Xianghua shook her head eyes wide. "No that's impossible. He was supposed
to be dead."
"So you didn't die back then did you? Evil fiend!" Kilik snarled and whipped out his Kali Yuga. But Yun Sung beat him to the punch.
"Leave it to me! I'll make sure the job gets done!" He leaped forward. Raphael unsheathed his sword as well.
"If we kill him we can claim the Soul Edge!"
All the guys hurdle themselves forward trying to strike the monster first, but no sooner had they done so, did Link spin around sword drawn.
Steel clashed and sparks flew as Link barred all weapons from descending upon Nightmare. His blue eyes flared in determination as his sword glowed brightly.
"Ted'k Keisx Xam!" He shouted in his strange dialect. It wasn't clear what stunned the three fighters more, the fact that Link was protecting the Monster, or the fact that he was able to block all three attacks with a glowing sword. While they were still stunned to silence, Link pushed them back and they fell ungraciously upon their butts.
"Are you mad?!" Raphael spat picking himself up. "Why are you protecting such an odious creature?!"
Kilik stood Kali Yuga back at the ready. "Don't be mad with him, he's not from this world right? Maybe he doesn't know about Nightmare." He tried defending Link.
Yun Sung recovered in a flash a wild smile upon his face. "Or maybe the bastard works for him! In any case, he's going down!" And the hot-blooded Korean launched another assault.
"Yun Sung don't!" Talim cried out. But it was too late, for Link already had a dangerous glimmer in his eyes as he fell deeper into his fighting stance.
"Semo Ed!!!" Link challenged. He stood his ground unafraid, his sword glowing dimly.
"Link! Stop!"
But it was no use; the two youths were already set off with Yun's explosive attitude and Link's refusal to back down. But right before the two could meet and exchange shots, a hulking form stood in front of the torch darkening the room a bit. This got the two hot heads and all the others attention quick.
For some the figure stood like that in an old horror story, for others it was like reliving a dark memory. Nightmare stood a little hunched over but his crimson gaze could be seen beneath his visor, and his large claw was shaking with strength. Most of his armor was missing (except the ones covering his legs, shoulders and arms,) exposing the human torso, with dark and unnatural veins running and pulsing all over his partially bandaged chest. His ragged breaths came like a tired beast, and one could easily imagine the sharp rows of teeth that would cause one's breath to sound that way.
"Stop." The menacing figure said, voice sounding terribly human, not quite like the Nightmare they had heard before. Nightmare's voice had been deep and one could clearly tell that he was possessed by evil. Now it seemed as if what ever it had been possessing him was gone, but it left his voice sounding coarse and slightly deep. But still.
Kilik and Xainghua looked to each other strangely for out of all that were present, they were the only two who had met and spoken with the Azure Nightmare four years ago. And while it's true that four years had come and gone, it did nothing to fade the mere memory of him from their minds. Truly this was the same Nightmare before them, the tale tell Claw and dark armor said so. But there was a difference that stopped them from attacking.
Weapon still ready, Kilik walked forward eyes burning with animosity towards his old adversary. "Nightmare.Are you really Nightmare?"
There was a soft nod. "There has only ever been one Azure Nightmare, and I am he." Suddenly his form shuddered as if cold, Link seeing this sheaths his sword and runs to his aid. They are about the same height with Nightmare a little bit taller. Link allows Nightmare to lean upon him, as it seems that Nightmare could not support himself. Gently the elf lowers the monster to one knee
"Kubo Ak Oujo, Oei Uhod'k Jkhedw Odeiwx Ook." Link said concerned. Nightmare took a few more breaths before he replied in the same dialect;
"A Bden. Rik Kxoo Mijk Ro Kevt"
Talim stepped forward more amazed than she was afraid. "You understand Link, and you speak his language how is that possible?"
Nightmare nodded dark helmet glinting softly. "Soul Edge houses much knowledge and power. It must be able to communicate with all living beings so that it may continue it's dark plans, as it's owner, I am bestowed with this ability as well. But I believe that we have more important matters to discuss. That is, if you're not too consumed with the need to 'absolve me of my sins.'
Kilik shook his head. "What's there to discuss with a monster like you? And anyhow, the time for talking had passed four years ago."
"What are you scheming Nightmare? And exactly how did you survive?" Xianghua asked. "We saw you fall into the endless abyss with the Soul Edge."
"For the first time since I was possessed by the Soul Edge, I speak freely with my own mind. Though I cannot totally blame the Soul Edge for my destructive actions, I do request that you at least listen to what I have to say before you take my life. If you cannot grant me that request, then do this as a favor for my companion here."
Talim like the rest stood listening and wondered if such a monster could be trusted. And while she was not sure what good could come of this, that it was some kind of trick, she did think of the young stranger at Nightmare's side. She didn't know about the rest, but she was slightly intrigued to know what Nightmare would want to speak about. Then, without regarding the rest, she lowered herself and sat upon the hard dirt ground.
"Alright, I'm listening."
*** Fighters took their seats where they wanted, some more cautious than others decided to sit a little farther from the dark knight, while others opted that closer is better just in case the knight wanted to try anything tricky like stealing their souls or what not. Nightmare was allowed his room to speak as long as he answered any question they might have.
Kilik reluctantly agreed to these conditions threatening to strike him down should he try anything. The other males of the group agreed the same. Link not understanding a word being said and vise versa, decided that he would stay with the group to assure his associate's safety. Link spoke little and only when he had something to ask or when someone spoke to him directly. Nightmare agreed to translate anything Link said as to assure the others that nothing funny was amiss.
Xianghua started it off with a question that she had asked earlier; "How did you survive? We saw you fall into the dark abyss and the void itself collapsed after Soul Edge was defeated."
There was a soft noise that sounded with in Nightmare's visor. It was a soft breath that trembled along the edges of a growl. It was as if the mere memory pained him.
"What you saw and what actually happened are two different realities. I did fall into the void, but I was not dead. I am not completely sure of what happened during that time, as I was unconscious, knowing that I was falling and feeling Soul Edge's extreme pain. When I awoke, I found that I was still holding onto the demonic blade, but I could no longer hear its voice or feel it's dark power upon me. I realized that it was weak and I had regained my freedom for the time being. I could move and think as I pleased once more, but only until nightfall, for it is then that the Spirit of the Soul Edge tries to claim me when I sleep."
Talim raised a brow, "Free? So you were a person? I thought Soul Edge created a monster.."
"Soul Edge is a parasitic entity." Kilik answered her. "It needs to poses a host to keep on living, but eventually that host becomes it's puppet. I assume that all the changes to Nightmare were the cause and effect of Soul Edge's possession."
"So who are you really?" Raphael who had been silent the whole time asked. "You are truly a knight are you not? And if so, from what family are you?"
"I am undeserving of the title 'Knight', or the name I once bore. I am just a foolish broken puppet."
"I'm sure we all knew that, but you did not answer my question." The French man said pointedly. But Kilik interrupted then saying it wasn't really important now. The Azure Knight seemed grateful for being spared the painful details and continued.
"I wandered the continent in search of a place that I could seal away the Soul Edge, for during my travels, I began to remember the wanton destruction and the mass murders I had committed while under the Soul Edge's influence. At that time Soul Edge was severely shattered and pieces fell in my wake. When I realized this fact, I had traveled nearly the entire continent and perhaps a dozen shards are missing from the Soul Edge itself. All of you who are present here, where you not led by such a shard to this place?"
There were quiet murmurs and wandering glances all around as they had. Yun Sung who was leaning against the cave walls stood that impatient look upon his face.
"Okay, so we were who cares? What I want to know is where the Soul Edge is, you do have it don't you?"
"No. It is no longer within my possession. I'm afraid it was taken from me by one of my old followers. I believe his name was Astroth."
There was an audible gasp this time, and members looked to its source. Xianghua covered her mouth too late to muffle her shock. Kilik had a bitter look in his eyes, and he lowered his head.
All this time they thought that Maxi had gotten his revenge.But the demon golem lives on. Both weren't sure how much more they could take. Yun Sung made a defensive stance, fists clenched once again.
"What?! How could you let him take it?! I had heard rumors that you were a fierce and powerful demon!"
Nightmare's one visible crimson eye flashed in anger. "That was once true, but when Kilik and Xianghua defeated me in battle, they critically damaged the demonic blade leaving it weak, thus in turn doing the same to me! I had come to this desert looking for a place suitable for sealing Soul Edge away, when I was ambushed by my own dark minions! I fought them off as well as I was able, but they attacked me in organized groups. They had rank structure and battle tactics all planned out. I realized this too late, but even so, with the blade and myself greatly weakened, I didn't stand a chance. I know that some one else had sent them to attack me for they aren't as smart as you think."
"So this Astroth fellow set them upon you?" The French man asked sounding rather skeptical.
"No, I believe it was another, I know that brainless behemoth can't control and plan such attacks the way this was conducted. But it was Astroth that took the blade from my hands before savagely beating me to where I should have died had I been completely human. I was left out there to die when Link came upon me, and took me here. He has been watching over me since."
"And that brings us up to the present time. That explains why he was so protective of this cave, and why he knows about Soul Edge. But I don't understand why he protects you the way he does, and where the hell is he from?" The young martial artist asked. At this Nightmare glanced at his companion in green who looked back questioningly.
"Though I do not doubt that his intentions are pure, I cannot give you much about him. He doesn't speak much for obvious reasons, and I do not question him. But there is a reason I have him with me."
"Which would be?" Talim asked.
"Just now when the three of you tried to attack me and Link blocked it, did you notice his blade?"
"Well yeah, but I thought it was just the lighting or something else." The girl shrugged.
Nightmare spoke to Link then; "Uccen Kxom Ke Joo Oeih Noufed."
The Elvin warrior seemed reluctant at first but unsheathed his sword once more holding it out before him. Now that it wasn't used to attack them before, all warriors looked upon the blade with interest. It had a faint resonance that what high, and it dimly glowed as if of it's own accord. The beautiful sword reminded Xianghua faintly of her lost spirit sword Soul Calibur. It was then that she noticed the engraving upon it's smooth flawless surface. It was the three triangles that she had seen upon the shield, but she didn't think much of it and brushed any questions that came up in her mind.
"This Sword as you can guess holds mysterious powers that I don't think Link is fully aware of. It's energy is pure and is able to return me to normal when it is near. It may be another spirit sword; I can feel that Soul Edge despises the sword much in the same manner it did to the Soul Calibur."
Link put the sword away once more and the room was once again exposed to the dancing fire light.
"So there is another way to destroy the Soul Edge." Talim said hopefully.
"Yes." Nightmare agreed. "I was to go after the shards and try to trace the Blade, for it calls out to be completed once more. I am sure that it would return to me since I am still bound to it as the owner."
Kilik stood then; "As much as I hate to say it, but I'm afraid we can't kill you, but you're going to have to come with us, you're a valuable asset and we need you to help us track down that damn sword."
Xianghua and Talim also rose.
"Yes, and we'll need all the anti- Soul Edge weapons we can get!"
Yun Sung walked up to the small group. "Wait a sec! Aren't you guys overlooking something? One, who said that Nightmare was going with you? Two, if we embarked upon a journey with the condition that he's in, he'd die! Three, Link would draw a LOT of attention to himself and that's NOT including Nightmare! We can't travel around with the most feared mass- murdering Knight and a freak in tow." He turned and pointed at Nightmare. "You can't wear that stuff or hadn't you learned anything from your last ambush? You're quite the sight for a lot of people."
They had to agree, Yun Sung, though hot-blooded and hot-headed at times, was pretty much on the money with these facts. However Nightmare did not seemed too discouraged or offended.
"If removing these armor would ease the situation any, then I would gladly discard them." And with that said, he reached up and removed the dark helmet with a hand. The Group watched as blond hair tumbled from beneath to rest upon his shoulders. In his eyes there was one crimson gaze that held the look of a demon and the other eye held an emerald gaze of a human. And from his lips tiny pointed fangs peeked out. It was like seeing a physical battle of a demon spirit against the soul of a man.
"Nightmare?" Xianghua breathed at the human chimera.
"Nightmare is dead to me and to the world, please call me Siegfried."
"So you didn't die back then did you? Evil fiend!" Kilik snarled and whipped out his Kali Yuga. But Yun Sung beat him to the punch.
"Leave it to me! I'll make sure the job gets done!" He leaped forward. Raphael unsheathed his sword as well.
"If we kill him we can claim the Soul Edge!"
All the guys hurdle themselves forward trying to strike the monster first, but no sooner had they done so, did Link spin around sword drawn.
Steel clashed and sparks flew as Link barred all weapons from descending upon Nightmare. His blue eyes flared in determination as his sword glowed brightly.
"Ted'k Keisx Xam!" He shouted in his strange dialect. It wasn't clear what stunned the three fighters more, the fact that Link was protecting the Monster, or the fact that he was able to block all three attacks with a glowing sword. While they were still stunned to silence, Link pushed them back and they fell ungraciously upon their butts.
"Are you mad?!" Raphael spat picking himself up. "Why are you protecting such an odious creature?!"
Kilik stood Kali Yuga back at the ready. "Don't be mad with him, he's not from this world right? Maybe he doesn't know about Nightmare." He tried defending Link.
Yun Sung recovered in a flash a wild smile upon his face. "Or maybe the bastard works for him! In any case, he's going down!" And the hot-blooded Korean launched another assault.
"Yun Sung don't!" Talim cried out. But it was too late, for Link already had a dangerous glimmer in his eyes as he fell deeper into his fighting stance.
"Semo Ed!!!" Link challenged. He stood his ground unafraid, his sword glowing dimly.
"Link! Stop!"
But it was no use; the two youths were already set off with Yun's explosive attitude and Link's refusal to back down. But right before the two could meet and exchange shots, a hulking form stood in front of the torch darkening the room a bit. This got the two hot heads and all the others attention quick.
For some the figure stood like that in an old horror story, for others it was like reliving a dark memory. Nightmare stood a little hunched over but his crimson gaze could be seen beneath his visor, and his large claw was shaking with strength. Most of his armor was missing (except the ones covering his legs, shoulders and arms,) exposing the human torso, with dark and unnatural veins running and pulsing all over his partially bandaged chest. His ragged breaths came like a tired beast, and one could easily imagine the sharp rows of teeth that would cause one's breath to sound that way.
"Stop." The menacing figure said, voice sounding terribly human, not quite like the Nightmare they had heard before. Nightmare's voice had been deep and one could clearly tell that he was possessed by evil. Now it seemed as if what ever it had been possessing him was gone, but it left his voice sounding coarse and slightly deep. But still.
Kilik and Xainghua looked to each other strangely for out of all that were present, they were the only two who had met and spoken with the Azure Nightmare four years ago. And while it's true that four years had come and gone, it did nothing to fade the mere memory of him from their minds. Truly this was the same Nightmare before them, the tale tell Claw and dark armor said so. But there was a difference that stopped them from attacking.
Weapon still ready, Kilik walked forward eyes burning with animosity towards his old adversary. "Nightmare.Are you really Nightmare?"
There was a soft nod. "There has only ever been one Azure Nightmare, and I am he." Suddenly his form shuddered as if cold, Link seeing this sheaths his sword and runs to his aid. They are about the same height with Nightmare a little bit taller. Link allows Nightmare to lean upon him, as it seems that Nightmare could not support himself. Gently the elf lowers the monster to one knee
"Kubo Ak Oujo, Oei Uhod'k Jkhedw Odeiwx Ook." Link said concerned. Nightmare took a few more breaths before he replied in the same dialect;
"A Bden. Rik Kxoo Mijk Ro Kevt"
Talim stepped forward more amazed than she was afraid. "You understand Link, and you speak his language how is that possible?"
Nightmare nodded dark helmet glinting softly. "Soul Edge houses much knowledge and power. It must be able to communicate with all living beings so that it may continue it's dark plans, as it's owner, I am bestowed with this ability as well. But I believe that we have more important matters to discuss. That is, if you're not too consumed with the need to 'absolve me of my sins.'
Kilik shook his head. "What's there to discuss with a monster like you? And anyhow, the time for talking had passed four years ago."
"What are you scheming Nightmare? And exactly how did you survive?" Xianghua asked. "We saw you fall into the endless abyss with the Soul Edge."
"For the first time since I was possessed by the Soul Edge, I speak freely with my own mind. Though I cannot totally blame the Soul Edge for my destructive actions, I do request that you at least listen to what I have to say before you take my life. If you cannot grant me that request, then do this as a favor for my companion here."
Talim like the rest stood listening and wondered if such a monster could be trusted. And while she was not sure what good could come of this, that it was some kind of trick, she did think of the young stranger at Nightmare's side. She didn't know about the rest, but she was slightly intrigued to know what Nightmare would want to speak about. Then, without regarding the rest, she lowered herself and sat upon the hard dirt ground.
"Alright, I'm listening."
*** Fighters took their seats where they wanted, some more cautious than others decided to sit a little farther from the dark knight, while others opted that closer is better just in case the knight wanted to try anything tricky like stealing their souls or what not. Nightmare was allowed his room to speak as long as he answered any question they might have.
Kilik reluctantly agreed to these conditions threatening to strike him down should he try anything. The other males of the group agreed the same. Link not understanding a word being said and vise versa, decided that he would stay with the group to assure his associate's safety. Link spoke little and only when he had something to ask or when someone spoke to him directly. Nightmare agreed to translate anything Link said as to assure the others that nothing funny was amiss.
Xianghua started it off with a question that she had asked earlier; "How did you survive? We saw you fall into the dark abyss and the void itself collapsed after Soul Edge was defeated."
There was a soft noise that sounded with in Nightmare's visor. It was a soft breath that trembled along the edges of a growl. It was as if the mere memory pained him.
"What you saw and what actually happened are two different realities. I did fall into the void, but I was not dead. I am not completely sure of what happened during that time, as I was unconscious, knowing that I was falling and feeling Soul Edge's extreme pain. When I awoke, I found that I was still holding onto the demonic blade, but I could no longer hear its voice or feel it's dark power upon me. I realized that it was weak and I had regained my freedom for the time being. I could move and think as I pleased once more, but only until nightfall, for it is then that the Spirit of the Soul Edge tries to claim me when I sleep."
Talim raised a brow, "Free? So you were a person? I thought Soul Edge created a monster.."
"Soul Edge is a parasitic entity." Kilik answered her. "It needs to poses a host to keep on living, but eventually that host becomes it's puppet. I assume that all the changes to Nightmare were the cause and effect of Soul Edge's possession."
"So who are you really?" Raphael who had been silent the whole time asked. "You are truly a knight are you not? And if so, from what family are you?"
"I am undeserving of the title 'Knight', or the name I once bore. I am just a foolish broken puppet."
"I'm sure we all knew that, but you did not answer my question." The French man said pointedly. But Kilik interrupted then saying it wasn't really important now. The Azure Knight seemed grateful for being spared the painful details and continued.
"I wandered the continent in search of a place that I could seal away the Soul Edge, for during my travels, I began to remember the wanton destruction and the mass murders I had committed while under the Soul Edge's influence. At that time Soul Edge was severely shattered and pieces fell in my wake. When I realized this fact, I had traveled nearly the entire continent and perhaps a dozen shards are missing from the Soul Edge itself. All of you who are present here, where you not led by such a shard to this place?"
There were quiet murmurs and wandering glances all around as they had. Yun Sung who was leaning against the cave walls stood that impatient look upon his face.
"Okay, so we were who cares? What I want to know is where the Soul Edge is, you do have it don't you?"
"No. It is no longer within my possession. I'm afraid it was taken from me by one of my old followers. I believe his name was Astroth."
There was an audible gasp this time, and members looked to its source. Xianghua covered her mouth too late to muffle her shock. Kilik had a bitter look in his eyes, and he lowered his head.
All this time they thought that Maxi had gotten his revenge.But the demon golem lives on. Both weren't sure how much more they could take. Yun Sung made a defensive stance, fists clenched once again.
"What?! How could you let him take it?! I had heard rumors that you were a fierce and powerful demon!"
Nightmare's one visible crimson eye flashed in anger. "That was once true, but when Kilik and Xianghua defeated me in battle, they critically damaged the demonic blade leaving it weak, thus in turn doing the same to me! I had come to this desert looking for a place suitable for sealing Soul Edge away, when I was ambushed by my own dark minions! I fought them off as well as I was able, but they attacked me in organized groups. They had rank structure and battle tactics all planned out. I realized this too late, but even so, with the blade and myself greatly weakened, I didn't stand a chance. I know that some one else had sent them to attack me for they aren't as smart as you think."
"So this Astroth fellow set them upon you?" The French man asked sounding rather skeptical.
"No, I believe it was another, I know that brainless behemoth can't control and plan such attacks the way this was conducted. But it was Astroth that took the blade from my hands before savagely beating me to where I should have died had I been completely human. I was left out there to die when Link came upon me, and took me here. He has been watching over me since."
"And that brings us up to the present time. That explains why he was so protective of this cave, and why he knows about Soul Edge. But I don't understand why he protects you the way he does, and where the hell is he from?" The young martial artist asked. At this Nightmare glanced at his companion in green who looked back questioningly.
"Though I do not doubt that his intentions are pure, I cannot give you much about him. He doesn't speak much for obvious reasons, and I do not question him. But there is a reason I have him with me."
"Which would be?" Talim asked.
"Just now when the three of you tried to attack me and Link blocked it, did you notice his blade?"
"Well yeah, but I thought it was just the lighting or something else." The girl shrugged.
Nightmare spoke to Link then; "Uccen Kxom Ke Joo Oeih Noufed."
The Elvin warrior seemed reluctant at first but unsheathed his sword once more holding it out before him. Now that it wasn't used to attack them before, all warriors looked upon the blade with interest. It had a faint resonance that what high, and it dimly glowed as if of it's own accord. The beautiful sword reminded Xianghua faintly of her lost spirit sword Soul Calibur. It was then that she noticed the engraving upon it's smooth flawless surface. It was the three triangles that she had seen upon the shield, but she didn't think much of it and brushed any questions that came up in her mind.
"This Sword as you can guess holds mysterious powers that I don't think Link is fully aware of. It's energy is pure and is able to return me to normal when it is near. It may be another spirit sword; I can feel that Soul Edge despises the sword much in the same manner it did to the Soul Calibur."
Link put the sword away once more and the room was once again exposed to the dancing fire light.
"So there is another way to destroy the Soul Edge." Talim said hopefully.
"Yes." Nightmare agreed. "I was to go after the shards and try to trace the Blade, for it calls out to be completed once more. I am sure that it would return to me since I am still bound to it as the owner."
Kilik stood then; "As much as I hate to say it, but I'm afraid we can't kill you, but you're going to have to come with us, you're a valuable asset and we need you to help us track down that damn sword."
Xianghua and Talim also rose.
"Yes, and we'll need all the anti- Soul Edge weapons we can get!"
Yun Sung walked up to the small group. "Wait a sec! Aren't you guys overlooking something? One, who said that Nightmare was going with you? Two, if we embarked upon a journey with the condition that he's in, he'd die! Three, Link would draw a LOT of attention to himself and that's NOT including Nightmare! We can't travel around with the most feared mass- murdering Knight and a freak in tow." He turned and pointed at Nightmare. "You can't wear that stuff or hadn't you learned anything from your last ambush? You're quite the sight for a lot of people."
They had to agree, Yun Sung, though hot-blooded and hot-headed at times, was pretty much on the money with these facts. However Nightmare did not seemed too discouraged or offended.
"If removing these armor would ease the situation any, then I would gladly discard them." And with that said, he reached up and removed the dark helmet with a hand. The Group watched as blond hair tumbled from beneath to rest upon his shoulders. In his eyes there was one crimson gaze that held the look of a demon and the other eye held an emerald gaze of a human. And from his lips tiny pointed fangs peeked out. It was like seeing a physical battle of a demon spirit against the soul of a man.
"Nightmare?" Xianghua breathed at the human chimera.
"Nightmare is dead to me and to the world, please call me Siegfried."