FOR THE LOVE OF SWEET VANILLA ICE CREAM, HOT SEX, DRUGS AN JESUS! PLEAAASE REVIEW! I am seriously starting to think people don't care about this story! I have 600 and something views so far, 7 people to favorite and follow but I only get reviews from 2 people! But from the views I get I know people are opening the story, looking at it, reading parts of it or doing something!

Anyway for the very few people who do give me feedback: Sorry guys that this took me soooooooooo long! You guys thought I quit on this story didn't you? But I didn't! What can I say, school, sickness, family problems. Everything imaginable! Plus I no longer have the privilege to sit in my comfortable bed with my laptop and write anymore. I have to write at a desktop and my back is killing me because I have a wooden chair! But school will be out soon so you can expect updates more frequently and hopefully I'll get a new laptop soon so I can write and be comfortable, that way my full creative spirit can harnest and I won't have to stop and stretch from back pain and neck cramps. But here is the 7th chapter as promised. 5,000 words ahead! 5,430... including my notes...Enjoy!


DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING FROM SOUL CALIBUR!

The next morning I awoke feeling the same as any other day, but to see if things were back to normal, (like Mina said they would.) I immediately grabbed my nunchaku to begin practicing. And just by the first string of attacks, I knew I was back to my old self again.

I kneeled down and swung Soryuju forward before retracting it, then I rose and swung upwards to link my Rising Fang with a Snake Bite attack. I spun around and swung again, then jumped and launched forward to perform a Dragon Roar kick. I felt more powerful than ever, probably because it had been weeks since I had a successful training session. My balance and speed was back and as I timed my attacks, they came out straight and accurately.

I swiftly shifted my feet to the left and altered my stance to a Left Inner while swinging downwards. I let the chain of my nunchaku fall through the crevice of my fingers and as I lifted my left leg, I brought my hand to meet my feet. I maneuvered the chain through my hand in time to viciously spin it around my ankle as I extended my left leg, performing a Dandy Surprise. But then…

PLINK!

The other half of my nunchaku broke away and went skidding across the wooden floor of the farmhouse floor. I looked down at the other piece still in my grasp and inspected it. Somehow, the chain that connected the handles had broken. I walked over to the where the other piece had flown, picked it up and inspected it also. Not only had the chain been broken, but the small iron piece encased at the end and provided the hole for the chain, was loose and on the verge of falling off. Soryuju had been through and things had happened like this before, so of course I could fix it but it would take time sense I had no tools. And that was time I really wanted to use to be on my way.

The sound of the door creaking open and the light that flooded into the dim farmhouse brought my attention away from my nunchaku to who was entering. Once my eyes adjusted to the bright light of the evening sun, I quickly recognized the silhouette of Heiden leaning against the threshold. What did he want?

''So, putting in a few hours of practice?'' He said as his unreadable gaze scanned the room.

''Yeah…that's right.'' I replied skeptically as I observed him from the other end of the room. He could pretend he was interested in my training all he wanted, but I wasn't convinced. Even after Mina had talked to him and Lenobia, I still knew he was nowhere near fond of me, even if there weren't any dirty looks from him. Moreover, him barging in on my personal space, (Just because he was Mr. Mendel's son didn't make it okay for him to invite himself in the place I was given to stay.) acting as if we were old friends didn't help my respect for him at all. However, I was curious and patient enough to wait and see what his intentions were.

''You know, I could fix that for you.'' He gestured to the broken weapon I held in my hand. I glanced down at my nunchaku and then back at him, doubt and distrust clear in my expression. Did he really think I was going to let him ''fix'' my most important and only prized possession?

''Uh..no, thanks.'' That question raised my suspicion for him and at this point, I was on the brink of putting all dilly-dallying aside ask what he wanted with me. This wasn't a side of him I was use to seeing.

Sighing, he said, ''Listen, I just wanted to apologize for the way I've been acting these past few weeks. I couldn't get a handle on my emotions and I…was only looking out for Mina. I hope you can understand that.'' He awkwardly ran a hand through his hair and looked back at me. That much was true. Part of the reason he behaved the way he did was because of Mina. Because even before I met her, we somehow managed to get on each other's nerves. Not that I cared if he liked me or not, but being protective of someone was something I could understand and holding something like that above his head wasn't going to do me any good.

'' Yeah, it's fine. I talked with Mina a few days ago and she told me about everything, so it's no big deal.'' I replied

''Hm, I guess she did.'' He chuckled to himself. ''That Mina, always so trusting of people, I never could see why…'' He trailed off and was quiet for a moment. ''I always knew you weren't a bad person, I just…'' Then he sighed and returned his gaze to me. ''Maxi, I feel like we got off on the wrong foot, I know your leaving soon and you'll probably never come back to this place again, but… it's a small world. And it's just foolish to keep going on like this, I was thinking maybe you'd like to come down with me to the tavern and get drink. I'm paying.''

I couldn't help but laugh to myself in humor and disbelief. ''So, finally decided to take my advice on not being a stick in the mud, huh?''

In the meantime, he was making an effort to smooth things out, so it did mean that he maybe he was starting to come around. And even though he seemed pretty sincere about the apology, being around him only when I had to seemed like the smart thing to do in order to keep down confusion and try to maintain a neutral ambiance. But sense I could no longer practice for the day, and I'd be leaving soon, I didn't see how one night of drinking with him could hurt.

A sour expression developed on his face. ''Actually, the main reason I'm inviting you is because there is a sort of small celebration going on down there. You know, since the harvest is almost here. My father and a few others wanted you to come by so they could say farewell to you.''

If Mr. Mendel wanted me to come then I definitely had to. After all, a full day of training couldn't end without some time to unwind.

''Well, with nothing left for me to do, I don't see why not.'' I went over to the wall where my previous traveling attire hung and gently placed Soryruju on the wooden table.

''You know, I was serious about that offer.'' I looked back at Heiden to see that he'd moved away from the doorsill and was now standing beside me. ''You don't intend to go out on the road with a broken weapon do you?'' He asked gesturing towards the wooden table.

He was right. They had to be fixed before I left, I could have done it myself but because I wasn't an expert on the matter, it would take a lot of time. In addition, I didn't even have the right tools, so it looked like I didn't have a choice. I knew things were somewhat settled between me and Heiden, but could I really trust him with my weapon? These were something that I depended on and had been on the road with all these years. Something way more important than a thin air of civility between me and him. I studied him as he held out his hand. ''You really can fix this?'' I asked.

''Well, I am a blacksmith, in fact the only one in the village.'' He replied, a slight cockiness in his voice. ''But… it looks like the handles could use a new chain, and reattaching the medal case on the bottom won't be a problem. '' He scanned the weapon, then turned back to me. ''It's your choice.'' I slowly reached down and gripped both pieces in my hand, I looked over them with concern. Speculating, before I handed them to him. ''I understand how important a weapon can be to someone. But you can trust me. It's the least I could do to show you my empathy.''

I looked up at him, and he held my gaze with a serious and honest expression as he waited for me to answer. I extended my arm and placed Soryruju firmly in his hand. ''I trust you to keep you word.''

He nodded understandingly. ''I'll just go drop these off at my shop, I'll have them back to you by morning.''

''Thanks, I appreciate it.'' I said.

''No need to thank me, I should be thanking you for not rejecting my apology like anybody else would.'' He chuckled to himself, but I could see guilt in his eyes. Why was he beating himself up so bad about this?

''Well, dirty looks and insults is something I got every day before I came here. But I never let it got to me and I never held it against anyone. So, I'm not gonna hold it against you.'' I told him truthfully.

He gazed at me briefly, like he wanted to say something before his eyes fell to the floor and he sighed. ''Come on, we should leave this place before things get any more awkward between us.'' We both laughed as we turned and made our way to the door. I guess I wasn't the only one who felt a bit uneasy about where the conversation might have led. I didn't know what to think of what came from the words Heiden and I had exchanged. But, with everything settled and out of the way, things were starting to look bright again.

''So how about that ale? After this week I could really use a few mugs of it.'' Another wave of laughter passed between us.

''I couldn't agree more.'' I said as we both walked through threshold, out of the dim farmhouse into the rays of the setting sun.


When we entered the tavern, the place was bustling with so much excitement; no one even noticed that we entered because there was so much noise. The first thing I saw was Mr. Mendel on top of a table in the middle of the room, capturing most of everyone's attention with his story of victory over a black bear trying to attack him while of a couple of men played music in the background. A fight was brewing about who was the strongest through an arm wrestling match and a handful of farmers were arguing over who's wife was the best baker. In the far corner of the room, I recognized two woodcutter men who I talked and worked with chugging down mugs, trying to see who could put away the quickest, while a few other woodmen watched and cheered on.

We went up to the serving counter Clovis, the tavern owner greeted us. ''Hey, Maxi! Heiden! How are you two?''

''Ah, same as always.'' Heiden replied casually.

''I'm doing good, how about yourself?'' I asked, grabbing a wooden stool and sitting.

''Well, you know me, just taking it easy every day.'' He quickly wiped the counter before asking, ''So, what can I get for you?''

''Two mugs of ale for me and him.'' He slid out a stool beside me and lowered himself on to it.

''Ah, that's been the popular request tonight, but then again it's all we have.'' He laughed and went over to the shelf behind him, grabbed two iron containers. Then he walked back over and disappeared underneath the counter before returning with them filled to the top. Heiden reached for his pocket but then Clovis stopped him. ''First round is on the house.'' He said as he sat them down. ''Enjoy.'' Then he looked over behind us where someone sat at a table.

''Hey Emmerich, you gonna buy something or are you just gonna sit there and stare at your mug all night?''

I glanced behind me to see the reverend's younger brother slouched over a table, starring into the contents of his mug with a blank expression. Heiden lifted his mug to his mouth and followed my gaze, then turned back to Clovis.

''What's the matter with him?'' He asked. I turned back to Clovis for an answer because I was wondering the same thing myself.

''Well, he came in just like everyone else, got a drink and sat to himself. After a few, out of nowhere he let out a shout and he looked panicked like he had just seen something terrible. He hasn't moved, talked or answered to anyone since. Nothing to worry about, I reckon he's had too much drink for one night.'' He waved a hand and brushed it off, then went over to serve someone who had came up.

''Ah, Clovis is right,'' Said Heiden as he faced forward again and brought his mug to his lips. ''This isn't the first time this has happened. After he goes home to sleep it off he'll be back to normal by morning.''

Thinking nothing else of it, I turned around and took a gulp of my drink. Maybe they were right, but something told me the drinks weren't responsible for such strange behavior. Then suddenly, someone struck me on my back out of nowhere, almost causing me to choke. I immediately spun around to see who had done it when I saw Achmad and Albelard, the young woodcutter brothers who I helped out from time to time.

''Hey! Maxi, how is it going?'' Achmad asked.

''Well,'' I said jokingly between coughs. ''It was going down good before you hit me on the back.''

They all erupted in laughter, including Heiden beside me.

Letting out a nervous laugh, Achmad apologized. ''Hehe, sorry about that.''

''It's fine.'' I replied.

''So,'' Albelard began. ''We heard you were leaving soon and we just came by to say good luck on the road.''

So word had gotten around to them too. I wasn't surprised.

'' Yeah, thanks for the concern you two. It means a lot'' I told them.

''We say good luck because…'' Achmad placed his elbow on the counter ever so casually beside Heiden and leaned his head into his palm. Heiden look at him and raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

Then Albelard interjected, ''We hear things are aren't so smooth in the northern parts.''

''What do you mean?'' Heiden asked as he turned his attention to Albelard. The bit of information seemed to have caught his interest.

Albelard continued, ''Well we don't know if either of you are headed that way but, it's been said some strange activity has been going on in that area.''

''Strange as in….?'' Heiden pressed on.

''Oh you know, villages being attacked by unknown persons for unknown reasons, sightings of phantoms, men and women falling ill to strange sickness. Strange and terrible things.'' Achmad replied from beside Heiden.

It was true. Those were all terrible things, but Achmad or Albelard didn't seem to express any kind of sympathy when telling us this. In fact Achmad was grinning mischievously. It could have been the fact that they were drunk or maybe it just didn't matter to them or… it could have been that they were up to something.

Then Heiden asked the same thing I was wondering. ''And you think there's something amusing about that?'' He glared at Achmad.

''Oh no. No Heiden of course not!'' Albelard replied. Once again averting Heiden's attention away from Achmad. ''It's just…''

''We're really thirsty!'' Achmad snagged Heiden's mug off the counter and took a long drink from it.

''Hey! What do you think you doing?!'' Heiden shot up from his stool but before he could retrieve his mug Albelard stepped in front of him and finished the drink off as his brother handed it to him. He finally snatched it from Albelard and peered inside. From the glare Heiden gave them I knew the contents of his ale were gone. Nervously, they shuffled away from the serving counter and made their way to the back of the tavern.

''You little punks! We'll see what happens the next time you need me to fix a handle on your axe!'' Heiden growled.

''Uh…uh.. see you around Maxi!'' They looked over their shoulder as they shouted over the commotion.

''Yeah, see you around!'' I waved to them before they disappeared into the crowd.

Heiden angrily slammed his empty mug onto the counter and sat back down. ''Little… they shouldn't even be allowed in the tavern.'' He said glaring back behind him.

I clamped down on my laughter and tried to calm him down.

'' Well, the tavern is open to anyone except women and children, they're only a couple of years younger than us. And I can see why you're upset, but it's only one drink. I'll call for Clovis.''

I looked behind the serving counter, and waved him over. He was over in the far corner taking an order, he raised a hand and gestured he'd be over in a moment.

Heiden sighed. '' It's alright. I'm fine. I'll take care of those two the next time they come to my shop.'' He glared behind him a moment longer, then turned around and faced forward as Clovis made his way over.

He grabbed Heiden's empty mug. ''Done with the first round already?'' He joked as he refilled the container.

''Actually those two finished it off for me.'' He grumbled reaching into his pocket.

''Right. Ach and Al; the two trouble-makers.'' He chuckled. ''I saw what happened. No charge.'' He went back over to the other side of the counter.

Heiden sighed in relief. ''Thanks.'' He reached for his mug and took a sip.

''So, I hope you don't mind me asking but, where were you planning to go once you left here?'' He asked turning to me.

''I haven't thought about that yet but, I intended to search for a couple of travel companions I met on the road. We got separated during a battle before I came here.'' I told him.

I didn't know if I would find Xianghua and Kilik or not. It was only two people in such a big world, with only so many clues to go by. But I had to find them. Only a few weeks had gone by, there was still a chance I could catch up with them. I needed to know if they were alright and if they destroyed Soul Edge successfully. Of course I could walk the earth and go exploring until I found something to get into but, with my crew gone, and no goals for me to accomplish they were the only thing I had left.

''That's rough to hear… But, I didn't mean to prod or anything, I was just asking because if you are going north you shouldn't believe those two tricksters. I wouldn't put it past them that they made all of that up just to steal my drink.''

''Well, I couldn't help but notice that you did seemed pretty interested in their information.'' I pointed out.

He wasn't intending to leave soon also was he?

''Yeah…'' Heiden sat his mug down and gazed down at the wooden counter as if he was thinking deeply about something. ''It just reminded me that I might have to leave here myself, to cross through the North along with Lenobia and Mina…that's if I decide to go and if Lenobia will let me.'' He laughed to himself.

''But rather what they say is true or not, Lenobia and Mina need me. I can't see myself letting two women travel out their all on their own. The world is a dangerous place outside of any home…''

I processed this information and realized what he was saying.

''Wait, so Mina's is leaving?'' I asked surprised.

'' Yes she is, I thought she told you.'' He replied hesitantly, noticing the shock on my face.

''No, she didn't.'' Her keeping this information from me didn't make me the least bit upset, but it did leave me curious and a little lost. However I came to the conclusion that maybe that was the reason she had been acting so strange. She'd be upset I'd be leaving so maybe saying goodbye for her was hard. But for me and my many days of traveling, I met new people everyday so it wasn't so hard to say farewell. But for some reason, when I thought saying goodbye to Mina and leaving to go out on my search, probably never to see her again, it just didn't seem right.

After the time we spent together, and the things we learned about each other I knew she was very different from anyone I had ever met. She was interesting, endearing of course and so kind and a really nice girl. It would have been nice to know more about her. But there was her powers, her past, the talk of her saying that she felt there was something important she needed to do. And lastly, there was my dream…. What if it all meant something? But then again what if it was all just a coincidence?

Sure, I was healed now and ready to travel, see the world again and go look for Kilik and Xianghua. Still, I couldn't help but second guess myself. Would I really be making the right choice by leaving the village, leaving her? Then again, what would be my reason for staying, and what purpose would putting my search on hold and tagging along with her and Lenobia to the north serve? If that was possible…Because that was the only way I was going to see if something would come from this.

I sighed heavily, causing Heiden to turn to me. I obviously had a lot of thinking to do before I left and made a decision. And when I did, it would be a tough one.

''Maxi, everything alright?'' Heiden asked.

''Yeah. Just thinking.'' I replied.

He starred at me a moment longer, then opened his mouth to say something but then;

''Hey, hey! Well if it isn't my two favorite youngsters in the village! Enjoying yourselves?'' called a booming voice.

I turned around to see Mr. Mendel. He placed a hand on my shoulder and then on Heiden's to give us a little shake. I took it that he was done with his storytelling of his victory over a bear, and now most of the place had quieted down enough as to where we didn't have to shout to be heard.

''Father, the night is still young and I think you've already had enough to drink.'' Heiden said sourly as he gave his father an annoyed look.

I laughed. Heiden and Mr. Mendel's father and son relationship was pretty amusing witnessing it firsthand.

Mr. Mendel scoffed at Heiden's remark and merely brushed away his unpleasant attitude towards him as if he was used to it. I take he was. '' I am as healthy as a horse, and I can drink as much as I like.'' He turned to me. ''Has my son been a buzz-kill for you tonight?'' He leaned down and attempted to whispered in my ear. ''He can be a real stick-in-the-mud sometimes.'' We both laughed.

''I heard that father!'' Heiden yelled and glared over at us accusingly.

He suppressed his laughter enough for him to ask, ''Well has he?''

I took a deep breath and contained myself. ''No , everything's been going good tonight.'' Heiden turned and brought his mug to his mouth, but kept his eyes on his father.

He raised both eyebrows and a surprised expression crossed his face. ''Has it? Well it appears that whatever rivalry or male dilemma that was going on between you two is settled, and I'm happy to see it. '' Heiden rolled his eyes, but Mr. Mendel saw him and pressed on. ''You know, at first I thought Heiden was jealous of you.'' Heiden immediately spewed his drink all over the counter top at hearing this. Clovis, who was in the middle of wiping a mug whipped his head around at Heiden and frowned when he saw the mess.

''I apologize for that.'' He said to Clovis as he sighed, came over and wiped the counter while shaking his head. Heiden wiped his mouth with the back of his arm and looked at his father like he had lost his mind.

''Why would I be jealous of him?!'' He asked lost and clearly irritated.

''Well, for one Maxi is more popular than with the people around here than you are.'' Mendel replied.

''Ha. Attention from people isn't something care for.'' He countered, folding his arms.

''Neither do I, but people just can't help but to be drawn to me for reason.'' I clarified, and couldn't help run my fingers through my hair, brushing it back and flash a cocky grin.

Clovis heard this and chuckled, Mr. Mendel laughed and added in, ''Especially the ladies. I noticed as soon as he came here, all the women stopped bringing me pastries and tea!'' Clovis, Mendel and including myself all erupted in laughter. Heiden shook his head at us.

''Another thing,'' he said through his fit of laughter. ''He's never been good at field work.''

''He hasn't?'' Clovis asked, clearly interested. Clovis had been finished with wiping the counter, and now he stood around listening in on our conversation.

Mendel scoffed again. ''Boy, he was terrible at it. Before he decided to fix on weapons he attempted to do what a son was suppose to do and help his old man out but, he did more damage than help.'' He laughed, and placed a hand on my shoulder. ''Maxi on the other hand was able to do anything told him to with hardly any effort at all. A true farmer in the making.'' He chuckled.

''I don't know about farming but, my experiences on deck probably have a lot to do with it.'' I told him.

''Ah that must be it!'' He laughed and continued to tell Clovis how bad Heiden used to be at fielding work. I looked over at him. He appeared to be calm, but not collective. He looked so angry that he probably would of gotten up and walked out of the tavern right then and there. Mr. Mendel was only teasing him like he usually did his son, but this time he was using me and it seemed to be getting to him. Which made Mr. Mendel's point valid than I'd like to think. Maybe jealously that his father appreciated me more did play a part in Heiden's actions at some point. But regardless, it was over now and after we talked earlier things were okay between us. But it appeared Mr. Mendel was ruffling some feathers, and I wanted to say something to Heiden to make sure that things were still okay.

''Either way, I'll be sad to see you go. Who's gonna help me with the work then huh?'' He turned to Clovis and they both laughed.

But then their laughter was cut short by a loud clatter and a scream that came from one of the tables close by. I turned around.

Emmerich who Clovis had mentioned earlier stood up from his chair, his empty mug had fallen to the floor and he paused, his eyes were wide and filled with terror. His skin was sleek with sweat and his face was drained of all color. This seemed to have caught everyone else's attention in the tavern because they quieted down and now talked in low voices while keeping cautious eyes on Emmerich.

''Emmerich are you alright?'' Clovis asked.

Everyone fell silent.

Emmerich didn't reply, he only stood a while longer and starred at the floor before blinking slowly and turning around. ''There's something I need to take care of….'' He said drowsily.

Absentmindedly, he slowly trudged over to the door. His heavy footsteps were the only sound that echoed into the ominously silent tavern as everyone's eyes trailed behind him. He pushed open the door and exited. It creaked shut behind him.

There was an extended moment of silence before someone said. ''What did I tell you, It was the booze that made him like that. He had too much to drink.'' A few men grunted in agreement.

Similar statements and assumptions could be heard coming from all around, but I knew something wasn't right.


Author's note: REVIEW! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TYPE A FEW WORDS AND CLICK SUBMIT! ANYTHING! Tahnk you Thalie and Darkwings in advance! Love you guys for showing the support.

Welp! Hope you enjoyed. And review! I wrote this chapter off and on, one week here, one week there, a few days here, one month later, so some of it may sound choppy and out of place because I didn't feel like going over it which would of been off and on too. I didn't want you guys to wait any longer! Another thing, this chapter really wasn't meant to be this long! It just happened. The only purpose this chapter was suppose to serve was to kindle a bond between Heiden and Maxi, show that he was healed and let him find out that Mina was leaving soon and to give the effect that something serious is about to happen. All the extra goofiness and jokes just sorta happened.Hope it was funny.

And I know I told you guys this was the last chapter before some action…but this chapter was just too long to add to what I have in store for you. Unless you like long chapters and enjoy waiting let me know. My eyes are threatening to fall out of my skull and my brain is hanging upside down I've been writing so long. But like I said, hope you enjoyed and the next chapter will be the last filler chapter before things get serious. Chapter 8…. Will be what everything has been leading to. Ive been playing this dress up game lately, where you can create characters and dress them in ancient or midevil clothing. I created Mina and a few other characters on ther, Ive been thinking about adding some links for some pictures to give you guys a mental image of what everyone looks like. Let me know and STAY TUNED!