With a gentle smile, Talim looked up and answered, "Because we're both humans."

The answer was so shockingly simple that Raphael stared at her with a stunned expression. He had never met someone like her and he felt his throat constrict with disbelief. "I... have lost my humanity a long time ago. It's quite obvious by now that I am no longer 'human'. To be honest, it was rather foolish of you to save someone like me," Raphael added.

"Then I'm happy to be called a fool." Putting her hand over her heart, Talim closed her eyes and shook her head. "I believe that it's your heart that makes you human. I can tell that it is still strong and free from the presence of Soul Edge running through your blood." Reaching over, she laid a hand on his chest and said, "Your eyes... they have so much sadness in them. I wish I can heal you right here and now but I don't have enough strength. I tried but you have been infected far longer than the other three warriors that I healed." And she bowed her head in shame. "I'm so sorry for being useless."

A wave of guilt hit him as he stared at the innocent girl before him and at that moment, he wanted nothing more than her forgiveness. "I..." Raphael felt lost for words and he also reached over and put a gentle hand on her neck. "Does it still hurt?"

Talim blushed and pulled away. "It doesn't hurt." Seeing his skeptical expression, she added, "Well, it doesn't hurt that much."

Ashamed of his actions, Raphael looked away. "I am truly sorry ma petite. Of all the people in this world, besides my Amy, you did not deserve such a treatment at my hands." Another flash of pain ravaged his body and he coughed harshly. He brushed her off when she moved towards him worriedly and forced a smile on his face. "It's alright... I deserve this."

Talim said pleadingly, "Please, you need to rest sir. You're very pale... I will wake you up when the sun arises but if you don't feel well, we can stay here awhile longer."

He turned his head away from her and looked at the cave's entrance to gaze at the sparkling white snow. "I can't travel during the day. For I am now a creature of darkness ma petite. If it wasn't for that fact that your blood is harmful to me, I may actually attack you for I am quite thirsty." His cardinal red eyes returned to look at her own concern chocolate eyes and he asked quietly, "Tell me... are you afraid of me?

It was strange, after what he did to her, she couldn't find it in her heart to hate or reject him. It was not in her nature to bear a grudge against others and he did apologize for his actions. Slowly glancing up at him, she shook her head. "I'm not afraid of you sir. I'm just worried about you."

His lips curved upward in a small smile when he heard her answer. When was the last time someone saw him as a human and did not fear approaching him? She showed him kindness and warmth when he didn't deserve any and she did not fear him despite knowing the truth about him. "Thank you." With that, Raphael closed his eyes and fell asleep. He felt her gently lay the coats back over him and he smiled.


After making sure that Raphael was comfortable, she had taken a quick nap before meditating. It had been several hours since Talim had tried to communicate with the wind, and there was still no response. It seems that releasing the evil energy he transfered over to her was going to take quite awhile... With her link to the wind weakened, she felt her resolve and confidence melt away like butter. "No, I mustn't give up so quickly. I'm sure a solution will present itself when the time comes. In the meanwhile I should probably wake my travelling companion," thought Talim. Standing up, she did a few stretches to get the blood moving and strode over to where Raphael was sleeping. Kneeling down she tapped him on the shoulder "Sir wake up. It's time to go."

Slowly, his eyes opened and he blinked against the light. "Why is it so bright?" She merely smiled at him and helped him stand up. Rubbing his eyes a few times, he turned to look at her and what he saw worried him. "You look very pale, little one. Are you alright?"

She nodded at him cheerfully. "Don't worry about me sir. I'm fine."

"Raphael."

"Huh?" Talim was alittle confused and she blinked at him a few times.

Adjusting his coat, he repeated, "My name is Raphael Sorel... Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier ma petite. Pray tell, what is your name my dear?" asked Raphael, eager to know her name since she had saved him.

She thought to herself, "He seems like a totally different person." He was being rather courteous and he even seemed to be in a rather pleasant mood. Fiddling with her hair, she said, "Umm... I..."

Tilting his head, Raphael looked at her, puzzled by her reaction. "Is there something wrong?"

"Huh? Oh no, nothing's wro- wrong. Ummm, I'm Talim. I'm so pleased that you're looking well sir. I mean Raphael. I me-mean Mr. Sorel," stuttered Talim. "Sorry, I've recently gotten the hang of English but I'm still not very good at it. I'm sorry if you can't understand me ."

Raphael chuckled at the obviously flustered girl. "That's alright. I am Frecnch so I also have a slight accent as well. But yours sounds much lovelier in my opinion." Her voice did have an accent to it but it only made her voice sound richer and the words she pronounced had a distinctive ring to it which he quite liked. "Anyway, Raphael is fine. Might I say your name has quite a lovely sound to it. Tal-lim. Am I pronouncing it right?" asked Raphael.

"Yes si- I mean . I mean Raphael. I mean yes, you're pronouncing it right..." Talim wondered to herself why he was looking at her in such a different light and as she was unused to being stared at, she was feeling rather embarrassed.

"Am I making you uncomfortable Talim?" asked Raphael.

Talim then shook her head really fast and looked straight at the ground. Why was she feeling so uncomfortable? Talim was about to say something when all of a sudden he took her chin in his hand and raised her head up. "Hmmm, you look a little pink. And you feel a little hot as well. Did you catch something? He put his hand on her forehead and began checking her temperature worriedly.

If Raphael thought she looked a little pink, it was nothing compared to the shade of red as Talim blushed like crazy at how close he was to her. " I'm-I'm fine, it's noth-nothing," Talim said, stepping back from him quickly. Turning her back to him she forced herself to breathe in and out slowly.

By now, Raphael was highly amused and he waited for her to calm down and say something before unintentionally distressing her even further. He watched the rise of her slender shoulders under her white coat and smiled as she began to calm down. When she finally calmed down, she turned back to him and said, "Umm… I know this sounds kind of rude Raphael, but you seem rather different. Very different if I may say," she said quickly and looked at the ground.

With one hand on his hip, he smiled and gestured for them to take a seat on the ground. When they had made themselves comfortable, he cleared his throat and started explaining. "Believe me Talim, there's no one else in this world beside my beloved Amy, would I act this way. I'm honest when I say that I would not care if you drop dead at my feet two days ago. However, things are different now. You have saved me... To you it may be a normal act of kindness but to me, you are now the second most important person in my life. I guess my abrupt change in behaviour must've had you rather confused but now that you know, I hope we can become good friends." He then hesitated. "That's if you would would want a friend such as me." He jumped slightly when she grabbed his hands.

A look of understanding crossed Talim face and she nodded happily. "Of course we can be friends Raphael! I'm very happy that I've made another friend on this journey." She tilted her head and said fondly, "It is so very nice to have meet you. Ever since my old travelling companion left, I've been rather lonely."

He smiled at her. "Well then, I am pleased to be your new travelling companion. To be honest, it's rather dangerous for a young girl like you to be travelling by yourself and I'm glad I'll be able to watch over and protect you from now on."

Talim looked embarrassed as she realized that she was holding onto his hands and she quickly let go. "I-I hope you'll be patient with me. I'm still learning about alot of things and I can be rather clumsy at times. I also lived a pretty sheltered life. But I was still very happy to finally see the outside world!"

Raphael sat there and listened as the young priestess eagerly described the places she saw. She was so... pure and innocent. He couldn't imagine ever meeting someone like her. She was certainly a breath of fresh air, he thought with some amusement. After awhile, she asked him why he was on a journey and he said curtly, "I'm after Soul Calibur ma petite."

"Why?" Talim asked curiously. She quickly excused herself at the rude question and mumbled, "As you are infected by Soul Edge, I would assume that you would be after Soul Edge instead."

"Yes, you've made a very good point Talim. But I'm over that sword. I've recently found out that Soul Calibur can oppose Soul Edge which means that it stronger. I need Soul Calibur to establish my new world for me and Amy. That's the reason why I came to this godforsaken land to find those from the spirit tribe to learn more about the sword."

Talim looked at him worriedly. "A... new world?"

He sighed tiredly and adjusted his seat. "Look at me Talim, I'm no longer human. Amy was also infected when she treated my wounds and we were forced to run away from our home because the world rejected us. They called us an abomination and looked at us with fear and hatred. Therefore, I shall make a new world for us if this world won't have us," Raphael said angrily. The painful memories came back to him now. How he and Amy had to travel many miles under the sun and moon to find another place to live. It was humiliating and he sweared that the world would pay for their suffering.

"He's been through a lot, it's no wonder he turned out like this," thought Talim as she looked at Raphael sadly. She wished that she could help him but... she can't let him use Soul Calibur; that sword is sure to bring about his destruction and the world itself. However, she can't let him continue living his life in the darkness like this either. Thinking hard, a solution suddenly hit her. "Raphael what if I healed you and Amy? Then wouldn't you and her be able to live normally again?"

Raphael looked at her and said, "But didn't you say you were unable to?"

"Yes, but now that I think of it... I think I might be able to use Soul Calibur' power combined with the energy of the wind to do it." But it was a risky gamble. Soul Calibur was no longer the pure sword she thought it was or she would have more confidence in this plan but there was really no other way to help him...

Raphael pursed his lips in thought. Did he want to be healed? Perhaps in some corner of his heart, he did want to. But at the same time, what difference would it make? This world was still ugly and imperfect. and with this dark power, he had obtained many minions and was feared by many. Would he be willing to give all of that up in return for his and Amy's humanity? Looking back at the priestess, he asked quietly, "And if it doesn't work? What then?"

A look of deep sorrow passed over her soft face and she murmured, "I don't know, Raphael." She sniffed when she realized how stupid she sounded. "I'm sorry for being so weak."

"Talim," he chided her gently. "You're trying, that's more than what alot of this people can do."

She smiled at him weakly before saying," Raphael, please believe me on this when I say that Soul Calibur and Soul Edge are double edge weapons. Nothing good can come out of them. Even if I can't heal you, I'll look with you to find someone who can. Don't rely on those weapons, they're too dangerous." She had said the same thing to Yun-Seong but he merely laughed and waved it off. However Raphael regarded her seriously and after some time he finally answered her.

"I know... But I'll risk everything for Amy' s sake. Her happiness is my happiness."


As they packed up to leave the next night, Raphael noticed Talim's footwear and he commented on it. "Why are you wearing sandals in this weather ma petite?"

She was standing by the cave's entrance with her elbow blades strapped to her belt, hidden under her coat and she had a small bag slung across her shoulders. A gentle wind tugged at her coat and hair as she looked up at the bright moon and he only noticed her sandals when her coat moved up from the blowing air. Hearing his voice, Talim turned and blushed. "I... I gave my boots away to someone in a town nearby. Hers was falling apart and she looked so happy when I gave her mine so I..." Talim's voice trailed off and she began twiddling with her thumbs.

Hearing that, Raphael shook his head. Walking over to her, he pointed to the tall layer of snow. "I'm surprised your toes haven't frozen off yet Talim. How long do you think you're going to be walking in this weather?"

"Well... I was planning on wrapping some cloth around my feet to help. Please wait, I'll do it fast." She could feel his eyes on her as she wrapped two layers of cloth around her feet and when she stood up, she said in a cheerful tone of voice, "See? All better. Now let's go Raphael." Pulling her white fur hood over her head, she exited the cave briskly and began walking.

With another shake of his head, he followed her. They had been walking for quite some time and everywhere he looked, there was only snow and ice. Occasional pines surfaced into view from time to time but other than that, the place was rather barren. He didn't noticed that Talim had stopped and he accidentally bumped into her and the two nearly lost their footings in the deep snow.

"Oh my," whispered Talim excitedly when they regained their balance. Her big brown eyes locked on a family of ten rabbits nearby and she held her hands up to her cheeks in a adorable fashion. "They're so cute."

"They're just... rabbits." Raphael was rather puzzled by her reaction but at the same time, he found it slightly endearing. Every moment he spent with her just seemed to make her more and more interesting to him. He never met someone who loved life so much and who treasured everything she saw. She was certainly a rare treasure. He tilted his head and looked at her as she inched towards the little beasts and he smiled when they moved away from her. Laughing at her futile attempts, he walked over to her and whispered to her, "Approach them from the sides. Get yourself near the ground to look less intimidating and just wait patiently for one of them to approach you."

"Ok." She did as he instructed her and crouched to the ground. Soon enough, one of the baby bunny noticed her and out of curiosity, it began hopping over to her. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest and when it was finally within reach, it's little pink nose touched her coat gently. Slowly, she lowered her hand and to her surprise, it hopped on to it a minute later. With sparkling eyes and cold red cheeks, she showed it to Raphael. "Isn't it cute Raphael?" When she saw the amusement in his eyes, she blushed and held the bunny to her chest. "Oh, I guess a man wouldn't really see this as cute..."

He chuckled and replied, "Non. It's actually quite cute Talim." But what he was referring to was actually her. "She would make a wonderful friend for Amy," Raphael thought hopefully. His daughter truly needed someone to call a friend and he was saddened by the fact that he wasn't always by her side. Perhaps, things would now change and his sweet Amy might smile a little more often. Ever since they were infected, she had lost her smile. He was the only one she would smile at and every time she did, his heart felt lighter. Removing himself from his thoughts, he looked at Talim who was surrounded by at least five rabbits and she laughed cheerfully as she tried to pet them all. Her laughter and smile... also made him feel...strangely lighter. Bending down, he said to her, "Enjoying yourself ma petite?"

She merely laughed again and before he could say something, she dumped an especially large white bunny in his arms. "Thank you so much for showing me the way to approach them Raphael. This had really made my day."

"You're welcome Talim." As he watched her play with the little beasts, he asked, "Do you want one of them as your pet?"

Talim shook her head. "No, they're happy out here in the wild with their family and friends. I wouldn't want to take one of them away just to suit my own needs. Oh, and I already have a pet bird so I'm good."

"I had a feeling you would say something like that. Wait, you have a bird?" Raphael was going to ask her something but then he noticed one of the rabbits nibbling on his black coat. "Hey, stop that you little mongrel." He dropped the one that was in his arms and shooed the one that was eating his coat. Holding up the damaged fabric, he narrowed his eyes at the hole it had made. This was a really expensive coat as well...

Talim was petting another bunny when something caught her eyes. "Raphael, what is that coming towards us?"

Raphael glanced up from another bunny who was trying to eat his coat and he looked at what she was pointing. His own eyes widened and he quickly reached for his rapier by his side. "Talim, stay behind me."

She quickly shooed the rabbits away and reached for her own weapons as well. "Raphael, you haven't completely recovered yet. I'm not going to stand by and let you do this by yourself."

With a sigh, he pointed to the man advancing towards them. "That man has practically no clothes on in this weather and yet he's not even shivering. Also, his giant mace is bigger than you. At this rate, running away would be our best option."

"But the town is that way," said Talim. "We won't make it unless we stock up on supplies... And, maybe he's just passing through here," she added hopefully.

Inwardly, he measured the options and he had to agree with her that she was right. "Fine. But if he turns out to be dangerous, I'll take care of the situation." His eyes narrowed as the tall man came closer and closer.

When the man was finally within walking distance, Raphael held his rapier out threateningly and shouted, "Who or what are you? State your reasons for coming here." To his shock, the large man stopped within a short distance from them and fell forward.

"Are you alright?" cried Talim, running past him and over to the stranger.

Raphael quickly grabbed her arm. Holding her back, he said, "Don't come near him. He could be dangerous." But she merely shrugged him off and ran over to the fallen man. Cursing slightly, he headed over as well and watched as she kneeled down in the snow, placing her head over his exposed chest to see if he was still alive. Pulling his hood over his head, he cast a critical eye at the newcomer and saw that his body was marked with deep and painful wounds. The attacks were brutal and inflicted with terrible strength. Who could have done such a thing?"

At the sight of the blood, Raphael felt his urges return and he it took alot of will power to restrain himself from biting the fallen man and drinking his blood. He had a feeling Talim wouldn't be very comfortable with that... Clearing his throat, he asked, "Is he alive?"

Talim nodded with relief. "Yes but he's very weak. We'll need to get him to the town and find him a doctor fast..."

Seeing how worried she was, he sighed. "And who's going to carry this guy? He's probably twice my weight and yours combined."

She shifted a bit in the snow and looked around the desolate wasteland. There was truly no one here to help them. Hearing Raphael footsteps crunching at the snow as he approached her, she look up at him beseechingly. "But... we can't just leave him."

"Yes we can."He suddenly startled her as his hand reached down and lifted her coat away to reveal her wet and icy cold feet. "That's what happens when you help others before you help yourself Talim. You gain nothing and you will lose everything. Showing mercy to others is only being cruel to yourself. Now, let's get going before your feet freezes solid."

"I..." Composing herself, she smiled at him. "Go on without me Raphael. I'll meet you back at town."

"You can't possibly think that you can carry this man all by yourself," he said coldly, trying to get her to see how ridiculous the idea was. "Besides, what if he's dangerous?"

She blinked her large brown eyes at him. "I can't abadon this man, the same way I couldn't abandon you."

He closed his eyes in exasperation and knew there was no arguing with her now. She wasn't going to change her mind. He shook his head but after some deliberation, he finally said, "I'm not leaving you." Seeing the surprise on her face, he told her, "I owe you my life and until I've repaid you, I'm not going to abandon you. Now, give me a hand in carrying this guy."

"Thank you so much Raphael!" Talim clapped her hands together in thanks and quickly went over to help him.


After an hour of travelling, Raphael panted for breath as he and Talim struggled to keep the stranger they were carrying from falling into the snow. They each had a heavy arm around their shoulders and they were moving at a snail's pace. At this rate... if the weather didn't kill them then it would be a miracle. When Raphael thought he could take it no more, the stranger finally woke up. "Thank God!" thought Raphael, stopping to catch his breath.

"Sir? Are you alright?" asked Talim timidly, addressing the man who seemed like he was awake. But she couldn't really tell since he was wearing a rhino mask. "Please, tell me your name. Are you from around here?"

Coughing, the man shook his head. "My name is... Rock. Did you two... save me?"

"Correct." Raphael let go of Rock and within a split second, he regretted it since the man toppled over. Along with Talim who was unable to support such a heavy weight on her own.

Shaking the snow off her, Talim shivered. Raphael quickly went over to her and assisted her up while apologizing to her. She merely smiled and told him that it was alright before turning to Rock who had stand up as well. "Sir Rock, are you able to walk on your own?"

"You two..." Rock gave them a quick bow and said, "Thank you. Now, please leave this place at once. There's a very formidable opponent out here and if you see a black giant wielding an axe... run."

"Was he the one who injured you?" asked Raphael.

Rock nodded. "I fell off a cliff and through luck, I lived. I managed to find a hot spring where I stayed and waited to feel better but I had no food. Leaving the spring, I wandered for two days until... you two found me." He then realized something. "Where's my mace?"

"Ummm..." Talim fidgeted nervously and played with her hair. "We couldn't... carry you and your mace so we left it. I'm really sorry. Please, let me make it up to you." Reaching for the bag she was carrying, she took out some more dried meat wrapped in wax paper and gave it to him. "We're quite close to the town so me and Raphael should be able to restock quickly enough. Will you come with us?"

"No. I shall go back to get my weapon and I will continued to hunt down the black giant." Rock looked at the barren land around them and whispered, "He's still out there and I must stop him from hurting any more innocent people."

"Good luck then," Raphael said nonchalantly. "Now if you'll excuse us, we need to get going. Thanks to carrying you around the sun is almost up. I should've been in a nice and warm bed by now but here I am, freezing-"

"Raphael," shushed Talim. "Please, you're making me very sad. It's not his fault."

Rock looked at the young girl and thanked her. "Little one... you have a very big heart and I am glad to have met you. May the spirits protect you..."

She smiled politely at him. "And I pray that the wind will protect you as well Sir Rock. It has been very nice to meet you and please, take care of yourself. And are you really sure you'll be fine... going out there in the cold with what you're wearing Sir Rock?"

As the two exchanged farewells, Raphael watched as the white giant left and he turned back to Talim who was nudging him. "Let's hurry Raphael. The sun's almost up and I know that it's difficult for you during the day..."

He looked at her with half closed eyes and said tiredly, "Why do you always think about others before yourself. The only reason why we should hurry is because you're going to catch pneumonia soon. And yet you're more worried about me..." When she gave him an embarrassed smile and shrugged, he just sigh and shook his head at her.

Seeing that, she said, "Is there something bothering you?"

"I... I wish to return to my castle and see Amy. I miss her quite dearly," admitted Raphael. "And with the state you and I are in, it would be foolish to continue on our journey."

"There's still a bit of time left before the two swords return to their true power," said Talim. "I would not object to this idea so don't worry about it."

He tilted his head and said, "Then we should hurry to town and stock up on some supplies. Oh, and once we get to town, I'll purchase some boots for you."