Hey there. Heh heh, yeah I've been bad into not updating all this time. Been busy with 3D modeling and stuff. Its hard stuff I have to learn. Anyway, here's another chapter.

Torn Apart yet Stuck to You

Chapter Seven: The Man in White

Ivy and Cassandra looked at Lara's tired body. Both had sensed that power before and both knew that it wasn't good on either side's part. Cassandra took out her shard of Soul Edge and placed it close to Lara's neck. The shard began to react as it glowed brightly. Ivy's eyes narrowed as she let out a hiss.

"This is not good at all," Ivy said. "This girl has it...and its embeded in her neck."

"How is it that we couldn't sense it before?" Cassandra asked.

"I don't know...I am not too sure why it couldn't be sense...but perhaps..."

"Perhaps?"

"No...forget it. I don't think it would work. However, the shard would explain why those villagers were after you in such a viscious manner."

"Should..we advice Siegfried?" Cassandra asked.

"That...I don't know either," Ivy replied as she moved away from Lara. "It would be wise to tell him about her...however he might want that shard out. If we try to take the shard out...we might kill her. The thing is louged right on her throat."

"So..what should we do?"

"As uncertain as I am, we are to, above all, never let Lara leave our sight. She could hurt herself and will have people after her...or worse...use the power of that miserable shard. Let's just patch her up and try to keep this quiet. When the time comes, we'll tell Siegfried."

Ivy and Cassandra made that pact before they continued to mend Lara and dress her. Once she was done, both women left the room and headed off towards their own rooms. It was a rather quiet night. Cassandra looked out her window to see the night sky. In the distance she saw a fire in the direction of Lara's old village. I wonder what is going on over there? She thought as she fell asleep.

The next day was a quiet one. When Lara awoke, she felt an enormous pain in her leg. She looked over at the sleeping figure of Mr. Squeakers and woke him up. The tiny chipmunk stretched itself out before it jumped on Lara's shoulder and climb down on her chest. Lara tried to walk normally, but the wound on her leg was strong. She let out tiny whimpers as she took steps down the hallway. Just then, Ivy strolled through the hallway. She met Lara eye to eye and noticed what she was doing.

"You shouldn't be out of bed right now," Ivy said as she tried to lead Lara back into her room.

"I want to see Siegfried!" Lara let out as she tried to stop Ivy from taking her away.

"He's quite well and is resting, I suppose."

"Can't I at least visit him? I promise not to wake him up."

"No! You're far to sick to move out of bed and should rest for a while."

"No!"

"Is something wrong?" Siegfried asked as he opened the door to his room and stepped into the hallway.

"Siegfried!" Lara chirped as she tried to run over to the blond warrior. Once she got to him, she hugged him tightly. "I thought something bad might have happened. I blacked out and all and you had me very worried! You jerk! Don't you ever go off and play hero like that ever again!"

"To tell you the truth," Siegfried replied. "I was kind of worried about you. I thought you were seriously injured but it seems to me that you're quite well."

"I'm well and I'm ready to go now! We should head off and find more clues about Soul Edge pieces!"

"Try to walk properly," Ivy said. "If she can walk properly then you can go." Ivy crossed her arms as she looked at the girl with stren eyes. Lara glared at her before she released her hold on Siegfried and tried to walk through the hallway. However, due to the pain in her leg she wobbled and walked in a zig zag pattern. However, she managed to straighten herself up and walked as properly as she could. However, it was too lat for her to convince Siegfried or Ivy that she was well.

"You're staying here for a while and that's that," Ivy said as she pointed towards Lara's room. "And you're staying in bed for a while."

"But..." Lara protested.

"Just do as you're told," Siegfried replied. "For once...do as you're told. The sooner you heal the sooner we leave and search for a way to destroy Soul Edge. If you don't hurry up and heal, I'll leave you behind...understood?"

"Y-yes..." Lara replied as she looked at the floor. He finds me disposable...but I should have known it.Without another word, Siegfried walked down the hallway and disappeared as he turned the corridor. Ivy took Lara to her room. She was a bit surprise to see that the young girl wasn't hesistating this time. Ivy placed Lara on the bed and gave her the medicine that was designed for her. Upon drinking it, Lara coughed.

"Ew!" She spat. "This medicine tastes horrible."

"What did you think it would taste like? Chocolate?" Ivy said.

"What's chocolate?"

"Oh...not a lot of people know about that. Well...its a delicacy that came from the New World. It was brought here by Spanish monks and it is quite delectable."

"Do you have any right now? I want to try it!" Lara said as her blue eyes lit up with glee.

"Unfortunatly no. However, if you heal and I feel grateful, I will try to get some for you. Its really hard to find any and it costs quite a fortune to buy a pound of it. Now rest up. I'll fetch a servant to come and bring you your meals."

"Alright then..."

"Rest well, kid." Ivy said as she left Lara all by herself in the room. Lara looked up at the ceiling and began to reminesce about all that has been happening. She never would have guessed that leaving her home would send her to a much deeper adventure than she ever would have expected. She let out a sigh as she started to remember her home. The only thing that really bothered her was that night. She kept seeing that green haired girl again. This time, her features were clearer than ever. In the green haired girl's hand was something metallic.

"What was that thing?" Lara asked herself. "I remember that girl holding it...but why...not to mention who is she? I should know her...but part of me...ugh!" Lara groaned in pain as she felt a surge of pain rush through her head. What's going on?! She thought as she held her head tightly. Why does it hurt so much? Her neck began to glow brightly for a split second before it stopped. The pain soon disappeared at that moment, leaving Lara very confused about her condition. "What happened that night...?" Lara asked as she began to cough violently.

Siegfried's blue eyes opened widely as he felt a surge of Soul Edge. However, it was gone in a split second. He furrowed his eyebrows as he tried to find any traces of it. However, he could not feel anything at all. What happened just now? Siegfried thought as he looked up at the ceiling. Where did that surge come from?

His movements had caught Cassandra's attention. She stopped eating her poridge. He felt it too, she thought. Does he...suspect something? Cassandra got up from seat and walked over to Siegfried. She took out her shard of Soul Edge and took in a deep breath. "Oh!" She said, "My shard reacted just now. I wonder why." Her words reached his ears as he turned around to see the tiny shard in her hands.

"I wonder if that's what it was," he said. "But why would it react just so?"

"Maybe its because you have the broken Soul Edge?" Cassandra asked.

"You're right. I forgot about that. What I'm confused about is why does the shard react so weakly around the sword?"

"I guess its because you weakened it. With a weak signal, that makes it harder for anyone to pick it up, however its still strong enough at a certain distance."

"We should hurry up before we get Ivy in trouble. I hope Lara heals quickly." Siegfried said as he looked over in the direction of the rooms. A week and a half would pass before Lara was somewhat fit enough to leave the mansion. The wound on her leg was her biggest problem. However with medicines and ointments, the wound healed quicker. So at least, Siegfried and his companions were to leave the Valentine Mansion. Siegfried, Cassandra, and Lara took whatever things they had and walked out the front door. Ivy stood there waiting for them.

"We're to leave now," Siegfried said to Ivy. "I thank you for your kind hospitality."

"Thank you for letting us rest here," Cassandra said as she smiled at Ivy.

"Thanks for the grub," Lara replied which earned her a hit behind her head from Siegfried.

"It was no problem. However, the journey for the three of you isn't going to be an easy one. I am not quite sure if you'll be alright without my aid."

"I don't want you to burden yourself with this curse..." Siegfried said. "You fell once into darkness...don't let yourself fall into again."

"That...I know, but I can't stay here knowing that, that sword is still intact. I dispise it with all my being. It trapped me once in its trance...I don't want to carry such a burden on myself for all I have done these years. I ask of you Siegfried, let me join your group."

"Ah Ivy," Lara said as she placed a hand on her arm. "You're a sweet sport, but I'm sure Siegfried will decli..."

"You're aid will be greatly appreaciated," Siegfried said. Lara's blue eyes widen as he lips formed into a frown. Her grip on Ivy's arm tighten a bit. "I'm sure with your aid we will finish this journey faster and more efficient. I know how much of a burden you carry on your shoulders...and I know how much it would mean to you if you did."

"Thank you...so much," Ivy replied. "I will be the best aid you'll have. Um...Lara...you're holding me a little too tightly."

The quartet left the mansion and headed to the port. With Ivy's help, the group managed to hop on the next ship that will take them to the mainland. However, without a single clue they had no idea of where to travel. The ship was heading towards a place known as the Netherlands which would be a good reason as to why the wind was getting rather chilly.

Lara shivered a bit from the cold air. She looked inside of her tiny cabin and picked up the dusty, old blanket. She covered herself with it and walked out from her cabin and towards the deck. She peaked through the door and saw Siegfried leaning against the rail of the ship; looking out into the sea. Lara smiled brightly as she took two steps towards him. However she stopped when she saw the figure if Ivy standing next to him.

Quickly, she withdrew back into the doorway and eavesdropped on the two fighters. She couldn't make out what they were saying, but the next thing that came out of Ivy's mouth had made Siegfried chuckle. It was very hard to make the blond German smile, much less laugh. And here was Ivy making the man whom no one thought could smile, laugh.

Lara, at that point, was breeming with jealousy. She didn't know why she was so envious of Ivy at that point. However, all she could think about was taking her weapon and strangle her with it. Who does she think she is? She thought. There she is hogging Siegfried. Ugh! And that jerk! Why does he laugh around her and such! He never smiles at me or anything. Oh...I think I get it...its because she's got boobs and ass! I guess he only smiles at women that look like hookers.

"Lara?" Cassandra whispered softly.

"Nyagh!" Lara let out as her heart pounded hard. "Cassandra, don't scare me like that!"

"Heh, sorry about that," Cassandra replied sheepishly. "What are you looking at?" Cassandra looked over Lara's head.

"Nothing!" Lara hissed softly.

"Doesn't seem like nothing. You were looking at him, weren't you? Or were you looking at both him and her?"

"Oh come on! As if I'd spy on them."

"You're right..." Cassandra chided. "Why would you spy on them? After all, you respect lovers' time together, right? My...they do look like a lovely couple, don't you think?"

"Pah! If you call a vain relationship a couple, then yeah. He'd probably only like her because she's got tits and ass and she only like him before he's hot."

"I thought you cared about him."

"As if! He's a jerk who's inconsiderate about my feelings and thinks I'm a burden and likes only women who have the goods. I mean, look at that jerk! He's laughing with her and such. I tell you, he never did that once when I was around him. That poopie head! I hope something falls on his poopie head and squishes him!"

"Oh my..." Cassandra replied as she tried to supress her laughter. "You fancy him."

"Fancy?! As if!"

"Lara fancies Siegfried. Lara fancies Siegfried. Lara fancies Siegfried." Cassandra sang as she conducted with her fingers. Lara let out a growl as she protested about that. Both girls engaged in a play fight. However, the volume of their voices ascended enough for Siegfried and Ivy to catch on. Ivy walked over to the women and stopped the fight.

"What are you two doing?" She asked in a soft voice.

"Nothing!" Lara replied. "We were playing."

"Heh...Lara fancies Siegfried," Cassandra said in a playful voice.

"I do not!" Lara replied as she crossed her arms.

"Oh...you don't?" Ivy responded as she cocked an eyebrow. "Well...in that case, I hope you don't mind me taking him. After all, a man of that stature is hard to come by. Perhaps I should ask him if he would like to court once this journey is over."

"What!? You can't do that! I won't permit it!"

"And what are you going to do about it...little boy?" Ivy joked. It was then that Ivy had made making fun of Lara a new hobby of hers. Lara jumped on Ivy like a wild dog who hasn't been fed for days and attacked the girl. Cassandra shrugged her shoulders as she jumped into the fight as well. Siegfried looked at the display before he turned away from the fight with a rather unimpressed look on his face.

"I'm traveling with morons..." Siegfried said softly. "And here I thought Ivy was a smart and witty one...I guess not. Or maybe its because that kid is a plague of stupidity of some sort."

The rest of the day, Siegfried spoke with any passangers that were travelers and asked them if they found anything suspecious in the mainland or if they seen a man dressed in white. Most of them shook their heads in confusion. On the fourth day, Siegfried was about to give up asking anyone else on the voyage. He leaned against the rail of the ship and let out a stressful sigh. He kept his eyes on the ocean. His mind was lost in thought as he tried to figure out a solution his problem.

Just then a dark shadow loomed over him. The shadow slunk from behind him and walked over to his right. The silhouette was wearing a brown cape which kept most of the person's figure a mystery to the man. However, he managed to see a green glove on the person's hand. The silhoutte remained silent or a moment as if it was trying to come up with words to say to the swordsman.

"I heard that you are lost," the silhouette finally spoke in a raspy enigmatic voice. "You are looking for a man wearing white...yes?"

"Yes," Siegfried replied as he turned his body to the hooded figure. "Have you seen him?"

"Perhaps I did...perhaps I didn't."

"What was it? Did you see him or not?!"

"Calm down, you big galloute!" the hooded figure spat. Upon saying that sentence the tone of voice changed a bit. "If you want the answers, you're going to behave!"

"I...I apologize for my outbursts."

"That's better. I did so indeed see a man in white. A hooded man in white with a rather large scythe. You can't really see his features but his eyes...glowed yellow."

"That's the man I've seen. Do you know who he is?"

"No...however if you seek more answers you should go to Ostrheinsburg . There you will find your answers."

"Ostrheinsburg Castle?"

"I must be off. Don't kill yourself in the process...because everyone hates you." The hooded silhouette got on the railing of the ship then jumped off into the water. Siegfried grabbed the brown cloak, but the figure slid through it and fell into the water. Siegfried pulled up the now empty cloak and looked at the water for any signs of the figure.

He ran all the way to the end of the ship and waited to see if anything would emerge from the water. However, nothing poped up. It was if the figure sank to the bottom and stayed there. "Damn!" Siegfried cursed as he slammed his hand against the railing. He took a look at the cloack and noticed blood stains on it. "What...was that person injured?" He asked softly.

"You are a confused beast who has lost his way," spoke a deep voice. Siegfried turned around to see the same man in white standing behind him. "If you wish to find out more information about the sword, you will come to the giant clock tower in The Netherlands."

"Wait! Can't you just tell me what's going on?" Siegfried asked as he threw the cloak.

"I can't tell you that right now," the man in white pulled out a book from his cloack and showed it in front of Siegfried. "Besides, I don't think you're ready to read this book."

"That's...that's Ivy's book! The one that holds the secrets about Soul Edge! Give it back!"

"Soon...Siegfried Schtauffen you will learn more about the cursed blade." The man in the white cloack jumped up to the cabin. Siegfried protested for the man to explain to him more. However, the man in the white cloak jumped off from the cabin and disappeared. Siegfried let out a growl as he let two people who proably had the information about the blade.

However, with his new information he now had a set path on where to go. Sadly, he was given two choices on where to go. Knowing that the man in white has the book intact and the ship was on its way to The Netherlands, he confirmed that he will examine there first. After that he will go to Osrthiensburg Castle; the once place he dread ever returning to.

It would take two more days before the ship arrived at the port. Siegfried and his group got off the ship and headed towards the nearest inn. There the group rested and bought items that they would need later on. That evening, Siegfried headed down to the pub to have himself a drink, Ivy left the room to find a place where she can be alone, Cassandra left the room to see the sights, leaving Lara alone in the room with Mr. Squeakers.

The girl furmed at the fact that everyone had ditched her, however she wasn't completly furious. She actually found a new hobby that involved Mr. Squeakers. Taking out a small acorn from one of her pockets, she waved it in front of the baby chipmunk while she gave him a command.

Meanwhile, Siegfried had ordered a pint. As he drank away his worries he remembered one important fact: he didn't know how to get to the clock tower. He stopped his drinking and asked the bartender if he knew where it was. However, the bartender didn't know where it was either. Frustrated, Siegfried took a huge gulp from his drink then ordered another one.

"Heh, heh, heh," giggled a blond haired woman. "I can tell you where the clock tower is, ya."

"Really?" Siegfried said as he eyed the rather plump blond woman.

"Ya...however if you want me to tell you, you're going to have to pay me in one way or another."

"Name your price," Siegfried replied.

"Well..." the woman said as she wrapped her arms around Siegfried's neck. "With a handsome man like you...I wouldn't mind if you would..." the woman whispered in Siegfried's ear her request. Upon hearing it, Siegfried's blue eyes widen then he gave off a look of disgust as he shivered.

"I won't sink that low," he said.

"Bah! You're no fun! That's the easiest thing you could have done and it will only take an hour or so."

"I eat old dead animals."

"Fine then!" The woman cursed as she pushed Siegfried. "Forget the clock tower then." The woman began to walk away from Siegfried. However, a rough hand took a hold of her.

"Isn't there another form of payment?" he asked bashfully.

"Hmm..." the woman thought about it for a moment before something came up. "I will tell you...if you beat me in a drinking contest. No one has ever beaten Inga in a drinking contest."

"Alright then...Inga, we'll have that contest. If I win you'll tell me how to get to the clock tower."

"But...if handsome man loses, you'll have to give me your hand."

"My hand?" Siegfried asked as he looked at his hands. It took him a while before he figured out what she meant. "What?!"

"Its all or nothing, pretty boy! Or are you afraid of Inga?"

"Fine! Let's go!"

"Its a showdown! Hilda, the champion of our contest is being challenged by this new foreigner. The prizes are information about the clock tower and the union of these two in holy matrimony!" the bartender shouted as he prepared the drinks. Upon hearing that the small pub area huddled over to the show. Cheers and jeers sprang up from the room. Everyone had been rooting for whoever they thought would win. Bets were being made as everyone started to make jokes.

The bartender placed the drinks right in front of Hilda and Siegfried. As he released his hold from the pint's handles the competitors took a hold of their drink and gulped it down as if it were the water of life. The noise from the pub had disrupted everyone who had taken room upstairs, including Lara. Curiosity fancied Lara as she now wanted to know what was going on.

She picked up Mr. Squeakers and placed him inside of her shirt. She left the room and walked downstairs to see an entire mob surrounding the bar area. She walked over to the first person she saw and tugged on his shirt; trying to catch his attention. The man just brushed her away which upseted Lara. Lara kicked the man in the shin which really caught his attention.

"You little brat!" the man shouted as he hopped on one foot.

"I tried to get your attention the nice way, now you had to answer to the hard way," Lara said. "Listen, I want to know what's going on."

"Eh? Oh, some guy challenged Hilda to a drinking contest. He wanted some sort of information about the stupid clock tower and well, Hilda is the only one who's stable right now to give directions. But I think he will lose and end up being Hilda's husband. Good thing too...the gal needs a hefty man like him. Sad for him that he will end up with a woman that is probably not his type."

"Marry? Clock tower?" Lara's heart began to race as her mind could only think of one man who was foolish enough to do such a thing. She pushed the man out of the way to take a good look at who it was drinking. Sadly, the person she was thinking off was the man who challenged the woman. "Siegfried?!"

"Lara?" Siegfried said as he turned his attentioned to Lara.

"What are you doing?! Better yet, don't talk to me, just drink! Drink like crazy! You can't marry that fat cow!" Lara shouted as she pointed at Hilda.

"What?!" Hilda shouted as she stopped drinking her pint and slammed it against the bar. "You little bitch, I'd break you like a twig! You're just jealous that I'll marry a handsome man."

"For your information, Siegfried wouldn't touch you with a ten kilometer pole. You're ugly and you smell like ale and cheese." Lara crossed her arms as she said those words. However, saying such things to an extremely tempermental and large woman wasn't a wise idea. Hilda got up from her stand and punched Lara in the stomach. Lara clutched her stomach as she ran out of breath. However with the very little breath she had left she whispered to her shirt. "Mr. Squeakers, attack."

Upon saying those words, Mr. Squeakers jumped out from Lara's shirt and landed on Hilda's face. Hilda let out a scream as she tried to pry Squeakers off from her. Squeakers then scurried from her face and went down towards her wallet. The tiny chipmunk managed to take out some gold then jumped off from the large woman and back into Lara's shirt.

"Why you..." Hilda shouted as she was ready to lunged at the girl.

"Winner!" the bartender shouted.

"What?!"

"The new comer has finished his eight rounds, while you, Hilda finished seven," the bartender said.

"That...that's not fair! That little brat distracted me."

"Well for your own ignorance and blind fury, you failed to see that your opponent was by your side, not behind you." Siegfried said coldly. "Now if you don't mind, give me directions to the clock tower."

"Fine! But I hope you fall down from it! Damn...I would have ended up with a hot husband." Hilda said as she let out a sigh.

"You wish..." Lara scoffed.

"And who are you to him?"

"I'm his guardian. I protect him from bad girlfriend choices!" Lara said as she got up and placed her hands on her hips. Then the girl whispered, "Especially Ivy."

"Loud mouth urchin. Anyway, I will tell you where the clock tower is, so you better listen up." Hilda directed the group on where to go to find the clock tower. Siegfried thanked her humbly, however that wasn't enough for Hilda. She took a hold of the German warrior and gave him a big smooch on his lips. Lara fell into shock. She was appalled by the movement and wanted to strangle Hilda at that moment. Hilda just laughed as Siegfried took a hold of Lara and dragged her into their room.

The next day, the group set out to find the clock tower. It had taken them the entire morning to find it. Once they did, they all tried to find an entrance to the tower. As soon as Siegfried stepped inside, he almost lost balance as the platform he was on moved. He noticed that the platform was a gear from the clock. Ivy jumped on the gear as well. Cassandra and Lara looked at each other and nodded as they both jumped on the gear.

Siegfried jumped to the next gear as soon as he was close enough to jump on it. The girls followed Siegfried as he lead the way towards the top of the towering gears. Once he made it to the largest gear, he stopped to examine the area. Nothing but the sound of ticking could be heard. Was this a joke? He thought. That man told me that he was going to be here. Or maybe...its a trap.

At that moment, Siegfried rolled from where he was standing. The German warrior barely missed a giant gear that was about to run over him. He growled as his instincts didn't lie to him. The compsite Soul Edge and Soul Calibur let out a strange glow. Someone with a strong power is here, he thought. From far away, the clocked figure walked out from the shadows.

"You've held that sword long enough," he said in a deep voice. "Your purpose is fullfilled, there is no need for you to carry that anymore." The man jumped from where he was standing and landed on the gear. "I see that you are stronger than I imagined."

"Alright!" Siegfried spoke. "Tell me who are you and give me the book!"

"Heh...I am a man who has many names," the hooded man spoke. "But you can call me Zasalamel. You have done well to protect those blades for a long time now. You want the book, right?" Zasalamel took out Ivy's book from his cloak.

"Yes," Siegfried replied as he reached out for it.

"Then..." Zasalamel said as he placed the book on the ground. He took out his scythe and slashed it in half. Then he kicked the book off from the edge of the gear.

"No! You bastard!"

"Is that the rage that you used to create the Azure Knight? I'm sorry, but I can't allow you to destroy the blades...not yet. Hand them over and your life will be sparred."

"Never!"

"It is a pity," Zasalamel said as he readied his scythe. "You could have started a normal life...or as normal as you could make it." Siegfried glared at Zasalamel before he took out the Requiem and attacked Zasalamel.

And so ends the chapter. I hope it was an okay one. BTW, I made Siegfried a pimp! XDD He's surrounded by women.