Link was not sure where he was, as his whole field of vision was nothing
but thick inky blackness. Surprisingly it was warm and comforting here, and
Link felt no fear. Vague thoughts came and left him, but what they were or
what they had been seemed of little importance to the elf. And he made no
effort to grasp their meaning. All his cares and concerns slipped away from
him as he couldn't quite remember, and to Link it was pure bliss.
He wondered how long it had been since he'd felt like this. It must have been a long time, for Link seemed to draw up a blank. Ever since he left the Sacred Forest, his life had been nothing but one long struggle to save his homeland.
And now he was here on another world, goddesses know how many miles away from home, from everyone and everything familiar to him.
Link could feel his insides turning as the last thought filtered through, and he found himself trying to concentrate on a soothing voice that murmured to him from somewhere close by. He could feel droplets of water sprinkle his face and the cool rag that was used to wipe them away ever so gently. And then he felt soft delicate fingers threaded through his own comfortingly.
"He's doing all right.." The words danced around in his haze- fogged mind, and Link gripped them desperately as he tried to rid himself of the darkness that pervaded his senses, prevented him from seeing where he was. As soon as he realized this desire, memories came flooding back to him. He remembered now, everything that had happened that night. With snatches of memories here and there he could recall everything said as Nightmare pulled him into a trance, and then the struggle with the dark knight as he tried more forceful means of possessing a new body, HIS body. It was after this struggle that he found his memories became disjointed and grew darker. Link saw faces and heard voices, but couldn't make out what was being said. There was this nagging feeling somewhere in his mind that told him that something good had happened, but he couldn't grasp it and it frustrated him greatly as he felt it was something very important.
"Link.Thank you for helping us. I'm sorry that this happened to you, if only I had been there maybe." Link fought desperately to fully awaken when he felt something soft and warm brush against his forehead. It was then that he caught a faint scent. The smell reminded him of the rain and sun. It was a truly unique and lovely to Link.
'Who are you.?'
But he could feel and hear as the figure drew away rather quickly, fingers leaving his. He didn't want them to leave, but he could do nothing to stop who ever it was.
'Wait, please stay.Don't go!'
His mind called. But once again, he could sense that he was alone. The elf didn't know who it had been, but wished only that they hadn't left him alone. As he slipped back into oblivion, his mind still tired for some strange reason, he held on to the soft words, the feeling of that comforting hand in his and the wonderful scent that reminded him of the sun and rain.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Link groaned at the bright light that drew him back to full consciousness and he tried to blink the sleep out of his eyes painfully. He found himself staring into the endlessly blue sky framed by stone, the sun shone down directly above him and he had to shield his eyes. He realized he was staring at some sort of huge skylight just like the one at the temple he had visited. As he pushed himself into a sitting position, he saw that he was lying upon a straw mattress with a dark fleece blanket wrapped around him.
His vision was blurry, but he felt the cool winds clearly and immediately knew that he must be outside...Somewhere. As Link rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, he noticed that his gloves had been removed and quickly checked to see if he still had all his clothes on. Aside from his boots, he found that he was still wearing everything as he remembered what happened the last time he went unconscious.
"Oi, Link! Finally decided to join the world of the living I see." A loud voice said startling him. Though Link could not feel any trace of the headache, the loud voice still pained him and he put a hand to his head rubbing it gingerly.
"Wh, where am I?" Link asked his mouth felt sticky and dry and it was hard for him to speak.
"Some ruined Temple near the outskirts of the city.Don't you remember?" The voice replied now in front of him.
Link looked up then and found Yun Sung standing arms crossed. There was an unreadable expression upon his face.
Great, just great. It was just the face that he DIDN'T want to wake up to, and Link had to quickly suppress the urge to curse out loud. If anything he didn't want to get Yun Sung started, not now where he had just woken up. He'd like to be fully functional for times like that.
"Temple?" Link tried again getting used to speaking, how long had he been asleep? As if reading his mind the proud Korean nodded, spiky ginger colored hair moving with his slightest movement.
"You've been asleep for two days having all sorts of nightmares."
Link's eyes suddenly widened as he heard the mention of the word. Flashes of memories from that fated night came back to him in a flash in fragmented images.
"Nightmare? Siegfried!" Link tried to move too quickly and with his equilibrium still not quite right, he ended up fumbling around upon the hard, rough cobble stone floor.
"Hey, take it easy! You just woke up!" Yun Sung said pointedly and Link felt strong arms grip under his arms ushering him back onto the mattress.
But the elf struggled as he was determined to regain control of his body, and it was only then did he manage to push away the other.
"No, let me go! I have to know where he is?! Is he alive?" He asked as he climbed to his feet rather unsteadily. He could hear Yun Sung let out a breath in frustration but he replied;
"He's here too, but I don't think that~"
But Link didn't hear anymore after that as he began to walk eyes darting every which way. But he didn't have to search long before he spotted the knight at the other end of the temple. Even the layout of the temple was similar to that of the other one, only here it seemed that it had been abandoned and it's structure was crumbling away. Once again he found an altar and upon it lay Siegfried's form. There was a woman, Sohpitia he remembered, kneeling before it her hands clasped together and head bowed in silent prayer. As he staggered up, she must of heard his pant legs scraping the floor for she turned. Her blue eyes widened in surprise and she rushed to his side.
"Link! You're awake finally! Are you okay?" She asked as she allowed him to lean upon her. Link shook his head and protested keeping his eyes upon the altar.
"Siegfried, is he alright?" Link asked immediately more concerned for the knight than himself. Why did everyone fuss over him like this? Why couldn't they just answer his ONE question? He reached the altar and resting both hands upon it. It was certainly far larger than he thought, most likely to serve as some sort of table for offerings to these people's gods no doubt. It was large enough allow Siegfried to lay upon it, though his hands had to rest upon his chest.
As Link looked upon the man's countenance it was hard to tell if he was breathing or not, and the fact that his face seemed so deathly pale motivated Link to check his vital signs once more, though he was sure that he had been breathing fine that last time, after a few seconds, Link was able to find a pulse, but it was so faint.
"Siegfried is still alive, but just barely." Sophitia's voice came. And the elf could not help but look to the woman beside him. She too looked upon the man with something of a regretful air. "I'm surprised that you were even able to save him."
When Link spoke he was surprised that it sounded as calm as it did. "But he will pull through won't he? He just needs time,"
But Sophitia interrupted the pain in her voice clearly evident. "But does he have that time? With the state he's in right now, I don't think he could stand another incident like before."
"He'll die for sure at this rate." Yun Sung said listlessly. "It's best to just put the man out of his misery, we're no closer to finding the Soul Edge, than it is returning to him."
Though it was probably true, it didn't help as Link already had a lingering aversion to Yun Sung to begin with and what Sophitia said next certainly didn't bode well for the next few seconds.
"Well if the Master Sword had never been removed, he may not be this way." Though it was meant as a statement, there was a reprimanding tone in it directed at Yun Sung. It didn't take long for Link to make the connection between his memories and Sophitia's statement.
The elf turned around slowly to face Yun Sung.
Icily, Link asked, "You were responsible for the theft of the Master Sword?" His voice was barely heard through his clenched teeth.
At the sudden accusation, Yun Sung's face contorted into a scowl. "Just because I had it doesn't mean that I took it!"
"But you were the one that gave it back to me, so how DID you end up with it?"
Yun Sung threw his hands into the air as the scowl worsened. It was apparent to Link that he had been asked that particular question one too many times. "What DIFFERENCE does it make? You're probably like the others! Even IF I try to explain nobody believes me! The point is that I returned it and that it's still here!"
Uncertain of what to make of this the elf looked to the fair woman beside him, who gave him a sympathetic nod.
"It's true, no matter how many times he's been questioned, his story remains the same. And he's the one that kept a constant watch over you as you slept. Of course, he was accompanied by one of the other warriors because of the Master Sword." She tried to say the last part a little more quietly but Link caught her drift and so did Yun Sung.
He turned quickly away in a sulk. "See what I mean? And the great thing about this is that I haven't done anything this despicable ever! But it's just so easy to place the blame on me isn't it?"
Link wanted retort but found he could not for what Yun Sung said was true. It was easy to place fault upon one such as him because it was all motivated out of spite. Amazingly, Link was able to set aside his powerful emotions so that he could clearly see the big picture. It was very hard to do, for the fact that he wanted to 'resolve' their differences right now was far too tempting.
But Siegfried was here, and losing such a meaningless temper here would be inadvisable. Besides now he could see what he was really doing; trying to make excuses for his own faults that nearly resulted in a comrade's death. He had saved Siegfried true, but it did little to ease the guilt in Link and he could not help but feel that this must be a sign from the gods duly reminding him of his charge.
He knew his duty of course, but his primary concern naturally came first, saving the life of the one before him. Link out of habit or something more just could not ignore this.
No more excuses now, the elf had thought to himself and his mind began to work furiously analyzing the situation trying to find the ways and the means to solve one problem after the other. It wasn't too hard for the elf for he had much practice on his journeys and he considered himself quick- witted, but it was still challenging for this was a new world to him and he had to utilize every little piece of knowledge he was able to pick up.
"You're right Yun Sung, I'm sorry for accusing you," The words left Link's lips coolly and upon hearing this the Korean whirled around quite shocked and looking as though he hadn't heard Link right. "You restored the Master Sword to me and I should thank you."
Link left it at that and turned to face Sophitia. "Is there anything we can do for Siegfried's condition? He had told me that you could solicit help from your gods..."
The blond woman closed her eyes sadly shaking her head then. "I'm so sorry Link, but as I have said before, I no longer have that power, and while my sister does, she refuses open her heart to the god's voices and she cannot hear them."
"Fine, then I'll have to try then." Link said almost immediately and it must of surprised her, "I can hear them, maybe they'll answer me. If they don't we'll have to rely upon our own methods, where are the others?"
"Some went into the market to stock up on supplies while others went to see my husband to forge and temper weapons." Sophitia answered automatically.
Link raised a brow in interest, "Your husband is a black smith?"
"Yes, he runs a shop not too far from here and is the best in these parts," She went on to explain to Link about it's location, and that Talim and her sister Cassandra might be there.
"I have a favor to ask of you Sophitia, you can choose to do it, but you don't have to." Link said his eyes stern and full of determination that the Greek woman could not deny. She nodded curtly and the elf reached into his pockets to present her with an odd looking shard. Her eyes widened slightly. "Don't be afraid, this isn't the Soul Edge shard. But it does serve an important purpose and that's where I'll need you." As Link placed the shard into her hands he leaned over to speak quietly into her ear. Sophitia listened intently eyes flickering from the shard to Siegfried and as he finished his request, he gently closed her fingers over the shard firmly.
Sophitia stepped back. "I understand Link; please think no more of it as it will be done just as you have asked." She bowed her head slightly clutching the piece to her chest before turning quickly around and hurried away.
"Hey! What was that all about?" Yun Sung asked clearly confused as to Sophitia's rather fast departure. Link found his trusty Master Sword propped up against the altar near Siegfried's head and gripped it's handle relieved to have it once more. He gave the sword a few practice swings before eyeing the Korean face inscrutable.
"She just went to take care of a favor, weren't you listening?"
"Of course I was listening about up to the part where you started whispering like a bunch of girls!" Yun Sung retorted hotly. "And where do you get off ordering people around like that any how?"
"Did you really watch over me while I slept?" Link suddenly asked catching the other off guard. It took a minuet for Yun to get over his question before he answered,
"Y, yeah, so what if I did? I only did it because I didn't Talim up all night like that, and besides, I couldn't sleep~"
"Did I say anything in my sleep, because you said that I had been having nightmares." As Link said this, the other cast his gaze down to the ground as if finding it's rough floors much more interesting. "Did I?" He pressed on as he could feel the other debating whether to tell or not.
Yun Sung's eyes traveled upward till he was staring at that endlessly blue sky. "No, you just mumbled a bunch of trash I couldn't understand. That's all."
Link wasn't sure what to make of this but something in him told him he really didn't have the time to linger about such things because there was something else that he needed to do. And so he decided to believe the man though he knew he shouldn't. Link wordlessly looked to his Master Sword as it caught the sun's rays and reflected it to bounce into the Temple's crumbling interior. Satisfied with what he saw he looked to Yun Sung who was still refusing to meet his gaze.
"Hey, Yun, catch." No sooner had Link said the words did he toss the Master Sword into Yun's hands.
"Wh, what? What the hell are you doing?!" The man asked incredulously. "Why are you giving this to me?!"
Link walked by as if not realizing what he did. "I need to go to the Temple of Hephaestus, and you're the only one left here." Link said as if explaining to a child. He walked over to the mattress where he had slept for the past two days. Finding his boots, he proceeded to slip them on and then began to search for his hat.
"Are, are you insane or haven't you been paying attention to what's been going on? The others think that I'm the one that took your stupid sword!"
When Link secured his hat upon his head he turned to the other. "But you said you didn't, and I believe you. If you really wanted to take the sword you would of done so by now right? Besides I won't be gone long, all you have to do it watch Siegfried and the Master Sword. It's not too hard right?"
"You know you trust people too easily.You're an idiot." Yun spat, but he gripped the sword tighter. The elf actually shrugged at this.
"Maybe." He said simply finding his shield and cloak putting one on before the other.
A few seconds of silence between the two with Yun considering things and Link absorbed at the tasks at hand. When Link was ready he threw on his hood concealing his ears.
"So you did believe me? I mean about the part with not having stolen the Master Sword?"
Without looking Link replied; "Yes. Other wise I wouldn't of entrusted the Sword to you."
"What makes you so damn sure? Just because I returned it then doesn't mean that I still don't want it. I could easily take it while you're gone."
But Link returned with a confidant reply ; "But I know you won't, call it intuition or what ever you like. And in case you DO get the stupid inspiration to prove me wrong, I can always track you down very, very quickly. I'm a very proficient hunter." This seemed to stun the other to silence.
Link walked to the temple's entrance or rather, main entrance as there was places in the temple walls that have crumbled away over the passing years and or by other natural causes.
However before Link set even one foot beyond the door way, Yun Sung spoke once again;
"Yeah, well if that was a threat, I don't believe you. But just so that you know, some silver haired bitch had it, I couldn't see any more than that because she wore a cloak. It was a pain in the ass to get the sword back from her."
Though Link did not turn around to meet Yun's gaze, the Korean could see his form visibly stiffen, and he assumed this to mean that some how, Link knew that he was speaking the truth.
"Don't worry, I'll be back soon." Link assured him as his form suddenly took off with agile speed, and before Yun could blink the elf was gone.
A/N: Sorry for the extremely loooong wait! We had a typhoon hit us and also I've been researching some things for the next chapter! Also I need to dispel some things that have been going around. Once again there are only THREE fighters that have the Soul Caliber for that's what their weapons are labeled. Any others are just 'legendary weapons' But what ever, I'm sure everyone knows who they are. Sorry if this chapter is a bit dull as I needed it to build up for the next chapter. But as always please review and let me know how it was.
He wondered how long it had been since he'd felt like this. It must have been a long time, for Link seemed to draw up a blank. Ever since he left the Sacred Forest, his life had been nothing but one long struggle to save his homeland.
And now he was here on another world, goddesses know how many miles away from home, from everyone and everything familiar to him.
Link could feel his insides turning as the last thought filtered through, and he found himself trying to concentrate on a soothing voice that murmured to him from somewhere close by. He could feel droplets of water sprinkle his face and the cool rag that was used to wipe them away ever so gently. And then he felt soft delicate fingers threaded through his own comfortingly.
"He's doing all right.." The words danced around in his haze- fogged mind, and Link gripped them desperately as he tried to rid himself of the darkness that pervaded his senses, prevented him from seeing where he was. As soon as he realized this desire, memories came flooding back to him. He remembered now, everything that had happened that night. With snatches of memories here and there he could recall everything said as Nightmare pulled him into a trance, and then the struggle with the dark knight as he tried more forceful means of possessing a new body, HIS body. It was after this struggle that he found his memories became disjointed and grew darker. Link saw faces and heard voices, but couldn't make out what was being said. There was this nagging feeling somewhere in his mind that told him that something good had happened, but he couldn't grasp it and it frustrated him greatly as he felt it was something very important.
"Link.Thank you for helping us. I'm sorry that this happened to you, if only I had been there maybe." Link fought desperately to fully awaken when he felt something soft and warm brush against his forehead. It was then that he caught a faint scent. The smell reminded him of the rain and sun. It was a truly unique and lovely to Link.
'Who are you.?'
But he could feel and hear as the figure drew away rather quickly, fingers leaving his. He didn't want them to leave, but he could do nothing to stop who ever it was.
'Wait, please stay.Don't go!'
His mind called. But once again, he could sense that he was alone. The elf didn't know who it had been, but wished only that they hadn't left him alone. As he slipped back into oblivion, his mind still tired for some strange reason, he held on to the soft words, the feeling of that comforting hand in his and the wonderful scent that reminded him of the sun and rain.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Link groaned at the bright light that drew him back to full consciousness and he tried to blink the sleep out of his eyes painfully. He found himself staring into the endlessly blue sky framed by stone, the sun shone down directly above him and he had to shield his eyes. He realized he was staring at some sort of huge skylight just like the one at the temple he had visited. As he pushed himself into a sitting position, he saw that he was lying upon a straw mattress with a dark fleece blanket wrapped around him.
His vision was blurry, but he felt the cool winds clearly and immediately knew that he must be outside...Somewhere. As Link rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, he noticed that his gloves had been removed and quickly checked to see if he still had all his clothes on. Aside from his boots, he found that he was still wearing everything as he remembered what happened the last time he went unconscious.
"Oi, Link! Finally decided to join the world of the living I see." A loud voice said startling him. Though Link could not feel any trace of the headache, the loud voice still pained him and he put a hand to his head rubbing it gingerly.
"Wh, where am I?" Link asked his mouth felt sticky and dry and it was hard for him to speak.
"Some ruined Temple near the outskirts of the city.Don't you remember?" The voice replied now in front of him.
Link looked up then and found Yun Sung standing arms crossed. There was an unreadable expression upon his face.
Great, just great. It was just the face that he DIDN'T want to wake up to, and Link had to quickly suppress the urge to curse out loud. If anything he didn't want to get Yun Sung started, not now where he had just woken up. He'd like to be fully functional for times like that.
"Temple?" Link tried again getting used to speaking, how long had he been asleep? As if reading his mind the proud Korean nodded, spiky ginger colored hair moving with his slightest movement.
"You've been asleep for two days having all sorts of nightmares."
Link's eyes suddenly widened as he heard the mention of the word. Flashes of memories from that fated night came back to him in a flash in fragmented images.
"Nightmare? Siegfried!" Link tried to move too quickly and with his equilibrium still not quite right, he ended up fumbling around upon the hard, rough cobble stone floor.
"Hey, take it easy! You just woke up!" Yun Sung said pointedly and Link felt strong arms grip under his arms ushering him back onto the mattress.
But the elf struggled as he was determined to regain control of his body, and it was only then did he manage to push away the other.
"No, let me go! I have to know where he is?! Is he alive?" He asked as he climbed to his feet rather unsteadily. He could hear Yun Sung let out a breath in frustration but he replied;
"He's here too, but I don't think that~"
But Link didn't hear anymore after that as he began to walk eyes darting every which way. But he didn't have to search long before he spotted the knight at the other end of the temple. Even the layout of the temple was similar to that of the other one, only here it seemed that it had been abandoned and it's structure was crumbling away. Once again he found an altar and upon it lay Siegfried's form. There was a woman, Sohpitia he remembered, kneeling before it her hands clasped together and head bowed in silent prayer. As he staggered up, she must of heard his pant legs scraping the floor for she turned. Her blue eyes widened in surprise and she rushed to his side.
"Link! You're awake finally! Are you okay?" She asked as she allowed him to lean upon her. Link shook his head and protested keeping his eyes upon the altar.
"Siegfried, is he alright?" Link asked immediately more concerned for the knight than himself. Why did everyone fuss over him like this? Why couldn't they just answer his ONE question? He reached the altar and resting both hands upon it. It was certainly far larger than he thought, most likely to serve as some sort of table for offerings to these people's gods no doubt. It was large enough allow Siegfried to lay upon it, though his hands had to rest upon his chest.
As Link looked upon the man's countenance it was hard to tell if he was breathing or not, and the fact that his face seemed so deathly pale motivated Link to check his vital signs once more, though he was sure that he had been breathing fine that last time, after a few seconds, Link was able to find a pulse, but it was so faint.
"Siegfried is still alive, but just barely." Sophitia's voice came. And the elf could not help but look to the woman beside him. She too looked upon the man with something of a regretful air. "I'm surprised that you were even able to save him."
When Link spoke he was surprised that it sounded as calm as it did. "But he will pull through won't he? He just needs time,"
But Sophitia interrupted the pain in her voice clearly evident. "But does he have that time? With the state he's in right now, I don't think he could stand another incident like before."
"He'll die for sure at this rate." Yun Sung said listlessly. "It's best to just put the man out of his misery, we're no closer to finding the Soul Edge, than it is returning to him."
Though it was probably true, it didn't help as Link already had a lingering aversion to Yun Sung to begin with and what Sophitia said next certainly didn't bode well for the next few seconds.
"Well if the Master Sword had never been removed, he may not be this way." Though it was meant as a statement, there was a reprimanding tone in it directed at Yun Sung. It didn't take long for Link to make the connection between his memories and Sophitia's statement.
The elf turned around slowly to face Yun Sung.
Icily, Link asked, "You were responsible for the theft of the Master Sword?" His voice was barely heard through his clenched teeth.
At the sudden accusation, Yun Sung's face contorted into a scowl. "Just because I had it doesn't mean that I took it!"
"But you were the one that gave it back to me, so how DID you end up with it?"
Yun Sung threw his hands into the air as the scowl worsened. It was apparent to Link that he had been asked that particular question one too many times. "What DIFFERENCE does it make? You're probably like the others! Even IF I try to explain nobody believes me! The point is that I returned it and that it's still here!"
Uncertain of what to make of this the elf looked to the fair woman beside him, who gave him a sympathetic nod.
"It's true, no matter how many times he's been questioned, his story remains the same. And he's the one that kept a constant watch over you as you slept. Of course, he was accompanied by one of the other warriors because of the Master Sword." She tried to say the last part a little more quietly but Link caught her drift and so did Yun Sung.
He turned quickly away in a sulk. "See what I mean? And the great thing about this is that I haven't done anything this despicable ever! But it's just so easy to place the blame on me isn't it?"
Link wanted retort but found he could not for what Yun Sung said was true. It was easy to place fault upon one such as him because it was all motivated out of spite. Amazingly, Link was able to set aside his powerful emotions so that he could clearly see the big picture. It was very hard to do, for the fact that he wanted to 'resolve' their differences right now was far too tempting.
But Siegfried was here, and losing such a meaningless temper here would be inadvisable. Besides now he could see what he was really doing; trying to make excuses for his own faults that nearly resulted in a comrade's death. He had saved Siegfried true, but it did little to ease the guilt in Link and he could not help but feel that this must be a sign from the gods duly reminding him of his charge.
He knew his duty of course, but his primary concern naturally came first, saving the life of the one before him. Link out of habit or something more just could not ignore this.
No more excuses now, the elf had thought to himself and his mind began to work furiously analyzing the situation trying to find the ways and the means to solve one problem after the other. It wasn't too hard for the elf for he had much practice on his journeys and he considered himself quick- witted, but it was still challenging for this was a new world to him and he had to utilize every little piece of knowledge he was able to pick up.
"You're right Yun Sung, I'm sorry for accusing you," The words left Link's lips coolly and upon hearing this the Korean whirled around quite shocked and looking as though he hadn't heard Link right. "You restored the Master Sword to me and I should thank you."
Link left it at that and turned to face Sophitia. "Is there anything we can do for Siegfried's condition? He had told me that you could solicit help from your gods..."
The blond woman closed her eyes sadly shaking her head then. "I'm so sorry Link, but as I have said before, I no longer have that power, and while my sister does, she refuses open her heart to the god's voices and she cannot hear them."
"Fine, then I'll have to try then." Link said almost immediately and it must of surprised her, "I can hear them, maybe they'll answer me. If they don't we'll have to rely upon our own methods, where are the others?"
"Some went into the market to stock up on supplies while others went to see my husband to forge and temper weapons." Sophitia answered automatically.
Link raised a brow in interest, "Your husband is a black smith?"
"Yes, he runs a shop not too far from here and is the best in these parts," She went on to explain to Link about it's location, and that Talim and her sister Cassandra might be there.
"I have a favor to ask of you Sophitia, you can choose to do it, but you don't have to." Link said his eyes stern and full of determination that the Greek woman could not deny. She nodded curtly and the elf reached into his pockets to present her with an odd looking shard. Her eyes widened slightly. "Don't be afraid, this isn't the Soul Edge shard. But it does serve an important purpose and that's where I'll need you." As Link placed the shard into her hands he leaned over to speak quietly into her ear. Sophitia listened intently eyes flickering from the shard to Siegfried and as he finished his request, he gently closed her fingers over the shard firmly.
Sophitia stepped back. "I understand Link; please think no more of it as it will be done just as you have asked." She bowed her head slightly clutching the piece to her chest before turning quickly around and hurried away.
"Hey! What was that all about?" Yun Sung asked clearly confused as to Sophitia's rather fast departure. Link found his trusty Master Sword propped up against the altar near Siegfried's head and gripped it's handle relieved to have it once more. He gave the sword a few practice swings before eyeing the Korean face inscrutable.
"She just went to take care of a favor, weren't you listening?"
"Of course I was listening about up to the part where you started whispering like a bunch of girls!" Yun Sung retorted hotly. "And where do you get off ordering people around like that any how?"
"Did you really watch over me while I slept?" Link suddenly asked catching the other off guard. It took a minuet for Yun to get over his question before he answered,
"Y, yeah, so what if I did? I only did it because I didn't Talim up all night like that, and besides, I couldn't sleep~"
"Did I say anything in my sleep, because you said that I had been having nightmares." As Link said this, the other cast his gaze down to the ground as if finding it's rough floors much more interesting. "Did I?" He pressed on as he could feel the other debating whether to tell or not.
Yun Sung's eyes traveled upward till he was staring at that endlessly blue sky. "No, you just mumbled a bunch of trash I couldn't understand. That's all."
Link wasn't sure what to make of this but something in him told him he really didn't have the time to linger about such things because there was something else that he needed to do. And so he decided to believe the man though he knew he shouldn't. Link wordlessly looked to his Master Sword as it caught the sun's rays and reflected it to bounce into the Temple's crumbling interior. Satisfied with what he saw he looked to Yun Sung who was still refusing to meet his gaze.
"Hey, Yun, catch." No sooner had Link said the words did he toss the Master Sword into Yun's hands.
"Wh, what? What the hell are you doing?!" The man asked incredulously. "Why are you giving this to me?!"
Link walked by as if not realizing what he did. "I need to go to the Temple of Hephaestus, and you're the only one left here." Link said as if explaining to a child. He walked over to the mattress where he had slept for the past two days. Finding his boots, he proceeded to slip them on and then began to search for his hat.
"Are, are you insane or haven't you been paying attention to what's been going on? The others think that I'm the one that took your stupid sword!"
When Link secured his hat upon his head he turned to the other. "But you said you didn't, and I believe you. If you really wanted to take the sword you would of done so by now right? Besides I won't be gone long, all you have to do it watch Siegfried and the Master Sword. It's not too hard right?"
"You know you trust people too easily.You're an idiot." Yun spat, but he gripped the sword tighter. The elf actually shrugged at this.
"Maybe." He said simply finding his shield and cloak putting one on before the other.
A few seconds of silence between the two with Yun considering things and Link absorbed at the tasks at hand. When Link was ready he threw on his hood concealing his ears.
"So you did believe me? I mean about the part with not having stolen the Master Sword?"
Without looking Link replied; "Yes. Other wise I wouldn't of entrusted the Sword to you."
"What makes you so damn sure? Just because I returned it then doesn't mean that I still don't want it. I could easily take it while you're gone."
But Link returned with a confidant reply ; "But I know you won't, call it intuition or what ever you like. And in case you DO get the stupid inspiration to prove me wrong, I can always track you down very, very quickly. I'm a very proficient hunter." This seemed to stun the other to silence.
Link walked to the temple's entrance or rather, main entrance as there was places in the temple walls that have crumbled away over the passing years and or by other natural causes.
However before Link set even one foot beyond the door way, Yun Sung spoke once again;
"Yeah, well if that was a threat, I don't believe you. But just so that you know, some silver haired bitch had it, I couldn't see any more than that because she wore a cloak. It was a pain in the ass to get the sword back from her."
Though Link did not turn around to meet Yun's gaze, the Korean could see his form visibly stiffen, and he assumed this to mean that some how, Link knew that he was speaking the truth.
"Don't worry, I'll be back soon." Link assured him as his form suddenly took off with agile speed, and before Yun could blink the elf was gone.
A/N: Sorry for the extremely loooong wait! We had a typhoon hit us and also I've been researching some things for the next chapter! Also I need to dispel some things that have been going around. Once again there are only THREE fighters that have the Soul Caliber for that's what their weapons are labeled. Any others are just 'legendary weapons' But what ever, I'm sure everyone knows who they are. Sorry if this chapter is a bit dull as I needed it to build up for the next chapter. But as always please review and let me know how it was.