'It takes a minuet to find a special person,

an hour to appreciate them,

a day to love them,

but then an entire life time to forget them.'

Unknown

In the south western part of Germany where the Black Forest was located, the local inhabitants suffered constant attacks by the demonic forces that over took the region. Those that could, moved out, but those that could not, had no choice but to remain and perish along with their homeland. Amoung those were the common folk and the down trodden, but because of 'Nightmare's' return to Othrinesburgh, the once feared gang known as the Schwarzwind found themselves evicted from their castle home. This group made up of knights casted out of the empire and mercenaries turned brigands, did not take so kindly to having their first and second homes taken from them. Oh yes, the younger ruffians of the gang came from these local villages. With insult to injury and no sign of their Commander anywhere, the group of brigands were forced to make a major decision: to disband and head out on their own, or to remain as they were, and fight to protect the remnants of their homes and attempt to rid the land of the demon menace.

The decision was unanimous, after all they were born here and raised here, it was only natural that they would want to protect their country. Casting away their former title, Schwarzwind soon became known simply as Defenders.

Having no idea that the gang that once plagued them was now defending them, the common folk were granted a shred of relief. They did not know the origins of this mysterious brigade and nor did they care (most believed that they were a band of a few good men from neighboring villages).

The Defenders were quick to set up operations and made their headquarters in one of the many castles that dotted the Rhine river's banks. Within it's study walls, hovels and houses were set up to accommodate the people who sought refuge and protection. But hope was stretched thin and crumbled just like the battlements with each attack and every day that passed…

The skies overhead was desolate, dark, and foreboding, much like the land now. The only difference was there weren't any bodies of the dead littering the skies. Reduced to barren waste by the plague of monstrosities that marauded the country side, the Rhine River itself even began to take on an almost burgundy shade to its rushing waters.

Radimus surmised it was probably from all the blood shed seeping its way into the river whenever the rain fell.

It was always raining here and the youthful blond could not remember a day when the sun had last been felt, warming the lands and bidding new life to come fourth. Perhaps it had also given up the cause as death was always and ever present here. Clear cerulean eyes closed themselves to all the rain and the dreary skies above.

He could hear the wind whispering past him, mournful with countful lives lost and sullied by the faint stench of death. Finding no refuge, no respite from the dark vile curse plaguing their homelands, the boy opened his eyes frustrated. The rain soon became a downpour as if emulating the boy's feelings, soaking through his brown leather jerkin and turning his red tunic a shade darker. Radimus shivered feeling the ice tears of the skies slide down his hot back. Tiny streams soon flowed down his face, his blond hair plastered and glossy. But he didn't care; it had rained just like this when their commander had left to embark on a long and unknown journey.

How long ago has it been since anyone's last seen or heard from him?

And why did he even bother picking him up from the streets only to abandon him again?

Why...? Why did you leave us Commander...? Dumkoff.

"Are you trying to catch death Radimus?" A stern yet gentle voice interrupted the boy's quiet thoughts. From the door way of a poorly constructed wooden hovel a rather tall and prominent figure stood, shadowed until he stepped out into the grey dimness of the day.

Grey hair was near coated in dark earth (as was everyone else that resided in this decaying castle) but neither mud nor filth could hide the strong azure eyes that boasted of a jagged unyielding spirit with in.

Dressed in a leather brigandine worn over a gambeson and mail shirt that ended in long leather gloves, Schwarzwind's Second-in-Command joined the youth in the rain.

"…You know Grenseal is one of the best apothocaries we have on call but he's no miracle worker. If you get sick, he'll be quite mad. He's a little over worked these days with the injured." The man remarked lightly though albeit seriously. "Can I ask as to what are you doing out here?"

For a few moments the soft pattering of the rain was the only sound as the boy's gaze shifted to the mud that submerged much of his boots.

Reluctant to answer yet, unable to remain quite because he was being addressed by an adult and his superior no less, Radimus shoved his thoughts aside and answered as honestly as he was able; "I was listening for something Sir Wilhelm, that's all." A hand went to the baselard short sword so readily sheathed at his side as he added in a lower voice "I thought that I had heard those foul lizard monsters approaching again. I'm going to the battlements just to make sure…" With out another word Radimus lowered his head curtly in a short bow (and to avoid meeting the other's piercing eyes). Quickly brushing past, he was not stopped by Sir Wilhelm as he'd anticipated, but the man's words were more than enough to bring the boy to a slow halt.

"Oh, off to look for any signs of Jaeger again?" Sir Wilhelm asked as an aside. Even with his back to his superior, the ashen haired mercenary could practically see the boy's eyes rolling in their sockets as his tense shoulders slumped in defeat. The boy was just too easily read. Making his way back into the hovel with a slight air of smugness he paused momentarily to regard the boy. "I wouldn't bother looking for him. When he finds Commander you'll know, I thought I had told you that before."

The grip tightened around the handle of the short sword. "I…" Radimus had begun to speak, but what he was going to say in his defense he wasn't sure and it died in his throat.

Silence passed between the pair once again, but it came a little easier this time, as the understanding was mutual.

Not knowing what to say next and wondering why it mattered anyway, the young boy did not raise his head and instead walked on mutely.

Dumkoff...

His walk broke into a run as he ducked his head and dashed through the sheets of rain. Tears mingled with the rain hiding them from any other on lookers.

A/N: Loooooooong time and Shoooooort post. I can only give my apologies. Anyways I wanted to use that as an opening for the introduction of two new characters. Just so you all get a feel for them and it's not a SUDDEN surprise. Also I'm using this to set the next stage I'll need later on. ; The story is going to merge again just a forewarning. Anyways, let me know what your thoughts are on these two new addtions, yes they're OC. To some extent...Radimus was actually inspired from the last SC game.

Hopefully the next chapter won't be too far along.

Hero Genkaku