Link had purposely taken the last watch that night so that he would be able to get an early start on the day. Even now the first rays of the sun came to peek into the silent temple and its current residents. Cool air that came with the morning only served to refresh his senses and he rose from his spot against the altar.

Orange rays of pure light filtered in through every crack and hole in the diminishing wall to burn trackless upon the dusty stone paved floor. One such light spilled itself upon Link's particular spot reflecting off his golden blond fringes and the elf had to shield his face from the celestial assault.

The Master Sword in hand still glowed as it always did but it seemed a bit weaker than usual. Must have been hard work keeping the evil spirits of Soul Edge away, Link mused to himself sheathing the sacred blade finally.

Siegfried remained still as he had been for the last 3 days. He had not even stirred once nor gave any indication, save his breathing, that he was alive to the rest of the world.

'May you continue to rest well my friend.' 

Link made his way over to the extinguished campfire, careful not to wake the two that still slept.

'Raphael should already be on his way to the ports…considering that he's recovered well enough.' Link thought as he removed the Master Sword and sheath from his belt gently placing it beside Yun Sung's sleeping form. He should awaken in another hour or so, so it would be okay to leave the sword here in this manner where he was sure to find it. Link felt a little strange leaving his sword behind like this as the sword had accompanied him through countless journeys and saved him even more times than he could remember.

But it was needed here; he figured he could just as easily find another sword that would work as well. At least it was one less burden to carry. After he had fixed his cloak and hood, he knelt to pick up his satchel only to find that it was not as he had left it. There was a small bundle strapped down by the upper flap of the satchel. It was wrapped with a thin white cloth hiding the blade but its handle was left exposed. Curiously Link undid the flap and pulled out the sword examining it closely. It was a rather medium sized sword and judging by its form it looked to be a saber of some sort~

~And immediately recognized it as the sword that belonged to Yun Sung having remembered that he did wield such a weapon. Link glanced down at the sleeping youth curled up on his side asleep with the Master Sword at his side. It was clearly obvious to the elf that the Korean had placed it there as a means of exchange. It wasn't the kind of sword he was used to wielding, but how could he decline such a gracious gesture?

'So much for one less burden to carry.'

Silently he thanked his friend as he replaced the weapon and hefted the satchel onto his shoulders making sure every strap was secure and tight. He looked to his sleeping companions again, his gaze lingering a bit upon Talim. She looked so innocent sleeping there curled in her blankets. The thin stream of sun pierced her in several places but thankfully missed her face which most likely would have caused her to awaken sooner. Talim was such a precious thing seeming like a small child who was out of place among these warriors.

Himself included. Both he and Talim was the youngest by far out of the entire group. And of course, he was certainly younger than the rest even suspected.

After gazing a bit longer Link knelt down and placed a kiss upon her forehead. He didn't allow himself the room to debate or even think about his actions as he was sure he wouldn't have done so had he thought about it.

"I promise I won't be gone long. Take care of yourself Talim…" He whispered softly to her ear. "Please ask your wind gods to bless us."

After giving the place the once over, he gave himself a firm nod before throwing his hood firmly into place.

'Okay, it's time to go now.' And Link left the temple never once looking back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Link's departure did not go unnoticed however.

Spawn moved from behind one of the temple's front crumbling pillars the early sunlight annoying him greatly. His blood red cape billowed about him as if reacting or alive and wrapped around him obeying words not said and moving upon winds that were not there. They molded themselves with out him having to lift so much as a finger, till a high collar fold shielded his face from the offending sun.

But the elf had already gone. And now was ideal moment to get a closer look upon the demon man that lay as if dead. Though he looked it, he certainly didn't fool Spawn. There was something with in that man that was awake. He felt it and the shard sensed it and it was definitely malevolent. But he was unable to check it out for the freak with the long ears had a good sense about him. So sharp and keen were they that he could feel it. Though his intelligence was questionable, Spawn did not bother testing the fact. But it did make him wonder as he first had when he laid eyes upon the boy, who was he?

With all things considered, he should not be overlooked. That would be a mistake.

Why did simple situations like this have to be so damn delicate? Of course they didn't have to be, but it would be a serious pain in the ass to MAKE them easy.

He turned away finally sure that the elf was not going to come back or see him, and Spawn proceeded into the temple. There he found Link's companions still asleep upon the ground. At first glance they appeared to be nothing more than mere children and ordinary ones at that. Spawn moved ever so close to the girl that was fast asleep, but she did not stir, nor did the boy. Evidentially they did not have the senses about them as Link did, and he quickly took to the air cape trailing behind him in an unnatural and graceful manner allowing him to land lightly before  the altar in mere seconds~

~And the shard exploded with vile energies with in his hand. It was unnaturally hot and startled him somewhat by giving small sharp sparks.

'What the hell?'

When he opened his palm, the shard was glowing fiercely, its dark aura rising and falling, pulsing like a beating heart. And it was reaching eagerly, desperately for the young man before him. He could hear its shrill cries of excitement so clearly as it rose in multitudes of voices.

The next thing he knew Siegfried's eyes shot open. Golden amber eyes stared blankly at the skylight above him. But they were no ordinary human eyes; they were dark slits and the most obvious sign that the young man was possessed.

"S..Soul Edge..." The blond German gasped as if he could not breath. Smoothly and very quickly Spawn slammed a heavy hand onto Siegfried's neck choking off any more sounds he would have made. He could not afford to have him wake the other two. But instead of just simply choking, Siegfried wrapped a thick claw around his red gauntlets seemingly unfazed of the razor sharp spikes that protruded from them. He was not at all surprised at the amount of strength Siegfried displayed as he tried to rip his hand away from his throat. If it had been any normal man, their arms would have been ripped clean from their joints. Eyes of amber flared red and grew furious, lips were pulled back to bear sharp fangs gnashing menacingly. This only promoted the dark hell spawn to tighten his grip around Siegfried's neck brutally.

Pain and anguish immediately flashed across Siegfried's face as he could no longer breath. His tongue flickered upon his lips and tears slipped from his eyes. The crimson red glow in his eyes quickly died away leaving half lidded amber eyes to stare fearfully into dark emeralds. He kept himself very still, but trembled slightly at the lack of air. When Spawn was sure that Siegfried had gotten his point, he loosened his grip but only so much so that the man didn't pass out or die, yet.

"Soul Edge, where is it?" He growled, voice deep as a baritone.

With a pseudo-intimidating glower Siegfried moved his lips, but the voice that came clearly did not match the face.

"Not Here." He said in a raspy, dry _demonic_ voice. Looks like he was dealing with some small time possession here, perhaps this was what his shard was reacting to. 

"Parasitic little bastard, that's not what I asked..."

But the demon within decided to comply then, even before Spawn applied the pressure. Perhaps it was it's primal instincts to survive, but what ever it was, Siegfried arced his back and jerked his head to the side vehemently detesting Spawn's methods of persuasion. Seemed as if he had a hard time moving too, as his legs were unresponsive only shuddering violently from the knee down.

"Where it is, you cannot go unaccompanied," He hissed lividly. "I and no-one else knows the way and can only take you there."

The dark hell spawn dangerously narrowed his green eyes into slits.

"That's what they always say, but I think you're just full of shit." He said un amused.

Something in the amber cat-like eyes flickered. "The blade you seek is my mind, and my mind IS the blade desired." He said almost mockingly but there was a ring of truth that could not be denied. Siegfried pressed on despite the strong hand that gripped his neck threatening to snap it at any given time. "If you still foolishly doubt my validity, then end this mortal's life. He is but a weak vessel still marked by the 'Cross of the Pledge'. Once his life is extinguished I shall confer my power to he who now possesses me. "

Basically meaning that if this Siegfried dies then that would conclude whatever contract this demon had with him. Then he would be left with no leads and have to start from scratch again. Even with the shard to lead him, it had taken about a good two months or so to follow the trail here!

That explains why these kids where guarding this Siegfried, because he was the only person who could lead them to the Soul Edge. Judging by the condition he was in, they had to do something to get him mobile again, that and make sure he didn't die along the way…

And that was why that freakish imp had taken off.

Spawn moaned silently. He didn't have time for this bullshit! And even if he didn't have to do anything but let these kids do the work for him, sooner or later they would become a force he'd have to compete with to possess the blade.

It was then that Spawn caught Siegfried's cat like eyes wandering to the side, trying to look at something with out moving his head.

"What are YOU staring at?" Spawn asked automatically. Siegfried's amber gaze skittered back to him. And Spawn couldn't help but feel that the demon with in was staring straight into his mind. He had to hold back the urge to back hand the damn thing.

"Shard, I want your shard…" Siegfried said almost above a whisper.

"Tell me," Spawn spoke drawing out his hand from within his cape. "Why is it that you desire these pieces?"  When the hand that held the Soul Edge shard came near to the young man's face, he squirmed a bit as if fighting a hunger or a craving…

"That is but one of the shards that was once a part of me. They hold small amounts of my power and I hear them call to me and they cry out to be reunited once more."

Spawn opened his palm and held the piece above Siegfried's face tauntingly. The young man's eyes widen with delight and he bared his fangs, as if spying a desired prey. But when he tried to reach for it, Spawn tightened his hold upon his neck. Siegfried lowered his hands and was still. He seemed to know that Spawn had something interesting to say, and he listened intently.

"If I were to give you more of these pieces, would that help you regain your strength faster?"

Those amber cat eyes closed ever so slightly then, and then they reopened slowly. Spawn wished he wouldn't stare at him like that but he refused to give this small time demon the pleasure of his discomfort.

"You do not desire the blade the way most do but you would help me?"

Annoyed, Spawn jerked the young man's face closer to him. "Listen up, I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart got that? I want you to lead me to that damn sword. Can that be possible for you with enough shards?"

A slight smile tugged at the edges of Siegfried's lips as if satisfied.

"With enough shards, my power should be efficient enough to take the pre chosen form of wielder of the blade, and I will be able to lead you to the Soul Edge…"

Siegfried would have said more but there was a slight noise from behind, and Spawn didn't have to look to know that the two warriors were beginning to awaken. He was running out of time.

"…Bring to me the shards that wander amidst the hands of traveling souls, restore my power and I shall take you to the Soul Edge."

Spawn released Siegfried's throat. "Deal. But you'll not get this shard." His fingers closed tightly around the metal fragment. "This will stay with me..."

Siegfried didn't seem too happy about this as a dark expression crossed his features. Spawn withdrew his hands back into his red cape as he began to back away.

"As you wish…" The young man said dryly before resting his head back upon the hard altar. "Let us speak again soon…" With that, Siegfried's eyes fluttered close as limbs fell back into their original place, looking as if the man had never moved. Who ever this demon was, it was apparent that he didn't want to alert the other fighters to it presence.

In his hand Spawn felt the dark energy die down to a silent whisper, as if it could no longer sense its kindred spirit. He turned away from Siegfried to see the young girl sit up rubbing her eyes of sleep then. But before she could even catch a glimpse of him, Spawn levitated a few feet off the ground and disappeared quietly.

He still had one other matter to attend to.  

~*~*~*~*~

Link leaned was leaning of the ship's railing again. He couldn't help it really, it was the first time he'd ever seen a body of water that seemingly stretched out for miles. The day was perfect with sparse clouds drifting in the light blue sky. The dark waters sparkled in pure splendor and beauty and Link watched on as the finned creatures made playful clicking and chirping sounds at him. Their gray backs rose and fell beneath the waves as they raced along side of the boat. Occasionally they would make a fantastic leap adding to Link's amusement even more.

~*~*~*~

The ship had taken off pretty early that morning, practically as soon as he got there. The two sisters were at the docks as they had obviously accompanied Raphael there, and as he had arrived Kilik and Xianghua were walking down the ship's gang plank. Looks like they had stayed with their friend Maxi that night. Raphael seemed to have shaken off whatever injuries he had sustained the day before as he waited for Link expectantly upon the ship's starboard side. Crew mates and other various bodies moved as they all were set to the tasks, some carried boxes others gave instructions to others and more walked about ensuring everything was locked, checked and secured. Link had never seen so many people awake at this hour of the day. Among the milling crowds he was able to spy a few familiar figures and he maneuvered his way thought trying not to get in anyone's way. But that effort was pretty much thwarted when a lean body ran into him threatening to plow him over.

The body stopped suddenly. And Link found himself staring into a pair of dark Asian eyes. This was framed by short raven black hair. He donned a black cloak much like his own but beneath he could see a red tunic trimmed in gold that hung to the boy's knees it was a style that was reminiscent to Xianghua's clothes. Link's eyes were drawn to the green bandanna that covered the boy's head. The faint breeze of the early morning played with the green and purple bandanna tails.  For a certainty the boy seemed out of place just as much as Link was.

"Sorry man, didn't mean to run into you like that."  The boy suddenly spoke.

Link blinked realizing he had allowed his thoughts to wander. He shook his head holding onto his hood.

"N, no, it's okay really. Hey are you a traveler or something? You don't look like you're from around here." It was rather forward of him to ask, but the question just left his lips. The young boy (he seemed to be 15 or 16 years of age) had already started away straightening his cloak about his small shoulders dutifully.

"You know I could say the same thing about you too." The boy returned in an even voice. "But yeah, I guess you could say that I'm a traveler, later." With a gloved hand, that mysterious boy waved disappearing into the bustle. Link looked after him speechless, but didn't think anymore of it as he finally reached the small group that was waiting for him.

"God speed..." Sophita said softly as Link passed her and Cassandra. Link only nodded silently in response. Kilik and Xianghua flanked both sides of him as he approached the gang plank. Kilik gripped his hand with his own.

"Link, watch yourself out there. Okay? we'll hold everything down here."

This time Link did speak.

"I know you will, I promise I won't be gone long." He said. Xianghua had put a soft hand upon his shoulder as she looked to him with eyes full of concern.

"Link how long will you be gone for?" She asked. Link furrowed a brow in slight thought before turning to regard the Grecian sisters.

"Lady Sophita, how long will it take for your husband to finish the weapons?"

"Oh? I would say a good three weeks." The blond replied soundly. Nodding curtly Link turned back to face his two friends.

"Give me three weeks then. Regardless if I find the staff or not, I will return by that appointed time." With that, Xianghua tried to smile but the worry was still there. And she pulled the small elf into a tight hug.

"Please return to us safely Link. I'm sure both Talim and Siegfried would wish it so." She whispered quietly. Her warm breath softly tickled his ear and he almost missed what she was saying.

It was a strange sort of feeling Link had never really experienced before, for no one had ever been so concerned for the 'Hero of Time' in his world. As far as they knew, the 'Hero of Time' was durable and could handle just about everything. He had to, because there was just no one else. There was a bit of sadness that welled up from within as he fully understood why he was so eager to return to these people.

"I promise...I'll come back." He repeated softly and he meant it with all his heart.

~*~*~*~

He had made that promise a few hours ago, and the land was beginning to grow smaller in the distance. Maxi had explained that they didn't have to sail far from the land as Raphael's province, Languedoc, was the land to the east. They would sail through the Sea of Crete and into the Ionian Sea. The whole trip would take four days tops compared to traveling by land where it would take weeks to reach their destination.

Link's eyes grew reflective as he watched these playful sea creatures, their bright eyes gleamed back at him as if begging him to come and join them. This thankfully distracted Link from his wandering thoughts and that childish delight shone clearly upon his impish features. He tried so hard to keep his composure but a small smirk escaped his lips as one of the sea creatures made another leap coming considerably closer to the height of the ship's side. The elf leaned over the railing stretching out his hand wanting to see if he could touch the animal. This encouraged the playful creatures to no end and soon they began to leap for him, higher and higher…

"Amazing little mammals aren't they?" Raphael said coming up from behind Link. "Careful they're vicious." He added as an aside.

"What?" The youth immediately with drew his hand but a little too quickly and he slipped forward. There was a strong and firm grip at the back of his tunic and Link found himself suddenly falling backwards into Raphael who easily held him steady by the shoulders.

After that close call Link found it a bit hard to stand and his knees buckled a bit causing him to slide to the floor. When he looked up he found Raphael looking down at him with the most amused smile Link had ever seen on his face.    

"Heavens my dear boy, I wasn't serious." He said dismissively as he stepped around to look over the ships railing at the mammals. And then as if to no one in particular he said "You really aren't from this world are you?"  When Link caught his breath and felt his heart slow, he joined Raphael. "They're called Dolphins. They are perhaps the most gentlest of creatures living in these oceans. Some seem to believe that they have some type of intellect."

"Dolphins huh?"

"Tell me something Link, is there oceans and creatures like dolphins in your world?" Raphael asked.

"I don't know." Link replied quickly.

The French blond turned to lean back upon the rail casually. "Come on, why the secrets? Do you really not know or do you not want to tell me about it?"

The elf shook his head, long green hat tail moving with the strong sea breeze.

"I seriously don't know. I've never been to the oceans of my world yet. All I've ever seen was the sparkling waters of Lake Hylia or the small domain of the Zoras." He revealed not caring in the least bit weather Raphael believed him or not.

Raphael however seemed to turn this over in his mind before he pushed off from the railing. Link actually heard the man tsking. "Such a shame." He said. "Young lads at your age usually have their hearts and sights set on the distant horizons."

Link remained where he was watching the dolphins slowly disappear one by one from the ship's side as they returned to where ever they belonged. When the last one was gone the elf sighed a bit pushing himself from the rail.

"I'll see it one day, and when I do I'll tell you all about it."  Link said as he passed Raphael. "Until then, I hope you'll continue to guard my back Mister Raphael." The elf stopped to look just in time as that strange unreadable expression passed Raphael's face again. It was the same expression he had seen back at the temple in Athens.

And then it was gone to be replaced with something of a suave look as he gracefully bowed not unlike the gentleman that he was. "But of course Link, I just hope that you would do the same for me." He said in a voice lanced with humility. But for some reason the elf couldn't help but feel that there was something more lurking beneath those ice blue eyes. Something that, if not watched closely, would prove to be a most lethal mistake. He couldn't shake the feeling and while he didn't know Raphael so well, he hadn't done anything to suggest that he couldn't trust him. And really, at this point, the man was very vital to his mission. For Siegfried's sake he had no choice but to trust him.

Despite what Link was feeling, he nodded curtly pushing the dark thoughts off to the side. He folded his hands behind his head as he turned away heading to the ladder way that lead to the lower decks.

"Of course, you know I would." Link's voice trailed lightly after him. "That's what partners are for right?"

"With out a doubt."

A/N: I hope this didn't create too much confusion for everyone. Much thanks goes to the people who have helped me through this one as it was rather difficult trying to portray Spawns unique personality. This goes out to Wally, Jowy and Apprentice for their time in answering all my annoying questions and such. Also if anyone can guess the identity of the boy that Link bumped into (and yes the way he talked was on purpose!) I'll give you a cookie. There's two answers to this one! ^^; Please tell me how I did on this chapter. Criticism and reviews are most welcome!