Talim looked at Kilik with mild disgust. She had finished cleansing his
wounds with the supplies Maxi had provided her, but his clothes were
another matter.
Kilik noticed the look she was giving him. "What?"
"Your clothes, they're all bloody. You need a new attire." Talim explained while looking at the excess bandages she held in her hands. She shrugged her shoulders and was about to toss them over board when Kilik grabbed her wrist using his incredible reflexes.
"We may need those for later. We'll have plenty of battles to come." He took the bandages from her grasp and placed them in the basket where Maxi stored his medical supplies. "So you don't approve of my clothes?" Kilik asked while gracing Talim with a skeptical eye as he looked her up and down. She was wearing her green and white outfit that day, it was the skimpiest of all her clothes.
"Well it has blood all over it." Talim replied, not catching his hint.
"Why don't we go back into town and look for some clothes." Kilik suggested.
"I have three outfits with me here. We must travel light and all of my clothes are well suited for fighting. We simply need to clean your cape is all." Talim reasoned.
Kilik stood up and smiled at her. "No. I think we should spend some of the gold I found from our friend." He patted the bulging coin purse he had strapped to his belt.
"You do not like my clothes?" She asked a little hurt. Link happened to be walking by and noticed the hurt tone in his friend's voice. He glared at Kilik before knocking him upside the head with the bug catching net he held in his hands.
Talim couldn't help but laugh at the scene of Kilik standing with Link's net over his head. Link was satisfied by Talim's reaction and took back his net and continued on his way. Kilik rolled his eyes. Those two needed to stay far away from one another if he was going to keep his sanity.
Kilik offered his arm to Talim. She looked at him quizzically. "There is nothing wrong with your clothing. I rather like the way you dress." He flashed her a slightly lecherous grin before continuing. "However, France is rather cold and neither of us have clothes suited for winter. Would you consider a coat?"
Talim laced her arm through his and nodded her head in acceptance. It made sense and she needed to be in the best health in order to fight well.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I could have taken her." Xianghua muttered to Maxi as the two finished eating their dinner.
Maxi nodded his head sympathetically. "I know it must be hard, considering you were graced four years ago with success in your fights. However, you shouldn't let past victory get you over confidant. If you would like, I'll spar with you and perhaps you can improve on your technique."
"I don't need to practice. I just needed more time in that last match." She stubbornly protested.
Maxi threw a knife at her and it grazed her cheek. Xianghua held her hand to her fresh cut and glared at the man before her. "Why did you do that!"
Maxi shrugged. "How pathetic! You disappoint me. If you were not in need of practice you would have been able to catch that easily. I strongly recommend you reconsider my offer."
Xianghua considered his reasoning for a moment. She saw Kilik and Talim leaving the ship. She looked back at Maxi. "Very well, I accept."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Talim cocked an eyebrow at Kilik's choice. He chose a blue vest with fur collar, but it hardly protected his torso from the elements.
"Not that I am complaining about the view, but that does not look very warm." Talim admonished.
Kilik twirled his staff in a few practice maneuvers. "It is excellent for fighting and the fur does keep me warm." He replied while tossing the merchant a few gold pieces. "Now, let us find some coats." He replied as he wrapped his free arm around Talim's shoulders to guild her through the streets.
The two found another merchant that was selling fine coats. Kilik found a pair of similar overcoats that would work for both of them and purchased them. "These will keep us quite warm."
Talim smiled when Kilik draped the coat over her shoulders. It did stop the chill from the late evening from penetrating her. However, before she could properly thank him a commotion in the streets drew both of their attention.
"Stop! Thief!" A man's voice roared. Running away from the crowds a man could be seen running.
Kilik placed his hand upon Talim's shoulder and whispered in her ear. "Stay here, I'll be back shortly."
Talim couldn't believe the nerve of that man! Her hands automatically reached for her new Double Crescent Blades and she took off in the same direction as Kilik and the thief.
She wasn't sure where they could have gone. There was no sign of either of the two once she rounded the last corner of the alley. Then rough hands grabbed her from behind and pulled her into the shadows.
"You should repent, young one." The voice told her as he began to drag her away.
She was mentally kicking herself for having sheathed her blades during her run. Her mother always told her never to run with sharp objects, you could put out someone's eye. Well maybe she should be trying to put out someone's eye! Her arms were pinned to her sides and as much as she hated to admit it, she lacked upper body strength.
"You should not have interfered. However, I'm sure that man you were with would pay a nice sum to have you returned to him. There are many in need of such funds. You understand I'm sure."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yungsung was waiting for his new traveling companion to return; the sun had recently set. The young Korean fighter still was uneasy in the presence of Yoshimitsu. The man wore a mask all the time and had an odd sense of honor. What kind of thief can claim to be honorable?
He did not expect the return of his companion to bring someone he met earlier in his travels. He rose from the ground upon seeing the familiar girl looking so helpless. He couldn't help but feel the need to save her.
"What are you doing?" Yungsung asked the masked thief.
"Easy money. She obviously has friends with plenty of it." He gestured to the Double Crescent Blades. He had met Voldo on previous treasure hunts and vividly recalled those weapons amongst the gold and jewels of those caves.
"You should release her, now." Yungsung suggested as a command.
Yoshimitsu shook his head. "No."
"Gimme a break!" Yungsung cried. "How can you claim to be all valiant when you kidnap Talim!"
Yoshimitsu looked back at the Korean with a questioning expression. "Talim? You know her?"
"Yeah, I know her. Now release her or else I will make you release her." Yungsung warned as he unsheathed his blade.
Yoshimitsu laughed an insane laugh that would freak out any bystander. Talim shifted uncomfortably, silently praying to be released from this situation.
"I would recommend you releasing her." A new voice, much welcomed to Talim's ears could be heard.
Yoshimitsu turned to address the new arrival. "You again?"
"Do not make me repeat myself." Kilik warned as he twirled his rod around and took up his favorite fighting stance.
Yoshimitsu pushed Talim towards Yungsung and prepared to attack the rod- bearing interloper. "You shall repent!" He cried as he flew at the man.
Kilik was ready for the attack and braced himself for the inevitable hit. He used his raging phoenix attack to upset the pogo like movements this masked swordsman started to use.
"How's that?" Kilik asked as he hit his rod hard where the victim's voice should rise a few octaves.
Yoshimitsu offered a groan but no other verbal comment. He backed away and sat upon the ground and meditated. Kilik was so confused he didn't realize the masked man was starting another attack until the ground began to shake.
"Get out of the way!" Yungsun shouted in warning before the final after shock could damage Kilik.
Kilik pulled a pole-vault move on his rod to stay out of the attack zone. He landed softly onto the ground and raised Kali-Yuga to slam against Yoshimitsu's neck. The masked man fell to the ground harshly. "Don't cry for mercy." Kilik warned as he began to raise the staff for the mortal blow.
"No!" Talim cried as she ran away from Yunsung to protect the masked man from death. "You can't kill him."
Kilik lowered his rod and looked at her bewildered. "But he kidnapped you." He argued.
The masked man sat up and stared at her as well. "Why did you stay his hand?"
"Because you aren't evil, you're just.... different. Besides, you have shards. You must give them to us." Talim told him.
Yoshimitsu looked her in the eyes, trying to see her very soul. "Why do you want my shards?"
"We have to destroy them." Talim replied without hesitation.
"What has happened to Voldo?" The masked thief asked.
"I killed him." Kilik answered.
The masked thief nodded. "Very well. There is no point in me fighting any longer. Destroy the evil or I will make you pay." He told the two before reaching into his inner pockets and handing the two shards he had collected to Talim.
"The only way we won't destroy the evil is if death prevents us." Talim vowed.
Yoshimitsu rose from the ground and left the area. The three remaining warriors stared at one another. Finally Yunsung cleared his throat.
"Glad to see you've made it this far, Talim." He told her flashing her a smile while walking towards her and wrapping her in a big hug.
Kilik narrowed his eyes at the young man and his grip tightened around his rod. Perhaps he would get to kill someone that night afterall.
Talim laughed as if she could hear Kilik's thoughts. "Yunsung this is Kilik. Kilik this is Yunsung." Talim introduced to two men as she stepped out of the Korean's embrace.
"How do you know each other? Old boyfriend?" Kilik wanted to hit himself, but he couldn't prevent himself from asking.
Talim looked at him confused. First he didn't like Link and now he doesn't like Yunsung. He must not like young men. "Actually, he's the first warrior I met after I left my tribe. We met Ayutthaya. Say, you don't still intend on welding the sword do you?" Talim asked the Korean.
Yunsung wouldn't meet her gaze. "I am not sure yet. I must defend my country."
Kilik looked at the other man in shock. "You want to use Soul Edge to defend your country? It is not a power that can be controlled. It only brings death and destruction to any who try to use it."
"I don't care, I will defend my country." Yunsung answered stubbornly.
"There are other ways young one." Kilik told him as he wrapped his arm possessively around Talim's shoulder and began to walk back in the direction of the ship.
Talim thought Kilik was using her for support. He did sustain a few wounds courtesy of his latest battle. She curled her arm around his waist to help him stand. For some reason he seemed to be pretty strong. She was curious why he needed her for support.
Yunsung glared at the prick with his arm around Talim like he owned her. "I'm much better looking than you." He muttered to the retreated figure of Kilik. He stood uncertain. Yoshimitsu had obviously given up on the quest. Perhaps he should join Talim's group or offer them a place to recover.
"Yunsung, why don't you come with us?" Talim called over her shoulder, solving the Korean's inner delima.
Kilik cursed to himself. First there was Link and now there was this Yunsung. Talim was hard enough to keep out of trouble by herself, but with those two along she was going to be very difficult to manage. He tightened his grip around her shoulder in anticipation.
"Actually, I was thinking." Yunsung began.
"Was it scary? Is that why you stopped?" Kilik teased.
Yunsung glared at him. "Well, I noticed that you seem to be wounded from the encounter. You are leaning heavily upon Talim, so you are obviously wounded. I know of temple near here, I'm sure the priest would be willing to offer us a place to stay for the evening."
Talim smiled at Yunsung. "That's an excellent idea, don't you think Kilik?" She was worried about him and didn't want him to injure himself walking back to the ship.
Kilik looked at the Korean suspiciously. "How far?"
"Not far, we had stayed their the previous night. It is perhaps a thirty minute walk from here. How far is it to your ship?"
"It will take at least an hour and a half." Talim answered.
"Very well." Kilik grudgingly agreed. He wasn't that injured in his last battle, but he really didn't want Talim to know that. He liked having an excuse to have his arm around her and let that Korean know she was off limits.
Kilik shook his head to clear his thoughts. What was his problem anyway? He just met this wind priestess and he was ready to kill any friends she had of the masculine sex. He really did need to focus. Perhaps he could talk with the priest and get some advice.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
High above the trio, another hid in the shadows. He was perched upon a stony interface of a nearby cliff. This group had many of the shards and he needed to collect them. Perhaps he would allow them to do the hard work. If he were known for anything, it would be for his cunning.
His living cape fluttered behind him on the night breeze. The blood red waves would strike terror into any that could see. His eyes were afire with an emerald blaze.
So they were heading to the 'temple'. He preferred avoiding religious places. Being a spawn of hell would do that to you. Perhaps he would find this group later. He felt a need to travel to France. He knew many shards were there.
Surely this group would head for the north as well. He would simply meet them there. His symbiotic suit of armor was begging for a fight. These warriors were too easy prey. He needed to find larger game, a greater challenge. Perhaps Nightmare or Necrid would meet that bill.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kilik looked back at Yunsung skeptically when he saw the 'temple.' It was unlike any temple he had ever seen. It looked more like a monastery to him. "This is the temple?"
Yunsung nodded enthusiastically. "It's unlike the sort back home. It must be the European version."
Unconsciously Talim's grip around Kilik's midsection tightened. All these unfamiliar buildings were intimidating to the young wind priestess. Kilik would have smiled, but he too was feeling slightly uncomfortable. But the Korean seemed at perfect ease.
An ancient looking priest emerged from the entrance doors of the monastery. He wore black attire with a white collar. Kilik thought that perhaps he was a Catholic priest. He welcomed the trio inside.
"Welcome, Yunsung. I see you have brought new friends." The elderly man greeted. "I am Father Constantine, you are welcome."
"Thank you Father, I seek some medical assistance." Kilik replied politely.
The Father looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Very well young man, follow me. Yunsung perhaps you could give the young woman a tour of the grounds."
Kilik watched Talim leave and was beginning to regret his decision to come to this place. He would have preferred an extra hour of walking to separation. He still didn't trust the Korean.
"You do not seem much affected by your wounds." The Father commented after handing Kilik some bandages and healing salve.
Kilik gave a guilty smile. "You caught me."
The priest motioned to Kilik's rod. "That is a sacred rod is it not?" Kilik nodded his head. "You know there is a prophecy that I would meet the one who was to weld the Jingu Staff. It is a legendary weapon."
"I have heard of it. The one who bears it is to have great spiritual energy." Kilik remembered stories from his master.
"I believe that one is you. I shall entrust it to you."
Kilik gasped in shock. "Thank you sir, but that is not necessary. I am unworthy."
"Non-sense. It was meant for you. Now tell me young man, what is that bothers you?" The priest inquired.
Could this man read minds or something? "I wanted to meditate. I am having problems focusing on my mission."" Kilik admitted.
"It is hard to focus around a certain young woman." The priest agreed. He laughed at the look Kilik gave him. "I am a priest not a saint."
Kilik granted him a slightly unnerved chuckle.
"I encourage you to meditate. I will leave you alone as I retrieve the staff. However, my advice is to trust in the girl. She is strong spiritually and physically. Trust her to defend herself as she trusts in your ability to do the same." The priest left the room, leaving Kilik alone to ponder his words.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Thanks for reviewing! I'm trying to incorporate character lines from the game. Do you like that or not? I think it helps to keep them in character. Also, I love that quote from The Count of Monte Cristo "I'm a priest not a saint." ~Belle
Kilik noticed the look she was giving him. "What?"
"Your clothes, they're all bloody. You need a new attire." Talim explained while looking at the excess bandages she held in her hands. She shrugged her shoulders and was about to toss them over board when Kilik grabbed her wrist using his incredible reflexes.
"We may need those for later. We'll have plenty of battles to come." He took the bandages from her grasp and placed them in the basket where Maxi stored his medical supplies. "So you don't approve of my clothes?" Kilik asked while gracing Talim with a skeptical eye as he looked her up and down. She was wearing her green and white outfit that day, it was the skimpiest of all her clothes.
"Well it has blood all over it." Talim replied, not catching his hint.
"Why don't we go back into town and look for some clothes." Kilik suggested.
"I have three outfits with me here. We must travel light and all of my clothes are well suited for fighting. We simply need to clean your cape is all." Talim reasoned.
Kilik stood up and smiled at her. "No. I think we should spend some of the gold I found from our friend." He patted the bulging coin purse he had strapped to his belt.
"You do not like my clothes?" She asked a little hurt. Link happened to be walking by and noticed the hurt tone in his friend's voice. He glared at Kilik before knocking him upside the head with the bug catching net he held in his hands.
Talim couldn't help but laugh at the scene of Kilik standing with Link's net over his head. Link was satisfied by Talim's reaction and took back his net and continued on his way. Kilik rolled his eyes. Those two needed to stay far away from one another if he was going to keep his sanity.
Kilik offered his arm to Talim. She looked at him quizzically. "There is nothing wrong with your clothing. I rather like the way you dress." He flashed her a slightly lecherous grin before continuing. "However, France is rather cold and neither of us have clothes suited for winter. Would you consider a coat?"
Talim laced her arm through his and nodded her head in acceptance. It made sense and she needed to be in the best health in order to fight well.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I could have taken her." Xianghua muttered to Maxi as the two finished eating their dinner.
Maxi nodded his head sympathetically. "I know it must be hard, considering you were graced four years ago with success in your fights. However, you shouldn't let past victory get you over confidant. If you would like, I'll spar with you and perhaps you can improve on your technique."
"I don't need to practice. I just needed more time in that last match." She stubbornly protested.
Maxi threw a knife at her and it grazed her cheek. Xianghua held her hand to her fresh cut and glared at the man before her. "Why did you do that!"
Maxi shrugged. "How pathetic! You disappoint me. If you were not in need of practice you would have been able to catch that easily. I strongly recommend you reconsider my offer."
Xianghua considered his reasoning for a moment. She saw Kilik and Talim leaving the ship. She looked back at Maxi. "Very well, I accept."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Talim cocked an eyebrow at Kilik's choice. He chose a blue vest with fur collar, but it hardly protected his torso from the elements.
"Not that I am complaining about the view, but that does not look very warm." Talim admonished.
Kilik twirled his staff in a few practice maneuvers. "It is excellent for fighting and the fur does keep me warm." He replied while tossing the merchant a few gold pieces. "Now, let us find some coats." He replied as he wrapped his free arm around Talim's shoulders to guild her through the streets.
The two found another merchant that was selling fine coats. Kilik found a pair of similar overcoats that would work for both of them and purchased them. "These will keep us quite warm."
Talim smiled when Kilik draped the coat over her shoulders. It did stop the chill from the late evening from penetrating her. However, before she could properly thank him a commotion in the streets drew both of their attention.
"Stop! Thief!" A man's voice roared. Running away from the crowds a man could be seen running.
Kilik placed his hand upon Talim's shoulder and whispered in her ear. "Stay here, I'll be back shortly."
Talim couldn't believe the nerve of that man! Her hands automatically reached for her new Double Crescent Blades and she took off in the same direction as Kilik and the thief.
She wasn't sure where they could have gone. There was no sign of either of the two once she rounded the last corner of the alley. Then rough hands grabbed her from behind and pulled her into the shadows.
"You should repent, young one." The voice told her as he began to drag her away.
She was mentally kicking herself for having sheathed her blades during her run. Her mother always told her never to run with sharp objects, you could put out someone's eye. Well maybe she should be trying to put out someone's eye! Her arms were pinned to her sides and as much as she hated to admit it, she lacked upper body strength.
"You should not have interfered. However, I'm sure that man you were with would pay a nice sum to have you returned to him. There are many in need of such funds. You understand I'm sure."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yungsung was waiting for his new traveling companion to return; the sun had recently set. The young Korean fighter still was uneasy in the presence of Yoshimitsu. The man wore a mask all the time and had an odd sense of honor. What kind of thief can claim to be honorable?
He did not expect the return of his companion to bring someone he met earlier in his travels. He rose from the ground upon seeing the familiar girl looking so helpless. He couldn't help but feel the need to save her.
"What are you doing?" Yungsung asked the masked thief.
"Easy money. She obviously has friends with plenty of it." He gestured to the Double Crescent Blades. He had met Voldo on previous treasure hunts and vividly recalled those weapons amongst the gold and jewels of those caves.
"You should release her, now." Yungsung suggested as a command.
Yoshimitsu shook his head. "No."
"Gimme a break!" Yungsung cried. "How can you claim to be all valiant when you kidnap Talim!"
Yoshimitsu looked back at the Korean with a questioning expression. "Talim? You know her?"
"Yeah, I know her. Now release her or else I will make you release her." Yungsung warned as he unsheathed his blade.
Yoshimitsu laughed an insane laugh that would freak out any bystander. Talim shifted uncomfortably, silently praying to be released from this situation.
"I would recommend you releasing her." A new voice, much welcomed to Talim's ears could be heard.
Yoshimitsu turned to address the new arrival. "You again?"
"Do not make me repeat myself." Kilik warned as he twirled his rod around and took up his favorite fighting stance.
Yoshimitsu pushed Talim towards Yungsung and prepared to attack the rod- bearing interloper. "You shall repent!" He cried as he flew at the man.
Kilik was ready for the attack and braced himself for the inevitable hit. He used his raging phoenix attack to upset the pogo like movements this masked swordsman started to use.
"How's that?" Kilik asked as he hit his rod hard where the victim's voice should rise a few octaves.
Yoshimitsu offered a groan but no other verbal comment. He backed away and sat upon the ground and meditated. Kilik was so confused he didn't realize the masked man was starting another attack until the ground began to shake.
"Get out of the way!" Yungsun shouted in warning before the final after shock could damage Kilik.
Kilik pulled a pole-vault move on his rod to stay out of the attack zone. He landed softly onto the ground and raised Kali-Yuga to slam against Yoshimitsu's neck. The masked man fell to the ground harshly. "Don't cry for mercy." Kilik warned as he began to raise the staff for the mortal blow.
"No!" Talim cried as she ran away from Yunsung to protect the masked man from death. "You can't kill him."
Kilik lowered his rod and looked at her bewildered. "But he kidnapped you." He argued.
The masked man sat up and stared at her as well. "Why did you stay his hand?"
"Because you aren't evil, you're just.... different. Besides, you have shards. You must give them to us." Talim told him.
Yoshimitsu looked her in the eyes, trying to see her very soul. "Why do you want my shards?"
"We have to destroy them." Talim replied without hesitation.
"What has happened to Voldo?" The masked thief asked.
"I killed him." Kilik answered.
The masked thief nodded. "Very well. There is no point in me fighting any longer. Destroy the evil or I will make you pay." He told the two before reaching into his inner pockets and handing the two shards he had collected to Talim.
"The only way we won't destroy the evil is if death prevents us." Talim vowed.
Yoshimitsu rose from the ground and left the area. The three remaining warriors stared at one another. Finally Yunsung cleared his throat.
"Glad to see you've made it this far, Talim." He told her flashing her a smile while walking towards her and wrapping her in a big hug.
Kilik narrowed his eyes at the young man and his grip tightened around his rod. Perhaps he would get to kill someone that night afterall.
Talim laughed as if she could hear Kilik's thoughts. "Yunsung this is Kilik. Kilik this is Yunsung." Talim introduced to two men as she stepped out of the Korean's embrace.
"How do you know each other? Old boyfriend?" Kilik wanted to hit himself, but he couldn't prevent himself from asking.
Talim looked at him confused. First he didn't like Link and now he doesn't like Yunsung. He must not like young men. "Actually, he's the first warrior I met after I left my tribe. We met Ayutthaya. Say, you don't still intend on welding the sword do you?" Talim asked the Korean.
Yunsung wouldn't meet her gaze. "I am not sure yet. I must defend my country."
Kilik looked at the other man in shock. "You want to use Soul Edge to defend your country? It is not a power that can be controlled. It only brings death and destruction to any who try to use it."
"I don't care, I will defend my country." Yunsung answered stubbornly.
"There are other ways young one." Kilik told him as he wrapped his arm possessively around Talim's shoulder and began to walk back in the direction of the ship.
Talim thought Kilik was using her for support. He did sustain a few wounds courtesy of his latest battle. She curled her arm around his waist to help him stand. For some reason he seemed to be pretty strong. She was curious why he needed her for support.
Yunsung glared at the prick with his arm around Talim like he owned her. "I'm much better looking than you." He muttered to the retreated figure of Kilik. He stood uncertain. Yoshimitsu had obviously given up on the quest. Perhaps he should join Talim's group or offer them a place to recover.
"Yunsung, why don't you come with us?" Talim called over her shoulder, solving the Korean's inner delima.
Kilik cursed to himself. First there was Link and now there was this Yunsung. Talim was hard enough to keep out of trouble by herself, but with those two along she was going to be very difficult to manage. He tightened his grip around her shoulder in anticipation.
"Actually, I was thinking." Yunsung began.
"Was it scary? Is that why you stopped?" Kilik teased.
Yunsung glared at him. "Well, I noticed that you seem to be wounded from the encounter. You are leaning heavily upon Talim, so you are obviously wounded. I know of temple near here, I'm sure the priest would be willing to offer us a place to stay for the evening."
Talim smiled at Yunsung. "That's an excellent idea, don't you think Kilik?" She was worried about him and didn't want him to injure himself walking back to the ship.
Kilik looked at the Korean suspiciously. "How far?"
"Not far, we had stayed their the previous night. It is perhaps a thirty minute walk from here. How far is it to your ship?"
"It will take at least an hour and a half." Talim answered.
"Very well." Kilik grudgingly agreed. He wasn't that injured in his last battle, but he really didn't want Talim to know that. He liked having an excuse to have his arm around her and let that Korean know she was off limits.
Kilik shook his head to clear his thoughts. What was his problem anyway? He just met this wind priestess and he was ready to kill any friends she had of the masculine sex. He really did need to focus. Perhaps he could talk with the priest and get some advice.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
High above the trio, another hid in the shadows. He was perched upon a stony interface of a nearby cliff. This group had many of the shards and he needed to collect them. Perhaps he would allow them to do the hard work. If he were known for anything, it would be for his cunning.
His living cape fluttered behind him on the night breeze. The blood red waves would strike terror into any that could see. His eyes were afire with an emerald blaze.
So they were heading to the 'temple'. He preferred avoiding religious places. Being a spawn of hell would do that to you. Perhaps he would find this group later. He felt a need to travel to France. He knew many shards were there.
Surely this group would head for the north as well. He would simply meet them there. His symbiotic suit of armor was begging for a fight. These warriors were too easy prey. He needed to find larger game, a greater challenge. Perhaps Nightmare or Necrid would meet that bill.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kilik looked back at Yunsung skeptically when he saw the 'temple.' It was unlike any temple he had ever seen. It looked more like a monastery to him. "This is the temple?"
Yunsung nodded enthusiastically. "It's unlike the sort back home. It must be the European version."
Unconsciously Talim's grip around Kilik's midsection tightened. All these unfamiliar buildings were intimidating to the young wind priestess. Kilik would have smiled, but he too was feeling slightly uncomfortable. But the Korean seemed at perfect ease.
An ancient looking priest emerged from the entrance doors of the monastery. He wore black attire with a white collar. Kilik thought that perhaps he was a Catholic priest. He welcomed the trio inside.
"Welcome, Yunsung. I see you have brought new friends." The elderly man greeted. "I am Father Constantine, you are welcome."
"Thank you Father, I seek some medical assistance." Kilik replied politely.
The Father looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Very well young man, follow me. Yunsung perhaps you could give the young woman a tour of the grounds."
Kilik watched Talim leave and was beginning to regret his decision to come to this place. He would have preferred an extra hour of walking to separation. He still didn't trust the Korean.
"You do not seem much affected by your wounds." The Father commented after handing Kilik some bandages and healing salve.
Kilik gave a guilty smile. "You caught me."
The priest motioned to Kilik's rod. "That is a sacred rod is it not?" Kilik nodded his head. "You know there is a prophecy that I would meet the one who was to weld the Jingu Staff. It is a legendary weapon."
"I have heard of it. The one who bears it is to have great spiritual energy." Kilik remembered stories from his master.
"I believe that one is you. I shall entrust it to you."
Kilik gasped in shock. "Thank you sir, but that is not necessary. I am unworthy."
"Non-sense. It was meant for you. Now tell me young man, what is that bothers you?" The priest inquired.
Could this man read minds or something? "I wanted to meditate. I am having problems focusing on my mission."" Kilik admitted.
"It is hard to focus around a certain young woman." The priest agreed. He laughed at the look Kilik gave him. "I am a priest not a saint."
Kilik granted him a slightly unnerved chuckle.
"I encourage you to meditate. I will leave you alone as I retrieve the staff. However, my advice is to trust in the girl. She is strong spiritually and physically. Trust her to defend herself as she trusts in your ability to do the same." The priest left the room, leaving Kilik alone to ponder his words.
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Thanks for reviewing! I'm trying to incorporate character lines from the game. Do you like that or not? I think it helps to keep them in character. Also, I love that quote from The Count of Monte Cristo "I'm a priest not a saint." ~Belle