Chapter 18: The King Falls
After returning Haven City and Spargus back to normalcy, the crew journeyed back to Swords and Souls to check on friends and return Soul Calibur and Soul Edge. When the gummi broke through the atmosphere, it was midmorning and the sky was a bright blue and white, wispy clouds dotted the wild blue yonder. The ship touched down several yards away from the Edgemaster's place. Riza was the first to jump out and Ren handed her Soul Calibur and Soul Edge, and the rest of team soon followed. They made to the door in a few minutes, Josh reached up to knock, but it swung open quickly before he could try. Xianghua stood there, a surprised expression on her face.
"Josh! Riza, Charlie! You're back!" Xianghua quickly embraced the twenty-something sage before her. "Something terrible happened! Kilik was kidnapped," tears welled up, threating to fall. She quickly wiped them away. Taking a deep, calming breath, she ushered the four in, telling Riza to bring the swords downstairs to the Edgemaster. Xianghua got the group drinks while Riza was gone and was introduced to Ren. When the keybearer returned minutes later Xianghua told the group the story of when Kilik was kidnapped.
"We were sparring for the entire morning, then we took a break at noon. I went in to get drinks and something to eat. When I came out, Kilik had his staff ready and staring down a man in a black coat, much like Terre's. He pointed at Kilik but I couldn't hear anything, and that's when Kilik charged," Xianghua's tears appeared as she remembered the fight, "The speed this guy moved at was unreal. Kilik couldn't keep up. I tried to join in, but Kilik stopped me. So I did the next best thing, I went to get the Edgemaster. When we returned, Kilik was struck in the back and fell, Kali-Yuga falling from his grasp," The tears rolled silently off her cheeks and on to her lap.
"The Edgemaster couldn't even fend off this fighter. He fell too. When the fighter looked at me, I froze. He walked over to Kilik's unconscious body and picked him up. They left in a dark portal. It's been two weeks," Xianghua was quietly sobbing, Riza put a reassuring arm around the girl's shoulders.
The team looked puzzled, except for Ren, his face was a ghostly white, his hazel eyes wide with fright, and mouth agape. "Ren, you ok, brother?" Riza looking at her older sibling.
"Xianghua, what kind of weapon did this fighter use?"
Xianghua, puffy-faced and red-eyed looked at the elder Ukaizr, "Steel weapons, I believe. Why?" She wiped her eyes with her hand.
"I think I know the fighter you speak of. His name is Acier, and you didn't hear what he said, because he doesn't talk."
"Like a mime?" Charlie quipped.
Ren shook his head, "I wish he was a mime. He's mute, can't speak. old battle scar acrossed his neck," Ren gestured by dragging his thumb acrossed his throat, on his adam's apple. "His voice box was destroyed."
"But, "Xianghua started, "how did he conceal his weapons. I saw him throw about tenty kunai knives and used two long, broad, swords, however, his jacket was skin tight."
"That's his ability; he manipulates steel. I think he is able to use the iron in his blood and the carbon he lets out of his body when he breathes and turn it into steel. That way he can use any type of steel weapon. He's called the Silent Steel Assassin for those two reasons: He's silent and uses steel." The room was silent for some moments before a new voice entered the conversation. It was the Edgemaster,
"I see you told them about the odd fighter." Xianghua nodded. "Hmmm, yes, he was truly a remarkable fighter. I'm not surprised that Kilik or even I fell easily to him. His powers are not of this world. We were not use to that type of strength," the Edgemaster paused, gathering his thoughts. "But, perhaps you do, keyblader." Riza looked shocked and pointed to herself as if asking 'me?' and stood. "Yes, you. Xianghua and Kilik, as well as your companions, told me in great detail and enthusiam of your fight against Abyss. You might be able to contend with that being you call Acier.
"Thank you, Honorable Edgemaster," Riza smiled and blushed. Charlie nudged her with her elbow with a goofy smile on. He tilted his head with a smile. In the next room, a whistle blew out, "Ah, my tea. Well, I'll leave you to attend to these troubling matters." The Edgemaster walked out of the room."Hey!" Riza pounded her hand with her fist, "Maybe if we find Siegfried, he can help us like he did with Abyss and Nightmare."
Xianghua looked down, "After we fought against Abyss and you left, Siegfried disappeared. So I doubt we can find him in time." Riza looked down, crestfallen. "There is little you can do here. Kilik has been gone for two weeks and Acier didn't give a clue on where he took him."
"After Kilik was taken, did Heartless appear again?" Josh asked.
"I don't think so. Why? I thought you sealed this world off from them?"
"We did," Riza replied, "But they are reappearing. En masse."
"I see."
"How about anyone suspicous, besides Acier?" Ren voiced.
"Now that you mention it. I came back from Japan and China two days ago, soon after Kilik left. There was talk of an undefeated man with a pike taller than him, called himself The King. He's in Japan now, I believe," Xianghua informed, a confused look playing on her face.
In uniosn, the group shouted Tairon's voice, "That bastard," Ren cursed.
"You know him?" Xianghua gasped. She couldn't believe that her friends new that bloodthirsty creature.
"He's an old friend that turn against us," Riza gestured between herself and Ren. "The next battle might be the last we engage in. Ren, I
say we fuse before the battle so we might have a slight advantage," Riza suggested.
"Fuse?" Josh, Charlie, and Xianghua questioned in a odd tone, mixed between shock and amazement.
"What?" the siblings acted like it was an everday thing.
Josh started, "Legend says that Sora, a keyblader of light, was able to fuse with his friends on his second journey with the aid of magical clothes. But you were able to do it without the help of such magic."
Riza looked at the sage with surprised experssion then looked down at herself, "Really now? Maybe it's a thing that is now passed through the keybladers," the ninja shrugged.
"Can we see this form?" Xianghua requested.
Riza looked to Ren and they both their heads, "Sorry, don't want to waste energy," Riza apologized with a sheepish grin.
"Maybe if you come with us to Japan you can see it," Charlie pointed out, "I really want to see this form as well!"
"Then it's decided, we head to Japan!" Josh exclaimed.
"However, it takes at least five days to get there by foot, if we hurry," Xianghua mentioned.
"No problem!" Riza grinned. "We have a sure fire way to get there in less than a half an hour?"
Xianghua was taken back, "How?!"
"Easy! C'mon, we can leave now, grab your sword!" Riza raced out of the house. Xianghua went to retrive her sword.
Ren shook his head and chuckled, "And she's been like this while I was gone?" Josh and Charlie nodded slowly.
"Yeah, unfortunately," Charlie sighed. Xianghua returned moments after, sword in hand. she also informed the Edgemaster that they are leaving for Japan. Riza was already standing by the gummi ship, and ego filled smirk on her face, as if saying, 'Look! I was right!'
"Wow, this is your's?" she addressed the group, they all nodded. "Amazing. What are we waiting for?"
"My thoughts," Riza said, "exactly." The five of them headed into the the ship and seconds laters were airbourne, coordinates set for Japan. "Hey! Xianghua, look at this view!" Riza said excitedly, her face pressed against the multi-layed window. "Xianghua...?" the confused ninja turned around to see Xianghua was no where in sight. "Hey where did she go?"
Ren sat in his seat with his eyes closed and arms crossed over his chest. And eye opened and he pointed to the back of the ship,
"Bathroom. I'm betting airsickeness."
"Oh. That sucks," Riza continued to watch the scenary pass beneathe the ship.
Fifteen minutes later, Josh spoke up, "Hey, we're about to land, so be ready."
Riza got up from her seat and walked to the bathroom, "Hey Xianghua, you ok?"
"Fine...just a little motion sickness I guess."
"Ok, well, we're about to land and it's not safe in the bathroom."
"I'll be out in a second."
"Ok," Riza went back to her seat and fasten her seat belt. Xianghua returned moments later, slightly pale but she seemed better.
"Deploy landing gear, thrusters to minimum power, killing the engine," Josh said to himself, pushing the right buttons to excute the actions. The little ship responded and landed with out trouble amd without witnesses. "OK, you guys ready to take out Tairon?" Josh turned in his seat to face the team. They nodded, "Good let's go."
They exited the ship and it's cloaking device was turned on. They headed to the place where Xianghua saw the pike wielding man. After an hour of walking they made it to the area where the battles were being held.
"Is there no one brave enough and strong enough to challenge The King?!" the voice bellowed.
Ren and Riza ran toward the area, it was open and only barackated by steel bars, like a cage without a top, inside was the man they knew all to well; Tairon. They were about to challenage him but a man with a katana stepped forth. He was dressed in Samurai armour only covering his left arm and shoulder and his right forearm. He wore a blue gi with gold leaves with his right chest bare, a noticable scar in the upper right of his chest. A thick, red rope belt held up his black samurai pants with a white water wave-like desgin and hip armour. Leg armour and red straw sandales with white tabi finshed off the outfit. The man himself had a strong looking face, his long black hair held in a pony tail with stray strand falling about his face. A slight goatee was evident.
"Are you the one being so loud?" he asked in a rough voice, and tapped his right shoulder with his sword still sheathed.
"What if I am? Are you going to challenge me?" Tairon growled back, pointing his pike's uncovered blade at the samurai, the fresh blood dripped from the point. Apparently he didn't notice the two Ukaizrs.
"You seem like a worthy opponent. I will test my strength with you," the samurai leaped over the cage wall and landed crouched down. He stood slowly, he eyes locking with Tairon's in a fierce gaze."What is the name of the warrior I'll erase from this plain of exsitence?' The King smiled arrogantly.
"I don't see telling you my name when you won't live long enough to remember it, but if you must know. The name is Mitsurugi!" He drew his sword, placing the steath on his side, getting into his battle stance.
"Oh-ho! This is an honor! in the short time I've been here, your name appears many times in stories and legends of 'The One Man Army' or 'Demon'. You are the Grest Swordsman, Heishiro Mitsurugi!" he said more as a statement than a questioon.
"I am, and you are dead!" Mitsurugi rushed in quickly, getting close to Tairon. he swiped his sword down low, but Tairon jumped and kicked Mitsurugi in the face sending him skidding across the ground. He got up and wiped the blood from his lip. He rushed in, swinging his sword with expert ppersion, but it was no use against The King.
With flawless movement, Tairon dodged each swing, and countered effectively, knocking the swordsman off balance. Tairon closed in, grabbed Mitsurugi's left arm, throwing him into the opposite side's bars. Closing in swiftly, The King wrapped his right hand around the samurai's throat. "How does it feel, Great Swordsman of the East, to have your life end in such a disgraceful manner?"
"I wouldn't know!" Mitsurugi freed himself by kneeing Tairon in the gut. The grip loosed after four hits. Mitsurugi knocked the fighter way with a punched to the face, sending Tairon several feet away. The samurai rubbed his neck, catching his breath.The King stood up, dusting himself off. "Damn it" he spoke in japanese.
"Today, Mitsurugi will become no more than a legend!" Tairon rushed forth, aiming to drive the pike right through the samurai. Mitsurugi braced for the blow as the blade bit deep into his left shoulder, piercing the armour like it was paper. "Die you washed up samurai!"
"You first bastard!" Riza kicked Tairon in the left shoulder, throwing him from his spot. She looked over her shoulder, "You ok, Mister?"
Mitsurugi grunted as he pulled the pike from his shoulder, "Fine..."
"Ren, get him out of here!" Riza made her stance infront of the staggering Tairon as Ren helped the bleeding warrior over the cage to safety.
"Josh, Charlie, Xianghua, get everyone out of here," Ren leapt back over the cage, back into the danger. He took his postion side-by-side to Riza.
"Who do they think they are? Interfering with my fight like that?" Mitsurugi scoffed.
"People with a grudge, that's who," Charlie explained. She lifted up the wounded fighter, and put his right arm around her shoulders, "Let's see if we could help you out
"Hmm, the Ukaizrs have returned. About time, I've been itching to tear you apart!" Tairon rushed forth, his eyes more demon than human, and swung his pike downward, just missing Ren. Those two launched themselves in a high speed duel with their lives on the line. The weapons clashed and blood was drawn. Tairon's pike was able to slice Ren's left arm. Ren growled in pain.
"Assault of the Pride!" Ren shot forward, slashing away, his blade slamming against The King's Pike.
"Get'em, Ren!" Riza cheered. Ren was in a berserk fenzy, his blade coming in inches to Tairon's flesh. The King didn't realize the true power of the Brave Lion until his blade slammed against the staff of his pike, the vibrations making his arms go slightly numb. Tairon countered but the slash missed; Ren ducked and launched his shoulder into Tairon's stomach, knocking the latter off balance, his grip on his pike loosening. Ren dismissed his blade and went in for melee attacks, punches to the gut and face finshing off with a powerful kick to the side. The kick had enough force to send Tairon through the steel bars of the cage and crashing into a nearby building. Cries of panic erupted as the people in the building scurried to safer shelters.
Ren stood, slightly panting, recovering from the boost of power. Riza ran over, slapping her brother on the back for a congratulations. "It's not over yet," he mentioned in a serious tone. A few seconds later, Tairon emerged from the wreck of a tea house. Scraped, bruised and slightly bleeding, The King stood erect, death in his eyes. The shine seemed to disappear. Ren summoned his Night Steel back as Riza readied her Keyblade.
"You have gotten stronger, Ren. But you're still no match for The King. Troup Grimm was disappointed when you left. They saw great potential in you. You can still come back," Tairon held out his human hand as to help Ren.
"Not a chance. I got what I wanted," he pointed to Riza, "and there is nothing you can sway me otherwise, Tairon!" Ren held Night Steel in front of him, the point aimed at the The King some distance away.
"Oh, there is a way. I can slay Riza right in front of you. As simple as a swing of my pike," a smirk crossed the villain's face.
"Not on you life, scumbag!" Riza roared, her Keyblade taking on a light blue hue, "Rage of the Vulpes!" The keyblader shot forward, Keyblade aimed to gut the smirking man. Tairon back flipped and kicked the girl in the chin, sending her upwards. The second he landed, he launched himself at the stunned teen, a flurry of punches and kicks finding their marks on her body. Her body fell from the air, Ren rushing and catching her just in time before he body slammed against the ground.
"Riza!" Charlie called. She gently lied down the semi-conscious samurai and drew her Elemental Blade of the Gods. Switching the power from steel to earth, she shot up at Tairon. "Earth Dragon Fist!" The heavy rock blade came down hard on Tairon. He tried to defend but the sword was too powerful. With a sickening crack Tairon was on the ground, clutching his left arm, crying out. Charlie landed several feet away from the twisting body of Tairon. Ren let Riza down, the silver haired girl walked over to Charlie, putting her hand on her shoulder."Thanks, we can take it from here. Ren!" Riza summoned her Keyblade, holding out her free hand. The boy nodded and dash forth, right hand extended left holding his blade.
A brilliant flash of light, and standing next to Charlie was Ukaizr. The being looked down a smiled. Charlie nodded and got out of the way. "A sorry I am to say this, Tairon, I wished that you were in a better shape. I'll feel guilty that I have to slay a pitiful creature."
Tairon stood, still clutching his severely broken arm, "This? This is nothing. Especially now that I can charge up the most powerful element my claw can wield. Blood..." The fused ninja looked confused until realization hit. "Yes! Come my pike!" Tairon held out his bloody claw, the pike returning to his grasp. "Pike Bloodbath!" The weapon began absorbing the blood collected from the claw, the staff turning a deep, dark crimson, the blade taking on a lighter shade. Tairon rushed forward, swining his pike with deadly expertise. The three weapons clashed, Ukaizr defending while Tairon attack with furious prowess. Ukaizr saw a momentary lapse in the attack, taking that moment to dodge. The blade came down hard, sending red bolts of energy every which way, Ukaizr dismissed the blades and back flipped several feet away, putting a safe distance between them before summoning the blades again. "You run?!"
"Hardly! Just getting warmed up." Ukaizr rushed forth with Ninja Rush, slamming the Night Steel against Tairon's pike, pushing back the latter. The twirled the Keyblade so the blade pointed down, bringing it across to knock away the pike. Finishing off with a powerful round house kick to The King's stomach, the body going limp. Ukaizr retracted the foot, quickly kneeing Tairon in the face, "Ukaizr Fox Claw!" the blades were dismissed and the fast-paced punches attacked Tairon with blinding speeds. But the swift attack was halted when Tairon caught a fist with his claw. He was breathing hard, blood trickled down his chin, internal bleeding already taking affect.
When he caught his breath, he looked Ukaizr dead in the eyes, "You won't leave this fight...alive." Before Ukaizr knew it, Tairon was kneeing the fused warrior in the gut, multiple times.Tairon finished up by tossing the immobile warrior in the air. He summoned his pike, holding it erect, butt on the ground, blade pointing to the sky; but the power of the crimson element was gone. Ukaizr stopped midair for a split second then began the decent to the ground; the only thing that will break the fall was Tairon's blade. Within two seconds and after a sickening wet stab, the limp body of the fused warrior was pierced with The King's blade.
The place was an eery quiet, everyone too stunned to say anything. Tears welled in Xiuanghua's and Charlie's eyes, Josh looked away. Mitsurugi mumbled about dieing by the way of the sword. Tairon chuckled, then dislodged the blade from the fallen warrior. The echoing sound of the still warm body hung in the tense air.
"Who is my next victim?" He growled in joy. It was all quiet, no one dared to move. With such a strong warrior gone, who could stand up to this monster?
Charlie fell to her knees, clutching her sides, she felt like she was going to be sick, "How could this happen? Riza was the keybearer. Ren was her brother. Both talented ninja. Dead. In an instant. Dead! Dead!!" she bellowed to the heavens.
Xianghua, wiping away her tears stepped forward, her No Name sword in her hand, "I'll kill you!" the usual joking tone of the woman's voice gone.
"You'll fall faster than that mess," Tairon gestured with his head to Ukaizr's still body.
Xianghua changed but was stopped when a small object embedded itself in front of her. Looking down, it was a kunai. Her eyes followed the invisible path to the thrower. "As you can see Tairon, I'm not done yet!" Everyone looked up to see Ukaizr standing proud, no wound where the body was stabbed. The other disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"How in the hell did you survive?!" he roared, a vein throbbing on his forehead.
"Simple. Ukaizr's are master tricksters. It's in our blood. We can decive our foes and friends alike," the fused warrior looked the the gawking friends, "Sorry guys I tricked you. I had to if I wanted to trick him."
Charlie stood up, her head down, her sobbing had topped. Josh looked at her, and jumped back when her head snapped up, a fierce look in her eyes, "Ukaizr Riza, if you can hear me, I'm so kicking your ass when this is over!!" Charlie wiped away the left behind tears, her cheeks slightly tear-stained. But, if one was to look in her eyes, they would see a relieved soul.
Ukaizr chuckled. The gaze of the fused warrior was turned to Tairon, with the fire of the fighting spirit burning strong, "You're finished Tairon!" Ukaizr summoned the blades and went on the attack. Tairon scowled, drawing up his pike with his still mobile arm. He deflected the swipe from Night Steel and blocked the follow-up from the Keyblade, which pushed him back. Ukaizr continued the attack, the duel blades slamming against the pike's staff. Tairon dodged a double-downward swing, throwing his body weight into the fused ninja. The silver-haired warrior was knocked into the still standing bars, the wind knocked out of Ukaizr for a second before Tairon thrust the pike at the fighter. Ukaizr quickly brought Night Steel in front of the pike's blade, halting its attack, then knocking it away with the same blade. Ukaizr charged bring the Keyblade across, hoping to gut Tairon. No such luck. Tairon ducked the horizontal swipe, then leapt away, out of the remaining confines of the steel cage.
Jumping up, Ukaizr reared the Keyblade back, "Icy Daggers!" The blades of ice shot forth, slightly bigger with the added strength, in a sweeping arc, heading right for Tairon. He dropped his pike deliberately, holding out his claw, absorbing the daggers closest to him.
"Fool! King's Ice Cold Heart!" Taiorn threw and ice ball the size of a boulder . Ukaizr quickly threw the Night Steel at the ball, the blade was lodged in it. Ukaizr landed then jumped at the ball, kicking the blade threw, sending it toward the defenseless Tairon. He moved to evade it, but it was no use. The blade sliced along his lower left ribs. He fell ungracefully, clutching his side. The life fluid being absorbed into the claw. Ukaizr landed somewhere near the pained dark warrior, both blades in hand.
Ukaizr stepped nearer to Tairon, pointing the blade of the Brave Lion Keyblade toward The King's throat, "Give up and die."
"Isn't it, give up or die?" Tairon gasped, staring up the blade into the duel-colored eyes of Ukaizr; left hazel, right blue-grey.
"Not in your case, scum. Any final words?" Ukaizr pressed the blade closer to the throat. The warrior held it there as Tairon stood up.
"Yeah, say hi to Satan for me, bastards!" He thrust his hand out, calling back his pike. Ukaizr turned only to meet the pike's blade to the gut. Blood spurted from the back wound where the blade exited, it started to dribble down quickly in the front. "Not so cocky, now are ya?!"
"Actually, I'm more astounded that you could fall for the same trick twice! Final Slash!" A bright flash, and everything was still when the light subsided. Ukaizr stood, blades outstretched to the sides, back to The King, Tairon stood erect, a silent scream portrayed on his face. "You see Tairon," Ukiazr stood straight as well, the back of the warrior still facing the pike weilder, "you never stood a chance against us. Now that it's finished, I hope that..." Ukaizr paused, looking over the right shoulder, a sneer on the battle hardened face, "That you burn in Hell." Tairon fell with a hard thud. The crimson life force oozing out of the slowly appearing slash marks, across his chest and back. The fused ninja let out a content sigh as a bright flash enveloped the individual. When it subsided, the Ukaizr siblings were standing side by side.
"It's over?" Riza looked to her brother.
"Yeah...it's over." He dismissed his blade and kneeled near Tairon's lifeless body. Or so he thought.
Tairon's clawed hand eached out, grabbing Ren by the wrist. The latter tried to struggle but refrained, seeing Tairon's eyes. They weren't sad, angry, or full with rage; nay, they looked happy and peaceful. "Ren...my old friend...for the crimes I've committed...I know...I'll be sent to Hell, but...but I wanted to...let you know...that..that you were the best...rival...a fighter could ask for..." his words trailed off was he slipped into the eternal sleep.
Ren stood after a moment's peace and turned to the group. He coughed, clearing his throat, "One less enemy to worry about." He walked off.
"Ren..." Charlie placed a hand on her shoulder, shaking her head. Riza acknowledged and watched her brother's retreating form.
"To the matter at hand," Charlie cracked her knuckles after a minute, "You, missy, are in some hot water."
"Now Charlie, look! I had to trick you guys. It was the only way we could win!" Riza ran before Charlie could pounce. The smaller teen leaped over some debris caused by Tairon's body slamming into it. Riza chuckled as Charlie growled. The two continued like that, Charlie chasing after the keybearer. Josh sighed and shook his head. He walked over to Mitsurugi and Xianghua. The girl was trying to mend the samruai's wounds.
"Do you need any help?" Josh stood behind the dark-haired girl.
She shook her head and smiled, "No, I got this. Thank you anyway. Hold still, Mr. Mitsurgui." The injured man grunted, slightly wincing as the bandage got tighter. "We'll watch over him at Edgemaster's. He should recover nicely."
"Mitsurugi," Josh addressed the man. The dark-haired man looked up, "Do remember seeing a man with steel colored hair that didn't talk and had an abundance of steel weapons?"
Mitsurgui thought for a second, "No, I can't say I have," he plainly stated. Josh nodded.
"We'll take you guys back to the Edgemaster's then we'll be on our way. C'mon, we're moving out!"
Charlie had Riza in a headlock, giving her a noogie. She halted her assault as Josh called. Riza walked over, rubbing her head, giving Charlie a death glare as she tripped over a stone, falling flat on her face. "What the...?" She turned over to see a dully shining stone. She picked it up and stood, polishing off the item. As it was all nice and shiny, Riza realized it was a gem! "Holy cow! A gem! I wonder how much I could sell this for!" She ran over to Josh who was helping Mitsurgui into the gummi; the sage called the vessel over some seconds ago. "Josh! Josh!" The active heroine called. Josh helped Mitsurgui in and turned to Riza. "Look! A gem!"
"I've heard. Now, let me see it." The sage looked the artifact over with a careful gaze. "My word! It's a summoning gem."
"Summoning...like Shippou and Mr. Bubbles?"
"Precisely. Hmm...Maybe I can try out that unsealing spell I learned a while back. When we're en route to the next world I'll unlock it."
"Sounds good," Riza smiled. She turned to see Ren walking back toward the gummi. His eyes held a sad look as he approached the sage and keybearer. "Ren."
"I'm ok. I'm just remembering the Tairon I knew. Not the beast we slew. The Tairon we knew died along time ago. That was not Tai, some cheap..." Ren paused to find the right words to describe the monster they fought, "Imitation. A puppet not worthy of the Tai we once knew." Ren continued into the ship, silently heading to his and Riza's room. Since he came aboard, he slept on the floor with blankets and a pillow.
"I hope he'll be ok. Let's go Josh." Riza followed her brother's trial after a minute of silence with the exception of birds chirping. The duo went into the ship and the engines roared to life, leaving the once mighty King face down in the dirt, dead.
The four were once again in interspace. Charlie at the helm this time; the ship was on auto-pilot, Josh didn't feel safe with his attack-first-think-second cousin at the wheel. Ren was still in his room, Josh trying to unlock the secret treasure of the summoning gem; the stone had a odd symbol, a horse head with wings. Riza was looking out the window, her fingers fiddling with the Soul Calibur keychain the Edgemaster gave back to her...
"But why?" Riza looked up at the elder warrior, the blue sword keyhchain dangling from her fist.
"Because you should protect it. Anyway, that's not truly Soul Calibur. The real Soul Calibur is still sealed with Soul Edge. But when you brought my the two swords in their embrace, the sealing was not complete and I was able to milk some power from it to forged this."
"So, you some all-knowing forger of weapons?" Riza raised an eyebrow, swinging the keychain back and forth.
The Edgemaster let out a hearty laugh, "Oh, heavens no! I trained under Hephaestus, Greek god of blacksmiths. I tinker with the art every now and then."
"So...you made this, for me?" Riza looked at the keychain in wonder.
"Yes keybearer. Soul Calibur might assist you on your journey. Take care, Warrior of Light." Edgemaster placed his large, calloused hands on the slender shoulders of Riza. Riza nodded her head, gripping the keychain tightly.
The crew left shortly after, saying the farewells and promising the return Kilik. The silence was broken by Josh cursing in exasperated fury. "Damn it! I can't unlock the gem."
"It's ok Josh. Charlie, what are the reading for the next world?" Riza turned her attention the the lightly snoozing warrior.
"What?! I wasn't sleeping!" Charlie flailed, almost falling out of her seat.
Riza chuckled as Josh just sighed, "Idiot, I know you were sleeping, just check the reading for Sly's world and Cherushi's"
Charlie straightened herself out and check the monitors. "Hmm, Sly's place seems ok, pretty normal. However, Cherushi's world trouble. I say we head ther. Maybe you can ask Cherushi if she could unlock that gem for ya," Charlie turned around in the seat, looking at Josh, who was glaring at the stone in question.
"Sound's good! Onwards! To Sea of the Serpent!" Riza called, thrusting her fist in the air.
TBC
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