Disclaimer: I don't own Soul Calibur or any characters associated with Namco.
Review Responses
Sacharja: Thank you. I've been told a lot that I write good descriptions. And Only two of the mentioned character will have to do and effect the plot.
DilaZirk: Thank you for the compliment. Don't worry about the Guest Character for it shall all fall into place. And now that you pointed that thing about Ducard and Nightmare I wish to change it, but I can't seem to be able to edit the chapter without having to remove the whole chapter(If their is a way please tell me because I made more additions to both chapters that I wish to update, but they don't really make a siginicant difference)
A/N: This is by far the longest chapter I've wrote. This one has a lot of Major character development, and moves the Story along a bit. I've also taken the liberty of implementing some historical aspects into the Chapter.
signifies Authors Input.
Soul Calibur III: Symphony of Souls
Chronicle 2 : Aliases, Reunion.
Paris, France Two days later
In the great streets of cobble stone, thrived the Beautiful city of Paris. The whole essence of the grand city was marvelous and contempt. From the beautiful cathedrals and marble stone buildings, to the large marketplace at the heart of the city, people could be heard all about working and talking, laughing and playing. The grand city was the liveliest it had ever been, with their noble ruler, King Louis XIV, the need for warriors in this land seemed almost unnecessary in it's eutopian community.
However at every corner on every street one could see the grand peace keepers, upon their valiant steeds. The Musketeers, of King Louis XIV, were infamous around all of Europe. Most known for either their amazing fencing abilities and marksmanship or for their great feats of courage. but most known to the people was their motto "All for one, and one for all". However some will come to know the true deepness that lies in those words.
At the royal palace, at the heart of the city, large gates surrounded the beautiful ivory building. The masonry put into the columns and corridors more beautiful than anywhere in all of Europe. The statues that decorated the beautiful gardens surrounding the palace with that of angels and beautiful sculptures of King's past. The enormous beautiful fountain just in front of the main palace door was tremendous in both size and beauty.
The many Musketeers all marching around to secure the safety of their King, while other's practiced the sword techniques in the ever green fields.
Upon the field watching over the many great warriors were the two greatest warriors of all, the newly appointed Colonel, and his liutenant.
The lieutenant was dressed in a blue traditional Musketeer uniform, with the long traditional garbs and cape flowing freely, with the large insignia crucifix at the chest. He wore the traditional large hat with a large white feathered quill. His face was extremely young for someone in his rank. He face was chiseled, and strong his green eye were gentle and understanding, his nose was shaper and pointed, but still small. His skin was tanned and from underneath his hat one could see his thick black curly hair.
Beside him stood a man of a bit larger build. However unlike his liutenant he did not wear traditional Musketeer uniform. His suit was fashion in colonial garbs, the red and peach coloring was reminisent of a checker board type design, with either side decorated with a lion insignia. Underneath the tailed jacket, one could plainly see his chain mail tight against his muscular body. His combat boots were tall and brown, with silver armored plating covering the shins. His pants were red and saggy, intricately designed with encrusted, thin gold swirled and curls. His sleeves were long, the shoulder's were plated in beautiful stainless steel. Around his shoulder he had a thick brown, with a large plate that was encrusted with a lion, holding it to his suit. The bottom of the belt held many little dagger's and throwing knifes. His gloves reached high to his elbow, which were brown, the outer part of the glove plated with steel. Around his neck, he wore a angelic white scarf, covering most of the features of his face, that flowed into two strips in the back, the tips of which were decorated in gold. His hair was blonde, short and spiky. His eyes were a piercing angelic blue, with a thin vertical scar upon his right eye.
"Colonel Frederick, are you ready to head out and check upon the civilians, their have been tales of a robber stealing from the local missionary." The young lietentant stated, looking up at his superior. His voice had a surprising British accent, which was smooth and pleasant.
"Eric, countless times have I told you to quit the formalities." The Colonel, was young, and his voice vigorant. However their was no accent in his speech and, because so little knew of his origins they often wondered, just were the great warrior originated from.
"Fine then, if you insist." the young liutenant let out a small smirk. "It's amazing in just how little amount of time this city has changed. Everyday their would be a riot, but ever since you showed up it's been rather peaceful." Eric turned to look at Frederick. "You've scared off all the thieves and marauders, and with that all the fun" Eric said playfully.
"I really don't know what I did that seemed to drive off, all the action" Frederick said in all seriousness. Eric just looked at him dumbfounded.
"You don't know, come on now Frederick, once you arrived here you were able to bring down the army of bandits that had been marauding the city for weeks, Single handedly! without even so much as even drawing your sword. Then you were able to stop a massacre with the townsfolk without even drawing your blade. Finally you became a Musketeer and were able to complete years worth of training in just about two weeks. And have been promoted to Colonel of the Musketeers and have been ordained as the personal imperial guard of the King himself." Eric stated nearly escalating into a small yell. "And you wonder why every theif around has headed for the hills." Eric let out a small laugh. "The people are starting to call you D'artagnan the Second" the mood changed to one of a more depressing tone.
"How long has it been now since his death? it's felt like such a long time" Frederick looked at his friend his eye full of melancholy. "I hadn't even known him for long and yet it seems like I had grown up with him".
Eric looked upon his troubled friend."Speaking of which, what has become of Athos, Porthos, and Aramis." Eric had grown up thriving upon the legend of "The Three Musketeers" and felt blessed that he had gotten the chance to fight along the heroes side.
"Athos and the King remain close, with Athos frequently stopping by to teach him a sword lesson or two. Aramis has returned to the church, seeking for redemption once more." Frederick smirked, "And you know where ever Aramis is Porthos is close to follow, he still pesters Aramis about not being sexually oriented".
The duo let out a laugh. Even at old age Porthos was still by far one of the most lustful men they had ever met.
"What do you think actually happened that day at the Bastille? "
"Aramis and Athos have sworn me to secrecy. Only the current General, and I know besides the three Musketeers." Frederick turned his gaze once more toward the field.
"Oh come on man. I'm your best friend, surely you can tell me" Eric, took off his hat in frustration of being kept in the dark.
"Anyway any news on any of the current war's going around." the Colonel placed his left hand behind his back in a manner common of that of nobility.
"What you mean besides the one between us and the Deutch!" Eric face was stretched out almost comically as he yelled.
"I don't care about the affairs of this idiotic war. It's just another one of the Cardinal's excuse to gain more power and more land." Frederick stated in digust.
"Yeah well don't let him hear you say that, or he shall have your head" Eric had a deep hatred pointed toward the Cardinal of France. He had always believed that the church had to much say in government, and that the people should have more say in the politics of France, than that of the foolish nonsense of the Church.
"Don't worry I wont. Besides, the King has grown quite fond of me, I doubt he would let anything the Cardinal say effect me" Frederick looked at the large blade that stood hilt up against the wall. The sword was rather large, nearly his height. The blade was wide, but made of light but powerful metals. The large hilt was decorated with Germanic symbols. Eric had long since noticed this and theorized that his good friend was from Germany. A thing brown strip ran along the middle of the blade, and it's tip was curved and blunt.
"Dear god man, how do you wield such a enormous blade. I myself prefer a short sword and my trusty Rapier." Eric watched as Frederick seamlesly placed the blade to lean upon his shoulder, with little to no effort.
Frederick let out a small laugh. "I've been thinking of exchanging it for another sword, but I've grown quite fond of it. And I've even named it, it's name is Redemption" the wind seemed to blow as he stated the last word, push his hair.
Suddenly a main dressed in a fancy brilliantly white french suit appeared. His stature was smaller even compared to Eric. "Colonel Fenix, King Louis XIV request a meeting with you immediately" stated the Frenchman
"Very well then. Liutenant keep your eye's upon the Musketeers, inform me of any and all out of the ordinary occurrences" Frederick voice became deeper, and more comading as he played his role as Colonel.
"Yes sir" The young Liutenant bowed before Fenix left, into the palace.
King Louis XIV throne room three minutes later
The throne room of the King was enormous, designed to have large parties and balls. To the east and west wall were large windows covered and decorated with crimson red curtains. Between each of the windows were painting of the previous King's of France. From the entrance to the throne room to the very throne itself was a long red carpet. The throne was large, the armrest decorated in various rubies and emeralds, and carved out of pure gold. The cushions were thick and soft, colored in a crimson red, like the curtains. Upon the throne sat the young King himself.
His pants were a pure white, the linens made of the softest silk. The pants decorated in a darker shade of white. His beautifully elegant boots matched his outfit perfectly. He wore a beautiful long sleeved jacket the sleeves designed in the same manor as his pants, On top of which he wore a white vest, that nearly looked like plate armor. Upon his right shoulder was a long beautiful sash, that draped down to his elbow. His gloves were a brilliant white. Around his neck was a white handkerchief, that was elegant and simple. Upon his shoulder draped a large red cape. And upon his head he wore a simple crown reminisent of those of Julius Caesar. He had thick blonde wavey lockes of hair. His face was young and his jaw line chiseled. He gazed upon noticing Fenix enter with his piercing green eyes.
To the right and left of the King stood his royal advisers talking amongst themselves. King Louis raised his hand stopping their conversation on que. "Leave us." the court of men seemed flabbergasted as he commanded this but left either way.
"My lord you wish to see me." Fenix knelt in his royal presence.
"Frederick many a time I have wished you to call me by my true name and still you insist. Come now my friend, you are one of my most trusted allies" The King voice was pleasant and smooth, it was deep but still had a very king like tone. Louis looked down pulling out a scroll from underneath his sleeve. "Frederick, I have dire news"
The Colonels face changed from one of charismatic to a more harden warrior face. "What is it my lord?"
"Germany, they are calling for aid. They say that a terrible demon is devastating their armies...They say it is the Azure Knight" The noble king quickly stood to hold his friend back should any of the information overwhelm him.
Frederick's eye sharpened and intensified ten fold, it had been rumoured that the Azure Knight had returned, when he had gotten wind of it he was prepairing to set off but was thankfully stopped by Louis.
His hands balling up into fist, nearly tearing his palm. "The Azure Knight is mine. I alone shall travel and kill the demon" Frederick's voice seemed to have changed as well normally it would sound light and soft, however it became darker and deeper sounding nearly like a demon himself.
"That demon haskilled hundreds of men single handedly, to go alone would be suicide. Frederick hear me, I care to much for you to let you run off on an unplanned hunt. Please if you must go take at least ten of my finest Musketeers."Louis' threw his arms about trying to stop the brash Frederick.
"This is my mission, mine alone and no others" Frederick turned and began to walk toward the entrance.
"Damn it Frederick I order you as your King to stop immediately!" Louis' voice was dark and commanding.
"The Azure Knight is my enemy, and so is anyone who get between that enemy and me." Frederick reached up to his shoulder pulling off the badge that represented his grand rank, and tossed it on the floor. "Long live the King" his voice was deep dark and ominous. These were the last wordsLouis would ever hear from his friend.
Royal Palace Courtyard Three Minutes later
"What happened! Did you get promoted to General? Did he Knight you? God man talk !" Eric stated as he and Frederick walked to the Gates.
"I'm leaving tomorrow morning, Your the new Colonel. Take care of the Musketeers, and if you by chance see Athos, tell him I wish him my best. Good bye my friend. All For One" Frederick arrived at the gates and prepared his horse to leave, quickly taking the reins and rushing to his cabin home, Leaving Eric behind.
"And One for All. Good bye old friend".
One Day Later
Upon the streets of Paris, walked a beautiful woman, with an unusual wardrobe. She wore a blue uniform, reminisent of those that the Musketeers wore. Her ivory white boots reached high upon her legs going above her knee. Her blue jacket reached past the waist un button to reveal a white button up shirt, with a handkerchief around her neck. Around her waist she wore a belt full of tiny viles and potions, and to the left of her waist hung her large broadsword. Ivy' s SC2 2p
She made her way through the many alleys of the beautiful city. As she reached a corner of the Market, a small boy stole a loaf of bread. He quickly slipped past her bumping into her. "What a rude little boy." She continued walking until she noticed. "That little thief stole my vile" She quickly began chase.
The boy had stopped at a little stoop, beside him were a bunch of thugs and low-lives. A rather large man got up and patted the kid on his head. "Good job boy. Now give me the vile" The large man took the vile from his hands, the little container of glass seemed puny in his enormous hands. "This should fetch a good price on the market"
It was then that the woman had caught up with the little boy. "Excuse me little boy, please return the vile you stole from me" The woman had known that when it came to little kids it was better to be gentle, otherwise they would often make more trouble.
The man stood in front of the little kid, and cracked his knuckles. "Hey lady, why don't you just forge about the vile and go home before you get into real trouble" The large man seemed intimidatingly large compared to the Alchemist.
"If you do not return that which is rightfully mine then their will be trouble" the platinum haired woman gripped the hilt of her sword, trying to intimidate the large man.
"Oh so the little wants a fight does she." the man let out an explosive whistle "Come on boys!" he swung his arm as signaling his gang of thugs. Each of them had a weapon of their own, a tall skinny one held a pitch fork, whilst another had two large knifes in his grip. A thick large man carried with him a large butcher knife that he passed on to their leader, finally equipping himself with a pair of spike embeded brass knuckles. Another pair of thick bearded burly men appeared one weilding a mace and the other a large thick bat.
Compared to the men the alchemist seemed almost puny in size. She quickly drew her sword however, un phased by the large men. But not far away they heard a horse trotting his way their direction. The sound began to get louder and louder until finally the figure showed himself. It was non other than the former Colonel of the Musketeers himself, Frederick. The group of men looked up at him their eyes filed with fear.
"What is going on here" his voice loud and demanding. The woman looked up at him, his scarf covered most of his face but still their was something familiar about him. Frederick noticed her gaze, and his heart skipped a beat as he realized who the enchantress was. His eyes stared back at hers. He quickly turned his head. "I shall not repeat myself, what is going on here.?"
The leader of the thugs spoke out. "My lord this woman attempted to take my life, look at her she would have struck me down with that sword".
"You liar!" The woman spat. Frederick stepped off of his stallion, and began to walk closer the small group of people.
"Then tell me miss, what was it that happened?" He was standing directly between the woman and the group of men.
"I need not explain myself to you" She gave him a ice cold stare. Her teeth clenched tight, as she began to become irritated with them altogether.
"Watch your tongue woman, you are talking to lord Frederick" spoke one of the thinner thugs.
"I don't care who he is. If you do not return to me what is rightfully mine, I shall kill you all" her grip upon her sword tightened once more.
"Enough of this" Frederick turned toward his stallion, and from the side of the horse pulled out his large and powerful sword. The alchemist, looked upon the sword. It was far too familiar it had to have been Siegfried's she thought. Frederick continued "You men return her what you have stolen and, you can go freely without arrest. However next time you do this it's to the Bastille were you shall go."
"Very well my lord" the leader returned the small vial to the woman, who promptly placed her sword back into it's scabbard.
"Good. Now go about your business" Frederick placed his sword back in it's place and sat once more upon his steed. His horse had barely managed to go a few paces before the woman stopped him.
"Wait, Sir Frederick, where is it that you got that sword?" she pointed toward the large blade that hung upon the horse's side.
"I received it from a old friend...He died three months ago" he turned his gaze away from her.
The alchemist's heart became overwhelmed by a deep and yet new feeling it had never felt like a sharp dagger had quickly stabbed it. Her face was that of deep sorrow, Frederick felt sorry for her as he noticed this but couldn't help but be a little happy at the providence of seeing such a cold woman become all too human.
"Tell Mademoiselle, what is your name?" he asked her shacking her out of her sad thoughts.
"My name is Isabella Valentine, call me Ivy" She bowed her head before the man.
"En Chante miss Valentine" He bowed in response.
"Tell me where is it that you are headed?" She asked not giving him the chance to continue on his path. By the looks of how equipped the Stallion he rode was it was apparent that he was going on a long quest.
"I'm off to Germany to...handle a disturbance" He looked away.
"I don't suppose your going off to fight the Azure Knight are you?" She stated her eyes ever calculating.
"I...your a clever woman. And from what I can tell a strong arm, but where I go now no one can follow" he motioned for his horse to continue.
"I'm sorry my lord but if it's to the Azure Knight you go I will have to stop you" She quickly re-drew her sword, pointing it's deadly tip at his face.
He looked down at her his gaze becoming focused and hard and in a flash he quickly took out his own sword from his steed quickly connecting with her own sword to knock it out of her grasp.
"I've but moved once and already defeated you what makes you think you can stop me" he quickly found his answer the sword came to life extending itself quickly pressing it tip onto his neck.
"Not all is what it appears" She had a slight smirk upon her face.
"If only you knew how true that is" He stated as he rubbed his neck as the sword retracted.
"Give me a few moments to pack my thing's I shall meet you shortly at this spot" she stated sheathing her sword.
From a far loud hoof beats were heard they thundered and echoed in the walls of the city quickly making their way to where the two warriors stood.
"Frederick thank god, I thought you had left." Eric had arrived, with various other Musketeers on his rear. He gaze wandered from Frederick to Ivy, "Well what do we have here what a lovely Mademoiselle, Frederick you've been holding out on me, you never told me you knew someone so beautiful" Eric dismounted from his horse taking off his quilled hat he went to reach for the maiden's hand.
"Touch me and it will be the last thing you ever feel" she said as she placed her hand on the hilt of her blade.
"If I am ever as so lucky to touch such an angel then I hope that is the last thing I feel" He said as he bowed before her ever cold gaze.
"Eric what is it?" Frederick interrupted.
"Oh yes I nearly forgot, the King requested for me to find you and give you this" he motioned for another Musketeer who handed him a small black case, the outside was made of a dark blue velvet. Frederick reached for it quickly opening the small box, and before it was opened to a sliver he quickly closed it, it's presence ever so familiar. Ivy sensed it as well.
"Soul Edge" she whispered low enough for only the three to hear.
"Just a small shard" Frederick responded.
"What?" Eric looked at her confused that she could possibly know the content inside the case.
"We must be off" Frederick stated placing the small box into one of the many sockets on his belt.
"Wait wait wait, what the hell is going on? what in the world is Soul Edge? and how could you have possibly known what was in that box?" Eric stammered, the other Musketeers tried to listen closer but to no avail.
"Their is no time, Ivy get your things ready we leave for Germany as soon as your packed." Frederick stated as he reached for her hand to help her upon the stallion.
"Wait Germany..." Eric thought to himself. "Oh no, I know your not going to do what I think you are" He looked up intently at Frederick, whose eyes reflected his solemn reply. "Frederick your be far one of the greatest warriors I've ever met and one of the most amazing people I have met, but this is Suicide. Nightmare has killed hundred if not thousands. How can you possibly hope to over come him" his speech was reminisent of the king's own sentiment.
"I must do what ever I can" Frederick replied.
"Then if it's Germany your off to then to Germany I shall follow." Eric replied quickly remounting his horse.
"No my friend you must stay here. If I am in need I'll need you to rally all the Musketeers" Frederick replied.
"But I...Fine Frederick you win this time, but please my friend take care of yourself" Eric stated. as Frederick's stallion continued to trot. "Frederick...fighting along side you has been my lifes honor"
Frederick looked back at him giving him one more solemn look before replying "All for one"
"And one for all" then just as quickly Frederick and Ivy disappeared.
Preview to Next Chapter: Ivy's P.O.V My heart pains me to know that Siegfried, my once trueest companion has passed on to the next life. But still I must not stray from my mission. This Frederick seems to be well known and a good swordsman, but I can't shake the feeling that I know him from somewhere. But what's this upon our trip to Germany we meet a pair of young warriors. Let us hope they will not interfere in our mission.