"Talim, promise me you'll come back soon," said her mother as she hugged her tightly. The whole village had gathered at the edge of village to bid farewell to their priestess and a gentle breeze ruffled the grasses at their feet. Spinning round and round, the tall windmills said their own farewells in their own serene ways.

"I will return as soon as I can," Talim said solemnly as she drew away from her mother with downcast eyes.

Lidi blinked her large almond eyes and a few tears clung to her lashes. "A mother cannot help but be selfish when it comes to their children. I don't want you to go."

Sanput put a hand on his wife's shoulder and said, "Our daughter has grown up. She needs to make her own decisions now." Lidi shook her head and continued crying.

Remembering the way Sophitia had acted when it came to protecting her child, Talim understood how her mother was feeling. She held her mother's warm hand in her own gently. "I understand that you don't want me to do this but I can't ignore the cries the wind carries to me."

Her grandmother quietly observed the exchange as she stood beside her.

"Grandma." Talim looked at her grandmother and said, "Would... you consider helping the malfested?"

Flipping open her fan, Kalana regarded Talim's words carefully. Finally, she replied, "If helping them means I am helping you, then yes, Talim." She paused briefly before saying, "Take care of yourself, my granddaughter. Come visit us when you can."

Talim blinked back the tears and smiled. "I will, grandma." Lifting her head, she murmured, "Wind..." The wind grew even warmer and it grabbed at the petals of flowers that were grown in the village, tossing them up high into the sky.

Lidi took in a deep breath and sang, letting her voice soar upward with the flower petals. She touched her daughter's cheek gently and murmured, "The wind will carry my voice and heart to you, my little bird."

Sanput smiled and played a short tune on his flute and the windmills spun faster. Lowering his flute, he said, "No matter how far you go, we will always be connected by the wind. Look back and see your home, your family and the windmills."

"Mom, dad," Talim said tearfully, reaching out and hugging them.

Her grandmother smiled, knowing that there was nothing more that needed to be said.

Closing her eyes against the onslaught of snow, Talim shivered and pushed forward behind Zasalamel. They were ankle deep in snow and she held on to her fur coat tightly as the frigid air nipped at them. Her bird, Alun, was shivering underneath her hat and she shook her head. It had climbed into her bag without her noticing and by the time she did find it, the ship they were on had already sailed.

Looking around at the frozen wasteland, Talim gazed at the rocks that protruded from the snow like desperate hands while more snow fell from the heavens and continued burying them. In the distance, regal mountains surrounded them from all directions and when a sudden flurry of wet snow hit her, Talim gasped, "How much further Zasalamel?"

"We're almost there priestess."

Hearing that, she conserved her breath and continued trudging through this place. She didn't remember the place being this cold when she was here with Raphael three years ago. Looking around, she stood still for a moment and braced herself against the wind. Time had not changed this place for very few people traveled here. And yet... they had met here. They had become friends here. They had nearly died but in the end, they both survived and managed to leave this place together. The memories brought a few tears to her eyes and she closed her eyes with a heavy heart.

After awhile, they arrived at the entrance of a cave but a large boulder blocked the passage and Talim looked at Zasalamel questioningly. Bracing himself against the howling wind, he said, "Stand still."

She froze and watch as he traced a few patterns on the giant boulder. Lightning cackled around it and the boulder became transparent. "I see... So your tribe used the same spell as my village to hide themselves away from the rest of the world," observed Talim.

He nodded and began walking forward. "It'll take about a few hours for us to reach the Holy City. There, you'll see some of your friends as well as something... alittle surprising."

Following him, she wondered who could be waiting for her.

"Talim! It's so very good to see you!"

"Ca-Cassandra?" Talim opened her mouth in astonishment as the Greek girl ran forward and embraced her. They were in a beautifully decorated room and bright sunlight streamed in through the glass windows while the white bed at the end held an amused geisha smiling at them. Her elegant umbrella laid beside her and she stayed quiet as Cassandra began chatting to the priestess.

The beautiful city sat high above the clouds and it felt as if she was living in a place reserved for the gods. Being so high up, the view was simply gorgeous and the intricate city structure constructed of many large bridges and looming towers. Balconies were everywhere, taking advantage of the high view and beautiful sculptures depicting angels was common everywhere you went. Fountains gushed out refreshing water melted from the snow on the mountain while shrines and temples nestled even higher above the city, connected by grand staircases.

"Are you going to introduce me yet, Cassandra?"

Cassandra grinned at the geisha. "Yea yea." Dragging Talim over, Cassandra made the introductions. "Talim, this is Setsuka, a friend I've met two years ago. Setsuka, this is Talim, a very nice priestess who can read the wind."

Setsuka nodded to Talim formally. "Nice to meet you. It's not every day I get to meet someone who can control the wind. And that's a cute bird you have there." They looked at Alun, who was sleeping on a puffy pillow and the bird gave a few peeps as it dreamed about bird seeds.

"Thank you," chirped Talim, shaking Setsuka's hand cheerfully. "But what are you two doing here?"

A strange silence crept into the room as the two older females gave each other secretive looks. "You... might want to keep calm after seeing this," said Cassandra hesitantly.

Taking off her long white glove on her right arm, Talim gasped, "Your arm! What happened to it?"

"Soul Calibur," Cassandra replied bitterly, putting on her glove to hide the slowly crystallizing flesh. "It seems that the brief time it tried to posses me during that battle three years ago, some of the energy must have made its way into my body. Nothing happened to me for a year and I've finally decided to return home to tell Rothion about Sophitia's death and after that, I was going to search for my lost niece. When I returned home, this started to happen." Cassandra shook her head and continued, "I didn't want them to worry so I left my home. On the way, I met Setsuka and she saved me in time when my arm was causing me great pain and I was unable to ward off a group of bandits." Cassandra sighed and poked her useless arm. "This is just lame."

Talim whispered sorrowfully, "I'm... I'm so sorry Cassandra."

The Greek girl merely grinned. "Don't look so sad Talim, I'm still alive and I'm not going to give up that easily. The strange priests and acolytes have been trying to control the power inside me and so far, as long as I stay here, I should be fine." Pouting, she kicked the leg of the table in the middle of the room gently. "But... my only regret is being unable to find my niece."

"What's her name?" asked Talim. "I shall look for her as well as Raphael and Amy."

"You're so sweet," Cassandra said as she ruffled Talim's hair fondly. "But this is my family and I will train myself to control this power so that I can go search for her myself. It's the only thing left I can do for my deceased sister."

"And vengeance, is the only thing I can do for my deceased master." Setsuka's eyes grew cold and she glanced down at her umbrella.

Sitting on the bed beside Setsuka, Talim eyed the lovely umbrella. "It's very lovely... but I have a strange feeling that there's something more to it then meets the eyes."

The geisha gave her a soft smile. "Some things may look beautiful on the outside, but they are deadly on the inside." Grasping her umbrella, she drew out a sharp sword. The metal singed and after a few seconds, she sheathed in inside the handle once more. "My master gave me this and this is the weapon I will use to avenge him..."

Looking up, Talim unconsciously touched the double crescent blades strapped to her belt. After a moment's pause, she replied, "Hate will not help anyone... My weapons were given to me by someone very special as well. But I intend to use them to save and protect others instead of seeking revenge."

"Talim." Cassandra placed a comforting hand on the younger girl's shoulders. "Tira will pay for all of our pains. It was her fault that my sister died and I know that Rothion will tell my nephew when he grows older. This hate will not go away for my family until she dies."

Touching her medallion, she closed her eyes sadly, wanting nothing more than to be reunited with the man she loved and her friend. Revenge to her meant nothing.

"Hey, let's just relax for a bit and rest ourselves," said Cassandra, trying to cheer Talim up when she noticed her sad expression. "You've been a long journey and you need to unwind. Here, me and Setsuka will escort you around the place."

Walking around, Talim smiled at how pure the air was. Everything was so crisp and clean and the few priests and acolytes walking around seemed so gentle and peaceful. Their intricate white robes were very similar to Zasalamel's. Her hair danced in the wind as she peered down at the fabulous sight below them. "Wow..." They were standing on a magnificently constructed bridge built over a deep gorge and Cassandra and Setsuka looked amused at Talim's enthusiasm.

The sound of the rushing river below thrummed while the wind singed around them and Talim closed her eyes contently. Cassandra frowned and said, "The bridge seems kinda icy. Someone might slip."

Talim scrapped her sandals across the stone and grinned. Holding up her hands, she took in a deep breath before back flipping five times in row. Twirling in the air for the last one, she landed with a solid thud and said, "Though it may seem slippery, the friction is high enough to prevent anyone from slipping."

Cassandra stuck out her tongue teasingly. "Show off."

Talim laughed before cartwheeling back to them. She smiled and said, "The air here is so pure, it's making me feel giddy." She waved a hand and a blast of wind blew a sparkling dust of snow down on them. Holding out her hands to the falling flakes, she beamed. "It's beautiful."

Opening her umbrella, Setsuka smiled. "Even after being here for a year, I'm still awed by the beauty of this place as well."

Talim asked, "How did you and Cassandra find this place anyway?"

"Zasalamel found us." Cassandra skipped over to them with a happy expression. "Kilik is also here as well actually."

"Really?" Talim's eyes widened in amazement.

Nodding, Cassandra pointed to her arm. "Zasalamel has been looking around for people who have Soul Edge's powers in them. He calls them the malfested and when he finds them, he brings them here to protect and cure them." Cassandra laughed and shook her head. "We're basically refugees, hiding away here. The outside world is a rather dangerous place for people like us right now."

Noticing Talim's confusion, Setsuka stepped forward and rested her umbrella on her shoulder as she explained. "There have been alot of hunts conducted to rid the world of the malfested. People see them as monsters and demons and to some extent, this is certainly true. Many of the malfested are vicious and bloodthirsty. They enjoy killing and terrorizing the people but there are some who wish to suppress their powers and live a normal life. We search for those people and give them a home here." She gestured to the beautiful mountains slowly. "I have no powers inside me but I have decided to stay here and help these people for awhile. My sword skills will be of much use to the missions The Holy Warriors gives us."

"Holy Warriors?" asked Talim.

"That would be us."

She turned around and her hand covered her mouth. "Marienbard! Jacqueline! Auguste?"

"It's good to see you once more," said Marienbard, brushing back her hair that was a lighter shade of green then Talim's. Her two companions greeted the priestess warmly as well and after a brief conversation where they questioned why she was here, Marienbard chuckled. "I see, so you're the granddaughter of the elder of the wind tribe. I have always wondered why you were so special."

Talim smiled shyly. "Thank you. But tell me, what are these missions Setsuka was talking about?"

"There are safe points in this world that members of our tribe stays. They are well hidden and well protected," explained Marienbard. "Just like your tribe for example. These missions involve communicating important information and protecting the malfested as they move from point to point. Here at the Holy City, they have the best chances of being cured. Setsuka is temporarily one of our warriors who goes on these missions to escort those poor souls."

"I occasionally join if the distance isn't too far," added Cassandra, leaning against the railings. "It helps kill the boredom you know."

"That is very noble of you," Talim said to them all. "I wish... I can help as well."

Marienbard chuckled once more. "You're the priestess from the wind village. If you agree to help us, we would be delighted." After talking some more, Marienbard and her companions excused themselves.

Watching them walk away, the three continued to explore the city alittle longer. Talim noted that it was rather empty and Cassandra said, "This is the Holy City after all. It's quite hidden and the people who live here cares alot about their holy duties and prayers. It's more like a place of worship then a place to live if you get what I mean."

"I don't plan on living here forever," added Setsuka quietly. A cloud of white mist flowed from her mouth as she breathed out. "Many people have died when those terrible monsters rained down upon us. There are many orphans... children who no longer have family or a place to call home. Being an orphan myself, I wish to leave this place and take care of them."

Hearing that, Talim felt a rush of admiration for the older woman. Once she was stronger, she would follow the wind and aid those who are in need of her as well.

"Talim, Cassandra, Setsuka." Zasalamel walked briskly towards them and he tilted his head in interest. "What are you three doing out here? I looked everywhere for you."

"Come on, did you think I was going to sit in my room all day?" Cassandra stretched and shook her head. "Man, it's nice to get these muscles moving every once in awhile."

"Don't strain yourself, you know the condition you're in," Zasalamel replied curtly. The Greek girl merely stuck her tongue out at him and he sighed. Turning to Talim, he beckoned her to follow him. "Talim, the Grand Priest wishes to speak to you. But first, there's someone I want you to see."

Following Zasalamel, Talim entered the lower part of the city and as she walked, she felt the evil energy of Soul Edge swirling through the air. The paths were less decorative and the buildings here were more simpler in style although they were still quite lovely. Her sandals flapped against the smooth pathway and when she saw the people who lived here, she held a hand to her heart. "So this... is where some of the malfested live?"

Zasalamel nodded as people walked by them and he said, "They're all refugees. Most have been able to contain their powers with our help but there is still no guarantee that their powers won't go out of control. It's vital that they control their emotions and train daily." He sighed and said, "But it's difficult bringing them here. The journey is far and inefficient. Sooner or later, we will have to find other methods."

"My village should be able to rescue many of them," Talim suggested eagerly.

"That would be helpful."

As they made their way through this part of the city, Talim noticed a few tents and when she asked Zasalamel, he merely replied that those were their newest guests. After awhile, a home would be arranged for them. Walking over to one, Zasalamel opened the flap and entered. The young woman in there turned towards the noise. "Who is it?"

"Zasalamel. I have brought that person here just like I said I would." Zasalamel motioned for Talim to enter and they sat down on a thin mat.

A small table occupied the tent and incense rose from a burning lamp on the table. Musical instruments leaned against the walls of the tent and Talim looked at a mandolin admiringly until she noticed the person who occupied this tent. Sitting crossed legged, a loose purple dress flowed around her and a whit shawl hung from her shoulders. But her eyes were even whiter, showing that she was completely blind . Her brown hair was tied into a long braid and although she could not see, she turned her head towards Talim. With an impish smile, she said, "Hmmm, is there something you wish to learn? Is that why you're here?"

"I..." Not knowing what to say, Talim nodded. But then she realized that that was stupid since the woman couldn't see so she quickly introduced herself. "I-I'm Talim. A priestess from the Village of the Wind Deity."

"This woman here is a malfested with a very strange gift. She has the ability to see things when she touches certain objects. A most gifted clairvoyant." He gestured to her necklace. "Give her Raphael's bat pendent, she will be able to sense and gain abit of information on what happened to him."

Talim's eyes lit up with hope. "Really?" When he nodded, her hand fumbled for the necklace and she quickly took it off. The bat pendent had been combined with her medallion and turned into a necklace for her to wear; ever since, she has never taken it off. Handing it over to the clairvoyant, Talim pleaded, "Please, tell me what happened to the man who used to own this. I beg of you..."

Hearing the desperation in her voice, the clairvoyant smiled. "I shall do my best." With that, she reached for the necklace and began to concentrate. After awhile, her brows furrowed in horror as her unseeing eyes saw the past and after a few minutes, she screamed and flung away the necklace. "Get it away from me!" She crawled back and huddled against a set of drums and continued screaming as Talim fetched her necklace.

"What's wrong?" shouted Zasalamel, rushing over to the clairvoyant. "What did you see?"

"Please!" Talim went over as well and cried, "Please, tell me, is Raphael still alive? Is he hurt?"

"Death! I saw death!" screamed the clairvoyant. "Death everywhere. Blood! It covered the entire cell floor! A girl... she was laughing! Shards or evil red! They cut and cut and cut!" Her face seemed demented as she recalled the images she had just seen. "It was a castle! So dark and so evil! Waters hid away the corpses as the girl dumped away the bodies! More victims arrive! They cry! But no one listens! The laughter! The cruel laughter! Her name is... Tira!" Her nails dug into the fabric of Zasalamel's robes as she clutched his arms tightly. "Ravens... ravens! Omens of ill fortune and death!"

"Please! Is the owner of this pendent alive?" Talim asked frantically. Fear thrummed through her veins and her breath was short as she waited for an answer.

"He's... He's.." The clairvoyant shook her head. At first, Talim thought her heart had stopped but then the malfested woman continued. "still alive. But she walked towards him. He's weak... Very weak! Oh my lord, she's holding some kind of ring blade! She was laughing! Ahhh!"

Finally, the clairvoyant fainted and Zasalamel quickly caught her. Turning to Talim, he said grimly, "A castle... if I'm correct, Raphael is being held at Ostrheinsburg. But whether he's alive or not..."

Talim looked down at the necklace in her hand a single tear fell onto the jewel. "I'm leaving for Ostreheinburg after I meet with the Grand Priest."

Climbing the stairway up to the gigantic temple on the top of the mountain hadn't been easy. But when she saw the glorious architecture, she stopped breathing for a moment. Wisps of cloud flowed past them and from this high up, the light from the setting sun cast a beautiful peach color among the fluffy clouds. Streaks of purple, red, orange and tinges of green painted the sky and it was strangely silent up here, except for the occasional call of the wind as it danced its way across. Decorative sculptures and gardens laid around the temple and the very building itself was a marvelous work of art. Polished stone glimmered brightly from the sun and huge columns towered over everything.

She had never felt so small as the walked through the huge doors and nervously, she wondered how the meeting with the Grand Priest would be like... No matter, as long as she followed her grandmother's instructions, all should be well.

A huge ice blue sculpture dominated the back of the room and when Talim peered closely at it, she saw that it depicted the upper half of a beautiful woman with long hair swept to one side and strange symbols adorned her arms and chest. She had a very serene face and it looked like she was frozen in slumber but strangely, Talim could feel something emanating from the statue that was sculpted from the wall itself. The room was very still and the deep blue color of the walls along with the displays of crystals inside it, shimmered and sparkled. A few of the crystals radiated with a soft light that gently illuminated the room and glancing up, Talim saw that someone had designed the ceiling to represent the night sky and countless stars winked down at her.

"Priestess of the Wind... I welcome you and your deity to our humble home." Flourishing one arm, he bowed and smiled down at her. Surprisingly, the grand priest seemed to be a young man in his mid twenties. His long ice blue hair hung from a high ponytail and the elegant dark blue robes he was wearing had three layers, all of which had decorative stitching and symbols on them. His black boots clicked on the black marble floor as he walked down the steps to greet her.

Walking forward along the thick runway carpet, Talim bowed her head politely at the grand priest standing before her. A cool wind swept around them and after reading it briefly, Talim replied, "The wind accepts your welcome. We shall converse on equal terms now. Glora ma noe fesi."

"Ahhh, the long lost language of the wind," remarked the high priest with a touch of admiration on his handsome face. "I may not understand the meaning but I do understand the sounds. The voice that has transverse mountains, oceans, time and the world. Your tribe must still possess a great deal of power if someone as young as you are able to speak this."

Talim shook her head and smiled sadly. "The magic our tribes used to possess are long gone. They are dying... They do not belong in this world and it is inevitable that one day, our magics shall be forgotten." She touched her throat gently. "This is the voice of a storm maiden. She gave it to me and that is how I've come to possess powers beyond my natural capability. I've merely been blessed by a twist of fortune."

Nodding understandably, he walked around her and analyzed her carefully. "I've heard from Zasalamel about your adventure and your battles against Soul Edge and Soul Calibur. You're are very young to have achieved such success."

"You're mistaken my lord." Talim faced him boldly and said, "It was because of my friends and companions that I'm even standing here today. Without them or the wind, I am powerless. I do not deserve your praise nor do I desire it my lord."

"Call me Sabin," said the high priest gently. "After all, we speak on equal terms my lady. Considering your powers, you would be ranked even higher than I am."

Talim thanked him quietly. "You may address me as Talim then. Although I've just met you, I respect you deeply for all you've done for the malfested. But why, are you doing this for them?"

"As a sign of repentance for my ancestors failures," answered Sabin, strolling over to the crystal statue. "A lot of historical texts have been lost but I know enough information that will help the both of us."

"I have information as well, but I shall have to hear yours first before I can tell you mine," Talim said firmly, obeying her grandmother's instructions.

He nodded understandably before starting his tale. "They say that after a great war on this Earth, the place was barren and chaos walked upon the land. Hunger and disease ran rampage and no peace could be found anywhere. There was constant fighting and cries of widows and orphans hung in the air everyday. Legend has it, that a powerful sword would be the key to salvation. A great man named Algol, found the four great tribes; water earth, fire and wind, who were trying to destroy the sword. They have managed to chip away at most of its powers until he arrived. Pledging himself before them, he vowed that he would bring about a new era of peace with the sword. The four tribes have seen the suffering of the people and after much persuasion, they relented. But first, they had to make sure he was strong enough to not be possessed by the sword they dubbed 'Soul Edge'. After he passed their tests, he did bring about an era of peace. Uniting the people under one ruler which was him, he ruled with a fair and honest heart. No child was too small in his eyes and no commoner was too unimportant for him to worry about."

Talim quietly admired Algol's dedication to his people. But she knew what came next; Arcturus betrayed his father by taking Soul Edge and with no choice, Algol had to kill his only son. Next, he sacrificed his life to create Soul Calibur. But what Sabin said next greatly surprised her.

"Soul Calibur was a part of Soul Edge," stated the High Priest. "Not just from fragments of shards... it was a weapon that had been partly devoured by Soul Edge. The holy powers of the sword, mixed with the black energy from Soul Edge sealed the two in a sword called 'Broken Destiny' or something known as 'Soul Embrace'. Hoping that they'll remain in eternal slumber, the four tribes continued trying rid their powers once and for all until Algol came. Alas, the swords were eternal. They were weakened but death has no hold on them. What's strange enough, was that a very strong soul slept inside each individual swords, giving them life and spirit. Knowing this, the tribes debated on whether they should release Soul Calibur so that the holy sword can prevent Soul Edge from fully awakening."

"What do you mean by that? Algol defeated his son and got back the sword, didn't he?" asked Talim.

"Yes. But you see, Arcturus had killed many people with the sword when he had it. The souls awakened alot of Soul Edge's powers and after Algol killed his son, the Hero King had no desire to continue living. He only wanted vengeance on the sword and the four tribes argued about what they should do. Soul Edge is starting to awaken and something must be done but what? Will releasing Soul Calibur solve the problem? Or will it just unleash another terror upon the world?"

Talim knew what he meant when he said that. "Soul Calibur's powers are indeed one of holy order but it's sense of justice is twisted. The four tribes knew about that which was why they did not want to take that path until it was absolutely necessary correct?"

"Correct. The tribes fought amongst each other about this plan for some declared that Soul Calibur was just as capable of bring destruction to mankind. In the end, those who decided to release Soul Calibur formed their own tribes, which is the one I now lead."

Listening intently, Talim looked away and said, "What's past is past but.. now I understand why my grandmother detest your tribe. Our own tribe rejected the idea of freeing Soul Calibur while yours supported it."

"If that was the only reason, then our tribe would not have to bear such guilt for our actions." Sabin gave her a slight smile. "When my tribe completed the ritual, they bound the swords together in a very twisted way. Separated but forever bound... As one sword grows more powerful, the other one will as well. Soul Calibur, has always been the one to stop Soul Edge just as the spell prophesied. As it does, it uses up all of its powers and the two return to their eternally fluctuating cycle. The powers of the swords... also ends up destroying their wielders in the end. As you know, those who touch Soul Edge will lose their sanity and body and those who obtain Soul Calibur will suffer from having their body crystalized by its enormous powers."

Talim quickly remembered the battle between Nightmare and Siegfried and how the brave knight's arm started to freeze solid. And if what Sabin said was true... "The swords will never die," Talim said angrily, feeling the anger her grandmother felt. "How foolish. What your tribe has guarantee is an endless cycle of suffering. There is no true salvation, only brief periods of peace that will be cut short as the sword's powers continues to awaken and sleep. Those swords will continue to ruin countless lives in the future and there is no stopping them. If one of the swords somehow do manage to regain their full powers, the spirit world will be endangered as well." Her pigtails swung back and forth as she shook her head. "I do not want a false salvation for this world. There must be a way to end this and I will not give up until I find the answer."

"And I as well."

Hearing that familiar voice, Talim turned around and her eyes widened. "Kilik?" Silver chains were wrapped tightly around his hands and they clinked against his ankles as well. They were only loosed enough for him to take small steps and if he tried going any faster, then the chains would surely trip him. At this strange sight, Talim turned to Zasalamel beside him. "Zasalamel, what's going on? Why is Kilik chained like this?"

The monk smiled at her but he did not move any closer. "My powers are very unstable Talim. I still have a long way to go before I can control them."

"But...no..." She held a hand to her mouth as she noticed the absence of his holy stone. "Your necklace, where is it?"

"He is now a malfested Talim," answered Zasalamel. "Staying here, he is training to suppress his powers and become the new eternal guardian of Soul Edge and Soul Calibur."