Welcome back everyone, our next Guest in the Hollow Night is the legendary Azure Knight and Poster Boy of the Soul Calibur series of fighting games, Nightmare!

When I was little, I enjoyed playing as this wicked and bada** looking knight! While I don't play as him much, I do enjoy his character and motivations, especially when it's Siegfried Schtauffen under the helmet.

As for which interation of Nightmare that I'll be using for this go... I'll be using the New Timeline version of him. Since Soul Calibur VI is the most recent game in the series, it makes sense. As for where his placement would be, it would take place during the events of the Main Story before his defeat at Kilik and Xianghua's hands.

With that, how will the Hollow Night fare when Nightmare appears? Only one way to find out...

Nightmare (Real Name: Siegfried Schtauffen)

The Azure Knight

Sex: Male

D.O.B.: Unknown (February 6 as Siegfried)

Height: 172 cm/5'7¾"

Weight: 156 kg/346 lbs.

Blood Type: Unknown

Ability: The "EXS" of Cursed Blade: Soul Edge

Weapon: Soul Edge (Zweihänder)

Original Series: Soul Calibur (Weapon Based Fighting Game Series) by Bandai Namco.

Nightmare VA: Nobuyuki Hiyama

Siegfried VA: Nobuyuki Hiyama

Narrator VA: Paul St. Peter

Character Appearance: Nightmare is clad in azure colored armor lined with gold details and wears a black cape that is tattered. His face is obscured by his helmet, which has two sets of fins on the back and a horn coming out from the front. His only visible features are his glowing red eyes and his monstrous Malfested arm, which takes the form of a three-fingered claw.

Animations

Intro 1: Nightmare's back is turned against his opponent. He than pulls out the planted Soul Edge and gets into his fighting stance as he faces his opponent.

Intro 2: Nightmare swings hid blade behind him before clenching his claw before getting into his fighting stance.

Round Loss: Nightmare gets up to one knee as his claw arm shakes while Soul Edge is planted into the ground in front of him.

Time Over Loss: Nightmare hunches over as he stabs Soul Edge intk the ground in disbelieving fury.

Round Victory 1: Looks at Soul Edge before raising high above his head with both hands.

Round Victory 2: Falls to his knees as his mutated claw arm shakes with demonic red energy as Nightmare raises it up while looking upon it.

Match Victory 1: Nightmare spins Soul Edge forward, than swings it behind him and than swings one more time forward and holds that position, asserting his dominance.

Match Victory 2: Raises Soul Edge above his head as it gathers the defeated opponents soul before lowering and holding the blade in front of his face with both hands.

Victory Screen Quotes

Victory Screen Portrait: Nightmare has Soul Edge planted next to him with his regular arm while clenching his mutated claw as he stares down at his fallen opponent.

Generic 1: "My sins...can only be cleansed with blood!"

Generic 2: "There is... no turning back."

Generic 3: "I will show you the greatest nightmare!"

Generic 4: "Souls, give me strength!"

Generic 5: "Blood! Darkness! I shall drown the world in both!"

Vs Hyde: "That worthless sword... will never quench Soul Edge's thrist!"

Vs. Linne: "I will grant you the sweet release of death and free you from your eternal damnation!"

Waldstein and Seth: "Dissapear into the shadows as you give me your souls!"

Vs. Orie, Mika and Wagner: "No matter how bright the light, some shadows cannot be expelled!"

Vs. Gordeau, Chaos and Enkidu: "Your soul... so powerful... it will serve Soul Edge well!"

Hilda: "Your madness...! How it shines like a beacon!"

Vs. Merkava and Vatista: "It doesn't matter what you are... you possess a soul... AND YOU WILL GIVE IT TO SOUL EDGE!"

Vs. Eltnum and Akatsuki: "You're pathetic! Go away!"

Vs. Nightmare (Mirror Match): "My father's killer! I shall kill you a thousand times over!"

Victory Screen Quotes Against Nightmare

Hyde: "Damn... you nearly cut my head off with that thing! Not only do I need to deal with Paradox, but now I need to break that crazy sword of your as well!"

Linne: "I do intend to end my curse, but it won't end with me as fuel for that cursed weapon. Time to destory that abomination once and for all."

Waldstein: "Hah! A cursed sword had no hope in withstanding my sheer power! Now, I will shatter it along with you, Knight of Mare!"

Seth: "To think the infamous Soul Edge would appear here... at least I'll be doing history a favor by making this place your grave Azure Knight."

Orie: "What vile bloodlust! I won't allow you or that wicked sword to terrorize this world! I'm destroying that accursed blade and bringing you into custody."

Mika: "AW YEAH! I broke that super scary sword in one strike! Yuu never had a chance against justice to begin with!"

Wagner: "Did you honestly think you would take my soul? All that it got you was being turned to ashes. I hope whatever you planned, it was worth your life."

Gordeau: "Thought you could take my soul, huh? Unfortunately for you, it looks like I harvested your soul in the end instead."

Hikda: "How wonderful! Now I have the legendary Soul Edge! Now I just need the Insulator and no one will even bother to cross me! I will transcend history itself even!"

Chaos: "Just a mindless monster... I'll just take this shard of Soul Edge for research. Consider it compensation for the attempt on my life."

Enkidu: "With this, I have overcomed the most dangerous weapon in history... Soul Edge, you delivered a great battle, but you will be sent into the farthest depths of hell alongside your wielder."

Merkava: "AHHHHHHHHHHH! This weapon's flavor! My hunger is being fulfilled! My thirst is quenched! I! AM! SATISFIED! AT! LASSSSSSSTTTTTTTTT!"

Vatista: "To think that the cursed sword, Soul Edge, has found it's way into this day and age. How it did so with it's wielder is unknown, but with a vote of 100 - 2, I shall begin extermination of the Evil Blade."

Eltnum: "You may be a veteran warrior Nightmare, but an overrated villain like yourself has no place here! Come back when you're Siegfried Schtauffen once again and then we'll talk!

Akatsuki: "A soul devouring sword!? I don't know why you're carrying an evil weapon like that, but I need to destroy that now! Once I do that, I will interrogate you and find out your true motives!"

Super Attacks:

EXS Attack - Evil Seed: Nightmare will attempt to uppercuts his opponent and if it hits without the opponent blocking the attack, it will send them flying into the air. Nightmare them slams Soul Edge into the floor, and a red energy sphere surrounds him. The opponent falls down into the sphere, being sucked in momentarily before they are launched out of it across the screen.

Infinite Worth - Dark Reconquista: Nightmare enters a parry state and if the opponent attacks him directly during that period, he deflects the incoming attack and deals out a heavy sword strike. If the opponent doesn't hit Nightmare during the parry period or a projecttile hits him, the attack won't work.

Infinite Worth EXS - Dark Reconquista: Triumph: Once the Flash Field connects, Nightmare stabs his sword into the ground and causes an explosion which knocks his opponent flying back. He later comes out of the mist riding on a demonic horse and charges at his opponent where he delivers a powerful sword strike upon them. Once the attack ends, Nightmare will be on the opposite side of the screen.

Unique Traits

Soul Charge: When Nightmare activates a Chain Shift, if the GRD meter is above 50% on Nightmare's side, he will not only gain EXS for thr EXS Meter, Nightmare will briefly enter a powered up state called Soul Charge. He will be covered in a red aura for 10 seconds, which increases Nightmare's attack power during the duration.

Guard Impact: Similar to Akatsuki, activating Nightmare's Force Function will briefly make him enter a parry state. If the opponent attacks Nightmare during this state, Nightmare will repel the opponent. Unlike Akatsuki, Nightmare won't immediately attack and the opponent will be staggered for a set amount of time depending of the strength of the attack Nightmare parries;

● Level 1: If Nightmare parries a heavy attack, the opponent will be pushed back a little bit, allowing them to recover before Nightmare can strike again.

● Level 2: If Nightmare parries a medium attack, the opponent will be knocked onto their bottom momentarily, giving Nightmare a brief window to attack.

● Level 3: If Nightmare parries a light attack, the opponent will be stunned for a brief period and they will enter a GRD Break state, allowing Nightmare a chance to start up a combo attack.

Chip Damage: All of Nightmare's regular and special attacks will cause chip damage like with Hyde's sword.

Hilda Arcade Story Interaction

*As Hilda continues her walk through the Night, Hilda hears the clanking of armor moving towardnher position*

Hilda: "What is that? Sounds like a pile of metal shuffling around. Unfortunately for them, it gives them away!"

*As soon as Hilda turns, she is met with an ominous figure. A man wearing azure armor with a grotesque claw like arm and a giant Zweihänder sword with an eyeball in the middle of the blade*

Nightmare: "..."

Hilda: "What in the world!? He's no In-Birth... but the energy coming off of him and his weapon... it's incredible!"

Nightmare: "Are you the wretch they call Paradox?"

Hilda: "You dare insult me? I am indeed Hilda the Paradox. Why ask?"

Nightmare: "Your soul... is weak, but there is value in taking it at least."

Hilda: "I'm used to people assuming I'm weak, but my soul? What are you on about?"

Nightmare: "Soul Edge still thrists for souls. Your soul will be used as a sacrifice to resurrect it!"

Hilda: "!? SOUL EDGE! THE SOUL EDGE!? The fabeled cursed weapon that was lost to time!? HERE!?"

Nightmare: "So, in this world, Soul Edge ceased to be...? It matters not of where it is resurrected, it shall be done."

Hilda: "Hehehehehe... OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!"

Nightmare: "Have you gone insane at my presence, wretch?"

Hilda: "Oh contrare, you just made my Night! A legendary cursed sword in the hands of a Re-Birth will make me even more powerful! I'll still need the Insulator to open the Gate to the Abyss, but with Soul Edge at my command... oh the possibilities are endless!"

Nightmare: "Hah! You think you can weild Soul Edge!? I will strike you down and devour your soul, wretch!"

Hilda: "How about... I sacrifice your soul to your own weapon while I give it a new home instead? I don't know who you are... but history won't remember you!"

*The scene transitions to the fight*

Nightmare Arcade Story

Prologue [Location: Altar of Light and Dark]

Narrator: "The infamous Azure Knight known as Nightmare, wielder of the cursed weapon known only as Soul Edge, has appeared in an unknown location. Taking a glance around the strange room, he can tell he is no longer at Ostrheinsburg Castle, where he once resided..."

"The room resembled that of a throne room, but not even the Azure Knight could tell for certain."

Nightmare: "Where am I? This isn't Ostrheinsburg Castle..."

"None of my servants are here... Dexture Purpure, Base Vert or Sinister Sable..."

"Not even a single Malfested is to be seen here."

*Nightmare then turns to see the Gate to the Abyss behind him*

Narrator: "After taking in his surroundings, Nightmare eventually sees what appears to be an unknown Gate of sorts."

"He couldn't help but notice the strange energy emerging from it. Could it be possible that this strange gate is the reason he is in this strange land?"

*Suddenly, Soul Edge responds to the Gate in a frenzied state*

Nightmare: "This gate... Soul Edge... what are you trying to tell me?"

Soul Edge: "..."

Nightmare: "Ah, so this is meant for a ritual to transcend one's own mortality. Perhaps if I could...?"

"Perhaps it will be able to resurrect Soul Edge more quickly... and I'll be one more step toward..."

Narrator: "The Azure Knight eventually decided to further prusue his mysterious objectives in this strange land for the time being. Little do the residents of this unknown land realize, this will be the start of a chaotic period for everyone involved, starting with the owner of the Gate herself."

*As Nightmare contemplates his goals, the 1st Stage, with the first Pre-Set Opponent, loads up*

Stage 1

Vs. Hilda [Location: Altar of Light and Dark]

*Hilda eventually walks in to check on the Gate to the Abyss...*

Hilda: "Now, while I wait for the little Insulator Boy to come, I should check on..."

*Hilda spots Nightmare standing in front of the Gate, much to her shock*

Hilda: "What!? Who are you!? How did you get in here!?"

Narrator: "An unknown woman appeared before the wielder of the cursed sword. As Nightmare glanced at her, he somehow knew this woman's presence is different from his many victims, innocent and warriors alike."

Nightmare: "You... what are you? You're not an ordinary human and yet are not a Malfested..."

Hilda: "Malfested? I don't know what that is, but it sounds disgusting..."

"And how can you not know who I am? I'm Hilda the Paradox, leader of Amnesia and the strongest In-Birth in the Hollow Night!"

"And, I will eventually become a Re-Birth and attain eternity!"

"Although, it looks like I have an unwelcome guest right now, where did you even come from?"

Nightmare: "I was summoned here from Ostrheinsburg Castle. What land is this?"

Hilda: "Land? What do you think this is, the 16th Century? Where in the modern age you simple minded ignoramus!"

Nightmare: "Hah! I care not what land this is... Soul Edge still thirsts for souls... I will see what an In-Birth soul does..."

Hilda: "Wait a moment... did you say Soul Edge? As in the legendary cursed sword!? I thought that it was lost to history!"

Nightmare: "So... does this mean I transcended time itself or was I flung into a different plane of existence?"

Hilda: "Oh this is my lucky Night! While the Insulator is the only blade that can open the Gate, having Soul Edge as a Re-Birth will make me even more powerful!"

Nightmare: "How foolish... do you honestly believe you can take Soul Edge? You'll be the first sacrifice this nightfall!"

Hilda: "Actually, YOU'LL be fed to the legendary blade instead! I will become even more powerful than that has been myth known as Nightmare!"

Nightmare: "You conceited wretched human! Prepare to drown in blood and darkness as I take your gate for myself!"

*The scene transitions to the fight*

Stage 3

Vs. Gordeau [Location: Sleeping Fountain Plaza]

Narrator: Upon slaying Paradox and obtaining the Gate to the Abyss, Nightmare realized that he needed a weapon known as the Insulator to open the Gate."

"In order to fufill his plan, he had to locate it while obtaining more souls. After slaying another denizen of the Night, the Azure Knight heard of a man known as the Harvester of Greed."

"Viewing him as a potential threat to his plans of gathering souls, Nightmare seeks out the Harvester himself..."

Nightmare: "Hmmm... this "Harvester of Greed"... where could he be?"

*As soon as he said that, a man wearing a purple coat and carrying a huge scythe appears before him*

Gordeau: "I'm right here..."

Nightmare: "You're the Harvester?"

Gordeau: "Yeah... and you must be the scumbag Knight that killed Hilda, am I right?"

Nightmare: "If you are referring to the Wretch, her soul is a part of Soul Edge now. As for why I sought you, I won't let another devourer of souls impede my progress."

Gordeau: "I heard rumors of that cursed blade appearing here... so it's true."

"I thought that thing was just a legend, but to see it here is both awesome... and disturbing."

"Regardless of what I think, Hilda was my friend and you murdered her, so I thought I'd come and get payback."

Nightmare: "You'll only be sacrificing your soul to me! You will understand why everyone falls before me!"

Gordeau: "Nuh-uh! I'm afraid to tell you this, but there's a reason why they call me "The Harvester of Greed" and my weapon 'Devourer'. When I'm done, their will be no spirit left withing you."

"After that, your ugly sword is going to be turned into shrapnel. That's how it's going to go down! Hope you're ready you ugly hunk of tin!"

Nightmare: "Very well... we shall see who's soul is consumed, Harvester of Greed!"

*The scene transitions to the fight*

Stage 6

Vs. Byakuya [Location: Silent Park]

Narrator: "As Nightmare continued to slaughter In-Births, he eventually heard about a boy similar to the monsters known as Voids, humans who were once human until they were bitten by these monsters. The result is either becoming a Void or retaining their humanity while gaining supernatural powers, becoming In-Births."

"Believing that the Voids are similar to Malfested, the Azure Knight realized that the boy known as 'Predator" with the ability to consume other people would hamper his collection of souls, so Nightmare made it a top priority to seek him out as soon as he could..."

Nightmare: "Where could that child be? If he consumes everyone else... I won't be able to revive Soul Edge..."

"And... I... won't be... able to... avenge... father..."

*Shortly after, Byakuya and Tsukuyomi appear before the Azure Knight as he recalled the man he knew as his father*

Byakuya: "Hey sis, there's a creepy looking knight over there. Think that's our guy?"

Tsukuyomi: "Azure armor and carrying a sword with an eyeball in the center... yes, this is indeed the one we have been searching for."

Nightmare: "...?"

Tsukuyomi: "You're the infamous Knight with the cursed sword known as Soul Edge... am I right?"

Nightmare: "I am known as Nightmare... and that boy is the one who can devour souls like the Voids?"

Byakuya: "While it's true I can eat EXS, I don't feel comfortable being compared to a Void..."

Tsukuyomi: "Why should that be a concern to you, 'Nightmare'?"

Nightmare: "I need souls to resurrect Soul Edge. I have already consumed the souls of Paradox and the Harvester and now... I shall consume Predator's soul as well!"

Tsukuyomi: "You slayed Paradox and one of America's best? Well, that sets my plans back a great deal..."

"However, my little brother is far more capable and he will put an end to your rampage while tearing your precious Soul Edge to pieces."

"Byakuya, finish him off."

Byakuya: "Gotcha sis. Sorry Mr. Nightmare, but I need to break your toy. Look on the bright side, you'll make a nice meal for me in a little bit."

Nightmare: "You two are sorely mistaken! Soul Edge shall consume you both and you will not live to see tomorrow!"

*The scene transitions to the fight*

Stage 9

Vs. Hyde [Location: Crimson Parking Lot]

Narrator: "After some time, Nightmare was able to obtain the souls of nine unfortunate victims, including Paradox, Harvester and Predator alongside his sister."

"Much to his surprise, the souls of the In-Births are far more potent and stronger than any other soul the evil sword consumed. Nightmare than decided now it was time to take the Insulator to open the Gate."

"Recalling images found in Paradox's Castle, the sword can easily be identified as a long red colored katana. Once he finds the wielder of the blade, he will obtain both it along the owner's soul."

Nightmare: "Now... where is the weapon known as "Insulator"?"

"Father... soon... soon enough... I'll bring you back once Soul Edge is restored."

"With this Gate to the Abyss, the process will be complete much faster."

*As Nightmare mutters this, an incensed Hyde appears before him*

Hyde: "Let me get this straight... you're killing everyone before you see in front of you... just to bring your dad back to life?"

Nightmare: "..."

Hyde: "Well?"

Nightmare: "It has nothing to do with you... but it is true. Once I restore Soul Edge, I will bring back father and than kill the one who murdered him!"

Hyde: "I can't say I understand what you're going through... must be rough knowing your dad's been killed by some asshole..."

"...but I don't think your old man would want you killing thousands of people and stealing their souls to bring them back!"

Nightmare: "That sword! Hand over the Insulator to me!"

Hyde: "What? So you can finish what Paradox started? No way! Not a chance!"

"I'm going to end this bloodshed once and for all! And it seems the only way to do that is to bust up that stupid cursed sword! Hopefully you'll stop what you're doing and make things right!"

Nightmare: "You are welcome to try, human!"

"I will show the depths of hell itself for the promised time will soon be upon me!"

*The scene transitions to the fight*

Final Stage

Vs. Linne [Location: Cathedral of Far East]

Narrator: "Having obtained the Insulator along with consuming the boy's soul, Nightmare slowly makes his way back to the Gate located in Paradox's Castle."

"However, the words the boy mentioned to him stuck as he thought about it for a moment..."

Nightmare: "There is... no turning back... for me..."

Narrator: "The Azure Knight would find himself inside a cathedral, as if the Gods and Fate itself was finally beginning to judge him. However, one more individual stood between him and his final end goal..."

*As Nightmare slowly walked through the Cathedral, a young girl stood before him*

Linne: "That's enough, Soul Edge!"

Nightmare: "You... are another In-Birth..."

Linne: "I'm not talking to you! I'm talking to that evil hunk of steel you're holding!"

"You think I'm going to allow you to continue killing people, than think again!"

"Especially now that Hyde..."

Nightmare: "I have all I need to restore Soul Edge and bring father back. I have no use for you."

Linne: "Is that what you think or is that what the sword is telling you?"

"Even if you fufill the sword's bloodlust, will you truly get your father back? Do you think he'd be proud of you for this?"

Nightmare: "With him back... we'll put his murderer to the sword!"

Linne: "Stop fooling yourself and look within you! Get rid of that sword and atone for what you have done!"

Nightmare: "SILENCE!"

"Ah... I see now... your soul... is special, different..."

"You will be Soul Edge's final sacrifice."

Linne: "I don't intend on dying as a sacrifice to that thing..."

"...but I'm willing to put this life on the line to end that monstrous weapon once and for all!"

Nightmare: "Soul Edge... father... GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO SEE THIS THROUGH TO THE END!"

*The scene transitions to the fight*

Aftermath

[Location: Cathedral of the East]

Narrator: "Despite the girl's best efforts, Nightmare was able to land a mortal wound to the young warrior and in that moment, this strange world's fate was sealed."

Linne: "Ack!... n-no..."

Nightmare: "With this... all will be fullfilled and I shall reclaim my soul..."

"Souls of this wretched place, COME UNTO ME!"

Linne: "To think... this is how... my curse will... end..."

"... I just... wish... I could... avenge you... Hyde..."

"Ugh..."

*With that last regret, Linne dies as her immortal soul is absorbed into Soul Edge*

Nightmare: "Now then... to finish what I started..."

"Father... you will be restored soon..."

Ending

[Location: Altar of Light and Dark]

Narrator: "With all who stood before him slain, Nightmare stood before the Gate to the Abyss with both Soul Edge and the Insulator in hand."

"Planting Soul Edge in front of him, he raised the Insulator up...

Nightmare: "Now... it is time to end this...!"

Narrator: "With all his might, Nightmare threw the red blade into the Gate, opening it in the process."

"In that moment, immense power flew out into Soul Edge itself, giving it power beyond imagination."

"In a brief moment of hesitation, Nightmare slowly grabbed Soul Edge and then..."

Nightmare: "What... what is this!?"

"Ah, my... my... body...!"

"ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

*The screen turns white as a loud shattering sound rings out and when it fades back, the Azure Knight finds himself back in his world, but not in the way he expected*

Siegfried: "Ah! W-what happened!?"

"Where... where am I? How did I get here?"

"What is... this... blade...?"

Narrator: "In the blink of an eye, the Azure Knight reverted back into the young man who took hold of the evil sword. His name was Siegfried Schtauffen."

"A man who tragically slain his own father and as a result of his unwell mind, tracked down Soul Edge and was transformed into the Azure Knight."

"While his time in the strange world empowered Soul Edge, all it ended up doing was sending him back to his world as who he was before the transformation.

"For a while, he had no recollection of what he had done and just before he could remember, he was once again transformed into Nightmare as the evil swords sweet words of reviving his father echoed into him."

*Then Siegfried is carrying what remains of Soul Edge away*

"Narrator: "Eventually, he was freed from the sword's grasp after two warriors known as Kilik and Xianghua defeated him, shattering the sword in the process."

"Wracked with immense guilt for killing his father along with the innocent people of his world and the other he briefly found himself in, Siegfried vowed to atone for his crimes by ensuring that Soul Edge would never caused havoc again."

Siegfried: "I'll never be able to redeem myself for what I have done... but this is the only thing I can do."

"I faintly remember a young man and a girl telling to atone for what I have done..."

"I doubt I'll live up to their expectations, but I will try..."

"...so that no one will ever again bare witness to the terrible nightmare that I once was..."

*The credits roll as "Soul Calibur VI Staff Roll" plays*

At the end of it all, the Azure Knight's journey has come to a close and despite all the chaos, eventually Siegfried was freed by the end.

Ultimately, I enjoyed playing as the Azure Knight throughout the series and considering the Sequel Bait in Nightmare's Side Story in Soul Calibur VI, I know we'll be seeing more of him.

Next time we venture into the Hollow Night, we will see the continued adventures of a Samurai Warrior trying to return to the past to undo a future caused by a great evil. See you then!