SoulCalibur- Innocent Soul Ch1

The Soul Edge... once it was called the Sword of Heroes, then it was called the Sword of Salvation. The Soul Edge is sought by many mislead by its rumors. Some of the people searching learn in time the true terrors of the cursed blade. Others end up losing their souls.

Once a great king wielded the sword. Then, a pirate. and recently, in the hands of a pitiful youth. But now the Soul Edge is its own master, and it seeks a new host.

Transcending history and the world, a tale of souls and swords, eternally retold.

(opening BGM: "Edge of Soul")

Chapter 1
A Glorious Quest Lies Ahead.

-Ming Dynasty-

A young woman walked calmly through the halls of the Imperial Palace. Servants were murmuring the moment she walked past them. When she came upon the large set of doors, the two guards assumed permission.

"Are you the girl from the Hua family?" One of the guards asked.

"Yes, I am here to see the emperor." the girl replied, "And i told you already my--"

"PREFERRED NAME is Aresia." The other guard interrupted. "Why they let you get away with such gall, we'll never know. You may pass."

The guards both struck the ground with the pole tips of their Guan Dao, opening the doors. Aresia walked through and upon seeing the emperor sitting on his throne, Aresia took a polite bow. "You wished to see me, your Majesty?"

"Ah, yes. ARESIA, was it?" The emperor stood from his seat and descend the throne's stairs. "I have an assignment for for a warrior of your strengths and wit. Follow me please."

Aresia followed the Emperor down a different hall in the palace. Off one side were several people meditating in a circle, on the other side, some of the soldiers were sparring with each other.

"It seems our enemy countries have been plotting against us. Why they havent struck now, it even baffles our tactical officers. They've sent several warriors like yourself from their homes to seek a mysterious blade. However, the last time we sent someone with smarts such at yours, we had to dismiss her."

How could Aresia forget? Many people thought that the reason that former general Chai Xianghua deviated from her task was due to craziness. The emperor had dismissed Xianghua's 'discovery' of the Soul Edge as pure nonsense, and as punishment for shattering the blade, Xianghua was stripped of her rank. But now it seems the Soul Edge had reassembled itself.

The Emperor led Aresia into the General's quarters. The General was just about done interrogating a prisoner, someone from the island country of Japan.

The General gave his polite bow. "This young man is one from one of Japan's ninja clans. We caught him snooping around the palace. Japan also seems to be seeking what we seek."

This only continued to pique Aresia's curiosity. "Pardon me, General. But what IS it that we seek?"

"That is what I called you over for." The Emperor replied. "It seems the better half of Japan is seeking the Sword of Salvation. It is also known as the Soul Edge. The General here is attempting to get information from our current prisoner."

The spy's face lit up when he saw Aresia in the room. "watashi wa kotaeru anata no shitsumon ni...shikashi, jyouken no moto ga jyuugofun no kawaii jyousei to aru koto wa yurusareru koto."

Aresia's angered piqued. One reason was because of her being taught Japanese. The other reason was what the spy said. SO Aresia gave the simple response:

"onaji you na koto wo mou ikkai ittara, omae no suki na bubun wo ketsu no sukoshi ue ni oshikondeyaru!"

The spy's eyes widened at the response. He yelled as he squirmed away from Aresia. "Okay, okay, I'll talk! I'll talk! Just get her OUT of the room!!! PLEASE!!"

Both the General and the Emperor looked at Aresia. "Okay, My Japanese is a little rusty... what in hell did you SAY to him?" The General asked.

Aresia gave another bow to the Emperor. "Pardon me, what I just said wasn't exactly proper behavior. He'll talk now."

Aresia walked out of room and closed the door. Voices were heard in the room.

The General and Emperor walked out of the room. The General turned to Aresia. "The organization that the spy works for happens to have more than their fair share of information. Seems to me, Aresia, that you have your first lead. We'll see you off in the morning."

***

Morning rose over Ming Dynasty China. Much to Aresia's surprise, over half the city was assembled JUST to see her off. Several wisemen gave her blessings of safe travel. She was supplied with a boat fully stocked with food to last her the trip to Japan. Aresia was about to board when a young woman about her age walked towards her.

"My name is Li Meimei" The girl pleaded. "My brother Long has been missing for four years now. I fear for his safety, please, if you see him, tell him to come home." Meimei handed her a tattered paper with her brother's portrait on it. Aresia knew of Li Long. He was an assassin sent to retrieve the Soul Edge from the enemy. No one has heard from him since. Meimei asked Xianghua a few years back the same thing, but when Xianghua has her rank stripped... everyone wouldn't ever speak her name until she was needed again a few months back.

Aresia gave a warm smile to Li Meimei. "If I do see him..." Meimei almost came to tears and embraced Aresia. "I only wish for his safety." Meimei cried.

"All right that's enough." A guard overseeing the seeing-off-party gently guided Meimei back.

Aresia boarded the ship, and a wind began blowing east. Aresia's quest for the Sword of Salvation has begun.