Maiden of the Silver Wolf
In arid and desolate place,
Mitsurugi Heishiro was faced a certain danger. Various monsters were surrounded him completely. It seemed no way out. Unafraid, the ronin pointed the largest horned demon with Shishi-oh and said,
"Today might be a good day to die…" then he grinned, "…but I don't want to die until I have Soul Calibur in my hand!" The demon responded by screeching aloud and sprang toward him. Mitsurugi quickly entered battou stance, and unsheathed his katana. He immediately performed several slashes at his opponent's torso area, slashing through flesh and bone. The demon toppled with severed torso, while the ronin swung his weapon, anticipating another attack. It never comes; instead a shower of sakura petals filled the surrounding. The remaining demons quickly scurried away.
Upon seeing those flower petals, Mitsurugi frowned. He knew someone who was capable to do such thing…
"Come out! Don't hide like a rat!" he shouted, "I know you are following me…" Amidst the petals, a slender figure came out…it was Setsuka. She was wore a purple European gown, and holding a parasol. Even so, the ronin recognized her. She greeted him,
"Don't be so rude, Mitsurugi-san! How are you?" The ronin snorted,
"What are you doing here? I thought we have a deal about my head…." He continued, "By the way, why are you helping me?" Setsuka folded her parasol, and then said,
"Let the past rest, Mitsurugi-san. It just a misunderstanding…about the recent help, I want to clarify something: I don't like being indebted with someone," Though slow, the grizzled warrior recognize the result,
"You mean?" The geisha blinked naughtily,
"I will help you to find Soul Calibur, by then our debts settled!" Mitsurugi was silent momentarily, until he turned his back from her and said,
"Not interested…" She called,
"You can't escape me, Mitsurugi-san. I will help you no matter what!" The ronin didn't reply. Setsuka could only sigh and followed him.
Meanwhile,
Dizzy and disoriented, Starkiller tried to stand and find his way through the…lush forest. As he entered the rift, he had lost connection with the Force temporarily. Few moments later, he had regained his senses again and saw a flower nearby. From all of his missions, he never saw such flower save at Kashyyyk or Yavin moons. The Dark Jedi rose and scanned the surrounding. He was surrounded by the lush vegetations, which rich with life. Unfortunately, this condition supported the Light side than the Dark side. He sensed his link with the Dark side was weakening, due to the surrounding nature. He had to get out quickly and found the proper condition to nourish him…
Once he came out from the forest, he was greeted by the incident…
A group of rowdy-looking men were surrounding an elven girl. She was fair-looking and wore a brown cape and cap. She held a thin rapier at her left hand. The short-haired maiden shouted,
"Stay away or you will feel the coldness of Alf Wayla Al Layla!"
The lead brigand laughed, "Sure, but I think your flesh is warmer than the sword! I can't wait to taste it! Seize her!" The bandits closed in, until the girl swung her rapier gracefully. Like a gentle but cold breeze, she cut swath among them. The head brigand screamed,
"Take the freak!" Suddenly, she received a flip kick from the girl, who replied,
"Don't call me freak! My name is Scheherazade! Remember that!"
It didn't need an experienced observer to know Scheherazade was in a huge disadvantage. It was too oblivious for Starkiller. However, it held no concern to him. Lord Vader had given a mission to him and he would perform it. That the smart thing to do. He was about to turn around, until something piqued his mind,
Why do the smart thing now?
Close to the capital of Wolfkrone,
Siegfried watched the lights on the city. He never visited this small kingdom before. News said that the kingdom now led by a warrior princess. Rumors about the brigands at Osthreinsburg and their leader, Frederick has reached his ears. The German gritted his teeth in anger; that was more than coincidence. He wouldn't let the impostor to dishonor his father's memories. He turned to the crystalline sword and armor, wondering how to hide them. Somehow understood his thought, Soul Calibur slowly transformed into a battered, old zweihander and his crystal armor was disappeared. Siegfried couldn't help to amaze, but at the end, he commented,
"That's much better…" He began to enter the city.
In other place,
Hilde descended slowly into the dungeon and leaned to the door, calling softly,
"Father…" The princess' gentle words were answered by an intelligible moaning. The former king of Wolfkrone had been confined since the tragic incident. The people unanimously chose Hilde to succeed her father. Despite her close call, she had visited him regularly. Then she continued,
"Father, I will go to Osthreinsburg…I'm promise you that I will make you proud!" The bushy-haired figure behind the dungeon shook his head without any understanding. Hilde knew her father wouldn't answer back, yet she considered such gesture as an approval.
She said, "Father, I'll go now. I will see you soon…" The auburn-haired princess left the dungeon, while struggling to hold her tears. The condition where her father had to endure was tearing her apart. But she couldn't cry; she was a Princess of Wolfkrone and leader of her people. She was the Maiden of the Silver Wolf! She must stay strong for them! Hilde knew she had to face her greatest challenge; Osthreinsburg Castle had become a scourge for her people. She would raze the accursed castle to the ground and capture Frederick no matter the cost! Then the promise to her father can be fulfilled. At the end of the upstairs, an elderly maid waited her.
"Gerhilde!" she commanded the maid, "Bring my armors! Don't forget my Glanzende Nova and Frischer Himmel! Quick!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Back to the forest,
Scheherazade eventually was overpowered by the bandits and dragged to their leader. He said,
"Hehe, stay with me and I'll spare your life!" The elven girl spat,
"I'd better die than stay with a mortal filth like you!" Not for long, someone shouted aloud to them,
"Let her go!" The brigands turned around and saw a shaven-haired youth with tattered robes and clothes stand nearby. The leader roared,
"Go away, beggar! Or else, we'll hurt you badly!" Undaunted, Starkiller continued,
"I had warned you! Let her go or suffer the consequences!" Biting his tongue, the lead bandit cursed,
"You're big-mouthed! Show his place, laddie!" The bandits pulled their weapons and charged toward the Dark Jedi with a stampede.
Starkiller smirked; he didn't expect these people to heed his warning. In fact, he was expecting them to charge. Slowly but sure, the Dark side was with him again, empowering him. His right hand was twitched to pull the lightsaber. However, he decided to against it. He whispered,
"You aren't deserved to be cut by my lightsaber…" As the bandits went closer, he lifted his right hand toward them and shouted,
"Feel the wrath of the Dark side!" Instantly, the bolts of lightning crackled and strike those bandits simultaneously. Their screams filled the air, while the leader and his hostage were startled to see the show of force. Starkiller watched the event impassively. Few seconds later, those bandits were stopped twitching. The Force Lightning had drained their lifeforce, leaving only their emaciated and smoked husks. The Dark Jedi walked toward the leader who shook his knees. Unconsciously, he let Scheherazade loose. Before he could say anything, Starkiller made a choking gesture toward him. He immediately clutched his neck and looks suffocated. As he tightened his grip, a shout broke his focus,
"Stop! That's enough!" Vader's apprentice released his grip unconsciously, allowing the remaining bandit ran. He noticed the one who shouted to them was…the elven girl. Then she said with a tinge of displeasure,
"I'd appreciate your help, but I refuse to let you kill a defenseless people…especially with your black magic!" Hearing such words, the Dark Jedi looks amused and said,
"Incredible, the so-called 'defenseless people' almost harm you. Yet, you are decided to spare their lives and turn upon your only helper. Do you believe that I can kill you in the same manner?"
Scheherazade replied unflinchingly, "I do, but I believe you are different…" Starkiller merely smug, until he said,
"We shall see…" Once again, he made a choking gesture. Slowly, the elf maiden held her chest painfully and lowered herself to the ground.
Miles away at Southern France,
At the famous Cepheus' shop, two girls look upset. The blonde one complained,
"Master, Amy had disappeared again! This time I can't find her!" Her auburn-haired companion, Valeria added,
"That little vamp…once I turned my eyes away she had already gone!" As they rambled, the elderly artificer listened patiently. Later, he advised them,
"Perhaps we should look for at another place! Just for the last time! Please, Valeria! Lynette!" Both servant girls stared each other, and then Lynette answered,
"Very well, Master! We'll look for at another place, and hopefully find her there! This will be the last straw!" Valeria nodded in agreement, before they departed. Cepheus could only sigh, and he went to his armory. Inside, he met Hualin who awaited the red-haired girl practicing her fencing skill. She immediately stopped when Cepheus come.
"Monsieur Cepheus?" she bowed, "I don't mean to…"
"That's alright, Mademoiselle Sorel. I see you're practicing your skill." Amy Sorel sheathed her Albion down. He said,
"Do you still want to find your father?" Amy nodded,
"Oui, he's the only family I have. No matter what happened to him, he still my papa…I can't forsake him!"
"Even though your father…wasn't a human?" The red-haired girl was silent momentarily, but then she replied,
"I know, because I once was like him! Despite that, I believe my father won't harm me!" Cepheus couldn't answer; he had come to treat Amy as his own daughter but no avail. Deep in her heart, she had still a Sorel like her father. He said,
"I won't stop you…" the artificer gestured to Hualin, "Hualin, prepare everything for her! Lynette and Valeria might be upset to know you had left…" Amy smiled,
"They were so close to me! Say thanks for taking care of me!" She hugged the older man, "I won't forget you, Monsieur! Thanks for everything!" Cepheus nodded,
"I will, dear! I hope you find your father!"
Few hours later,
Amy Sorel left Cepheus' armory and the city. She turned to the darkened skies at North. She didn't know what awaited her there. Last time, a monk used the holy sword Soul Calibur to cure her from 'the Hunger'. Yet, her papa still had 'the Hunger'. She must find him and together, they would make a new world for both! When Amy continued her journey, a howling came from the distance.
Back to the forest,
Scheherazade still struggled to breathe, while Starkiller stared impassively. He chided her,
"Now, are you still saying that I am different from those lowlifes?" Despite the constricting sensation upon her airway, the elf forced herself to speak,
"You…aren't…evil…,if…so…you …can…let…those…bandits…take…me…but…you …don't…do…that…" The Dark Jedi stunned to hear those words; the girl was capable to sense his inner turmoil. Yet, he had wasted time here. He had a mission to do! Instantly, he relaxed his gesture and the elf maiden felt relieved. Before he left, Scheherazade called,
"Wait, let me join your journey…" He asked, while walking,
"Why should you join me? Have you forgotten? I almost kill you there!"
"That's the risk for being a storyteller…" she explained, "I can see you have an unfinished tale! Let me join you to see what it will end."
"Do you care if my tales will end in darkness?" To this, the elf maiden responded,
"Nobody knows for sure, even you! That's why I have to come with you!" At first, Starkiller considered her as a mere nuisance. However, he realized he didn't bring PROXY with him and he knew little about this world. This girl could serve as an intelligence or information gatherer. By then, he would have a clearer understanding about his mission. He finally said,
"Suit yourself, my journey is perilous! I won't be responsible for your safety!"
Scheherazade nodded, "That's fine, I can take care of myself!" The Dark Jedi shrugged his shoulders only.
At Dagobah Swamp,
Yoda still mediated, trying to foresee events through the Force. He sensed the Dark side had passed beyond this dimension and it won't bode well. Time is essence here! He must find the candidates for the Light side. Not for long, a look of disappointment marred his once-calm face. He commented,
"Two I sensed…strong is the Light within them, only if…" The Jedi Grandmaster sighed,
On the Indian Ocean,
The Chinese jung rocked gently atop the blue ocean. Upon the hull, Yoshimitsu mediated. He tried to focus his thought but unsuccessful. He reasoned it must be the grudges that he held toward Tira. The Danish assassin had been responsible for the deaths of several Manjitou members. Until the debt was paid in blood, the Manji won't be rest at peace. Sensing someone come, he turned around and saw the couple. Though obscured by his mask, Yoshimitsu tried to say,
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Kilik-san! Xianghua-san!" the ninja continued, "Or…should I congratulate both of you for your coming wedding?" Kilik and Chai Xianghua smiled to hear the sincere comment from the Manji. The Chinese girl explained,
"Elder, Kilik and I are just engaged…not yet married!"
"My apology then," the ninja replied, "Why do you delay your wedding?" The young master said,
"We wish to invite Maxi at our wedding, if possible we might invite Miss Sophitia, Cassandra, Mi-na , Talim, Countess Isabella and…Sir Siegfried." He continued, "All of us had shared the burden of pursuing Soul Edge and Soul Calibur. Therefore, we wish our wedding can be the best interlude for all of us…"
Not wanting to be sarcastic, Yoshimitsu coughed, "A noble intention, I say!" He turned to his attention to the ocean, "Only one of us won't be attending …" Kilik and Xianghua realized that he spoke of Taki. Unknown to them, the Fu-ma kunoichi still alive and breathing…
Night time at Wolfkrone Platz where Wolfkrone Monument rests,
Siegfried refreshed himself by drinking cold beers at the local tavern nearby the plaza. He came for the information, but the result was disappointing. What he knew was Frederick had made a hideout at the Ostrheinsburg ruins. Another rumors said the Wolfkrone princess was raising an army to attack the ruins. The German sighed; it seemed he had to find other way to go there. Just as he came out from the tavern, the blow of trumpets echoed along the streets, calling the people's attention. The royal entourage marched on the plaza. In front of the entourage, a silver-armored knight rode. The visor obscured the knight's face, but everyone could see a wolf ornament atop the helmet. Behind the knight, Baron Oder led the mounted cavalry and the footmen followed behind. A small company of musketeers tailed them. Actually, the firearms were outlawed at Wolfkrone. However, Count Scholtz insisted to have them, just in case the modern-trained armies of neighbouring kingdoms attacked them.
Not for long, the city officer came forward and announced;
"Hear ye! Hear ye! Our beloved Princess, Hildegard von Krone orders the conscription! The threat of Osthreinsburg can't be tolerated anymore! The able-bodied men will report to their local officials and enlisted! For those who enlisted, Your Highness promises to shoulder any casualties suffered and gave tax exemption for the families! This is open for the mercenaries as well! They would be paid handsomely! That's the order from Princess Hilde!"
As the people filed to be enlisted, Siegfried turned away. He didn't take interest in this! This wasn't his battle! He was about to left until,
"Halt! Where do you think you're going?" The German knight turned around and saw the silver knight behind him. He brandished a lance with the banner, while a short sword rested at the waist. The mounted knight asked him again,
"Answer my question! Why are you not go to the conscription?" Siegfried answered calmly,
"I just a traveler…this have nothing to do with me," Unconvinced, the knight pointed his zweihander,
"This…just for the show-off?"
"As I said I am not interested…"
"Dumkopf!" the knight mocked, "You have a sword, but don't have courage to use it! I say you are a coward!" Though slightly surprised, the blond knight replied politely,
"Herr, I surprise to hear such word from a noble like you. Yet, I said this is not my fight…" The knight instead continued the tirade,
"Yes, that what the cowards say! What I hates most is someone who know how to fight, but don't do it!" Felt her patience being tested, Siegfried explained,
"Herr, I would appreciate you if you use the polite words. I don't wish to be involved in the battle! Now may you excuse me?" Suddenly, the silver knight stirrups his horse and shouted,
"Verdamnt, are you mocking me? This can't be allowed!" He pointed his lance to Siegfried, "I challenge you for a duel of honor! If you are a man, accept my challenge!!" After saying that, he pulled his right gauntlet and threw it to Siegfried. The German realized he couldn't refuse it; it was conducted under a code of chivalry. He took the gauntlet and said,
"I have no choice but to accept your challenge!" Slowly, he pulled his zweihander. At the same time, the silver knight dismounted himself and came closer to him. Sensing the coming duel, the people begun to surround the Monument and watched them.
Like a lightning, the silver knight charged forward with his lance. Siegfried evaded the attack, but he was quick to notice his opponent had unsheathed the short sword. He performed a wide circular slash, yet the German batted the attack with the zweihander. Siegfried failed to notice the lance moved into a vertical attack. As he tried to block the incoming attack, the silver knight sent a heel kick to his chin. The German swayed temporarily, as he saw the opponent catapulted himself with the lance and ready to kick him again. Gritting his teeth, the wielder of Soul Calibur whirled his zweihander and rolled out from the danger. The strike hit an empty place.
Siegfried stunned; he never saw such style! To use a short sword and a lance simultaneously was an incredible feat. Sensing the opponent's amazement, the silver knight shouted,
"This is the first time I use my Groβe Erbschaft in public! Are you ready to admit defeat?" The German knight replied,
"I have to admit your skill, but the fight is far from finish…we will see!" Indignant, his opponent lifted the lance into a thrust position and said,
"I will teach you a lesson! Ready to accept my Mystic Star!" This time, Siegfried had to be serious! When charged, the silver knight swung his lance into a wide circular strike followed by the short sword. Everyone could see the sword was bathed in glittering light. The opponent couldn't predict which one will attack first; the lance or the sword?
Siegfried realized he had to use a powerful strike to break those attacks; hopefully he won't use Soul Calibur just to finish this duel. He quickly performed a massive uppercut slash, before mixing it up with Armor Buster and Rampart Buster. The silver knight was taken aback with such brutal attack; he could only exclaim,
"Mein gott!"
The blow was strong; making the silver knight dragged three steps backward. He stabbed the lance to the ground in order to reduce the force. Siegfried stood triumphantly, though a look of concern marred his face. He worried the duel might gave his presence here. The silver knight stunned, and then the helmet was split into two. The long auburn hair fell and showed a lovely face. Everyone who saw it hushed,
"Your Highness!" Instantly, the crowd bowed their face to the ground. At the same time, Baron Oder went to the knight, who actually is Hildegard von Krone. She raised himself, staring the knight in front of her. Instead disappointment, she smiled genuinely to him. Oder shouted,
"How dare you hurt Your Highness? Guard, seize this man!" However, Hilde raised her hand to stop the royal guards from seizing Siegfried. She commented by bowing a little,
"I never see such strength…therefore I admit that my defeat from you, Sir…"
The German replied humbly, "Siegfried…that's my name, Your Highness." He didn't include the surname to avoid suspicion. He continued,
"I didn't know it was Your Highness, the pleasure is mine…" The princess came toward him, while the baron followed from behind. She asked,
"Would you care to join our army? We can always find use of the people like you…" Siegfried bowed lowly, before replying,
"Terribly sorry, Your Highness…I can't do that! As I said before, this is not my battle…" Oder was furious,
"You dare to refuse our princess' offer?" Once again, Hilde stopped him and then she said,
"Very well, you may go…but my offer still open anytime. Please tell me when you are changed your mind,"
"Perhaps not, farewell Your Highness…" The German left the dumb-founded crowd and Hilde. She quipped,
"Why do I have a feeling this won't be our last meeting?" The elderly warrior advised him,
"Princess, be careful! He might be a spy from Osthreinsburg…"
The auburn-haired girl dismissed, "I will judge for that…now gather our conscripts and train them! I want them ready in two weeks!"
"Yes, Your Highness!" Hilde boasted, as she lifted her weapons to the air,
"In next month, the Osthreinsburg will be no more and Wolfkrone will be victorious!" Instantly the entire plaza broke into applause and cheering.
Without Hilde's knowledge, someone else watched the fight from the rooftops. Miser commented dryly,
"There is no mistake; he is Siegfried Schtauffen!" Shura cut her with disdain,
"He is the bearer of the holy sword? For me, he is holding himself too much! He should destroy that arrogant b#%! Why does he hiding his true strength?" Taki answered,
"Because he has the Soul Calibur…ordinary human can't see it, but I can sense a huge spiritual energy at his battered sword! He might be fooled the others, but not the Fu-ma ninjas!" The former bandit asked,
"Senpai, what shall we do now?"
"We follow him from the safe distance until an opportunity presents. I believe he doesn't like to attract attention like us…" Then the demon-possessed woman said,
"Why don't we strike him now?" The raven-haired kunoichi glanced with displeasure; Shura loved to challenge her authority from time to time. Nothing in her demonic mind except…more bloodshed! With a tinge of venom, she replied,
"If I need your advice, I will ask you…just do what I order and be done with it!" Shura merely grinned upon the remarks. Then they disappeared beneath the darkness.
Far away from Wolfkrone,
Amy Sorel stood transfixed…she was surrounded by a pack of wolf. The closest wolf growled, as its fellow carcasses littered the ground. The girl managed to kill few of them with his Albion, yet there were too many of them. The death only made them angrier and hungrier than before. Amy knew it just a matter of time before they strike and tore apart her. When she had "the Hunger", she had nothing to fear. Now she wished she had it. The pack howled again and prepares to attack until…
Suddenly, the earth trembled violently. The wolves stopped and turned to the source…a rhino-masked man. He brandished a huge morning star and roared,
"BANGOOO!!" Amy and the alpha wolf startled to see him. Yet the wolves didn't impressed and attacked the man simultaneously. To the French girl's shock, the rhino-masked man swatted those beasts as they were flies! Sounds of bone-cracking and pained howls were heard. One by one, the pack dispersed and scattered away. Thudding his bare chest, the rhino-masked warrior shouted victoriously,
"BANGOO!! I did it! I won!" Realizing he wasn't alone, he glanced to Amy and asked,
"Little girl, are you alright?" Still afraid, she asked,
"Who…are…you?" The warrior lifted his mask and introduced himself,
"I am Nathaniel Adams, but you can call me Rock!"
Back to the space,
The only solace for Darth Vader was in his palace at Coruscant. So far, the Emperor didn't have any assignments and there were no reports about the Jedi fugitives. He had expected there were no news about Starkiller. He should send PROXY along with him, but in other hand, the time where the disturbances came wasn't ready for the droid. He had faith to his apprentice, but it was difficult when you didn't sense them in the Force. He needed someone else…
Yet, he just found something in particular. He sensed…a creature that filled with emotions akin to the Dark side! The Darklord of the Sith wondered whether this creature could be manipulated…like Starkiller to serve his purpose. He decided to reach out the creature…
At the earth,
Countless bodies scattered around the Azure Knight who still shouting,
"Give me more souls! More! More!!"Lightning cracked thrice above its head…
Author's Note: Ok, I'm sorry for the delay! Starkiller had finally arrived and acquired a new partner for his mission. Yoda had begun to pick the representative for the Light side, while Darth Vader sought a new ally. As Hilde begun her advance toward Osthreinsburg, Siegfried also went there! Kilik and Xianghua planned to wed, unaware what awaits them at West. See the result at "Touching the Force". I wait for your reviews, opinions, critics and flames! See you soon!
