Though it had been a long time since he had been called by such a name, he didn't really want to be called Nightmare either, though it was more fitting for all the deeds he'd done.

And so Siegfried once more took up his christen name, long forsaken and forgotten to the world.

While the group bickered and argued among themselves, he began to wrap his malformed right claw up as best as he could. It wouldn't be easy to disguise, so he tried to put it in a sling. Perhaps a cape or robe would work to hide it further. Siegfried thought about the Rounin Mitsurugi, and how he had always kept an arm tucked into his garments. Perhaps it would work for him too.

Link crossed his arms in dismay as he watched the others argue, but he wasn't mad as there was a lopsided smile upon his impish features.

"They're always fighting. Honestly." He said. "What are we doing with these people?"

Siegfried fully understood Link as if it were his second language. "Believe it or not, these people are the chosen few who have answered Soul Edge's call. I'm sure you can sense that their spirit is different from all others."

Link seemed skeptical about this. "Perhaps, but is the fate of your world really resting upon a rowdy group like them? Oh, and that's not including that loud mouthed jerk over there." He referred to Yun Sung who of course was talking the loudest out of the group. Link shook his head once again. "I don't know about this, I preferred it if we traveled alone as intended. With a group like this, it won't be long before we all killed each other out of contempt."

Siegfried chuckled a bit at this. "I wouldn't put it past you, but I think we'll be okay. We are going to need all the help we can get retrieving the Soul Edge, plus we may find a way to send you back where you came from."

At this, the elf looked thoughtful for a moment eyes unreadable. "Yeah, I am anxious to return, but I have this feeling that I was put here for a reason, and that I won't find the way home until the very end of the journey. I don't believe in chance, everything is fated." The last part was said with a tinge of bitterness that Siegfried could feel, but Link seemed like he didn't want to speak further about the subject and so it was dropped. Besides, when Siegfried had turned his attention back to the group they had seemed to come to a resolution.

"You'll be coming with us Nighma, I mean, Siegfried." Kilik said solemnly. "But we shall always be watching you, and you must not object or resist if we put any restraints upon you."

Siegfried didn't like the sound of this, but none the less, he knew it was for the better and for the protection of the rest. "Y-yes, do what you must. If that is all that's decided then we should be off as quickly as possible, for I feel Soul Edge's presence growing fainter as the distance between us grows. I am beginning to fear that it isn't even on this continent anymore."

"Then you're going to need a boat to travel then?" Yun Sung interrupts. He gives a smirk. "Well then today is your lucky day, it just so happens I travel with a friend that owns one! Of course I won't let you use it for free; you're going to have to let me travel with you guys too."

"Fine, okay you got a deal." Xianghua agreed. "But no more petty brawls between you or Link."

Siegfried attempted to stand but it pained him greatly and he could feel his limbs throb dully and he fell to one knee again.

"You still haven't fully recovered yet have you?" Talim said kneeling beside him. "This is no good; you will not last long at this rate."

The chimera man attempted once more. "No, I will be fine, it's just."

"Siegfried Jkef! Oea'cc Bacc Oeahjocv." Link quickly put his arm around his neck and allowed him to lean upon him once again. "Av Edco Soul Edges' Olac Jfahak Neict Coulo Oei Ke Hojk, Oei Seict Hoseloh Vujkoh."

Talim who was doing the same on the Sieg's other side looked to Link then Siegfried.

"What did he say?" She asked. Siegfried winced the pain sharper as he struggled; it was as if his body resented him for moving them.

"H, he, ack! He agrees with you." The injured Siegfried hissed through his fangs.

Though it seemed a bit of a mouthful for Link to say, Talim didn't ask as it seemed unimportant here. Kilik told Talim to change places with him as he was stronger than she at that time.

"This isn't good, at this rate you won't even make it out of the desert before you die, and then whoever has the Soul Edge now would become the new successor. We need you to be healed completely but as you have said we haven't the time."

Siegfried thought for a moment before saying; "There may be away, but I'm afraid it is a long detour, and I do not want to lose the Soul Edge."

Xianghua made a fist in frustration. "Stop worrying about that stupid sword! It isn't as important as your own life! We need you to help us Siegfried. Just tell us what we need to do."

Siegfried was speechless at Xianghua's outburst. It was a long time since anyone had shown any compassion for his life and he felt undeserving of it. He lowered his gaze then, ashamed.

"Do you know the land known as Greece? There's someone there that may be able to help.."

****

The trip from the desert was a long and excruciating for the young knight. It seemed that Astroth had really roughed him up good. But no matter how painful it was, Siegfried tried to keep his bearing holding head up, but it was very apparent by the look in his eyes that the wounds were deep and were slowly killing him.

Talim watched as both Kilik and Link aided him, changing out every other mile with Raphael and Yun (who surprisingly enough even began to encourage Siegfried talking to him softly so that no one would hear). Even she and Xianghua would help as much as they could. She wished there was an easier way, but they had nothing to use to make a stretcher, and no animal to carry him. Even so, no complaint came from the knight who showed amazing courage and discipline. Mostly only the hisses he made as the pain stung him made it past his fair lips.

At one point, when Yun Sung and Raphael had changed out Link pulled out a small object from his cloak (He had opted for a hooded cloak to hide his strange garments and pointed ears.) and began to play. Talim had never seen such an instrument before, but the music it produced was lovelier than anything she'd ever heard. It was soothing to her soul and reminded her of her tribe back in the lush valleys. The winds began to pick up around them bringing cool breezes to ease the heat. She began to wonder if this object had strange powers for it seemed that the winds answered the young man's music, and she could hear those strange voices in that strange dialect that she had heard before. Perhaps she would ask him later.

Finally, as evening fell, they reached the small village and were able to stock up on supplies and rested for a bit, but because the group was rather large, they drew quite the attention.

Yun Sung suggested that they keep moving because he didn't like the feel of the place, but Siegfried was totally wiped out from the walking and he was physically and spiritually exhausted. Indeed, even when they were able to find rooms at an old wooden inn, his face looked weary, and tears began to fall from his eyes as mere breathing pained him greatly. The trek had taken a toll upon the others as well as the hot sun robbed them of their strength as well, and it was largely decided that they all get some rest and start for the ocean's shores early in the morning. Link administered Siegfried the same red potions that he had earlier, and it seemed to ease Siegfried somewhat. He stayed by his bed side through the night.

In the morning when Talim went to fetch them so they could continue she found Link sound asleep upon his sword, using it as a post to lean on.

***

It a little more than two days had passed when the group on horse back (bought from what valuables they had between them) spotted the ocean in the distance. Yun Sung told them that there was small trade village at its shores and that the ship should be docked there. They entered the village small but bustling village. There were stands everywhere as shop keepers and street vendors tried to sell their goods to sailors and travelers.

At the docks they dismounted as Yun led the way, but it wasn't long before he found the ship and a strangely familiar figure was there waiting for him.

"HEY! Yun Sung!" At his name, the Korean turned to look and found an older man walking down the gang plank to greet him. "I thought you had died out there or sum thin!"

"Yeah you wish old man." Yun retorted a cocky grin upon his face.

"Old man this, you little punk!" The Pirate spat flipping off Yun. But he laughed good-naturedly. It was then he spotted the small group walking up behind him. "And what do we have here? These friends of yours?"

"They are acquaintances, but they're going to help me on my quest. They need passage upon your vessel." Yun Sung explained. He was about to introduce the group to his traveling companion when Xianghua cried out.

"Maxi! It's not possible!!"

The old dandy blinked in surprise as the young Chinese woman ran up to him. "Huh?"

Kilik also was wide eye in disbelief. "No way! It is you Maxi!! We thought you were dead!"

The man, whose name was obviously Maxi didn't have a chance to reply when Xianghua threw herself at him embracing him tightly.

"Maxi, Maxi! Why didn't you tell us you survived? We thought you had died a long time ago.." The woman said upset. But she felt herself being pushed away then.

"Look lady, you can't just throw yourself into people's arms, and how the hell did you know my name? Have we met before?"

At this, Kilik stopped short the happiness wiped clean off his face.

"What?" Xianghua said confused. "What are you talking about Maxi? You are our Maxi aren't you?"

The man with dark hair scratched the back of his head. "Well yeah, I am Maxi, but who are you?"

Xianghua backed up, her mouth open slightly. Her lips moved but nothing came from them.

"What are you saying Maxi? It's us!" Kilik said. "I know four years have passed, but was it so long that you don't remember us? We were old traveling companions who searched for the Soul Edge together! Don't you remember?" He asked his voice growing louder.

Maxi seemed a bit agitated at this. "Look, I never forget a face! Especially those of my friends! But I keep tellin' ya I honestly have no idea who you are or what you're talking about!"