Maxi panted as he hid among the dark trees in a forest. His grip on his nunchaku tightened as his head pounded. Weakly, he stumbled away before collapsing to the ground. He gasped for breath as the desire to kill flowed through him. Inside, he could the Soul Edge shard pulsing against his skin and he shook his head. "No! There's nothing to kill! Astaroth's dead damn it! He's been dead for ten years! I don't want to hurt anyone!" He let out a pained sound and held onto his head as it continued to pound.

"You are in thrall to your emotions, you must master them."

Maxi glanced up at the old man in front of him and murmured weakly, "Who... are you?"

"I am the True Master of the Edge and I am known as Edgemaster." Looking down at the infected man, Edgemaster stroke his white beard and carefully analyzed him. "Instead of facing your problems, you prefer to run away from them. That is a sign of weakness young man."

Hearing that, Maxi let out a harsh laugh. "I've lost everyone that I cared for in this world and you call me weak? Get out of my way."

Standing up, Maxi started to walk away from the old man when suddenly, Edgemaster spoke up once more. "Do you wish to be saved?"

"Me? Saved?" Maxi chuckled at the thought and replied, "It's too late old man. The shard inside me has almost completely taken me over. I can't be saved."

"Is that so?" Edgemaster headed deeper into the forest for his mountain and replied, "If you believe that your fate is sealed, then it is sealed. But if you fight for your own future, you may find salvation. The choice is yours."

Hesitating slightly, Maxi called out to him. "Can... Can you really help me?"

A glint of light sparkled from the old man's eyes as he smiled. "I helped Kilik control the powers inside him before. I see no reason why I shouldn't be able to help you."

Hwang ducked underneath the high horizontal blow and quickly stepped back to observe his opponent who was glowering at him with orange eyes and curled lips. The big man grunted, "Persistent aren't we? Just give us back our brethren and we'll stop bothering you."

Yun-Seong leaped out from a pillar of the dojo and unleashed five consecutive kicks to the malfested intruders around him while Seong-Mina twirled her Scarlet thunder in a high loop that knocked their enemies down to the stone floor. Brushing back a strand of hair, she taunted them. "You're so weak. Did you think that you could sneak into our dojo without our notice?"

The three had been training their students in the dojo to defend their homeland when suddenly, one of their guards rushed in and reported that the dojo was being infiltrated. Half of the trainees were told to evacuate while the other half was ordered to dispatch the intruders. Seong-Mina, Yun-Seong and Hwang then rushed out to aid their students and they ended up in this situation.

One of the malfested narrowed her black eyes at them and hissed, "You hold our kin hostage in your dojo. Give them back to us or we'll rend you apart and bath in your blood! Our lord demands their return!"

"They chose to stay here for protection," replied Yun-Seong, glaring at the ten intruders circling the three warriors on the battle stage of the dojo's beautiful garden of fragrant flowers and tall trees. "I made a promise to Zasalamel that we would protect them so we're not going to hand them over to you guys. And as the heroes of Korea, we will never lose!" Readying his crane stance, Yun-Seong leaped into fray once more.

Hwang traded blows back and forth with three of his opponents and said, "Although they are malfested, they do not have to follow the way of a monster. If you guys repent, we shall accept you and hide you as well."

"Humans cannot be trusted!" shouted a malfested with grey skin and sharp fangs. "They all betray us in the end!"

Seong-Mina locked weapons with one of them and said, "If you want to do this then fine by me! The three of us will vanquish the evil of the ages!"

"For this world, we'll continue to fight," said Yun-Seong as quickly glanced up as one of them transformed into harpie like creature. Thanks to his friends... especially Talim, he finally found the strength to defend his country and his family.

"Stay back Natsu!" ordered Taki as she threw five ninja bombs at the demonic spider they were fighting against. "I told you not to follow me!"

The blonde ten year old quickly hid behind her teacher and watched with fearful eyes as the battle continued in the dark cave. "Is that... a demon?" Natsu had never seen one this close before. She had only seen them in scrolls and heard about them in stories... as well as the gossip around the village about the demon sealed inside her.

Hearing her pupil's tone of voice, Taki grabbed Natsu as the spider swiped at them. Leaping behind a rock for safety, Taki said gently, "Not all demons and monsters are necessarily evil Natsu. You are nothing like that thing."

"Others... don't like me." Natsu sniffed and thought it was rather stupid of her to cry and complain while a giant rampaging spider was throwing a tantrum behind them and trying to eat them.

Taki sighed and put a hand on Natsu's forehead gently. "In time, you will meet others like yourself and your friend... ummm... what was his name?"

"He said he's Yoshimitsu II!" chirped Natsu enthusiastically.

Taki arched an eyebrow at that. "Technically, he can't call himself that yet..."

"Did someone call?" Yoshimitsu along with his younger pupil and the Manjitou clan charged in and they began attacking the spider. "Thy life I shall now take!" With one slash, Yoshimitsu hacked off a leg and ordered his members to do the same thing.

"Natsu! Are thou alright?" The younger kid who called himself Yoshimitsu II popped his head behind the rock and ran over to the young ninja quickly. "Thy wound seems serious." One couldn't see his expression since he had taken to wearing a mask like the first Yoshimitsu but she could hear the concern in it quite clearly.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me," giggled Natsu as he checked over her bleeding hand.

Taki smiled and leaned against the rock. Glancing at the kid Yoshimitsu had saved, she could feel the evil energy inside him that marked him as a malfested. But nonetheless, she and his clan had decided to reject the opinions of the world and do what was right. Of course, her clan had no way of knowing that she was secretly aiding the malfested. The only one who knew was her friend and leader of the clan; Chie, as well Chie's young son.

"I thought you guys needed my help but I guess I'm wrong," said Kilik, looking over at the defeated demon as he arrived inside the damp cave. From its body, the evil shard of Soul Edge was removed and Yoshimitsu held it in his hand with distaste. Grasping his Kali-Yuga tightly, he greeted Yoshimitsu and Taki with more news. "Talim has finished her training with Olcadan and she has also joined our cause. Last thing I heard, she's headed towards Europe."

"Until the swords return so that we may finish them off, we'll keep fighting." Taki motioned to Natsu and said, "I bid you two farewell for now. We must return to the Fu-ma clan."

"Wait!" Natsu took out the Fu-ma blade and ran over to Yoshimitsu II. "Here! This is a symbol of our friendship alright?"

Yoshimitsu II was glad she couldn't see his face since it was probably beet red. But when he accepted the gift, he gave the younger girl a hug and said, "Th-thank yo-you. Natsu. It's too bad we have to pretend we don't know each other... But know that thou can depend on me in the future!"

Kilik smiled and adjusted the mask on his face. "Yes. We'll keep fighting... for their future and others that are cursed with the same fate."

At the watermill village, Talim took in a deep breath and gazed at the setting sun while listening to the sound of running waters. Slowly, her thoughts returned to what her master said after she had freed him.

"I shall look for the elf named Scherazade who witnessed the war between Soul Edge and Soul Calibur years ago. That story is the key to knowing how Soul Edge had transformed itself into such a weapon."

Talim asked, "An elf? But where would she be?"

"The Forest of Elves is located somewhere in your world and believe me, it's going to take me a long time to find it." Olcadan crossed his arms together and continued. "While I'm gone, make sure you keep your training up Talim."

"I understand master. But what you said about Astral Chaos..."

Olcadan nodded and put a hand on his hip. "To destroy Soul Calibur and Soul Edge, you need to destroy everything that's connected with it. That means... you'll need to destroy those swords physical forms and the worlds they control. Astral Chaos belongs to Soul Edge and Isle of the Blessed belongs to Soul Calibur. Once you break the swords in this world, you must head there. Remember Talim, peace is the key."

"To destroy their worlds," Talim murmured softly. "But how can peace-"

Olcadan shrugged. "I don't know yet. But remember, Soul Calibur cannot be used to eliminate Soul Edge or else the cycle will just continue and they'll return back to our world."

Turning her head to see the kids coming out to greet her, she smiled and said, "Thank you for housing some of the hunted malfested here."

One of the girl ran up to her and beamed. "They're just kids like us, without any parents to look after them. Why wouldn't we?"

The words brought tears to Talim's eyes and she hugged the child. If a mere child can understand that there really was no difference between them and the malfested, why can't the rest of the world do the same?

At the Valentine Private Mansion at Prague...

"Graf Dumas, I would like to introduce you to Ivy Valentine," said Rudolf II as he gestured to the white haired alchemist.

Ivy gave a curt nod to the graf and gestured to her laboratory with its simmering chemicals and strange devices. "You seem rather interested in my experiments Graf Dumas..." It was a dark night but the candles in the room shed enough light for her to see his lips curl into a smile.

Graf Dumas replied, "Experiments are a vital part of discoveries and they do fascinate me so... and my apologies but I sneaked a glance at some of your opened books my Countess Valentine. It seems that you're researching... some kind of spirit world."

He adjusted his mask as he observed her. It would seem that she didn't recognize him from the fight on the Tower of Remembrance nine years ago. But he remembered her quite well and he was certain that she was an enemy of Soul Edge. However, she had won the emperors's favor so he didn't dare touch her. The fact that she was researching the spiritual world made him reconsider in killing her for this information would be invaluable. Without Talim by his side, he did not know much about the spirit world so for now, he would have to obtain the information wherever it was available.

Crossing her arms, Ivy leaned against the table crowded with her experiments and nodded. "I believe that there is a place called 'Astral Chaos; the home and refuge of Soul Edge. That place, holds the key to Soul Edge's powers and after I have gathered more information-"

Rudolf interrupted her, "She's one of the most successful alchemist I've ever met. Her sword! Have you seen it my good graf? It's alive!"

"Is... that so?" Dumas struggled to keep the annoyance out of his voice as the king cut in. Anyway, perhaps that was why Rudolf was so interested in this woman. The king was obsessed with the occult and it would be inevitable that he would meet her. But if she was researching Astral Chaos... then that means she's planning something. But why? She was clearly a malfested... No matter, she would be a useful pawn to observe for now. "Is that the reason why you've made Prague the new capital your highness?" he asked casually.

The king answered, "My laboratories, libraries and research are all carried here. And now with Ivy, this place will become the key to seeking the Land of the Gods!" Laughing, Rudolf raised his hand upward and said, "With the knowledge of the gods, I will become the greatest king humanity has ever seen!"

Dumas snickered to himself. "With you as king? It would be a most wretched world in my opinion."

Two years later...

"Stay back Zwei." Talim held out a hand to push the inexperienced outlaw behind her and glanced up at the humanoid creature screaming in pain before them.

"Monster... monster..." The people backed away and raised up their torches and pitchfork as the monster lumbered towards them on unsteady and confused feet.

Her eyes met the mayor who was standing by the town's water fountain with a horrified look on his face. Cracks and debris were strewn around them and a dark sky glared down at humanity's true self as they began to throw rocks at the poor creature who fell to the ground and cowered in fear.

"Stop it!" Talim flung the people back with a gust of wind before going to the creature's side with Zwei. "Lisa, listen to me. It's me, Talim. It's alright... I'm not going to hurt you. Eleia noa sheeids jodie ka?" Talim's eyes turned green and her storm maiden voice slowly calmed down the creature as she held out her hands in a beseeching manner.

The people from around watched with shocked eyes and they stopped to witness this strange sight as the monster let out a pained moan and kneeled before Talim. Tears splashed from its hideous yellow eyes and it reached out for Talim's hands helplessly. She smiled at it softly and tears also fell from eyes as she hugged it. "I couldn't save you in time Lisa. Please forgive me... I'll... release you from your pain now." With a shuddering breath, she thrust her left elbow blade into the monster's chest. Once a malfested lost control and turned into this form, this was the only solution left.

"Tal... Tal...umm." Glazed yellow eyes blinked at her before its lips curved upward slightly. "Thank... you, Talim." Lisa deep monstrous voice whispered her name as it dropped down dead.

"Are you people happy now?" Talim said quietly as she addressed the crowds. "You ridiculed and hurt this poor thing until she lost all self control and transformed into a monster." Her eyes blazed with anger as she stood up. "Where's your compassion?! Her life was difficult enough as it is! Why must you push her to the edge like that!"

The people cowered at her loud voice that rung through them like a guilty bell. Finally, someone stood up and tried to justify the action. "That gi-girl was a freak!" protested one of the men as he raised his torch and spat. "She was an abomination!"

"She was human just like the rest of you!" snapped Talim as a fierce wind whipped her hair around. "Why can't you understand that she's the same as all of you! She has a heart and she has a soul!"

"Monsters don't have souls!" shouted a priest. "The malfested... they're all demons! And you- you must be a monster yourself! Your eyes! They just turned green and... you must be a witch!"

"Quickly! We must kill her!"

All the townspeople began brandishing their pitchforks, torches and weapons at her and shouting at her.

Heartbroken at their actions and determination to cling to their ignorance, she said through gritted teeth, "Storm damsels, heed my call and come forth." Three maidens of the air with appeared. Their blank green eyes, long olive colored hair and dress made from the air itself showed them to be beings from another world. Turning on her heels, Talim said, "Listen to the screams from beyond the graves, carried by the wind." The storm maidens' eyes glowed brightly as they opened their mouths. A piercing sharp scream issued from their mouths, shattering glasses from the windows of the buildings nearby and making the people clutch at their ears and fall to the ground in pain.

"Let's go," Talim said as she walked away with Zwei behind her. They remained unaffected as she had controlled the air around them to deafen the cries. She gave one last sad look back before disappearing into the shadows.

Once they had put alot of distance between them and the town, Talim came to a stop under a large oak tree that sat upon a quaint and quiet hill. The night sky was bright with the light from the stars and moon and she closed her eyes, leaning against the tree as well as reading the wind. Zwei stayed quiet, knowing what she was doing. He crossed his arms and glanced back and forth to check if anyone had followed them while waiting for her to speak.

Finally, she opened her eyes. Talim looked back at the glowing light of the town they had left and she murmured, "It has been kind of your group to let me stay... but I must go now."

"Where?"

"There are things I must do," she replied simply. Giving Zwei a gentle smile, she said, "The life of an outlaw is hard, take care of yourself."

"You as well."

Talim smiled and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Thank you." She tilted her head slightly and said, "Give me your hand." When he did, she put her hand on his and whispered, "If you are ever in danger, the wind will hear."

He arched an eyebrow at the wind priestess. "Uh... ok?"

"You're a good man, Zwei. Stay that way." Looking up at the night sky, she whispered, "Dark times are headed our way. Be careful."

"It's spreading, isn't it?" When Zasalamel saw the grim look on Cassandra's face, he said, "The key to healing you might lie within Astral Chaos. After all, the battle twelve years ago took place there and that was where Soul Calibur attacked you. I have a spell that can warp my enemies there but I lack the method of returning you back home. From what you told me, only Cervantes was able to come back."

Cassandra blinked at him and then she grinned. "There's no point in worrying right now. If a solution comes, then it'll come. Until then, let's just go with the flow."

After a few minutes of deep thought, Zasalamel shook his head at the carefree girl. "Alright. You may come along. But make sure you don't overexert yourself. We still have to look for the missing holy warriors of my tribe."

Rock readied his belongings with his son, Bangoo beside him and said to Zasalamel, "Are we ready to go?" After Zasalamel had rescued Rock from a group of malfested that gone out of control, Rock had decided to help out since he believed that what they were doing was right. His son, traveled across the ocean to be reunited with his father and had decided to lend his strength in fighting for justice and peace as well. Both son and father, were extremely proud of each other and their combos in battle were amazing. As the four left the Holy City, Zasalamel gazed upward at the heavens and grinned. Strangely he had never felt... so alive.

Swallowing another chunk of bloody meat, Aeon inhuman eyes swept through the cave as he chewed. Blood dripped down his mouth and he licked it with relish as he felt the power rush through him. The sweet feeling of forming coherent thoughts pleased him and he lifted up the dead warriors weapons with glee. A pair of sharp dual axes.

"See... I told you the truth Aeon... If you continue to devour those Holy Warriors, very soon you will no longer have the mind of a beast." The voice echoed from deep within the cavern and its promise motivated Aeon to eat faster. Laughing, it said to him, "Devour all, and your wish will surely come true."

With a roar, Aeon flew out of the caves with his beautiful white wings and descended down below to unleash his suffering upon the world.

Four years later...

Xianghua looked at the lotus flowers blooming in the waters and she breathed in the smell of the flowers deeply. A soft wind rustled the light blue chinese dress embroidered with white blossoms she was wearing and she smiled softly at the skies as she stood there. Servants around her were busy preparing the food on the table under the veranda as she sat down and Xianghua glanced up as a bird flew past them and over the walls of the palace... out into the world.

"My lady, isn't it beautiful today? The flowers are all in bloom and everyone in celebrating your husband's latest victory," said the old servant as she poured Xianghua a cup of tea. Sipping from exquisite jade cup, Xianghua nodded before saying. "What do you think of life in the palace?"

The old woman looked alittle flustered at being asked such a question and she stammered, "Umm... it's perfectly safe and everything I need is right here my lady. There is nothing that the palace doesn't have compared to the outside world."

Xianghua repeated, "Perfectly safe and everything that I need is right here?" Tiredly, she thought about her necklace, the holy stone. "Kilik... Xiba."

"Mother!" shouted Lexia enthusiastically as she ran towards Xianghua. "Look! Someone brought a souvenir to the palace and he said I could keep it since he's your best friend." She pointed to the lotus hair bands holding her hair in two round ponytails. "Oh! And he said that I was very pretty!"

Xianghua smiled at her enthusiastic fourteen year old daughter. "Oh? Who could this man be?"

"Hey there Xianghua! It's been what, sixteen years? How have you been?"

Seeing Maxi, waving at her from a mere two metres away and still looking like a young man made Xianghua spat her tea out. "Maxi?"

The pirate laughed heartily at her reaction. "That was my reaction when I saw your daughter. She looks just like you!"

"Do not hold back! Put everything you have into finishing this off!" commanded Hilde as she and Siegfried's mercenaries charged at the fortress to rescue the people inside. Fire travelled across the battlefield and arrows rained down but Hilde pushed her soldiers forward. A group of malfested had kidnapped the entire population of a town and due to their fame as protectors of mankind against the malfested, the Schwarzwind was hired for this job.

"Hilde! Watch out!"

Ducking an attack, she was back to back with Siegfried as they stormed the stone fortress. "Thank you Siegfried. Now, lets' keep going!"

Seigfried nodded as fire engulfed the room and the battle raged on around them. "To protect others against the malfested... that is my way of seeking redemption. But keep in mind Hilde, some of them are innocent. I know what it's like to be controlled by Soul Edge."

"Now is not the time for these kind of talks!" Hilde stabbed an enemy through the back and motioned for the prisoners that her soldiers had just freed to run. Blood flowed around them as the battle rage on and Hilde said grimly, "My father went missing thanks to the malfested... I cannot forgive them just yet."

While fighting, Siegfried wondered why the malfested had become more and more violent. They had grown braver and were now openly defying the world that had rejected them for so many years. Was Soul Edge becoming more powerful? Perhaps that's why Soul Calibur seemed to be awakening as well.

"Patroklos! Come back this instant!" shouted Setsuka as she stood beneath the pounding rain with her umbrella opened. Behind her, the rest of the orphans peeked out from the windows of the big house and they whispered to each other worriedly. They had never seen big brother so mad before and it frightened them to see him argue with Neve.

Coming to a stop in the rain, Patroklos said, "I don't want to hear another word about forgetting about revenge master. And I will not stop until all of the malfested lies dead at my feet."

Setsuka looked at her student warily. "I've told you countless times before Patroklos. Not all of the malfested are evil. Your hatred blinds you to the truth and if you continue to walk this path, you may never be able to turn back. Revenge is a lonely road and you will not find happiness." As he continued walking, Setsuka shouted, "Killing the malfested won't bring your mother back! It will not help you find your sister! Please stop this Patroklos!" Setsuka knew that he was Cassandra's nephew but she withheld this important information since she knew Cassandra wouldn't want Patroklos to worry about her aunt. The only thing she could do was try and protect him...

The wind howled and rain poured down from the heavens while Patroklos stood there in silence. Finally, he said, "Good bye... moth-master..."

Pillaging a city along Japan's coastline, Cervantes relished in the deaths and screams of the citizens as they ran away from him and his crew. The sky was filled with smoke as they burned down houses and buildings and captured the helpless women and children. A cruel smile lit the resurrected pirate's face and he said, "Women and children always fetch the highest price."

His second in command; Antonio shot someone in the back and smiled. "Aye captain. It looks like we're almost finished here. This was almost too easy."

A spark of red light illuminated his eyes and Cervantes laughed. But both turned when someone shouted, " Evil doers! Thy life ends here!"

Yoshimitsu and his manji clan quickly engaged the pirates in combat and while trading blow with him, Cervantes said, "What's this? You have a Soul Edge shard?"

Teleporting away from an attack, Yoshimitsu said, "That is none of thou's concern. I seek these shards for a pure purpose and I will not allow a monster such as you to have them. Now, give me thy name so that I may know who's responsible for these heinous crimes."

"Fear my name as I tell you. I am captain Cervantes, the dreaded pirate of the seven seas!" Smirking, Cervantes twirled his swords in his hand lazily. "For wretches like you, one blow is more than enough."

Hearing that dark and evil name, Yoshimitsu eyes widened. " Cervantes?" Both combatants turned when Voldo leaped down from a burning house and swiftly attacked Yoshimitsu. "Hshshs!"

The attacked caught Yoshimitsu by surprise but he managed to dodge it at the last second and he cried, "I remember thee! Thou stole my sword all those years ago!"

Seizing his chance, Cervantes raised his pistol sword and aimed it at Yoshimitsu. "Now you die!" The shot hit Yoshimitsu square in the chest and Voldo quickly leaped forward to snatch the shard from Yoshimitsu's pocket. Dodging Cervantes next bullet, Voldo leaped away with nimble grace and disappeared from the chaos to return to Graf Dumas's side.

"Chief!" Yoshimitsu's pupil rushed forward along with the rest of the Manji clan as they quickly escaped for their leader's sake. "Chief! Please answer me!"

Yoshimitsu looked at his pupil with dim eyes and murmured, "My life... it fades quickly. Thou must perform the ceremony now my child. And... become Yoshimitsu II. Send Ukon and... tell Taki about what happened... Strange events... are occurring... She must head west to the Holy City and warn them."

Throwing more seeds across his fields, Mitsurugi sighed and looked up at the skies. "Nothing interesting ever happens around here." Of course, what more could one expect when one was a farmer? His thoughts wandered as he continued sowing more seeds and he wondered how that geisha who defeated him was doing. And of course, whatever happened to Algol? He would give up all of his crops right now just for the chance to fight either one of them again...

Tira giggled as she watched Jurgis purpose to Pyrrha. The two lovebirds were standing in the garden and she could see the delight written all over the Greek girl's face. Slowly, Jurgis embraced her and the two stood there in silent contentment while they looked up at the bright moon. Adjusting her seat on the roof, Tira murmured, "No no no... You can't be happy Pyrrha. That's not a good quality for Soul Edge's host. But of course, you'll be much better than that fake..." Remembering her escape from the soldiers, Tira had vowed that Raphael would pay for what he did. And she intended to keep that promise... Standing up, Tira sneaked one last look and grinned. "I can't wait to see how he dies. It's going to look incredible."

Slowly, Raphael's eyes opened as he sat up in his dark cell. "Augh... my head." The sore Frenchman hit his head a few times before noticing his Flambert and Amy's pink ribbon beside it. Amy! He snatched it and held it tightly in his hand as his heart pounded. Where was his beloved? He quickly remembered the dream he had. A tower... lots of stairs... he was very tired but for some reason... he pushed himself to continue going up. Why? Was he searching for something or someone? Was it both? Was her room at the top?

He just knew that something important was up there for him... so it must be Amy! But was it just a dream? Or did he really climb some kind of tower? He closed his head and hit his head some more. Why did it feel like he was forgetting something? No matter, the most important thing was to find Amy. To find his sweet daughter and be reunited with her was all that mattered.

Standing up, Raphael glanced down at his outfit. Strange... he didn't remember wearing clothes like this. The bat symbols were all upside down... He fiddled with his green sash and he couldn't help but remember seeing a similar color and ribbon somewhere. And the hat? Another dim memory of a hat worn by someone bothered him. Wait! Where did his bat pendent go? After a brief glance around his cell, Raphael gave up and walked over to the locked cell door. "Guess I'll have to teleport out of here then."

Summoning the powers inside him, Raphael closed his eyes and concentrated. When he opened them, he noticed he was still in the same spot. A few more attempts yielded the same results and Raphael wondered if being in this weird prison had sapped his strength. Damn it! He kicked the door to unleash some anger and to his surprise, it fell down with a dull clang. Glancing around, he didn't see anyone in this place and he wondered if it was abandoned. As he navigated through the castle, he shuddered at the bloodstains and skeletons. To distract himself, he thought about what he should do once he left. First priority was finding Amy. Second, he needed money. Lastly, food would be a pretty good idea. Perhaps he should return to his castle and see if his daughter was there. His money would also be there as well...

Two months later...

Raphael stared at the blocked road. "What? You're telling me that all the towns around that castle is deserted? What happened to all the infected citizens!"

The guard sighed. "Where have you been all these years? They left with some army about twelve or thirteen years ago. I believe their leader... ummm... Graf Dumas took them and said he was purging the malfested."

"What?" Raphael couldn't believe it. Now what was he supposed to do? He quickly pulled his hat down to hide his red eyes since the soldier was staring. "Merci, I'll be leaving then." Walking down the dark path of his forest, Raphael kicked a tree in anger. He had lost everything! His daughter, his castle, his minions, and even his powers were acting wacky. He only managed to teleport once and that was through extreme concentration. It looks like the last thing he still owned was his Flambert. "I hate my life!"

"Yes... yes... yes! Arise! Astaroths! Open your eyes and feel the essence of life flowing through your veins!" laughed Kunpaetku triumphantly at the lowest level of the Palgea Shrine. Slowly, his monstrous creation began to arise from the lake of glowing green slime and he watched as they began lumbering up to the surface. "Go! Go and find that power that's calling to you! Kill all that stands in your way and show no mercy! Bring back Soul Edge!"

With that, the army of monsters headed for the West.

A few months later... Royal Hungary, Odenburg 1607 A.D

Seventeen years has since passed since the day the soul swords vanished. From the shadows, hidden truths and destiny waits to show themselves...

At the city's square, people bustled back and forth and talked to their friends amiably. Life was good. It was a warm day and a pleasant breeze billowed past them as they day wore on. Children laughed and giggled as their feet danced across the street while the adults around them shopped and gossiped. But soon enough, a crowd began to gather around the beautiful water fountain of their city. Water gushed out from it and the lovely maiden statues seemed more lifelike then usual. On the fountain seat, a woman with long green hair was weaving together a song about the legendary swords; Soul Edge and Soul Calibur and last battle seventeen years ago which was won by a brave and strong knight against the monster called Nightmare.

A dark blue and white hat with strange symbols sat on her head and from it, two gold bells with red ribbons swayed in the breeze. Talim still wore the same moon and sun medallion but other than that, her attire was now quite different. Her light blue half vest wrapped horizontally around a banded blue top that was similar to her old white one. It was held together by one button at her collarbone but the cut style of the vest bared her smooth shoulders and the bottom half of the cloth was dark blue. It ended at her chest, once again revealing her toned midsection. The long sleeves of the vest ended at her elbows, and her white and blue gloves was adorned with another moon and sun symbol. She wore short dark blue shorts under a light blue half skirt that reached down to the middle of her legs from the back. From the front, one could easily see her shorts and her smooth and toned legs. Small dark blue boots served as comfortable footwear and lastly, a red strip of fabric was tied around her left thigh. Her double crescent blades were strapped around her crimson red and gold belt, unneeded for now as she continued to sing with a peaceful expression on her face.

Beside her, a round white bird chirped and hopped back and forth. Alun preened itself before opening its beak to add some of its own musical notes to the song as well. With a smile, Talim patted her bird on the head and continued to sing. Her voice was clear as a bell and smooth as silk. It could be as light as feather in one moment and change to be as powerful as thunder the next. The audience were enraptured by her song and Talim smiled as she got up and took out her double crescent blades. Soon enough, she danced her Wind Dance that was only taught in her village. Her steps flowed like the wind and her long hair billowed behind her like rich fabric, never once getting tangled. Her eyes were bright and she leaped and twirled with effortless grace to the cheers of the people watching.

"The darkness from seventeen years ago was terrible and yet we've endured. Now, we have the calm and we must continue to be strong," she sung, dancing gracefully from side to side, her ribbons trailing behind her.

There were few things to celebrate these days. Everyone cowered in fear from the iron grasp Dumas had on the land and poverty ran rampant through the cities. There was talk of another coming war and the people despaired for the future. Talim knew this and she danced to the utmost of her potential to help bring some life back to the people. Her bird flapped its wings and hopped around her legs and the children clapped their hands in delight and laughed. Soon enough, a few musicians joined her and she thanked them by dancing even harder and her voice soared to the heavens. The people clapped and cheered to the beat and she laughed cheerfully.

Walking around Odenburg, Raphael glanced at the bright sun with annoyance. People walked back and forth and he kept his eyes opened for any sign of his daughter but as the day dragged on, he felt more and more dejected as he asked if they had seen Amy. He hated staying up during the day although he had to admit, the sun didn't weakened him as much as before, which was rather strange. However, getting sunburned wasn't helping.

As he passed by a large crowd, he stopped at the edge and looked over to see everyone clapping and cheering as a woman with green hair danced and sung for them. With his height, he could easily see over their heads even though he was quite far from her. As he watched, he noted that she was a remarkably excellent dancer. Her steps were quick and light and every move was extremely graceful. It wasn't a dance he knew, though he could guessed it originated from the East, but it was a beautiful dance. She also had a lovely voice, though he couldn't really hear her since he was rather far away. Overall, the music was nice and the dance was performed beautifully, so he found himself standing there and enjoying himself for a few minutes.

A middle aged woman nudged him knowingly. "A fine looking one ain't she?"

Raphael shrugged. "I can't really see her physical features at this distance. All I can tell is that she's at least a fine dancer."

The woman laughed. "Well this fish wife can tell you she's got half the mens' attention in the city. She's got a pretty face and a lovely heart as well."

With disinterest, Raphael said, "That so?"

"Haha, she donates almost all of her money to the orphanage or to the homeless. It's rare to see things like that at this troubled time," the woman laughed.

Hearing that, Raphael was slightly awed as well. It was certainly rare to hear of such things and he looked back at the dancing woman with renewed interest. But then he felt someone tug at his clothing and when he looked down, a street urchin had already snatched his money pouch and was dashing away on nimble feet. "Hey! Get back here!"

As Talim danced, she suddenly sensed the presence of a malfested. Her steps slowed slightly as she turned to look to her right. She couldn't pinpoint it since there were too many people but she knew there was one near. But just as quickly as she sensed it, she lost it. The malfested must have moved away from her.

Coming to a stop, she put on a smile and bowed, her eyes still scanning the crowd to see if she could find the malfested.

The crowd clapped and cheered as they handed her their money for the wonderful performance. After thanking them for their generosity, Talim tucked the money into the pouch at her back and stood there solemnly. Her bird chirped questioningly and she said, "I sensed a malfested."

Alun cocked its head and looked around curiously.

"It's alright Alun. We'll look later," she said as she picked up her bird in her arms. Talim then headed for the orphanage to donate a part of her money for the kids there.

As she arrived, she could hear the kids inside the large and old three story building. She looked at it sadly, seeing the vines creep up on the sandstone colored walls and the cracks running through it. Some kids noticed her through the windows, their tired faces lighting up in joy as they waved to her. She waved back to them before pushing the gate open and threading through. Some toys laid scattered outside at the front and the weeds struggled to spread themselves through the grass. Talim bent down to pick up an old doll that was practically falling apart. Its smile was faded and its clothes were grey. Most of the toys the children owned were in this state and it made her sad. Gently, she placed the doll back down on the grass.

The door opened and Talim looked up to see the director of the place come out to greet her. The old lady was nearing seventy but her wrinkled face still shone with warmth and energy as she walked with heavy steps, the white bun of hair moving slightly as she walked. A white apron was draped over the faded blue work dress and Talim smiled. "I'm sorry to have disturbed your cooking, but I've come to donate some money."

"Again? You angel!" The old woman hugged her and thanked her heartily.

Talim returned the hug and said, "It's nothing madam. I'm only alittle sad that I can't give you more."

"You have a beautiful heart, child," said the old lady. "Please, this is more than what we usually get. I and the children thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

A kid came out from behind the old woman and tugged on her red ribbon belt and Talim chuckled. "Yes?"

The child gave her bigg puppy eyes and tugged on her blonde pigtails nervously. The group of little kids standing in the doorway behind were urging her on and she mumbled, "Can play with us alittle, miss?"

Talim smiled and patted the girl gently on her head. "Of course sweetie. I'll go buy some lunch first and return to play with you all." Seeing the kids cheer, made her heart warm. She knew that they never had much to rejoice about and to see them so happy, made her feel happy as well.

Heading for a bakery, Talim smiled and said to herself happily, "Maybe I'll can splurge alittle... and get a small piece of strawberry cake. What do you think Alun?"

Her bird flapped its wings and chirped beside her cheerfully and Talim laughed. "You want something too huh? I'll get you some bird seeds after I-"

"WATCH OUT!"

Turning her head, her eyes widened as a carriage headed straight for her.