Fan Fiction ❯ Soul Calibur II: Return of the Soul Edge ❯ The Journey Begins ( Chapter 2 )

=The Journey Begins=

 

 

Early morning at Seung Han Myoung's residence,

The place looked peaceful, while the square garden was empty, except a lone sweeper. It was very good to start the daily activities for the disciples inside until the loud shouting echoed, breaking the tranquility,

 

“YUNSUNG!!” Someone ran across the garden, followed by another person. The running person was a red-haired youth with white clothing and orange belt across his right shoulder. He carried a sack behind his back and a Chinese sabre at his left hand. Behind, a black-haired girl with a white-green garment pursued him. She carried a zanbatou at her right hand. The girl shouted furiously,

 

“Hong Yunsung! Give the White Storm back! I mean it!” The youth laughed back,

 

“I just borrow it, Mina! I promise I will keep it and return it back to Master once I've found the Sword of Salvation…” He didn't watch the sweeper in front of him, and when he did, it was too late. They crashed upon each other, however Yunsung managed to continue his pace and left the poor man sprawling on the floor. He managed to say,

 

“Mian hamnida (I'm sorry)!” Yet, it didn't have any effect as he expected. Instead, his pursuers had become two: Seung Mina, the daughter of Seung Han Myoung and…. the angry sweeper. Silently, Yunsung gritted his teeth for his rashness. Not for long, he already faced the wall. Then he stopped for a moment and squatted his knees. Then he propelled himself upward to the upper part of the wall. The sweeper merely waved his punches on the air, yet the wall didn't stop Mina. She followed what Yunsung had done, jumping to the air. The youth moved quickly and jumped to the other side instantly. When he landed on the ground, he ran as fast as he could. When Mina landed on the wall, Yunsung already vanished from the sight, much to her dismay. The youth's voice echoed,

 

“Tell Hwang, I'll beat him this time!” Mina sighed tiredly,

 

“Father won't like to hear this…”

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile at the mountainous region of Cordillera (Now Mountain Provinces, Philippines),

A young girl stood on the top of the hill; she wore a gold pendant and a green garment with white skirt. She has her green hairs tied behind. She closed her eyes; calmly feel the breeze passed her. Then a bird flew beside her and pecked her. The girl smiled as she opened her eyes,

 

“Ikaw naman, Alun…why are you here?” The bird chirped only,

 

The girl said, “Come, it's time to go home…” Before left the place, she turned back and whispered,

 

“I'll be here again, hangin…”

 

 

Below the hill, the traditional village stood proudly. The rice terraces surrounded the village, almost like the giant green ladders. At the village, a huge windmill stood there. The girl walked happily, sometimes waving to the villagers. In return, the villagers replied with a gentle smile and bow. The green-haired girl entered the house not far from the windmill. The bird followed her from behind. Inside, an elderly woman sat on the ground, accompanied by a middle-aged woman and man. The man wore a colorful loincloth and sarong, while the woman wore a plain red skirt. The girl greeted them respectfully, while the bird rested on her shoulder,

 

“Inay! Itay! I'm home…” The woman nodded, while gestured her to greet the elderly woman. The girl knelt in front of the woman,

 

“Lola! I'm glad to see you here!! Are you coming to accompany me?” The elderly woman smiled and let the girl to stand,

 

“Of course, how could I let my granddaughter to go by herself?” Then she touched the girl's face dearly,

 

“Talim…I still remember when you were little…it is hard to imagine that you're already grown up…” Talim stared her back, before saying,

 

“I wish I could stay here, but I must do something important…” Then she walked to the earthen jar and took something inside. It was a metal fragment, but the fragment emitted a faint red aura. The elderly woman asked worriedly,

 

“Talim, are you sure that you want to do this?” The young girl nodded, while her eyes showed a determination,

 

“It is my call, Grandma! I can't let this evil thing around…I must return them to its rightful place, by then the balance shall be restored…” The man patted the old woman's shoulder,

 

“Let her decide her steps…for she's the descendant of the Priestess of the Winds. By traveling to the outside world, Talim will appreciate more and I believe it will help her…” Talim's grandmother took a breath, and called her granddaughter to come,

 

“I have something to accompany you, Talim,” She produced two elbow blades and gave her to the stunned girl. Then she said,

 

“You're very good in using this for dancing, granddaughter. The outside world is full of danger; therefore bring Syi Sarika and Loka Luha to protect you. These blades also serve as a reminder of your village… “ Talim couldn't say anything; she hugged her grandmother dearly. The old woman hugged her back. The girl replied,

 

“I won't forget you, lola! I promise I'll be return here once I've done my mission. Maraming salamat, lola!” The middle-aged woman called them,

 

“Anak, look what I've made for you,” Talim saw her mother carried a white short pants to her,

 

“I made this for you, Talim! You don't have to wear skirt anywhere. Why don't you try them now?” The green-haired girl took the pants happily and entered her cot immediately. Within a minute, she already wore the pants. Now it was her father's turn to show something. Talim exclaimed in surprise when she saw what her father has: a pair of leather shoes,

 

“Sapatos? But, father…I don't need that…” The man said assuredly,

 

“Talim, the people outside wear these things. I know you prefer to walk barefooted, but you must show to the people outside that the mountain tribes aren't ignorant and savage like what they think. You'll carry our name once outside, so show to them what you are really…” Though reluctant, the young girl took the shoes and wore them. It was fit to her perfectly. Then she hugged her father and mother,

 

“Itay! Inay! Wherever I go, I'm still Talim whom you know dearly… hindi ko kalimutan, maraming salamat…” Her parents merely nodded in agreement, while the elderly woman watched,

 

 

 

Not for long, Talim took a carabao wagon. Behind, the villagers, including her parents and grandmother waved her hand as the wagon departed. The young girl waved in return, while her face looked sad. She promised herself to return once her mission has done. Wiping her tears, she turned to the person beside her,

 

“Where are we going?” The man with barong answered,

 

“To Manila. Once there, we'll drop you at the harbor…then it's up to you to go…” Talim didn't answer; instead she patted the pouch where she had put the fragment inside and pondered,

 

No matter how far I have to go, I must find these fragments before they hurt anyone else…I won't afraid as long as the winds with me…I can always find the way back…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the same time, at China,

 

The lone man walked along the dusty road. He wore a red plated armor and a black pant; he also carried a katana beside his waist. His face was rugged and bearded, while his hair was knotted behind. He was very thirsty after walked for a long time. Then he caught a street restaurant at the right side of the road. The warrior immediately made his steps faster. Before he was close to the restaurant there, a low howl sounded. He was surprised when he saw a pile of beaten people in front of the restaurant. It seemed those people were beaten senselessly into pulp. Not for long, someone came out from the restaurant and drank a jug of wine greedily. The warrior saw that it was a bald, mustached man with some white strands at both sides of his head. Judged from his appearance, he was far from weak, decrepit old man. His body was well muscled. The man wiped his mouth and then threw the empty jug away,

 

“Stupid commoners! Did I tell you that the Mishima Company would shoulder the expense! Now just taste my knuckles!” Suddenly he felt something and took something from his pocket. To the warrior's surprise, the man took a metal fragment that emitted the faint red aura and it was reverberated. At the same time, he sensed that his own fragment also reverberated in response to the other. The man turned his attention to him right now and started to crack his knuckles. Sensed the fight, the warrior pulled his katana and put the blade in defensive stance. The man merely walked toward him. The warrior immediately introduced himself,

 

“My name is Mitsurugi Heishiro! Introduce yourself, are you friend or foe?” The mustached man grinned only,

 

“That's depends upon your manner, warrior! I'm Mishima Heihachi and I believe you have what I wanted…” Mitsurugi replied without taking off his guard, pointing the tip of Shishi-Oh to his opponent,

 

“So, you're looking for the Soul Edge, too? I'm sorry, but I won't give the fragment to you…not without fight, at least.” Heihachi already put himself in fighting stance,

 

“Let's see what you are made of…” Both gazed each other with steely, penetrating look. They waited who will strike first. Then a calm voice broke the tension,

 

“Amida Buddha, I have arrived.” Mitsurugi and Heihachi turned their attention to the incoming voice. The masked warrior with a banner behind his back stood stoically. He held his sword at the left side, while the wooden-like right arm steeple the hilt of the sword. The stranger spoke, as his eyes leered from the oni mask,

 

“It is I, Yoshimitsu!” Heihachi snorted in annoyance,

 

“Unbelievable, you're here too?” Mitsurugi asked,

 

“Are you wanting this too? Fine, be my guest if you want to die.” Three warriors were locked in deadly fight, slowly the wind breezed among them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In another place, a young girl examined the burned ruins around her. She wore a white garment and blue pants, while her hand held the blue Chinese sword. Her face looked distraught and anxious as she watched the ruins longer. The sun started to set westward. Slowly but sure, the shadow fell upon the ruins. The girl touched her head, pondering,

 

The Imperial Army didn't give them a chance to surrender…if I really told Your Majesty the truth about the Hero's Sword, these people might be alive… Then she knuckled her hand,

 

No doubt…the fragment of Soul Edge was here once! I thought it had been gone for good after I have defeated Inferno…However, her thought was interrupted by someone's incoming. Instinctively, she unsheathed her sword and lifted it above her head. As the figure came closer,

 

“Introduce yourself or I will pierce you for good…” Then a familiar voice came,

 

“Xianghua, is that really you?” The girl stunned when her name was called. The stranger was a brown-haired young man. He was bare-chested and wore the red jacket. He held a red rod at his right hand. Chai Xianghua recognized him instantly. She sheathed her weapon quickly and ran toward the man, shouting,

 

“Kilik! Yes, it is you!” Then they hugged each other like the old friends. Kilik smiled in return,

 

“Long time to not see you, Xianghua and…you haven't changed a bit…” The Chinese girl giggled,

 

“And you're so serious, as usual…by the way, why are you here?” Now Kilik's face turned serious than usual,

 

“I'm coming here because I've sensed the presence of Evil Seed,” Xianghua gasped,

 

“You too? Then we're having the same objective…” The young man asked her,

 

“Xianghua, may I know why you are here?” The smile vanished from the girl's face as she explained,

 

“What happened here is my fault, Kilik. The owner of the castle…recently I think, rumored to have Soul Edge. The Emperor thought he was hid the sword, thus proving his disloyalty by killing the Imperial envoy. So…” Xianghua gulped nervously, as Kilik waited,

 

“Emperor decided to sent his army to teach the lesson and…that's what happened…” Suddenly, she cried and hugged the young man. Kilik was stunned with her outburst, yet he patted her shoulder to calm her,

 

“It is my fault! If I've told the truth, they would still alive until now…” Gently, he spoke,

 

“Xianghua, that's not your fault…don't blame yourself for what you haven't done. Do you think Emperor would believe if you tell him the truth about Soul Edge? No, nobody would believe until they have witnessed it by themselves…”

As the girl lifted her head, Kilik wiped her tear and said,

 

“It is unlike the Xianghua whom I know…stop crying. The Evil Seed wasn't here, someone had took it away…” Surprised, Xianghua wiped her remaining tears hurriedly and asked,

 

“Not here? Then where is it?” The bearer of Kali-Yuga didn't answer; instead he turned his attention to the west and said solemnly,

 

“Back to where it originates…I've also sensed the resurgence of evil there…”

 

“You mean…Nightmare has returned too? I thought you're beaten him for good…” Kilik walked away, while Xianghua followed from behind,

 

“No, he has gone into the Void…” The girl continued,

 

“…with my Soul Calibur or Krita-Yuga. Great, now I don't have it when we need it badly! Then how do we defeat Soul Edge?” To this, Kilik answered,

 

“I have destroyed the evil sword before, and now I'll do it again!” Then the Chinese girl asked,

 

“Have you seen Maxi, Kilik?” The young man suddenly stopped and turned to her sadly,

 

“No, I didn't see him…” She shook her head,

 

“Neither do I. I wish we won't leave him alone to fight Astaroth,” Kilik sighed only,

 

“Even so, I do believe that he still alive…” Then Xianghua said,

 

“You're right! Kilik, let me join you! I also want to destroy the evil sword…” The young man spoke carefully,

 

“My journey is very dangerous, Xianghua! Not mention, we didn't know whom we will fight this time? Perhaps Nightmare aren't the only one…” Yet the girl replied,

 

“Nonsense! Have you forgot when we're together? I had even defeated Inferno after you're too tired! Come on!” Thinking hard, Kilik finally said, while pointing the girl's head,

 

 

“Fine, but remember…open your eyes!” Xianghua laughed only,

 

“Ok, you're the boss!” He smiled only, the girl really reminded him to his late sworn sister, Xianglian. Then they left the ruins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early night at the tavern in Bern, Switzerland,

Many people crowded the tavern as usual. They liked to exchange the stories from abroad. However, this time they talked about a strange subject. The burly man said,

 

“Have you heard about the massacres around Hungary and Bulgaria? It is very frightening!

 

“Yes, someone said that an azure-armored knight with huge hand and sword did it…”

 

“I thought it was done by an axe-wielding giant…”

 

“No, stupid! That's wrong! The killer is the knight, not the giant!” The drunken man continued,

 

“It reminded me to what happened four years ago! When someone named Nightmare committed the massacre…”

 

Everyone hushed silent until a voice asked,

 

“Do you think the knight who committed the massacre recently and Nightmare was the same person?”

 

“Probably, rumors said that they have the same weapon…it was called Soul Edge…”

 

“Even now, the landowners were restless and started to hire an armed brigand to guard the place…I heard they also hired the seasoned mercenaries…”

 

“There is no use! No bullets ever touch the knight! I tell you, he must be a demon!” As those people continued their conversation, someone left the tavern after throwing some gold pieces to the bartender. Once outside, he took his horse and rode toward east. The man was looked dashing and debonair with his blond hair. He wore the purple garment with red lines at both sleeves. His blue eyes were full of determination, as he paced his steed faster. He said to himself,

 

They can say that nobody will beat the azure knight. They were right! Nobody, but me, Raphael Sorel! I'll be the one who will lay hand to the most powerful sword in the world…Soul Edge! Yes, Soul Edge shall be mine! Then his mind flew to the little dimpled girl with red hair. She was smiled, but her eyes showed the otherwise. Raphael patted his trusted rapier,

 

This is for you, Amy! I promise the better world for you with all of my heart…Flambert, don't fail me! Once again, he paced his horse to run faster and faster.

 

 

 

At the bell tower on the cathedral, someone was watching Raphael from above. The figure was painted in black, white and red, while the greenish eyes gleamed in the dark. The mysterious figure wore the spiked bracelet on both hands. His right feet have something spiky. His blood-red robe flew on the air, as he stood at the cross,

 

So, the weapon called Soul Edge was in this time…I hope you really keep your deal, Malebolgia…I'll find it and nobody will stop me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Venice, Italy, something jumped from roof to roof with inhuman swiftness. It was a thin man with a purple costume. He wore something like fencing mask, while both hands held katars. He looked like pursuing something elusive. Only one thing in his mind…he must fulfill his master's last wish…for it was the sole purpose of his life!

 

 

 

 

 

Below, a gondola followed the man without his knowledge. The rower continued his duty perfunctorily, while his passenger stood stoically. A white, shorthaired woman with the blue naval costume that usually worn by the English nobles, watched the movement of the mysterious man. Silently, she smirked and whispered,

 

“Vercci, you're lucky to have such loyal servant like him…” Then the woman turned to her short sword,

 

Voldo will guide me to those who had the fragments of Soul Edge…When the chance arises; I'll end the wretched creature suffering… She clenched her hand into fist. Her grip was very hard; slowly blood stained her white glove. The English woman gritted her teeth in anger,

 

For I, Isabella Valentine must not fail! I must destroy Soul Edge whatever the cost is, even this would cost my life…though I have to damned myself for that…Ivy's cursed blood dropped into the dark water of Venice. The gondola continued to go, following its elusive quarry.

 

 

 

Late midnight at the hill that overlooked Athens, a young girl with blue-white cloth and skirt watched the sleeping city anxiously. The girl has a blond short hair and pink ribbons tied above both arms, she said to herself worriedly,

 

Sophitia, forgive me for doing this! I simply can't let you doing this again…if Hephaestus wants someone to destroy Soul Edge, I'll be the one who destroy it, not you. Rothion and the children need you more than the gods do! She turned to the Omega Sword and Nemea Shield that she took from the Eurydice Shrine, and then turned to the steeped path to the west, whispering,

 

Pallas Athena, I never pray to you before, unlike my sister. This time, I ask you to protect and guide me…help me find the Soul Edge… The Greece girl paced her steps, while leaving the city behind her.

 

 

 

 

Three weeks later at Capital Ayutthaya, Thailand

Talim was confused as she traveled inside the busy market. She used to be seen the market in his place, but not so crowd like this one. Not mention, she didn't sense the evil aura in this place. However, Talim managed to learn more about the mysterious fragment. Someone said it was a part of a weapon, but nobody knew for sure what kind of weapon.

 

“Naku, how do I find the other fragments?” As she wondered along the market, someone suddenly hit her and snatched the pouch that contained the fragment from her pocket. Felt being snatched, the girl instantly screamed,

 

“Mandurukot! Magnanakaw!” The snatcher immediately ran away, while Talim quickly pursued him.

 

 

In other direction, Yunsung walked in relaxed manner, while munching an apple. He was certain that Hwang once passed this trail when he fought a pirate from Ryukyu. After eating, he would find an inn, taking rest, and then asking someone how to go west. His daydreaming was interrupted by someone running…and crashed him, throwing the half-eaten apple to the ground. As the Korean stunned, the man already ran again. Furious, Yunsung shouted,

 

“Hey, come back here!” The man was too far to hear his complaint. Everyone ignored it like nothing happened. He fumed, but couldn't do anything but brushed the dust from his clothes. He was very upset when realized that he lost his apple. The youth complained,

 

“Great, is it my karma to always crashing everyone?” Before turning back, he spotted the small pouch on the ground. Curious, Yunsung took the pouch and checked it. It didn't look so heavy, probably something less valuable. When he almost poured its content, a commanding voice came,

 

“Hoy, that is mine!” Yunsung turned around and saw a young girl behind him. She wore a green cloth that covered her chest, a white short pants and had her hair tied behind. She also wore the leather shoes and a golden pendant hung on her neck. Her face was looked unpleasant.

 

Already having a bad mood, the red-haired youth asked back, “Do you have proof that it is really yours?” The girl replied,

 

“It is mine! I know it!” The Korean was unconvinced; he left the girl after saying,

 

“Well, that's mine now! Consider as the replacement for my apple…” Talim could only gritted her teeth in frustration, yet she followed the red-haired again.

 

 

 

 

 

Not far from the river, Yunsung heard someone familiar called him again. It was the same girl at the market! She said with a pouted face,

 

“Ang kulit mo! I've told you that the pouch is mine!” Then he said impatiently,

 

“Look, girl! I haven't a mood to talk with you…” She said annoyingly,

 

“Yabang! ” Once again, the Korean felt offended. He called her, waving her pouch,

 

“That's it! I'm tired to hear that! If you want this, come and get it!” Yunsung took his sabre and instantly went to fighting stance. The young girl was hesitated, but then she put her pack and pulled the elbow blades. Calmly, she took them and ready for fighting. The Korean smiled, as he stretched his limbs for a warm-up,

 

“Now it is getting interesting…”

 

 

 

The last thing that Talim wanted was a fight with the stranger. Yet she couldn't let the fragment fall to the wrong hand, nevertheless she had to fight the redheaded boy. Though never going out from her village, she has heard about them from the wanderers who visited the village occasionally. Unlike the Philippines, the Koreans were still free from any western domination, though they now faced the impending invasion of Japan. Therefore she felt sympathized with their struggle. Then she pleaded him again,

 

“Pakiusap, I want my pouch back…I don't want to fight with you…” The youth replied,

 

“Sure, after you've beaten me first…” Yunsung instantly opened his attack by slashing vertically toward the girl. Talim surprised, but she managed to block the attack with her elbow blade. She quickly ducked, and followed it with low slash. The Korean jumped backward to avoid the strike. Silently, he admired the girl's tenacity; her movement was fluid like a wind. The young girl instantly went into her usual stance, recalling the time when she danced for the folk festive at her village. The red-haired boy attacked again; this time he whirled his sabre very fast, forcing his opponent to counter. However, the Filipino girl countered the attack calmly. Without any warning, Yunsung sent his kick toward her side. As she blocks the kick, another kick knocked her to the ground instantly. Her body rolled on the ground, while her opponent paused a while. She groaned in pain,

 

“Aray! It is very hurtful…” Yunsung asked half-mockingly,

 

“How now? I would welcome the offer of your surrender, girl, so you can be spared further harm.”

 

“Yun akala mo…” To his surprise, the girl attacked again. This time she brought one of the elbow blades into punching stance. The Korean blocked it, yet Talim quickly brought her weapons together into a sudden thrust at his midsection. Once again, the red-haired youth blocked the attack and retaliated with horizontal slash. The girl had ducked already, stancing herself from the danger. Then he sent the kick toward her. Instead she pulled away, and caught his leg. Yunsung shocked once realized the opponent had caught his left leg; he gritted in anger and ready to twist his body for the succession kick. But then Talim instantly dragged his leg, making him lost balance. Before he could think any maneuver, the foreign girl suddenly went forward and swung her elbow blades from both sides. Instinctively, the red-haired youth brought White Storm to block the attack, and spun his free legs to sweep the opponent's feet. Yet the girl has leaped above his head and landed just behind him. As he rose from the ground, she kicked him forward and caught his arm. Then she threw him quite a distance and jumped again. She landed upon her chest and ready to sent the butt of her weapons to his face when he said,

 

“Ok, I give up! I'm sorry for taking your pouch…here is it! Take it!” He offered her the pouch. Talim took the pouch and rose up quickly from him. She relieved when finding the fragment was still inside. Meanwhile, the Korean felt humbled with his unexpected defeat. Then he said to himself,

 

I don't believe thist…this girl has beaten me, though she looks younger than me. I can accept that I can't beat Mina an inch…Probably I have to practice my martial arts more…if I want to find the Sword of Salvation. After putting the sabre, Yunsung turned to the Filipino and said,

 

“Not bad, girl! Where do you learn such skill?” The green-haired girl turned,

 

“I'm not fighting, I merely follow the wind and dance with it…by the way, and you're not bad too…” The red-haired youth blushed,

 

“Thanks for the compliment…” Then he put both hands forward, greeting her, “My name is Hong Yunsung, and may I know yours?” She returned the greet with a nod, while put her hands together,

 

“I'm Talim…nice to meet you, Hong Yunsung.” The Korean offered his hand,

 

“I think this is the beginning of a good relationship…”

 

 

Author's note: Here is the continuation. Actually I have a hard time since I didn't have the game in my hand. I also included Heihachi and Spawn in this story. I don't know if I can include Link here. If I make any mistakes with the characters, your review, critics (& flames) are welcome! Just wait the continuation in “Trail of Fate and Destiny”

 

P.S.: I decided to make Talim coming from the Philippines since her styles bear the Filipino names. Not to mention the Village of the Winds seems located at the famous rice terraces of Banawe. If you notice it carefully, she spoke Tagalog in the story. I'm sorry for the non-Filipino, however I've made the glossary to help you understand the language. For my kababayan, correct me if I made the wrong spelling, grammar or information here. Enjoy the story!

 

 

Glossary:

 

Korea:

Mian hamnida (I'm sorry)

 

Filipino:

Ikaw naman (it's you again)

hangin (wind)

Inay (mother)

Itay (father)

Lola (grandma)

Anak (child)

Sapatos (shoes)

hindi ko kalimutan ( I won't forget it)

maraming salamat (thank you very much)

Mandurukot (pickpocket/snatcher)

Magnanakaw (thief)

Ang kulit mo (you're intolerable)

Yabang (snobbish)

Pakiusap (please)

Aray (Ouch)

Yun akala mo (That's what you think)