Soul Calibur Scene: After barely defeating Sophitia in the Tower of Remembrance, Xan helps her out of the predicament before making a promise and a solemn vow.

As Sophi fell back, her sword and shield dropping out of her hands, I fall on my butt, my legs unable to support the rest of my body. My breathing grew labored, but not as heavy as hers. I have no idea as to why she's even defending Soul Edge as a Holy Warrior, but I can make a safe bet that damned bastard Azola had a hand in it.

Regaining strength in my legs, I use the O-Katana to stand back up. Shortly after I get to my feet, Taki appears next to me.

"Dragon! It's good to see you," she greeted with a sliver of happiness in her tone before turning to Sophi. "So the rumors were true after all. Sophitia is working for Soul Edge."

"Yes, Taki-senpai. But there's something more to it than what's on the surface., I respond as my breathing starts to regulate.

Taki nodded. "I agree. I'm astonished that you bested her and should know better. When you've known someone and see how astounding their fighting ability is, you can still be shocked."

I sheathe my katana before moving to Sophitia so I can help her up. Opponent or not, she's a good friend, and hearing her out is deserved.

I reach out my hand. "Okay, Sophi. Let's hear it. Why are you working for Nightmare?"

She took my offering as I pull her up, her breathing still staggered. "You're better than I remember, Xan. I am forced into servitude for the Cursed Sword because if it's destroyed, Pyrrha will die. Azola said so."

Immediately my face bitters on reaction. That brunette has made our lives hell from the moment Taki and I set out to destroy the Puppeteer behind this crap.

"I knew that bitch had a hand in your betrayal. Yet that doesn't explain why you would believe her when you know I can cure the affliction with the Dvapara Yuga. I did so before."

Sophi's face started tearing up. "I... She is more convincing and deceptive with words than her appearance would suggest. It was a risky decision, but she got what she wanted. Because of my foolish choice to believe her, I have been forsaken by Hephaestus and by my family. Save for Cassandra, but I defeated her before you arrived."

"Cass is here?"

"Not to worry, Dragon. She is resting with Kin in Tokyo," Taki reassured me.

Sophi breathes a sigh of relief. "My thanks, Taki. I didn't wish any harm to her, but after everything that has happened, I gave up on redeeming myself. I had no one who cared for me. But I still wished for Pyrrha's safety hence why I still defended Soul Edge."

She finally broke down before embracing me. I reactively return it, stroking her back as soft as I can to ease her pain. Sophi's genuinely a tortured soul.

"It's okay, Sophi. You have Taki-senpai, me, and Cass. We will never give up on you, even if Hephaestus and Rothion have." I wipe some of her tears from her face, but a few still fell.

"Bless you, Xan, and you too, Taki. I truly am in your debt for digging me out of this hole of depression."

"No problem, Sophi."

"Dragon, I suggest returning to Greece to cure Pyrrha of her affliction. I can hold the place down until you come back. When you do, we'll storm the rest of the tower."

"Yes, Senpai. We won't be too long."

"I don't know if I can face Rothion and Patroklos. After everything I've done, I-"

No other words came out as I silenced her with a finger. "Not another word, Sophi. You're coming with me but won't have to come inside the building. However, you still need to mend your relationship with them."

She nodded silently as we used the portal near Wolfskrone to maneuver through the Proving Grounds before arriving in Greece.

"I will head to the Eurydice Shrine and beg forgiveness." Sophi bent her head down. "But, my hopes aren't high."

I hug her quickly. "I'll stay with you if he doesn't."

A tinge of hope appeared in her eyes as she closes the distance between us. "You mean it? That would make me so happy. Having you as a companion and as a pillar of support would me so much good. But for you, I will still make an attempt at earning Hephaestus's forgiveness. Just please, save Pyrrha."

I kiss her palm, showing her some much-needed chivalry. "I'll see you shortly."

Heading to Rothion's house, I entered the living room to find out it's empty. "Rothion? It's Xan!"

Footsteps were rapidly moving down the stairs as I see Rothion, who looked slightly fatigued. "Xan! My prayers have been answered! Pyrrha is-"

"I know. Sophi told me everything. Where is she? I'll cure her while I'm here." I interrupt.

His mood soured at the mere mention of Sophi's name. "Follow me."

We traversed upstairs to Patroklos and Pyrrha's room. She's lying on the bed, her breathing syncopated like when I first saved her back at the Eurydice Shrine. She looks at me and tries to smile, but is in too much pain.

"Mr. Xan..." she spoke in discomfort. "Everything hurts."

"Shh, Shōjo (Little One). Let me heal you."

She nodded as I pull out the Holy Stone fragment. It immediately glows before entering Pyrrha, causing her body to shine as if being bathed in sunlight. The piece levitates out of her body as I grab it. With Soul Edge no longer having any sway over Pyrrha, and by extension, Sophitia, my work is done.

I get up to leave, but as I neared the door, Rothion stopped me. "Is she outside?"

"No, she's begging forgiveness from Hephaestus at the Eurydice Shrine. It's not my place to tell you to do something. After impregnating her twice, I don't think one act of deception warrants you shelving her from her family," I argue.

He replied, "I thank you for saving Pyrrha again, Xan. But I can't take Sophitia back after betraying Hephaestus, whether intentional or not. I can't risk it after what she has been through." Rothion countered.

I shake my head in disappointment and defeat. "I thought you were better than this, Rothion. She has been through torture and hell since Hephaestus assigned her to be a Holy Warrior. And you're telling me that an accidental betrayal will make you discount everything you two have done for one another? This coming from the same man who forgave Aeon for the countless atrocities he did as Lizardman on purpose? What kind of husband are you?"

To prove his point, he showed me his ring finger, with no ring on it.

"Oh, my Gods. Rothion, are you serious?"

"This household is done with her, Xan. Wouldn't you leave your significant other if she betrayed Amaterasu-"

"The Lady of the Sun is forgiving, more so than Hephaestus." I cut him off, angered at this blasphemous change of attitude. "This conversation is over, Rothion. Goodbye."

Angrily, I exited the Alexander household before making my way to Eurydice Shrine. Luckily I didn't have to travel all the way as Sophitia was walking from there. The look on her face shirked any positive outcomes.

"Sophi... How'd it go with Hephaestus?" I asked.

She had a sad smile. "He granted me amnesty but rebuked my status as a Holy Warrior. Is... Pyrrha safe?"

I eased the worriedness in her expression by planting my hands softly on her shoulders. "She is safe. Tira nor Azola can use Pyrrha as a bargaining tool no longer."

Her sad look was quickly replaced by happiness as she hugged me tightly. "Thank you so much. Even if I can never see them again, my heart soars from knowing my children are safe." Sophi loosened up enough where our eyes met, a newfound hope in her eyes. "Will you keep your promise and stay with me?"

I kiss her hand. "I intend to keep my promise, Sophi, and always stand by you. If the world were to shun us, at least we'll have one another."

She giggles lightly. "How poetic of you."

Then, to my surprise, Sophi pecked my lips. "*Gasp*. Oh, my Gods, I didn't mean to do that. I'm sorry, Xan."

Her face blushed deeply. Failing to fight a blush of my own, I respond by kissing her cheek. "It's okay. This is probably going to be normal for us now."

"I guess so," she answered giddily before feeling her head.

"Are you okay, Sophi?"

"Just a bit lightheaded."

Turns out, our battle was fiercer than either of us could've imagined. "Come, Sophi. I know a place where you can rest."

She nods. "Okay, lead the way."

I lead her through the Proving Grounds to a portal to Osaka, where I brought her to the Jyarukudai Villa.

"Wow, Xan," Sophi remarks. "You own this entire palace?"

I sit her down on the bed in the Master Bedroom. "Yes. The Daimyo of the city recommended the Lord of the region to give it to me after taking care of a group of supercriminals. I've only had it for a few months as I never really got to enjoy it with the Tower of Remembrance appearing out of nowhere."

"I would love to help you, but I'm so tired and weak. And you're going to head back to Ostrheinsburg to continue your crusade with Taki. Please, come back to me, Xan. It would hurt me if you or Taki were to die during this ordeal."

I kiss her lovingly on the lips, separating when she had to breathe. "We'll be careful, but you need not worry, Sophi. I swear to you I'm coming back."

She smiles at me. "Okay, I'll wait for you. Promise me one more thing."

"Anything for you."

"Azola. You will eventually do battle with her as you did me. She must pay for ruining my life. Make her suffer for me," Sophi said without hesitation.

I kiss her hand one last time. "She will suffer greatly, Sophi, whether by Taki-senpai or me. I must be going now." I say as I stand up. "You get some rest. I'll let Hideyoshi-san know you're here."

After leaving Sophitia to get some much-needed sleep, I informed Hideyoshi of her presence. I make my way back to the Tower of Remembrance entrance, where Taki-senpai waited patiently.

"You're back quicker than I anticipated. Are you ready to continue?" she greeted me with her trademark bluntness.

I nod. "Yes, Senpai. Let's finish this."

"Good. Let's go."

We both head back inside the tower with the sole intention of slaughtering anyone who stands against us.

A/N: A couple of things before I go.

First off, the context of this section. I have an ongoing SC story, but this is clearly following the plotline of SC IV, where the other is during SC VI. So what gives? My first story on this site took place during the original timeline of SC. It would've ended with Xan & company destroying Abyss. This excerpt would've taken place in a prologue to the anticipated sequel.

Xan and Taki would've teamed up and investigated the sudden appearance of the Tower of Remembrance, leading to the battle against Algol. With Clair and Katti's help, the duo would've slain and sealed him inside Astral Chaos. Azola would've been killed by Xan himself at Sophitia's request. The romance was a little contrived, but anything involving Sophitia post SC IV would've been better than how Project Soul dealt with her, killing her off-screen.

Still triggered by that.

The story would've then began at the beginning of SC V with Xan and Sophitia's daughter, Sonia, or as she preferred to be called Boogie. She would've used a unique fencing style that involved the Hirazuki that Xan invented in this AU and ballet. If you're perceptive, you'd know that a character I've made already has that name. I wonder what I'll do with her? Only Time Will Tell.

I'm considering whether to make the next chapter of MoI a follow up with Azola's death, 'cause fuck Azola. Idk I'll sleep on it.

Later.