Chapter 15:

With the morning sun fully risen, Thomas and Christine reached the shore at the north end of the island. There, the caravel Thomas and Kyria used previously awaited, rocking gently as it rested atop the waves. The couple disembarked their horses and took a seat on a large rock near the shore. It was their first real break in what felt like a very long time. The two said nothing as they observed the volcano's eruption from the safety of the shore. Their time in the forge already seemed like a distant memory.

Thomas turned to face Christine; now that she was no longer bound to the necklace, her skin had returned to a healthy colour and the dark circles under her eyes were beginning to fade. Despite all that he lost on this voyage, Thomas found himself overcome with joy and relief. It no longer mattered to him what role destiny played in his voyage, or if his actions even had any lasting impact. Christine, the woman he would have sailed the world a hundred times over for, was finally by his side once again. Thomas smiled and clutched her hand tightly.

"So it's really over, huh?" she said, ending the silence.

"I suppose so," said Thomas, "If Soul Edge really is still out there, I doubt there is much we can do anymore to stop it."

Christine sighed heavily.

"Thomas," she said, "I'm sorry…For everything I said to you while we were at sea. It was wrong of me to accuse you of being unhappy."

"Christine," said Thomas, "I should be the one apologizing. What you said wasn't entirely wrong."

"Oh?"

"The truth is, I wasn't happy living as a noble. In fact, I was completely miserable. Instead of being appreciative of all that I had, I spent my days dwelling on the past, praying for an escape. I now realize how selfish and ungrateful I was being. When they took you away from me, I traveled through seas and over mountains to get you back because that was all that mattered to me. Never again will I take you for granted, Christine. You are my everything."

"Oh, Thomas!"

The two then hugged.

"I love you, Thomas," whispered Christine.

"And I you," Thomas whispered back, "Let's go home…"

As the couple embraced, they did not notice a small boat approach the shore where they rested. A hooded man emerged from the boat and slowly made his way toward them.

"Uh, Thomas?" said Christine, observing the man.

Thomas immediately drew his sword and pointed it straight at the man.

"You there," he commanded, "What do you want?"

"Hold, Thomas," the figure spoke in a familiar voice, "I am not your enemy. I have come searching for you."

"Can it be?" asked Thomas, sheathing his rapier, "After all these years? Impossible…"

The man removed his hood, exposing his face. He possessed long, white hair and matching beard, as well as purple facial markings.

"Edge Master?" said Christine, "I don't believe it! I have not seen you since Sorrento!"

"I know," said the old man, "In the chaos, I was cut off from the rendez-vous point. By the time I had reached it, it was far too late. I am relieved to see that the two of you are well."

"What are you doing all the way out here?" asked Thomas, "Have you been tracking us?"

"Years ago," explained Edge Master, "The foul stench of the Evil Seed faded from the winds. It quickly occurred to me that you two had succeeded in your quest to vanquish Soul Edge. I couldn't have been prouder. In time, however, those dark energies began to return. I sense the evil seed once more and it is growing stronger by the day. "

"So it's true, then?" began Thomas, "Soul Edge is still out there?"

"Yes, Thomas," said Edge Master, "But there is a way to destroy it. I have come, seeking your aid. Will you join this old warrior on one last quest to save the world?"

Thomas and Christine glanced at each other reluctantly, then nodded.

"But," began Christine, "What could possibly destroy something as powerful as Soul Edge?"

"Another sword," replied Edge Master, "Equal in strength, but opposite in intent. I know not where it is, but I have a clue. Will you help me find it?"

"Another mystical sword?" wondered Thomas, "Impossible! What could it be?"

"It has gone by a number of different aliases throughout history," the Master explained, "But one name has been used more consistently than the others...To destroy Soul Edge once and for all, we will need the spirit sword, Soul Calibur."