"
It was a rather stupid question to ask, but at this point Yun Sung didn't find it very improbable. If it was really a spirit sword, who knew what else it could do. Aside from the soft pulsing sound it made, the sword continued to shine. When nothing else happened Yun Sung relaxed a bit looking upon the blade skeptically. His gaze wandered it's silver form, resting upon a strange insignia he hadn't noticed before. Expertly engraved were three triangles that formed a small pyramid. He felt as if he had seen it somewhere before, but he couldn't quite place his finger where. And he wasn't sure how, but something in the back of his mind nagged at him at this symbol, that somehow it was important, or would be in the future. The feeling was actually starting to creep him out and he shuddered.
"Well if anything, you're definitely a keeper. I'll bet you're just as powerful if not greater to the Soul Edge. Perhaps I won't have to go after that thing after all." Yun Sung declared arrogantly to the sword.
The Master Sword only pulsed quietly in neither a protest or a confirmatory manner. This somewhat displeased Yun Sung though he wasn't sure why.
"Hey, how would you like to travel with me from now on? I can put you to some great use even make you famous! You'll be even more treasured and desired than that lame old Soul Edge. I mean, what kind of name is Soul Edge anyway? Now the Master Sword, that's a title anyone can revere."
Once again, the Master Sword was silent. Yun Sung gripped the sword with both hands tightly and stared at it hard waiting for it to respond. But it did nothing, not even the slightest sign of disapproval.
*How long are you going to sulk like that?* A female voice entered Yun Sung's mind then.
"Seung Mina?" The name escaped his lips. Yes, of course it was Seung Mina's voice he heard. In his mind he saw the beautiful Korean woman standing beside him as he leaned against the railing of the Seung dojo silently brooding.
Yun Sung remembered this day particularly well, because it was the day that he challenged their mother lands greatest hero and was denied. He really didn't feel like talking to anyone, but Seung Mina wasn't some one to brush off so quickly as she WAS the daughter to his master and could probably hand him his ass if she really wanted to.
But even still, he didn't want to be bothered and was trying to find some way to make her leave. But before he even opened his mouth, the brunette took held a sword before him so that the flat surface of the blade could clearly reflect his rugged features.
"You're still such a child." Mina said with an air of contempt, but her voice was a albeit gentle. "Take a good look at your reflection in this sword, and think things through." Before he could even question her, the young woman had walked away leaving Yun Sung alone with his reflection.
"Take a good look at myself huh?" Yun Sung said out lout as the memory faded. He had done just that the night he decided to leave the dojo. The sword named 'White Storm' seemed to have reflected his deepest thoughts. Perhaps this Master Sword was the same way. " Master Sword, though you belong to another, surely you would be better off in my hands. Together, we could become great. Hwang would finally recognize my skill and you would bring light to the lands with your blade. Master Sword, would you lend me your strength?" He asked the sword peering into it's shiny surface. All he wanted was a sign. Any sign that the sword would accept him. Then he would cut all ties with the others, he didn't need them anyway. He would even take on the Soul Edge himself if the Master Sword allowed it. He didn't want the other fighters involved if they didn't have to be. He would be strong enough to do this himself.
Would things happen like before? Yun Sung wasn't really sure, and he faintly doubted it.
But something did happen. But it was feelings not thoughts that entered his mind, and as he stared longer into the sword's surface, he thought he saw his reflection fade. Though he was startled, he was unable to look away as the sword had him in a trance. Before he knew it, the bright light had grown washing away the dark scenes of the large city around him. The pulsing sound could be heard now, clearer than ever, and each time it rang, it gave Yun Sung the feeling of struck crystal glass. The sound echoed through out his whole body.
The next thing he knew he heard a faint chime sound some where in the distance, and his eyes fluttered open.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Okay so finally I was able to finish it! I hope this ends the writers' block but it was a tricky chapter to write as everyone already has their opinions on certain characters. I'm sorry for the long delay but I wanted to be a little careful with a few details here. Also as a side note, Kilik's Kali Yuga when possessed by the Soul Edge does take the above mentioned form. I had bought a Japanese Soul Caliber book with amazing art work and pictures of all characters and their weapons. Apparently EVERY character has a weapon that is possessed by the Soul Edge, but only THREE hold a weapon that can become a Soul Caliber. Just a little side note as people are beginning to play the game for themselves. Who are these three? Why don't you buy yourself a copy and find out?
Raphael looked highly doubtful and Xianghua wouldn't even meet her gaze.
"Come on you two don't seriously think he took the Master Sword do you? I mean this is Yun Sung." Talim stopped then realizing that she didn't really know Yun Sung all that well, but even if she didn't, she would of never of suspected him of such an act.
Why would Yun Sung betray them like this.?
The young girl still couldn't get past the thought when she heard something.
It was soft chime, but it was carried upon the faint winds.
It always happened like this when the spirits of the winds had something to say. So it was second nature that Talim stopped whatever she was thinking and listened. Instinctively she turned her body to where she had heard the sound, and when she did hear it again, she followed it, tuning everything out, and allowing the world to fade away. In this silent place the sounds of the winds were amplified to where it seemed that they could be whispering. They raced by her and around her, their shapeless form gently caressing her face. The wind whispered things not heard and they spoke only to her for she was the only soul who would listen.
And so the wind whispered things not said and never heard to her.
Her eyes fluttered open then, Talim hadn't even realized she'd closed them!
"Talim!" Xianghua's voice reached her and Talim turned her head slightly to find the Chinese woman right beside her, a hand upon her shoulder. "Talim, what is it? What did you sense?"
The wind priestess found herself standing perilously at the edge of the new door way. Wordlessly she raised a pointed finger in the general direction that Nightmare, Kilik and Link had taken off to.
"They're coming from that way." Talim said softly. "Those strange voices that speak Link's language. I can hear them, it's like there are a million of them calling to me, they are coming from that way but they are starting to grow fainter as the darkness grows." The girl trailed off cryptically. But Xianghua and Raphael were no fools and fully understood (well maybe partially) what Talim was saying. While it unnerved them whenever she demonstrated her strange abilities, they always proved helpful in the most critical situations. Xianghua and Raphael exchanged knowing looks and nodded in silent agreement.
Who ever took the Master Sword was headed in that direction.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The darkness that had fallen was heavy, and Yun Sung could not help but feel glad for the extra cover as he silently moved from building to building taking refuge in the darkest corners. In his hands was a long bundle with a tale tell handle protruding from one end.
Yun Sung's heart thrummed in excitement and anxiety, and he feared that he would be heard. Not too long ago he thought he heard what sounded like a building collapsing in the distance. Yun Sung silently cursed to himself while secretly hoping that everyone was okay.
Yeah, even Link too. Sometimes Yun Sung couldn't understand why he just couldn't level with Link. He admitted to himself more than once that he had been a bit hard on the guy. But as always, as soon as this thought had come up, he would dismiss it and heatedly remind himself that some how Link did deserve whatever Yun Sung brought down upon him. And he still owed Yun Sung a rematch.
At the thought of the freakish elf, Yun Sung found himself closing his eyes remembering what he had seen in Siegfried and Link's room as he bore witness to the horrible transformation had begun to happen right before his eyes. It was so painful, as he watched Siegfried toss and writhe in silent pain. It was amazing that the man didn't scream. It was even more amazing that Yun Sung was able to turn away when he did and take off. Of course he couldn't stand the thought of leaving a comrade to suffer, but there was really nothing he could do about it. Really, he didn't want to be there when Nightmare came back and be the first one to face his wrath. Besides the there were other fighters there who were probably plenty experienced with this type of demonic possession deal. And so Yun Sung left things to them.
He regretted running feeling that he was something of a coward, which he firmly believed he wasn't. But there really was no choice. This is what he decided and he was going to stick to it.
The Korean only hoped that the other fighters could hold Nightmare off long enough for him to.
A sudden sound of movement caused Yun Sung's form to freeze as still as stone. Had he been heard? The footfalls came once more but faster and Yun Sung couldn't tell if they were running at him or away from him.
"Damn.." He cursed under his breath.
His thick brow knotted together as he braced himself, as quick as lightning he unraveled the bundle and bolted from his hiding spot. Yun Sung didn't want to take any chances. There was no way now that this could be a clean hit and run as he hoped it would of been but he really didn't have the time to cry over spilled milk now.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was when they reached a clearing in the outskirts of the city of Athens that Nightmare showed any signs of slowing down. And when he reached the steps of some unknown temple, it was then that the Knight stopped his running, but no sooner had he done so than another form appeared in the partial moonlight.
Kilik finally confronted the sinister form of Azure Nightmare, but it had not been an easy task, as the knight was even faster than he realized. Upon first confronting him, Nightmare quickly struck out with his malformed claw trying to tear Kilik apart. Kilik was forced to use his Kali Yuga to beat him back, and when the Knight finally realized that there was no chance of fighting him and winning he took off in the opposite direction.
Nightmare moved with inhuman speed and his dark muscles moved and twitched with strength. Even with the renewed dark armor (probably recreated through dark means by Soul Edge), the Knight moved like the shadows, trying to lose Kilik in the many back alleys of Athens.
Thankfully he was too distracted with trying to get away from Kilik than to attack or wreck the usual havoc upon any of the surrounding buildings. But the youth knew it was only a matter of time before Nightmare would turn his attention to the countless tempting souls around him. So Kilik pursued the unarmed monster to the out reaches of the city, as far as he could possibly get him. The lesser the housing structures the better. But it was easier said than done for Greece was a huge city spreading out for miles in each direction. So Kilik opted for a place where there were hardly any buildings and even such a place was hard to find. It took a long while, as a routed dark Knight was not an easy being to direct. In fact, Nightmare seemed as if he was trying to get somewhere, and Kilik constantly had to cut him off. It was rather strange as he was unused to having such a nemesis RUN away from him. Perhaps it's because he did not have the Soul Edge commanding his every movement, but then again, this WAS Nightmare now, the physical manifestation of Soul Edge.
Nothing at all like Siegfried.
Kilik kept this in mind as he readied his Kali Yuga staff as the Knight seemed unable to run any farther. Unlike Nightmare, Kilik was blessed with stamina, but it could only last so long, and it was apparent that the injuries Siegfried had sustained were finally taking its toll upon Nightmare. But this was nothing to be grateful for as it told Kilik that the human core was dying.
That made saving him just a tad bit trickier.
Even now, Kilik wasn't sure what he was going to do as he locked glares with Nightmare. The armor that glinted in the pale moonlight was significantly different than what he last remembered. Particularly the helmet. The horn that protruded from the front was gone to be replaced by two long iron wings flanking either side of the helmet. But the crimson eyes that burned with such malicious intent remained the same.
It was hard to believe that these eyes had once held the gaze of a man. Kilik gripped his rod tighter.
"Nightmare! Give yourself up! You have no place to run to now!" The youth shouted feeling comfort in his own voice.
The Night looked around as if not believing but he faced Kilik then full on, and built himself up ignoring the pain that ran through his body. He stood his full height and Kilik felt the deep fear that Nightmare imposed. Even without the Soul Edge, Kilik knew that Nightmare was still a force to be reckoned with.
"Insolent pest!" Nightmare growled back, eyes burning fiercely. "You think you have me now do you? You are even stupider than I give you credit for!"
Kilik felt his blood turn hot then even though he knew that this was a typical response coming from Soul Edge. Azure Nightmare flexed his massive claw visibly as he walked forward with a murderous intent. Kilik could actually FEEL waves of dark hate waft off of Nightmare's persona, and it made his stomach turn in a sickly manner.
Immediately the rod rose higher as Kilik steeled himself for an attack. There was no way he could avoid this.
Without warning, Nightmare shot forward claw bared almost catching Kilik off guard as he rolled to the side to recover in time as the Night turned quickly to make a deadly swipe. Kilik threw up his rod instinctively, but as soon as the massive claw made contact with the weapon, it closed itself around it and with Kilik in tow, threw the weapon off to the side with ease. Kilik managed to transform his fall into a roll but it was still a rough landing non-the less. As he recovered he found Nightmare bearing down upon him like a charging bull and as he readied for an attack something flashed before his eyes for a brief second.
Siegfried. An image of the blond knight overlapped Nightmare's form. Emerald eyes staring back at him firmly.
Immediately the man launched himself into the air barely clearing Nightmare's charging form. When he landed, Kilik realized that he could not fight Nightmare for he was still Siegfried, and to wound him further would lessen the chance that the man would survive.
And the Soul Edge could be passed on.
Nightmare rushed once more this time leading in with his claw. Kilik dodged and parried the barrage of attacks as best as he was able but the knight without his heavy sword proved to be much faster, and Nightmare landed a blow as his enormous claw collided into Kilik's mid section throwing the young man back quite a distance.
Upon the ground Kilik gasped for air as it was literally knocked out of his lungs. Psycadellic dots danced before his blurred vision as he pushed himself to his feet. Immediately his hand groped the dark ground for his weapon. Kilik's eyes went wide then as he realized he must of let go of the rod. Frantically his eyes searched the ground as his hands felt around, as it was it was too dark to see.
Where was it?
As if to answer his question an evil laugh drew his attention back to Nightmare. Patches of moon light shown through the clouds allowing Kilik to see where his rod was. Unfortunately it was suspended in mid air held tightly in Nightmare's claw. The Knight held it before him as if to taunt Kilik, and right before his eyes, Nightmare switched the rod to his other hand spinning it expertly and with such ease mimicking his own kata! As suddenly as he started he snapped the rod to a sudden halt. And though it was dark, Kilik could see that his rod's form had changed.
He faltered back a step in disbelief, and to this he heard Nightmare's deep laugh. From the middle where Nightmare had gripped it an evil but vaguely familiar eye grew, veins spouted from this particular eye wrapping itself around the red staff, warping its form into something grotesque. At each end of the staff a long sharp nail protruded. Nightmare had poisoned the spirit of the Kali Yuga with the spirit of Soul Edge!
There was almost no time to think as the dark knight charged in with that same deadly speed, the possessed Kali Yuga flew and spun and Kilik could do nothing but dive from side to side avoiding Nightmare's strikes. Much to his relief and also anger, the moves Nightmare used were the very same as his. The spirit of Soul Edge had managed to learn and copy his moves adding it to its limitless knowledge. However, this made it somewhat easy for Kilik to predict the strikes, but nonetheless, the knight moved with vicious speed and evil desire. The darkness of night made it all the more harder for the young man to see, the patches of moonlight that came and went serving as something of an annoyance.
Why couldn't it of been a cloudless night of all times?
Kilik cursed heatedly as he spun out of the way of his incoming rod. Expertly he launched himself back a good distance trying to find an opening. He needed to get the staff back! Once again Nightmare advanced menacingly, but to Kilik's surprise, Nightmare suddenly staggered a bit as he doubled over coughing.
Retching sounds were heard from within the helmet as thick liquid came forth and poured to the ground from the visor.
There was a thick and metallic smell to it and Kilik realized that Nightmare was coughing up blood!
Despite what he was thinking, Kilik forced his body to run forward determined to use this chance as an opening. Nightmare was using the staff as a support, and all Kilik needed to do was snatch it from his grasp.
But things just weren't all that easy. Of course, and Kilik really should of known better. Perhaps he just couldn't stand to see the Kali Yuga possessed by such a vile spirit, but for what ever the reason, the young man took his and risked everything to retrieve the sacred staff.
Just when the warped staff was a few inches from his reach, Nightmare looked up and their eyes met for one split second. It was then that Kilik knew he was in trouble. As fast as Kilik had been, the knight took the other by surprise reflexively pulling the staff from Kilik's reach and spins it around to catch the man in the back of the neck.
Kilik felt searing pain explode from where the staff connected with his neck. A surge of thick liquid surged up from the back of his throat and he tasted that warm metallic blood. He didn't even feel the ground as he slammed into it. And as he forced his eyes open he found his vision blurred, as the pain echo in his head. It was hard to think, and he struggled upon the ground.
And of all times, the moon light came once again, breaking through the cloudy barrier allowing Kilik to see iron clad feet just inches from his face. His gaze slowly went upwards and he saw a fuzzy but clearly recognizable form of Nightmare standing above him. The dark knight stared back at him with hungry demonic eyes, before holding the dark staff above his form.
In that second Nightmare struck and Kilik shut his eyes waiting for the pain to come, but they opened again in the next second as a loud gunshot ran out. Literally dazed and in the dark Kilik couldn't see very well, but he could clearly hear the sound of chains retracting and Nightmare's angry cry as the Kali Yuga suddenly flew from his startled grasp.
"KILIK!!!" Another voice shouted and Kilik thought he knew it. "Kilik, move now!!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Yun Sung literally threw his back against the wall in sheer exhaustion. A stream of curse and swears rolled off his tongue but non could be made out as he was still wary of being found. In his arms he cradled a wrapped bundle, careful to never allow any part of it to show.
His labored breathing continued to come out harsh and hard, and he felt as though his chest were to explode. Yet despite all this he had managed a rather cocky smile to. "It was all for you." He said softly as his hands moved over the bundle with such gentleness. Everything was all right now. And surely with two weapons, no one would dare come at him. If they did, he'd be sure to cut them to pieces. As Yun Sung ran his fingers over the bundle, he managed to uncover a bit of the item, light suddenly shooting a small thin beam of light. The Korean could only stare in awe as this light was being emitted from the Master Sword itself! He had never before seen such a weapon glow with power. Against his better judgment and tact, he unraveled the rest of the sword allowing the sword's light free reign in the darkness. It glowed so brightly like the very sun were blessing it's quick silver surface with its bright rays. And through his sheer amazement and admiration for the blade an odd thought struck Yun.
Had the Master Sword always shined like this?
He couldn't quite remember. Link only ever pulled it out on rare occasions but even then, he was sure that he'd be able to recall the Master Sword's awesome display of power. Yun lowered the sword and tenderly touched it's silver flawless surface.
As if in response, the light pulsed, a deep resonating sound coming from the very blade itself. Startled, the Korean drew back his hand quickly almost dropping the sword.
"What was that?" Yun asked aloud. "Did the sword, is this sword alive?"
It was a rather stupid question to ask, but at this point Yun Sung didn't find it very improbable. If it was really a spirit sword, who knew what else it could do. Aside from the soft pulsing sound it made, the sword continued to shine. When nothing else happened Yun Sung relaxed a bit looking upon the blade skeptically. His gaze wandered it's silver form, resting upon a strange insignia he hadn't noticed before. Expertly engraved were three triangles that formed a small pyramid. He felt as if he had seen it somewhere before, but he couldn't quite place his finger where. And he wasn't sure how, but something in the back of his mind nagged at him at this symbol, that somehow it was important, or would be in the future. The feeling was actually starting to creep him out and he shuddered.
"Well if anything, you're definitely a keeper. I'll bet you're just as powerful if not greater to the Soul Edge. Perhaps I won't have to go after that thing after all." Yun Sung declared arrogantly to the sword.
The Master Sword only pulsed quietly in neither a protest or a confirmatory manner. This somewhat displeased Yun Sung though he wasn't sure why.
"Hey, how would you like to travel with me from now on? I can put you to some great use even make you famous! You'll be even more treasured and desired than that lame old Soul Edge. I mean, what kind of name is Soul Edge anyway? Now the Master Sword, that's a title anyone can revere."
Once again, the Master Sword was silent. Yun Sung gripped the sword with both hands tightly and stared at it hard waiting for it to respond. But it did nothing, not even the slightest sign of disapproval.
*How long are you going to sulk like that?* A female voice entered Yun Sung's mind then.
"Seung Mina?" The name escaped his lips. Yes, of course it was Seung Mina's voice he heard. In his mind he saw the beautiful Korean woman standing beside him as he leaned against the railing of the Seung dojo silently brooding.
Yun Sung remembered this day particularly well, because it was the day that he challenged their mother lands greatest hero and was denied. He really didn't feel like talking to anyone, but Seung Mina wasn't some one to brush off so quickly as she WAS the daughter to his master and could probably hand him his ass if she really wanted to.
But even still, he didn't want to be bothered and was trying to find some way to make her leave. But before he even opened his mouth, the brunette took held a sword before him so that the flat surface of the blade could clearly reflect his rugged features.
"You're still such a child." Mina said with an air of contempt, but her voice was a albeit gentle. "Take a good look at your reflection in this sword, and think things through." Before he could even question her, the young woman had walked away leaving Yun Sung alone with his reflection.
"Take a good look at myself huh?" Yun Sung said out lout as the memory faded. He had done just that the night he decided to leave the dojo. The sword named 'White Storm' seemed to have reflected his deepest thoughts. Perhaps this Master Sword was the same way. " Master Sword, though you belong to another, surely you would be better off in my hands. Together, we could become great. Hwang would finally recognize my skill and you would bring light to the lands with your blade. Master Sword, would you lend me your strength?" He asked the sword peering into it's shiny surface. All he wanted was a sign. Any sign that the sword would accept him. Then he would cut all ties with the others, he didn't need them anyway. He would even take on the Soul Edge himself if the Master Sword allowed it. He didn't want the other fighters involved if they didn't have to be. He would be strong enough to do this himself.
Would things happen like before? Yun Sung wasn't really sure, and he faintly doubted it.
But something did happen. But it was feelings not thoughts that entered his mind, and as he stared longer into the sword's surface, he thought he saw his reflection fade. Though he was startled, he was unable to look away as the sword had him in a trance. Before he knew it, the bright light had grown washing away the dark scenes of the large city around him. The pulsing sound could be heard now, clearer than ever, and each time it rang, it gave Yun Sung the feeling of struck crystal glass. The sound echoed through out his whole body.
The next thing he knew he heard a faint chime sound some where in the distance, and his eyes fluttered open.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Okay so finally I was able to finish it! I hope this ends the writers' block but it was a tricky chapter to write as everyone already has their opinions on certain characters. I'm sorry for the long delay but I wanted to be a little careful with a few details here. Also as a side note, Kilik's Kali Yuga when possessed by the Soul Edge does take the above mentioned form. I had bought a Japanese Soul Caliber book with amazing art work and pictures of all characters and their weapons. Apparently EVERY character has a weapon that is possessed by the Soul Edge, but only THREE hold a weapon that can become a Soul Caliber. Just a little side note as people are beginning to play the game for themselves. Who are these three? Why don't you buy yourself a copy and find out?