Mitsurugi sighed. Another long, hot day that had failed to produce a lead on Soul Edge's whereabouts. Night had fallen, which meant welcome relief from the Mediterranean sun. He could see the inn he used as home base on top of the hill and illuminated by moonlight. As he trudged up the incline the Samurai's mood turned reflective. This was his third search for soul edge; his third attempt to claim the sword of legend and best the rifle. His thoughts turned to the duels and battles he had fought in those three tries- his allies and rivals…

The innkeeper stared at him for a few moments (Japanese were highly uncommon in Europe) but accepted his money. The samurai made his way to the inn's tavern and sat down. The room's crackling fireplace bathed the area in a dark orange hue. He was about to take his first drink when a familiar voice interrupted him.

"Mitsurugi."

"Hello Taki," he answered without turning his head. He and the Ninja had encountered each other more than a few times over the years, both in Nippon and abroad.

She was seated across from him. Taki grinned.

"Strange, isn't it, how fate brings people together? I assume you again seek the demon sword?"

"Your assumption would be correct."

"Wonderful!. It wouldn't be the same without you, Heishiro. Come to think of it, I know that Voldo and Seung Mina are I the search again."

"Mina…the Korean girl?"

She nodded.

Mitsurugi looked at her with scorn.

"Why are you so pleased, ninja? This isn't a get-together with old friends. You and I may very well end fighting each other over possession of the blade-" his eyes narrowed. "…and that is not a battle I am going to lose." Taki didn't answer. Mitsurugi decided to exploit the opening.

"You remember Li Long, and the ugly fate he met at the hands of Cervantes. A shame he's not returning as well, no?" He took a sip of his ale. Taki folded her arms.

"I'm well aware of Soul Edge's power, thank you. You forget it was I who defeated Cervantes- just as I will defeat you if I have to."

Mitsurugi gritted his teeth. She changed the subject.

"There was another warrior…he wore armor and wielded a two-handed sword. Do you remember his name?" Mitsurugi managed to put aside his wounded pride and searched his mind.

"He had hair the color of gold and talked endlessly of finding his father's killer… his name was see…Siegfried!" His hand moved to his chin and he assumed a thoughtful expression. "Whatever became of him? He showed great promise as a warrior." The ninja woman shrugged.

"He disappeared right around when the azure knight first began his rampage across Europe." Mitsurugi nodded.

"One of his victims, no doubt." Both of them were silent for several seconds. Taki spoke first.

"Well Heishiro, it's been nice catching up on old times but there are some things I must attend to this evening- some lizardmen were spotted near this village. I'll be watching- you know how we are." Mitsurugi said nothing as she left. The samurai sighed. Ninjas, he thought disdainfully as he ordered a second drink.