LadyPirate54 - I'm sorry if I didn't make this clear earlier, but my story isn't supposed to follow the whole Soul Calibur plot. It's supposed to be based in an alternate universe. Anyway, sorry for the mix up.

pawprint0110 - I'm not going to lie. I love Hwang. I really do. And I love Siegfried just as much, if not a little more. Most importantly, I love Seong Mina, which is why I started my story off with her (minus the prologue part with Tira). So when it comes to the pairings, I'm really really torn. One day I want it to be Mina and Siegfried. The next day, I'm completely pro Hwang & Mina. So it's a tough decision. Actually, the pairings in general are really difficult for me. I seriously don't know who's going to end up with who at the end. We're just going to have to see. ne?

Shinryu-Twilight Dragon - oh man, Siegfried's only indestructable because he's got a ridiculously ginornous sword to swing around like crazy. lol, no no, i'm kidding. Yeah, Seigfried's the man. I wouldn't say he was undefeatable, but that's just my opinion.

Chapter 6

The Fallen Maiden

It had rained that day when she stood atop that hill, her sword in one hand and shield in the other. She felt cold and numb all over, but her body remained poised and determined. She forced her breathing to steady with each passing second, unwilling to allow the enemy to see her exhaustion. From the side of her thigh, she could feel a searing pain as blood dripped down onto the ground. But she ignored it and cast her gaze on her opponent, an unreadable look in her eyes.

Her opponent grinned, a malicious smile on her painted lips. She swept her bangs away from her face in a grand gesture and then proceeded to point at her. "Out of the way, priestess. Run before you annoy me."

She stood her ground, saying nothing.

"Hmph, stubborn bitch. Fine, I'll teach you a lesson." And with that, her opponent struck, swinging a giant, razor edged ring over her head.

She had been ready for the attack. Jumping out of the way, she raised her shield over her head to block the attack and then swung her sword…

The battle had been over before she even realized it. They had exchanged a few blows, but in the end, her sword had been victorious.

Her opponent landed onto the ground, her weapon flying out of her hands. Blood spurting out of her mouth, she shrieked, "Curse you, you shrine wench! This fight is not over! I will have my revenge!"

She stood where she was, unmoved by her opponent's words. For a long time she had stood in the rain, washing the blood away from her sword…

Sophitia Alexandra was a chaste maiden. Her heart and soul were one of the purest in the world, and its was only her beauty that had surpassed that. With eyes glowing a gentle sea foam green, and hair that shone like gold, Sophitia was the envy of all women and was desired by all men. It was a pity that she had sworn a life of celibacy and cared only to serve the gods. However, it was all the more reason for the men to lust after her. She was untouched and pure. There was nothing in the world that could make a woman more desirable.

Sophitia smiled at the thought as she ran her fingers through her soaking, golden locks. Being a beautiful shrine maiden was a dangerous occupation, especially when one left the protection of the temple. Over the last month, seven maidens had been assaulted and raped. Three were found dead just a few paces away from the temple.

But Sophitia was everything but a helpless shrine maiden. She had been chosen by the gods to fulfill their commands, and she was given the strength to overcome danger. If any man dared to approach her in an inappropriate manner, she would put them back in their place and make them pay for their lewd conduct.

It was because of this that the men tended to watch Sophitia from a distance, rather than suffer her wrath. No man dared approach the angelic beauty, in fear of rousing the devil within her.

Sophitia rose up from her private bath and reached for her towel, wrapping it around her. Moving out of the warm water, she hurried over to a changing room and slipped on a simple white dress, the skirt falling just above her knees. She then proceeded to brush her hair and braid it quickly, her hands moving expertly through her golden locks.

Now she was ready to step out of the temple. For months she was ready to step out of the temple. It was only now that she was finally allowed to leave.

With a satisfied smile, Sophitia made her way down the temple steps and into the bustling city.

"Mmm, the shards have been scattered, master. My pets have done their job. Soon the seeds of hate will cover this world."

Once again she laughed, sweeping her blue bangs out of her face. As she gazed over her shoulder, her eyes caught sight of the Azure Knight swinging his giant blade in the air.

She had been traveling with him for over three months now, scattering the shards of a broken sword throughout the lands. But still he kept his distance, never addressing her unless he needed something. When he did address her, however, he was always brash and hostile.

Still, she couldn't help but admire him. Never had she seen anyone use so much power at will. In a manner of minutes, he had ravaged an entire countryside with a single wave of his sword. He possessed the destructive powers that she had always coveted.

"Girl!"

She snapped out of her reverie and realized the knight had finished his exercise. Turning around fully, she made a face and placed her hands on her hips defiantly. She hated being called 'girl.'

"I have a name, you know," she grumbled irritably.

"I don't care if you were a dancing bear," he snapped, towering over her. "My patience grows thin with your method." He drew his sword out and was now holding it up against her neck.

Paying the sword no heed, she calmly replied, "And what other method would you suggest once I am dead? My crows will heed no other but me. And you forget that he is out there somewhere as well, wandering around with no recollection of who he truly is. Even with only fragments of his memory, he is a danger to you." Her eyes flashed crimson for a brief second as she glared at the knight defiantly. "You had the chance to kill him. Why didn't you?"

"You question my decisions, girl?"

"Tira. My name is Tira," she said firmly, standing her ground. "And I'm beginning to grow bored with your temper."

Tira expected him to hurt her like he always did whenever she said anything out of line. But he, surprisingly, remained motionless, never lifting a finger to touch her.

"Mark my words, girl. I will dispose of you once this is finished."

Under any other circumstance, Tira would have shut up and backed away before he grew angrier. However, she was feeling grouchy, and she wasn't about to let anyone, not even this knight, push her around anymore. "Keep dreaming," she sneered, tip-toeing up to his level.

Unexpectedly, he began to chuckle, throwing his head back in amusement. "I'm afraid you have it all wrong."

Tira scowled for the first time in months as she folded her arms over her nearly exposed chest. She was beginning to feel a burning sensation throughout her entire body. She had known it was going to happen again, but the sensation was becoming much more frequent. Soon she would be fully consumed.

As if sensing her sudden distress, the Azure Knight chuckled and lowered his sword. "You're going to need another body if you keep this up." And with that, he turned away.

"Well, I do have somebody in mind…"

Sophitia felt shivers run down her spine as she made her way down the temple steps. Looking over her shoulder for a moment, she expected to find someone watching her.

There was no one around.

Sophitia scowled slightly. She could have sworn she had felt a presence there.

Maybe I'm just paranoid, she thought, dismissing the feeling. She had other plans to think about and had no intention of being late. After all, it wasn't too often that she was able to see her family.

Making her way into the city, Sophitia was greeted by a lively sight. There were people everywhere, gathering around the streets and bustling about from one shop to the next, buying wares and fine clothing. Vendors called out to anyone who passed by, shoving their colorful goods in people's faces whenever the opportunity came.

"Make way! Make way!" one worker grumbled, moving through the crowd.

Immediately, Sophitia's scowl faded and turned into a nostalgic grin. She had missed this boisterous life. She remembered how hectic it had been back then, when she was still known only as the baker's daughter. Back then, she knew only of baking bread and pleasing future suitors. Now it was completely different.

Brushing aside her nostalgic feeling, Sophitia moved past the crowd and wound around a deserted alleyway. There, she caught sight of a small house with a bustling chimney and a line of customers. As she drew near, she could smell the scent of freshly baked bread.

"Hey, hey, let's not be too hasty now. Your order will be coming up in a minute," a familiar voice said from an open window.

Sophitia's eyes searched the crowd and found an identical face with identical blonde hair just a few paces away.

Green eyes caught her gaze, and the girl called out to her. "Sophitia! You're finally here!"

Sophitia grinned and worked her way through the lines of people. Reaching her younger sister, she gave her a brief hug and then moved away. "Cassandra, you look well."

"So do you," her sister replied, leading Sophitia into the small house. "Did you have any trouble getting here?" she asked, pulling over two chairs.

Sophitia sat down and shook her head, watching Cassandra move about the room, fetching drinks and warm bread. Just a few years ago, Sophitia had done the same, always accommodating her father's guests. Now it was Cassandra who had taken her place as 'host.'

Shaking her head, Sophitia removed her cloak and placed it behind her chair. "Not at all. It's a wonderful change from temple life." She sat down and tucked any loose strands of her hair behind her ear. "Where are mother and father?"

"Visiting the countryside," Cassandra replied. "They won't be back for another week." And with that, she placed a tray of drinks and bread onto the table and sat down as well. It was then that she did the strangest thing. Sitting down facing Sophitia, she wrung her hands nervously and looked at her surroundings from side to side, as if checking to see if anyone else was around.

"Cassandra?"

For a moment Cassandra remained silent, still checking her surroundings. When she was satisfied that no one would barge in, she leaned over closely to Sophitia and whispered, "I'm glad you're here." And then she proceeded to pull out an object wrapped in cloth from her pocket and unwrapped it. "I've been meaning to show you something." And with that, she held the object up before Sophitia.

Sophitia studied the object carefully in Cassandra's hands. It was a glassy fragment twinkling in blue as it caught the light. It seemed to be made out of metal, although Sophitia was unsure. As she drew near, it began to glow slightly before fading away.

Glancing up at Cassandra, Sophitia asked, "What is it?"

Still holding the shard up, Cassandra replied, "I think it's a sword fragment. But I can't be too sure. Metal like this is uncommon in these parts, you know." She moved her hand for Sophitia to examine the shard once again. "I've never seen anything like it."

Hesitantly, Sophitia reached out to touch the fragment, unsure of why she was suddenly afraid. As the cool metal brushed against her fingertips, she immediately felt a strange sensation spread out through her entire body. Gasping, Sophitia's hand jerked away, accidentally slapping the shard out of Cassandra's hand. "I'm sorry!" she immediately said as Cassandra gave her a strange look.

Cassandra said nothing as she moved to pick up the fallen shard. Sophitia also remained silent, watching her younger sister examine the shard. She had felt something when she had touched it. It was a power she had felt before. A power she had feared. Something wasn't right about this shard.

"Are you alright?"

Her train of thought interrupted, Sophitia blinked for a moment and nodded slightly. "I'm fine," she remarked quickly as Cassandra sat back down.

Cassandra did not look convinced. "You went as pale as a ghost when you touched this. That usually means something's wrong. Either that or you've come down with something."

Silently, Sophitia wished her sister didn't know her so well. It made things harder for her to hide. Shaking her head, Sophitia gave a weak smile and held Cassandra's hand. "It's nothing to worry about, Cassandra. I really am okay." And with that, she gently closed Cassandra's palm over the shard. "This sword fragment has power. Can you not sense it?"

Cassandra nodded in agreement. "I know that the moment I touched it…" she paused, as if unwilling to reveal anymore. Quietly, she looked away from Sophitia's disarming gaze.

"Cassandra?"

Sophitia gave her sister's hand a gentle squeeze. Something was troubling Cassandra. She could sense it.

For a long moment no one spoke. Finally, Cassandra looked up to meet her sister's gaze once again.

"I had a dream last night," Cassandra began hesitantly, as if unsure whether or not to tell her sister the entire truth. "I was in a strange temple in the sky, and when I looked down to see where I was, it was as if I were looking down from the heavens…And then the sky darkened, and the clouds turned into a black mist. When I had checked my surroundings once again, I saw a girl kneeling before an altar. She was covered in blood, and she appeared to be chanting something I could not understand. When I called out to her, she gave me no response, but proceeded to move away from the altar. Behind her…was a corpse…You were dead, Sophitia. "

Sophitia felt her blood go cold in an instant as Cassandra looked away from her. Shaking her head, Sophitia tried to shake the feeling of apprehension away and smiled. "It was only a dream. See? I'm still here. Nothing's happened to me."

"How do you know that for sure?" Cassandra asked quietly.

Before Sophitia could reply, a loud scream rang aloud in the streets, immediately distracting her. Turning to the direction of the noise, she scowled and wondered what all the commotion was about. "What's going on?"

Cassandra had already moved up to her feet and was already hurrying over to the window. "I don't know. Do you think…?"

Sophitia shook her head. "No, they wouldn't dare touch a maiden in broad daylight." But still, she rushed out of the house, worried that perhaps it really was another attack.

"Sophitia! Wait!" Casandra called out, running after her.

Quickly, the two sisters made their way through the winding streets, running in the direction of the scream. As they drew closer to the source, they immediately spotted a crowd gathering around a dark alleyway.

"Please let me through," Sophitia said aloud, pushing through the crowd in haste. From behind her, she could hear Cassandra asking for an explanation.

"It's terrible!"

"This has been the eighth one this month!"

It was then that Sophitia's fears were confirmed. Finally moving past the crowd, she was soon greeted by a gruesome scene. Before her lay one of her fellow shrine maidens, her body twisted and covered in blood. She was completely nude and had her stomach sliced open. There had been a look of fear in her eyes, and her mouth was open as if to utter a scream of terror.

"Helena," Sophitia whispered, putting a hand over her mouth. Although she had only known the girl for a brief time, Sophitia couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. Helena was only 16.

"Who could have done this? Who would do such a thing?

Sophitia remained silent as she crouched down to inspect the body. Something had caught her eyes when she took a closer look. It had glinted just for a second, but Sophitia was sure something was there. Moving closer to the body, Sophitia soon noticed a tiny piece of metal sticking out from Helena's sliced stomach.

Could it be…? Sophitia thought, moving her fingers slowly towards Helena's stomach.

Suddenly, there was a loud caw, and a crow swooped down into the air. Before Sophitia could extract the metal from Helena's stomach, the crow snapped its beak shit and removed it.

Stunned by the crow's presence, Sophitia watched the crow land a few paces away, the piece of metal in between its beak. As she continued to stare at the crow, it turned its head to the side and met her gaze.

"Come and get it."

Sophitia gasped and shook her head in disbelief. It was as if the crow had spoken to her. But immediately, she shook her head and brushed the thought aside. Don't be ridiculous! Crows can't talk.

"Sophitia!"

Glancing over her shoulder, Sophitia spotted Cassandra move towards her. Holding up a hand, she told Cassandra to stay away. With that said and done, Sophitia turned her attention back to the crow.

But it was gone…and so was the shard.

Sophitia's scowl deepened as she rose up from the ground. Although she had been unable to inspect the metallic fragment up close, there was no doubt about it that it was just like the shard Cassandra had found. She was sure of it. Both fragments emitted the same evil aura. The only question was…Why was it in Helena's body?