Author's note: As always, thanks for waiting! This chapter will provide the origins of the rest of the MHN, by the way (before the second part of the prologue, I might add).

And don't worry, there will be some canon minor characters featured in a couple of them, just so you know.

By the way, I've forgot to mention that there will be multiple endings, so there will be chapters dedicated to such. Sort of like a CYOA-style romp, but still...

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Helen's Origins, Six Years Ago...

As Helen Mortavic stepped into the Varskov family's grand library to start cleaning, her jaw instantly dropped. She found that the entire room was opulent, decorated with the finest paintings.

Well, I better get to work.

She began to clean the floors, and after some excruciating time, would go on to dust off the books. While at work, though, she came across a book that genuinely caught her eye.

It was a book about combat and fighting, something that Helen always wanted to read up on. She took the book, and sat down near a table, beginning to read the first page.

Time passed, and as Helen was engrossed in the book, she heard the sound of feet walking. Then, the doors opened, and a tall, middle-aged man stood there, seemingly wanting to tell her to resume her work.

However, he had a thought pop up in him. "I see you are very, very obsessed with wanting to become a warrior." he told her.

She gasped and turned to see him, letting out a surprised "Baron Varskov!"

"In fact, one of my ascendants had also wrote that book you're reading now."

As the baron spoke, Helen smiled and asked, "Should I take up training? Please?"

"I'm afraid you might not be fit to tackle fighting and combat."

Helen frowned, but Baron Varskov added, "But since you want to become a warrior, I'll be more than happy to train you."

It didn't take long for her to let out a broad smile, almost excitedly putting the book away, and exclaiming, "Then...I'll do my very best!"

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The lance that Helen carried in her hands was quite heavy, especially since she was a bit short. She was also decked out in training garb and armor, watching as Baron Varskov arrived with a lance similar to hers.

"First, you must learn to strike when the timing is right."

His words made her nod, and though she was nervous, she took hold of the lance. She began charging for Varskov, who was ready to fight back.

Thankfully, she made a clean, precise hit, striking him in his armor. "Very good, Helen." she heard him speak, managing to get himself back up.

"You also must learn to guard, as well."

Varskov would then lunge for Helen, who was just about to block his attack. Unfortunately, she was too late as she was struck, and would then hit the ground.

"Almost close there. Try again." he said.

Helen was able to pick herself back up, and watched as Varskov did another of his attacks. She took a deep breath, and was able to block it, before following things up with a few hits of her own.

"Once again, good job!" he exclaimed. "But just remember, your training may take a few years, but in the end, it will be all worth it."

His words made her smile, and she nodded in agreement. It wouldn't be easy for her, but she was more than happy to learn.

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Isuzu's Origins, Five Years Ago...

Being the middle eldest of three children seemed like a cakewalk: not only was she set to becoming a ninja like Taki, but Isuzu Kumosaka seemed to be the best big sister she had ever been to Natsu. With her older brother, Riki, also a ninja himself, the future looked bright.

Except she didn't really wanted to be one; rather, she wanted to take up swordsmanship and even learn to become a samurai. This perplexed Chie, as she looked over her eldest daughter (and middle eldest child overall) with concern.

"So your true intentions is be a warrior over a ninja?" she asked her.

"Yes. That's what I've strive to be as I get older."

"But haven't you remembered taking up a bit of training as a ninja?"

Isuzu was surprised by her mother's question, and ended up replying, "I had; but I had a different goal on my mind."

"Hey, sis!" a voice rang out.

It belonged to none other than Natsu, Isuzu's little sister. The samurai-to-be was always five years older than her, and she was also shown to be genuinely protective of her.

"What are you and Mom talking about?"

"Your sister and I conversing about what to do for Isuzu in the future, for you see, she has made plans for it." Chie replied.

"As much as I want to take up after my brother, I've been looking to learn the way of the samurai." Isuzu added.

"A samurai?" Natsu was taken aback at first, but took a deep breath as she continued.

"Isuzu, if you wanna be a samurai, then I wanna be a ninja as I get older!"

Isuzu ended up smiling at her, and fluffed her orange hair. "So it's a win-win situation for both of us." she said, and Chie and Natsu ended up smiling alongside her.

And with that, the dark-haired woman looked up at the sky, and a brave smile arose on her face.

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Lydia's Origins, Two Years Ago...

While reading up on the history of Soul Edge, Lydia Carrington sighed as she briefly looked over at a window, the sunset in full view. Despite her frequent studies, there was only one thing on her mind.

She was deeply in love with one of her classmates, a girl named Leia. Aside from having developed a strong friendship with her, Lydia felt as though she was ready to take the next step and profess her feelings.

Eventually, some time later, she would complete her studies, so that she could spend her break talking to her. Outside the academy, there was a bridge that provided a beautiful view of the English countryside.

At the bridge, was Leia, leaning against the rails as she admired the sky. It didn't take long for Lydia to show up and clear her throat, before asking, "Gorgeous view, ain't it?"

"Of course. And the way the sun is setting is just as lovely as the sun would rise every morning."

Both girls smiled, before offering to chill and admire the sunset. However, it wouldn't take long for Lydia to look over her and said, "Hey, Leia. There's...something I wanted to tell you."

"Yes?" she asked.

"Leia...do you..." Lydia took a deep breath, before finally asking, "...do you like me?"

Leia could only smile as she said, "Of course, I like you. You've been my closest friend since we've took up studying together at the academy."

"I know, but..."

As her fists clenched together, Lydia would then ask, "But do you love me?"

Leia was caught completely off-guard by what her friend had told her; it was no secret Lydia had past relationships (both romantic and sexual) with both men and women, but none had satiated her that much. And since she was intent on wanting them to have a more serious relationship, this made Leia quite unsure.

"Lydia..." she sighed, before she added, "I...I'm sorry. As much as I feel like my heart belongs to you...I don't."

"What?!"

Lydia stood there, shell shocked as Leia continued, "I'm already in love with Nicolas; you know, one of the popular students?"

"He's my brother!"

Leia raised an eyebrow in surprise, but seeing Lydia sporting a very pained expression on her face was enough for her to soften. "Like I said, I'm sorry."

Hearing her words were enough to numb most (if not all) the pain in her heart, and Lydia sighed as she maintained her gaze at her. "I'm sorry, too."

She hung her head down for a bit, before raising it back up to tell Leia, "Well...we should get back before school ends."

"Sure."

While both Lydia and Leia returned to the academy, the former was left lovelorn. She would hope that one day...she would find the love of her life that, for once, will never turn their back on her.

If my brother could find love, then why can't I?

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Elizabeth's Origins, One Year Ago...

Since she was a teenager, Elizabeth Hancock had taken up on becoming a nurse, and eventually, a doctor as she would grow older. Nursing the wounded from numerous battles and fights, she was regarded by her patients as an 'angel incarnate'.

But she was also, deep down inside, a perfectionist to her very core. Every day, she had always ensured that she would use the right items whilst tending to her patients.

One day, while working on her fighting skills, as she fought with twin daggers, Elizabeth heard the sound of what seemed to be a neigh. She headed out, and saw a young man tending to some horses.

"Excuse me...but do I know you?" she asked.

He wound up turning to face her, and was surprised as to how about familiar she looked. When they were younger, they were budding friends, but as time went by, they would go their separate ways, especially when he left for Europe with his adoptive father Rock.

And since he had returned to the Americas, Bangoo was more than happy to prove his valiance.

"Elizabeth!" he exclaimed. The two then shared a small hug, before he decided to take a break for a while and talk to her.

"Long ago, you claimed that one day, you would become a medicine woman."

"I did, but...I've become a doctor instead." she replied with a smile. "How about you, Bangoo? What have you been doing for the past few years?"

"Well, I had traveled to Europe with my father. I stayed there for a couple of years, before I chose to return to my home so as to perhaps strike out on my own." he said.

"Fascinating...still, it's so good to see you again after all these years." she told him, her smile still radiant.

"Me, too." Bangoo replied with a nod.

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For the next several weeks, both Bangoo and Elizabeth began to bond and eventually become close friends, something they were almost close to being in their childhoods. During the last few days she spent with him, she offered them a visit to a nearby town's local soothsayer.

While he had a fortune that seemed quite promising, she, on the other hand, had something quite unexpected in store. As the soothsayer gazed in her crystal ball, her mouth went slightly agape.

"It seems...that you have immense conflict ahead of you...I am not sure if it is good or bad."

As she said those words, Elizabeth was left baffled. A conflict?

"It will await you somewhere in a town in Germany, where you will encounter people of utmost importance."

This left the blond cupping her chin, deep in thought. Perhaps, it would be best if I go there and find out for myself.

After being given her fortune, Elizabeth went back to Bangoo and said, "I've a feeling I might be leaving soon."

"Leaving? What for?" he asked.

"I don't know, but I can tell you this: if there is sacrifice involved in that war, then so be it."

Her words prompted him to nod his head in agreement, and he told her, "If you meet my father there, then tell him I'm safe, back in America."

"I will."

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When Elizabeth took off for Europe, she remembered about going to Germany. Eventually, she would settle in Lasberg, and visited a nearby tavern.

Unbeknownst to her, was a blonde girl who was looking to form her own group. She had always wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a hero of sorts, and the older woman soon believed that it was what the soothsayer had predicted.

Approaching the girl, Elizabeth asked, "Excuse me, miss, but who're you?"

The girl smiled and replied, "I'm Marie Schtauffen, and you are?"

"Elizabeth Hancock; pleased to meet you. I've a feeling you might be related to that man..."

"He's my father." was Marie's response.

That was enough to cause Elizabeth's jaw to drop, and asked, "Is...is that so? Then that means I'm honored talking to someone from his lineage!"

"Thanks!" She followed up with, "Come to think of it, I'm looking for some new allies to form a group of future heroes, much like my mom did in the past."

"Well, my medical background and such could be of some significance."

Her words made Marie ponder for a moment, before she nodded her head in approval. "Then...welcome to the Mad Hearts Neo!"

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With Elizabeth as her first member, Marie began to scout for other potential allies. Along the way, Elizabeth had also brought up her life and upbringing in the Americas, before she learned about what her future was like, and headed for Europe.

During a planned visit to Schwarzwind to see how they were doing, they bumped into a girl in golden armor. "S-Sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you." she said with a rather timid voice.

"Oh, no we didn't bump into you; we didn't expect you coming our way." Marie replied. After introducing herself, she asked for her name.

"I'm Helen...I am on an excursion so as to improve my combat skills. Heck, I even wanted to be a bodyguard, too. But Baron Varskov told me that was somewhat of a tall order." Helen said.

"Combat abilities? Well, I've been considering the idea of having some muscle in my team, so...show me what you can do!"

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After Helen was able to prove her worthiness by demonstrating her fighting ability, both Marie and Elizabeth were stunned. It didn't take long for Marie to express genuine eagerness as she would bring her into the group.

They got to know each other, bringing up their favorite things and what not. Another eventful day would finally happen when Marie was browsing through a bookstore, when a woman in red asked, "You're the daughter of Siegfried, are you?"

Marie nearly jolted, but sighed in relief as she turned to face her. "Yes; from the looks of things, you have plenty of knowledge on what happened years ago, right?"

"Of course, I do."

The woman offered Marie her hand, and said, "I am Lydia."

"And I'm Marie."

After doing her spiel concerning the Mad Hearts Neo and recruiting, she finally asked, "Since you're one seriously smart girl, maybe you should join us?"

Lydia grinned, before she replied, "Sounds like a good idea to me; can't wait to put my knowledge to the test..." then whispered under her breath, "...and maybe see your knickers along the way."

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, nothing!"

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As a few days passed, the group of four got to know each other, and had even took part in training and sparring together. And yet...it seemed Marie was missing one last thing for the Mad Hearts Neo to come to fruition.

She had remembered that the original Mad Hearts consisted of a leader (Tristy, her mother), a warrior (Holly), an intellect (Annabelle), a healer (Kelly), and the femme fatale that kicked as much ass as the others (Nikki).

While at their base thinking things over on what to do next, they heard the sound of rambling, before a crashing noise followed. Marie went to check outside, and saw that it was a beautiful, dark-haired woman clad in a sleeveless, almost revealing kimono.

Taking her in, she and the others were more than happy to help her recover. When the woman came to her senses at last, she asked them, "Where the hell am I?"

"You're in the humble abode of the Mad Hearts Neo." Lydia replied.

"The Mad Hearts? I thought they'd retired already."

"No, no, no. The Mad Hearts Neo." Marie corrected her.

This was enough for the woman to say, "Well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

She then added, "Also, I've come here not just for a challenge, but also relax and drink as much beer as possible. And maybe hit on some guys along the way."

"That's the kind of person we need for the Mad Hearts Neo!" Helen exclaimed.

"Someone who's not only oozing sex appeal, and but is also tough, too." Marie added.

"I have sex appeal? And I'm tough? You're damn right I'm both of those things, so much so that you owe me a sparring match." the woman said with a grin.

It didn't take long for her to finally add, "I'm Isuzu...and I'm looking forward to this!"

Her assertiveness initially confused the others, but they mutually agreed that she was perfect as the fifth and final member of the team. And thus, the Mad Hearts Neo were officially formed.

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And there you have it; now, onto the main story, folks!

With love for my fans,

Chrissy