Chapter 1: Rebirth of A Nightmare

"My name is Siegfried Schtauffen, or as the world knows me as, Nightmare. Seven years ago I defeated a pirate called Cervantes. As a reward, I became Soul Edge's new master. Heh, no, I became its new puppet. A whole year my body was taken over and used to kill innocents. While I was awake, I spent every ounce of energy I had to fight the sword in my hands, but at night, in the midst of my sleep, I changed to that of a demon's form and slaughtered countless. Untold number of warriors challenged my army and vanquished it. But at the same time, many of these warriors faced me in battle and lost. Sometimes I managed to cause enough strife inside my body that forced the demon controlling me to flee or use too much of its power to knock out his opponent, leaving the raging beast too weak to strike the finishing blow."

"Then, as luck would have it, three warriors called the Trio of Light showed up from the far east wielding a powerful sword called Soul Calibur. Unfortunately for them, their wielder of the sword was not the sword's rightful master, and at the same time, they were fortunate that I feed off of the sword's energy to allow myself to paralyze the beast within and allow them to create a void and send the demon and myself into it. Ah, but I only wish that was the end of it. Less than a month later, I managed to create a rip in the void and escape with Soul Edge. Except this time, because of Soul Calibur's energy, I was able to keep Soul Edge at bay. For how long? I did not know." A sigh crept from the young knight's lips as he wrote into the journal. In his hand was a quill, carefully placed between the metal plating surrounding his finger tips. His eyes slowly glanced at the fissure in the dark cave's floor where a tainted red light shined dimly through, covering the walls and ceiling with its wickedness.

Ignoring the light, the armored young knight went back to the journal, "Three years later, I found myself powerless once again to that wicked sword. No matter how hard I try, I could no longer fight it. For in those short three years, it seemed to have gained in power. My body was completely taken over, even when I was awake. If only I hadn't went on that search to find the power to bring my deceased father back to life. As I was saying, over a year had went by and it never stopped. As it gathered more Soul Edge fragments, the more powerful the sword became. When it was whole, its might was truly fearsome. With one swing, armies were engulfed in flame, cities perished in the wind, and lives shattered like a mirror. The warriors of the past returned to defeat me once more, though, among them were some I had recognized and some I didn't. The Trio of Light had returned as well, except this time, they were very confidence that Soul Calibur would defeat Soul Edge once more. How wrong could they be?"

The long hair knight slowly dipped his quill pen in the ink and continued to scribe inside the journal, "With one mighty slash, Soul Edge shattered Soul Calibur into many pieces and then scattered them around the world with its power. The warriors, from which I managed to count was only eleven left alive, watched in horror as their best chance for victory left them. Ah, but unknown to them, Soul Calibur managed to free me once more. They had no idea what was happening, for next thing they knew, I threw the sword down the steps as the entity inside it appeared. Its face was that of a skeleton, its armor was a shiny silver while its body flared with fire. From my guess, this entity was in all actuality the sword trying to fight back without a human host. You see, the sword must be wield for it to unleash its full power. And when it created that entity, who I shall call Inferno for the flames surrounding its body, and it took the sword in its hands, no longer was the sword unbeatable. With my demonic hand, I used the powers granted to me by the sword and fried the beast with terrifying bolts of lightning."

The young knight looked at his human right hand, "One thing I've discovered is that even though the sword is very powerful, it grants its user powers of their own. Cervantes, from what I can tell, regained some of his life force back and can teleport wherever he chooses. He is probably the deadliest opponent I have ever faced. I myself can transform into the demon Nightmare at will without the sword. Except now I have control of my demonic form. Another power it has cursed me with, as it has cursed Cervantes the same power, is resistant to time. In translation for the common idiot, I no longer age. At first I thought only he no longer aged because he became part of the undead. But now I'm fully positive time has stopped for me as well. How do I know? Simple, the sword boasted about its curse it put on me. I guess time is no longer my enemy. Now am I immortal? No. There are some things that even Soul Edge can't perform. Why did Soul Edge curse me with an ageless body? One word, revenge. It knows I resent my demon form and thus, it cursed me to live forever knowing that I refuse to take my own life to make sure no one touches it. Oh yeah, back to the topic. Hmm, let's see, where was I? Ah yes, I managed to defeat Inferno and took the sword back into my hands. I knew that the others wouldn't let me leave with the blade. So I did the next best thing."

A loud crack of thunder tore through the cave as flashes of light illuminated the entrance, "I latched the sword to my back and managed to use my hands, or claw and human hand if you want to get technical about it, to combat them. My claw was hard enough to strike against the less sharper swords and blunt weapons, but the sharper swords such as that cocky samurai's katana, the flesh was simply cut. Eventually, after a long tiring battle, I managed to knock each and everyone of them unconscious and escape with the sword. After two years of traveling I discovered this cave that led to a large fissure where I cast the sword down into and sworn to become its guardian. I don't know how long I'll hold out. If things go well, I'll be the guardian for eternity. If somehow, I fall to some mortal seeking the blade. I pray that you read this journal and heed my warning. That sword is a curse. Even though I am free, it still calls me. My life is no longer my own. It is that swords. For I shall spend the rest of my life in this damp cave to ensure it doesn't create another Nightmare."

As he set the quill pen down and closed the book, his ears picked up the sound of a small rock being kicked. Quickly he jumped to his feet and reached for the large sword that was leaning against the wall, grasping it by the handle, "Who's there! Show yourself human!" He demanded with fury. Out of the shadows, a short blond haired Frenchman appeared before him. With both hands he adjusted his royal purple jacket before drawing his rapier, "Nightmare, I presume?"

"Raphael Sorel, state why you're here. Then I'll decide if it is worth my time to end your pathetic life." The knight growled.

"Your manners are still atrocious. I came for the sword. Where is it?" He asked as he pointed his Flambert in front of him.

"That sword is none of your concern."

"You were too weak for the sword. I, Raphael Sorel, shall take control of that sword."

"Fool, that sword has no master." Nightmare growled as he gripped Requiem with his other hand before taking his stance. Then, his worse fears came to life, Raphael's soul started to flow out of his body and pulse like a heartbeat. The red energy in the pit started to get brighter and brighter, almost as if it were the sun.

"No, you can't be." Nightmare backed up a bit, "You can't be able to control that sword!" In a blind rush, he approached Raphael and brought his sword overhead. Flames erupted around the blade when he brought the sword down in attempt to strike Raphael but found himself striking the Earth instead. "What?!" He was shocked at the speed of the Frenchman. Once he fought the Frenchman, and no way in hell did he have that kind of speed. Next thing he knew, a sharp pain entered his stomach as his world turned black.

"Farewell, Azure Knight. May you enjoy the depths of hell." Raphael smirked as he walked over to the fissure and raised his rapier. The light started to fade as a large crimson zweihander with an eerie eye inside the blade levitated before him. The sword suddenly exploded into many small particles and surrounded the rapier before absorbing into it. "This is it! This is power! This. Is. Soul Edge!" He shouted in victory as the silver armor of Inferno surrounded his body.

Clanking of metal echoed through the cave, and he knew what was making that sound. He turned around to see a weakened Nightmare lifting himself up off the floor and using Requiem as a cane to keep himself upright. "My name is Siegfried Schtauffen. On my father's grave, I shall not let you leave with that sword."

"Brave words for a man as weak as you. Though, I do like the look of your sword. Large, massive, powerful. May lack the grace of a rapier, but it holds the raw power of a killer. Slaying armored knights in one swing." The rapier in Raphael's hand changed to a red hue and transformed into the zweihander form it held when it was in Nightmare's hands. "Let's see which of ours is mightier." With unsurpassed speed, he rushed the weakened Siegfried and struck blades. To his delight, he managed to take a big chip out of Requiem's blade.

"Soul Edge is evil. In your hands, it could bring Earth to a true nightmare. Far greater than what it could do in my hands. Release that sword and throw it in the fissure. It's the only way."

The blond Frenchman exploded with laughter, "What makes you think I want to throw away this sword? I want to give Amy the chance to have a better life. I want to give her the chance to rule the world. No man shall get in my way." Siegfried then leapt back as Raphael slashed at him once more. As he closed his eyes to gather his thoughts, he stabbed his sword into the ground.

"Foolish human. If that is your desire, then so be it. Allow me to show you the greatest Nightmare." As he opened his eyes, his armor transformed to that worn by the infamous demon, Nightmare. His right azure armor then shattered into many pieces as the skin changed colors and harden before growing large and morphing to a demon's claw. The breast plate screeched loudly as part of the transformation ripped through it. It was clear that Nightmare, in many ways, was still around.

"I see, so even though you don't have Soul Edge in your grasp, you still have the powers it granted you? Interesting. Well then, if you are finished, let us dance." Raphael brought his sword in a slicing motion and struck the solid Requiem once more, cutting deeper into the sturdy blade. "Your sword won't last much longer. I suggest you give up or die."

"As powerful as you are, I shall not falter. Prepare yourself, for even the mighty mountain cannot withstand the force of my Earth Divide." Siegfried warned as he raised his sword over his head. Flames erupted around the blade in a spiral motion until it moved to the tip. The sword turned to a dark red as his body started to glow a bright green.

"Earth Divide, a technique invented by King Arthur himself. Passed down to knights who has proven themselves to be as noble and true as knights of old. Your technique combined with the power of Nightmare is indeed powerful, but it is nothing compared to me." Raphael boasted as he raised his sword and swung at the same time so they would clash. Upon contact, bolts of lightning soared from between the two swords as fire exploded around them, scorching everything inside the cave, excluding the two forces that caused it. Before his very eyes, Requiem gave way and shattered into many pieces. The sharp tip of Soul Edge tore through his armor and released a powerful wave of energy that blew the Azure Knight back and into a hard wall.

As Siegfried laid there unconscious, his body turned back to that of a mortal. The armor looked almost like it did before he transformed, if one didn't count the large slash on the right breast that lead down to the abdomen. "Pathetic." With those words spoken, he left the cave with his new sword in hand.

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Hours had before he awoke. His head rung like a bell in a church, aching with each passing second. "Raphael, you idiot." He managed to say as he coughed up blood. Weakly he managed to climb to his feet, 'Damn. Requiem is shattered. I'll need a sword that's even stronger than Requiem. I'll need Faust. Athens, I'm coming back for what I once left behind.'

With his hands to support him against the wall, he managed to grab his journal on the ground and tie its string to his belt before he left the cave. Once out, his eyes trailed the rocky plain for his father's horse. To his surprise, he was still there. A powerful black stallion, "Hello old friend. It's time for me and you to embark on a quest again. Except, things will be different this time." The horse blew a gust of air through its nose as he saddled onto it, "First stop is Heirch. We need to get a few things before we set out." He gave the reigns a quick snap to get the horse to gallop full speed.

In less than an hour, he was in a small town. From the reaction of the commoners, it was clear that knight's were uncommon. Or at least, knights wearing as finely crafted field plate with a huge gash running down the breastplate. He brought his horse to a small trot as his eyes glanced at the signs in front of the buildings. Minutes later, he managed to find what he was looking for. A blacksmith's shop. As he dismounted off of his horse, he tied the reigns to the poll and approached the door. A loud rumbling came from inside the shop as a man yelled out, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please forgive me!"

Instantly he flung the door open and entered the shop, his eyes staring at the surroundings. Three armored men, probably knights, had the shop owner on the floor and against the wall. Blood was dripping down his nose and from his lips. "Shop's closed." The large man in armor said as he ran a finger along his axe's blade.

"What's going on in here!" Siegfried ordered.

"This man refuses to give us a discount. We're knights who sworn to protect these lands, therefore we deserve a discount for our service. Is there a problem with that?" The smaller more rough looking of the two men answered.

"You three, leave immediately. If you value your safety."

The rough looking small man laughed, "You barge in here unarmed and expect to give us orders? I don't think so. Rudy, Jet, let's teach this bozo a lesson about respect." The small man drew his sword and slowly approached. The one eyed man to his right gripped his spear and dashed forward. In one quick motion, Siegfried strafed to the side and caught to spear in his hands. With a powerful kick, he sent the man flying as he yanked the spear out of his hands and spun it around.

"Since I'm defenseless, you two should have no trouble disposing me. Now come at me if you dare. Though I warn you, there's no dirt to soften your fall." The man with the axe rushed him like a bull, and to his amazement, Siegfried moved to the side and caught him in the back with the shaft of the spear. As the small man tried to come up from behind and made a thrust with his sword, Siegfried turned around and parried the sword with his gauntlet before slicing off the leather strap holding the smaller man's left pauldron on. As it fell to the floor, he stabbed the spear into the ground to help propel himself forward and caught the small man in a powerful kick that sent him crashing through the wooden wall.

"Yarg! You shall die puny man!" A deep voice came from behind him. As he turned around, he ducked a large axe's blade and countered with a right hook, catching the titan in the jaw and sending him through the window.

"Idiots." He turned toward the shop owner, "You okay?" He asked calmly as he helped him to his feet.

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you very much for your kindness. Those brutes were trying to get new armor without paying for them."

"Oh, well, I came here for some supplies. I don't have much so your cheapest sword will do."

The shop owner looked at him a bit puzzled, "Sir, after you helped me. You deserve more than my cheapest sword."

Placing a hard gauntlet on the back of his head, he looked at the weapon rack, "Well, to tell you the truth, I'm on my way to retrieve my old sword so it can help me on my quest. I'm just looking for something that'll protect me until then."

"I see." The old shop owner said as he walked over to the weapon rack, "That still doesn't change the fact that you deserve something more than a cheap sword. Here, this sword shall do nicely. Its our best sword and should do well in protecting you until you reach your destination. You do know how to use a long sword, right?" The old man smiled as he pulled off a finely crafted blade off of the wall. It's guard was gold while the grip was leather dyed black. The blade was approximately four feet long with an exotic design on the blade near the guard.

"This here I crafted three years ago. This is nothing compared to Borin Seshmere's work, but it is the finest sword you'll come across for miles." With his other scrawny hand, he pulled out a green scabbard, "This scabbard is purified steal; the material surrounding it is silk imported from China. Expensive, but I'll let you have it for free. Now, would you prefer a sword belt for the waist, or a girdle so you can throw it over your shoulder?" "I'll take the belt. The sword I'm searching for is a zweihander."

"Ah, zweihander's are rare and very powerful if made properly. Well, until you get your zweihander, this will have to do. Perhaps you need anything else? I do have connections."

"All I need is a cloak to protect me from the weather."

The old man thought for a bit, "You truly are selfless. Are you sure? I could arrange a stay for you at the inn, or a new set of armor. Gothic armor is superior to that of field plate."

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to pass on that offer."

"I see, well, let's see what we can do. I'd also like to pay you for your service. You said you didn't have much money. On a journey, I'm sure you'll need places to stay. How about one hundred gold?"

"That's really not necessary."

"It is. Rarely ever is there a knight in these parts who look after us commoners."

"The knights here are corrupted?"

"Aye, Lord Dyterious is a most vile man. His knights don't follow the code of Chivalry. Instead, they follow his own code and enforce his ruthless laws."

"Hmm, where is this lord of yours?" Siegfried pondered.

"Currently he's in Athens. Rumor has it that a powerful sword lies there. Waiting for a man worthy enough to draw it."

"This sword, what do they say about it?"

"Rumor says that it was left almost seven years ago. It was the only zweihander created by Borin Seshmere and was used by the infamous Nightmare. They say, that before he went berserk, he stabbed the sword into a pedestal and told the priest that he used that sword to defeat the man who first wield Soul Edge. He then put a barrier around the sword so that only a pure hearted man can attempt to pull it out. Supposable he knew he was going to go berserk so the sword was to ensure that someone strong enough would arise and defeat him. Ha, I wish I was there in Athens to watch Lord Dyterious attempt to grab that sword. It would serve that fool well to be thrown back by the blade." Siegfried looked at him a bit puzzled. Had his old sword really became that of the legends? He had put it there originally so when he managed to break free of Soul Edge, he would have a weapon capable of defeating it. Though, he did remember how badly damaged Faust was after the battle.

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After half an hour of talking with the shop owner, he left with his new sword and cloak. It was an old brown cloak, but it would serve him well. He untied the horse and mounted onto the saddle. "Come on Valderon. We have a long way before we reach Athens." The left the city and started down the country side in a fast gallop. The wind blew in his long hair, the sun warmed his face, and the cool breeze reminded him where he was. "Soul Edge, this time I shall destroy you if it's the last thing I do." He vowed.