A/N: 1 more week and I'm out of jail… ehr, I mean school. Hahaha anyway here's my update. I decided to make a minor love triangle between Hilde, Sieg and Cass in here and for the next chapters to come. Nothing really serious though. Just something to By the way, thanks for those who reviewed my work last time. Hoping to get more next time.

The sun has set and nightfall arrives. The gang made their way to the Wolfkrone Castle as requested by Princess Hilde. Upon arriving at the throne room, the four warriors bowed down in front of her. Recognizing their presence, the princess told them to rise up.

"You're Majesty, what is this meeting all about?" asked Mitsurugi.

"I wanted to finish off where we left a while ago. You see, there's a reason why I spared the Azure Knight's life… He was chosen by the Holy Stone, Soul Calibur as its rightful possessor."

Everybody was stunned on what the princess have said. They couldn't believe that Siegfried was the one in the prophecy that Aeon told them about.

"How could have that happened? Wasn't Siegy the Azure Knight?" asked Maxi.

"I think I know why." said Cassandra. Curious on what the younger Athenian has to say, everyone turned their attention towards her. "Everything that Siegfried said to us was true. He didn't want to become Nightmare in the first place. He was just misled by the sword's power in bringing his father back to life. Though he became that monster, deep inside, he was still the same Siegfried, the knight who always fights for what is right and protects those who cannot fend for themselves. Now he tries his best to atone for the sins that he had done when he was that monster. Maybe Soul Calibur saw the goodness inside his heart and the strength to destroy Soul Edge once and for all."

Hilde was surprised on what the Athenian had said. She didn't know about Siegfried's past or why did he became the Azure Knight in the first place. Secretly, she started to feel guilty inside on what she had put the knight through. Though she now understands why these people cared so much for the Azure Knight, the fact that he was the monster who took countless lives to feed the eternal hunger of the sword did not passed by her thoughts. "I see, but still, his soul had been already tainted with So…"

"You're wrong!" Without hesitation, Cassandra immediately interrupted the princess. "I know that his heart is still pure inside. I've already experience it in the past… My sister and I were ordered by our gods to destroy the Azure Knight and Soul Edge. During our travels, we encountered Maxi, Siegfried and Mitsurugi. After we found out who Siegfried was, I tried to kill him. Surprisingly, he didn't do anything… He was… He was ready to die at that moment! But I couldn't... I couldn't find the strength to kill him because… he is too important to me!" Tears started to fall from Cassandra's face while she remembers that moment and how she regretted on doing it. "H…He always thinks about how to atone for his sins even though… even though it costs him his life! That's why Soul Calibur chose him!"

Hilde was struck by what Cassandra had said. Realizing what her sister is doing, Sophitia decided to speak as well. "You're Highness, if I may add; Siegfried also saved my sister's life when she was attacked by one of the servants of the cursed sword even though she tried to kill him before."

"By the way, even though he was still Nightmare back then, he tried his best to interfere with the monster's actions to stop him from killing me." added Mitsurugi.

Amazed by the opinions of the warriors, Hilde began to have second thoughts about her own opinion about the knight. (They treat him like he did nothing wrong. It surprises me that they could accept him even if they knew about what he was and what he had done…) While Hilde continued thinking about the knight, a soldier arrived at the room.

"You're Majesty, the doctors wanted to inform you that the Azure Knight is now in a stable condition." Everyone in the room was delighted about the news.

"Very good, did Miss Valentine lead the operation?" asked the princess.

The soldier shook his head and told her that the alchemist was nowhere to be found in the clinic and even in her house. Hilde was now getting really worried about her friend. (Ivy, what's happening to you? Why is this Cervantes affecting you so much?)

Realizing that she has still have guests to accommodate, Hilde stopped thinking about Ivy for a while and turned her attention back to them. "Let's finish our discussion here for now. I will summon you again when the Azure, I mean Siegfried fully recovers. In the meantime, why don't you stay here at the castle?"

The group became speechless from the princess's offer. They didn't know whether to accept it or not because of the misdeeds that they have done to her. Before any of them could speak, Hilde already spoke. "Please, I insist."

Because of the princess's persuasion, the group agreed to stay. Delighted with their decision, Hilde called some of her servants and ordered them to prepare a room for each of the warriors. "Please make yourselves at home while you're here at my castle."

Overwhelmed by all the things that the princess had given them, Sophitia couldn't help but feel guilty in accepting more kindness from her. "You're Majesty; we thank you once again for the kindness that you have shown to us. You've done so much to us but in return we've done nothing but cause you trouble. Please forgive us for our actions."

"Like I said earlier, I understand why you did your actions and I don't blame you for it. Let's just say that I want to give the best that my kingdom has to offer to the savior in our prophecy and his companions. Now go to your rooms and get some rest. You all went through a lot today." She then ordered a servant girl to lead them into their rooms. The warriors followed the girl except for Cassandra who stayed behind.

"What are you still doing here?" asked the princess.

"You're Majesty, may I please visit Siegfried first?"

"That won't be necessary. He'll be taken here first thing in the morning. Am I right soldier?" The soldier nodded in approval.

"Well, alright then. I bid you goodnight, Princess." With that said Cassandra caught up with the others and went to each other's rooms.

Left alone in the throne room, Hilde continued thinking about the alchemist. She was her closest friend. She was almost like an elder sister to her because of the times that they had spent together since Ivy arrived at the kingdom. Going back through memory lane, Hilde remembered the time when she first met the alchemist.

It was about a couple of years ago. Hilde was still a very young girl back then, possibly on her early teenage life. Her father has grown ill from an unknown disease that none of their local doctors could possibly cure. Persistent in curing her father, Hilde ventured off the kingdom and wondered aimlessly throughout Europe hoping to find someone or something that can help her with her goal. One day, while she was travelling the roads to the Holy Romanian Empire, a band of lizardmen appeared in front of her. Sensing fear within the young princess, like a predator staring at a prey, the mutated beasts rushed in for the kill. With minimal battle experience, her instincts told her to turn her horse around and run away. Unfortunately, one of the lizardmen caught up with her and propelled himself from the ground, taking down the princess from her horse. Pinning her to the ground, with its saliva dripping over her body, the beast slowly moves its head closer, excited to take a bite of its prey. But before the beast could even lay a fang on Hilde, someone kicked its head and sent it flying toward the others.

"Wretched cur, get away from her!" After hearing the voice, Hilde stared at the figure that came to her aid. She saw a woman who was about in her late 20's wearing a purple leather outfit with short white hair, holding on a short sword. The lizardmen in return held their ground and growled at her.

"Imbeciles, taste the power of my blade!" Her sword suddenly turned into a whip and behind her, a magical circle appeared out of nowhere. Without warning, magical spikes appeared from the circle and descended upon the lizardmen, killing them in an instant. After the battle, the woman attended to the fallen Hilde. "Are you alright little girl?"

The girl nodded her head but instantly reacted in pain from a cut in her arm. The woman checked Hilde's hand and started to chant some words while performing gestures with her hand. Her blade turned into a whip once again but this time, it wrapped itself on the princess's arm glowing beautifully. After a while, the whip untangles itself and returned back to its sword form. To Hilde's surprise, her arm is now healed.

"How did you do that?" asked Hilde.

"It's alchemy child. It's like magic but only more complex." explained the woman,

"Uhm, thank you helping me back there. My name is Hilde."

"Ivy, and your welcome."

The two shook each other's hand. Remembering that she was looking for someone who can cure her father, Hilde asked her if she can even heal diseases. Ivy nodded her head in affirmation and said that nothing is impossible with alchemy. She then asked if she could come with her to Wolfkrone to cure her sick father. Sensing that she badly needed help, the alchemist agreed and as expected, the alchemist cured her father. Finished with her task, Ivy bowed her head and bid the princess goodbye. Suddenly, Hilde stopped her.

"Why don't you just stay here with us at the kingdom?" proposed the princess.

Ivy was stunned with the offer. No one had shown her kindness until now. After a little while she turned around and agreed to the princess's offer and ever since that day, Ivy became the royal adviser and mentor for the princess.

Before sunrise, the soldiers arrived at the castle carrying an unconscious Siegfried with them and another group of soldiers carrying the heavy Faust with Siegfried's suit of armor. By Hilde's request, they placed the knight and his weapon in a room close to his companions'. With their task fulfilled, the soldiers bowed their heads to the princess and left. Curious about Siegfried, Hilde went to his room to check up on him. Upon arriving at the room, she quickly noticed the mass of bandages that was wrapped around Siegfried's body and the sling that was supporting his right arm. While she stares at the knight, Hilde couldn't help but feel responsible for everything that she had put him through. She crept closer and closer until she was at the side of his bed.

"Your dedication and persistence for redemption is truly admirable. Even at the brink of death, you would still continue until you have atoned for your sins… I hope that someday, you can find it in your heart to forgive me for everything that I have put you through and for not seeing the real you inside. I hope that I could somehow make amends to you..." For some time, she stayed in the room staring at the knight. (Now I understand why his companions accepted him and considered him as a friend... I just hope that someday, all of them could consider me as one too... especially him...) With a final look at the knight, Hilde left the room.

It was already late in the morning (Approximately 10:30) when Cassandra woke up. It was her first time to sleep in a bed that comfortable. Taking advantage of it, Cassandra decided to stay and appreciate the bed. (Yeah I know, it's a bit naïve) "Oh boy, this bed is really awesome! The only thing that would be better than this… is when Siegfried is lying here with me… (shakes her head) What am I thinking? It's too early to be thinking about something like that. We even barely know each other that well… Oh Eros, why have you decided to play with my emotions? Wait, Siegfried?"

The thought of the knight forced the Athenian to get up from her bed, remembering that the knight will be arriving that day. She immediately went for the door but before she could open it, the door opened. It was Sophitia who was about to enter. She came to wake up Cassandra and tell her about Siegfried. Apparently, she and the others have already visited the knight earlier just after Hilde left the room. "Cassandra, it's already late. We have already…" Before the older Athenian could finish her sentence, the younger one interrupted her.

"Yeah Sis, I hear ya. Listen, I love to chat and all but I have something to do first alright?" Excited to see the knight, Cassandra ran past her sister and headed towards the stairs.

"Cassandra, come back here." ordered Sophitia.

"WHAT IS IT SIS? I'm in a hurry." complained Cassandra.

Already figured out what's making her sister all excited about, Sophitia pointed her thumb to her right. "Last door on the right"

Noticing her sister's facial expressions, Cassandra realized that Sophitia had already knew about it. With a simple nod and a smile to thank her sister, Cassandra proceeded to Siegfried's room.

Happiness immediately took over the Athenian's body as she entered the room because finally, after all the drama that happened, lying in front of her is her knight in shining armor. (Just an expression. He's not wearing any though. Well you know what I mean.) Wasting no time, she immediately approached Siegfried and sat beside his bed. Gently, she brushed his golden hair with her hand. As if reacting to her touch, Siegfried unconsciously snuggled his head in her arm. At first, the Athenian was caught off guard with what he did but then, she became delighted and in return she gave him a warm embrace. "There, there… Take all the time you need to rest… Oh how I wish that you wake up soon coz I've got a lot of stuff I wanna share with you ya know? But still, I'm happy that you're back with us… back… with me…"

Slowly, the Athenian raised her head, looked at the knight's handsome face and gave him a kiss at the forehead. Deciding to let the knight to rest, Cassandra lowered his head back to the pillow and exited the room.

Upon exiting the room, Cassandra was greeted by Maxi who had had just exited his room. "Hey Cassandra… What are you doing at Siegy's room? Isn't your ro… Oooohhh boy, I see what's happening there. Taking CARE of him ain't ya? Hahaha nice one Cass!" While the Japanese pirate continued to laugh at his own idea, Cassandra slowly approached him, popping her fists in anger and somewhat looking like a being from the Underworld.

"H…hey, wait a minute Cass… Y…you know I was only j…joking right?" No matter how Maxi tried to persuade the Athenian, it didn't work. Maxi ended up on the wrong ends of Cassandra's fists. Satisfied with what she did to the pirate, Cassandra headed downstairs to grab some brunch while she mumbled something about the pirate. "Stupid Maxi, ruining my morning…"

Sitting down with his back across the wall, a beaten up Maxi attempted to touch his face to determine how much damage was done. "Ouch! I think my nose got the best of Cassandra's rage. She's just like Sophie… Ouch! Damn it! Lesson learned, never ever anger a female Athenian. EVER!"

Meanwhile at Ostrheinsburg, Cervantes was sitting in his throne waiting for his army to arrive. Suddenly, he saw Soul Edge's eye widening in distress. He quickly grabbed the sword and immediately felt the pain that the sword was going through, "Tira!" he shouted.

The harlequin appeared right in front of him right after he called for her. "Yes Master?" asked Tira.

"Has the army arrived?"

"Not yet my Lord but they're almost here. I'm guessing about two more days at least. Why have you asked?"

"I'm sensing a disturbance within the sword. There must be something going on in that wretched place. Tira I want you to go there and find out what's causing this disturbances." ordered the dreaded pirate.

"As you wish Master" A raven suddenly flew out of the girl's chest and landed on her hand. "Go to Wolfkrone and find out what's happening there okay?." Obeying the
order of its keeper, the raven took off and headed to Wolfkrone.

It was almost midnight and everybody was already asleep. Silence filled the castle until someone entered Siegfried's room. A person wearing a full body cloak approached and stared at the knight. It then performed some gestures with its left hand with the other hand inside the cloak. Suddenly, a circle with magical symbols in it appeared in its hand. Apparently, the person wearing the cloak was Ivy.

(Hilde, forgive me, but I have to do this alone. A lot of lives have been lost because I didn't finish him off during our last encounter… If ever I fail on taking him down, then let this man fulfil the prophecy and bring peace and harmony back to this world.)

Slowly, she placed her hand in his injured arm which caused Siegfried to wince in pain. After a while, the circle disappeared and Siegfried's body became relaxed once again. Realizing that the operation was done, the alchemist pulled a bottle from her pocket, tilted the knight's head and made him drink a potion.

"You'll be alright now noble knight." said Ivy.

With her task done, she left a note at the table addressed to the princess but unfortunately, she knocked down a vase which caused a lot of commotion. Afraid that someone might notice her, the alchemist opened the window and made her way down with the use of her blade, Valentine. Moments later, Cassandra entered the room, worried what was the commotion all about at Siegfried's room. She quickly noticed the broken vase and the opened window in the room. "Hello… Is someone there?" asked Cassandra, but no one answered.

Worried about Siegfried, she decided to sit on a chair beside his bed to watch over him for the night. "Don't worry Siegfried, I'm here for you." Still feeling sleepy, Cassandra lied her head down at the side of the bed and went back to sleep.

Eternal darkness covered his surroundings. "Hello… Is anyone out there? Can anybody hear me?" Siegfried tried to call for someone but to no avail. Suddenly, a glowing figure appeared before him. As the figure gets closer to Siegfried, he started to recognize the figure.

"Father?"

"It's been a while my son. You've grown so much ever since I last saw you." greeted Frederick.

"Wh…what are you doing here? What am I doing here? Am I dead?" asked Siegfried.

"No you're not. It's not yet your time Siegfried. You still have a lot of tasks that are left undone."

Understanding what his father was saying, Siegfried remembered that he still have to destroy the cursed sword that took everything from him to atone himself from the crimes that he had committed. Tears started to fall from Siegfried's eyes while he looked at his father's eyes, remembering what he did to him.

"Father, I'm sorry for what I did. I didn't mean to hurt you back then. I…"

"No Siegfried" interrupted the knight's father. "It is I who should apologize. I became too selfish back then when I left you and your mother. I was too hungry for honor, power and respect back then that I forgot that I have a family that needs me back home. I hope that you could forgive me, my son."

"… I forgive you…" With that said, Frederick's figure began to glow again, moving farther away from Siegfried.

"Father wait! Please don't leave me here!" shouted Siegfried.

"I'll always be by your side, watching over you… I'm so proud of you… my son…"

"Father!"

His eyes shot opened. Realizing that the event was just a dream, he slowly tried to sit up and somehow try and figure out where he was. It was still dark and he could hardly see anything. But once he turned his attention to the side of his bed, he could easily see that there was someone lying his head down on it. Curious on whom the person was, Siegfried focuses his vision more to get a better picture on the person. His eyes quickly widened in surprise as he recognizes the person to be Cassandra.

(What is she doing here?) asked the knight to himself. Seeing that the Athenian was sleeping in an uncomfortable position, Siegfried got up and gently carried Cassandra to his bed. He covered her with a blanket to protect her from the cold morning breeze and gently caressed her face. "Thank you for everything Cassandra. I promise to protect you always whatever the cause may be."

Upon tucking the Athenian to his bed, Siegfried looked outside his window to somehow figure out where he was. Based on the height that his room was in and the symbols of the wolf that was engraved all over the structures in his view, he realized that he was in Wolfkrone Castle.

Seeing his zweihander, Faust standing against the wall, he decided to grab it to practice his techniques outside. To his surprise, he didn't felt any pressure arm, which he remembered was injured, when he tried to pick it up. With a last look at his angel, Siegfried exited the room and proceeded downstairs.

A/N: Phew! Chapter done. It's probably the longest one I've written so far. Well anyway, next chapter is gonna be a bit longer. Actually it's also gonna be a bit longer to be uploaded coz I'm going to the U.S. of A for summer this weekend. Anyway to give you an idea of the next chapter, Hilde will call everyone again to tell them what they are going to do at Ostrheinsburg when they met Soul Edge's army and Sieg and Cass will finally tell each other what they really feel towards one another. So stay tuned folks.

Oh yeah! Please don't forget to leave some reviews alright? Badly need some XD joke only hahaha