He was in Austria, a countryside dominated by the feudal system in whatever time it was. He called to Michael but received no answer. Rather than simply go about blasting the world with his new powers he had spent a lifetime perfecting, Will scavenged around for weapons of the time and walked into town with his black hood drawn.
Outrage and rebellion were befalling the town as he noticed some type of uniformed soldier guard beat back another band of different soldiers and some peasants. Will normally avoided conflicts. After all, if this was history, why would he change anything? People die. Monarchs fall. Such is the order of life.
And then I met her…
Behind the royal guard was she, the woman of his dreams. She was beautiful. Will couldn't believe it, but he had to save her. He had to know why she had saved him and given him a second chance at life.
Will leaped into the crowd and struck some peasants. The Austrians fell before the mighty Italian (although Will was more an Austrian himself than Italian) as his fists connected and broke their shields. In his lifetime of training, Will had perfected his body. But he was only superhuman in that he chose to make the best of the gifts given to him. Nonetheless, the shields splintered, and Will landed numerous kicks on the unarmed crowd before drawing his sword to block the armed assailants. The blades flickered, but none could best him. He instilled courage in the soldiers and they rallied, pushing the army back until they were in a full retreat. The soldiers cheered until the royals moved forward. First the emperor came and offered Will his gratitude. Will asked why he had been attacked. And the emperor replied that it was because of his daughter, the beauty with red hair. The emperor had decided to advocate for his daughter's right to his throne, but the other nobles had rebelled and they favored a different noble to ascend to the throne. Prince James of Sweden was leading the rebellion, and it was destroying the countryside. While the people were initially strongly opposed, they quivered in response to the Swedish army, the greatest of the time.
"What can I do to help?" asked Will, for even though he cared not for the fate of the political situation, he had to help this woman who had saved him. She kept avoiding his gaze and he couldn't understand why. Her face was even more beautiful than he had thought.
"Tell me, how did you learn to fight like that?"
"It is by the grace of God that I am here."
"Well thanks be to God then. My countryside is strong, and we can win this war, but my people doubt my line's ability to survive. My daughter's head is now the most highly sought after bounty as she is my only one and her death would leave no male's any claim to the throne, and my country would fall within months. I have treasure beyond measure, but my greatest is my daughter. I need you to protect her."
"I would be honored, but keep your treasure. Looking upon her countenance of gold and silver is more than compensatory."
And so Will joined them and escorted the princess to her room. She refused to talk to him. Whenever he tried to talk to her, she simply ignored him. This continued for days until one night she entered his room. Will hadn't the slightest reason why until he heard the clink of metal. He could tell she wasn't interested in harming him. Only scaring him, so he kept his eyes closed and waited for her to raise her hand. As fast as lightning, his arm grabbed hers with the knife and sat up in bed. Will was shirtless in bed and she was in her evening gowns. It was a good thing he had his sheets covering his waist for she was very fair.
"Why are you raising a knife to me? I am your protector."
"I need no protection. Not you, not James, not Mark, nor Thomas. At least you have the pleasure of being not noble. It makes your air more tolerable."
"Apparently not enough."
At this he observed a small smile come to her face, but then quickly fade away.
"Release me."
"No."
"It is a crime to ignore your princess."
"It is a crime to kill is it not?"
"Not if you are the princess who was attacked by her protector who was lusting for her." she said as she gestured down.
Feeling embarrassed, "Forgive me. It's involuntary. It's really a compliment if you think about it…"
At this her other hand went to smack his face, but he also caught that one.
"What are you going to do to me?"
"I'm going to ask you to release the knife."
"Why? So you can have your way with me. You're no different from the other…"
"No."
"What? You obviously find me alluring."
"You don't remember me do you?"
"Should I?"
Apparently not. "I was in the middle of a very good dream. I believe I can return there. I only ask that when I release your arms you simply leave my room. Okay?"
She nodded. And Will released her. Will rolled over and no sooner had he done so that he heard his door close. But she hadn't left. Instead, she jumped on him and had him in a headlock. It would be easy for Will to get out, but he wasn't positive about any man. She's good. I better let her win. I am her protector after all. And he tapped out. But she didn't let go. So Will had to gently remove her and put her on the bed. She got up and threw a jab at his abdomen. And Will willed his body to soften up so her hands did not break. She continued to wham at him for minutes, and he would block them graciously. Mostly he was impressed by her stamina and form. Perhaps she is an angel that was also trained by Michael? But trying to test this, he picked her up. But to his surprise, she had tears and was not struggling. Will held her close to his bare chest and she nuzzled it and hugged him. Now Will was really confused. This woman clearly didn't need protection, but she clearly craved it. Just probably didn't want to admit it. He put her down and she left the room. Will tried to go back to sleep but could not for his door opened a few minutes later. His acute mind could tell exactly where the princess was but he could not tell what her intentions were. The next thing he knew he was not alone. He rolled over to see her in bed with him. She hugged his chest and began to sob. Will simply comforted the princess until she fell asleep in his arms. As the sun was rising (for Will hadn't slept at all), he gently lifted her up and carried her to her room where she awoke with a note he had written.
It read: "Best not to let any suspicions arise. My door is always open. I only live to serve the future empress."
And although he couldn't see the smile on her face, he knew it was genuine.