Talim leaned against the tree and stared at the seemingly endless lake. The vines on the tree rustled along with the gentle wind and the twinkling orange sun gleamed in the distant. It was certainly a very beautiful sunset but her mind was not on the landscape before her. They had been here for three days already and Raphael was eager to leave this place and return to the real world to obtain Soul Calibur. When she returned to his side, she merely stayed quiet these past few days. He noticed her passive demeanour but she told him that her illness was just making her tired. But the truth was that she dreaded going back to the real world. Yes, she was a coward for wanting to avoid the confrontation with the man she loved but... was it so wrong for her to feel like this? She let out a mournful sigh and picked up a thick green leaf. Bringing it to her lips, she began to play music on it. The melodies eased her mind and it brought a few moments of contentment for her troubled soul.

"How do you do that?"

Talim stopped playing and turned to look at Amy who was sitting down beside her. Giving Amy a gentle smile, she held out her leaf for Amy to try. Holding the leaf in her hands, Amy tried but the only result was that her lips became sore. Finally, Amy shook her head and handed the leaf back to Talim. "It seems that I do not posses the ability to produce any musical notes from this leaf."

Talim pulled the brown cloak that she always wear now alittle tighter and gestured for Amy to copy her. Holding the leaf, she bent one side slightly while her lips barely grazed the green edges. Slowly, she began playing again and Amy watched in slight fascination. When Talim stopped playing, the two young girls sat there in content silence.

Talim looked at Amy for a moment before tapping her on the shoulders.

"What is it Talim?" asked Amy.

First, Talim pointed to her and then she pointed to Amy. After that, she made some more hand gestures and she kept pointing behind her. It took Amy several guesses but Amy finally guessed that Talim wanted to know about her past with Amy. Amy leaned back against the tree and thought about it and she let out a small chuckle. "To be honest Talim, I didn't like you when we first met."

Tilting her head, Talim had a surprised expression on her face.

Amy nodded and said, "You were just another insignificant presence in my life at first. And I was actually rather annoyed of you since father seemed to like you. I've never had to share him with anyone before and I still didn't trust you. My bitter past of being looked down by people didn't help either..."

Talim moved alittle closer and she looked at Amy questioningly.

"You want to know about my past as well?"

Talim nodded.

Amy closed her eyes and replied, "It's not a very happy story so I'll spare you the sad little details. Both my parents died from the plague when I was young so I couldn't remember much about them. But I do remember the way people treated us when they were sick. The doctor I came to see threw me out before I even stepped all the way inside. He called me filthy and said that I was a waste of space. But I needed medicine for my parents so the moment he turned his back, I grabbed a jar of his herbs and ran out of there. They died... three days later and I was all alone in this world."

Seeing the sad expression on Amy's face, Talim placed a comforting hand on Amy's shoulder.

She paused at the comforting gesture before saying thank you and after that, she continued her story. "They're all so ignorant you know... They don't care what happens to others as long as they're safe and sound and they're content to ignore the suffering of others around them. I can remember those days Talim. Days where hunger clawed at my stomach so much that it felt like I was dying. The rich snobs who walked by didn't even spare me a passing glance. Those who did look... their eyes told me everything."

Amy closed her eyes at the bitter memories. "When Raphael saved me from poverty, I was so happy. There was finally someone in this world who treasured me. Someone who didn't me see me as a poor and useless beggar girl. But happiness didn't last long." Amy's hands tightened into fists and her eyes turned cold. "I hate them all Talim. They didn't care about our pain when we became malfested." Amy turned to Talim and said, "But you are different my friend. You aren't like the others. Only with you and my father, do I feel like I belong... Even though you've lost your memories, I still believe that nothing's changed between us."

Talim opened her mouth to say something but the priestess quickly remembered that she could no longer speak. So she merely took Amy's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Friends forever Amy..."

"Thank you Talim," said Amy, looking at their joined hands before tapping Talim's left hand. "I promise, me and my father will find a way to save you from this illness."

Talim smiled sadly and shook her head. She slowly opened up her cloak and showed Amy how worse her condition had gotten. The disease had spread from her arms to her chest and torso and it left her body marred with red skin and small green scales. Tightening her cloak around her once more, Talim tried to give Amy a comforting smile but Amy merely shook her head and said, "I can see your pain... Talim, it's ok to cry. You don't have to smile all the time..."

Talim's lips quivered for a few seconds but she stopped herself from crying and turned away from Amy. It would only make Amy and Raphael sad if they saw her tears. When she regained some control, she turned back to Amy and gave and her a forced smile. She had no doubt that Amy knew she was forcing it, but she was grateful that her friend didn't push her.

The next day, Raphael came to see her as she was sitting under same tree and he sat down beside her. "Talim, is something wrong? You've been too quiet these past few days."

She gave him a gentle smile. "I'm just a little tired Raphael. But thank you for worrying about me." Turning back to the endless blue sky and waters, Talim remained silent. Raphael was contemplating on whether he should ask her about her illness when suddenly, her voice chimed like a bell through his head. "Tell me our story Raphael. I want to hear about our journey together and try to remember. Could you do that for me?"

"It's a very long story Talim," Raphael said tenderly. "But there is nothing more I would like to do than pass my time being with you and reminisce about the past."

Her small mouth opened in a cute moment of love at what he said and Raphael couldn't help but remember all the times other women had given him the same expression when he lied to them with honeyed words at court. But of course, he treasured Talim's reaction the most. Her feelings toward him had no taint of lust or greed for power that the other women felt for him. "She was as innocent... as a child," he mused. Scooping her in his arms, he settled her on his lap and held her in his embrace.

"What was that for Raphael?" Talim addressed her position on his lap. "I'm not a child you know." But that last part of her thought contained a hint of amusement.

"Of course you are," laughed Raphael. "I am seventeen years your senior. It would be normal to think of you as a child." He laughed at her as she pouted at him before saying, "But of course, you're at the right age to marry right now. Ahahaha, if only my relatives could see us right now. They would never have expected me to have fallen in love with someone like you. Of course, I would have never fallen in love with any other women at court. They're all so vain and shallow and none of them ever saw me the way I truly am."

Raphael glanced at Talim's questioning look and explained. "I was trained from a young age to be perfect for only perfection was the only path for the Sorel heir and name. I had to act like the perfect noble at all times. Perfect manners, perfect education, perfect posture, perfect body, perfect everything. They did not realize or care that the man they see before them is human and that he cannot be perfect no matter how hard he tries." Raphael thought about his family's ridiculous expectations of him and the way they abandoned the moment he made a mistake. How he hated them all...

Talim could feel the anger and hatred in him and she slowly put her hand on his chest. "Hate will not heal you Raphael."

"Then what will?" Raphael asked bitterly.

Talim smiled at him before leaning up and kissing him on his lips. Her back arched up and her soft body pressed against him as she adjusted her seat on his lap. "Love and hope will heal you."

And it was true for the painful memory in his heart was mended by her soft words and sweet lips. He had known for some times, that his family's rejection of him was one of the hardest truth in life that he ever had to swallowed but then again, if things hadn't happened like this... then he would still be living a lie for the rest of his life back at France instead of sitting here in this beautiful paradise with an even more beautiful girl in his arms.

Talim could feel that he had calmed down and she reluctantly pulled away. "I love you not because you're perfect Raphael. I love you because you're real. Every emotion and everything you say comes from your heart and I treasure your true self. I would choose this real you over the fake and perfect you every time."

"Why is it that you always know what to say to comfort me?" asked Raphael as Talim snuggled against him.

"I just speak from my heart Raphael." She listened to the gurgling waters before them and felt the air play with her hair and just took the time to enjoy the splendid sight with him for now. Finally, she said, "Raphael, will you tell me our story now?"

Clearing his throat, he began, "It was a desolate place..."

"Why do you stand in our way?" said Syi Salika glared at the earth warden standing before her. Necrid was in his monster form which made him more powerful in battle and he supported her from her right. They were standing in enemy territory and she knew that she and Necrid was at a disadvantage. Addressing the earth warden again, she said, "I thought that the land of the earth has always been neutral in most affairs. After all, your queen has always been unyielding when it comes to the holy laws."

The earth warden pushed back his short braid of chocolate brown hair and his dark skin gleamed with fragrant oil under the sun. "I would never disobey my queen but I will not let you pass. My queen may have said that I was not allowed to go after your priestess and that man but she never said that I couldn't prevent them from getting help."

"I see," replied Syi Salika. They were standing in field of flowers near the edge of the earth kingdom which was connected to the borders between the spiritual and human world. The lively and colorful flowers danced in the breeze as Syi Salika began charging up her storm maiden powers. "Then it seems I'll just have to make you move."

"I hate this sort of thing." Grumbling, Necrid leaped backward and readied his weapon, which was a ball of green light which he called Malficus. He slammed it into the ground and a bright viridian light shot out towards the earth warden. "I do not wish to fight but I must repay my debt to Talim.," said Necrid, readying his next attack. His weapon shifted its shape into an axe and he charged forward with Salika backing him up with her next spell.

"Where are you taking me?" Talim asked as Raphael covered her eyes and led her onward into the dense forest. He only replied that it was a surprise and she smiled as he continued to lead. Coming to a stop, he let go and he grinned as he pulled back the curtain of thick vines.

"I hope you'll like it, ma petite."

Talim gasped as she saw. Two large trees with their curved branches formed a large ceiling over them. Beneath the tree, were two layers of flowers. One pile was made up entirely of red roses while the other one was made up of pure white lilies. The smell was absolutely intoxicating and when small shafts of sunlight pierced through and lit up the sleeping place, Talim thought it was the most beautiful bed she had ever seen.

The place was well hidden by the vines and Talim touched the wall around her gingerly. When Raphael told her they were inside the hollow confines of a giant dead tree, she looked at him in disbelief. He merely smiled and said, "Amy, you can come out now."

Amy came out from behind the two large trees and smiled. "Father made this for you and me. And I was just in charge of finding a place to store it."

At that, Talim felt her eyes filled up with tears and she held a hand out towards her. When Amy came over, she hugged them both and tried to show them how happy she was.

Raphael kissed her on the forehead before leading her over to the white one. "This is where you'll sleep dearest. As for the bed of red roses, that's for Amy." When he saw her questioningly look, he smiled. "I will sleep beside you, of course." He smiled when she blushed and shook her head. With a sharp whistle, he beckoned for Buffy to come out. The baby bat squeaked happily as it popped out from the red roses and Amy came over.

"I'll be sleeping with Buffy."

Talim couldn't help but open her mouth in silent laughter. With a charming smile, Raphael made her sit down among the lilies and its white petals while Amy settled herself down on hers. Softly, he whispered, "This is probably the greatest thing... I've done for both of you. Every flower that I picked and searched for, was done with all my love and all my heart. I hope you both like it."

Talim and Amy both smiled as they kissed him on the cheek from each side.

"Thank you father."

"Thank you, Raphael."

Taking a handful of flowers, Talim breathed it in and settled herself against Raphael comfortably. For the first time in a long while, she was happy and content. Nothing was on her mind except for the fact that she was with the people she loved and there was nothing... wrong.

But the moment was shattered when pain coursed through her body. Talim held a hand to her mouth as she began coughing and her head grew heavy. Dimly, she heard Amy and Raphael call out for her but she couldn't hear them very clearly. With a final hacking cough, blood sprayed out from her mouth and it stained the white lilies with a gloomy dark red. Sinking back against him, she looked up at Raphael apologetically as she pulled on her cloak to cover her body. "I'm sorry... I've ruined it."

Raphael closed his eyes and held her tightly. "Dearest... please don't leave me."

On the other side, Amy grasped one of Talim's hand and her tears clung to her eyelashes. "Talim..."

Talim closed her eyes and mouthed once more. "I'm so sorry..."

Raphael grumbled as he looked up at the hot sun. They had been here for eight days already and he was growing very impatient. Talim's sickness was getting worse with each passing day and his only hope left was Soul Calibur. With another muttered curse, he looked up. The sky was a cloudy grey and leaves flew up and down in the chilly air. A twig snapped behind him and he turned around sharply to see Talim coming towards him. Amy was currently taking a nap underneath a tree and his daughter was fast asleep. Seeing Talim, he smiled and reached out for her and she came to his side. "What are you thinking of Raphael?"

"What else my dearest? I'm trying to think of a way to leave this place so that we may return to our world and find Soul Calibur," replied Raphael. "Don't worry Talim, when I find that sword, I'll cure you of this strange ailment."

Talim looked at him sadly. "All things must die sooner or later Raphael. In reality, I shouldn't even be here right now. My life and my memories are gone and by going against the nature of things and extending my life, perhaps this is the price I must pay along with my memories being erased."

"Don't say things like that Talim," Raphael scolded gently. "With Soul Calibur in my hands, I can control space and time itself. Nothing will stand in my way and you'll finally be free from all this pain and sadness."

"Physical pain is something I can deal with." Talim tilted her head slightly to the side and put a hand to her heart. "But the pain in here, is something much harder to deal with."

Raphael was slightly surprised by her statement but then he nodded knowledgeably. "I know that you feel torn about me changing the world. You want it to be perfect but you're scared about the consequences. It's alright Talim, I'll fight for you. In your place, I shall make sure that your dream comes true."

Taking a step back from him, Talim took a deep breath of the fresh air and shook her head. "Although our world may not be perfect, I still love it because it's real." She then gestured to him and told him, "Remember? I told you that I loved you even though I know you're not perfect. And you even said that you hated your family's expectations for you to be flawless. Why are you doing the same thing to our world?"

"Why should I care about the world?" asked Raphael, his voice growing a little colder. "What has the world ever done for me? All I know is that the people in this world will bow down and obey me. Methods and means are insignificant in the long run. If needs be, I'll kill everyone in this world if that's what it takes for this world to truly belong to the three of us. Don't you understand Talim? When I rule over the world with Soul Calibur in my hands, no one would dare hurt you or Amy. It's been some time now but I'm still being hunted down by my family and others from France. Do you expect me to live a life in hiding and fear? Only power can protect us."

Talim bit her lips and clutched her cloak. "You're sacrificing the world for your own motives."

"So?"

"You aren't doing it for me or our love. It seems that the powers of Soul Edge in your blood is starting to take over. Please, let me heal you Raphael."

"No!" Raphael pushed her away from him and his voice woke Amy up. Anger was bubbling from within and he struggled to control himself. "How dare you say that to me Talim! I've risked my life for you over and over and you say that I'm not doing it for our love? I am fully conscious of my actions. Soul Edge has nothing to do with my mind! I don't want to hear any more accusations from you ever again!" And he turned and headed for the forest.

"Raphael! Raphael!" But he did not turn back and Talim looked at the ground in despair.

"I'll go and talk with him," said Amy, coming to her side. "He's just a little frustrated and he's really worried about your sickness which is why he isn't in his right mind."

Talim smiled and gestured for her to go after Raphael. Amy nodded and she quickly took after her father. As she left, Talim stared at her disappearing form for awhile in silence. Sensing her distress, Buffy flew off her head and hovered before her. "Eeek?"

Talim pet it on the head motioned for it to go play and leave her alone for awhile. Buffy looked at her with concern but then it bobbed it's small head and flapped away. A sudden rustling in the bushes startled her and she quickly faced the two new intruders. "I do not think it would be necessary for us to fight her now. She may in fact be a valuable ally," said the water guardian, pushing away his long cerulean blue hair.

"I'm glad that she is not blinded by love and that she can still separate what's right and wrong," answered the fire warrior, adjusting his blazing red armor.

"Do you ever take off that helmet by the way?"

"No."

Talim could tell that they were the holy warriors of the fire and waters and she politely bowed her head. But she was nervous about their appearance and she wondered what they were doing here at the borders. Well, it was certainly a good thing that her knowledge of the spiritual world remained intact due to her deity's mercy.

The water guardian walked up to her and looked at her closely before saying, "You do realize... that you do not have much time left."

Talim nodded and took off her cloak. From her knees down, her skin remained clear as well as everything above her collar bone. But she had at best, three more days.

"You know, that man you're with is a bit of a jerk. How can he speak to you like that when he knows what you're going through?" said the blue haired guardian.

Talim shook her head and tried to argued but no sound came out. "What happened to your voice?" asked the fire warrior curiously.

"It would just be better if I tap into her memories and see using the arts of water."

Confused, Talim was about to try and ask what he meant when suddenly, he laid a cool hand on her forehead and with the other hand, he called upon his magic and formed a mirror made from frozen lake waters. Talim watched as her battle inside Draedra Cave took place and Ria sacrificed her voice all the way till Talim regained her body against Ria. As they finished watching, he released the spell and the mirror melted and the water flew back into the lake with a loud splash. "Call Ria, the storm maiden from within you," said the fire warrior. Seeing Talim's expression he added, "With us here, she won't be able to take over your body so don't worry."

Talim hesitated for a moment before nodding. Closing her eyes, she summoned Ria. "Come forth, Ria!"

"Now." The water guardian and fire warrior casted their own spells on her body and shouted, "Take shape and appear before us. You, who are born from the air!"

Mist gathered at her feet and Talim watched as the storm maiden took shape outside her body. As Ria woke up, she slowly stood up straight and asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

"You have stolen Talim's voice," answered the two other entities.

Ria looked away from them. "I did not want to but there was no other way."

"We are the keepers of the law Ria. How could you break the same law that you've sworn to protect?" asked the fire guardian.

Ria snapped at him. "And why are you here? Sneaking around in the shadows like that? If I'm correct, we are not allowed to interfere in the fate of the world or the humans in it. You are no better than me Blariz, Acool."

Acool smiled and ran his hand through his blue hair. "We want the wind priestess to return to her world and seal away Soul Edge and Soul Calibur. As well as... eliminating Raphael Sorel."

Talim gasped and grasped his arm, shaking her head at what he said.

"Hey hey, don't worry. We've worked out a different plan," said the water guardian, trying to free his arm away from the frantic girl.

Ria narrowed her eyes. "What plan?"

Blariz said, "With our powers, we can temporarily heal her until she finds the one who cursed her and force him to remove the curse off her permanently."

"What curse?" wondered Talim.

They saw her confusion and Acool pointed to her neck pendent. "Someone laid a powerful curse on you by using this jewel. We can cut back the stems and leaves of this curse but as long as the roots remain, you'll still be infected. After our temporary healing spell, you'll be strong enough to face off Raphael in battle and stop him for the sake of the world."

"Zasalamel... how could he? And Raphael, must I fight him?" Talim looked down at the ground and Blariz could see that she was unwilling to fight so he said, "If you fight him, you'll have a chance to reason with him and it he doesn't listen, you can seal him. After you seal the swords, you can come back and free him. If we fight him..." His red eyes darkened. "We will kill him. It's your choice."

She nodded sadly.

"Ria, will you aid Talim? Instead of trying to take over her body?" asked Acool.

"As long as she promise to seal away Soul Edge forever, I shall do everything in my powers to help her," replied the beautiful storm maiden, glancing over at Talim with her sparkling emerald eyes.

"First thing first, you must give her back her voice. It was you who made the sacrifice. Not her. Therefore, you must be the one to lose your voice, according to the law," said Blariz.

"I have no objections," said Ria. "As long as I remain this powerful, I can still have my revenge. With my love dead... I no longer sing for anyone else." Talim gently grabbed Ria arm and looked at her gratefully. Ria said, "Do not thank me little one. I have caused you much trouble and I apologize." She looked down at the young girl and murmured, "By taking and controlling my darkness, you have done something very kind for me. The hate in me still lingers but I appreciate your efforts. In return, I shall do my best to help you walk this difficult path."

"So, we're leaving it to you, alright?" asked Acool with a smile.

"If you are defeated, we shall be the one to take care of Raphael," said Blariz insensitively. Acool kicked him and tried to reassure the priestess. "Talim will succeed. Now stop pressuring her you metal head."

"Let the healing begin," stated Ria curtly. "Oh gentle breeze, come from the sky and restore us. Healing wind!"

"Let the flames of pure fire burn away this taint. Purifying Fires!"

"Wash away this sorrow and ease the pain. Cleansing Rain!"

The three element engulfed Talim and began to heal her. Her skin regained its peach color and smoothness and she felt as if a great weight was lifted off her. Her neck pendant slowly began losing its red colour and it faded to a dull orange. However, the power of the curse was still in there... bidding its time to grow once again.

Raphael looked at his neck jewel as it flashed red. Amy noticed as well and she stopped trying to persuade him to go back to Talim. "Father?"

He concentrated but he couldn't hear Talim's thoughts. Did something happen to her?Panicking, he ran back for her and as he ran, terrible scenarios ran through his mind. What if some kind of beast had finally shown up and she was all alone? What if her illness had finally spiralled out of control and she was there dying on the ground without him by her side? Why did he say such terrible things to her? He knew that she was ill and yet he... Why was he so inconsiderate! With her illness, she was probably not in her right state of mind which was why she was acting so unusual to him. He should've seen it! Wracked with guilt, he ran even faster.

"Ahh!"

Raphael stopped and saw that Amy had tripped and sprained her ankle. "Amy!"

He went to her side and began pulling her up to carry her but she shook her head. "Go on ahead father. I'll catch up with you later. Don't worry, I'll be fine."

"But-"

"Just go father. I'll be fine. It's not that far away even with a sprained ankle. I'll be there in less than an hour. I was alone on my journey most of the time and I was fine. So don't worry, I can take of myself."

Raphael relented. "Alright. I'll be waiting for you ok?"

Amy noddded and Raphael rushed off again. Praying in his heart to any god or goddess that was listening, he begged them to keep Amy and Talim safe.

Finally, he made it to the place where they had first appeared here and it was once again sunset. But the dodos, flamingos and hippos were absent and everything was eerily silent. Even the air was still. But all he cared about was Talim. She was facing away from him looking at the waters. She must've heard his noisy entrance as she turned around to face him. Relieved that she was alright, he ran to her side and embraced her. "Talim, forgive me for my harsh words with you. I'm so sorry."

Talim nodded briefly before pushing him away. Slowly, she reached for the clasp on her neck and with a touch of her fingers, the cloak fell to the ground. To his amazement, her skin was unblemished and no trace of the illness remained. He was even more amazed when she spoke. "You're finally here... Raphael."

"Talim? What happened? How did you-"

"I've found a way for you to leave this place Raphael. The end of the trial is near," Talim interrupted softly.

"You... did?"

She nodded and closed her eyes. "Prepare yourself Raphael Sorel. I am your opponent for this trial. If you wish to leave... then you must defeat me." She quickly unclasped her tonfas from her belt and readied herself for battle. "I cannot allow you to pass. I will stop you."

"You..." Raphael couldn't believe what she was saying. He took a step back and looked at her in utter bewilderment. "What are you... saying?"

Talim replied solemnly, "If you will not abandon your goal on creating a new world, I... I will seal you."

The Soul Edge shard in his pocket shined slightly. "Did you hear that, Raphael? The one you love just said that she's going to seal you? It looks like you are going to meet your end by the one you have sworn to protect and love."

Raphael snarled. "You... You would seal me away? The one who loved you more than his own life?!"

"It's because I love you that I must fight you!" shouted Talim, her heart breaking into pieces as she ran forward.

Raphael's eyes turned a piercing bright red as he drew his rapier.

Darkwings13: Next chapter will be the battle between Raphael and Talim and it's going to be like the highlight of this story. Oh and I would like to thank all of you who reviewed. ThalieXVII (who never fails to review all of my chapters and your reviews are always so detailed and I treasure them), Diegofu (who praised me for writing such a fantastic story, thank you for all of your support and for being so open minded about this couple), kurohana9012 (who has been a motivating prescence from time to time whenever she reviews), Raphael949 (thanks for giving me so many 5/5 lol), and my three newest reviews, Corumb (I guess he's going to get some sense smacked into him the hard way XD), Nati1342 (I've finally updated and I hope you like what happened next ^^), and finally Hikarikurai25857(I'm happy that you found my story interesting and like I promised, I finally updated once I was done my giant pile of uni homework :D). And many thanks to those who are reading this because without you, a writer has nothing to live for.