Greetings, shippers of the world, and welcome to another session of "I Ship Them Hard", where I make an image collage of the character OTPs I hold so close to my heart whether they be from cartoons, anime or video games.
Today's edited image collage is dedicated to all of the Sophitia x Seong Mi-Na, Siegfried x Kilik, Cassandra x Xianghua, Arthur x Hwang, Raphael x Ivy, Mitsurugi x Taki, Maxi x Setsuka, Yun-Seong x Talim, and Tira x Amy shippers from all over the world. So, sit back, relax, and soak in that SophMina beauty, that Sieglik sexiness, that CassHua gorgeousness, that ArtHwang handsomeness, that RaphIvy elegance, that MitsuTaki spiciness, that MaxSetsu awesomeness, that Yunlim sweetness, and that TirAmy lovability.
Let me level with you lot. I have been a major Soul series fan ever since I was between 6 and 7 years old, and I have played the games from Soul Edge or Soul Blade to Soul Calibur I to Soul Calibur II to Soul Calibur III all until I was 14 years old. Even when I watch Let's Plays of Soul Calibur IV and V as well as the most recent incarnation of Soul Calibur VI, I find myself having a lot of wonderful memories of this game thanks to the characters, the music, the voice acting, the gameplay, and the world-building. Moreover, I also had some beloved ships ever since I was young. I did start off shipping Siegfried with Sophitia and Raphael with Ivy, which were my main OTPs of all time, but now that I have matured to adulthood, I am proud to say that my OTP tastes have developed for the interesting.
So, let us not waste any time and talk about my most beloved Soul Calibur OTPs of all time from left to right.
Sophitia Alexandra x Seong Mi-Na (SophMina): Gorgeous Warrior Queens displaying Mountains of Synergy
Sophitia and Seong Mi-Na would be a clear-cut example of conscientious, compassionate, and kind-hearted souls who not only connect with each other so well, but can also find common ground in how well-established relationship can be. Sophitia's compassion, understanding, mercy, wisdom, and kindness can compliment Seong Mi-Na's feistiness, enthusiasm, fun, and spiritedness extremely well to the point where boundless synergy can happen. Personally, I used to ship both Sophitia and Seong Mi-Na as just friends because I used to ship Sophitia with Siegfried, even though she ended up married to Rothion in the game, and Seong Mi-Na with Kilik, even though Mi-Na was the apple of Hwang's eyes and Xianghua fancied Kilik all in the game. However, the whole thought of Sophitia and Seong Mi-Na being in an openly lesbian relationship seemed absolutely fascinating, enjoyable, and intriguing. Considering how wonderfully their personalities can mesh and considering how love in Greek mythology was more openly expressed than anyone can give credit for, I am proud to keep Sophitia and Seong Mi-Na as a wonderfully beautiful couple. Moreover, I think it would be great for Pyrrha and Patroklos to have two mothers with Sophitia clearly wearing the pants in the relationship given how strict yet nurturing she can be as a parent and Seong Mi-Na being a bit more laid-back in her parenting approach but also being fair and firm with the children. Ergo, they are certainly going to make a happy family.
Siegfried Schtauffen x Kilik (Sieglik): Handsome yet Brooding Gentlemen in a Wonderfully Healthy Relationship
Siegfried and Kilik may have their fair share of dark pasts but they are more than capable of finding a lot of solace, compassion, and understanding with each other. Aesthetically, Siegfried has the tall, dark, handsomely rugged Western features complete with the long blonde hair from Soul Calibur onwards and Kilik has the more lithe yet well-built, gentler, kinder Eastern features, which, in turn, can compliment each other in fascinating harmony and does make them an absolutely handsome openly gay couple. Personality-wise, Siegfried's determination, melancholy, taciturn nature can really compliment Kilik's wisdom of the world, passion, and gentleness, thus making them a couple of old souls who are drawn together by destiny, unconditional love, and boundless loyalty. There will be no doubt that in spite of everything they go through, they can protect each other from themselves and from every single demon that is around them. I knew from the back of my mind that I was really going to go out with a bang and ship Siegfried x Kilik as my ultimate be all end all OTP of all time. The paths these two share are filled with tragedy, pain, regret, guilt, and suffering probably to the point where they would easily find solace in each other and display loads of compassion. Plus, I do enjoy some steamy Siegfried x Kilik because of not only the overall appeal of seeing two of my most favorite male Soul Calibur characters making love with each other but also how their personalities and journeys mesh with each other in the most genuine way. Finally, I can also see them being absolutely great dads to Xiba, thus making him blessed to know that he can have a dad who can discipline him well like Siegfried and a dad who can also discipline him but also have fun with him like Kilik. Therefore, Xiba would be completely blessed to have two awesome dads like Siegfried and Kilik.
Cassandra Alexandra x Chai Xianghua (CassHua): Spunky, Energetic Sweethearts
Cassandra and Xianghua would really start off as good friends but eventually build up to a firm relationship because of how much they have in common. They are energetic, enthusiastic souls who are unafraid to speak their minds and can take on the world head-on. On the surface, Cassandra's and Xianghua's relationship might come off as titillating to people who love to see cute girls in love but, looking beyond that, one can see a long term relationship based on determination, resilience, and flair which is an absolute blessing. On a personal level, I did find shipping Cassandra with Xianghua rather interesting because I thought they would just end up as friends. Now, as an adult with a more open mind, I could definitely dig them as a flexible lesbian couple. Flexible because both Cassandra and Xianghua can be able to get through every situation, every plan, and every circumstance with such openness with flying colors. Moreover, I do find their energetic personalities to be an absolute joy to witness because of how much they radiate with enthusiasm, positivity, and a fighting spirit that is the perfect affirmation of never giving up.
Arthur x Hwang Seong-gyeong (ArtHwang): Rugged Warrior Gentlemen who are the Definition of Masculine Love
Arthur and Hwang make for a surprisingly flexible couple because of how strong, stout-hearted, brave, and determined both of them are. Sure, when they were younger, they did have a bit of a love-hate relationship with each other, but as they grew, they did become a lot more open with their feelings to each other, and they also enjoy getting themselves on the battlefield fighting as a unit. After every battle, it would be a steamy night between the English samurai and the Korean swordsman complete with loads of manly intimacy. This pairing never really crossed my mind until recently. I figured that Arthur and Hwang would make for loyal, supportive, steadfast gay lovers who will remain inseparable. Moreover, I could see Arthur and Hwang be great dads to their only daughter who I will name Elizabeth in my headcanon. Arthur and Hwang would be the firm, strong dads in charge of raising their daughter very well, and they will make sure that their home life is based on discipline, honesty, and responsibility.
Raphael Sorel x Isabella "Ivy" Valentine: Aristocratic, Stately Romance to the Nines
Raphael and Ivy really know how to flaunt their style, elegance, dark charm, and sense of culture with everything they have with flair and a great amount of pomp. The sexual tension between this French nobleman and English countess is so thick you would need a chainsaw to cut through it. They really enjoy spending a lot of intimate moments together filled to the brim with excitement, spice, and loads of mojo occurring in their bedchamber. Moreover, they also enjoy the finer things in life such as a five-course tasting menu, glasses of champagne or Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, and watching a Shakespearean play or two. What more can I say about shipping Raphael and Ivy as a couple? They are perfect together because of how much sexual tension, aristocratic class, and undeniable awesomeness there is between these two nobles. When Soul Calibur II came out, I practically shipped them from here to eternity and I never regretted it at all. To make things better, I could even see Amy have a substantial mother figure in her life in the form of Ivy. Sure, Raphael may have the flair and the exuberance to make for a supportive father, but Ivy would surely have the disciplinary skills and the savviness to ensure that Amy is in the right path.
Heishiro Mitsurugi x Taki (MitsuTaki): Boundless Belligerent Sexual Tension with lots of Fire and Spice
There has always been a love-hate vibe going on between Mitsurugi and Taki. One day they would like to slice each other up and the other they end up having loads of boundless lovemaking. Mitsurugi and Taki always know what they want and know how to get it. All of their nights are filled to the brim with intense sexual tension, belligerent lovemaking, and heaps upon heaps of passion. There is never a dull moment between this samurai and ninja couple, and everything they do together, they do it with fire and passion no holds barred. Even as a kid, I did low-key ship Mitsurugi and Taki as a couple not only because they were of the same age but because I thought they looked absolutely lovely together. For the record, I am also fully aware that their relationship is not akin to a fairy tale but one has to give them credit for them sticking together through thick and thin.
Maxi x Setsuka (MaxiSetsu): Rugged, Sexy, and Gorgeously Stylish is certainly the Way to go
Maxi's ruggedly handsome charms and Setsuka's lethal gorgeousness make for a whole lot of passion, beauty, elegance, and superb style. Nothing will end up becoming dull with these two, and they have the spicy intimacy and abundant passion to prove it. Setsuka would not just fall for another handsome face, and fortunately for her Maxi certainly has her covered with is sarcasm, toughness, resilience, and devil-may-care charms. Therefore, one can easily see just how undeniably sexy this couple is on and off the battlefield. And yes, it is my main reason why I love Maxi x Setsuka so much, and that is because of how charming they look together. The icing on top of this magnificent cake is that they would make epic parents to Natsu, given how well they would be able to give her direction in life as a fighter and as a person and the great amount of discipline and love they give to her.
Hong Yun-Seong x Talim (Yunlim): Lovable, Tender, Genuine Puppy Love that bloomed into something more profound
Young love has indubitably blossomed between Yun-Seong and Talim because of how sweet their bond has been. They are the couple who have grown from being adolescent sweethearts to gaining a more intimate and genuine relationship as adults. One can easily imagine how healthy, loving, supportive, and well-balanced their relationship would be. Considering their opposite personalities with Yun-Seong's passion, impulsiveness, foolhardy, and independent nature meshing well with Talim's humility, kindness, genuineness, and nurturing soul, this couple really know how to balance each other out. Even back as someone who was between 11 and 13 years old, I knew this was going to be a legitimate item when it came to shipping them together. I was even interested in the prospect of them balancing each other in the healthiest way possible, thus sealing their fate as a couple who will end up growing old together.
Tira x Amy Sorel (TirAmy): Dark Loveliness, Elegance, and Beauty blossoming into a Rose so red
Tira and Amy are the classic example of how their contrasting personalities mesh so well that it is amazing. Tira's crazy, bouncy, demented personality is quite the compliment to Amy's more calculating, intuitive, measured nature. Therefore, Amy knows no fear with Tira, as she has faced worse monsters and Tira is nothing compared to them. At least Tira can rest assured that Amy will not hunt her down and can find Amy's whole brand of intellect, focus, and conscientiousness absolutely endearing. This is my most favorite yuri ship involving two of my most favorite Soul Calibur characters, as I can see a whole lot of beautiful darkness with these two young ladies coming together. Knowing Tira, she would be aware of how overprotective Raphael is to his own adoptive daughter. Nevertheless, she could easily convince him with her talents of persuasion.
I hope you all enjoyed this image collage I made of my most beloved Soul Calibur OTPs of all time, and I will see you in the next submission. Take care, everybody.
Soul Calibur belongs to Namco.
