Warrior of Chaos

After Lord Dragon had slaughtered a nearby village, Draco awoke to his blood stained hands and the clone of the demonic blade staring at him as it vanished. Draco looked at his blood stained hands "W...why can't I stop?" said Draco. He had tried his best to stay as far away from people as possible, but no matter how hard he tried, he would awake to his hands stained with the blood of his victims.

"That's it!" he yelled as he pointed his great sword 'Faust' to his chest. "I shall end this!" He yelled, but just as he was about to die, a stranger appeared behind him.

"I don't think that's a good idea!" said the stranger.

Draco turned, and saw a girl with teal colored hair, and was clothed in green. "Who are you?" asked Draco.

"Let's just say I'm a friend- Hehe, a friend to your friend, Soul Edge!" said the girl.

"How dare you associate me with that sword! I plan to end its control over me now!" yelled Draco.

"Hahaha! Killing yourself will just make it worse. Soul Edge will use your corpse for its will," said the girl with a smile.

"Wh... what?" muttered the stunned Draco.

"Hehe, you're so cute, all confused like that!" said the girl. "If you want to know more meet me at Ostrheinsburg Castle," said the girl.

"You're with the Azure Knight, aren't you?" Who are you, and what do you know?" asked Draco.

"I'll answer all your questions when you visit me," said the girl as she disappeared into the darkness.

At that moment, three men clad in armor appeared behind Draco. "This man is responsible for this slaughter- look at the blood on him!" said the commander of the men.

"Let's kill him for his crimes!" yelled the two soldiers.

"Haha, you fools want to face me, fine, it's your funeral!" said Draco. He fought the three men and defeated them with little effort, but he spared their lives, and allowed them to escape. 'Now onto that castle, where I met the Azure Knight.' thought Draco. He knew this could be a trap, but he had nothing to lose; he set off for the Ostrheinsburg Castle.

In the trees above the girl looked down on Draco. 'He's really strong, very strong! He could be the one I'm looking for- after all, he was able to create a perfect clone of Soul Edge. Perhaps I'm serving the wrong one,' thought the girl.

Love at First Sight: Draco meets Tira

Draco made his way to Ostrheinsburg Castle. He found a way in through a gondola, and went aboard it. Draco could feel the breeze on his face and he savored these moments, knowing they could be his last.

Up ahead, Tira looked on. "Hehehe, here he comes!" she exclaimed. When the gondola went towards the tunnel Tira jumped aboard; at that moment Draco turned. "Welcome, I'll make sure to grant you your death!" exclaimed Tira.

"A servant of that sword could never defeat me!" yelled Draco.

Tira's facial expression and voice suddenly changed. "We'll see about that, you fool," said Tira. The two fought, and Tira attacked viciously; Draco managed to block every blow, but Tira also managed to block all of Draco's attacks. The fight continued on for hours.

Finally, though, a tired Draco couldn't manage to evade Tira's attack, and was hit. The blow cut through his armor, wounding his chest, and knocked him off the gondola.

"That's it? That's all? How lame," said Tira.

Suddenly, something jumped from the water behind her. "Wh...?" Before Tira realized what was happening, the figure broke her ring blade in half. "How?!" exclaimed Tira. Just then the figure grabbed her arms and pulled them behind her back. "Wh... who are you, and what do you want?" asked Tira, as she looked at the stranger, noticing he was clad in jet black armor.

"I... I am the will of Soul Edge, and you shall be my servant," said the figure.

'It's him... it's really him, he's holding Soul Edge, just as the rumors told. I'm soooo excited!' thought Tira. "You're the Dark Knight, Lord Dragon!" she said excitedly.

"Yes, and you shall now serve me," said Lord Dragon.

"Yes, you're much stronger than that Azure Knight! I shall do anything you ask of me," said Tira.

"Excellent," said Lord Dragon as he released his grip on her. "Your mission will be simple: protect this vessel while I'm not in control, and make sure he isn't harmed. This is the most suitable host I could ask for," said Lord Dragon.

"Yes, my master!" exclaimed Tira.

"Now tend to his wounds, and before I take my leave, here, take this." As Lord Dragon said that, a ring blade came forth from his back and went into Tira's hands. "That's you're new weapon, Ixion. It's made from my bones; someday I may give you the power of Soul Edge, but prove your worth for that now," said Lord Dragon.

Tira looked at her reflection in the water, her cloths were now black, and so was her hair. "That's proof your in my service now! The sign of my Dark Army," said Lord Dragon. After saying this Lord Dragon became Draco again, and collapsed.

.::~::.

Tira took Draco in the castle and tended to his wounds. She felt strange feelings for Draco, but did not understand them 'Wh... what is this feeling I feel for this man?' thought Tira.

Draco awoke, but could not remember what happened. Wh... who are you?" asked Draco.

"Welcome back; my name is Tira. I found you collapsed outside, and you were wounded so I'm tending to your wounds," said Tira. This was hard for her; she was used to taking lives, not saving them.

"T… Tira… I like that name. Thank you for helping me, I guess I could call you my guardian angel," said Draco. Draco was also feeling love for Tira, yet he didn't understand why- he didn't even know this girl. Little did the two souls know their destinies were intertwined.

Advent of the Demonic Dragon Army

Not far from Ostrheinsburg castle there wandered a dark figure. This creature was surrounded by an evil aura. Carrying a large scythe, the immortal figure known only as Fear was in search of one thing- the two Soul blades. Fear sensed Soul Edge's power nearby. "Arrrrrrgggh... I sense your power calling me," moaned Fear. He continued on his way to the area where Soul Edge's aura was coming from. This would lead him to Ostrheinsburg Castle.

.::~::.

Meanwhile in Ostrheinsburg castle, Tira was still tending to Draco's wounds. "Is something wrong?" said Draco, noticing that Tira was staring into space.

"No, nothing," said Tira. "I need to go out and get some air. I'll be back shortly." Tira felt an evil presence close to the castle. She waited upon her post, and noticed the gondola coming. "This is completely absurd. How do you manage to even exist?" said Tira as she jumped behind the dark figure. "I'm annoyed. I'm going to make you disappear forever!" said Tira angrily.

"Hahahaha, you don't seem to know who you're dealing with. I shall feast on your soul!" exclaimed Fear.
The two engaged in combat, matching each other blow for blow. "You're pretty good, but that will not save you," said Fear.

"You're not bad either, but I still will kill you, hehehe," laughed Tira.

"I don't find your humor amusing. It's time I end this; I'm going to dissect you slowly!" said Fear. The two continued to fight.

Meanwhile in the castle, Soul Edge sensed the threat that Draco couldn't; the demonic blade then took over his body yet again. An easy task as Draco was wounded. Lord Dragon ran towards the gondola tunnel. The gondola was coming around the bend with Tira fighting Fear. Lord Dragon jumped aboard and attacked Fear.

Fear avoided the attack. "Soul... Soul Edge!" he cried.

"Master!" said Tira as she bowed to Lord Dragon.

"I'm flattered you know me, but I must ask what you're doing here," said Lord Dragon.

"I plan to take your blade!" answered Fear.

"Yes... yes, I sense your memories; you seek the two blades to restore yourself, and your mind, one who reaps souls... Fear. What if I told you I could help you?" said Lord Dragon.

"Why should I trust you?"

"Because I know you like an open book, and we're after the same thing, and you have nothing to lose."

"Hmmmmm... I shall battle on your side for now."

"Hahahaha, so be it; the Demonic Dragon Army has risen!" yelled Lord Dragon as he infused the souls of fallen dragons into suits of armor. "These shall be our minions, Dragoons, and these shall be our generals!" said Lord Dragon as 3 shapeless masses came forth from his right arm, and formed into bodies. "Behold Cobra, Naga, and Arachnia!" said Lord Dragon.

"Let my minions be of assistance as well" said Fear as some masks came forth, and went under the water. Suddenly, corpses came forth from the water. "My minions, Demonites," said Fear.

"Yes, now go forth my army, and seek out the two soul blades!" yelled Lord Dragon. The Demonic Dragon Army had risen, and now it would wreak terror upon the whole world. Lord Dragon would not rest until the entire world was covered in darkness.

After his army left to reap chaos on the world, Lord Dragon and Tira returned to the castle, Soul Edge released its grip on Draco's mind, and Tira continued tending to Draco's wounds, Draco being none the wiser to the chaos that had been unleashed.

The Dark Lord

After his wounds had healed, Draco awoke to find Tira gone, but he felt an evil presence among the castle ruins. Draco rushed out of the castle to seek what he was sensing. He came up on the tunnel to the gondola, and saw Tira, who had just been defeated by the Azure Knight. Tira had given it her best shot, but she had just fought Sophitia, and was tired out.

"Know your place, wretched servant!" said Nightmare as he was about to deliver the final blow. Draco jumped from on the gondola, and blocked the Azure Knight's blow.

"Fool!" yelled Nightmare.

"Dr… Draco, get out of here," said Tira as she collapsed.

"I won't let you defeat me a second time, you freak!" yelled Draco.

"Yes... you're that fool that fought me a while back. This time, your soul is mine!" said Nightmare.

The two engaged in battle, and Draco managed to defeat the unstable knight; however Nightmare was able to escape before Draco could deal the final blow.

'Hmmmmmm... I sense something within him, something of great power. Perhaps he'll be of use to me.' thought Nightmare as he left the caste ruins.

After Nightmare had fled the castle, Draco took Tira inside. Tira later awoke. "Dr... Draco, you saved me! Thank you!" said Tira.

"You need to rest now; I'll take care of you as you did for me," said Draco.

Soon thereafter Tira's wounds healed, and she and Draco began their destined quest. A quest that would mean the salvation or the destruction of the entire world.

.::~::.

Soon after, Draco and Tira came up on the Romanian valley. A war was going on in that area, and that night Soul Edge's power took over Draco to consume more souls. Tira went along with the Dark knight to help him slaughter.

That night Lord Dragon slew many soldiers and gained many souls, but these were weak souls, too weak to please the demonic blade. The best thing obtained in this battle was two servants. Two knights known as Berserker and Slayer. These two souls were enriched with evil energy, but for now would better serve as soldiers rather than food for the demonic blade.
He did, however, learn of the cause of this war- the lord of the castle on the mountains had started this war. Lord Dragon and Tira made their way to the castle, and Tira fought the Lord of the castle Raphael's step daughter Amy, as Dragon searched for Raphael. The battle didn't last long- Tira managed to slay Amy.

Meanwhile Lord Dragon made his way to the castle balcony, and saw Raphael.

"Hahahahahaha! How foolish of you to anger me!" said Raphael as he looked below at the battle going on. He then noticed Dragon. "Welcome! Let us celebrate your demise!" said Raphael as he rushed at Dragon.

Dragon quickly blocked the attack. "A monster- amusing! Let us begin, you loathsome creature," said Raphael. He fought furiously with attack after attack, but Lord Dragon managed to block every blow. However, Raphael was not able to avoid the swift and deadly blows Soul Edge dealt. The battle was short, and Dragon easily defeated Raphael, but Raphael managed to escape when he fell from the castle balcony. Tira came to Dragon, and told him of her triumph.

"Well, at least I managed to absorb one worthy soul," he said as he drew in Amy's soul.

Lord Dragon and Tira slaughtered and took the souls of many warriors that night. Raphael, however, hid in the shadows, knowing Amy had been slain. His anger flourished. "I shall avenge you, Amy, no matter the cost!" he yelled into the night. He then took a vow to slay Lord Dragon, this monster that had taken Amy from him.

The Demon Strikes

Upon destroying all the opposition in the Romanian valley, Dragon and Tira moved on. Following the trail the knight known as Berserker gave them, they pursued the Azure Knight. Finally, Dragon caught up to him, as he battled a small army. Dragon told Tira to stand back as he was going to enter the battle as well. As he came near Nightmare the Azure Knight turned.

"Who are you!?" Nightmare demanded.

"Why, I'm your offspring!" said Lord Dragon.

"Yes, you reek of Soul Edge. Well, I shall allow your assistance in this battle," said Nightmare. The two slaughtered the knights mercilessly as Tira watched from above. However, a second army came, and this one was massive. During the battle Lord Dragon lost sight of the knight, but did manage to absorb some worthy souls, including the army's commander.

.::~::.

Dragon and Tira continued on to the desert were they heard rumors of a monster at the Silk Road. Dragon sensed something about this and, followed by Tira, he headed for the Silk Road. There he engaged battle with Lizard Man, but due to Draco's power he was able to convince Lizard Man and his army to join him. He handed Lizard Man Kora, a weapon made from his bones, and told him to wreak havoc. Lizard Man was most pleased by this, and swore allegiance to the Demonic Dragon Army. In a nearby town Soul Edge again lost control of Draco, and he awoke. Draco and Tira then heard rumors of the black giant. Draco was excited at the chance to slay this monster, so the two warriors continued on their journey, and found the ruins of the heretic cult.

Draco told Tira to wait for him outside, and he entered the ruins. It seemed lifeless besides the bats and snakes everywhere. Suddenly, he heard a rock fall and turned. The black giant jumped up and struck, but Draco blocked.

"So, you managed to live; no matter, I will kill you here and now!" said Astaroth.

Draco fought Astaroth and at first seemed to be doing well, but only landed a few blows on the golem; finally, Astaroth managed to land a blow on a tired Draco, and from there Astaroth gained the advantage. As Astaroth was about to deal the final blow, Tira attacked from nowhere, saving Draco. Tira then fought the black giant, but didn't fair too well either; she did manage to damage the monster though. Now Tira was about to be slain, but just as Astaroth was going to behead her, Draco quickly arose and impaled him through the back, destroying the demonic monster. Draco's wounds had all healed due to Soul Edge's will, but Tira wasn't so lucky.

Draco took her back to the town, and put his journey on hold until she was healed. After he saw she would be okay, he decided to leave her, as he was putting her in danger over time, he had fallen even more in love with her even though he knew he may never see her again- he decided it was for the best.

Cursed By the Sword

Draco continued his journey in search of the Azure Knight, not knowing by night he slaughtered victim after victim. Finally in a ruin he faced off with three ninjas calling themselves the Fu-Ma Clan. Draco easily defeated the three, and continued on his journey. That night however Draco again was taken over by the demonic sword, and began killing. He reached the home of an old man looking for Soul Edge. He slew the man, but found himself taking on a few angry villagers, but these were hardly worth any effort. He killed them without incident.

Draco awoke the next morning covered in blood. He came up on a mansion and entered it. There he met Ivy.

'A servant of Soul Edge!' thought Ivy. She automatically sensed the demonic blade, and attacked without hesitation. Draco counter attacked, despite Ivy's sword being fused with black magic; Draco was the victor. Being merciful he left the unconscious Ivy to live another day.

Soon after he found a ship, and headed out to sea; one stormy night his ship was attacked by a pirate ship. He boarded the menacing vessel and was attacked from behind by Cervantes. "I shall feast on your soul!" cackled Cervantes.

"Arrrgh, that sword!" said Draco as he engaged Cervantes; the fight was long and hard, each one dealing blows to the other. Draco took a bad hit from Cervantes's pistol, but managed to defeat the immortal man. Afterwards, the ship sank, before Draco could make another move. Draco drifted lifelessly on a piece of debris until the current took him to Greece.

In Greece to his surprise he met back up with Tira. "There you are! Don't ever run off like that again!" she bellowed.

"S… sorry, I just didn't want to put you in danger," said Draco.
"Oh, don't worry about me," said Tira as she blushed.

The two, now united, learned of a pack of monsters destroying the area, so they stayed in this land. One night Draco again was possessed by Soul Edge, and Tira told the Dark Knight of a woman named Sophitia and her children that were born with dark energy. So he decided to hunt down and face this woman.

Dragon called forth his Dragon steed and, accompanied by Tira, headed to the Eurydice shrine. Sophitia and Cassandra were there praying to Hephaestus as the dragon landed, and Tira and a man cloaked in darkness got off of its back.

Sophitia looked stunned. "What is it, sis?" asked Cassandra

"E... evil!" muttered Sophitia. "Cassandra, you fight the girl, I must take that monster. Don't fail me, Cassandra!" yelled Sophitia.

"I won't, sis," said Cassandra.

"I told you, you're the stupid one for going against the sword- bleeh! Meet Lord Dragon my master!" exclaimed Tira.

"It doesn't matter; evil will not prevail!" yelled Sophitia.

"Hahahahahah! Fools, your souls are mine!" exclaimed Lord Dragon. The two sisters charged at their opponents. Sophitia automatically landed a blow on Dragon's helmet, but Lord Dragon allowed this blow. An evil red eye glared at Sophitia. "Y... you're no longer human, are you?" asked the stunned Sophitia.

As the battle between Tira and Cassandra waged with Tira winning, Dragon and Sophitia seemed to be even until Sophitia saw her sister fall.

"People are most beautiful... right before they die!" laughed Tira as Cassandra lay lifeless.

"No... no!" cried Sophitia. Right then she struck Dragon's face with the hardest blow she'd ever dealt, but she couldn't pull her sword free. Lord Dragon had caught it with his teeth, and then crushed it, chewed it, and spit the shards in Sophitia's face. "What are you!?" exclaimed Sophitia.

"I'm death for the weak!" replied Lord Dragon, as he swung the demonic blade, killing Sophitia. "Muuunhaaa!" cried Lord Dragon as he absorbed the sisters' souls.

"Do you like them? Aw, I'm glad," said Tira happily.

Just then the gates of the shrine opened. Lord Dragon sensed a divine power as the statue of Hephaestus came to life. Tira prepared to engage the statue, but Dragon told her this was his fight. Dragon leapt into the air, cut through its monstrous sword, beheaded the statue, and absorbed its soul energy afterwards. Not even the God of the Forge could defeat the evil brought forth by Soul Edge. Now the Dark Knight was infused with the energy of the God of the Forge- no one could possibly stand against him now.

Tira and Dragon, with the aid of the lizard men, continued by destroying the sisters' entire village, and Sophitia's husband and children. Dragon made Lizard Man the new ruler of this land, and told him of Hephaestus's defeat. Lizard Man was overjoyed to learn his most hated enemy was gone and swore complete allegiance to Lord Dragon, giving Dragon full command of his army, as well as himself. Soon after, Tira and the now awoken Draco left this fiery land, and headed for Europe once again.

A Trap

After leaving Greece the two warriors made their way back to Europe. On the outskirts of Europe the two met someone familiar to Draco.

"Monster! To think I once respected you!" yelled Mana.

"Wh... what are you talking about?" asked Draco.

"You know what you've done! All those people- it's so wrong, Draco, or should I say, the Dark Knight!" said Mana angrily.

"I don't understand, but I see you're not going to stand down," said Draco as he drew his blade.

"Draco, let me take this one!" said Tira.

"No, this is between me and her!" said Draco.

"You, I know you; I fought you during the Mantis War!" said Mana to Tira.

"Heh, I'm flattered you remember me!" said Tira.
Draco then charged at Mana without a second thought. Draco fought the sage known as Mana, but during the battle Soul Edge yet again took over him. "Grrrrrrrrrrr, your soul is mine!" said Lord Dragon.

"Th... the dark one; by everything that is good, I shall defeat you!" said the stunned Mana.

The battle didn't last long; the dark knight easily evaded Mana's attacks, and dealt her a fatal blow.

"Cu... curse... you," said the dying Mana. Suddenly, just as he was about to deal the final blow, a voice shouted, "Stop, and we may let you live!" It was a Neo Grandall soldier followed by a large Grandall army, part of Mana's unit.

"Hahahahaha, you all shall become part of me! Servant, you may sit this one out!" said Lord Dragon. He easily slaughtered the soldiers. They to fell to Lord Dragon one by one; the dark knight then absorbed all their souls, but noticed Mana had managed to escape. "Hehehe, you shall be a good adversary!" laughed Dragon as he thought of Mana.

Soul Edge then released control of Draco, and he awoke, his hands soaked in blood. He looked around and saw the bodies of his former allies. "W... wh... wha... what have I done!? T... Tira how, why, how could I have done this?" yelled Draco in his insane state.

"Draco, calm down, it's okay," said Tira as she embraced him.

"No, it's not; Soul Edge still controls me, and now I've taken the lives of my friends! I don't deserve to live!" Draco then ran away after saying those words. As he ran he thought of Abelia, Luna and his former army, but most of all Giradot, his fallen mentor; he had felt he had failed his teacher- would he do this to them as well? Had Abelia, the Neo Grandall emperor, sent Mana after him, would he have to face more of his former friends? In truth, Mana had no intention of going back to Grandal; she had made her own war with the Dark Knight, and Abelia had no idea she had went on this journey. Mana's injuries were fatal, so she preformed an ancient spell to infuse herself with an ancient force. She became a holy warrior, a warrior called Valkyrie. After regaining her energy she would hunt down Draco once more.

.::~::.

Draco made his way to a town. He met a man who claimed to know about Soul Edge, and how to free his mind from the demonic blade; the man told him to meet him in the clock tower. Draco knew this could be a trap, but he couldn't resist. He entered the clock tower.

Zasalamel was hid in the shadows. "So, this is the one the sword has chosen. We shall see if you're worthy of its attention," said Zasalamel as he turned away.

Draco was walking through the tower when a huge cog came rumbling towards him. Draco quickly dodged it.
"Excellent, now I see why the blade chose you; come on, let's go!"

"You dare to try and lead me!?" yelled Draco. The two fought, and it seemed they were evenly matched. Matching each other blow for blow. Finally, though, Zasalamel announced 'play time was over', and struck with all his might. From that point Zasalamel was in control of the fight.

Draco was about to be killed, but then a cog hit Zasalamel in the back. This was Tira's doing.

"Stay away!" yelled Tira.

"Hmmmm, interesting, seems you have a patsy! Hahahahahahaha! I cast my curse on you, One who is cursed by the blade." The man then melted into the shadows.

"Draco, come on, you can't die! I lo..." said Tira as she noticed he was still breathing.

Tira took the injured Draco to an abandoned villa. She tended to him yet again. Despite having feelings for Draco she deceived him in telling him she would help him cure his problem. Draco agreed to stay with Tira, but warned her to run away if he changed. Tira agreed but didn't fear the Dark Knight- after all, she was his loyal servant, but she also cared for Draco. Eventually she would have to choose between them. Who would she choose- the evil that embraced her, or the man she had fallen in love with? Only time would tell.

The Azure Knight

Upon recovering, Draco heard rumors of a great fighter in a labyrinth, so he and Tira decided to check into it. The two headed to the labyrinth, but yet again Soul Edge took over Draco, and for good reason- this soul could be a great addition to the demonic blade. The two made their way to the entrance, but were faced by three fighters. It was Kilik, Maxi, and Xianghua.

"Well, looks like we're gonna have some fun!" laughed Tira. "You take the woman, I'll take the men."

"We will destroy this evil!" yelled Kilik. The two warriors easily defeated the other three in combat without breaking a sweat. These, however, were worthy souls, but Dragon's power was drastically increasing; due to this the blade lost its grip on Draco, and he fainted. However, after the battle, Draco awoke to find three foes dead before him. He also noticed Tira was missing. He somehow knew what had taken her- Nightmare.

Draco looked at the demonic blade in his hand. "Look, you don't like me, and I sure don't like you, but I'm asking for your help!" exclaimed Draco. The demonic blade granted Draco strength, and he was in control of this power. He sensed where Nightmare was, Ostrheinsburg Castle. Draco followed the trail to the castle and arrived at dawn.
.::~::.

Meanwhile, in the castle's chapel, Tira was hung to the rafter, barely conscious.

"Hahahaha! I knew this would lure him here; now you and the Dark Knight shall become a part of me!" laughed Nightmare.

Dragon burst through the window, and demanded Nightmare release Tira; however, the Azure Knight had no intention to. The two battled, hitting each other blow for blow. They beat each other half to death. The battle would change tides every few minutes, and it seemed to last an eternity. Finally, Dragon managed to knock Nightmare out of one of the windows. Nightmare fell into the dark depths of the castle.

"Tira, wake up!" yelled Dragon.

"Dr... aco, is that you?" asked the weakened Tira.

"Yes, I'm here!" said Draco. He cut her free of her chains and took her from the area to hide from Nightmare, who could sense was still alive.

.::~::.

He headed to Japan and made his way to Mount Fuji. However, he wasn't welcomed- a band of thieves resided there. Draco managed to defeat them, but was surprised by there leader, and knocked off into the lava.

"No!" yelled Tira!

"You- you're the servant of the evil blade, and it was you who killed my clan members!" said Yoshimitsu.

Yoshimitsu easily defeated Tira, but just as he was about to deal the death blow, a hand raised from the lava. It was Lord Dragon- he arose from lava and destroyed the entire clan, including Yoshimitsu who, ironically, was knocked off into the lava.

After absorbing all of the men's souls, Soul Edge released its grip on Draco. Due to the bodies being burned up in the lava Draco didn't realize what happened. Draco took time out in this place for Tira to heal. Afterwards the two decided to go back to the labyrinth, and take on the warrior; on the way Lord Draco slaughtered a few more warriors while in this land. A few of these souls gave him much more strength as their evil energy was rich in power. Afterwards Lord Dragon, and Tira left this land.

As they left, their boat came upon a battle field; this was a place that reeked of death, and Dragon felt happy here. Their vessel came upon another boat that emitted a strong aura. Dragon boarded it, and faced the warrior known as Mitsurugi. The warrior was strong, but was no match to Lord Dragon. Mitsurugi, the man who sought Soul Edge and lived only to test his own strength, met his end to the very weapon he'd sought after for so long. The two warriors again boarded their vessel and sailed back to where the maze awaited them.

Deep In the Labyrinth

The two warriors once again came upon the maze entrance. As they entered, Lord Dragon stopped.

"Is something wrong?" asked Tira.

"No, nothing," said Dragon; however, something was; he sensed that his three generals were gone.

He'd sensed Naga's power when he faced Nightmare, but now Cobra, too, had been absorbed by the Azure Knight. Arachnia, however, was killed, and her power returned to Dragon at that moment. By now Nightmare's sword was in its cocoon stage, because it had turned to the larval stage when he absorbed Naga. Now that Cobra was a part of him he was even more powerful; this, however, was Soul Edge's original plan.

As they started to enter, a strange apparition appeared before them.
"What is that?" asked Tira.

"It's a puppet," said Lord Dragon.

"A puppet?" said Tira.

"Yes, and I know who controls it," said Lord Dragon.

"Shall I destroy it?" asked Tira.

Suddenly, another apparition appeared, enwrapped in flames. It also wielded a weapon similar to Tira's.

"You take that one," said Lord Dragon. The two warriors faced off with these puppets. Despite these two specters being controlled by Zasalamel, they were of no challenge to the warriors. After destroying the apparitions, Dragon absorbed their evil energy. He then decided to revive the Wil'o'wisp and the Revenant to guard the entrance; he knew they were no match for the Azure Knight, but would slow him down. Now the two puppets were under Dragon's control.

Afterwards, Dragon and Tira then entered the maze. Lord Dragon and Tira easily defeated all those that opposed them in the maze. They searched this dark place for a whole month, but for Tira it seemed like an eternity. Without food she slowly began to weaken, to the point that Dragon was the only one able to fight. Dragon gained his life force from the demonic blade; as long as it was fed souls he was strong. The rich souls of strong warriors slain by Dragon in the maze kept in peak condition.

Finally they reached the end. As Lord Dragon stepped into the final room he saw a strange owl-like man meditating.

Suddenly, the man jumped up, and said, "I don't know who you are, but I suggest you stay out of my way for your own good!"

"Death is waiting for you!" said Dragon.

"So you're getting in my way; you better be prepared for the consequences!" yelled Olcadan.

Olcadan and Dragon became deadlocked in battle. Olcadan did prove to be a worthy adversary, blocking Dragon blow for blow. A tired out Tira watched as the two warriors brawled. Despite Tira being tired out Dragon had fed on many souls, and thus was a top condition. Olcadan finally made the mistake of letting his guard down. Dragon struck, and dealt the death blow. Olcadan fell into the water and disappeared.

Dragon then absorbed his soul. Soul Edge once again released Draco, who was famished. He and Tira left the maze and sought shelter. After recovering, they would again continue their journey, which was close to an end.

Finally, they came upon the lost Cathedral, a beautiful palace of water. The sight of it was breathtaking. This place would be the end to Lord Dragon's, Draco's, and Tira's journeys. Draco and Tira readily entered the cathedral; all the while Draco could sense the Azure Knight closing in on them.

The Cage

Upon entering the Cathedral, Draco saw a familiar face. "Mana?" said the confused Draco.

"No, Mana is dead; there is only Valkyrie now! You will regret not taking my soul!" yelled Valkyrie.

"I don't want to fight, but I will defend myself!" said Draco, drawing his sword. The two fought in a destined battle. Tira looked on as the two warriors fought, matching each other blow for blow. The two battled for hours.

Finally, Draco dealt a mortal blow to Valkyrie, knocking her into the water. After the battle Tira yelled, "Look out!" A cage fell on Draco, he struggled to break free, and Tira came to his aid. Suddenly a voice said, "Allow me."

"Sieg... Siegfried," mumbled Draco.
The man cut him free from the bars. "I know you you're Draco, the great hero of Grandal. Nice to meet you," said Siegfried, shaking Draco's hand.

"Who are you?" asked Tira angrily.

"He's only a legend in our homeland, Tira, surely you've heard of him?" said Draco.

"You... you're a servant of Sou..." Just before Siegfried could finish, a voice came from the shadows.

"Hahahahaha, the time is ripe; you shall become part of me! This time I shall take my body back. It was Nightmare!

"Draco, run away, this doesn't concern you!" yelled Siegfried.

"Come on, Tira!" said Draco, grabbing her hand. Draco and Tira began watching the fight in the shadows.

Darkness and Light

Siegfried battled Nightmare, and defeated him in a long battle, but as Nightmare fell Soul Edge again possessed Draco.

"Hahahahahaha! Pathetic, but you shall not defeat me!" laughed Lord Dragon.
"Wh... what are you?" asked Siegfried.

The two battled- despite Siegfried defeating Nightmare, he could not overcome the true Soul Edge. Siegfried was defeated, but not slain.

Lord Dragon turned to Nightmare. "Now we shall become one!" said Dragon. Calling forth the dark energy in the armor, Lord Dragon merged with Nightmare. Lord Dragon changed his armor- it was in the likeness of Nightmares, but black, and his right arm had mutated. "Hahahahaha, Night Dragon is born!" yelled the newly formed Night Dragon, raising his blade to the sky.

Upon his completion, he threw Siegfried into the waters of the Cathedral, then turned to Tira. "I don't require you anymore. In fact, you're now a nuisance to me!"

"Dr... Draco, what do you mean?" asked Tira.

"There is no Draco now! Only Night Dragon!" said Night Dragon, grabbing Tira by the throat. He literally brutalized his former ally. She didn't stand a chance against this monster. Tira finally hit him, but Dragon just laughed and said "All you're doing is hurting Draco, not me!"
Tira stopped, and was hit by the demonic blade. She lay barely conscious, and soaked in blood.

"I shall cover the entire world in darkness!" yelled Dragon.

Just as he was about to deal the death blow, a wounded Raphael entered the fray, attacking Dragon. "A... Amy, this is for you!" said Raphael.

Dragon turned, and dealt the death blow to Raphael. However, then Valkyrie charged him, but again there was no challenge to this monster. Siegfried again tried, but was about to be slain, but then Fear (who had regained his memories, and knew Soul Edge was controlling his brother), accompanied by Storm Shadow and Jynx, attacked Dragon, but again no challenge to this juggernaut. Bodies lay everywhere, one dead, and all the others near death. Dragon turned to Tira, and again prepared to deal the blow of death.

A tear came down Tira's face, as she softly said, "Draco, I love you."

Dragon lowered his sword, and seemed to be struggling with himself. "Wretched human emotions!" yelled Dragon. He then turned because he felt a strong presence.

Conspiracy and the Netherworld

"I'm impressed you made it this far. Not bad at all. My dream is about to be realized! You, however, are not worthy of witnessing this glorious moment! Leave this place at once!" said Zasalamel as he raised his scythe, and let out a cry. He floated in the air, and infused himself with the power of the Soul Blades. He then became the monster Abyss. The cathedral was turned to ruins, and in this madness Night Dragon stood strongly. Abyss then threw his Scythe, but Dragon blocked it.

"Is this the best you can do? How weak!" said Dragon. The two fought, and Night Dragon seemed to be the strongest.

Dragon made this monster look like a weakling, as Dragon's wounded victims looked on he dominated the battlefield. It all seemed as though Zasalamel planned this whole thing. Dragon used the power of the countless souls in the demonic blade; it seemed the creation of Abyss had merely increased his power. Would this be it? Would Soul Edge finally cover the entire world in darkness? Dragon finally started to deal the blow of death.

However, Abyss called forth more power, and then he seemed to be in control. Throwing Night Dragon around as if he was nothing, Abyss really thought he would be the victor, but Dragon stood up, laughed, and yelled "Power flows through me!" just as Abyss's attack knocked him to the ground. Soul Edge's grip over Draco had ended; just as Abyss was going to finish the wounded Draco, the landscape changed- Abyss realized he was inside of Soul Edge. Suddenly, a monster resembling Night Dragon appeared behind him, and burned him to ashes. Afterwards, Soul Calibur came forth from the beast's body and flew towards Draco, but he avoided it by rolling out of the way.

Evil Awakens and the Reckoning

Night Terror stood before Draco. The monster fired a deadly beam, but Draco avoided it. "Come, I will end this once and for all!" yelled Draco, as he picked up the spirit sword. Draco fought valiantly, but even with Soul Calibur he could not damage Night Terror. The beast had the power of both Soul Blades. Draco was literally beaten within an inch of his life. Finally he managed to knock the beast into the abyss.

However, it merely used its wings to fly back up to him. From that point on Draco found himself again being beaten to death. He lay bloody and near death. He then saw Tira's face. "Ti... ra, I'm sorry," said Draco. He saw his life flash before his eyes, but then remembered the Dragon giving him its heart. It was his only weakness. He looked at Night Terror. The beast's heart was like his. Night Terror raised his sword in preparation to finish Draco. Draco quickly arose, and stabbed the monster in the heart, and twisted the sword in its chest. The monster screamed and thrived in pain. "Die, phantom, die!" yelled Draco.

Draco pulled the sword free. Night Terror flew up into the sky and exploded into nothingness. Draco found himself in the cathedral again- he could barely stand. He stood, took Soul Calibur in hand, and prepared to destroy Soul Edge, but then looked at Tira, and knew she and himself would never be accepted by people; they had taken too many lives. All along he knew Tira was a servant of the demonic blade, and had sought to free her. Finally, his dream had been realized. He realized he now had complete power of the Soul Blades. He then saw the future, and that his children were the ones destined to end this war of souls. He picked up the demonic blade, and merged the two swords. He now was in complete control of the blade.

He walked to Tira and lifted her. "Tira, let us go to our new life," said Draco.
"You're in control of the sword! I knew you'd come through!" said Tira.

"Save your strength, my love!" said Draco. "Warriors arise!" he continued as Fear, Storm Shadow and Jynx rose to their feet. The four left the cathedral, leaving Siegfried and Valkyrie, who would survive, but would no longer pursue the blades. Raphael, however, joined Amy in death. The battle was over for now, and for fifteen years the evil seed was barely spoken of.

Ending

For Draco, the nightmare was over. Shortly after he and Tira married, and had two children, and Drake (Fear) regained his humanity, sanity, and his memories. Storm Shadow and Jynx had failed to obtain Soul Edge, but they did become great ninjas protecting the innocent, alongside the Dragon Army. All the Lizard men regained their humanity by Draco's power. Draco, Tira, Drake, Storm Shadow, Jynx, Aeon Calcos (Lizard Man), and their armies fought to preserve peace, and to destroy evil. This would feed Soul Edge and help the world at the same time. The Dark Knight and his army were feared by many, but also respected. It is said they used Ostrheinsburg castle as their main base. In their time the Dragon Army destroyed the evil of the ages, but unfortunately are a forgotten part of history. Draco and Tira's children also fulfilled Draco's vision, ending the war of the blades, but that is a different story. One thing is for sure- as long as Soul Edge was in Draco's possession since that fateful day he defeated Night Terror, the sword was used for good, and was never used to slaughter another innocent soul. Even though he had control of the blade, he despised it. It had taken the lives of too many. He could feel the souls of mighty warriors such as his mentor Giradot and all the warriors he himself had slain. He and his warriors would protect the blade to keep anyone from obtaining it- that was his destiny.