Wind Nocturne

By Gingivere the Shadowreaver

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Disclaimer: I do not own any character in this fanfics. All characters unless otherwise are copyrighted to Namco Ltd. This is for fan use only and should not be taken and published, because then you would get in trouble, and I would too.

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Chapter Two

Rain. There was rain again...

Talim never would have noticed if it had not slipped down the wooden mask of her savior and splashing this away and that when it fell onto her nose. That was what woke her up at first, but what got her jackknifing upwards was the crash of thunder and soft moan of her pillow. That was when she noticed the sad excuse for a fire that was slowly dying away, and her only light source was dwindling by a spark or two. There wasn't really much to look at, besides the walls of a small cave and a curtain of rain that soaked the night sky outside.

Her first initial thought was that she fell into a hole, but what would explain the fire? She observed it a little while before wincing, finally acknowledging the fact that she had a bump on her forehead... where did she get that, she pondered, as she foolishly poked it to send another small spasm of pain throughout her body.

The minute she touched the bump, memories began to flood the last wind priestess mind, recollecting the events that led her here. The first thing that she remembered... was that boy that she had met on her first stop out of her home, the one that nearly crashed on top of her when he leapt from the wall.

What was his name again? Something odd... Hong Yunsung? She gave a nod; that was definitely it. It was a strange name to her, and she openly stated it when he mocked her own name. There were so many different customs in the world that Talim was clueless about, but she would only sigh and understand why she was so sheltered from it before.

She remembered seeing him try to walk past her, to collect something. As she narrowed her eyes, she tried to remember what when she remembered her own words. 'The sword is evil...'

Yes, the legendary sword that she had been hearing about so much. But the only thing she ever heard about that sword was the horror that it brought to any man that touched it. Yes, it was the very same sword that Yunsung was after... and she had met him there, to stop him. That was why she remembered the fight...

"I wonder... where he is now... and how I got here..." Talim spoke softly to herself, drawing her knees to her nearly flat chest and giving a soft sigh. What drove her to stop him in the first place was beyond her reasoning, but she tried not to think of the reason why now. All that she could remember after that was the arrival of that bandaged man, then the demon cladded in armor...

Who were those men, she thought to herself, finally bringing her hand down from her bump as she wrapped her arms around her knees. She could close her eyes and see the fate of the boy, being hurled into the wall like a rag doll and slipping into unconsciousness within a matter of seconds. And now, to her horror as she brought her hand to her waist, she remembered the demon's words. 'Give me the shard!'

The shard! When she found her pouch missing, she nearly screamed! That was what that demon was after... the shard she found in her village so many months ago! Now she knew with all her heart that it was part of something evil, and, as a faint terror within her began to consume her now trembling body, she realized that it had fallen into the demon's hand... "Oh no..."

Another crash of thunder followed the streak of lightening, forcing a startled cry from her throat as she looked up. Without the shard, what else was there left for her... had she failed her mission already? As the sound of rain regained outside of the cave, she buried her face into her hands and gave a short moan. Now what?

Oddly enough, it seemed that her moan was echoed, though she did not realize it was loud enough to do such a thing. And, as if things could not get even weirder, her moan seemed to be... different... not in the same pitch as her own. And, when it came again, she suddenly realized that she was not alone in the cave...

Talim turned around, using what little light she had to spot whoever shared the save with her. However, it didn't seem necessary, as two beaming red eyes flashed towards her, forcing another startled cry from her pressed lips. A demon?! Was it that same demon that attacked her before?!

In an instant, she jumped to her feet, prepared to fight her way out when lightning lit up the sky, giving her a chance to see the outline of the body. No, this was certainly not the same as before... his right arm resembled nothing like the one she had seen earlier. Though, by the mere outlines of his body alone, she grew frightened, uncertain of this unknown visitor.

She had no nerve to speak, as those eyes were transfixed on her. They seemed to wane in energy and dimmed for a second, before the figure tried to move. He gave a groan, and froze again, tilting his head slightly and freeing her from his gaze.

"Could you be kind... and keep the fire going please?" The voice spoke, and to Talim, the voice was indescribable... it was definitely masculine, yet, rather high and wavering of an old folk's. It was mysterious as it was almost humorous to hear, yet she could not laugh at those eyes only dimmed even more. "And keep the flames away from my arm... though I could lend you it if you need more fire wood."

Strange as it seemed, Talim could not help but smile slightly, not really understanding the mirth behind the man's words but obediently doing as he asked. "Yes, sir..."

If only she could have seen his face, she would have realized that his smile was transfixed permanently onto his face, however, she assumed he wore a grin when he thanked her. "Thanks... you'd find it hard to light a fire when you're limb is part wood too..."

That voice... it was rather soothing to the young girl, as she tried her best to keep the fire alive. As she began to fan it, she swore she heard him try to move, however, with another low groan, he froze and stayed still, growing oddly silent. Not turning from her task, she asked, "Are... are you hurt?"

"A little... nothing I can't handle..."

By the pain in his voice alone, she realized how serious the injury was, and she quickly turned to him, finally able to see most of his features thanks to the strengthened fire. What she saw amazed her, as she laid eyes on the oddest man she had ever came across in her entire life. His outfit was beyond bizarre and if he would have walked among a crowd he would have been spotted from miles away. But what caught her attention more was his arm, and now she understood why he had joked about staying away from the fire... his entire right arm was made out of wood!

It was fascinating to look upon, as the jinks moved about constantly, despite the fact that he kept it still at his side, and if she had the time, she would have run a hand down its smooth texture, to see if it was real or not. By this time, she noticed his headgear and mask, which was also made entirely out of wood. The ever-smiling face stared back at her, beyond the wide grin and empty sockets were a black void except for those same beaming red eyes. What kind of a man was he?!

And, while she was examining him, she noticed the blood that seeped through his entire left side, and fear pulsed through her veins as she saw his source of discomfort... she could clearly see the wound and the sliver of the metal that was still implanted in his body! She gave a gasp, as she quickly ran to his aid, "You're bleeding! What's happened to you? Who did this?"

The voice was filled with fake mirth, as if he tried to cheer her up as she began to examine the piece of metal that was lodged into his left flank. "Long story... save it for later... while you're here, do you think you can... get it out?"

"I hope... I hope you didn't get this because of me!" Talim exclaimed, surprised to see how much blood stained her hands just by touching the fabric of his bloodied clothing. It was a horrible sight to look upon, seeing the metal that was left there to sever the clothing and skin. She dared not touch it, but she swallowed the knot in her throat. "I can try... I'm so sorry if I cause anymore pain!"

Again, his voice seemed cheerful, but distant. "Pain is only a hint that you are alive... but please make it quick... I feel a bit lightheaded..."

Talim had never done this before, and she held her breath, slowly touching the piece of metal. The touch along made the man tense up, and his sick moan alone made her remove her hand. However, he edged her on, "Please take it out... it'll only get worse if it's left in there... just give it a quick tug, okay? I would do it myself if I had the strength left..."

She gave a nod, biting her lower lip to add some pain to herself to make it seem fair. He relaxed his body, trying to make it easier on her as she once again grabbed the metal. This time, he tensed, but he made no sound until she pulled it out of his side. His blood left a trail, and he only cried out when it was completely out of his body, leaving Talim to stare at the fragment of the claw that had pained this man so...

Now she remembered, and she whispered softly, "This claw... came from that bandaged man, didn't it? You... you took the hit when he came charging at me... didn't you?"

He didn't even have to answer her, as she could see it now. When Yunsung had drifted into unconsciousness, chaos seemed to let loose, as she stood alone against the armored demon. He was slowly walking towards her now, and she stood, frozen like a deer seeing the hunter but too terrified to move. That was when she heard the loud scream rise from behind the demon, who turned to see who had arrived now.

And that was the first time she had ever seen him, as he had appeared out of nowhere. She could clearly see his bizarre outfit and wooden features there, seeing the flag that rose from his back and decorated his outfit well. Yet, he was weaponless...

Hearing his silence wasn't assuring, and she began to tear off part of her white pants to make bandages for his wound. The second she pressed the material against his wound, he emitted a low moan, and when he saw her jerk back, he tensed, to stop himself. A few seconds later, she tried again, and he kept silent, making no noise of discomfort as she tried to stop the bleeding.

Finally, after a long moment of intolerable silence, Talim asked, "Why did you save me? It's not that I'm ungrateful, but I wish to know why a stranger would risk his life to help someone he doesn't know..."

"Does it matter? The bleeding... stop it, then I shall explain..."

What else could she do but obey? As she tried her best to nurse his wound, he seemed to be quite occupied by looking down at her with that everlasting grin of his, and his eyes, though blood red, seemed almost soothing and gentle. No, no fear nor evil radiated from this man, Talim thought, treating his injury with almost motherly care.

"A little tighter... that'll do it good..." The odd man advised as she fixed the makeshift bandages around his stomach. After three or four rounds, it seemed to have worked, as the only blood she could see was the tried blood staining the bandages. She gave a sigh of relief, as he nodded, "That'll do, little girl... that'll do..."

"You got that because of me... I remember it now, sir..." Talim lowered her gaze, as if ashamed of herself. As he eyed her, she continued, "You're arrival distracted the demon with the large arm, and then the one in the bandages attacked me... but you were there like a flash, as if you were always there. Why?"

That grin seemed so much more noticeable, as he gave his reply, "You were in trouble. What else was I to do?"

She didn't seem to like that reply, as he questioned it. "So you did it out of the kindness of your heart? What kind of man are you then?"

"A super hero..."

Rather it was a joke or not was a question left unanswered, as he tried to shift himself into a more comfortable position. Hearing his short cry, Talim rushed to his aide, helping him lay down now. He was heavy to her, but she did not complain, merely biting her lip and doing her best to keep him comfortable. As he panted, she began to look for anything to use as a blanket for her savior, and he looked to her as she searched. "Don't worry now, sir... I'll look over you now, just as you did to me. It's the least I can do."

His voice was weak, as he asked, "What's your name?"

"Talim..."

A slight yet dainty chuckle rose from the masked man, and she feared that he too was going to make fun of it until he replied, "A pretty name... for a pretty girl."

"What is your name, sir?"

He looked at her blankly. She repeated herself. "I wish to know the name of the one that saved my life..."

"It is I, Yoshimitsu," replied the man. " And Yoshimitsu, is I!"

'Yoshimitsu...' Talim thought to herself, looking at him with her brownish-green eyes. She had never heard the name before, and though odd, it seemed comforting to know that he did not mock her name as several others had. When his eyes dimmed, she asked, "I'm afraid I don't have any blankets handy... is there anything else I can do for you, Mister Yoshimitsu?"

He seemed hesitant, then asked, "Can... you sing me to sleep? I always sleep better... after a good song..."

That was almost embarrassing, as Talim tensed up slightly. She could not tell if he was joking or not, however, she took a breath and asked, "Is there a certain song? I'm afraid I don't know many... and my singing is not the best."

"Did your mother ever sing you to sleep, Talim?"

"Many times..." Talim replied, remembering the times when she was happily home with her friends and family... she missed those days greatly. Then, she remembered the one of the few songs her mother had sung to her, and she lowered her gaze. "I can sing you one if you like..."

That seemed to please him, as his voice and eyes began to fade away, barely holding on to consciousness... "You'd be surprised how much pleasure such simple things as a lullaby can bring... please?"

As the rain continued to pour freely outside of the cave, Talim sat on her knees next to Yoshimitsu, taking a deep breath and beginning one of the lullaby's her mother would sing to her when she was young. Her voice, though meek, seemed to comfort the strange man, as his muscles relaxed, and sleep slowly began to overtake him.

"Wishing on a dream that seems far off

Hoping it will come today

Into the starlight night, foolish dreamers turn their gaze

Waiting on a shooting star...

But, what if that star has not come?

Will their dreams fade to nothing?

When the horizon darkens most

We all need to believe there is hope...

Is an angel watching closely over me?

Can there be a guiding light I've yet to see?

I know my heart should guide me, but...

There's a hole within my soul!

What will fill this emptiness inside of me?

Will I be satisfied without knowing?

I wish then for a chance to see, now all I need...

Is my star to come..."

The minute she ended the last note, she knew he was asleep. A soft snore rose, almost matching the sweet echoes of her voice in the cave. Talim looked down at him with a sad smile, not realizing why she had sung such a sad song. 'It doesn't matter... he probably didn't hear half of it anyway...'

Now, with her savior sleeping, she was alone, and sleep would not come to her. So, sitting against the wall with her knees to her chest, Talim stayed awake to keep guard, just in case of that demon with the oversized arm or the bandaged man should arrive. She wasn't a match for them, she knew, but she would defend herself and Yoshimitsu with her life if she had to...

'I wonder... if Mister Yunsung is even alive...' Talim thought grimly to herself, but she didn't dwell on the thought for too long. Surely he was fine since he didn't have anything those two demons were after, and he was happily on his way to finding that sword. She gave a sad sigh... for she knew he would never find the Sword of Salvation... nor would he ever feel the same way about her as she thought of him.

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A/N: The song that Talim sings is called 'Wind Nocturne'... I can't tell you who it's by, but it's a nice song and you should try downloading it some time.