A/N: Well, since the last two chapters were contributed by Midnight Crystal Sage and Highwayman Myth, I thought I might write a chapter of my own :) I want to thank them for writing funny chapters and also for her kind words of encouragement. Also I want to thank those who have reviewed and they are Jamester211, Unknown, Major Mike Powell III, Razer Athane, Hana Goldflower, Paladin Dragoon, Link Guru, SephirothBeatrix, Lord Destroyer, Icy Cake, Biohazard 101 and finally BassGS. Since Lord Destroyer suggested numerous ways of killing Rothion I have decided to use one of them and yes, it involves Talim!
Disclaimer: All the Soul Calibur characters belong to Namco, and not me.
Death by Swinging Tonfas
By AngelEyes87
"THAT'S IT!"
A very shocked Talim literally jumped a mile into the air, completely taken by surprise at the sound of a highly pissed off male. From her sitting position on the fresh grass Talim glanced around in every direction, trying to look for the source of the voice, but to her disbelief, there was no one in sight. Talim shrugged her shoulders slightly while hugging her knees to her chest, a soft smile appearing on her pretty face. It must have been my imagination I guess…
For the first time in four months to be exact Talim was relaxing, just soaking up the sun while losing herself in the vast beauty of nature. During her travels with a Korean man, who were three years her senior, she had absolutely no time to herself as both of them were seeking the cursed sword, Soul Edge. Deep down in her heart Talim knew the sword was said to be evil and it was her mission to destroy it for the good of mankind. Back in her village, she was known as the last priestess of the winds and all of the people looked up to her as she was able to read the changes within the winds, amongst other special abilities involving the sacred element of air.
With her gentle spirit and a pure desire for adventure, she had dismissed her elders despite their constant warnings. Talim knew they meant well by insisting it wasn't in her place to complete such a dangerous task. However that just wasn't the case…From an early age her parents taught her to stand up for her beliefs, encouraging her on the path of righteousness, freedom and justice. Now at the age of fifteen she had grown into a mature young woman with a strong sense of pride and dignity to her. At times she would often think of what her parents thought about her…Sighing deeply, she pushed all those kind of thoughts to the back of her head. Now is not the time to think things like that. She should be enjoying herself, instead of worrying about her village.
At that moment a white rabbit neared her while Talim watched in interest, the wind blowing through her ruffled dark hair. For as long as she could remember Talim has been such a sucker for animals, especially rabbits and birds. The creature stopped a few inches from where her feet were, raised its head and looked up at Talim with the cutest bright eyes she had ever seen. Talim giggled girlishly while putting her legs flat down on the ground, stroking the rabbit's long ears tenderly. The rabbit seemed to enjoy the girl's petting as it rested its head on her lap, its nose slightly bobbing up and down in the most adorable way. Talim's heart melted instantly, grinning widely.
"Aww!" she crooned babyishly as she picked up the rabbit with two hands. She lovingly cuddled the animal to her. "Who's the sweetest? Yes, you are! I know…I'll call you Mr Snuggles! I'll look after you and take care of you and-"
"YO, TALIM! ARE YOU DEAF OR WHAT?!"
Talim yelped loudly, immediately flinging the rabbit away while covering her ears in the process. A few seconds later, her hands dropped from her head, focusing her attention on the creature - the rabbit appeared not to be moving. She gasped loudly as the terrible realisation dawned upon her. Oh no, I've actually killed Mr Snuggles! Soon enough her anguish turned into fury – if it weren't for that stupid fool yelling at her then this wouldn't have happened at all! Angrily she peered over her shoulderto see Yun Sung heading her way with a look of immense fury on his face. She rolled her eyes, wondering why the hell he was in a foul mood this time…
It wasn't before long that Yun Sung was standing a few yards away from her. An awkward silence lingered in the air as his gaze was set on the dead rabbit, bewilderment in his eyes. Talim grimaced as Yun Sung turned his head and raised his eyebrows at her. Great, now he must have thought that she had killed the damn animal! Before Talim tried to explain everything, she was caught off guard as the corners of his mouth lifted in a small smile.
"Oh, good…we can have that for our dinner!"
Talim glared fiercely at her male companion in response. "Must you always be so insensitive ALL the time?!"
"Say what?" Yun Sung exclaimed in surprise, obviously offended by what she said. Talim shook her head sadly, sighing in total defeat – he really did think the world revolved around him…
"Never mind," Talim murmured flatly. "Anyway, what's the matter now, oh great one?"
"Oh, that's REAL funny, Talim! I'm in a mood already so I don't need any of your smartarse comments."
"Fine, don't tell me then…"
"Alright, I've had it with this STUPID bandana that I've been forced to wear!"
Yun Sung impatiently yanked the green bandana off from his head, revealing his gorgeous spiky red hair. He silently glared at the item clutched tightly in his hand. With a feral growl Yun Sung threw the bandana onto the ground then proceeded to stomp on it with one of his feet. While watching this, Talim bit down on her lower lip to stop herself from laughing out loud. In all her life she had NEVER witnessed something funny as this apart from the time she put itching powder in her male teacher's pants as he bossed her around too much. She must have made a noise because Yun Sung narrowed his eyes at her. Talim glanced away in embarrassment, blushing a bit.
"I swear, if they insist for me to wear that awful THING, I will shove my foot right up their arse so they can't sit down ever!" Yun Sung raged, glowering darkly. Talim chuckled gently, amused at the fact that he was angry by a simple thing like a bandana. It never ceased to amaze her that he was very obsessed with his looks. If anything was out of place or didn't look good on him then he would always throw a tantrum no matter what.
"I don't think it's awful, Yun Sung," she happily assured him. "Honestly I think it looks…sexy."
Her eyes travelled virginally over his exposed upper torso. She would often wonder what kind of body he kept under his clothes and now with his muscled torso on display, she couldn't help but to admire him. For a few seconds she stared dreamily at him, her grin widening even more. Yun Sung grunted as he crossed his arms firmly over his chest, pouting like a young child who had been refused sweets.
"Yeah, right!" he drawled sarcastically, causing Talim to frown deeply. "You're just saying that to make ME feel better!"
"That isn't true," she retorted stubbornly. Talim scowled when he shrugged his shoulders as if to say he couldn't less.
Needless to say, Talim expected something like that to happen. They were more or less two opposite sides of the same coin. Talim represented Yin while on the other hand Yun Sung represented Yang. She was more of a pacifist, trying her best to create a profound effect on her opponent with strong, hard-hitting words. Unfortunately he was a complete rebel, letting his fiery temper take over him while beating the absolute shit out of anyone without a care in the world.
Ever since their first meeting, it had not been easy at all. Whilst fighting, Talim cautioned him more than once, claiming that Soul Edge was tainted but being the arrogant young man he was, Yun Sung argued that the sword was the only way to save his homeland of Korea. To be honest Talim feared for Yun Sung as she was worried that the sword's power could corrupt his soul, making him a slave to the most darkest of desires. It was really plain to see that she did care for the eighteen year old Korean, but he was oblivious to her feelings. One good thing that came out of it was that Yun Sung now realised that Soul Edge was ultimately evil. Along their journey she prayed that she could convince him to see the errors of his ways and help her destroy the sword. However something told her she was going to have a lot of difficulty trying to achieve it…
"Anyway, you're lucky," Yun Sung remarked gently. He appeared to have calmed down slightly. "You don't have to wear a hat like me, Tal."
Talim stared down at the ground, not bothering to answer him. I wonder what his reaction will be when I tell him…Sighing softly, she reached inside the pocket of her shorts and pulled out something while Yun Sung watched curiously, scratching the back of his head absent-mindedly. What she revealed mildly surprised him.
She gave him a small smile while putting on her priestess hat. "Actually, I do!"
"Great, just FUCKING great!" he exclaimed rather loudly, throwing his arms up in annoyance. That had wiped the smile off Talim's face right away. "Now EVERYONE is going to think us two are a couple!"
"But, wait a minute…" Talim said lowly, getting to her feet and standing beside him. "I-I thought we ARE a couple."
"What, you seriously think that me and you…?"
Yun Sung broke off, looking as if he had seen a ghost from the past. Confusion laced Talim's features, wanting more than nothing to take back the words that came out of her mouth just then. Maybe I have overstepped the line. Just as Talim was about to ask him if he was alright, Yun Sung started to snigger. It wasn't before then he was roaring with laughter while doubling up, clutching his sides as if his life depended on it. Needless to say, Talim was not amused with the way he was acting. Why on earth was he laughing at a serious time like this? She impatiently planted her hands on her hips, not believing how immature Yun Sung was. After a good few minutes or so, he had finally stopped laughing, wiping tears from his eyes.
"Don't get me wrong, Talim, you're a sweet girl and all, but I don't like you in THAT way. We're friends and that's how it is going to be…"
"But what about all those times you told me you loved me, huh?" Talim protested, showing her displeasure, trying her damn best to show that what he said wasn't hurting her. In fact Talim felt like her heart was shattering into tiny pieces. "That you said that I was the only girl who filled your life with joy and significance!"
"Heh, I was drunk when I said that I loved you-"
"WHAT?!"
"-and I only said those things to accompany you on your journey to get more information on the sword. There, I've just said it! Are you happy now?"
"DOES IT LOOK LIKE I'M HAPPY, YUN SUNG?!" Talim screamed, furiously advancing on a now stunned Yun Sung who was retreating backwards. She laid a punch on his arm. "HOW COULD YOU?!"
"Geez, you can't punch properly," Yun Sung told her, chuckling lightly. "Mina has done FAR worse to me than that."
"After all this time, I really thought you have changed, but I guess I was wrong," Talim told him, the emotion evident in her voice. "Trust me, your cockiness will be your downfall so don't come crying to me when you LOSE a fight!"
"Ha, I hardly doubt that," he confidently remarked, smirking. "I'm the best and don't you forget it."
At that moment, Talim turned red in the face with anger. "You…you…you," she spluttered. "YOU BIG DO-DO HEAD!"
Upon saying that, Talim started to blush a bright red while Yun Sung burst out laughing. God, she REALLY needed to work on her insults if she wanted to be seen as an adult…Only a child would say a thing like "Do-do head" but then again Talim weren't keen on using profanity and cursing. Great, now she has turned herself into a laughing stock! Without saying anything Yun Sung walked away with his head held up in triumph while she looked onwards, seriously tempted to throw a stick at him in the hopes of knocking him out.
"Hmm, what can I do now?" she sadly questioned herself, falling to her knees while pain tore at her heart. Just then an idea hit her. "I know…Sophitia!"
Meanwhile over in Athens, morning had just arrived and everyone was waking up to a glorious new day. In the Alexandra household Sophitia was busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast while peacefully humming her Soul Blade theme tune, Heavenly Engage, under her breath. On the other side of the living room, Patroklos and Pyrrha, her two beloved children, were happily playing with one another, their laughter of delight filling the air. Everything seemed quiet and relaxed until Rothion rapidly entered the room, appearing to be in a rush. Sophitia stopped what she was doing and stared at her husband.
"Aren't you going to have something to eat, dear?" she tenderly asked, watching Rothion as he downed a glass of milk in less a few seconds.
"Sorry, I don't have the time, my love." Rothion gave his wife a small gentle kiss before walking away from her, opening the front door. "I have a very important meeting today and I can't be late for it."
"Good luck," Sophitia wished him, blowing a kiss in his direction.
"Bye, daddy!" the children chorused. Rothion smiled to himself as he stepped out of the door.
"I'll see you in a few – ARGGHHH!"
His sentence was left unfinished as he saw Talim falling from the sky, screaming as she did so. Rothion's eyes widened in terror as he realised she was about to fall on him, not moving an inch due to the sheer state of shock he currently was in. Instantly Talim landed on top of him, forcing him to the floor in less than no time. Low groans emitted from the both of them. Talim slowly sat up, clutching her head gently then checking to see if she was alright. A smile appeared on her face and she chuckled.
"It's a good thing I landed on something supportive otherwise I might have been seriously injured!"
A muffled voice came from underneath her, "Please…get…off…me…right…now."
Talim glanced down, shocked to find out that she currently was squashing Rothion. She gasped as she hurried to get off him, staggering to her feet. Her hand rose up to cover her mouth, not knowing what to do. In a vain attempt she offered a hand to him as he tried to sit up.
"Oh, I do apologise," she said, helping Rothion to a standing position. "I honestly didn't mean-"
"Don't worry, you're forgiven," he interrupted, feeling his head throb. He was pretty sure that he was going to get a headache shortly – not a good thing at all. To find out what was going on, Sophitia came to the doorway, stunned to see Talim there.
"Talim?"
"Long time no see, Sophitia."
"Oh, Talim! What a lovely surprise!" The two women shared a loving embrace, pleased to see each other. Sophitia pulled back slightly and gently cupped the side of Talim's face. "How on earth did you get here?"
"The wind carried me here," Talim replied modestly.
"Has anyone told you what a strange little girl you are?" Rothion questioned while leaning against the doorframe casually.
Sophitia gave her husband a dark look. "Rothion!"
Before he could even protest his innocence, he was left standing there while Sophitia escorted the younger girl into the house. Rothion shrugged in response and followed the two women, closing the door behind him. Something told him he was going to be late for his meeting and the reason for this was in the form of this annoying priestess. Sophitia and Talim sat down next to each other on the settee and upon seeing the look of dismay on Talim's face, Sophitia was concerned.
"Talim, whatever is the matter?"
"It's-it's Yun Sung."
"I see…What has he done wrong now?"
"We…we had an argument and now he has gone," Talim murmured, sniffling sadly, feeling her eyes slightly watering. "He said he only travelled with me to find out more about Soul Edge, the idiot used me. Oh, I was a fool to believe he would have changed and see sense."
"Us women are flawed as we think we change men into what we want them to be," reminded Sophitia. Talim lowered her head, wallowing in her misery. "You had feelings for him, correct?"
"Yes," Talim whispered, her answer betraying her. "I loved him with all my heart, but the feeling wasn't mutual."
"Aww, you poor girl!"
"Looks like someone is suffering from PMS," Rothion teased, his eyes lighting up boyishly. Unfortunately this made the situation even worse as Talim burst into tears, crying helplessly. Sophitia gently placed her arms around the sobbing girl, pulling Talim closer to her for comfort and affection. Out of curiosity Pyrrha went over to the two females.
"Mummy, why is Aunt Talim crying?"
"Because your ignorant FOOL of a father couldn't keep his mouth shut," Sophitia answered her daughter while narrowing her eyes at Rothion. A few seconds later, she turned her attention to Talim, saying, "Okay, later on we can discuss this some more as I have to leave shortly to run some errands for my parents. Meanwhile Rothion can help cheer you up."
Rothion's mouth dropped open in surprise. "WHAT?! If you have forgotten already, I HAVE a meeting to go to!"
"Oh, I'm sure you can rearrange the meeting some other day, darling," she suggested, nodding as if to prove she was right. "Anyway you're good at making people happy – honestly you listen to my problems and you give good advice!"
"Ah, but there is a BIG difference," Rothion reasoned. "Talim isn't my wife – you are. Plus the fact I am forced to listening to your problems otherwise you nag me to death about it and won't leave me alone."
"Well, that's what married life is." Sophitia smiled gently. "In the end women will get their own way."
"Why did the Gods create women, I shall never know," Rothion muttered quietly, his head bowed down in defeat. For a moment he wondered if he were better off being single and not put up with Sophitia's ways of making him feel slightly stupid than before.
Half an hour later, Sophitia left along with the two children to go to her parents' house, leaving her husband completely alone with Talim. Thankfully the young girl had stopped crying, which pleased Rothion to a certain extent. Like a typical man, he was absolutely clueless on what he should and should not do when a woman is bawling their eyes out. Normally Rothion would say the wrong things at the wrong time and every time he was rewarded with a hit by the female in the process – that was mostly why he didn't want to get involved.
Right now Talim was outside in the front, practicing with her tonfas, which was her most favoured weapon of all time. They had never let her down in battle, not even once. Meanwhile Rothion was sitting on a wooden bench with a bored expression on his face, having to suffer from Talim's constant complaining about Yun Sung. He sighed deeply – this wasn't how he envisioned his morning would go…Blah, blah, blah! That's all women are good that, talking a person to death! Honestly what did he have to do to damn well MAKE her shut the hell up?
"I swear, if I happen to meet him again sooner or later, I'm just going to ignore him," Talim announced as she twirled her tonfas around then followed it up with a lower swipe then a rising kick. "If he think that he will able to sweet-talk me then he has another think coming! Isn't that right, Rothion?"
The Greek man just gritted his teeth in response, on the verge of snapping. "Yes…"
Talim didn't reply, too busy focusing on her training, lost in the intensity of the moment. The silence lingered like a horrible stench in the air and Rothion couldn't take it any longer – there was so much that a man could take for the love of God. Rothion peered from left to right, making sure his SWEET wife didn't appear out of thin air to catch him in the act. Knowing Sophitia, she would scowl him and not speak to him for the rest of the day. In seeing that the cost was clear, a crafty grin appeared on his face as he stood up, starting to creep away quietly without Talim even noticing.
Images of Yun Sung filled Talim's mind as the sound of his mocking laughter echoed loudly in her ears. A low growl emitted from her throat.
"Oh, I only said those things to you when I was drunk! Oh, you really thought we were a couple – what a STUPID brat you are!" Talim said, imitating Yun Sung, imaging him standing not so far away from her.
Her moves with her weapons were starting to become more wilder and aggressive, something that she had never done in her entire life before. Just even thinking about Yun Sung was making her angry! Damn him for making her feel this way…With a loud cry, Talim executed a strong horizontal swipe with one of her tonfas, overdoing the attack. It wasn't before then she heard a surprised yell which was followed by a slight thud in the process. She stood still on the spot, just standing there with a confused expression on her face.
"Rothion?" she questioned gently, wondering why the hell he wasn't saying anything at all.
Talim gasped as she turned around to see Rothion's dead body lying on the floor. To make things even worse, his head had been severed! She bit her lip nervously, realising that she went a LITTLE too far with the strike at the end. Oh God, I'm in trouble now! Great, now I'm going straight to Hell for this...Out of sheer panic, Talim was on the verge of running until she spotted some white bed sheets hanging on a washing line nearby. Quickly she grabbed it and covered Rothion's corpse and head with the sheet.
"I just hope I don't get caught for this!" Talim exclaimed while fleeing the scene.
A/N: The whole exchange with Talim and Yun Sung about the hats was a joke that I came up with as I was thinking what if some characters decided to complain about their attire that they have to wear in Soul Calibur 4. Talking of SC4, my copy arrived on the last day of July as beforehand my dad pre-ordered it for me so yeah, you could say I'm lucky. Anyway the game is so fucking awesome and personally, this is the best in the series. When I first got the game, the first character I used was Siegfried as I was unable to resist him ;-) Only one thing that could be improved is the Story Mode as the cut scenes didn't seem to fit in with the story I think.