New!- (...)= Spiritual voices or personal thoughts.
___________________________________________________________
The pirates that continuously raided China were more than a nuiscance.
They were a constant threat and a grave issue for the emperor, who was
quickly running out of ideas for the defense of his country. In a
desperate last attempt to salvage his country, he called forth many
warriors, including his own personal guard, to find the Soul Edge. But
even his guards failed, thus ending Chai Xianghua's role as their
captain. Now, with civil war approaching and China's resources running
dry, hope seemed lost.
But hope tends to come from the most unusual and unexpected sources...
____________________________________________________________
Mina and Xian were at the inn once again, and were preparing to leave
for thier next destination. As they packed what clothes they had, Mina
was silent. But Xian on the other hand had much to say. "This is gonna
be great! Just like four years ago, We'll go adventuring and eat all
sorts of food, just like we used to. And of course, we'll have lots of
fun at night too, if you know what I mean!" Mina just nodded, and
continued packing. The former captain however, noticed Mina's silence.
"You do wanna have fun, right?"
Mina nodded. "Well, say something about it! Don't leave me high and dry
like that." "Sorry," she said with a smile. "I'm just really deep in
thought right now." "I see... What're you thinking about?" Mina was
mute. "Oh, come on, tell me! If there's something wrong, then I want to
help!" Mina shook her head. "Nothing's wrong. It's just that, since
we're not supposed to keep secrets from each other, I've been wanting to
tell you something. But I'm not so sure that I want to." "Oh, is that
so? Well you helped me out of that during the competition; I guess it's
my turn to help you." "Can't you already tell what's wrong with me? We
are, after all, bound to each other."
Xian shrugged at this and replied with, "I think that only works when
one of us is in pain or in danger. When one is feeling sorrow inside,
the other is in bodily pain. When one of us is afraid, the other is as
well. Y'know, when bad stuff like that happens. But you're neither.
You've gotta tell me what's wrong, or I can't help you." The korean
woman nodded. "Yeah, I suppose so. But I still don't feel like telling
you." Xian nodded. "I see. Well, that's okay. I won't pry."
Mina nodded and said, "Thanks. I'd appreciate it." Xian nodded and said,
"I guess I'll ask later. But I wanna help, just the same. So let me give
you this." She leaned toward Mina and kissed her gently on the lips.
This took her friend somewhat by surprise, but it certainly did make her
feel better. Mina closed her eyes, hoping for the kiss to continue, but
she felt nothing. When she opened them, she found that Xian was staring
at her. "What, is there something on my face?"
____________________________________________________________
But suddenly, why her friend was looking at her didn't matter. Something
compelled her to keep looking. The brown eyes seemed to call to her,
inviting her into their warmth. Mina sat there, transfixed by the
beautiful gaze of Xianghua. She was starting to become light-headed, and
no longer heard her inner voice, which was screaming at her that she was
being put under hypnosis. But Xianghua's will completely overpowered
hers, and Mina was helpless. She was still aware of her surroundings and
her senses, but the room didn't seem to matter anymore.
A voice from within her said, (Don't freak out. I'll let you have your
say in a while. I just want to borrow her for a second.) Mina's own
inner voice replied with, (This is no way to find out a secret. It's
better to let her say it on her own.) (Yeah, and all the while, the
problem will slowly eat away at her. I don't really have a choice on the
matter. I'm sorry.) Mina's soul seemed to relent. (She's yours. Just
don't take this too far. Now, speak as you normally would.)
However, Mina didn't hear this dialogue. She was still dazed by her
friend's eyes. Even her spiritual sensitivity was dulled by Xian's will.
She heard Xian's voice and listened as if there were no other voice in
the world. "You still want me to help, right?" "With what?" Xian sighed
and said, "Your problem, silly." Mina was somewhat confused. "I had a
problem?" "Yeah, you did." It cretainly sounded like she did, according
to Xian. "I guess so." Xian nodded. "All right, then. Tell me what it
is." Mina said, almost immediately, "It's about that thing where I told
you that I snuck out. Actually... I didn't."
If Xianghua was surprised, she didn't show it. "Really? Then what
happened?" "Well, I was looking for one of my father's students, Hong
Yunsung. He left with White Storm, one of my family's treasure swords.
Normally, I wouldn't care; but I think I talked him into leaving in the
first place by just giving him the sword." Xian was all the more
interested in this story, for if it was a treasure sword, like Scarlet
Thunder was, then it was potentially a living weapon, like the others in
their possesion. "Please, go on. Tell me about this sword."
____________________________________________________________
After searching around for a while, the inn was exactly where she
thought it would be- in the last place she would think to look. As she
neared the building however, she was now faced with the hard part. (How
do I approach her? If I do this the wrong way, they will distance
themselves from me. But if I go too far, I might get into something that
I'm really not ready for. How do I do this right?) Just then, as if
irritated with her indecision, her soul spoke out again.
(This is pointless.) Talim heard the voice and jumped in surprise. She
thought that she had silenced the voice during the final match of the
tournament. However, it seemed that she was wrong. "Why are you still
here? You shouldn't bother me about this!" (On the contrary; I'm the one
who bothers you about everything, including the fact that you're talking
to yourself.) "That's ridiculous. Why would it seem like-" Then, she was
aware of her surroundings. People on the street stared at her as she
spoke to the air itself. She turned a crimson red as she ducked into the
inn to avoid further shame.
(See, I have a use after all.) Talim looked around to see if anyone had
followed her, then she sat down at a table and tried not to voice her
thoughts. She closed her eyes and focused on the voice. (What, you're
only going to listen? *Sigh* That's what's wrong with not having your
full shaman training- you can't even speak to your own soul.) There was
that word again. What did it mean? Was it the part of oneself that told
of danger and evil? Was it simply a voice that gave advice? Was it the
wind itself? Or did she just need more sleep?
(What's there to think about? They seem to know more about these things
than you do. Ask them about it, not me. I won't tell you, because you
won't understand it from me. As for that other thing, why don't you
listen to me for a change, instead of fighting me? It worked last time.)
Talim couldn't hear this anymore. She closed her eyes and focused on
something else. Soon, the voice faded and she was alone again.
When she opened her eyes again, she noticed that the inn was strangely
empty, save for the barkeep, who didn't bother to look at her. She
breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back, finally relaxing. Her own
thoughts would not leave her alone however, and the quiet just made
things worse. She thought about what the mysterious voice said before
she banished it to the back of her mind. She did feel a sort of inner
peace when she embraced the woman in red that day. But something more
was going on.
Sirens went off in her mind that day, telling her that this was not
right; that it wasn't acceptable to society, and more importantly, to
her god, for this thing to happen. But her body fought reason, as if it
were controlled by something else. Something deeper within her being
enjoyed this contact, as if it had been waiting for it for some time.
Sure, her mother did this simple act with her every day, but this was
different. She couldn't explain it at the time, for there were no words
that fit the sensation.
Talim was confused that day. She hated it when the forces within her
clashed like that; she wanted the inner peace she had before, while she
was still in her village. But it was gone now. The balance between body
and mind had been shattered with this new factor, called the spirit. She
knew nothing about it, for she wasn't that far in her shaman's training.
So the logical awnser was to ask someone about it. The woman in red
knew... but she was afraid to ask her. She had even forgotten her name,
which was an embarrassment in itself.
But the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. It seemed to
be the only way at the time. Besides, two questions would be awnsered at
once, something that was rare in these times. Somehow, she knew that
this opportunity would not show itself again. With this in mind, she
rose from her chair and walked up to the barkeep. "Excuse me." The
barkeep had his back turned to her, but heard her nonetheless. "Yeah,
what is it?" "Did a woman in red come through here with her friend?" He
nodded. "Oh, sure. They're staying upstairs, first room to your right."
Talim nodded her thanks and went to the room, with her curiousity as the
only wall against her fears.
____________________________________________________________
As Mina finished her story, Xiahghua nodded. It certainly made sense to
chase after your family's keepsake. Her sword, the Krita-Yuga, belonged
to her mother before it passed itno her possesion. If something happened
to it, she wouldn't stop until it was found. But there was still one
thing that puzzled her. "Uh, Mina, why didn't you tell me this in the
first place?"
Mina blushed as the words fell out on their own: "I didn't want you to
be disappointed with me. Y'know, actually asking my father for
permission, not running from home this time- things like that. I guess
that I might have given you an impression of a tomboy, a rebel. And I
remember you telling me that was the part of me that you liked the most.
But... I guess that's no excuse for lying to you, huh? I'm sorry."
After staring at Mina for a full ten seconds, Xian laughed. "W-what?
What's so funny?" She looked toward Mina, and when she could catch her
breath, said, "That's it? That's the reason you told me that story?"
"Yeah... what of it?" After drying the tears from her eyes, Xianghua
explained. "It's funny because that's the exact same reason I lied to
the Emperor- I didn't want him to be disappointed. Sure, it was still a
loss, but the alternative would have been worse. When you say it though,
it sounds so childish. No offense, of course."
"None taken. I know my faults now. Tell you what- from now on, no more
secrets between us. Agreed?" "You mean, even if I told you that..."
Mina's eyes widened in shock by what was whispered into her ear. "Are
you SERIOUS?" Xian doubled over in laughter at Mina's reaction. "Heck
no! I always catch you off guard like that!" Mina pouted in mock anger
and said jokingly, "That's not very nice, you know."
Even amongst the laughter, Xian could hear the floorboards in the
hallway creaking. someone was headed toward their room. When the faint
noises stopped in front of their door, she heard nothing else. (So, you
wanna know what's in this room, huh? Fine.) Xian walked over to the
door, speaking to Mina as she did so. "But enough of this. It seems that
we have a visitor." Suddenly, she yanked the door open, sending Talim
tumbling head over heels to the floor.
"My, you seem to follow us everywhere, don't you?"
______________________________________________________________
Talim let out a yelp as she fell to the floor, head over heels. As she
rubbed the back of her head, she felt like the room was falling around
her, and a piece of the celing just happened to fall on her head. (Yeah,
way to make an impression. You could've just knocked...)
"I'm betting that really hurt. Are you okay?" Talim looked up at
Xianghua with a slight irritation. "Well, what do you think? You're the
one who opened the door, just when it was getting good!" Then, she
corrected herself. "I-I mean, I'm sorry for eavesdropping like that. I
shouldn't have-" Then, as she looked toward Mina, who was trying to
supress a laugh, the floor fell out from under her.
As she cast her gaze at the floor again, her cheeks turned a deep
crimson. (T-this again! What is it about her?) "F-f-forgive..." Mina
shook her head and smiled as she said, "Forget about it. Besides, I
thought that scene was kinda cute. Especially when you fell on the
floor." As the blush passed away from her cheeks, Mina walked over to
her and extended her hand, right in front of her face. "I'm sure that
the floor is uncomfortable for you. Here, sit with me."
As she took her hand, she noticed that it was delicate, and seemed
unscarred by battle. But as she was hauled from the floor, she almost
took flight. "Whoa!" Mina was strong, though her features were slender,
and seemingly easy to break. Mina steadied Talim, laughing lightly as
she did so. "Sorry, I forget how strong I am sometimes." After dusting
herself off, Talim sat on the bed and attempted to find the words to
begin asking her question.
(What are you afraid of? Just ask!) That voice again. But this time, she
thought it better to listen- she didn't really have the words to ask her
question. (I can't find the words.) (Then let me say it for you.) (I'd
like to, but how?) Her inner voice sighed and said, (Just repeat after
me.) No other voice was heard but Talim's, however. Her shaky, somewhat
hesitant voice, managed to ask: "I'm curious... about something that has
been happening to me. I came to ask you about it."
The room went silent as Mina and Xian listened, the sound of Talim's
deep breathing the only thing passing through the air. When she finally
spoke, her voice was sure, and she spoke with honest curiousity. "See,
there's this voice inside my head- whispering things to me that I've
never heard before. And yet, the voice is the same one that I've always
heard all my life."
Though she did not hear the voice anymore, she continued on, explaining
about what she actually did. "The people of my village have been blessed
by the Goddess of Wind for some time now. But they are not able to speak
to her, because those who have gone through the shaman's training have
either died, or gone insane." While Mina listened intenly, Xian was
utterly confused. "Shaman's training? What's a shaman?"
Talim was about to explain when Mina suddenly came out of her silence.
"Shamans are people who train thier bodies, minds, and souls, just for
the purpose of becoming mediators between our world and theirs."
"Mediators? So all they can do is speak to spirits?" Mina shook her
head, and continued with, "When times call for it, they use their bodies
as vessels, meaning that the spirits take control over them and speak
through them."
Xian shuddered when she had a mental picture of the situation. "That's
creepy. I wouldn't want to be like that." Mina shook her head and
continued with, "No, it's not so bad. I think that it's a good way to
calm restless spirits and take care of demons without a weapon." Xian
looked at her friend with concern. "You can't be serious. Willingly let
a demon take control of you? No way."
Talim spoke up with, "But it is possible to dispel demons in that way,
though that isn't my purpose. My purpose is to read the winds, focusing
both body and mind in order to do so. I can hear voices on the winds,
even from the most distant of cities. And they all echo in my head, just
like this voice, though they are at a whisper. But this new voice is
ever present, even when I'm not concentrating. It frustrates me, and I
either want to learn how to speak with this voice, or get rid of it all
together."
____________________________________________________________________
Three men stomped into the tavern, making a scene as they did so. One of
them, the tallest and most burly of the three, looked around with
disgust. "Hmph. This old rag is supposed to have some good food? Doesn't
look like it." Another one, thin-framed and slightly pale, added, "Yeah,
it doesn't seem to be the place for good eatin'. There aren't any women
here, either. Are you sure this is the place?"
The third, who was the mid-point between the two, nodded. "I'm positive.
What, you don't trust my information? Just find a place to sit- I'll get
the head chef out here." As he did so, the others did as he said,
sulking as they sat at a table. "Why the hell do we have to follow HIS
orders? He's nothing but a kid, compared to us..." The bigger man
replied with, "The boss plays favorites like this sometimes. It's not
fair, but you've gotta put up with it."
The man who had left for the kitchen shook his head in shame. He was to
escort these two idiots around the city, trying to gather information.
Trying was an understatement; Info. was impossible to find, since they
were members of the pirate clan that was hated throughout the Ming
empire. But they were misunderstood and misrepresented, and all because
of muscle heads like them.
So he went to the one place where he knew that he'd be accepted. Of
course, with those two here, It'd be difficult. "Hey, old man! I'm here
again." The 'old man' turned to face the young one, and smiled as he did
so. "So, are you here for the food? Or something else?" "You know me far
too well. Yes, I'm here on business again, but it's the last time."
"That's a relief." Then, lowering his voice, "Are those two here as
well?" "Sorry, but yes."
After seeing the frightened look on the head chef's face, he shook his
head. "Don't worry about it. I'm in charge of them. Please, get them
something to eat, will you? I think they're getting restless." The aged,
but experienced chef nodded, and set himself to work. As he prepared the
dishes, he made some conversation. "By the way, a few women carrying
weapons came through here today, asking for a room."
The young man perked up. It was important business when the old chef
spoke while he cooked, for he usually spoke the truth. "Really? One
doesn't see much of that these days. Do they come here often?" "Oh yes,
lots of times. Matter of fact, they were here all week, participating in
the big tournament."
He had heard of the tournament. The Ming emperor was looking for the
strongest fighters in the land, in order to draw fresh talent for his
Personal Guard. However, what really intrested him was this year's
champion, who not only beat many of the strongest in the competition
handily, but also turned down the invitation into the personal guard.
Instead, she picked a kwandao by the name of Hyup Do, and left without
her audience with the emperor.
A woman wearing red, wielding a crimson zanbatou... Those were almost
impossible to wield in battle, much less in competition. But she carried
it around as if it were a feather, and swung it like a graphite rod. Her
style resembles Ling Sheng Su, but she moved so quickly, no one could
tell. Perhaps this was the one?
"Interesting. Which room are they in?"
____________________________________________________________________
"So, what you're saying is that all this time, I've been thinking
unneccessary thoughts, and I need to quiet my mind?" After shaking her
head, Mina replied, "Yes, but not all thoughts are meaningless. It's
just natural for people to let their minds wander. But if you just
concentrate on your breathing, and nothing else, those idle thoughts
will vanish away. Then, you'll be able to hear the voice within you."
Mina had spent the past few minutes explaining everything she had
learned about the human spirit- what it was, why it was there, and how
to use it. She told Talim that it had a voice, a mind, felt joy and
pain, and was unique to every person.
"What I don't get is, why I feel what you're feeling right now?" Mina
was waiting for this part. "Well, it depends on what you feel. Please,
explain." Talim knew that she was heading down an uncertain path, but
she decided to keep walking forward. And so, after a deep breath, she
explained what went through her being. "I feel peaceful. I've felt that
way ever since we started talking. I guess it's because I'm comfortable
around you now, though I can't say why. And back at the tournament, I
felt so strong, even when you yelled at me."
Mina scratched the back of her head and sweatdropped. "Er... sorry about
that. I just get carried away about those kind of things." "What kind of
things?" "Well... when I'm in a fight, I want my opponent to be at their
best, no matter what they wnet through earlier. If something distracts
them while they fight, they'll end up getting hurt, and I didn't want to
hurt you."
Talim's cheeks reddened slightly at this, but she didn't seem to notice.
"I knew you were trying to help me. Somehow, I just knew it." "No
problem. When you're friends with someone, it's only natural to help
out, right?" "Right. Thank you. So, can I try it now?"
"Try what? Oh, that... Sure. But don't freak out when you hear it,
okay?" Talim nodded. "All right. Now just relax." Talim sat on the edge
of the bed, back straight and hands in her lap with the palms up. She
closed her eyes and began taking slow, deep breaths. Mina sat behind her
and spoke into her ear, not at a whisper, but not in a normal tone
either. Nor was it in a commanding tone- rather a suggestive one.
"Focus on your breathing, and nothing else. Your breathing is the the
ocean waves, your body, light as air, your mind, a shining crystal..."
At once, Talim's breathing slowed even further, and began to sound very
much like the sea. Her shoulders, which were tense, though Mina told her
to relax, finally relaxed. Her heart rate began to drop, little by
little. Her head drooped slightly, almost as if she were falling asleep.
So deep and intense was her concentration, even Mina's voice was fading.
Then, there was utter, peaceful silence, as if she were in a void. But
this wan't just a void- it was filled with something. Though she could
neither see, nor hear anything, another sense could feel a prescence. It
was an overwhelming sensation, an abundance of pure energy, just waiting
to be used. She began to feel light headed as the energy passed through
her.
Then, she heard something. It was faint at first, so she focused on the
voice. Immediately, the whisper was a yell! (YOU DON'T HAVE TO
CONCENTRATE THAT HARD, YOU KNOW!) Talim eased her focus, and the voice
was normal, at least to her. (Well, now that we've cleared that gap, can
you see me?) Talim strained her eyes, but could not see anything in the
inky darkness.
(No, much less anything else.) (Good. Then you understand.) (Understand
what? What're you getting at?) (What, her explination wasn't clear
enough? I certainly understood.) Talim shook her head and said, (Yeah, I
heard her, and I understood her. The one I don't understand is you, the
way you speak in riddles and such.) (A riddle, is it? *sigh* But I
suppose that you're trying this for the first time, so it behooves me to
explain. The reason you can't see me is that you haven't given me a body
yet.)
('Given you a body'? You're talking nonsense.) (I'm not. You don't see
me because you haven't created me yet. You only hear my voice.) (Create
you? Like giving birth, or something?) A laugh, then, (Not in the
physical sense.) Talim scratched her head, confused to no end at these
puzzles. (Can't you explain it any further?) (It is difficult to explain
it to one so young as yourself. It is better if you do it yourself, with
my help.)
Talim shrugged, thinking that this was good enough for now. (Okay. where
do we start?) (You are surrounded by a void of energy. A place where
anything can be created. But this energy is idle and formless. This is
where your mind comes in.) (My mind?) (Yes. Your mind channels this
energy, turning it into anything you desire. But this energy is limited
at first, and you will tire out easily, in both your physical body and
within this place.)
Talim nodded, and tried to sum it up. (So, I can use this for anything I
want, but I'll be too worn out to do anything else. Gotcha.) (If that's
what you think, then so be it.) (Huh? You mean, I won't?) (That is up to
you. A rock dropped into a pond only causes a ripple. But one day, that
ripple becomes a wave.)
Talim knew that saying. It was ususally said in her village. No matter
how small the beginning, the end result will always be greater than
expected. Then, she realized it. She didn't have to use everything- just
enough. (I understand now.) (Good, then we can skip the rest of the
explination. Now, I'm waiting patiently.)
Talim didn't do much of anything, save for light concentration. Small,
bright points of light began to appear, formed only from her focused
mind, and began to gather around her. Though the lights pierced the
void, Talim's eyes were, strangely enough, unharmed. Without moving a
hand or closing an eye, she began to shape the energy according to the
image in her mind.
After a few moments, a young woman stood, or rather floated, in front of
her, eyes closed. Her platinum hair was not tied, but flowed freely
through the air. her naked body was pale, almost white, but it was part
of the image. Other than these otherworldly features, the persona looked
and sounded exactly like Talim.
Stunned by what she had done, she could say nothing. She had, in a way,
created a life using her will alone. This was something that only the
divine were able to do, and yet, she did so. Though she knew that this
was only an image, she was still afraid. And yet... Yet the girl she had
created looked so beautiful. Too beautiful to be real, though she was
here in front of her.
As the girl opened her deep, brown eyes, Talim gasped in amazement.
(Even her eyes are beautiful.) (Of course they are. They're your eyes,
aren't they?) (What? What's that supposed to mean?) (You must understand
that you and I are the same person. I share your thoughts.) (Really?
Then I should watch what I think around here.) (Oh, you don't have to
worry. There's nothing here that I haven't seen before. I'm especially
interested in that Mina that you're with.)
Talim's face was burning at this comment. (What're you talking about?)
(Oh, come on. She's cute, admit it." (Y-you shouldn't-) (Say such
things? Even if it's the truth?) Talim gasped as reality stepped in.
Yes, she did think Mina was cute. There was no hiding it. (You're right.
She's cute.) (Yes... She's a part of me too, you know. A part of her
soul is in this place, and it binds you to her.)
(Binds me? So that's why I can feel what she feels.) (That's right. So
you do know that she loves me, right?) (What? She loves YOU?) With a
light, airy laugh, she explained. (Oh, don't get me wrong- she loves
both of us. She just sees your inner being, me, and loves you even more
for it. But that's just as long as I am pure, and without stain.)
(Hmm... I can understand that.) (That's good. But the question is, can
you accept those feelings, whether you feel the same or not?)
Talim was silent at this. A woman in love with another woman, and not
just as friends... it was awkward, and a little unsettling. But Mina
didn't just love her body, but everything- what she was, what she did,
and how she did it. All because she could see her soul.
(Yes... yes I can. And I think I'm starting to feel the same.)
________________________________________________________________
A shapely, dusky-eyed waitress walked by, casually minding her business.
She headed toward the two men who obviously looked like more trouble
than they were worth,and simply smiled at them, asking if they wanted
anything to drink. As the thinner and more sinister looking of the two
looked up at her with a predatory grin, he simply said- "How about you,
miss? You seem refreshing enough, no?" She smirked at him and replied
with "Sorry, but I'm not on the drink list today."
The two of them looked at each other, then looked at her with knowing
smiles and feral looks in their eyes as she walked on.. Perhaps they
would have some fun after all. But which one would go first? The burly
one simply asked- "Flip for it?" The skinny man nodded. "Flip for it."
He pulled out a coin, showing it to him so that his overly bulky partner
would see that it was not double sided. Then, he casually flicked it
into the air and called heads.
As the coin hit the table with a "plink", it bounced once.. twice...
three times. Then it simply stopped moving all together, landing on
heads. Again. "Aww, dammit," the large one cursed under his breath. He
would never get to have any fun. The taller man simply grinned, seeing
as luck seemed to be with him almost perpetually. He did not question
it- it was just there. He nodded and got up from the table as if to
stretch out. As he sat down again, he watched the room, following her
every movement and pattern.
Sure enough, she came by again, and he took the liberty of snatching her
up in his arms while he stood and slinging her over his shoulder in one
clean, fluid motion. She squirmed and writhed in his vice grip, her
blows to his back not helping any. She tried to let out a scream- but
that just would not do right now. He caught her at a pressure point on
her neck, pinpointing the one that would knock her unconcious
immediately and on reaction. As her eyes closed against their will, he
simply carried her upstairs and past Mina's room, towards the room at
the end of the hall.
His first mistake... for the soul was still alive. And it let out a
desperate plea for help as she was carried past their room.
_________________________________________________________________
The food was just about ready in the kitchen, and the young man who
allied himself with the local pirates had what he needed. Something to
tell his boss about. The three women who were in the fourth room from
the stairwell, on the right side of the hallway, were involved heavily
with Soul Edge. How he got this information without the usual bloodshed
is a mystery, but he has a way with words about him that few of the
uncivilized rabble did.
They knew only how to take and slay- nothing more. But then again, it
was expected- they knew nothing else. But the young man, who seemed to
have an air of command and control about him, knew his way around
without having to draw a blade- unless necessary, of course. He always
had a 28" wakizashi at the ready, just in case he needed it. And he had
the feeling that it was about to come into play.
As he came back himself with the food, he looked at his table and noted
that where there used to be two, now there was one. And that one looked
increasingly smug, as if he were waiting for something. He sighed- if it
were what he was thinking it was, then this would be another bad day...
He walked over to the table with the food and simply looked at the big
man sternly.
"Where's Fang at?" The man snapped out of his daze and said sheepishly-
"Oh, he's just out for some air, that's all. Not exactly feeling to
good, y'know?" The young man simply quirked an eyebrow and sighed. He
didn't want to know what it was this time, and didn't care anymore.
Besides, that was the way things worked around here these days... it was
sad, but it couldn't be helped. Then again, something would hopefully go
wrong this time...
__________________________________________________________________
Talim's.. well, one would call it a "sister" of sorts- suddenly became
alert. Eyes were sharp and focused; ears were tuned to everything around
her; smells and touches were heightened... and she heard something. A
voice that rang clear in this darkness.
"Somebody help me!!"
A woman... and she was close. Very much so. Talim's soul nodded towards
her. (There's not much time. Someone needs help.) The young sybill
nodded. (I'll go to her, then.) Her spirit cautioned to her- (The enemy
is not as fragile as the others. Be careful, and remember to use me if
you have to.) She was confused again, but a scream blocked out any
confusion. She simply nodded and rose from the abyss, looking at the
light above...
And her eyes snapped open, suddenly aglow with fire and spirit. What
seemed like an eternity had been mere moments, in fact. Talim cared not.
She looked towards Mina and Xianghua, and they had the same look in
theirs. The three of them had heard the despair- the screams and cries
for help. And all three had weapons at the ready. She nodded to them as
they rose from the bed and followed the source of the pleas for help.
As they headed down the hallway, the three women could not help but
wonder what the matter was, though Mina had a good guess... the voice
sounded urgent- very much so, as if something was being done without her
concious knowledge- she was watching herself doing something against her
very will and soul. Mina was visibly angry at this, and picked up the
pace, though she still tried to be silent. Xian and Talim felt the
passionate anger and desire to punish... and they were afraid that it
may go a little too far.
As the approached the door, they heard a voice from the other side- a
man with a serpentile voice that had a tone of arrogance and dominance
in it. This was the problem... she looked back at the other two and
nodded. She held up her left hand and slowly started ticking off each
finger. As soon as her hand had closed into a complete fist, they would
move...
___________________________________________________________________
The man known as Wolf's Fang was quite pleased with himself. The
waitress that smelled of orchids was definitely a rare find. He
considered taking her with him for later use, but why not have a sample
of something good for himself? The others would have time to "play"
later- he wanted the prime choice first.
"Hmm.. It's almost a shame, really. I'd rather like you to myself.. but
it's going to be hard, pulling the others off of you. They haven't had a
good woman in a while you see, and will be overly excited on your
arrival. I may need to lock you away for a while... we still have work
to do on your country, you know?"
Enough talk. Time for the fun.
5...
He ran a hand over her cheek bones and face, reveling in the soft skin
and fine lines.
4...
Fang ran his hand through her hair, admiring its silken touch... he
would love a lock of that to remember her by. Sure he would probably
have to tear it out, just to keep things exciting, but he would remind
himself to get one.
3...
His hands ran down the length of her body, feeling each and every
feature that nature had given her. And he was impressed, this was
definitely something to treasure. Or rather, in this case, something to
steal. He would not share this one with the others, he decided. This one
was his. He would make sure of it.
2...
Feeling that the clothes were a bother, he tore them open, sending
buttons everywhere and ruining them completely. He cared not- she was
the goal. He would have to make sure that he got her a new one later...
but that was later. This was now.
1...
He was just about to touch her, simply to feel every part of her.
Instinct began to take over, and his gentlemanly, though savage ways
were coming to an end. This would be most satisfying. Or so he thought.
Then, something happened.
Boom. The door was kicked open. Splinters flew everywhere as a foot,
clad with a red shoe, smashed it apart. Three women stood at the
entranceway, armed to the teeth. Apparently, they were here for one
thing... a fight. And it would be a painful, bloody one. Wolf smiled.
"Well well. Here to join the fun, are you? I'd love to oblige, but I'm a
little busy with this one. But if you'll wait in line, I'm sure that
each of you will have a turn."
The brown haired, green eyed woman in red smiled. She was not angry...
not visibly so. She was simply amused at the man's conduct. He knew no
fear... that was a bad thing. Fear kept one safe... and he was now in
danger. Big time. She simply responded with the same tone that he used:
"Oh, I'm sure that you'd like that. But she's out of your league. Why
not try me on for size? You won't regret it..."
_________________________________________________________________
"He's been gone for quite a while now... are you telling me the truth?"
asked the young man who was evidently getting irritated at the abscence
of his other partner. The bigger, bulkier man replied with- "I'm tellin'
ya, he's not feeling well!" He was sweating bullets- apparently, he was
cracking under the pressure that was not there. The young
second-in-command saw this, and shook his head. "You know, the stress of
a lie will kill you someday. I'm checking upstairs."
The big man smacked himself on the forehead, feeling very foolish. Why
did he have to be so nervous when he was asked questions, even simple
ones? Of course, when one could not think all that well outside of
battle, one did not expect others to understand much about anything
else. He shrugged it off and returned to his meal.
Meanwhile, the young tactician was heading upstairs, the left hand near
the grip of his wakizashi. There was something amiss here... he could
not have just left for a quick little satisfaction and not have returned
by now. As he searched the hall, he heard the clash of steel upon steel
and broke into a run. Just as he thought- Fang had gotten himself into
trouble again. And this time, he would not help. It was a fitting
punishment for someone who was as reckless and slightly insane as Wolf's
Fang. He found the door already open though, and he saw some things that
were expected, and some that were not.
The man's long, sharp claws were in a lock with the rod of a crimson red
zanbatoh, with two other women watching with anxious looks and drawn
weapons, as if ready to jump into the fray to help. He smirked and
leaned against the doorway and watched the struggle. He almost laughed
at the irony- he was about to violate a woman, and here he was about to
get violated by one. And a very skilled one at that- he knew it. He just
had to watch and see.
_________________________________________________________________
Mina grinned wildly. She could feel the power flowing through her as she
struggled against the other man's weapon. Anger was forgotten for a
brief instant as she shoved him back towards the window, hoping to get a
better position in this cramped space. Such a weapon as a zanbatoh could
not be useful in this situation, and she needed him as far out of the
inn as possible for a good chance. As her eyes took a quick glance over
to the bed, she felt a twinge of pity for the woman. She was beautiful-
and that was both blessing and curse to her.
Mina's anger came back. "I can't let you get away with this. Your ass is
mine." Fang grinned at this, the slight insanity in his eyes.
"Kehehehehe... who's to stop us from burning this place if you try? You
do know that this town... this country is ours? We come and go as we
please. If you value the lives of those that pass through this hovel,
then let me have her."
Mina reacted with a surprising speed and agility. Before his sentence
was finished, she lunged at the thin, wicked pirate with a kick to his
gut, followed by a sharp hit in said area with the back of her weapon.
He was sent flying through the window behind him, and slammed on the
street below, knocking the wind out of him. As Mina followed him out of
the window, she lifted the Scarlet Thunder high above her head,
preparing for a strike that would cleave him in two if he did not move.
It was too obvious. Wolf just did not see the attack until the last
second. He rolled out of the way, barely avioding being cut in two, and
lunged with reckless abandon after getting up. As she easily stepped to
her left and let the attack pass by, slamming the blunt end of her
weapon into his shoulder and sending him to the floor, she had a good
look in his eyes. They were full of madness, as if he had been posessed.
But her weapon showed no signs that he was so, save for his own twisted
mind. She had to take this one down now, before something happened. Her
weapon, which was silent until now, agreed wholly. (We must put this man
to an end before he makes good on his threat.) (I agree. All right then,
let's do this!)
_________________________________________________________________
Xianghua and Talim were at a loss for words as Mina followed the man out
of the window. As usual, she took it a little too far. It would've been
enough that he was out of the room, but she had to take the fight to him
for some reason. The two of them smiled at this, then turned to the man
who was standing in the doorway. Xian spoke first, smiling sweetly at
him with her sword slung on her shoulder.
"I'd love to know why you simply sat there in the shadows, but we have a
friend to help out. I'd like to warn you that we are not as we seem, and
if you or your friends try anything, we will come after you with
everything within us. All three of us." Talim simply nodded, seeing as
there was nothing else to be said. The smiles on their faces were offset
by the determination and disgust in their eyes. Apparently, even Talim
knew about the pirates in the short time that she was here- the winds
must have spoken to her about them.
In any case, they headed towards the window and exited through it to
join the battle below. The young man shook his head and cursed his luck.
Fang had once again ruined his chance at regaining some honor today...
and he would let the scars from their blades be a good lesson.
As he walked back downstairs however, the same predatory grin, filled
with a dark intelligence, spread across his face. The older women were
not willing to cooperate easily, as far as he could tell. But with the
young one in their possesion, they would have to consent. He just needed
to know how to get her back to the hideout with both of them in one
piece. If everything went according to plan, they would be a few steps
closer to the Soul Edge... and all their wildest dreams would come true.
_________________________________________________________________
"Give me BLOOD!!" He struck again and again, his claws lashing out at
the young warrior. So wild and furious were his attacks that she had to
defend more than dodge, and was starting to give ground. Then, with a
satisfied and twisted grin, he thrust both weapons at her stomach, in an
attempt to gut her completely. An obvious move... but as she blocked the
strike, holding her weapon horizontally to stop the attack, the Scarlet
Thunder was ensnared within the long, sharp blades and she knew that she
had made a mistake. There was only one reaction to this, and he had
enough sense- or blood lust- to make the decision. Fang heaved upwards,
tearing her weapon free, and flung it over his head, effectively
disrming her.
Her arms were above her head and she was stumbling towards the street...
Fang rose his weapons for the coup de grace. As they flashed in the
sunlight, so did his eyes in madness and arrogance. They were within
inches now, about to tear through...
"Mina!!" Xianghua ran towards her, almost knowing that it would not be
enough.. and then the electric sound of steel upon pure, unfathomed
energy sounded off. "What the hell is this?" Fang cried out, frustrated
at his ruined chance at bloodletting. Mina said nothing, but simply
rolled out of the way and stood at the ready. It was the weapon's
natural reaction to defend her, even if she did not have it in her
possesion. But what was she to do now? His madness had a method to it-
it made him faster and stronger, if a bit reckless. She would not be
able to reach the weapon.
But for the moment, they both circled each other, waiting for a chance
to strike. He had the same insane grin on his face, and was not trying
all that hard to hold his desire to kill within him- or so his twisted
grins and short bursts of laughter suggested. She was afraid- her eyes
showed it. But something within her would have her keep going... it was
them. The two women that were right behind her, waiting to rush to her
aid. The two that she was bound to by fate and love. Two of the six that
were integral to the world's safety and salvation. And everything became
clear. She called on those feelings that ran through her, and felt her
nerve return.
All the other people in the inn as well as the city itself were
important. Mina knew that, and didn't care. All she knew was that she
had to win... or they would die. If they died, Mina would die from
within, and with the worst pain ever imagined, until she would beg for a
physical death in the end. And she would not stand for such a thing. Nor
would she have the alternative happen, either... she would not have them
watch her die in front of them. The same scenario would happen to them-
only a thousand fold. Failure was never an option for her... and now,
the need for victory was greater than ever.
With a calm, determined gaze in her eyes, she readied herself for the
next attack.
_________________________________________________________________
- End
Hey, another good one. Sorry it took so long- I was lazy as hell.
Anyway, I do hope that it's to your liking. The end of this fight will
definitely be in the next chapter, so stick around for a while. Because
The One has returned. :) As per usual, tell me what you think. Feedback
is needed for this story to grow!
- Next Chapter
When one is using a sword to defend, they must achieve a complete
victory. One cannot lose a battle in which the lives of others are at
steak, for their lives are bound to the warrior, if only for a scant few
moments. But in order to win completely, one must use methods that are
far beyond the scope of their limits. As the Scarlet Thunder glows a
crimson red, Mina learns an aspect about mastering her newfound power to
defend the ones she cares for.
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