Talim took in a deep breath, letting the night air envelope her. As always, the soothing sound of the wind calmed her, giving her reassurance and letting her know that she wasn't alone. Of course... this time, she truly wasn't alone. Her cheeks turned pink slightly as she shyly peeked over at Raphael, who was giving orders to the groom to saddle their horses. Cradling her face, she smiled, unable to believe that they were a couple.

To think that she had started this journey as a completely innocent girl who has never even held a boy's hand... and now she was cuddling and kissing a man who was so much older and different from her. She had thought that she'd fall for someone who was kind and full of love to give. Raphael was a man that didn't trust many, was quiet, cold and rather domineering. But somehow, she was attracted to him. He wasn't what she wished for, but he became the man she had fallen for. Just as he loved her for her personality, she came to understand his desire for honesty, sincere feelings, fear of betrayal and wished to provide him with the love she knew she could give. He grew up surrounded by lies and selfishness and almost died from his family betraying him. She wanted to see him trust and see the light again.

Peeking at him once more, she blushed, thinking about how much older she had become since she's met him.

"If your face turns red everytime you look at my father, he might start thinking that you have a fever, Talim."

Talim jumped as Amy walked towards her. "I-I can't help it Amy. Ahhhh this is so embarrassing." She pulled on one of her pink ribbons. Looking over at her friend, she asked, "Did you say good-bye yet Amy?"

"Yea," Amy replied, dropping her smile.

Talim grew sad, knowing how she must feel. She had the same look her parents wore when she left the village. "He'll come back for you Amy. You know you're the most important person in his life."

Amy smiled slightly. "Are you jealous?"

At that, Talim beamed. "His love for you was what I admired him for. It was the first thing that made me believe that he wasn't a bad man."

Amy looked at her sadly. "You are a good friend, Talim. You've done so much for the both us. I'll miss you just as much as I miss my father." Hugging the priestess, Amy whispered, "Please look after him."

Talim nodded with a smile on her face. "I promise, I won't let anything happen to him Amy." The priestess looked at her friend and added, "I know how you're feeling, but remember... that no matter how far we are from you, our hearts will always be connected."

Amy looked up at the shining night sky and sighed. "I wish I can come along with you and father.".

Talim gave her a small smile and let go. "I would love to have you along too Amy. But you know Raphael will not agree to letting you come with us." Talim looked over at Raphael who was checking their supplies and making sure that their horses were ready for the long journey. His light blonde hair danced in the wind and he was adjusting his boots when he caught her looking. He gave her a quick smile and returned back to what he was doing.

She turned back to Amy and said reassuringly, "Whenever you miss us, just look to the night sky and know that we're looking up at the same moon as you are. And when you feel the night breeze on your skin, know that we're also feeling the same thing."

Amy lips curved upward into a rare smile. "I'm so glad, that you've met my father on your journey. Our lives have changed so much ever since we've met you." But then Amy's tone turned serious. "But your journey is far from over Talim. Anything can happen. Promise me, that no matter what happens, you and my father will continue to stay by each other's side and support one another. I can't bear it if this journey teared you two apart." Quietly, she added, "You're my first friend. I don't want to lose you. When father banished you, it made the both of us so sad."

Talim held her friend's hands and smiled. "We will always be in each other's hearts. I promise."

Raphael held the reins in his hand and gave a gentle tug to make his black stallion turn to the left through a fork in the road. He turned around and looked at his castle which was getting smaller the further he rode. He was also getting further away from his beloved daughter and the same feelings of love and worry tugged at his heart. Amy had seemed more at ease at seeing him depart than the other times but he could see the fear and worry in her eyes as she hugged him good-bye.

"Don't worry Raphael, Amy will be fine," said Talim as she pulled up beside him on her light chestnut colored horse. She placed a comforting hand on his own cold hands and gave him a cheerful smile.

He returned the smile and held the priestess hands gently. Yes, the reason why Amy seemed more at ease at his departure was because of Talim. They both trusted the priestess and they knew that she placed their safety above her own. For Raphael, it was the same thing. Amy's and Talim's lives were more important to him than anything in the world. For them, he would obtain Soul Calibur to create a new world where he can protect and care for them. "Thank you Talim."

Even though Raphael had only said three short words, Talim could understand the depths of his feelings in them as clearly as she can read the wind. "You're welcome Raphael." Gazing into his beautiful cardinal red eyes that she had come to love, she smiled at the memory of the first time she had saw them. It seemed so long ago, and so much has changed. But her goals of restoring the world to normal remained the same. The only thing different was that the goal had become more personal.

"Talim."

"Hmmm?" She gasped as he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Turning bright red, she stammered, "Wha-what was that for?"

He smirked. "For that endearing reaction of course. And... because you haven't kissed me in awhile, ma petite."

She pouted slightly. "That's because I had to plan and pack for our journey."

He chuckled and said huskily, "Then I suppose you'll have time to spend with me now that we're actually on our journey, non?"

Talim blushed. "You're so... gahh."

"Speechless are we?" Raphael said in amusement. When she smiled shyly and didn't reply, he pulled on the reins of her horse and leaned over. "I adore you so, Talim," he whispered, moving his lips down to hers.

Before he could kiss her lips, she quickly kissed his cheek before snapping the reins. Her horse shot forward and she laughed. "We won't get very far tonight if I let you kiss me, Raphael." The wind picked up, almost as if it was amused by the exchange between its priestess and her companion.

He laughed before whipping his own horse to go after her. "Why do you run when you know I'll catch you?

They two continued on their journey; above them, the moon showered it pale white light and the stars glimmered with hopeful light.

Darkwings13: If you have not read A Journey of Fate, then this might confuse you just a little bit so I would recommend reading that one before you read this story.