Another day passed the sun turning into a blazing orange disk in the
evening sky. And as shadows grew longer, shops began to close as residents
prepared for the encroaching night. Lamps were lit and local guards began
to patrol the streets ensuring the peace that was so common to Athens.
Well peace was pretty common until a few days ago when numerous traveling mercenaries and soldiers started being attacked. At first it seemed completely random and there was no real rise as it was only male warriors being attacked. Such things tended to come up from time to time, but as the days went on, the attacks became more frequent, and sometimes, the deaths that resulted were gruesome to the point where the inhabitants of Athens began to worry. And so as a safety measure to calm public, the guards double up tripling the watches and rovers are done more so heavily at night since that was when the attacks most commonly occurred.
No one knew why the attacks suddenly began or who was behind it. And while it only seemed that the common wandering warriors were targeted, women and children were frightened after all, who knew how long it would take before that vicious attacker got bored and started going after them as well?
Despite all these rumors and fear, a lone youth was spotted wandering about the streets as the shadows grew longer. His black cloak trailed his every movement gracefully as he walked with out fear and with much purpose. Few approached him as he silently walked by and he in turn said nothing save a rather bitter glance. He held an air of cold solitude about him, and those bitter eyes always seemed to be searching for something.whether it was trouble or otherwise, no one seemed to know and could care less, it was only a child and most likely a homeless one at that. He had been seen wandering all over the place, almost appearing as if from no where.
This evening, as the people prepared for the night, this enigmatic youth was spotted walking in the northwest region of Athens a little past the Acropolis and towards a place called Kerameikos.
Kerameikos was a renowned cemetery to all of Athens, so naturally no one dared to follow him. For this he was grateful as he could be left to his own thoughts with out annoying interruptions of sorts, and once darkness finally falls, he would be able to move about more freely.
The cool air filled his lungs with the faint scent of fresh earth, it was crisp and at the same time a bit musky, it was a very common scent to most grave yards. The terra cotta statues towered over him casting even more shadows over the scared grounds. A chilling breeze rustled the soft cloak, lightly playing with the boy's bandannas. He walked to a particular clearing in the outer edges of the graveyard and that's where his seemingly aimless wanderings came to a sudden stop.
Those dark eyes stared before him seeing things only he could ever see before they closed slowly and reopened to waver to the side.
"Game's over buddy.This is where the trail ends, now come on out." The youth ordered evenly turning around. At first nothing seemed to move in the still garden, but he did not move. "I'm not deaf; I heard your heavy ass stumbling after me near Acropolis."
After this, there was a slight movement from behind a terra cotta monument a few feet back before a man who wore a strange kind of helmet and mask stepped out. While his dark uniform allowed him to blend into the shadows more, his silver breast plate and gauntlets glinted in the dying sunlight; his sword reflected the rays in a vaguely threatening manner.
From the way he was dressed, the youth surmised he was another mercenary.
The man approached him steadily now, the boy only glaring back at him expectantly. When he was near enough, he to came to a stop and then from one of the various small pouches that hung from his belt pack, he produced something in his dark gloved hand, something that glowed with an evil aura. Those eyes of deep brown narrowed upon seeing it.
"So you are not a fool.You have very sharp senses indeed." The mercenary commented plainly. "Pretty good for a boy." When the youth did not speak he lowered the shard to waist level. "I believe you carry something that I want."
Finally the youth's delicate lips quirk in a snide smile. "You don't say? That's pretty strange as I was going to tell you the exact same thing." Here, he paused as his eyes chanced to leave the figure before him to scan the surrounding area. The darkening skies were empty save for a solitary black raven that circled the area slowly. It let out a loud cry as if knowing what was to take place. The boy's eyes followed this dark bird before nonchalantly returning back to the man. "Your shard, hand it over now."
The mercenary scoffed at the youth's demand. "You really believe that I'll hand over my piece just like that? You're really green."
"Listen ass, I'm only going to give you one chance to walk away from this with your life." The youth snarled. With a laugh the mercenary readies his sword before he makes a quick and sudden thrust forward at the youth. Non- pulsed, the raven haired Asian boy launches himself high into the air to land rather lightly on a tall stone tablet behind. His dark cape wafts silently around him from the boy's sudden movements, and upon his shoulder a raven with a blood red gaze found a momentary perch. It spread its soot black wings in a threatening manner giving another loud cry. The boy looked to his small companion as if understanding what the bird said. The mercenary took little notice of this.
"So the little dog can jump eh? Impressive but futile, now come on down from there and just give me your shard." But the youth cut him off then, his voice growing darker. It wasn't the voice of a young boy anymore.It was something more malevolent, more sinister.
"You know you're really beginning to piss me off, so why don't we just cut the crap and finish this? I've got someplace to be." And it was then that those dark eyes became alight with a strange green glow.
Startled, the mercenary faltered back a step raising his sword.
"Wh, what in devil's name..?" He stammered as the youth's eyes continued to glow like fire in the evening shadows. A swishing sound was soon heard as his dark cloak suddenly began to move! Like a living being it snaked itself around the boy, it's shape ever changing like the flowing water and ever moving as it enveloped the boy's form.
The raven took flight leaving behind small black feathers in its wake.
The man could only watch as the figure began to grow and change with the moving cloak, till it was no longer the form a youth but some thing more powerful and more deadly. A creature that was born in the very pits of hell, its green eyes a blaze with supernatural fire.
That night the dead did not sleep as blood was spilled upon their sacred grounds. Their eternal peace would be shattered by war cries and screams of anguish. The very trees moaned a requiem as the presence of evil was felt. And as another soul fell victim to the lure of the devil sword's shards, the cry of a lone raven heralded its passing and of things to come.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What another attack? When?" Xianghua and Kilik had both returned from the market place with the news that morning. Yun Sung had heard of the recent attacks himself from soldiers out and about the streets. The group in Link's absence began the tedious preparations for the battle that was certain to come as plans were made, supplies were bought and weapons were strengthened. Of course, all this and having to keep constant care for the unconscious knight who still hadn't showed any signs of reviving.
Kilik ran a hand through his dark brown locks in dismay. "Last night. It was another mercenary." Xianghua nodded as if to confirm the story.
"I heard that it was a bit closer this time, and while it's no where near this place, I don't think it'll be safe to keep Siegfried here anymore." Her voice was soft as it was apparent that the situation really concerned her. And why shouldn't it?
Yun Sung put a hand to his chin thoughtfully. "I get what you're saying. I wonder if Link had any idea that this would happen."
"He had to of suspected something, otherwise he wouldn't of left the Master Sword in our care." Kilik thought aloud, it was then that Talim emerged from the temple's ruin. Her skin glowed as she was covered in a light sheen of sweat. Her chest still heaved heavily as it was obvious she had done her day's worth of training. Looks like she was keeping true to her promise to Link, and even with out her trusty tonfas, she still found other methods of training.
"Link didn't suspect, he KNEW. Haven't any of you sensed it yet? There's a dark foreboding aura in the winds, and it grows stronger each day."
"They are beginning to gather." Sophitia spoke up suddenly, and the group turned to find the Grecian sisters making their way down the old cobble stone path. Talim nodded silently concurring with Sophitia. The normally cheerful woman was not smiling today as it was obvious she had heard the news that spread like wild fire. Concern knitted her thin brows together as her eyes reflected deep contemplation. "These attacks are not random, there's a reason these warriors are being targeted." Her sister, Cassandra spoke up then.
"It's the shards of the evil sword, we're most positive that it is. It seems its pieces are being brought to this place." She said steadily. "Or it could be as my sister fears, the shards are gathering here."
"But that doesn't make any sense." Kilik shook his head then soft brown fringes moving slightly. "I thought the pieces would gather where the sword was. Why would it come here?" The fair woman could not answer right away and it seemed more to the point that she did not want to answer. Her soft cerulean gaze dropped to the weather worn ground.
"Although I hate to point fingers, I suspect Siegfried is the reason. I don't know the hows or the whys. But it doesn't matter as it's happening now. Who ever or what ever is behind the attacks is serious and Siegfried could be their next target. I believe moving him to a safer location would be for the best until this whole situation calms down." Talim said soundly in her place.
Cassandra crossed her arms a little impatiently then a very big look of disapproval upon her young features. "And where do you suppose we take him? I don't think any residents in Athens will be willing enough to allow a demon man into their house, let alone a temple of the gods, that's just an invitation for trouble." But she was stopped as her older sister stepped up.
"If none of you have any ideas, would you mind if I make a suggestion? It isn't the brightest of ideas, but it's still an idea."
This seemed to surprise the lot and especially Cassandra as she could already read the look on Sophitia's fair countenance. If anything, growing up with her taught Cassandra how to read her like an open book. And if she wasn't mistaken.
"Sister." The young woman said in a tone of warning. Sophitia only regarded her with a gentle and perhaps a bit worried smile and motioned the group a bit closer as it was only meant for them to hear.
As they did so, a small black bird glided in through the temple's skylight silently to land upon the very alter where Siegfried lay. Here, it paused for just a moment lowering its head to deposit something into the man's large claw before taking off as quickly as it had come. It flew through the large open skylight and around the temple several times before it perched itself upon a crumbling statue at the temple's very top. From here, it would continue to watch and wait..
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Another day passed, another day wasted..
Link walked the grand halls of the large mansion alone looking for his gracious host. Suffice to say that he didn't get a very restful sleep was an understatement. He hadn't even been here a day and already something was up! Raphael hadn't shown up this morning to greet him and after a while of searching on his own, seemed to be nowhere on the premises.
Raphael or the man Link had known as Raphael hadn't been seen around today, and when he asked, the maids and servants gave him the same answer as yesterday.
There was no such man known as Raphael working or living in this place. However, there was a D' Angelo who had taken up residence there in the last few months. It didn't take much to make the elf wary of the situations and while he DID trust Raphael to some extent, he couldn't take any chances. Today he donned his shield and Yun Sung's sword beneath the dark cloak.
Now determined not to let the whole situation spiral out of his control Link could really of cared less if Raphael had two personas, weather he was D' Angelo or Raphael, it didn't matter one bit. But if they were to complete this mission then they had to come clean with each other and work together as partners.
And to do that, he had to find Raphael. The young Hylian sighed as he followed the corridor to its end that was beautiful double doors with windows. Looking through that, Link could see yet another set, but beyond that was a bit blurry. Curiously the elf opened the first set and then the next only to have the small hall way open up into an extremely large room! Despite himself, Link could feel his jaw drop as he stepped into a beautifully decked out room filled from top to bottom with shelves of books! A little ways ahead of him the floor seemed to drop off onto a lower deck. Large windows on the far wall allowed the light of the sun to spill in flooding the room with a warm glow that complemented the mahogany floors and walls. Above him were intricate frescoes and patterns in pastels that completed its vintage looks.
In all his travels, Link had never seen such a large house of knowledge.
Unfortunately, the elf didn't have long to admire such things as his ears picked up a faint noise from behind. In that same instant the elf's angular eyes went wide as his battle alarms went off. Instinctively Link reached for the sword at his waist as he rolled to the side shield drawn.
And who should stand before him with a rapier in his hand but Raphael himself. The man held a straight form as his thin sword was angled down at him. There was a rather cool smirk upon his lips as if he had been waiting for such a chance.
"Raphael.." Link said as he slowly stood. The red rapier followed his movement, keen eyes of ice never left Link's soft blues.
"Come on boy, have at you!" Raphael thrusted his rapier forward a few more times as if tempting the boy. His boots shuffled back and fourth to some unheard rhythm as one hand held the rapier and the other rested at his waist.
What was he thinking? Link certainly didn't know, but he was determined to get to the bottom of this no matter what. And so Link followed through holding his Hylian shield at the ready while he gripped White Storm firmly though he'd never had a chance to practice with the thing.
"Raphael, I thought we were supposed to be working together on finding this staff, but instead it feels like you've been avoiding me! I want to know what's going on here and why does everyone call you D' Angelo?"
The man instead of answering right away stepped off and did a side spin to fall deeper into his fighting stance. Those cold eyes flashed with dangerous intent. Pursing his fair lips together Raphael tisked Link as he continued to move to the silent rhythm, his rapier the baton. Moving closer then away, it seemed as if he were trying to draw Link into the fight.
"Do you really expect to get any answers that way? My dear boy that is not how we play the game here." He chortled. "If you really desire something so much then you must be willing to pay any price, do you not agree?"
Another taunt to entice the elf further, already his heart began to beat in time to the man's steps. Link felt himself lose control as he gave in and fell into his own stance.
"Okay, have it your way." Link narrowed his eyes then feeling a bit annoyed.
But deep down, his soul was eager as it anticipated, no, craved that passion that only a fight between swords could bring. Shamefully Link pushed those thoughts aside as he readied his given blade. Seeing this, the man smiled.
"Well then let us dance!" He proclaimed a bit extravagantly. Link didn't have to see the way the man moved or carried his sword to know that the French man was skilled, as his voice practically dripped with confidence.
Both circled each other warily as if waiting for some down beat to begin.
And that came when Link blinked. The moment Raphael saw this; he made an impressive thrust at the elf almost taking him by surprise! Link staggered back as he threw up his shield to block the attack in time. Link was astounded by the man's amazing speed and foot work! As quickly as he had attacked, he retreated, falling back into the same rhythm though albeit more defensive. After an invitation like that, how could Link refuse the man a simple match?
Thus, the dance began. But what appeared to be such an innocent sparring match quickly became a deadly dance of fiercely entwined souls.
Raphael always entices the young fighter on, and Link always allowing him to lead him on, quickly moved across the spacious room, their sword tempos often fluctuating at various speeds and rates, its pitch rising then diving in volume.
The elf dodged and traded blows with the French man utilizing all skills he had ever acquired on his journeys. It was apparent at some points during their match that his unique self taught sword style amused Raphael as the man would simply spin out of harm's way or feint the attack allowing Link to complete his move. And Link in turn did the same as Raphael would turn lightly on his toes in another parry or dodge, his thin sword moved like an extension of his body nimble and just as agile. There was certain finesse to his style that Link couldn't help but notice and admire. It was only a few seconds later that another realization dawned upon the elfin fighter.
He had never before fought such a quick opponent! Raphael was light on his feet and his moves precise. At times it seemed as if he were predicting Link's moves! What unnerved him more was the passive look Raphael kept. Nothing Link did seemed to faze Raphael as he would dodge his attempts while parrying others with amazing ease.
Was he just toying with him? Link didn't know.
In a brash and reckless effort, Link dove at the French man trying to land a hit on him as the man retreated after another attempt. But as Link came up from the roll, a slight hint of amusement crossed Raphael's lips and he flipped the sword down as his body moved back and then went into a deep kneel to catch the elf's mid thrust. Throwing his weight into it, he surged forward bouncing Link's sword back and in turn causing Link himself to falter back unbalanced.
Raphael's whole manner changed then as he went from defensive to aggressive. Eyes of ice narrowed suddenly concentrated and the man went into a series of lighting fast strikes that Link being in an awkward balance had no choice but to throw up his shield in an attempt to block the barrage.
But it was pretty futile and the elf suddenly found himself teetering backwards he was literally hopping on one foot now! His eyes went wide as he found Raphael rushing in to throw his weight into a kick that connected solidly with his shield.
Overwhelmed the elf crashed to the ground in a rather ungraceful manner upon his behind. He honestly couldn't believe it! He had lost again!
'I must really be losing it.' Link inwardly groaned rubbing the back of his head embarrassed.
"And now, for the coup de grace!" Raphael exclaimed causing Link to snap his head up to see the French man bearing down on him rapier poised.
'He's going to kill me!' something deep with in Link shouted, and weather it was in panic or knowing full well he didn't have the time to counter, the young elf braced himself for the final blow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: After a long time I've finally gotten around to updating. A lot of thought (and research) went into this chapter as it was a tad bit tricky to write. Anyways let me know how I did and if any of you are still around who cares. ^^ Not too much action but hopefully it was enough to satisfy. Yes I know, Link lost again! But don't cry yet! As a certain debonair fencer had said before; "No worries it is all part of my plan!" Or something like that. Yes! The raven is another guest! *LoL* I'll get to explaining his part later on.
Well peace was pretty common until a few days ago when numerous traveling mercenaries and soldiers started being attacked. At first it seemed completely random and there was no real rise as it was only male warriors being attacked. Such things tended to come up from time to time, but as the days went on, the attacks became more frequent, and sometimes, the deaths that resulted were gruesome to the point where the inhabitants of Athens began to worry. And so as a safety measure to calm public, the guards double up tripling the watches and rovers are done more so heavily at night since that was when the attacks most commonly occurred.
No one knew why the attacks suddenly began or who was behind it. And while it only seemed that the common wandering warriors were targeted, women and children were frightened after all, who knew how long it would take before that vicious attacker got bored and started going after them as well?
Despite all these rumors and fear, a lone youth was spotted wandering about the streets as the shadows grew longer. His black cloak trailed his every movement gracefully as he walked with out fear and with much purpose. Few approached him as he silently walked by and he in turn said nothing save a rather bitter glance. He held an air of cold solitude about him, and those bitter eyes always seemed to be searching for something.whether it was trouble or otherwise, no one seemed to know and could care less, it was only a child and most likely a homeless one at that. He had been seen wandering all over the place, almost appearing as if from no where.
This evening, as the people prepared for the night, this enigmatic youth was spotted walking in the northwest region of Athens a little past the Acropolis and towards a place called Kerameikos.
Kerameikos was a renowned cemetery to all of Athens, so naturally no one dared to follow him. For this he was grateful as he could be left to his own thoughts with out annoying interruptions of sorts, and once darkness finally falls, he would be able to move about more freely.
The cool air filled his lungs with the faint scent of fresh earth, it was crisp and at the same time a bit musky, it was a very common scent to most grave yards. The terra cotta statues towered over him casting even more shadows over the scared grounds. A chilling breeze rustled the soft cloak, lightly playing with the boy's bandannas. He walked to a particular clearing in the outer edges of the graveyard and that's where his seemingly aimless wanderings came to a sudden stop.
Those dark eyes stared before him seeing things only he could ever see before they closed slowly and reopened to waver to the side.
"Game's over buddy.This is where the trail ends, now come on out." The youth ordered evenly turning around. At first nothing seemed to move in the still garden, but he did not move. "I'm not deaf; I heard your heavy ass stumbling after me near Acropolis."
After this, there was a slight movement from behind a terra cotta monument a few feet back before a man who wore a strange kind of helmet and mask stepped out. While his dark uniform allowed him to blend into the shadows more, his silver breast plate and gauntlets glinted in the dying sunlight; his sword reflected the rays in a vaguely threatening manner.
From the way he was dressed, the youth surmised he was another mercenary.
The man approached him steadily now, the boy only glaring back at him expectantly. When he was near enough, he to came to a stop and then from one of the various small pouches that hung from his belt pack, he produced something in his dark gloved hand, something that glowed with an evil aura. Those eyes of deep brown narrowed upon seeing it.
"So you are not a fool.You have very sharp senses indeed." The mercenary commented plainly. "Pretty good for a boy." When the youth did not speak he lowered the shard to waist level. "I believe you carry something that I want."
Finally the youth's delicate lips quirk in a snide smile. "You don't say? That's pretty strange as I was going to tell you the exact same thing." Here, he paused as his eyes chanced to leave the figure before him to scan the surrounding area. The darkening skies were empty save for a solitary black raven that circled the area slowly. It let out a loud cry as if knowing what was to take place. The boy's eyes followed this dark bird before nonchalantly returning back to the man. "Your shard, hand it over now."
The mercenary scoffed at the youth's demand. "You really believe that I'll hand over my piece just like that? You're really green."
"Listen ass, I'm only going to give you one chance to walk away from this with your life." The youth snarled. With a laugh the mercenary readies his sword before he makes a quick and sudden thrust forward at the youth. Non- pulsed, the raven haired Asian boy launches himself high into the air to land rather lightly on a tall stone tablet behind. His dark cape wafts silently around him from the boy's sudden movements, and upon his shoulder a raven with a blood red gaze found a momentary perch. It spread its soot black wings in a threatening manner giving another loud cry. The boy looked to his small companion as if understanding what the bird said. The mercenary took little notice of this.
"So the little dog can jump eh? Impressive but futile, now come on down from there and just give me your shard." But the youth cut him off then, his voice growing darker. It wasn't the voice of a young boy anymore.It was something more malevolent, more sinister.
"You know you're really beginning to piss me off, so why don't we just cut the crap and finish this? I've got someplace to be." And it was then that those dark eyes became alight with a strange green glow.
Startled, the mercenary faltered back a step raising his sword.
"Wh, what in devil's name..?" He stammered as the youth's eyes continued to glow like fire in the evening shadows. A swishing sound was soon heard as his dark cloak suddenly began to move! Like a living being it snaked itself around the boy, it's shape ever changing like the flowing water and ever moving as it enveloped the boy's form.
The raven took flight leaving behind small black feathers in its wake.
The man could only watch as the figure began to grow and change with the moving cloak, till it was no longer the form a youth but some thing more powerful and more deadly. A creature that was born in the very pits of hell, its green eyes a blaze with supernatural fire.
That night the dead did not sleep as blood was spilled upon their sacred grounds. Their eternal peace would be shattered by war cries and screams of anguish. The very trees moaned a requiem as the presence of evil was felt. And as another soul fell victim to the lure of the devil sword's shards, the cry of a lone raven heralded its passing and of things to come.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What another attack? When?" Xianghua and Kilik had both returned from the market place with the news that morning. Yun Sung had heard of the recent attacks himself from soldiers out and about the streets. The group in Link's absence began the tedious preparations for the battle that was certain to come as plans were made, supplies were bought and weapons were strengthened. Of course, all this and having to keep constant care for the unconscious knight who still hadn't showed any signs of reviving.
Kilik ran a hand through his dark brown locks in dismay. "Last night. It was another mercenary." Xianghua nodded as if to confirm the story.
"I heard that it was a bit closer this time, and while it's no where near this place, I don't think it'll be safe to keep Siegfried here anymore." Her voice was soft as it was apparent that the situation really concerned her. And why shouldn't it?
Yun Sung put a hand to his chin thoughtfully. "I get what you're saying. I wonder if Link had any idea that this would happen."
"He had to of suspected something, otherwise he wouldn't of left the Master Sword in our care." Kilik thought aloud, it was then that Talim emerged from the temple's ruin. Her skin glowed as she was covered in a light sheen of sweat. Her chest still heaved heavily as it was obvious she had done her day's worth of training. Looks like she was keeping true to her promise to Link, and even with out her trusty tonfas, she still found other methods of training.
"Link didn't suspect, he KNEW. Haven't any of you sensed it yet? There's a dark foreboding aura in the winds, and it grows stronger each day."
"They are beginning to gather." Sophitia spoke up suddenly, and the group turned to find the Grecian sisters making their way down the old cobble stone path. Talim nodded silently concurring with Sophitia. The normally cheerful woman was not smiling today as it was obvious she had heard the news that spread like wild fire. Concern knitted her thin brows together as her eyes reflected deep contemplation. "These attacks are not random, there's a reason these warriors are being targeted." Her sister, Cassandra spoke up then.
"It's the shards of the evil sword, we're most positive that it is. It seems its pieces are being brought to this place." She said steadily. "Or it could be as my sister fears, the shards are gathering here."
"But that doesn't make any sense." Kilik shook his head then soft brown fringes moving slightly. "I thought the pieces would gather where the sword was. Why would it come here?" The fair woman could not answer right away and it seemed more to the point that she did not want to answer. Her soft cerulean gaze dropped to the weather worn ground.
"Although I hate to point fingers, I suspect Siegfried is the reason. I don't know the hows or the whys. But it doesn't matter as it's happening now. Who ever or what ever is behind the attacks is serious and Siegfried could be their next target. I believe moving him to a safer location would be for the best until this whole situation calms down." Talim said soundly in her place.
Cassandra crossed her arms a little impatiently then a very big look of disapproval upon her young features. "And where do you suppose we take him? I don't think any residents in Athens will be willing enough to allow a demon man into their house, let alone a temple of the gods, that's just an invitation for trouble." But she was stopped as her older sister stepped up.
"If none of you have any ideas, would you mind if I make a suggestion? It isn't the brightest of ideas, but it's still an idea."
This seemed to surprise the lot and especially Cassandra as she could already read the look on Sophitia's fair countenance. If anything, growing up with her taught Cassandra how to read her like an open book. And if she wasn't mistaken.
"Sister." The young woman said in a tone of warning. Sophitia only regarded her with a gentle and perhaps a bit worried smile and motioned the group a bit closer as it was only meant for them to hear.
As they did so, a small black bird glided in through the temple's skylight silently to land upon the very alter where Siegfried lay. Here, it paused for just a moment lowering its head to deposit something into the man's large claw before taking off as quickly as it had come. It flew through the large open skylight and around the temple several times before it perched itself upon a crumbling statue at the temple's very top. From here, it would continue to watch and wait..
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Another day passed, another day wasted..
Link walked the grand halls of the large mansion alone looking for his gracious host. Suffice to say that he didn't get a very restful sleep was an understatement. He hadn't even been here a day and already something was up! Raphael hadn't shown up this morning to greet him and after a while of searching on his own, seemed to be nowhere on the premises.
Raphael or the man Link had known as Raphael hadn't been seen around today, and when he asked, the maids and servants gave him the same answer as yesterday.
There was no such man known as Raphael working or living in this place. However, there was a D' Angelo who had taken up residence there in the last few months. It didn't take much to make the elf wary of the situations and while he DID trust Raphael to some extent, he couldn't take any chances. Today he donned his shield and Yun Sung's sword beneath the dark cloak.
Now determined not to let the whole situation spiral out of his control Link could really of cared less if Raphael had two personas, weather he was D' Angelo or Raphael, it didn't matter one bit. But if they were to complete this mission then they had to come clean with each other and work together as partners.
And to do that, he had to find Raphael. The young Hylian sighed as he followed the corridor to its end that was beautiful double doors with windows. Looking through that, Link could see yet another set, but beyond that was a bit blurry. Curiously the elf opened the first set and then the next only to have the small hall way open up into an extremely large room! Despite himself, Link could feel his jaw drop as he stepped into a beautifully decked out room filled from top to bottom with shelves of books! A little ways ahead of him the floor seemed to drop off onto a lower deck. Large windows on the far wall allowed the light of the sun to spill in flooding the room with a warm glow that complemented the mahogany floors and walls. Above him were intricate frescoes and patterns in pastels that completed its vintage looks.
In all his travels, Link had never seen such a large house of knowledge.
Unfortunately, the elf didn't have long to admire such things as his ears picked up a faint noise from behind. In that same instant the elf's angular eyes went wide as his battle alarms went off. Instinctively Link reached for the sword at his waist as he rolled to the side shield drawn.
And who should stand before him with a rapier in his hand but Raphael himself. The man held a straight form as his thin sword was angled down at him. There was a rather cool smirk upon his lips as if he had been waiting for such a chance.
"Raphael.." Link said as he slowly stood. The red rapier followed his movement, keen eyes of ice never left Link's soft blues.
"Come on boy, have at you!" Raphael thrusted his rapier forward a few more times as if tempting the boy. His boots shuffled back and fourth to some unheard rhythm as one hand held the rapier and the other rested at his waist.
What was he thinking? Link certainly didn't know, but he was determined to get to the bottom of this no matter what. And so Link followed through holding his Hylian shield at the ready while he gripped White Storm firmly though he'd never had a chance to practice with the thing.
"Raphael, I thought we were supposed to be working together on finding this staff, but instead it feels like you've been avoiding me! I want to know what's going on here and why does everyone call you D' Angelo?"
The man instead of answering right away stepped off and did a side spin to fall deeper into his fighting stance. Those cold eyes flashed with dangerous intent. Pursing his fair lips together Raphael tisked Link as he continued to move to the silent rhythm, his rapier the baton. Moving closer then away, it seemed as if he were trying to draw Link into the fight.
"Do you really expect to get any answers that way? My dear boy that is not how we play the game here." He chortled. "If you really desire something so much then you must be willing to pay any price, do you not agree?"
Another taunt to entice the elf further, already his heart began to beat in time to the man's steps. Link felt himself lose control as he gave in and fell into his own stance.
"Okay, have it your way." Link narrowed his eyes then feeling a bit annoyed.
But deep down, his soul was eager as it anticipated, no, craved that passion that only a fight between swords could bring. Shamefully Link pushed those thoughts aside as he readied his given blade. Seeing this, the man smiled.
"Well then let us dance!" He proclaimed a bit extravagantly. Link didn't have to see the way the man moved or carried his sword to know that the French man was skilled, as his voice practically dripped with confidence.
Both circled each other warily as if waiting for some down beat to begin.
And that came when Link blinked. The moment Raphael saw this; he made an impressive thrust at the elf almost taking him by surprise! Link staggered back as he threw up his shield to block the attack in time. Link was astounded by the man's amazing speed and foot work! As quickly as he had attacked, he retreated, falling back into the same rhythm though albeit more defensive. After an invitation like that, how could Link refuse the man a simple match?
Thus, the dance began. But what appeared to be such an innocent sparring match quickly became a deadly dance of fiercely entwined souls.
Raphael always entices the young fighter on, and Link always allowing him to lead him on, quickly moved across the spacious room, their sword tempos often fluctuating at various speeds and rates, its pitch rising then diving in volume.
The elf dodged and traded blows with the French man utilizing all skills he had ever acquired on his journeys. It was apparent at some points during their match that his unique self taught sword style amused Raphael as the man would simply spin out of harm's way or feint the attack allowing Link to complete his move. And Link in turn did the same as Raphael would turn lightly on his toes in another parry or dodge, his thin sword moved like an extension of his body nimble and just as agile. There was certain finesse to his style that Link couldn't help but notice and admire. It was only a few seconds later that another realization dawned upon the elfin fighter.
He had never before fought such a quick opponent! Raphael was light on his feet and his moves precise. At times it seemed as if he were predicting Link's moves! What unnerved him more was the passive look Raphael kept. Nothing Link did seemed to faze Raphael as he would dodge his attempts while parrying others with amazing ease.
Was he just toying with him? Link didn't know.
In a brash and reckless effort, Link dove at the French man trying to land a hit on him as the man retreated after another attempt. But as Link came up from the roll, a slight hint of amusement crossed Raphael's lips and he flipped the sword down as his body moved back and then went into a deep kneel to catch the elf's mid thrust. Throwing his weight into it, he surged forward bouncing Link's sword back and in turn causing Link himself to falter back unbalanced.
Raphael's whole manner changed then as he went from defensive to aggressive. Eyes of ice narrowed suddenly concentrated and the man went into a series of lighting fast strikes that Link being in an awkward balance had no choice but to throw up his shield in an attempt to block the barrage.
But it was pretty futile and the elf suddenly found himself teetering backwards he was literally hopping on one foot now! His eyes went wide as he found Raphael rushing in to throw his weight into a kick that connected solidly with his shield.
Overwhelmed the elf crashed to the ground in a rather ungraceful manner upon his behind. He honestly couldn't believe it! He had lost again!
'I must really be losing it.' Link inwardly groaned rubbing the back of his head embarrassed.
"And now, for the coup de grace!" Raphael exclaimed causing Link to snap his head up to see the French man bearing down on him rapier poised.
'He's going to kill me!' something deep with in Link shouted, and weather it was in panic or knowing full well he didn't have the time to counter, the young elf braced himself for the final blow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: After a long time I've finally gotten around to updating. A lot of thought (and research) went into this chapter as it was a tad bit tricky to write. Anyways let me know how I did and if any of you are still around who cares. ^^ Not too much action but hopefully it was enough to satisfy. Yes I know, Link lost again! But don't cry yet! As a certain debonair fencer had said before; "No worries it is all part of my plan!" Or something like that. Yes! The raven is another guest! *LoL* I'll get to explaining his part later on.