The street of Athens was exceptionally busy that afternoon as Raphael
mingled about its crowds. Cold stoic eyes of cerulean oceans swept the
faceless passerby with little to no notice. Cries of the shopkeepers and
venders fell upon deaf ears with out the slightest spark of interest.
He had left the temple earlier that afternoon to be on his own for a while feeling that nothing could come of hanging around the others. To say the least he was quite irritated that their journey had taken a detour and then come to a complete stop. With both Siegfried and Link down and out for the count, it seemed as though the rest of the group could neither function or wanted to proceed any farther. And worst yet, he didn't even feel particularly compelled to find a better situation where he could gain the leverage he had been seeking. Even after several weeks in his newly found comrades' company, he had not gained any vital facts or clues that he could take advantage of. Raphael continued to travel in their midst quite comfortably letting them do all the work for him. That was probably the only thing he held above them, though they KNEW that the Soul Edge was destined to return to its 'owner' he doubted that they realized that the pieces would also follow. Having Siegfried incapitited would be no doubt beneficial for him.
Siegfried the half demon, half man, who was the sole wielder of the Soul Edge.
He served as a nice homing beacon for the fragments AND the sword as they used him as a gathering point. Since it was quite obvious that he would be going no where fast in his current frail condition, it would be easier for the shards to gather in one place. But the processes took far too long and Raphael so hated leaving things like this to so-called 'fate' only believing in one's own self and strengths. With that said he had always been a skeptic of such silly nonsense like fairy tales and 'magic' and yet here he was chasing after a sword of pure legends. He must be losing his mind.
But then again, there was Link.
Just having the youth walk about with his strange ears and stranger mannerisms was enough to make anyone a believer. Raphael was rather thrown as a life long belief against such childish nonsense crumbled the moment his eyes met Link's.
And quite mysterious they were those eyes, and no matter how many times Raphael would chance a curious glance, he just couldn't quite figure Link out. The boy who was not quite a man had exuded a sort of childish virtuousness about him, and while he would go through the motions of being cautious and battle hardened, it really never touched his eyes.
In fact to Raphael, it seemed as though the eyes didn't quite fit the face. And he found himself feeling as though he were looking into the eyes of a young child. A child that seemed to be watching the world a little too carefully, understanding what most of such a young age cannot. It deeply reminded Raphael of another.
Aside from the warm glow, Link's eyes reminded Raphael of his adopted daughter Amy. Her eyes had been equally large, with a dark green gaze that would put the greenest forest to shame. But there was no warmth to be found in them, for a lifetime of struggle and pain doused the flames long ago. Raphael wanted nothing more than to open Amy's heart just as she had unknowingly done for him. It was the least he could do for the girl who had saved his life.
Just thinking about Link's eyes that boasted of childish temperament and youthful glow made tendrils of envy curl up Raphael's train of thoughts. Link had what Amy didn't and it just wasn't right and that made Raphael jealous. Wishing only that it were possible, he could just snatch that warmth, that beautiful glow from those blue eyes that didn't quite match that face and place them with in Amy's empty, cold green eyes. They would look so much better there.
Of course, it wasn't possible, but there were alternatives, and the man began to explore those alternatives like he always did when he had time to himself that wasn't preoccupied in thinking about the Soul Edge. Though this time around, he added the element that was Link into his formula, that boy who was not quite a man with the mysterious eyes that boasted of something more. So lost in thought was he that he didn't hear as a slender figure had slid up behind him like a shadow.
"Getting a little careless aren't you Mister Sorel?" A cool voice came, annoyingly interrupting his thoughts. It was then that Raphael felt something sharp pressed into the small of his back. Lost in his thoughts, Raphael had wandered down a back street not nearly as populated as the main roads. As he had passed an alleyway, the figure had stepped out behind him.
But this did not worry the Frenchman as an equally calm smile came to his lips. He raised his both his hands as if surrendering.
"Ah, it's been awhile Lady Valentine, how may I be of service to you today?" Though Raphael could not see her, he could FEEL her smiling that thin smile of hers. The pressure upon his back lessened then, but did not leave.
"Smooth as always mister Sorel, but I'm afraid we have to talk."
Raphael turned slightly but not so much as to where he could see her, smile never fading.
"Is this about your thwarted attempt upon the Master Sword? It is a shame; as I had everything set up so nicely for you."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It wasn't till the elf was well into the city did he slow his pace. His limbs were giving him great pain as if protesting at being moved so suddenly after two days worth of sleep. But Link tried his damn hardest to ignore it as it was urgent that he make it to the temple where he first met the messenger owl of the gods.
To his surprise, there were quite a number of people in the streets today, and it impeded his progress to the temple even more so. Annoyed he wondered of all days this had to happen. He gripped onto his hood to make sure no one would knock it over by mistake. As he got deeper into the city the number of the crowds increased! Soon he was shuffling elbow to elbow with the Grecian people. Once in a while gaps would open up and he would jump upon the opportunity to speed up and try to make up for lost time.
It wasn't too long before he found the reasons for the increase in bystanders, as he finally turned down the street that would lead him by the inn where their party had first stayed, he found a much larger crowd gathered there staring up at the oddity on the face of the building. Link in spite of himself, couldn't help but stop to also stare.
The hole (Nightmare's creation) was even bigger than he thought. To Link it was clearly evident that Nightmare had used his large malformed claw to tear through the wall. Probably only took two swipes give or take. As more people gathered, others that had already been there began to move away. Link decided to do the same, as he didn't want to be mashed into the large group, as he still had to go to.
"What the~?" The words left Link's mouth as he managed to break out of one group only to find that there was an even larger mob a little down the road that led straight to the temple. That was where the people who left the first group went to. There was much shouting and murmurs of mingled excitement and anger. Link could feel his shoulders slump.
Of course, it just HAD to be blocking the only road that went to the temple.
"This just isn't my day." But curiosity over came him and he followed the crowd to see what was going on. As he neared this large unruly mob, he could hear distinct sounds of a fight. But unfortunately for Link, he was just a tad smaller than all these other people! He tried jumping a bit to get a least a peek, but it was really no good. What he could make out was that from the way the mob was formed, there was a large clear ring in the middle.
But that was all he could see. Instantly Link was reminded of his childhood years where he had faced similar situations, and the elf experienced a brief sense of vertigo, feeling suddenly old and then suddenly young not knowing exactly where he stood. Feeling quite frustrated already, he decided that it was time that push came to shove. With that resolve, he thrusted his arm into the crowd using it as a spear to pry open a way through. If there had been any angry protest, Link didn't hear them as it was drowned out by the excitement in the air. It was like penetrating a hard outer shell, but once the elf squeezed his body in, he found that he was being pushed along by the squirming mass of bodies. It was quite a challenge to maneuver in the moving mass, and most of the time he found himself being pushed along. Worst yet, he couldn't see where he was being pushed as the people towered over him. Inside, all the noise seemed to meld into one dull roar, Link was being pushed from side to side, sometimes rudely some times gently, several times he was elbowed painfully in the sides and the poor elf couldn't do a thing about it as he had to keep a grip on his hood tightly though Link didn't doubt that even if it fell off, any one would notice.
Soon it came down to the fact that Link just wanted to find the way out not really caring if he did end up back at the beginning, any place was better than this! And suddenly his small, dark, enclosed world opened up to a clearing and Link stumbled out as he felt several hands roughly shove him out. The fresh air never felt so good to Link but he didn't have time to appreciate such a simple detail as his stumbling came to a sudden and complete stop as he ran face first into the back of another body. The man turned noticing Link who was busy rubbing his poor offended face.
"And what is YOUR name little boy?" A deep voice asked in a mocking tone.
What? Boy? Link felt a spark of aggravation then.
But he didn't have a chance to protest indignantly as he felt ONE large hand clamp painfully onto his shoulder. His breath was literally lost as that same hand practically flung him to the other side of the clearing. Link grunted as he landed rather roughly jarring his arms slightly. With one eye closed in a painful wince, Link looked up to see his aggressor.
Before him stood a towering (of course) muscular old man! The old part came as a shock to the elf as he saw white wind swept hair on either side of the man's balding head. And upon the man's face were many wrinkles and a gray mustache that told Link that he must be 50 years his senior (at the least)! The old man was topless to expose a fine set of muscles, and upon his chest Link saw a large scar caused by goddesses knows what running diagonally across. He sported a baggy set of white trousers that seemed to be of some ethnicity that Link couldn't remember. His arms that were possibly thicker than Link's legs tight and the wrists were covered in thick iron gauntlets.
Rising to his feet, Link was unsure of how to approach this new mess. He didn't want to fight as the guy was an old geezer, but the rather large tanned muscles that were covered in a light sheen of sweat tipped the elf off that this guy could probably hold his own. But even so, Link with out his weapons save his shield, couldn't fight him even if he wanted to. And for the first time in a long time, the elf actually felt intimidated. But just a little.
Link bowed his head slightly but not so much as to where his eyes left the other.
"I, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to run into you like that! But I really need to get going~"
And the elf quickly dodged a forward punch followed by swift left hook. If Link hadn't been as fast as he was, he would of surely taken both and woken up tomorrow with a headache he wouldn't soon forget. The elf flipped backwards putting a good distance between them, the crowd audibly murmuring their amazement.
The was a noise as the old man scoffed falling into a fighting stance.
"You've got some skill to you boy, I haven't seen one incompetent fighter that was able to doge those attacks."
Link held his hands before him trying to seem as uninterested as possible.
"Look, I don't want to fight you sir! And I already apologized for what happened."
The other heard this and fell out of his fighting stance crossing his large arms upon his chest in a no nonsense pose if Link ever saw one. There was a firm dissatisfaction upon his face not unlike a father to a son and Link was sure had he been that son, he would of felt very guilty. His small gray eyes pierced Link's soft blues in a steely glare.
"You have much power in you, but you are a coward not to use it." He stated cryptically in that deep sonorous voice. Link wasn't sure what to make of this, but what it did tell him was that this guy wasn't about to let him go, and that if Link didn't think of something soon, he was in for a world of hurt and then some.
But with out his weapons, he wasn't nearly as an effective fighter and he really had no chance of winning. The older man still stood waiting as if his statement deserved an answer and he cocked his head to each side a thick popping sound heard even above the din of the crowd.
Link swallowed hard as he fell into a modified battle stance. It felt really strange to him as he was always used to carrying his sword and shield. Looks like the only way out of this situation was to meet the other man's challenge. Perhaps, then, he could figure a way out. Link opted that with as tall as the man was, all he'd simply have to do was jump off him and he'd most likely land out side the ring of people.
But the older man hadn't even fallen into his own stance when his left shot up vertically besides his head. The sudden movement had caused Link to jump slightly as he thought it was some strange attack. But his long ears had caught the sound of something metal thinly slid across metal. And as the elf looked on, he found that a needle sharp point of a sword rested horizontally across the old man's gauntlet. The old man had raised his arm to parry the strike from behind!
But his eyes had never left Link's!
"If you are eager to die," Said a Raphael in his heavy accented voice, "Then that's fine by me." And the French man stepped out from behind the larger old man with drawing his sword.
"Raphael!" Link had never been so glad to see anyone then. The fencer stood in his usual cocky pose a keen smirk on his face.
"You've only woken up and already you've gotten yourself into a fix. Quite the little imp aren't you?" He scoffed and Link felt that little spark go off again. But Raphael had turned his attention back to the old man and he said; "Shame on you for picking on such children, why don't you fight some one you own size?"
Slowly the man turned to face his new opponent and his hands balled into powerful tight fists. Link thought he saw his bottom lip curl up but with the mustache he couldn't clearly tell.
"You look like worthy opponent.." He said and reassumed his fighting stance.
With a confidant sneer, Raphael also assumed his stance, one hand resting comfortably upon his hip the other poised with the thin sword in a passive manner.
"Link get out of here this is a fight best left to us adults." Raphael said noticing the elf still standing in his spot. This remark set off another spark and Link couldn't help but twitch. Link knew he was young but did these old guys HAVE to rub his face in it? As much as Link didn't want to leave such a fight to Raphael alone, he didn't feel half as bad turning away.
He hoped that Raphael and the other guy beat the crap out of each other.
"If you say so," Link shrugged and he proceeded to push his way into the crowds. By the time he made it out, he heard the distinct sounds of the clashing of metal upon metal. They were swift and heavy. But his attention was soon drawn away as he found himself facing the road to the temple! With out a second though, the elf took off as fast as he was able before anything ELSE could happen.
Thanks to the spectacular fight taking place right down the road, the temple was remotely empty. There were few bodies loitering out side the place but there was no one inside to linger.
As Link walked inside, he wondered how one was to go about calling the attention of the gods? Last time, it was the gods that had called out to him. Should he kneel? Should he pray? It would have seemed the most conventional means, but Link in his rush, was not a conventional person.
"Gods!" He shouted to the skyline ceiling. "Gods! Please hear me! I need to talk with you!" And he looked to the sky endlessly. Searching for a sign that they had acknowledge his plea. But he really didn't have to SEE as to the fact that he FELT a shift in the air. It was a strange nervous feeling that spiraled off his chest, and he found himself looking to the sunlit floor. It was there that he saw a swift shadow slid across the floor quickly, startled Link looked back up and the sounds of wings could be heard beating against the air. But he saw no one.
The sound came again, and this time it was more rapidly like a bird does when it is about to perch itself upon a branch. That was when he felt something soft graze the side of his hood, and felt the sharp talons dig into his shoulder. Link turned to find that the very same owl from before sat upon his shoulder. Painfully the startled elf raised on of his gauntlet covered wrists persuading the foul to perch there, which it did, and that's when he heard its voice in his head.
*You called? * It asked.
Link rubbed his shoulder with his free arm trying not to wince in pain. This was definitely going to leave a mark. "Y, Yeah, I did." He said. "Thank you for meeting with me, I have something I want to ask you."
The owl tilted its head curtly locking him with those large amber eyes.
*Is it concerning your comrade? The one tainted by Soul Edge's spirit? *
Taken aback by it's inquiry Link could only nod shocked. "Y, yes that's right, but how did you know?"
The fowl closed its eyes as if in glee. *Young warrior of Hyrule, the gods of this world watch over you, and they do so with much interest. *
Link didn't think he liked the way it sounded, but he continued.
"He's dying, I don't doubt that he is. Please, I beg of you on his behalf, use your powers and save him." Link pleaded.
*Young one, why is it that you help this lost mortal's soul? Would it not be better to just give the mortal eternal peace? He has suffered so much and for too long, what makes you think that he does not wish for his own death? Is it not painful for you trying to help him when he cannot be helped? *
It was a valid question Link knew, one that the others had asked him many times before but never answered. The owl's eyes bore into Link's posing that same question.
Why? Why suffer for another who most certainly does not deserve such kindness?
It never seemed important before, but now it came before him truly deserverving an answer.
Why save one who willingly gave his soul to such an evil entity, and served it for as long as he did?
Why?
He had left the temple earlier that afternoon to be on his own for a while feeling that nothing could come of hanging around the others. To say the least he was quite irritated that their journey had taken a detour and then come to a complete stop. With both Siegfried and Link down and out for the count, it seemed as though the rest of the group could neither function or wanted to proceed any farther. And worst yet, he didn't even feel particularly compelled to find a better situation where he could gain the leverage he had been seeking. Even after several weeks in his newly found comrades' company, he had not gained any vital facts or clues that he could take advantage of. Raphael continued to travel in their midst quite comfortably letting them do all the work for him. That was probably the only thing he held above them, though they KNEW that the Soul Edge was destined to return to its 'owner' he doubted that they realized that the pieces would also follow. Having Siegfried incapitited would be no doubt beneficial for him.
Siegfried the half demon, half man, who was the sole wielder of the Soul Edge.
He served as a nice homing beacon for the fragments AND the sword as they used him as a gathering point. Since it was quite obvious that he would be going no where fast in his current frail condition, it would be easier for the shards to gather in one place. But the processes took far too long and Raphael so hated leaving things like this to so-called 'fate' only believing in one's own self and strengths. With that said he had always been a skeptic of such silly nonsense like fairy tales and 'magic' and yet here he was chasing after a sword of pure legends. He must be losing his mind.
But then again, there was Link.
Just having the youth walk about with his strange ears and stranger mannerisms was enough to make anyone a believer. Raphael was rather thrown as a life long belief against such childish nonsense crumbled the moment his eyes met Link's.
And quite mysterious they were those eyes, and no matter how many times Raphael would chance a curious glance, he just couldn't quite figure Link out. The boy who was not quite a man had exuded a sort of childish virtuousness about him, and while he would go through the motions of being cautious and battle hardened, it really never touched his eyes.
In fact to Raphael, it seemed as though the eyes didn't quite fit the face. And he found himself feeling as though he were looking into the eyes of a young child. A child that seemed to be watching the world a little too carefully, understanding what most of such a young age cannot. It deeply reminded Raphael of another.
Aside from the warm glow, Link's eyes reminded Raphael of his adopted daughter Amy. Her eyes had been equally large, with a dark green gaze that would put the greenest forest to shame. But there was no warmth to be found in them, for a lifetime of struggle and pain doused the flames long ago. Raphael wanted nothing more than to open Amy's heart just as she had unknowingly done for him. It was the least he could do for the girl who had saved his life.
Just thinking about Link's eyes that boasted of childish temperament and youthful glow made tendrils of envy curl up Raphael's train of thoughts. Link had what Amy didn't and it just wasn't right and that made Raphael jealous. Wishing only that it were possible, he could just snatch that warmth, that beautiful glow from those blue eyes that didn't quite match that face and place them with in Amy's empty, cold green eyes. They would look so much better there.
Of course, it wasn't possible, but there were alternatives, and the man began to explore those alternatives like he always did when he had time to himself that wasn't preoccupied in thinking about the Soul Edge. Though this time around, he added the element that was Link into his formula, that boy who was not quite a man with the mysterious eyes that boasted of something more. So lost in thought was he that he didn't hear as a slender figure had slid up behind him like a shadow.
"Getting a little careless aren't you Mister Sorel?" A cool voice came, annoyingly interrupting his thoughts. It was then that Raphael felt something sharp pressed into the small of his back. Lost in his thoughts, Raphael had wandered down a back street not nearly as populated as the main roads. As he had passed an alleyway, the figure had stepped out behind him.
But this did not worry the Frenchman as an equally calm smile came to his lips. He raised his both his hands as if surrendering.
"Ah, it's been awhile Lady Valentine, how may I be of service to you today?" Though Raphael could not see her, he could FEEL her smiling that thin smile of hers. The pressure upon his back lessened then, but did not leave.
"Smooth as always mister Sorel, but I'm afraid we have to talk."
Raphael turned slightly but not so much as to where he could see her, smile never fading.
"Is this about your thwarted attempt upon the Master Sword? It is a shame; as I had everything set up so nicely for you."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It wasn't till the elf was well into the city did he slow his pace. His limbs were giving him great pain as if protesting at being moved so suddenly after two days worth of sleep. But Link tried his damn hardest to ignore it as it was urgent that he make it to the temple where he first met the messenger owl of the gods.
To his surprise, there were quite a number of people in the streets today, and it impeded his progress to the temple even more so. Annoyed he wondered of all days this had to happen. He gripped onto his hood to make sure no one would knock it over by mistake. As he got deeper into the city the number of the crowds increased! Soon he was shuffling elbow to elbow with the Grecian people. Once in a while gaps would open up and he would jump upon the opportunity to speed up and try to make up for lost time.
It wasn't too long before he found the reasons for the increase in bystanders, as he finally turned down the street that would lead him by the inn where their party had first stayed, he found a much larger crowd gathered there staring up at the oddity on the face of the building. Link in spite of himself, couldn't help but stop to also stare.
The hole (Nightmare's creation) was even bigger than he thought. To Link it was clearly evident that Nightmare had used his large malformed claw to tear through the wall. Probably only took two swipes give or take. As more people gathered, others that had already been there began to move away. Link decided to do the same, as he didn't want to be mashed into the large group, as he still had to go to.
"What the~?" The words left Link's mouth as he managed to break out of one group only to find that there was an even larger mob a little down the road that led straight to the temple. That was where the people who left the first group went to. There was much shouting and murmurs of mingled excitement and anger. Link could feel his shoulders slump.
Of course, it just HAD to be blocking the only road that went to the temple.
"This just isn't my day." But curiosity over came him and he followed the crowd to see what was going on. As he neared this large unruly mob, he could hear distinct sounds of a fight. But unfortunately for Link, he was just a tad smaller than all these other people! He tried jumping a bit to get a least a peek, but it was really no good. What he could make out was that from the way the mob was formed, there was a large clear ring in the middle.
But that was all he could see. Instantly Link was reminded of his childhood years where he had faced similar situations, and the elf experienced a brief sense of vertigo, feeling suddenly old and then suddenly young not knowing exactly where he stood. Feeling quite frustrated already, he decided that it was time that push came to shove. With that resolve, he thrusted his arm into the crowd using it as a spear to pry open a way through. If there had been any angry protest, Link didn't hear them as it was drowned out by the excitement in the air. It was like penetrating a hard outer shell, but once the elf squeezed his body in, he found that he was being pushed along by the squirming mass of bodies. It was quite a challenge to maneuver in the moving mass, and most of the time he found himself being pushed along. Worst yet, he couldn't see where he was being pushed as the people towered over him. Inside, all the noise seemed to meld into one dull roar, Link was being pushed from side to side, sometimes rudely some times gently, several times he was elbowed painfully in the sides and the poor elf couldn't do a thing about it as he had to keep a grip on his hood tightly though Link didn't doubt that even if it fell off, any one would notice.
Soon it came down to the fact that Link just wanted to find the way out not really caring if he did end up back at the beginning, any place was better than this! And suddenly his small, dark, enclosed world opened up to a clearing and Link stumbled out as he felt several hands roughly shove him out. The fresh air never felt so good to Link but he didn't have time to appreciate such a simple detail as his stumbling came to a sudden and complete stop as he ran face first into the back of another body. The man turned noticing Link who was busy rubbing his poor offended face.
"And what is YOUR name little boy?" A deep voice asked in a mocking tone.
What? Boy? Link felt a spark of aggravation then.
But he didn't have a chance to protest indignantly as he felt ONE large hand clamp painfully onto his shoulder. His breath was literally lost as that same hand practically flung him to the other side of the clearing. Link grunted as he landed rather roughly jarring his arms slightly. With one eye closed in a painful wince, Link looked up to see his aggressor.
Before him stood a towering (of course) muscular old man! The old part came as a shock to the elf as he saw white wind swept hair on either side of the man's balding head. And upon the man's face were many wrinkles and a gray mustache that told Link that he must be 50 years his senior (at the least)! The old man was topless to expose a fine set of muscles, and upon his chest Link saw a large scar caused by goddesses knows what running diagonally across. He sported a baggy set of white trousers that seemed to be of some ethnicity that Link couldn't remember. His arms that were possibly thicker than Link's legs tight and the wrists were covered in thick iron gauntlets.
Rising to his feet, Link was unsure of how to approach this new mess. He didn't want to fight as the guy was an old geezer, but the rather large tanned muscles that were covered in a light sheen of sweat tipped the elf off that this guy could probably hold his own. But even so, Link with out his weapons save his shield, couldn't fight him even if he wanted to. And for the first time in a long time, the elf actually felt intimidated. But just a little.
Link bowed his head slightly but not so much as to where his eyes left the other.
"I, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to run into you like that! But I really need to get going~"
And the elf quickly dodged a forward punch followed by swift left hook. If Link hadn't been as fast as he was, he would of surely taken both and woken up tomorrow with a headache he wouldn't soon forget. The elf flipped backwards putting a good distance between them, the crowd audibly murmuring their amazement.
The was a noise as the old man scoffed falling into a fighting stance.
"You've got some skill to you boy, I haven't seen one incompetent fighter that was able to doge those attacks."
Link held his hands before him trying to seem as uninterested as possible.
"Look, I don't want to fight you sir! And I already apologized for what happened."
The other heard this and fell out of his fighting stance crossing his large arms upon his chest in a no nonsense pose if Link ever saw one. There was a firm dissatisfaction upon his face not unlike a father to a son and Link was sure had he been that son, he would of felt very guilty. His small gray eyes pierced Link's soft blues in a steely glare.
"You have much power in you, but you are a coward not to use it." He stated cryptically in that deep sonorous voice. Link wasn't sure what to make of this, but what it did tell him was that this guy wasn't about to let him go, and that if Link didn't think of something soon, he was in for a world of hurt and then some.
But with out his weapons, he wasn't nearly as an effective fighter and he really had no chance of winning. The older man still stood waiting as if his statement deserved an answer and he cocked his head to each side a thick popping sound heard even above the din of the crowd.
Link swallowed hard as he fell into a modified battle stance. It felt really strange to him as he was always used to carrying his sword and shield. Looks like the only way out of this situation was to meet the other man's challenge. Perhaps, then, he could figure a way out. Link opted that with as tall as the man was, all he'd simply have to do was jump off him and he'd most likely land out side the ring of people.
But the older man hadn't even fallen into his own stance when his left shot up vertically besides his head. The sudden movement had caused Link to jump slightly as he thought it was some strange attack. But his long ears had caught the sound of something metal thinly slid across metal. And as the elf looked on, he found that a needle sharp point of a sword rested horizontally across the old man's gauntlet. The old man had raised his arm to parry the strike from behind!
But his eyes had never left Link's!
"If you are eager to die," Said a Raphael in his heavy accented voice, "Then that's fine by me." And the French man stepped out from behind the larger old man with drawing his sword.
"Raphael!" Link had never been so glad to see anyone then. The fencer stood in his usual cocky pose a keen smirk on his face.
"You've only woken up and already you've gotten yourself into a fix. Quite the little imp aren't you?" He scoffed and Link felt that little spark go off again. But Raphael had turned his attention back to the old man and he said; "Shame on you for picking on such children, why don't you fight some one you own size?"
Slowly the man turned to face his new opponent and his hands balled into powerful tight fists. Link thought he saw his bottom lip curl up but with the mustache he couldn't clearly tell.
"You look like worthy opponent.." He said and reassumed his fighting stance.
With a confidant sneer, Raphael also assumed his stance, one hand resting comfortably upon his hip the other poised with the thin sword in a passive manner.
"Link get out of here this is a fight best left to us adults." Raphael said noticing the elf still standing in his spot. This remark set off another spark and Link couldn't help but twitch. Link knew he was young but did these old guys HAVE to rub his face in it? As much as Link didn't want to leave such a fight to Raphael alone, he didn't feel half as bad turning away.
He hoped that Raphael and the other guy beat the crap out of each other.
"If you say so," Link shrugged and he proceeded to push his way into the crowds. By the time he made it out, he heard the distinct sounds of the clashing of metal upon metal. They were swift and heavy. But his attention was soon drawn away as he found himself facing the road to the temple! With out a second though, the elf took off as fast as he was able before anything ELSE could happen.
Thanks to the spectacular fight taking place right down the road, the temple was remotely empty. There were few bodies loitering out side the place but there was no one inside to linger.
As Link walked inside, he wondered how one was to go about calling the attention of the gods? Last time, it was the gods that had called out to him. Should he kneel? Should he pray? It would have seemed the most conventional means, but Link in his rush, was not a conventional person.
"Gods!" He shouted to the skyline ceiling. "Gods! Please hear me! I need to talk with you!" And he looked to the sky endlessly. Searching for a sign that they had acknowledge his plea. But he really didn't have to SEE as to the fact that he FELT a shift in the air. It was a strange nervous feeling that spiraled off his chest, and he found himself looking to the sunlit floor. It was there that he saw a swift shadow slid across the floor quickly, startled Link looked back up and the sounds of wings could be heard beating against the air. But he saw no one.
The sound came again, and this time it was more rapidly like a bird does when it is about to perch itself upon a branch. That was when he felt something soft graze the side of his hood, and felt the sharp talons dig into his shoulder. Link turned to find that the very same owl from before sat upon his shoulder. Painfully the startled elf raised on of his gauntlet covered wrists persuading the foul to perch there, which it did, and that's when he heard its voice in his head.
*You called? * It asked.
Link rubbed his shoulder with his free arm trying not to wince in pain. This was definitely going to leave a mark. "Y, Yeah, I did." He said. "Thank you for meeting with me, I have something I want to ask you."
The owl tilted its head curtly locking him with those large amber eyes.
*Is it concerning your comrade? The one tainted by Soul Edge's spirit? *
Taken aback by it's inquiry Link could only nod shocked. "Y, yes that's right, but how did you know?"
The fowl closed its eyes as if in glee. *Young warrior of Hyrule, the gods of this world watch over you, and they do so with much interest. *
Link didn't think he liked the way it sounded, but he continued.
"He's dying, I don't doubt that he is. Please, I beg of you on his behalf, use your powers and save him." Link pleaded.
*Young one, why is it that you help this lost mortal's soul? Would it not be better to just give the mortal eternal peace? He has suffered so much and for too long, what makes you think that he does not wish for his own death? Is it not painful for you trying to help him when he cannot be helped? *
It was a valid question Link knew, one that the others had asked him many times before but never answered. The owl's eyes bore into Link's posing that same question.
Why? Why suffer for another who most certainly does not deserve such kindness?
It never seemed important before, but now it came before him truly deserverving an answer.
Why save one who willingly gave his soul to such an evil entity, and served it for as long as he did?
Why?