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Soul Edge
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Soul Calibur 2
A vice begins by choice. But through things such as heredity,
intelligence, and mental exhaustion, this choice becomes
something inexplicable, or is refined into something criminal.
-Jean Cocteau, Opium: Journal D'une Desintoxication
During the 16th century, France was amidst religious strife. Raphael, the young master of the Sorel Family, grew up with the tumultuous age as his cradle, the scheming of noble families as his lullaby, and the rapier and medicine as his playmates. His cool, unemotional demeanor created many enemies, but his quick and precise decision-making and execution skills solidified the foundation of his family amongst the nobles.
Unfortunately, Raphael made a critical mistake during the year of the notorious Evil Seed catastrophe. He discovered too late that one member of nobility supported by the Sorel clan became insane from the effects of the Evil Seed. Consequently, Raphael gave his enemies the justification to come after him. To make matters worse, treacherous members of his family who were thrust into the conflict surrendered quickly and offered to hand over Raphael in order to protect themselves.
Raphael hid himself in an impoverished town to escape from his pursuers, which included his family members. But accustomed to a life of privilege without want, Raphael could not bear the cold and hunger he suffered in the slums. He most certainly would have died if it were not for a little girl named Amy, who hid the weakened Raphael from his enemies.
For the little girl, helping Raphael was only a simple deed motivated out of spite for the soldiers. For Raphael, a man who until then lived by his own means, it marked the first time he owed his life to someone else. He felt emotions that he had never experienced before, and Amy became an irreplaceable presence in Raphael's life.
Raphael's exposure to life in the slums made him see the world in a whole new light, and realize the meaninglessness of everything. Nobles quarreled constantly and only thought of their petty interests and self-preservation. And the commoners, tired of constant warring, had given up hope. The world was filled with people whose soulless, meaningless lives made them no better than the dead.
Convinced that the chaos of war was no place to live a meaningful life, Raphael took Amy and left the poverty-stricken town. Avoiding war-torn lands, they moved to a town in the countryside. But even with the new surroundings, he could not get Amy to open her heart to the world. Even though her life in the slums strengthened the 10-year old girl's wariness of life and gave her a tenacious will to live, it erased any sense of hope she had for the future.
Assuming a false name, Raphael befriended a rich noble to obtain the means to take care of the young girl. He employed his cunning to gain the trust of the lord and those around him. And when the opportunity arose, Raphael poisoned the noble and spread word that the "lord had left on a long journey."
One day, Raphael found a letter with references to the Evil Seed- the turning point in his life - in the mansion library. He was fascinated by the information, and it wasn't long before he made the connection between the Evil Seed and Soul Edge.
Soul Edge- a demonic blade that promises power in exchange for one's sanity.
What if such a sword were thrust into the hands of the pathetic nobles? They would undoubtedly fight feverishly for the weapon, and ultimately destroy themselves. Commoners would be unfortunate victims of the war, but their existence mattered little, for they were no better off then the dead. It would all be worth it if the petty, war-mongering nobles could be eliminated to secure a meaningful future for Amy.
But in order to accomplish his goal, Raphael needed Soul Edge; he was determined to obtain the sword by any means necessary.
A grand, insane plan was brewing in his mind- all for the sake of a young girl.
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Soul Calibur 3
The nights were cold and serene. The moonlight was so strong it seared and appeared to give power to the darkness.
Tonight, as always, she was to be enshrouded in this darkness. In the dimly lit room, she sat like a doll, motionless on the chair and staring out into the dark night. Far below, torches blazed amidst the acrimonious clanging of armor moving about.
This light and sound she experienced before.
"Be a good girl, I'll be back in a while...."
That is what he said before leaving with his sword. The raucous night then became quiet, but that did not last long
And now, he was gone. He had left her--for her own sake.
The light and sound will intrude their world any moment now. Violently, without regard, engulfing his world....
She rose from her chair and headed toward the door, stopping at the entrance. She looked back at the grand hall. Her exquisite face clouded over for a second, then she quickly turned and opened the door.
She mused over those words once again. This time, her lips parted slightly into a smile.
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Soul Calibur IV
Peace had been restored to the night, but still he did not return. He had left her. Left their castle home behind. She knew he had done it for her sake, because he wanted her to be happy more than anything else in this world, but nonetheless, she was restless.
"Be a good girl, I'll be back in a while." Those were his last words to her, but Amy had to ponder them for a moment. Even the most dutiful fledgling takes flight when the longing for its parents grows too strong.
(The cursed sword, Soul Edge. Did he leave in order to find it again?)
How many nights must she wonder? A single butterfly was being tossed about on the cold night winds like a lonely star drifting far from heaven, like a soul freed from all its burdens. Silently, with all her feelings neatly locked away where non could see them, Amy pushed open the door.
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