Author's note: And now for something completely different: a side story chapter (and a bit of a POV shift)! On a bit of a side note, I added in an extra scene from the previous chapter.

And do keep in mind, this might be shorter than all the chapters I've done.

Enjoy!

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According to Mitsurugi, he had first encountered Algol in Ostrheinsburg many years ago. And now, he had been determined to fight him again, after living his life post-war as a farmer.

Isuzu was nevertheless intrigued, and agreed to help him out. The morning after their battle together, she bid the Mad Hearts Neo a temporary goodbye, and was off on an adventure of her own.

It had taken a day or two, but Mitsurugi was confident he could track him down again.

"Ostrheinsburg, huh? You certain you'll confront him again there?"

Isuzu's question had made him instantly take notice of her, and replied, "I've a feeling he could be around here, so I suggest you keep your fingers crossed."

"Fair enough. But I got one more question to ask: why'd you become a farmer?"

Mitsurugi sighed, before he said, "The war I participated in had ended, and it seemed my job was done. So I quietly left the life of a samurai behind and became such."

"Wait a minute; a farmer, or a samurai? I'm a little confused here."

"The former, mind you."

"And one more thing: are you sure it'll be one on one between you and Algol?" she asked.

"Yes; but I suggest you deal with him first, and when you're defeated, I'll be more than happy to help out." he told her, both of them smiling in agreement.

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As they've made it to a rather deep forest within Ostrheinsburg, Mitsurugi detected the familiarity of it. Having recalled his battle with Algol to her, he knew his opponent would be somewhere around the forest.

"Where is he?" he asked himself under his breath.

Isuzu was right behind him, as she too looked around. Eventually, after several more minutes, they would give up.

"Dammit; and I thought it would teleport me to his hideout!" Mitsurugi exclaimed with a frown, before suspecting a white glow below them.

"Looks like he might've noticed our presence." the dark-haired woman said.

Before long, Mitsurugi and Isuzu would soon be engulfed in a white light, with the former certain that what he said was true.

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Once the light dissipated from them, Mitsurugi was soon to discover that this was Algol's home. Before them, lied a giant throne, with a tall, muscular man sitting on it with a smirk.

"So you've wanted yourself a rematch, is that correct?" he asked.

"Algol, it's you again...and how I've been waiting to challenge you once more!"

Isuzu, on the other hand, was completely surprised. Holy crap, she thought to herself, and he's still alive after all these years!

Algol chuckled, before he got up. "I had defeated you the last time, and I believe that it will happen again!" he told him.

Mitsurugi then looked over at the female samurai, and was able to snap her out of her daze. "Remember what I said to you about this battle!"

Blinking in surprise, Isuzu nodded. Learning that she would help Mitsurugi out, Algol scoffed as he asked, "Oh, so you've brought a little backup, have you?"

With her katana in hand, she just smirked. "If you wanna fight him, then you're gonna have to fight me first!"

He stood before her as Isuzu did her first attack, several slashes to his body. Despite taking these hits, he would sustain them.

Algol had wielded replicas of Soul Calibur and Soul Edge, and would rely on the former first. Just as she would perform her Critical Edge, he struck her with the sword, a vortex glowing around it.

These particular attacks were quite strong, and it made her mouth gape. Wished I drank a lot more before I fought him!

Isuzu pressed on, though, delivering another series of hits from her katana. This did not faze him, however, as he would use Soul Edge to fight back.

The dark-haired woman was hit numerous times, and finally carried out her Critical Edge: she closed her eyes, and effortlessly slash and stab at him. Algol glared down at her, before blocking her next attack and a barrier-like force knocked her down".

Isuzu looked over at Mitsurugi and said, "Okay, it's your turn!"

"Thanks."

He smiled as he spoke to her, before turning his attention to Algol. He went towards him, his blade quickly making several hits on the immortal.

Just as he was ready to continue his combo, his katana came into contact with one of Algol's weapons. As their swords collided with each other, the latter smirked. "Your friend is quite good; but I've enough of silly little compliments."

"Trust me...you won't defeat me at a time like this!"

Algol used Soul Edge, the weapon he used to block, to hit Mitsurugi a few times, but he narrowly avoided the last one by hitting him in the lower body. This finally prompted him to finish what Isuzu started, performing his Critical Edge and nearly breaking down his defense.

A long growl of anger emitted from the immortal as he looked up at the duo. "Two on one, huh? Not bad, but having to be bested by both of you...how shameful!"

"Shameful? But I've managed to even things between the two of us." Mitsurugi told him.

"I shall see to it that you fight me again; and this time, don't bring any backup with you, either!"

"Me? Backup? Puh-lease; I did as much ass-whooping as him."

Algol grimaced, before he said, "I've had enough of your snappy dialogue; as for you Mitsurugi, you haven't seen the last of me!"

It wasn't long before the white light that brought Mitsurugi and Isuzu to him consumed them both, and soon...

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...they'd find themselves in the forest in Ostrheinsburg.

"We're still alive?! Thank god!" Isuzu exclaimed as she got herself up, as did Mitsurugi.

He breathed a sigh of relief, before he also told her, "I thank you for aiding me with Algol, though I'm afraid this isn't the end for both of us."

"Between me and you?"

"No, between me and Algol. Since the fight had included you as backup for myself, he seems intent on a one-on-one match instead of a handicap match next time." he replied.

"But at least I was happy to give it my all." she said, before a grin instantly showed up on her face as she added, "Now, let's celebrate with some beer!"

Remembering how Isuzu passed out while she and Mitsurugi hung out together after their match with one another, the samurai cautiously told her, "Just...go easy on the drinks. You wouldn't want to faint again now, would you?"

"I'll try...honest!"

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There may be some more side stories in the future, but this is the only one so far.

And back to the main story (aka Chapter 9) we go! Catch y'all later!

With love for my fans,

Chrissy