Summary: Natsumi is adopted by Japanese man. Her love in the past, Siegfried Schtauffen, and her trouble with the future takes her on the adventure of her life. She reclaims her glory through hardships, and lust, but overcomes all obstacles with the Sword of Light.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in the Soul Calibur series. The History, Characterizations, and Design are the sole property of Namco.
"New Balance" is a trademark of New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.
"Fallen Embers" and "Marble Halls" are the sole property of Enya and/or Warner Bros. Intl.
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Here's Chapter 4. Geez…well….let me state the obvious. This story is Rated – R, well not so much this chapter. Some elements may be shocking to some of you. Maybe not…I never know what people want….*smiles*. R&R -------------------- I guess that means rate. *winks*
The Sword of Light
by Elysium's Hour
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Chapter 4: To Life and Sanity
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Burghausen, Germany – 2003
Ian walked down the street, pacing himself slowly. He held his hands in his leather jacket's pockets looking at the ground. His brown hair was dishelved; hadn't combed or washed it in weeks. He muttered little things as he walked, accidentally running into people. As he neared his parent's house, he looked up at his bedroom window. He shook his head walking up the steps and unlocking the door. He knew his parents were not there. They were going to be in France for 2 weeks.
Don't be there, please. Don't be there.
He slowly walked up the stairs looking up as he neared the landing, quickly glancing at his bedroom door. The glow wasn't there. He neared his door and opened it up slowly, quickly stepping in and shutting the door. He looked around his room his eyes wide open. He looked under his bed, and in his closet. He did not see it. He sighed, sitting down at his desk staring at the wads of paper that cluttered it. He had tried to write many times, but then it would not leave him alone. It would not let him write her. It was gone now, for the first time in weeks.
Would it come back? Will it make me suffer one last time?
He picked up all the wads of paper and threw them away in his waste paper basket. He looked around him again and started to write on a fresh piece of paper. He would finish this one. He would mail it before it came back.
Dear Natsumi
I know, I know. It's been a while. I know. I've tried to write you but…I couldn't. I
couldn't even find the words. So much has happened….everything is so confusing to me.
I love you. I have not forgotten you. I have to do something. It is for you. Please don't be
upset. I cannot tell you what it is. I love you. There are so many things when it comes. I can't
even tell you. Please be all right. I'll see you soon….
I Love You
Ian Lilienthal
Ian quickly folded up the letter then looked into his desk drawers for an envelope. He quickly pulled out an envelope in his lower bottom drawer. He shoved his letter in the envelope and grabbed a stamp from his tack holder. He wrote down the addresses and licked the seal of the envelope. He quickly got up from his chair and walked towards his bedroom door. Then…..
It appeared. It rose from the ground through a mist, and slowly formed into its body. It gave Ian an angry glare and snatched the envelope out of his hand.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" it yelled, picking Ian up and slamming him into the wall.
"Nothing! I promise. I…..I was mailing a….a letter to a friend!" Ian cried, struggling to breath. He dangled from the wall as the creature held him in the air. It looked at the envelope and looked back at Ian.
"YOU LIE!" it yelled, throwing Ian into the wall under his bed. Ian landed on the bed, as the creature floated to him in its misty form, and formed its body on top of him. Ian cried as the creature stared at him angrily.
"YOU LIE AGAIN AND I'LL KILL YOU!" it hissed, suddenly forming a calm expression. It brushed its face softly on Ian lips, and moved its lips to Ian's forehead. Ian looked up at it as it tried to search his face.
"Will you help me now?" said the creature, softly, teasing Ian with it hypnotic eyes. It slowly moved down to kiss Ian's lips as he moved from under it.
"You can not tease me anymore. It won't work." Ian cried, with his hand on his hair.
The creature moved off the bed and gave Ian an evil grin. The grin it used when it first appeared to him. The grin that followed soft words. It stood in Ian's face giving him a slight smile. It moved its hands on his cheeks and it's eyes glowed. Ian was mesmerized by the creature, but soon shook his head in disbelief.
"No! No! Stop it! Please!" he said stepping away from it, closing his eyes.
"WILL YOU HELP ME!? ANSWER YES OR NO!" its voice echoed throughout the room. It walked quickly to Ian demanding an answer.
Ian's eyes weld up with tears. He didn't understand, but he knew it was the only way for him to have peace. He knew it was the only way to make it happy.
"I'll do whatever you want me to do" he said, hesitating. The creature smiled touching Ian cheek. It nodded it head and pointed to Ian's bed.
"Now" it said, giving Ian a wicked grin. "On the bed."
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Late 16th Century
Natsumi opened her eyes when she heard footsteps outside of the tent. She quickly sat up and turned around to see a missing Siegfried. She looked around the tent frantically grabbing her clothes and throwing them on. She peeked outside the tent and looked around. She didn't see anyone so she slowly walked out and heard the footsteps again.
The night was freezing she ran her hand quickly down her left arm trying to produce heat. She heard footsteps in the woods behind her and walked slowly towards the noise. She parted a couple of branches and walked through seeing someone run. She ran after the mysterious person trying not to trip over rocks. The person disappeared and then she stopped looking around.
Where did he go?
"Siegfried!?" she yelled, narrowing her eyes. "Siegfried! Are you here?" She walked towards some weeds and saw Siegfried's white shirt. She picked up and held it up, seeing blood on it.
The blood was fresh and slowly ran down the front of the shirt. She dropped it feeling tears form in her eyes. She ran around frantically yelling his name. Then someone put there hand over her mouth and held a knife to her neck. She put her hands up, as the stranger held the knife closer to her throat. The stranger's hand came down from her mouth and it slid slowly around her waist. He tugged her onto the wooded trail and then stopped.
"I am going to kill you…yo….." said the familiar voice, close to her ear. She quickly pushed herself from the strangers grasp, and turned around. Siegfried stood behind her; his eyes were red, and they seemed to glow on his face. His voice was deeper, brooding. He stood in front of her, shirtless, holding the knife out towards her.
"Siegfried? What's going on?" she said, narrowing her eyes at him. He looked at her, but wasn't really looking at her at all. His eyes seemed to wondering around her face, but not at it.
He walked closer to her and narrowed his eyes, stopping in front of her. He started to shake and dropped the knife. Natsumi held out her hand to touch him but he flinched. He turned around and ran through a patch of tall brush. She followed him and grabbed his arm. He pushed her away, his blood red eyes, glaring at her.
"Go away! Go away now! I do not vant to hurt you. Please!" he yelled, staring into her eyes. He ran ahead towards a clearing. He tripped over a long branch, falling out into the clearing. He did not move as Natsumi ran to his side. She kneeled down on the side of him and saw a steady stream of tears leaving his horrible eyes.
"No! I won't leave you," she said softly, caressing his golden hair. He started to cry hysterically pushing his face in the dirt. Natsumi lifting his head and wiped the dirt from his face. He turned his body and laid his head on her lap. She wiped the tears from his blood stained eyes. "Who are you?" she asked, curious about what he would say.
"I….I do not know. I….I…" he said, shaking. He suddenly sat up and jumped to his feet. Natsumi stood up caressing his face trying to calm him down.
"You're Siegfried Schtauffen! Fight it! You have to fight it! So it can go away forever!" she yelled, holding him as he looked around frantically.
"It vont let me go! I vont let me live! Make it go avay," he screamed, pulling at his hair. "Make it…..out of my mind!" He sank to the ground, crying uncontrollably. Natsumi kneeled down in front him caressing his shoulders and his face. She didn't know what to do at first, but she figured she could console him. She wanted to show him that he was loved, that someone cared about him.
"Who are you? Go away. I do not vant to hurt you," he said, looking at her face.
"It's me, Natsumi," she said, shaking him frantically. "What's wrong? Why don't you remember me?"
Siegfried froze and looked at her, shaking his head. He put his hands on her face touching it as if he could not see. He moved up to her hair and grabbed it hard. He brought he head closer to his and kissed her.
"Siegfried, let go! You're hurting me!" she screamed, wincing under the pain in her head. She knocked Siegfried to the ground and tried to hold his arms down. He struggling under her and kicked her off him. He stood up walking slowly towards her. His red eyes glowed as the scowl on his face grew angrier.
Natsumi looked up at him crying from failure. She did not know what to do next. He approached her shaking, and pulling at his hair. She slid back on the ground trying to get up. She stood up and gazed at Siegfried who was now sitting on the ground. He curled up into a fetal position, crying from his pain.
"Leave me alone. Leave me alone. Go away. Get out of me," he said, softly, repeatedly. Natsumi kneeled down to him slowly. He was ice cold, his eyes closed.
"Siegfried, my love. What can I do? I hate to see you like this. What's wrong? Please tell me," she said softly, close to his face. He only lay there, and slowly his words faded into nothing.
Natsumi lay down next to him and held him close to her. She looked at his face, and all the anguish seemed to fade away. He lay there peacefully sleeping, breathing roughly, as if he had a stuffy nose. Natsumi looked at him and held his hand in hers.
I'll never leave you, Siegfried. You will never be alone again.
~~~~~~~~~~
He sneezed and she opened her eyes. She looked over at him and he was still sleeping. She looked above her as the trees covered them from the sunshine. She sat up slowly feeling her back cracked. They had slept on rocks, grass, and branches. She twisted her back and bent down to her legs staying there for a minute. She titled her head from side to side and let out a sigh. She looked back at Siegfried, who was staring at her. His eyes were green again, but he looked like he could hardly move.
She moved down to meet his eyes; they followed her as she lay next to him. He gazed at her with no expression. His eyes searched her face. It was as if he did not know her.
"Are you alright?" she asked, caressing his cheek. He moved his eyes to her hand, and put his hand on her arm. He held her arm for a moment saying nothing. He eyes only searched her face. He would not deviate.
"Yes," he said softly, a slight grin on his face. He sat up looking down at her, his hand on her face. He got on top of her and kissed her passionately. Natsumi looked up surprised by his reactions. He only gazed her, almost saying "thank you" in one blink.
"You did not leave me. I cannot tell you how much…" His voice was soft, like the wind. He gazed down at her, his arms circling her face.
"I would have stayed even if I didn't know you," she said, grinning. "I just hope I won't have to kill you next time this happens."
"Oh…vhy vould you vant to kill me?" he asked, surprised. He stood up looking down at her with a glare.
"Why do you think? You tried to slit my throat. I'm just supposed to let you kill me?" she said, sitting up, looking at him.
Siegfried narrowed his eyes, and walked away, mumbling under his breath. Natsumi stood up, smiling, and ran after him.
"I'm sorry. I wouldn't kill you quickly. I'd wait for a minute. ….I love you," she yelled, catching up to him.
"So…you vould kill me…..vithout ever thinking about my love for you," he said, stopping, tugging her arm.
"Listen, Siegfried. I wouldn't kill you, if you were not trying to kill me. I have to protect myself. You understand that right?" she said, smiling. Siegfried shook his head in disbelief.
"I vould not vant you to try to kill at all!" he said angrily, pulling her arm, and throwing her up against a tree. Natsumi looked at Siegfried in shock, as he stood on inch from her face. Her face suddenly turned angry and she straigtened her clothes.
"Hit me! Is that what you want to do? Go ahead. You're fucked up, Siegfried! You are seriously fucked up!" she yelled, pushing him aside. Siegfried held his head down his hands on the tree. "At least, I was here with you last night. At least I stayed and watched over you. Any other girl would have left you, Siegfried. Isn't this what you wanted? Or do you constantly desire conflict with everyone and everything!"
Natsumi stared at him for a moment, not having the breath to say anything more. Siegfried only looked at the ground. He was lost in his own thoughts. He was lost in his own pity.
She is right. Vhat can I do? She did stay vith me and all this time…I...I don't know. I am such an idiot. Maybe I need to go back to the asylum. I do not vant to hurt her anymore. I do not vant her to see me like that again. But she vill need me on her journey. She vill need me to help her.
He turned slowly to look at her. His face was expressionless, as he walked towards her. The wind blew; his long hair covered his face. He hugged her, and she put her head on his shoulder. She knew everything happened for a reason. She could not stay mad at a man like that. There was something about him was non-threatening. His eyes told the story, but all one need do is ask.
They walked towards the clearing, hand in hand. Natsumi's mind wondered to the father. She felt like her father, lecturing Siegfried like a child. But he was in a way; he was a child inside his soul. Did he have to grow up fast? She didn't know. She figured what sent him over the edge was his father. She could not imagine the look on his face when he found out he killed his own father.
They walked into the clearing and started gathering up their things. They had planned to go and try to retrieve shards on their journey to the Grand Shrine of Palagea, Astaroth's stronghold.
"There, is man, Cervantes, who possesses fragments of Soul Edge, and uses the swords power for evil to kill innocent people. We must go to Valencia, Spain, and defeat Cervantes and obtain the shards," he said, fastening his saddle to the horse.
"Is Cervantes the only one who possesses the fragments or are there more to be found?" she said, throwing her clothes into a sack.
"No, Cervantes is one of many, but maybe not. From vhat I remember, the shards vhere found by Cervantes, his estranged daughter Ivy, Voldo of the Money Pit, and a monster by the name of Charade," he said, solemnly, walking towards her. He paused in front of her as she bent over gathering her things.
She looked up at him and smiled. Siegfried stood there staring down at her, wanting to tell her so many things. He was so worried that if he were exposed to any of the shards they would control him. He was afraid to turn into the monster that plagued his mind not so long ago. Natsumi stood up pulling her sack over her back. She looked at Siegfried and grinned, walking over to put her sack near the horse. Siegfried followed her and stood near her gazing.
Natsumi walked over to the tent and went inside to look through her messenger bag. She pulled out her pouch of gold ducats, and counted them. Siegfried soon followed her and sat next to her. Natsumi didn't notice he was beside her until he kissed her cheek. She looked at him and narrowed her eyes. He took her pouch and laid it beside her. He slowly moved on top of her as she slowly laid back. Siegfried only looked at her. He did not move nor flinched nor blink. His eyes had there prey and they were not going to give up easily.
"I once had the sword, and the sword once had me. I killed for it, people died under its blade. I cannot be the one to kill again. For it I vill not bow no more. I love you, but I vill say this…I cannot control vhat happens if…." he voice floated on air. The words especially for Natsumi. Natsumi looked up at him, and frowned, putting her hand on his cheek.
"I will kill them all before that happens. I have no more fear, Siegfried. I know what it is in my heart that I have to do. I will not fail. I will get my sword and destroy all who possess a fragment of Soul Edge. You will suffer no more, my love," Natsumi spoke softly, but her voice had an undertone of anger. Siegfried moved down to kiss her, his green eyes were soft, and his mouth had a slight smile. Natsumi held her eyes open as Siegfried moved his tongue tenderly in her mouth. He suddenly removed his tongue from her mouth and held her. His muscular body lay on hers as if he was a piece of clothing.
"What is it about me?" she asked, holding him in her arms. "What is it about me that you love so much?" Siegfried lifted his head to meet you eyes. He grinned and kissed her forehead.
"I like that you are bold and…." Natsumi cut him off, and touched his face.
"No…say it in German. I love how it sounds coming from your lips," she said, smiling at him. He moved his lips to her ear and whispered.
"Ich liebe dich, weil Sie schön sind. Ich liebe dich, weil Sie mich Lachen bilden. Ich liebe dich, weil Sie intelligent sind. Ich liebe dich, weil Sie schöne Augen haben. Ich liebe dich, weil Sie mit mir blieben. Ich liebe dich, weil Sie nicht niemand sonst sind, aber Sie."
(I love you because you are beautiful. I love you because you make me laugh. I love you because you are smart. I love you because you have beautiful eyes. I love you because you stayed with me. I love you because you are not anyone else, but you.)
Natsumi looked up at Siegfried and gave him a silly grin. Siegfried moved his eyes around in a silly fashion and grinned.
"I don't know what you said but I loved it," Natsumi laughed. Siegfried hugged her very tightly and gazed at her. "Ok, silly boy, let's get up." Siegfried gave her a fake frown and quickly jumped off her.
Natsumi sat up and grabbed her pouch of gold dukats. Siegfried looked over her shoulder, and widened his eyes. Natsumi looked at him and smiled.
"Ok, I have….85…86...87. I have 87 dukats left. Do you think this will last us a while?"
"Yes, that should last us 6 months if ve spend carefully," he said, his voice low. "If ve sleep in tents it could last us a year." The certainty in his voice was pleasing to Natsumi. She had no problem with sleeping in a tent, but she longed for a comfortable mattress to rest her aching back.
"I want to sleep on a bed for once. I don't think my back can take the ground anymore," she sighed, leaning back on Siegfried. Siegfried caressed her black hair leaning down to kiss her delicate lips.
"Ve must finish packing and go into town and buy supplies before ve go," said Siegfried, crawling out of the tent. Natsumi followed slowly grabbing her pouch of gold dukats. "We must buy a small vagon to pull our belongings." Natsumi rolled her eyes behind Siegfried's back and glanced at his pile of armor next to his horse.
Her heart was set on her beloved sword. It called to her, and she could feel its energy radiating in her. Many images ran through her mind and she stood outside the tent looking at the sky. Tears ran down her caramel cheeks as she thought of her father. She hoped her father wasn't upset that she had been gone so long. Her eyes seemed to close on there own as she dreamed of his comforting embrace.
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His boots shuffled along the grass pacing back and forth. He looked towards the ground running his hand through his hair. The night she arrived, his heart raced breathing new life into him. Her light brown eyes seemed to be as the flicker of flames. Her flawless hands clasped the beautiful sword tightly as he looked on. His eyes followed the features of her body almost compelling him to reach for her. Did she actually have such an affect on him? He rubbed his eyes hoping to clear his brain of the mad spell she had cast on him.
Come and see me before you go. You must. I will die if I do not see you burning eyes again. I will follow you to make sure you are all right. I will not listen to what they say. I know you love me deep within your heart. I know you do not want to go away without me.
Kilik's mind filled with words that comforted him, but his heart knew the truth. He knew she would never love him. She had Siegfried. The dark angel. The beautiful soul in purgatory. The one he once loved not long ago. She lifted him out of the darkness and brought him into light. He knew Siegfried would never let her out of his sight.
A horse neighed and Kilik looked up to see her on its back and Siegfried pulling it along. Kilik eyes widened looking her bouncing on top of the horse. It seemed that she had never been on one. Siegfried stopped the horse and patted its head. Kilik heard her laughter as she slipped off the horse and into Siegfried's arms. Natsumi kissed Siegfried's cheek as he gazed at her smiling. Siegfried pulled the horse towards the fire pit while Natsumi straightened out her clothes.
She moved her delicate hands through her black hair and made a ponytail with her scrunchy. She turned her head towards Kilik and noticed he was looking at her. She stood there for a moment as his brown eyes devoured her. She slowly walked towards him with a big smile. Kilik's heartbeat got faster as she got closer, he stepped back a little trying to give his heart room.
"Hi," she said, putting her hand in the air. She wore black pantaloons and an oversized white shirt, her jean jacket pulled over her shoulders. "What are you doing standing here, huh?" She put one hand on her hip and gave him a shy smile. He only looked in her beautiful eyes and tried to speak.
"Just being alone," said Kilik, not really knowing what to say. "You have come to say goodbye?" He ran a nervous hand through his brown hair, looking at her the whole time. She smiled and let her hand hang on her side.
"Yeah, we are actually going to buy a small wagon, to carry all of Siegfried's armor." She rolled her eyes and looked to the ground. "I told him he only needs one set, but he insisted on having it all." She gave a short chuckle and walked to a tree near Kilik. He followed her with his eyes and walked towards her. "I love this tree. It just sways with the winds, like its talking to me. I'll miss it." She hugged the tree smiling, as its branches seemed to hug her back.
Kilik slowly walked up behind her and slowly put his arms around her slender waist. He held her close to him and smelled the sweet scent of her hair. Natsumi did not push him away, because she knew Kilik was in love with her. She would allow one him last time to see her, and to touch her.
Kilik kissed her head and moved to her neck, but that is where she stopped him. She waved him away with her hand and walked towards the fire pit. Kilik walked quickly towards her and went to grab her hand until he saw Siegfried walking towards her. Kilik stopped and stared at Siegfried, who was glaring at him.
Kilik stood with his hand on his forehead. His frustration would not let him get over her. He looked at her as Siegfried held her close to him. Siegfried turned around to look at Kilik only briefly and sat on a log. Xianghua and Maxi sat with them talking and shaking hands, wishing them a safe journey.
"I hope that your journey is a success," said Xianghua, comfortingly. "Are you sure you do not want us to go with you?" Her eyes were filled with worry.
"Ve vill be find, Xianghua. She has me to protect her," said, Siegfried, putting his hand on Natsumi's leg. Natsumi smiled at him, he was so reassuring, and kind. She looked up at Kilik, who walked around them. He sat on the log near Maxi, patting his friend on the back.
"We travel to Valencia, Spain to find Cervantes. Siegfried told me that Cervantes has turned into the monster he once was," said Natsumi, looking at her hands. "I just remembered I have to buy another sword since that BEAST Astaroth has mine." Xianghua looked at Natsumi thinking to herself. She got up and walked to her tent while everyone looked at her confused. She appeared back outside carrying her beloved sword. She stood in front of Natsumi and handed her the sword.
Natsumi stood up in shock looking at Xianghua's beautiful sword. The sword had blue and gold inlay and the hilt was light, almost like her own sword. Natsumi thrust the sword forward using her wrist, and swung it around her head. She looked at Xianghua with a thankful gaze.
"I can't take this sword from you. What if you need it?" asked Natsumi, she couldn't help but think that she was taking something dear to Xianghua.
"No take it. You will need it more than I will. I am going back to China. I will get another sword there. Go ahead. You need it on your journey," said Xianghua, sternly. Natsumi eyes filled with tears, and she put her arms around Xianghua.
"Thank You. I wont keep it. I'll give it back to you someday," she said, softly in Xianghua ear. Natsumi smiled widely at her dear friend and sat back on the log. "I hope to see you all when my journey is over. I will miss you all." Siegfried leaned over to hug her, and wiped her tears with his smooth hands. He stood up pulling her off the log.
"Ve must go now," he said, simply. Running his fingers through his loose golden hair. His sad eyes looked at Natsumi then he turned them to Maxi and Kilik. He tuned his body to his friends and walked towards them. "I vill miss you both, my friends." His voice saddened as he put his hand out to shake theirs. He turned around, and walked towards Xianghua and gave her a friendly hug.
Natsumi walked over to Kilik and Maxi and hugged them both. She noticed that Kilik did not want to let her go. She could feel the sorrow within him, and wept inwardly for him. She pulled away looking at his face and smiled. Siegfried grabbed her hand and glared at Kilik once more. Natsumi looked back at her friends and waved at them, as she mounted the horse.
"I'll miss you all," she said again, smiling. She waved her hand in the air as Siegfried pulled the horse into the woods.
~~~~~~~~~~
Siegfried stopped the horses outside of the village's stable and walked in. He eyes a couple of wagon walking in front of them and examining them. He noticed a small wagon and walked around it, and started to kick it, checking for sturdiness. He looked around him as he heard footsteps approaching him. A young man, with brown hair and blue eyes walked towards him with a big smile.
"Can I help you, sir?" said the boy, his voice high. He wore a worn tunic and hay was scattered over his brown rompers.
"I vant to buy this vagon and I need to it mounted to my horse," said Siegfried, looking at the wagon.
"Yes, sir," said the boy, walking towards the wagon. Siegfried walked back outside to Natsumi and held his arms out to her. She jumped down from the horse sadly, walked to the wall of the stable, and leaned on it.
"What's vrong?" he said, walking to her. He lifted her chin with his finger and gave her an annoyed glare. Natsumi looked into his eyes, to find out what she wanted to know. His sorrowful gaze let her know that he was keeping something inside. Natsumi turned her head towards the door as the young man dragged out the wagon.
The man looked at the couple confused then went back to mounting the wagon on the horse. Siegfried moved her head towards him and moved closer to her. He kissed her passionately, putting his arms around her waist. Natsumi tried to push him away but he kept his grasp tight around her moving her into the place he wanted her. He brushed his lips on her soft cheek, kissing it and licking her ear.
"I'm sorry," he whispered in her ear. "Vhatever I did, I am sorry." He rubbed his soft lips on her ear, and held her tight. She moved her hands on his back, and kissed his neck. She looked up to see the blue-eyed boy staring at them. Natsumi eyes narrowed as the boy looked on in shock. Her light brown eyes seemed to talk to him as he connected with them. She buried her face on Siegfried's shoulder, her lips caressing his cheek. He brought his eyes to hers and kissed not caring who was watching. The young man stared intently as Natsumi's gazed turned to him once more. He would be one of many to meet the woman who ended a man's existence.
~~~~~~~~~~
Green fields lining wooden fences, was their constant landscape. Natsumi loved nature, and would go out of her way to gaze as a swaying tree or a lovely red rose. Siegfried, being more introverted, thought to himself, calmly. He thought about her mostly. Everything about her enchanted him. Her beautiful light brown eyes, her smile, her soft skin, and the way she smelled. He looked at the horse's hair blow in the wind as it pulled them along in the wagon. He was thinking of going to Ostrheinsburg Castle, to bury some old demons. He needed to see his beloved castle one more time. He had not told Natsumi where he was headed; he knew she would not understand.
He glanced at her and she looked around her with a steady grin on her face. He had gotten afraid of telling her things because she was so out spoken, which was unheard of for a woman to be. He had gotten use to her preferences for sex, food, and violence. She was a person who would be happy one minute then angry the next. He would not know what would anger her, and she would slap him across the face. He tolerated it because he loved her, but she always questioned him. She didn't know why he loved her.
Natsumi turned to Siegfried, who she figured was lost in his own thoughts. She looked at his smooth milky face, and smiled to herself. His beautiful long hair was flowing with the wind, and his eyes seemed to be wondering. He held on to the reigns of the horse tightly, moving his position on the wagon. He spoke to her sporadically, which really made her angry. It was as if they didn't know each other. After Astaroth stole her sword, two weeks had pasted. She was waiting to see if he would be competent enough to go with her. He was depressed, and was threatening to kill himself. She saw the sorrow in his eyes everyday. He would smile for her, but she could see it in his face. She could see the pain that clouded his beautiful green eyes. She laid a gentle hand on his leg and squeezed it.
"You alright?" she asked, softly, moving closer to him. Siegfried looked at her and grinned, slightly. He put his right hand in her, still looking at the road. He caressed it, intersected her hand with his. Natsumi loved that about him, so comforting, and yet secretive. "I know you are depressed. I know your going through a lot. I didn't want you to come. I can see how sad you are in your eyes. I offer you my hand and you smile, but you tell me nothing. What is the matter?"
"I…I need to go to Ostrheinsburg…I…" he said, softly, being interrupted.
"Ostrheinsburg? Why do you want to go there?" she said, concerned.
"I must to see it once more. My beloved castle," he said his voice trailing.
"But why do you want to go back to the place where you were that monster?" she asked, moving close to his face.
"I must have one more look. The demons must leave my body. I am hope that they vill leave there." He looked at Natsumi who was gazing at him. "You understand?" His voice was so soft and inviting, she did not want to disagree with him. She smiled at him, kissing his cheek.
"Yes, I understand," she said, laying her head on his shoulder. "I hope that you will be free of pain and sorrow. I can't wait for the moment to see you truly happy again." Siegfried put his free arm around her, and grinned to himself.
"Neither can I, my love. Neither can I."
~~~~~~~~~~
The crumbling walls of Ostrheinsburg towered over them as they walked towards the gates. Hand in hand, they neared the gates slowly, for Siegfried knew what evil could lurk inside the walls. He slowly pushed open the tall gate and walked cautiously through it. He let go of Natsumi's hand, throwing his Zweihander over his shoulder. Natsumi held Xianghua's blade at her side, feeling the uneasiness creep through her mind.
"How could you stand this place? It's horrible. I can tell there has been death ten-fold here," said Natsumi, glumly. Siegfried held out his free hand saying nothing, as Natsumi reached for it. He led her slowly to the opened tall doors and walked inside.
Natsumi looked up in wonder as she scaled the giant foyer of the castle. An iron chandelier hanged from the high ceiling and was covered with cobwebs. The walls were lined with old tapestries; some were damaged by fire. Natsumi could still smell it as the dusty scent filled her nose. She walked towards a big wooden table, which was turned on its side. She swiped her finger on one of its leg, moving the dust around her fingers. She looked up above a great stone fireplace and saw a damaged picture. The slashes that tore through the pictures looked intentional. Natsumi shook her head, annoyed by the carelessness of the culprit.
She stood still, noticing the sound of Siegfried's iron boots clanking against the stone floor, was gone. She quickly turned around, as her dark hair covered her face. Her eyes darted to the large staircase and the far side of the foyer, but she did not see him. She walked quickly around the large table and walked towards a hallway on the left side of the staircase.
"Siegfried," she called softly, narrowing her eyes down the dark stone hall. When he didn't answer, her heart began to beat faster. "Siegfried?" she called, again, but never received a reply. She slowly walked through the darkened hall looking around her whenever she heard a foreign noise. Suddenly, a flash of light penetrated the darkened hall and lit up Natsumi's lovely face. She ran towards it then came upon a large ruined chapel. Siegfried was kneeled below a broken stained glass image of St. Martin. He was praying, his hands folded in front of him, his lovely green eyes closed. Natsumi titled her head, as a tear fell from her eye.
He is a simple man, yet everything his does presents complexity. He looks so beautiful there. Finally in peace. Ready to be released of his demons.
Natsumi walked towards Siegfried, slowly, carefully. She hoped not to make a sound, but then she hoped he was in heaven. She wanted him full of life, and happy again. He turned around suddenly looking at her with tears in his eyes. He twisted himself around rising on his feet. He walked towards her as if he was in a trance. His eyes never blinked or looked away from her eyes. He raised an iron hand to her cheek, and pulled her towards him. His gentle lips brushed against her, his tears mixing with the tears she had wept. His tongue seemed to weld with her as he wildly moved it within her mouth. Natsumi pulled away with a gasp, breathing for air. She held on to her lover, as his eyes seemed to become her own.
"Why is every moment with you is like a dream?" she asked, softly. Siegfried only smiled, the smile that was rarely shown, but always welcomed. Siegfried eyes narrowed and turned to his left looking at the entrance to the chapel. Natsumi's eyes followed as she clutched Xianghua's sword tightly. Siegfried freed her of his embrace and picked up his sword from the ground. Suddenly they heard the repeated sounds of clanking metal. The couple held their swords in attack stance, ready for whatever would appear in the chapel.
A knight clad in armor appeared from the entrance. As he walked slowly towards them, more knights appeared, holding their swords. They stood in front of the shocked, Siegfried and Natsumi, ready for attack. The last knight who appeared through the entrance walked to the front of his army and removed his helmet. Long brown hair appeared with grey eyes shooting like darts. He proudly walked closer to them looking at them both in disgust.
"I am Reginald Diefendorf, first captain of the knights of the Teutonic order! We are here to arrest you on crimes of genocide! Drop your weapons!" yelled the proud captain, glaring at Siegfried.
Siegfried and Natsumi stood there unafraid, daring them to touch them. Natsumi stepped closer to the knight, holding her sword in front of her. The captain stepped back narrowing his eyes at the foreign women who walked towards him.
"You will have to go through me, before I will let you lay a finger on him," she shouted, her voice full of anger.
"Right, it is your choice, whore. Kill her," demanded the captain, slapping the arm of one of his knights. The knight rushed towards her swinging his sword towards her head. Natsumi thrust her head back the sword missing her head by an inch. She advanced on the knight swinging her sword at him as he tried to block her. She twirled her sword around her body, kicking the knight in the head, and stomach. The knight fell to the ground, dropping his sword beside him. Natsumi ran to him screaming and pierced his iron breastplate with Xianghua's sword. She pushed the sword down deeper, feeling the knight shake, as the last breath flowed from his lips. She slowly pulled her sword out of the torso of the dead knight and held her sword to her face.
"Today!" she shouted, walking backwards towards Siegfried. "You will all die, violently, and mercilessly. But hear me now! You will all DIE IN HELL!" Siegfried glared at the captain, and held it sword to his side.
"You have made a deadly mistake, whore! You will burn,……and burn you shall!" The captain shouted, signaling his knights to attack. The knights obeyed running towards their enemies screaming. Natsumi and Siegfried followed suit, as the clashing of metal began to sound.
Natsumi swung her sword furiously right and left, blocking attacks from the four knights who charged her. She cautiously cornered a knight and the other three tried to stab her. She twirled around and around dodging and kicking her adversaries. She jump kicked the cornered night and sliced off his head. The other three screamed and charged at her with more force. Natsumi held her sword behind her back as she kicked and pushed the knights into each other. They charged for her again, swinging their long swords around her body. She jumped up and bent down as their swords threatened to mutilate her. She grabbed the head of one of the knights, and snapped his neck.
She kicked one of the other knights in the shin, and sliced off his arms when he revealed their weak spots. The man dropped his sword in horror and looked down at his severed limbs. He slowly fell to the ground, shaking from shock. The last knight did not gaze upon his fallen friend long. He rushed towards Natsumi, and swung his sword at her head. Natsumi did a several back flips, as the knight ran after her. Natsumi swung her sword around her head, and jumped up on the knights shoulders. She arched her back, putting her hands on the ground and flung him over the ruined wall. With no time to rest, she looked over at Siegfried, who was doing some damage of his own.
He was surrounded by at least six knights, swinging his sword like thunder. He swung his sword hard at a group of knights tossing them backwards, and swung his body around, slamming his sword into more of the knights.
Natsumi quickly looked at the unmasked captain who was glaring at her with a hint of shock in his eyes. She ran towards him swing her sword, as he unsheathed his own. He ran after her throwing his sword on top of hers pushing down it to over power her.
"You will die, whore," he said, through his teeth. Natsumi thrust her sword upwards pushing the captain to the side. She punched his face, and sliced the side of his cheek. He touched his cheek wiping the blood on his armor. He charged at her screaming, swing his sword from side to side. Natsumi laughed at him, teasing him. His skill with the sword was elementary compared to the master technique she possessed.
"Go!" she yelled, blocking his advances. "Run away! Or die! Just like your friends!" The captain jumped up and slammed his sword to the ground, missing Natsumi by an inch. Natsumi laughed, blocking his attacks with little effort. She was becoming accustomed to killing. She did not even wince when she slammed her sword into the knight's armor.
Growing impatient, she grabbed the captain's arm and kicked him to the ground. He struggled to get up, but Natsumi held him to the ground with her foot. Suddenly, she jumped on him balancing herself as he twisted around with pain. She laughed, jumped down, and straddled him. She grabbed his sword and threw it behind her. The captain looked at her with shock, and tried effortlessly to remove her from on top of him. She laughed as he grabbed her legs trying to lift her grasp from around his waist. She quickly put her face in front his, smiling slyly. She grabbed his face, and squeezed it laughing.
"So?" she teased. "Who is going to die now?" She moved her hand to his hair and pulled his face closer to hers. The captain only gazed at the mysterious woman as she began to kiss him savagely. His body went limp; his only movement was tongue within her mouth. She pulled away, pushing his head to the ground. Why did he kiss her back? He did not know, but he knew it was about control.
She stood up slowly, kicking him in the side. He winced keeping his eyes on the enchantress, who seemed to cool his rage.
"Whore?" she said, coldly. "I don't think so." She quickly walked towards Siegfried, who was finishing off the last of the knights, but she stopped. She turned around quickly, the captain's gaze still upon her. She slowly walked back towards his exposed leg, on the side of his armor.
"I can't let you leave with nothing to show for it can I?" Her voice was cold but soft. She lifted her sword and thrust it into his leg. The captain screamed out in pain, grabbing his newly opened wound, as Natsumi withdrew her sword. She looked up at Siegfried, who was hastily running towards her. He grabbed her arm and led her out of the Chapel. He face was filled with anger, and pain. He squeezed her arm tightly his fingers into her skin.
"You may have time for games, but I do not. I vont see it again!" he yelled, pulling her out into the foyer.
"What? What do you mean?" she asked, dumbfounded. Siegfried threw her arm to the side, and turned to her.
"How dare you?!" he screamed. "HOW DARE YOU!?" He jumped at her, slapping her face. He reached for her throat, and slammed her against the foyer's wall. "I am fighting for my life, and you are kissing that…that…swine. I do not have time for your childishness." He let go of her throat and marched out of the tall iron doors. Natsumi felt her tears slide over her mouth. She slowly walked after Siegfried, holding her hand on her throat.
Siegfried sat on the wagon looking forward. His thoughts were murderous, but focused. He did not look at her as she sat beside him. The distance between them was far, but understandable.
"I'm sorry, Siegfried. I'm so sorry. It was stupid of me. I'm sorry. I did not mean to hurt you," said Natsumi, tears rolling down her cheek. "I'm so sorry, Siegfried, but do not hit me again." Her voice went cruel. The words coming out quickly. Siegfried looked at her quickly and then back at the road.
"I vont promise anything to someone who does not truly love," he said, his voice tenderly soft.
"I do love you. I don't love the guy, Siegfried. I just…" he said, moving closer to him.
"Oh…but you see. You do not have to love. You give one look, one wink, one smile, and they are yours. I know….it happened to me….and it happened to Kilik," he said, coldly. "I saw the captain move his tongue within your mouth. I saw him; hold your hand to his face. I see it all, but you do not see my sorrow. I vant to kill you, so that you vill not hurt again. So...you vill not ruin men's lives."
Natsumi moved her eyes towards her hands and shook her head. Her eyes filled with tears, as she jumped off the wagon and ran into the forest. Siegfried pulled on the reigns and jumped off the wagon running after her. Natsumi ran and jumped over hanging branches, tripping over one finally. She laid there crying, holding her hands to her eyes. She felt a familiar touch on her cheek, and pulled her hands away.
"I'm not like that. I do not ruin men's lives. I…I…I'm sorry if I hurt you. I'm sorry. I know Kilik is in love with me. But I don't love him, I love you. Am I not convincing, Siegfried?" she cried, as he wiped the tears from her eyes. He looked at her giving her a slight grin.
"Yes, I know," he simply said, every so softly. He picked her up off the ground, and carried her back to the wagon. His long hair, brushing the side of her face as he walked. He kissed her before he sat her in the wagon, and smiled. Natsumi yawned putting her hand over her mouth.
"I'm tired," she said, stretching her arms.
"Then lie down in the back. Ve need all the rest we can get. Our journey takes far. To Valencia," he said, raising his voice a little. "Ve must go."
~~~~~~~~~~
Author's Notes: Well……I suppose I must write Chapter 5, now that you are done. *sly smile* I just wonder where I'll get the time. I have three English classes…oh no..!!! Just kidding.
I hope to put up chapter 5 before the month is out. I hope you liked this chapter…had an awful hard time writing it, I tell you. R&R….please.. :)
