"What? You can't be serious!" Talim couldn't believe what she was hearing.
It was late in the afternoon when everybody eventually found his or her way back to the deserted temple. There was a bit of an argument going on outside the temple's steps when Link and the injured Raphael arrived as members to the group had returned earlier to once again find the Master Sword in Yun Sung's hands. Immediately Link stepped in surprising everyone with not only his remarkable recovery but also his openly stated trust towards Yun Sung. And once he had Raphael taken care of by the other members (Sophitia and her sister Cassandra, who Link had met at the temple of Hephaestus a few days prior), Link recounted the events of the day sparing them from certain details of course.
"...And that's why I have decided to do this." Link explained. But the others didn't look too comfortable with his decision.
"It sounds a little far fetched, but if you have your heart set on this then I suppose there is nothing we can say to change your mind." Kilik said a little pensively. It was obvious he was opposed to splitting up realizing the strength in their numbers.
Talim agreed with Kilik but she just didn't like the thought of Link going off on his own. "Then if you're going I'll go with you."
She tried to step forward, to stand by his side, but Link immediately took hold of both her small shoulders keeping her firmly in place.
"No Talim It'd be better if you stayed here."
"What? But you can't go alone Link!" She pleaded, feeling suddenly ashamed that it seemed more of a whine than insisting. Her large brown eyes stared back into Link's begging him to change his mind. But the elf shook his head, causing the hood to fall carelessly off.
"I'm not going alone, Raphael is traveling with me. He knows the land and the ropes to that place; we'll be in and out before you know it. Besides, some one will have to look out for Siegfried."
"Then Yun Sung can stay behind, you did entrust the Master Sword to him didn't you? Please Link, at least let one of us to accompany you." Xianghua said. Talim nodded in agreement. But Yun Sung who was standing at the Temple's entrance gave the girls an incredulous look of contempt. He had obviously caught the part about him staying behind.
"I don't think so! I'm not going to be the only one standing this guard duty! You can't simply throw that on me!"
There was a slight noise from the sidelines as Cassandra turned briefly from Raphael. "What difference does it make? And who appointed HIM leader?" She eyed Link. "I think we should be able to go whether he wants us to or not! Honestly what could possibly be keeping us from going?"
"The voice of reason." Raphael said through gritted teeth as Sophitia's gentle fingers examined his side which was starting to become a small blood bruise. "I have agreed to take Link and ONLY Link. I have certain connections that will allow us to find a place to stay for awhile. Any more would be much too difficult and I'm afraid you will be on your own."
Cassandra huffed as if it was the silliest thing she'd ever heard of. "So it's not with in your capabilities to help the rest of us?"
"No, it's not with in my good judgment to bring so many bodies when only two will do." He countered annoyed. And truly it was that simple.
Link sighed running a hand through his golden hair shifting his stance to rest all his weight on one leg. Talim betted that he was feeling pretty put out right now. With all their fussing they should have just told Link to his face that he wasn't capable for the task.
When Link spoke again his voice was a bit tired and shook slightly.
"I don't want to drag any of you into this. This is something that I have to do. It's my fault that Siegfried is lying upon the alter half dead. I should have paid more attention, I should have been more careful."
Kilik furrowed a brow. "Link, that's not true. There's no reason YOU should shoulder all the blame. We're all involved with this Soul Edge and so we all had a responsibility, weather we knew it or not!"
Though Link nodded slightly, there was serious doubt in his eyes. He feigned a smile. "Thank you Kilik, but I'm still going. Tomorrow, Raphael and I will set out. This evening we are going to prepare and send word to Maxi." His eyes wandered to the huge open door way of the temple. "All I ask is to please keep a constant watch over Siegfried. I feel that now more than ever, his life is in danger. If we lose him then we lose the edge we have over the Soul Edge and who ever possess it."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Link are you sure this is what you want?"
Link looked to Talim from his place upon the hard stone floor. Around him was scattered his scant few belongings, four small empty bottles, his bow and a few arrows, various knick knacks that she couldn't recognize and two tunics identical to the one he wore but in a dark red and even darker blue. In her hand she played with a strange contraption that looked like a gauntlet but its tip was a rather large spear head and there was three rolls of heavy duty chains wrapped around its base. Inside, there was a little trigger she could feel but Link warned her not to pull.
He said nothing in that moment but turned to look back down at his scattered items inventorying everything for his trip and making room in his satchel for the items he had bought at the market place that afternoon. Talim waited patiently eyes drifting over to Yun Sung's form as he practiced his kata with the new weapon entrusted to his care. The Master Sword slid through the air leaving a faint trail of light in its wake. With the encroaching darkness the blade was even more spectacular and once or twice Talim could have sworn that she saw the blade pulse as if in excitement or joy. It was just her, Link and Yun Sung in the temple, with Yun Sung keeping guard over Siegfried. Kilik and Xianghua had gone to Piraeus's ports where Maxi had docked his boat. They wanted to give him the word personally so that he was ready for tomorrow. It was quite awhile away, but the pair didn't have any qualms as they were used to traveling such distances. But Talim knew that when it came to Maxi, no distance was too great for them. The Grecian sisters had taken Raphael home to better treat him and Raphael didn't seem to mind being escorted by two of Athens's finest women. Talim had opted to follow Link around the rest of the afternoon trying to help him with his small errands and such. She even bought a few things for Yun Sung who could not leave his post. These items were taken from her with much gratitude and a small smile upon the Korean's face.
"It's not really what I want to do; it's what I have to do." Link's soft voice brought her attention back to him.
"What?"
"I don't like the thought of leaving you guys, but all of you are very important and need to stay here to make sure nothing happens to Siegfried. Besides, this is really something that I need to do." Link finally looked up from what he was doing, his eyes were large and fairly dark in the shadows of the evening, but they were confidant and reassuring.
"You sound like you care more about Siegfried than about his purpose."
Sapphires turned quizzical before an embarrassed smile forms.
"I, I guess I kinda do." There was a bit uneasiness to his voice. But those sapphires became warm and Talim thought she would melt. "Before we met any of you, Siegfried and myself really only had each other to rely on. He being in the state that he was in and I being unable to speak or comprehend your language. Even in his condition though, he taught me many things about your world, and I was rather surprised in his knowledge of Sword play. He would instruct me as I practiced. He's like a, a." Link cut himself off, and his brows knotted together in concern.
He's like a father to me; Talim could hear him not saying. And she could see how much it worried him so to have intended to say that. But it did explain to the girl the reasons behind his actions. Link was trying to convince himself that Siegfried was only a comrade, but in truth Siegfried had some how become that forbidden, irreplaceable person in his life that he had never had. And it must have scared the young elf so.
So that's why..
Talim wasn't sure if she should pity the elf or be happy for him. She knelt down next to Link placing the hook shot into his satchel. The elf gave her a small nod but he never looked to her more absorbed in gathering the rest of his belongings.
"Link, I bought this for you."
The elf turned to find a little brown pouch held before his face.
"What's this?"
"It's special herbs that I was able to find in the market place. I found these to be very potent and I thought that it might help you out there. You never know." Talim shrugged shyly.
Link took the small gift his face lighting up. "This is awfully nice of you Talim, thank you."
And before she knew it, the elf had embraced her in a warm hug. She was startled at first, and her heart leapt. But her arms circled Link's back returning the hug. It was a wonderful feeling that exploded from her chest. And she caught his faint scent and took it in breathing deeply.
He smelled faintly of lush forests that had been kissed by the early morning mist and blessed by a warm sun. Talim savored the smell and she could easily picture the forests in which he had once told her about. How long had it taken him, while he lived in that forest, to capture it's deep scent? And when he had left to embark on this incredible journey had he taken it with him so that he'd always remember?
Oh how she never wanted this moment to end, but what seemed like minuets was really only seconds, and too soon, Link was drawing back from her. A smile beaming upon his impish features, and Talim had never before seen anything so beautiful in her life. Link was smiling for her.
"I thank you for everything Talim. I don't even know what I can give you in return."
"No, I don't want anything from you, I wanted to buy this for you, and it's a gift." She said. "Friends do that you know?" It was so obvious wasn't it? They were just friends. Talim let out a forced giggle at both her stupid ness and Link's nativity.
But the elf did not laugh; instead he gazed at her reflectively as if taking in to account her words. Then after awhile he nodded but a bit uncertainly looking away. "Yes, I guess you're right." But it was the way he said it that unnerved Talim and she could literally see the elf withdrawing into himself. Away from everything, away from the outside world.
Away from her.
"Link?" She asked softly. She must have caught him in time for the young elf's gaze flickered her way. It was entirely different look than before turning unreadable and guarded. And then he spoke in a voice that was equally as soft, but it's magnitude had clearly changed.
"Talim, promise me that while I'm away you'll train hard with your weapons. Because when I come back, we'll be going after the Soul Edge."
The girl wasn't sure what to make of this, and to be truthful it scared her a little. But Link didn't say any more, and so she nodded.
"Yes, of course I'll promise."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"You still up?" Yun Sung came to sit by Link a few hours later upon the withering steps of the temple.
"I can't really sleep."
"Don't give me that. I already told you that when it's time to change shifts, I'd wake you up. You're going to need the sleep."
Link shrugged carelessly before; "Is she asleep now?"
The Korean glanced back behind him. From where they were, he could see Talim's blanketed form lying near a dying fire. The young girl had built the fire in the last rays of the sun making trips to town for proper fire wood, and had fallen asleep tending the fire. The fire was not conspicuous enough to draw attention, but it was large enough to give warmth. It's orange light glowed, illuminating Siegfried's unmoving body way on the other end of the temple.
"So why did you entrust me with the Master Sword? It would have been more natural to just believe me and give the sword to another." Yun Sung asked ignoring Link's earlier question. "Why not Kilik or Xianghua?"
Link continued to stare at the moonless sky. "Be reasonable, as skilled as Kilik is, do you think he'll be able to properly wield a sword when all he's ever used is a staff? And Xianghua, can she really move the same way when a sword is ten times larger than what she normally uses?"
"So you entrusted the sword to me because I'm best swordsman for it? All that stuff you said about believing me was just lie?"
Link finally looked away to Yun Sung. "No, I meant what I said I do believe you. But yes, you will be able to wield it should the need ever arise."
"Mind if I ask you something?" Link shifted uncomfortably beneath Yun Sung's concentrated gaze before he gave a curt nod.
"What?"
Yun Sung held the glowing sword before him basking them both in it's celestial light. "How old were you when you pulled this sword from it's pedestal?"
In the light of the Master Sword Link's form visibly stiffened. Clearly he hadn't been expecting such a question and it caught him well and off guard.
"H, how did you know that I pulled the sword from a pedestal?" Link asked suspiciously staring hard into Yun Sung's eyes.
"Because YOU told us, how else do you think I'd know?" Yun Sung retorted as- a-matter-of-factly.
"I, I did?" Link asked, had he really said that? He did remember telling everyone about the Master Sword, he just couldn't remember the exact details of what he had said. It seemed as if the conversation happened months ago and was hazy in his mind. Link massaged his forehead unable to remember. Finally he shook his head. Maybe he had spoken about it, but he wasn't sure. "What does it matter anyway? Why do you want to know?"
"Hey, it was just a question. There isn't a crime in wanting to know." Yun Sung's voice rose a bit. Link glowered at him. "Look, I just wanted to know how long you've had the sword."
"Not for too long. Probably a few months give or take." Link finally muttered.
"And you really believe that this sword is powerful enough to fight the Soul Edge?"
"Do you doubt the Master Sword's worth?" Link asked wondering where the hell this conversation was going.
"NO," Yun Sung said forcefully "But I had over heard you talking to Talim earlier. You sounded pretty confidant. Aren't you worried that the other Sword might be a lot more powerful than you thought it might be?"
"Of course I'm a bit worried, who wouldn't be? The Master Sword may or may not be this Soul Caliber spirit sword but I don't rely on the Master Sword's powers for confidence, I find that with in myself. The Master Sword is just a tool." Link replied almost automatically and this answer seemed to stun the other into an awkward sort of silence. It was apparent to Link that his answer wasn't what Yun Sung was expecting. But then again he wondered what the Korean was up to. He had actually been a lot less annoying than Link's known him to be.
The two sat there in silence with Link pondering things and Yun Sung considering things. A few minuets had passed before Yun Sung spoke up again.
"I see now why it's so easy for you to leave such a sword like this behind."
"Glad to have enlightened you." Came a sarcastic reply.
"What ever." A few more minuets of silence passed before Link immediately snapped his head to the side, his whole body tensed. Eyes attentive like a cat's.
"Did you hear something?" Link asked.
"Like what?"
Link was silent as he strained to hear what ever it was that he had heard. But he didn't catch a sound, not even a whisper of a breath. Reluctantly he allowed himself to relax. Yun Sung had his eyes closed as he too was also trying to hear. But like Link he heard nothing and looked to the elf questioningly.
"Never mind, it was probably the wind." Link rubbed his arms then shivering slightly. But it wasn't because he was cold. Perhaps it was because he was anxious to set out as soon as possible. Link didn't know for sure but he didn't want to think about it right now as he had a load of other matters to deal with already.
Yun Sung stood and turned to head back inside. "Well anyway, the sooner you come back, the better the chance that Siegfried will pull through this just fine. And then we can FINALLY continue after the Soul Edge." But he didn't sound too enthusiastic...
The blond elf nodded in agreement before he too stood up stretching his arms above him. "Right, can't wait. Want me to take over now?"
"Nah, I'm not tired yet, so go get some sleep. You'll need your energy for tomorrow, you know in case you run into 'certain' white haired tarts." Yun hefted the Master Sword upon one shoulder a smirk on his face.
Some one had obviously told him about Link's earlier run in with Ivy.
"Wonderful now he's never going to let me live it down." Link thought miserably as he followed his peer inside.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
From above a dark figure watched the two youths walk inside. Once they had done so, he moved silently along the temple's top his cape ghosting behind him till he stood by the open skylight. A faint light was being emitted from with in, and he dared not to let his person be touched by it. The darkness of night was his cover and he stayed with in it's recesses.
Not that he was afraid of being caught by the likes of these two, but the information they possessed was very valuable in his undertaking. In fact it was the most promising lead he's had in months! If only they had been the first he had come upon, he wouldn't of wasted so much time.
Eyes of emerald fire glowed softly and unwaveringly as he peered in wary of the camp fire's soft light.
The elf had grabbed his pack and settled beside the dying fire for warmth. His senses were sharp the figure knew, for it seemed that the elf had detected his presence. Too bad his wits were not as keen. His companion made a short recon to check upon the man on the altar the Master Sword glowing brightly upon his shoulder providing light where the fire could not reach. He stood examining the blond man and then looked around as if half expecting to catch some one.
What an amateur.
The figure moved along the sides unerringly and with out noise. It was not easy to do for the walls were withered and aged in some places and threatened to crumble away. But he could not travel the air for the elf would surely hear him then.
When he reached the other end of the temple, the spiky haired Korean had already turned around to join his freakish companion, but he was no longer concerned with him and instead had turned his gaze upon the seemingly dead body.
Yes, he was the one, the one that his shard had been leading him to. From within his cape a large hand encased in a thick red gauntlet covered in a dozen or so spikes rose. In his hand was a large piece of metal emanating with a soft hazy aura. It was this strange little fragment that had led him here. And if what he had heard was correct, this piece belonged to the Soul Edge of his search.
He could feel the shard pulsing now, more than ever. The evil energy sparked and seemed to reaching for the young man. It was as if it wanted to join with him, but how and why he could only fathom.
The Soul Edge was a sword he had heard. Not a man. Most likely it was the cause of this youth's hideous transformation.
Siegfried.That was what the two had said. This must be him, as he had heard the freak with the long ears was going off to find some thing to help him so that they could continue after Soul Edge. Could it be that he knows where it is?
The gaze flickered back to the two at the temple's front where the three were settled around the fire. The elf had fallen asleep and the spiky head seemed to be examining his blade.
Soul Caliber.
It was a name the two had spoken briefly. Now he came here for a Soul Edge, but the mention of a Soul CALIBER caught his attention. It was because of this, that he did not act as he initially wanted to, and opted to stay within the shadows. Perhaps now was not the time to act for there was obviously much more learn about this Soul Edge, and he was slightly interested in this Soul Caliber as well. It didn't seem very plausible, but still worth looking into. At least for now he was certain he had found a group that seemed to have a fairly good chance at leading him to the Soul Edge. And if he stuck around they would most likely present him with the chance (a really, really good chance) to take it and then he could finally leave this god forsaken shit-hole of a dump.
Perhaps...
A/N: Okay, let's see if you can guess who this new figure is. *as if it isn't completely obvious* Things are going to get a bit trickier from here on so please bear with me.
It was late in the afternoon when everybody eventually found his or her way back to the deserted temple. There was a bit of an argument going on outside the temple's steps when Link and the injured Raphael arrived as members to the group had returned earlier to once again find the Master Sword in Yun Sung's hands. Immediately Link stepped in surprising everyone with not only his remarkable recovery but also his openly stated trust towards Yun Sung. And once he had Raphael taken care of by the other members (Sophitia and her sister Cassandra, who Link had met at the temple of Hephaestus a few days prior), Link recounted the events of the day sparing them from certain details of course.
"...And that's why I have decided to do this." Link explained. But the others didn't look too comfortable with his decision.
"It sounds a little far fetched, but if you have your heart set on this then I suppose there is nothing we can say to change your mind." Kilik said a little pensively. It was obvious he was opposed to splitting up realizing the strength in their numbers.
Talim agreed with Kilik but she just didn't like the thought of Link going off on his own. "Then if you're going I'll go with you."
She tried to step forward, to stand by his side, but Link immediately took hold of both her small shoulders keeping her firmly in place.
"No Talim It'd be better if you stayed here."
"What? But you can't go alone Link!" She pleaded, feeling suddenly ashamed that it seemed more of a whine than insisting. Her large brown eyes stared back into Link's begging him to change his mind. But the elf shook his head, causing the hood to fall carelessly off.
"I'm not going alone, Raphael is traveling with me. He knows the land and the ropes to that place; we'll be in and out before you know it. Besides, some one will have to look out for Siegfried."
"Then Yun Sung can stay behind, you did entrust the Master Sword to him didn't you? Please Link, at least let one of us to accompany you." Xianghua said. Talim nodded in agreement. But Yun Sung who was standing at the Temple's entrance gave the girls an incredulous look of contempt. He had obviously caught the part about him staying behind.
"I don't think so! I'm not going to be the only one standing this guard duty! You can't simply throw that on me!"
There was a slight noise from the sidelines as Cassandra turned briefly from Raphael. "What difference does it make? And who appointed HIM leader?" She eyed Link. "I think we should be able to go whether he wants us to or not! Honestly what could possibly be keeping us from going?"
"The voice of reason." Raphael said through gritted teeth as Sophitia's gentle fingers examined his side which was starting to become a small blood bruise. "I have agreed to take Link and ONLY Link. I have certain connections that will allow us to find a place to stay for awhile. Any more would be much too difficult and I'm afraid you will be on your own."
Cassandra huffed as if it was the silliest thing she'd ever heard of. "So it's not with in your capabilities to help the rest of us?"
"No, it's not with in my good judgment to bring so many bodies when only two will do." He countered annoyed. And truly it was that simple.
Link sighed running a hand through his golden hair shifting his stance to rest all his weight on one leg. Talim betted that he was feeling pretty put out right now. With all their fussing they should have just told Link to his face that he wasn't capable for the task.
When Link spoke again his voice was a bit tired and shook slightly.
"I don't want to drag any of you into this. This is something that I have to do. It's my fault that Siegfried is lying upon the alter half dead. I should have paid more attention, I should have been more careful."
Kilik furrowed a brow. "Link, that's not true. There's no reason YOU should shoulder all the blame. We're all involved with this Soul Edge and so we all had a responsibility, weather we knew it or not!"
Though Link nodded slightly, there was serious doubt in his eyes. He feigned a smile. "Thank you Kilik, but I'm still going. Tomorrow, Raphael and I will set out. This evening we are going to prepare and send word to Maxi." His eyes wandered to the huge open door way of the temple. "All I ask is to please keep a constant watch over Siegfried. I feel that now more than ever, his life is in danger. If we lose him then we lose the edge we have over the Soul Edge and who ever possess it."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Link are you sure this is what you want?"
Link looked to Talim from his place upon the hard stone floor. Around him was scattered his scant few belongings, four small empty bottles, his bow and a few arrows, various knick knacks that she couldn't recognize and two tunics identical to the one he wore but in a dark red and even darker blue. In her hand she played with a strange contraption that looked like a gauntlet but its tip was a rather large spear head and there was three rolls of heavy duty chains wrapped around its base. Inside, there was a little trigger she could feel but Link warned her not to pull.
He said nothing in that moment but turned to look back down at his scattered items inventorying everything for his trip and making room in his satchel for the items he had bought at the market place that afternoon. Talim waited patiently eyes drifting over to Yun Sung's form as he practiced his kata with the new weapon entrusted to his care. The Master Sword slid through the air leaving a faint trail of light in its wake. With the encroaching darkness the blade was even more spectacular and once or twice Talim could have sworn that she saw the blade pulse as if in excitement or joy. It was just her, Link and Yun Sung in the temple, with Yun Sung keeping guard over Siegfried. Kilik and Xianghua had gone to Piraeus's ports where Maxi had docked his boat. They wanted to give him the word personally so that he was ready for tomorrow. It was quite awhile away, but the pair didn't have any qualms as they were used to traveling such distances. But Talim knew that when it came to Maxi, no distance was too great for them. The Grecian sisters had taken Raphael home to better treat him and Raphael didn't seem to mind being escorted by two of Athens's finest women. Talim had opted to follow Link around the rest of the afternoon trying to help him with his small errands and such. She even bought a few things for Yun Sung who could not leave his post. These items were taken from her with much gratitude and a small smile upon the Korean's face.
"It's not really what I want to do; it's what I have to do." Link's soft voice brought her attention back to him.
"What?"
"I don't like the thought of leaving you guys, but all of you are very important and need to stay here to make sure nothing happens to Siegfried. Besides, this is really something that I need to do." Link finally looked up from what he was doing, his eyes were large and fairly dark in the shadows of the evening, but they were confidant and reassuring.
"You sound like you care more about Siegfried than about his purpose."
Sapphires turned quizzical before an embarrassed smile forms.
"I, I guess I kinda do." There was a bit uneasiness to his voice. But those sapphires became warm and Talim thought she would melt. "Before we met any of you, Siegfried and myself really only had each other to rely on. He being in the state that he was in and I being unable to speak or comprehend your language. Even in his condition though, he taught me many things about your world, and I was rather surprised in his knowledge of Sword play. He would instruct me as I practiced. He's like a, a." Link cut himself off, and his brows knotted together in concern.
He's like a father to me; Talim could hear him not saying. And she could see how much it worried him so to have intended to say that. But it did explain to the girl the reasons behind his actions. Link was trying to convince himself that Siegfried was only a comrade, but in truth Siegfried had some how become that forbidden, irreplaceable person in his life that he had never had. And it must have scared the young elf so.
So that's why..
Talim wasn't sure if she should pity the elf or be happy for him. She knelt down next to Link placing the hook shot into his satchel. The elf gave her a small nod but he never looked to her more absorbed in gathering the rest of his belongings.
"Link, I bought this for you."
The elf turned to find a little brown pouch held before his face.
"What's this?"
"It's special herbs that I was able to find in the market place. I found these to be very potent and I thought that it might help you out there. You never know." Talim shrugged shyly.
Link took the small gift his face lighting up. "This is awfully nice of you Talim, thank you."
And before she knew it, the elf had embraced her in a warm hug. She was startled at first, and her heart leapt. But her arms circled Link's back returning the hug. It was a wonderful feeling that exploded from her chest. And she caught his faint scent and took it in breathing deeply.
He smelled faintly of lush forests that had been kissed by the early morning mist and blessed by a warm sun. Talim savored the smell and she could easily picture the forests in which he had once told her about. How long had it taken him, while he lived in that forest, to capture it's deep scent? And when he had left to embark on this incredible journey had he taken it with him so that he'd always remember?
Oh how she never wanted this moment to end, but what seemed like minuets was really only seconds, and too soon, Link was drawing back from her. A smile beaming upon his impish features, and Talim had never before seen anything so beautiful in her life. Link was smiling for her.
"I thank you for everything Talim. I don't even know what I can give you in return."
"No, I don't want anything from you, I wanted to buy this for you, and it's a gift." She said. "Friends do that you know?" It was so obvious wasn't it? They were just friends. Talim let out a forced giggle at both her stupid ness and Link's nativity.
But the elf did not laugh; instead he gazed at her reflectively as if taking in to account her words. Then after awhile he nodded but a bit uncertainly looking away. "Yes, I guess you're right." But it was the way he said it that unnerved Talim and she could literally see the elf withdrawing into himself. Away from everything, away from the outside world.
Away from her.
"Link?" She asked softly. She must have caught him in time for the young elf's gaze flickered her way. It was entirely different look than before turning unreadable and guarded. And then he spoke in a voice that was equally as soft, but it's magnitude had clearly changed.
"Talim, promise me that while I'm away you'll train hard with your weapons. Because when I come back, we'll be going after the Soul Edge."
The girl wasn't sure what to make of this, and to be truthful it scared her a little. But Link didn't say any more, and so she nodded.
"Yes, of course I'll promise."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"You still up?" Yun Sung came to sit by Link a few hours later upon the withering steps of the temple.
"I can't really sleep."
"Don't give me that. I already told you that when it's time to change shifts, I'd wake you up. You're going to need the sleep."
Link shrugged carelessly before; "Is she asleep now?"
The Korean glanced back behind him. From where they were, he could see Talim's blanketed form lying near a dying fire. The young girl had built the fire in the last rays of the sun making trips to town for proper fire wood, and had fallen asleep tending the fire. The fire was not conspicuous enough to draw attention, but it was large enough to give warmth. It's orange light glowed, illuminating Siegfried's unmoving body way on the other end of the temple.
"So why did you entrust me with the Master Sword? It would have been more natural to just believe me and give the sword to another." Yun Sung asked ignoring Link's earlier question. "Why not Kilik or Xianghua?"
Link continued to stare at the moonless sky. "Be reasonable, as skilled as Kilik is, do you think he'll be able to properly wield a sword when all he's ever used is a staff? And Xianghua, can she really move the same way when a sword is ten times larger than what she normally uses?"
"So you entrusted the sword to me because I'm best swordsman for it? All that stuff you said about believing me was just lie?"
Link finally looked away to Yun Sung. "No, I meant what I said I do believe you. But yes, you will be able to wield it should the need ever arise."
"Mind if I ask you something?" Link shifted uncomfortably beneath Yun Sung's concentrated gaze before he gave a curt nod.
"What?"
Yun Sung held the glowing sword before him basking them both in it's celestial light. "How old were you when you pulled this sword from it's pedestal?"
In the light of the Master Sword Link's form visibly stiffened. Clearly he hadn't been expecting such a question and it caught him well and off guard.
"H, how did you know that I pulled the sword from a pedestal?" Link asked suspiciously staring hard into Yun Sung's eyes.
"Because YOU told us, how else do you think I'd know?" Yun Sung retorted as- a-matter-of-factly.
"I, I did?" Link asked, had he really said that? He did remember telling everyone about the Master Sword, he just couldn't remember the exact details of what he had said. It seemed as if the conversation happened months ago and was hazy in his mind. Link massaged his forehead unable to remember. Finally he shook his head. Maybe he had spoken about it, but he wasn't sure. "What does it matter anyway? Why do you want to know?"
"Hey, it was just a question. There isn't a crime in wanting to know." Yun Sung's voice rose a bit. Link glowered at him. "Look, I just wanted to know how long you've had the sword."
"Not for too long. Probably a few months give or take." Link finally muttered.
"And you really believe that this sword is powerful enough to fight the Soul Edge?"
"Do you doubt the Master Sword's worth?" Link asked wondering where the hell this conversation was going.
"NO," Yun Sung said forcefully "But I had over heard you talking to Talim earlier. You sounded pretty confidant. Aren't you worried that the other Sword might be a lot more powerful than you thought it might be?"
"Of course I'm a bit worried, who wouldn't be? The Master Sword may or may not be this Soul Caliber spirit sword but I don't rely on the Master Sword's powers for confidence, I find that with in myself. The Master Sword is just a tool." Link replied almost automatically and this answer seemed to stun the other into an awkward sort of silence. It was apparent to Link that his answer wasn't what Yun Sung was expecting. But then again he wondered what the Korean was up to. He had actually been a lot less annoying than Link's known him to be.
The two sat there in silence with Link pondering things and Yun Sung considering things. A few minuets had passed before Yun Sung spoke up again.
"I see now why it's so easy for you to leave such a sword like this behind."
"Glad to have enlightened you." Came a sarcastic reply.
"What ever." A few more minuets of silence passed before Link immediately snapped his head to the side, his whole body tensed. Eyes attentive like a cat's.
"Did you hear something?" Link asked.
"Like what?"
Link was silent as he strained to hear what ever it was that he had heard. But he didn't catch a sound, not even a whisper of a breath. Reluctantly he allowed himself to relax. Yun Sung had his eyes closed as he too was also trying to hear. But like Link he heard nothing and looked to the elf questioningly.
"Never mind, it was probably the wind." Link rubbed his arms then shivering slightly. But it wasn't because he was cold. Perhaps it was because he was anxious to set out as soon as possible. Link didn't know for sure but he didn't want to think about it right now as he had a load of other matters to deal with already.
Yun Sung stood and turned to head back inside. "Well anyway, the sooner you come back, the better the chance that Siegfried will pull through this just fine. And then we can FINALLY continue after the Soul Edge." But he didn't sound too enthusiastic...
The blond elf nodded in agreement before he too stood up stretching his arms above him. "Right, can't wait. Want me to take over now?"
"Nah, I'm not tired yet, so go get some sleep. You'll need your energy for tomorrow, you know in case you run into 'certain' white haired tarts." Yun hefted the Master Sword upon one shoulder a smirk on his face.
Some one had obviously told him about Link's earlier run in with Ivy.
"Wonderful now he's never going to let me live it down." Link thought miserably as he followed his peer inside.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
From above a dark figure watched the two youths walk inside. Once they had done so, he moved silently along the temple's top his cape ghosting behind him till he stood by the open skylight. A faint light was being emitted from with in, and he dared not to let his person be touched by it. The darkness of night was his cover and he stayed with in it's recesses.
Not that he was afraid of being caught by the likes of these two, but the information they possessed was very valuable in his undertaking. In fact it was the most promising lead he's had in months! If only they had been the first he had come upon, he wouldn't of wasted so much time.
Eyes of emerald fire glowed softly and unwaveringly as he peered in wary of the camp fire's soft light.
The elf had grabbed his pack and settled beside the dying fire for warmth. His senses were sharp the figure knew, for it seemed that the elf had detected his presence. Too bad his wits were not as keen. His companion made a short recon to check upon the man on the altar the Master Sword glowing brightly upon his shoulder providing light where the fire could not reach. He stood examining the blond man and then looked around as if half expecting to catch some one.
What an amateur.
The figure moved along the sides unerringly and with out noise. It was not easy to do for the walls were withered and aged in some places and threatened to crumble away. But he could not travel the air for the elf would surely hear him then.
When he reached the other end of the temple, the spiky haired Korean had already turned around to join his freakish companion, but he was no longer concerned with him and instead had turned his gaze upon the seemingly dead body.
Yes, he was the one, the one that his shard had been leading him to. From within his cape a large hand encased in a thick red gauntlet covered in a dozen or so spikes rose. In his hand was a large piece of metal emanating with a soft hazy aura. It was this strange little fragment that had led him here. And if what he had heard was correct, this piece belonged to the Soul Edge of his search.
He could feel the shard pulsing now, more than ever. The evil energy sparked and seemed to reaching for the young man. It was as if it wanted to join with him, but how and why he could only fathom.
The Soul Edge was a sword he had heard. Not a man. Most likely it was the cause of this youth's hideous transformation.
Siegfried.That was what the two had said. This must be him, as he had heard the freak with the long ears was going off to find some thing to help him so that they could continue after Soul Edge. Could it be that he knows where it is?
The gaze flickered back to the two at the temple's front where the three were settled around the fire. The elf had fallen asleep and the spiky head seemed to be examining his blade.
Soul Caliber.
It was a name the two had spoken briefly. Now he came here for a Soul Edge, but the mention of a Soul CALIBER caught his attention. It was because of this, that he did not act as he initially wanted to, and opted to stay within the shadows. Perhaps now was not the time to act for there was obviously much more learn about this Soul Edge, and he was slightly interested in this Soul Caliber as well. It didn't seem very plausible, but still worth looking into. At least for now he was certain he had found a group that seemed to have a fairly good chance at leading him to the Soul Edge. And if he stuck around they would most likely present him with the chance (a really, really good chance) to take it and then he could finally leave this god forsaken shit-hole of a dump.
Perhaps...
A/N: Okay, let's see if you can guess who this new figure is. *as if it isn't completely obvious* Things are going to get a bit trickier from here on so please bear with me.