He could remember how, during his youths him and his playmates would see things like noble knights, grand castles and wicked sorcerers in the shape of the clouds. Those days were forever gone. clouds were the farthest thing from Siegfried's mind as he stared into the sky. He was lying in a grassy field with his hands folded behind his head, his mind wandering. There was not a house or any other sign of civilisation for several miles. Every so often the wind would softly blow and rustle the tree leaves. It smelled of earth and clean air.

His thoughts settled on a woman he knew several years ago- Sophitia Alexandra. The Greek warrior and he had only met once- and they had not parted as friends.

"Stubborn Amazon, why do you ask me these things?" Siegfried demanded. The woman's face didn't change. She held out her hands in front of her- a gesture of appeal and patience.

"You've heard the tales- Siegfried, wasn't it?- The Soul Edge is a weapon surely forged by the hands of a god who despises the human race. You're making a mistake, a mistake you may never be able to undo."

"Your tales of caution are unwarranted," he sneered. "'Tis the wielder of the blade that commits such heinous acts. Only the most superstitious of heathens could believe that a sword has a will of it's own." He held out an iron-clad fist in front of him. "I am good Christian who loves god. Even if Soul Edge is charmed with foul sorcery The Lord will send his angels to protect me". He was on a roll. He could feel the adrenaline flowing in his body. A part of him wanted to strike down the swordswoman and be done with it. How dare she question him. "Once I avenge my father's death with the blood of his killer," he continued, "I will have no more use for the blade and discard it. Does that satisfy you?"

She didn't flinch throughout his rant.

"This killer you seek…what does he look like?"

"What?" Her question had thrown him off balance.

"What are the physical features of the man who killed your father? Siegfried looked at the ground. What was this uncertainty he was feeling? He looked at the woman straight in the eyes and summoned his resolve.

"A foolish question only a woman could ask! He is tall…and wears a scheming expression…and…and…" He paused. Why couldn't he…? His fists clenched. He could feel the anger building. In a single movement he unsung Faust from his back and slashed at the woman. She was several feet away from the blade when it whispered thought the air. Her eyes widened and she took a step back.

"I am going to leave now. Do not follow me or I will be much closer when I swing. Good bye, Sophitia Alexandra." He turned and stomped off into the forest.

What a hothead he'd been! Of course the killer he'd wanted so badly was none other than himself. He only had to fall on his blade to accomplish his goal.

No. Self-murder was a sin.

His thoughts turned to Sophitia. Her long hair the color of ripe wheat, her blue eyes…He wondered if it was possible to-

"Hello?"

A voice. Female. Who-?

He snatched requiem lying beside him and sprang to his feet. As he did he cursed himself. How could he let himself be snuck up on like that? Then he saw the owner of the voice. A woman. Blond. Blue eyes.

Could it be?

"Sophitia?"

She blinked and looked him over.

"That is the name of my sister." She answered. He could feel suspicion in her voice. "Who are you and how do you know her?" They certainly looked alike. Her hair was shorter than Sophitia's and she wore leg stockings while-

"Are you going to answer?" Her voice brought him back to reality. He swallowed. Had Sophitia ever mentioned his name to her sister? Probably not but still…His closed his eyes for a moment. Forgive me father, he thought.

"My name is Fredrick. I encountered your sister when our paths briefly crossed while searching for the legendary blade Soul Edge," he lied. Not exactly an airtight story but I'll have to stick to it, he silently vowed. He noticed for the first time that she bore a short sword and shield, just as her sister had. Her blade's point looked very sharp. If he squinted he could see his reflection in it.

"Very well, I am Cassandra Alexandra." She paused. "You seek the sword as well…," her voice trailed off, then returned. "For what purpose?" He didn't expect her to ask for a reason. He racked his brains.

"Um, well, you see…" Think, Siegfried, think! He commanded himself. "I want the sword so I can…can…rule the world! Her jaw dropped.

"Huh?"

He smiled- a very rare occurrence. "That's right. The peoples of the world need someone with the power and determination to unite them. With Soul Edge, I will become this man." She didn't say anything.

"Well then, if we have nothing more to talk about I will be on my way. Farewell, Cassandra." He turned his back and began to walk of further into the field away from her. He breathed in to sigh in relief-

"Draw your sword."

He spun around. Her blade was pointed directly at his chest. Her face was set in determination and she had assumed a fighting stance. The experience was like being dunked into the icy waters of the Rhine.

"What…? What is the meaning of this? You and I have no quarrel," he stammered.

"First of all, I can't allow you to continue your quest for Soul Edge. It sets even the mildest man on a tortured quest for blood and souls. 'Tis a fate worse than death and I will save you from it by ending your quest here."

"You're a little late for that," he muttered to himself.

"What did you say!?"

He gave the girl a look of raw bitterness. "Nothing." She continued.

"Secondly, I cannot allow to continue with your delusions of world conquest." She stared at him straight in the eye. "Greed transforms men into rabid dogs, frothing for money and power. Where I come from, mad dogs are destroyed without pity. Draw your sword, Fredrick."

"This is madness. I refuse to fight you." Her expression didn't change.

"Then kneel and close your eyes. It won't hurt. I promise. " Jesus, she's serious, he thought. The wind began to blow and oddly, he was fascinated with how the wind played with her hair. By the time he noticed she was dashing forward he barely had time to raise Requiem. *Ting!* He deflected the blow but just barely. He staggered and nearly fell backwards into the grass. Before he had a chance to regain his balance Cassandra struck again. *Clang!*" This time he did fall, and the metal on metal vibrations nearly shook the sword out of his hands. I'm out of practise, he observed disdainfully.

A flash of silver in the corner of his eye. He rolled to the side- *Thump!* Her thrusted sword was buried in the earth up to it's hilt. No more games, he vowed to himself. He assumed his fighting stance and moved closer-

She stared at him blankly, her sword and shield hanging limply at her sides.

"Whatsa matter?" He asked confusedly after she made no motion to resume the battle.

"Your stance…," she answered in a dreamy tone. He squinted at her.

"Yeah…What about it.?

"You hold your sword horizontally and away from you. My sister, Sophitia," she blinked and stared at his face. "She said that Nightmare held the Soul Edge the exact same way."

Note: You're probably saying to yourself, "Um, how could Sophie know how Nightmare held the Soul Edge when the storyline says it was Xiangua who fought and defeated him?" Well, just pretend she watched the battle from a distance or something, mmkay?