I'm sorry that the pervious chapter was short. I'll try to make future chapters such as this one longer. I will also include responses to reviews at the bottom.

Disclaimer: I don't own any games or characters represented in this story.

War of the Warriors: Crystals of the Sky

Chapter 2: The Quest Begins

Auron woke up that morning will the images of the night before running through his head. He took the crystal out of his pocket and looked at it again. 'This is no ordinary crystal', thought Auron. Then his put it back in his pocket and started to clear out his campsite so he could continue with his travels.

He traveled through the valley for several hours before coming across a small village. It was as simple looking place that had houses made from straw and wood. 'I wonder if they have any sake here', thought Auron who looked at he empty sake jar. 'They probably don't but I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask.' As Auron continued towards the village, he noticed a teenage girl gathering water from a near by well. At first, the girl didn't seem to notice him, but as she caught at glimpse of Auron, she began to stare at him. She had a look of curiosity, but as she continued to stare, her expression changed. Slowly, the girl began to approach the warrior. 'I wonder what she wants?', thought Auron.

Talim remembered the fateful events of the past night. After the crystals fell from the sky, she woke up her uncle, the village chief. The chief was very disturbed by what his niece told him. He knew that this day would come, but he couldn't believe that it would happen in his lifetime.

That morning the chief told Talim that he had a vision about a warrior coming to the village. According to the vision, this warrior would play a large role in determining the fate of the world. However, the chief was not sure if this stranger was good or evil. If he was good then he may be one of the heroes from the prophecy, but if he was evil then he might use the crystal's powers to destroy the village. It was this thought which filled Talim's head throughout the day as she did her chores. As she went to the well to gather water, she wondered who this warrior was, what he would look like, and whether was on the side of good or evil. What Talim didn't know was that her questions would be answered very soon.

As she was gathering water, Talim noticed as mysterious stranger approaching the village. Upon further observation she realized he was a warrior. Suddenly, her uncle's vision popped into her head again and she became wary of the stranger. She also felt the presence of a crystal. 'He must be the one that uncle saw in his vision. I wonder why he is here. Is he going to destroy the village? He could be good, but I can't risk it', thought Talim. Fearing the safety of her village, Talim approached the warrior ready to defend her home.

"Tell me who you are and what you're doing here!" demanded Talim. "My name is Auron", replied the warrior "and who might you be?" "I am Talim, one of the warriors of this village", said the girl. "You look a little young to be a warrior", replied Auron. "I wouldn't underestimate me if I were you", snapped Talim, who pulled out the pair of tonfas that were strapped to her waist. "Now tell me why you have that crystal in your pocket and how you plan to use it!" Talim demanded.

Auron was stunned. "How did you know that I had a crystal?" asked Auron. "I could sense its power", replied Talim, who looked like she was about to fight. "What do you want from me?" asked Auron. Talim glared at him and replied "I want you to give me that crystal of yours and leave the village." "What if I refuse?" asked Auron. "Then I will have to take it by force", replied Talim.

Suddenly, Talim swung her tonfas at Auron, who stepped aside and dodged the attack. She attacked again, but Auron seemed to predict her actions and dodged her strikes. Frustrated, Talim jumped up and attempted to strike from the air, but Auron blocked her attack with his sword. As their weapons clashed, sparks began to fly and pressure began to build up. Suddenly, Talim lost her grip on her tonfas and they flew from her hands. Defenseless, Talim fell to the ground fearing the end.

Minutes went by and nothing happened. Talim looked up at Auron, who simply gave a gentle smile. Then, Auron pulled out the crystal from his pocket and dropped it in front of Talim. "If you want it so much then take it. I have no use for it", said Auron, who began to walk away from the village. Talim stared at the crystal that lay before her and began to think. 'He could have killed me but he didn't and he willingly gave up the crystal. I wonder if he is one the heroes from the prophecy?'

"Wait! Please don't go! I'm sorry that I attacked you", apologized Talim, who grabbed Auron by the arm and dragged him back towards the village. Auron looked at her even more confused than before. "Please come with me", said Talim as she led Auron to the chief's house.

"Uncle, I'm home. There is someone you should meet", said Talim when they reached the chief's hut. "Ah, I see. Welcome, brave warrior", said the chief as he examined Auron with great curiosity. "Uncle, is he one of the heroes from the prophecy?", asked Talim. "If he had the crystal but had desire to use it, then he very well could be", said the chief. "Prophecy? What are you talking about?", asked Auron. "Sit down brave warrior and I shall tell you everything you need to know" said the chief.

After the chief stooped talking, Auron began to let everything set in. 'So, the crystals have mysterious powers and a power struggle will erupt because of it. And I could be one of the people chosen to keep the crystals safe from evil hands. I just wanted some sake, but it looks like I've gotten myself into some sort of quest.' "Sir, what should I do now?", asked Auron. "Well, let's find out where the crystals landed first", said the chief as he grabbed a crystal ball from the shelf. The village chief stared at the ball for several minutes. "I have detected a crystal in the ruins south of here and another one at the town that is a days walk east", said the chief. The chief continued, "Sir Auron, you should leave this crystal here and go to the town east of us. I will send Talim and several others to secure the crystal in the southern ruins. When you secure the crystal in the town, please bring it back here." Auron nodded his head in acceptance of the mission; still not exactly sure of what he had gotten himself into.

After the chief gave him some food and supplies, Auron said goodbye to Talim and headed towards the town in the east. What Auron didn't know was that this seemingly simple fetch quest would turn into an epic journey that would change his life forever.

Characters in this chapter: Auron (FFX), Talim (Soul Calibur 2)

Review Responses

SpartanComander: I'm not too familiar with Halo characters, but I will try to add some if I can. As for Spiderman, I'm not quite sure if I can add him in but I will if I can. If I do add Halo characters or Spiderman, in will probably be much later in the story.