Any of the Divine Treasures could be another Soul Edge, for they all have the same properties: the capability to absorb and channel spirit energy, the persona within each weapon that makes them come alive, and the supernatural strength that it grants the owner in exchange for his or her energy. Of course, the form of these weapons depends on the will of the user, whether it be for good or evil, for both are within the hearts of men. But it is for them to decide which path to take... Chapter 7: Rock the Boat (Pt. 2): Taming the Red Dragon ____________________________________________________________________ Morning. The sunlight gently woke the two lovers, who had deepened the bond between them the other night. They were now head over heels in love with each other, and would go to any lengths for one another, even death. But they would cross that bridge when they got to it... at the moment, Mina was explaining her plan to her friend and lover, Xianghua... "So, when I noticed that, I decided to try it. What do you think?" Xian nodded. "It's a good idea. Can I help in any way?" "Actually... yeah, you could. Everyone should be on deck by now, right? Well, tell them to clear a space for me. We don't want anyone getting hurt, do we?" "All right, consider it done. Be careful, though. Each weapon's persona is different... and this one may be hostile. If anything happens, break contact." Mina's expression turned stern. "I'll be careful. I'm gonna get ready now." ____________________________________________________________________ Mina had retreated to her room and barred the door. She did not want any distractions or interruptions during her meditation. 'Okay... empty your mind. Don't force the thoughts out, just gently let them go... it's easy.' With that, she closed her eyes and started her breathing... slow and deep. And she let her mind wander. Her mind drifted back to the Imperial Garden in China.... how the exotic flowers danced in the breeze, including her favorite, the Japanese cherry blossom... her body started to relax, and was free to move... she started to drift away... And before she was lost in her forced sleep, she had a waking dream. A light was before her... it gave out a familliar warmth. 'Is this my soul?' She decided to investigate... and as she got closer, it seemed to pull her in. Soon, she was lost in the glow... and she absorbed it. At once, a powerful force invaded Mina's body. It was overwhelming... but there was still that warmth, as if it meant no harm. 'So, it IS my soul. There's something different about it though... something stronger. Maybe... this is love. Not just for Xian, but for father as well. And my country, and any one who fights for it... even Hwang.' Then, she woke... and knew what she had to fight for. 'I still have to protect those who I care about. Even if it's those who annoy me, I still care about them. Hwang... I may not love you anymore, but I will still care about you. It's my turn to protect you!' Full of new life and strength, Mina emerged from her room and approached the upper deck... ____________________________________________________________________ "Hey, here she comes. Clear a path, please!" Mina rose from the cabins to what appeared to be somewhat of a crowd. 'There're more people on this boat than I thought. Well, I won't disappoint them.' "Do you mind if I warm up. Xian?" Xian was somewhat aggravated at this. "I thought you were ready?" "Doesn't hurt to warm up, you know that." Indeed, she did. "Fine." Mina smiled and said "Thanks." She stood up straight and took a deep breath. The cuts, stabs, and spins of a pattern dance had begun. Mina showed her mastery of her own mixture of Ling Sheng Su rod arts and Seung's Long Sword with grace and expertise. Finishing it off with a powerful Yin and Yang strike, Mina surprised Xian greatly. 'Kilik's most powerful strike... But that move takes a while to master! So why is hers stronger than his?' Indeed, the young swordswoman could sense a greater amount of power behind the attack than even Kilik could muster. 'Maybe that's the true power of that strike! Amazing...' "Hey! I'm ready to start!" At this, those who thought it was over came running back. Mina called out to the audience. "I need someone to stand right in front of me, please! Don't be afraid, just step forward! Anyone!" The crowd seemed to step back at this, which confirmed Mina's suspicions. 'No one's gonna do this...' "Allright, then. Xian, could you help me?" Her friend stepped forward. "Don't be afraid, every one! I'm sure you've seen this before, right? Then you know what I'm gonna do..." Then, Mina pulled her headband over her eyes, took hold of her weapon, and after a deep breath, tightened her grip on the rod. This channeled her energy through the zanba-toh, transforming it into the Scarlet Thunder. The crowd was amazed as this took place. Mina, however wasn't, even as she heard the voice of the persona within her weapon. 'What do you wish of me?' 'Nothing... I just want to get to know you.' 'Hmph.... very well. But must I speak in your tongue again? I tire of that.' Mina smiled at that. 'No. I think I can understand you now.' 'We shall see...' Nothing else was said as Mina began her demonstration. She began with a test of her weapon... she wanted something that a normal sword couldn't cut through... namely, a stone. So she slowly moved her feet around in order to find one of a decent size. And, as some strange brand of luck would have it, she found one. 'How lucky! Well, let's do it.' 'As you wish.' Mina felt the strength flowing through her. Her muscles came to life... and her foot stomped on the deck. The stone flew straight into the air... 'This strength is incredible!' She brought her weapon down in a Spinning Divide, and cleaved the rock in two. The people were shocked: first at the big stone flying into the air with one stomp, then at the blade passing cleanly through the same stone. And to add to the feat, Mina tested the edge... and still cut her thumb on it. Nothing short of a catastrophe could dull the edge of the mighty Scarlet Thunder. But Mina was the most surprised, as she could see everything clearly, even though she made sure that she was blinded. 'What's this? I can still see!' 'No, you cannot. But you can hear... and touch... and smell. And, of course, you have me to guide you.' 'So, this is your doing!' 'No. The strength I gave your body improved all aspects of your being.' 'So, it's still me, with your help... I still can't believe it!' 'Well then, continue with what you were doing. Then we shall see...' 'Oh, right!' Mina had somewhat stalled in the next part of her demonstration during the conversation with the persona. "Sorry! Let's continue." Mina whispered into Xianghua's ear. "Whatever you do, don't move, and don't be afraid." "I trust you, Mina." Mina stepped back and adopted the defensive Ling Sheng Su stance. she then began twirling the blade like a baton with the Seung style's Heavy Crane move. Each strike of the attack came dangerously close to hitting her friend, and yet they missed. Without missing a beat, she smoothly linked the move with a Sheng style move, the Phoenix Roar. an appropriate name, for the roaring sound that came from the weapon as it passed through the air showed the tremendous force behind the attack. Then, as if it were a second nature to her, she linked that to another Sheng move, the Phoenix Flare, which went upwrds instead of down. After launching into the air with the last stroke, the hard part came. She set herself up for a Raven Slaughter Thrust which, hopefully, would pass harmlessly to the side of Xian's head... She struck... and the persona yelled 'Stop!' If Xian had moved, her ear would've been cleanly cut off. But she stood still, and the blade passed dangerously close to her cheek. Still, she was unharmed. 'You saved her... thank you!' 'You truly give me too much credit. Most warriors would not have the reflexes to stop an attack that moved at that speed.... you have learned much. I am only bringing out your true potential.' Mina lifted the veil from her eyes to the sound of cheers, applause, and sighs of relief. 'Hey... maybe you're right. We make a good team, don't we?' 'So that means that you trust me, as you used to?' Mina and Xian bowed to their audience. 'Yes, I do. And it's good to know that you're always there.' ____________________________________________________________________ Ming dynasty China. They had finally arrived. The two women wasted no time finding an inn to spend the night in. Before turning in, Mina had one final question to ask. "Hey, Xian... why didn't you move?" "I told you, silly: I trusted you. People who love each other put their faith in each other. Isn't that true?" Mina smiled and said "You're right. But you weren't scared? Not even a little?" "Well, yeah! You scared me to death with that thrust at the end! But I still trusted you, so I didn't move." Mina admired the trust and loyalty that her friend possesed. 'I fail so many times... but she forgives me and still trusts me. Xian, thank you.' ____________________________________________________________________ -End This chapter is dedicated to all those hardcore fans of the Soul Calibur series who even know the names of each move! By the way, Phoenix Roar is one of Kilik's signature moves, and the Heavy Crane is the baton-twirling move that Mina is known for. As for the Phoenix Flare to Raven Slaughter Thrust combination, Both Kilik and Mina share that move. I hope this is a preview of things to come! And even if it isn't, I hope this is a good chapter. - Next Chapter - The peace that our heroines held so firmly in their grasp slips away as China gears for war. And for some reason, Xian avoids the palace... but why? Secrets are uncovered, and the truth is revealed.... they must pass through China with careful steps.
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