Pressing a hand to the cold stone wall, Talim continued walking down the passageway weakly. How long had she been wandering this labyrinth? She couldn't tell... The blue flames of the torches attached to the wall danced with an abnormal light and the sound of rushing water pushed her forward. Above her, Alun chirped and flapped around her.
As hunger and thirst overtook her, she dropped to the ground and rested against the walls. "I'll just rest for a few minutes."
Dearest, just rest. You know that if you want to get taller, you need to sleep and eat properly. If you don't, perhaps Amy might surpass you in height. Haha...
Closing her eyes, Talim drifted off to sleep with a soft smile on her face. She knew that she was just imagining Raphael's voice. It had become something she did on occasion to comfort herself. Except for Alun, she had no one. Her friends and family were all far away. As for Raphael, she wasn't even sure if he was even alive.
No matter how far apart we may be, we are always together, ma petite. My heart is always with you and my love will live on in you. In your heart, I will always be alive.
The bells on her hat chimed as her head tilted slightly to the side and she wore a peaceful expression on her face as she fell asleep.
Alun landed beside his mistress and chirped worriedly. As time passed, she still did not wake up and her bird started to chirp even louder to wake her up. The small squeaks echoed down the long corridors and alas, someone began walking towards them in this godforsaken place. "Oh? What's this?"
Olcadan bent down and stared shrewdly at the young woman before him. His sharp yellow eyes analyzed her carefully and when he detected the unusual aura around her, he scratched at the feathers on his head. "What on earth is a storm maiden doing in this place?"
He turned his head as Alun landed on his shoulders and gave a few tweets. Laughing, Olcadan gave the bird a few gentle pat. "My my, this is certainly a very exciting find. Well, I suppose it's best if we get moving before your mistress dies from hunger. Right?" Picking up the small woman, he walked down the long passageway and glanced down at her. "What reasons could you have to seek this forgotten place young one?" He quirked an eyebrow in surprise when she started murmuring someone's name in her sleep. Who could this man named Raphael be?
Six and a half years later... 1600 A.D
Bowing down before the Holy Roman Empire, Rudolf II, Dumas smiled. "Your highness, I trust that you are satisfied with my latest mission?"
At the magnificent and elegant throne room, the rest of the courtiers murmured enthusiastically at Graf Dumas latest success in battle. They had claimed even more territory and the newest rebellion against the king was mercilessly crushed. News spread like wildfire about Graf Dumas's prowess on the battlefield and his extensive knowledge on all subjects. Many of the ladies at court were intrigued by this mysterious man who rose to power so quickly and they daydreamed about how handsome his face must look like under that mask he wore. Mysteries only served to make the graf more handsome in their eyes and the fact that he was now one of the most powerful figure at court served to make him quite a potential husband.
Tira looked at the ladies twittering about him in hushed voices and she fiddled with her long elegant brown gloves. This was disgusting! She didn't belong here and she sure as hell didn't want to see Soul Edge wielded by such a failure of a host. The real Nightmare would have slaughtered all of these stuck up nobles and drowned this room in blood already. But here she was, forced to stand and smile and listen to court gossip for this new Nightmare. "I hate this! I hate this! I hate this!" she thought to herself darkly. Her jolly side inside her nodded in agreement and she turned back as Rudolf II started talking again.
The dull witted king had fallen for every honeyed word that dropped out of Graf Dumas mouth and he was grateful to have such a strong warrior working for him. "My loyal subject, you have been a great asset to me and know that I treasure all those that aid me. You are a very capable man and ask me something... anything! I will grant it for you without hesitation."
A grin formed on Graf Dumas's face as he heard that. He remembered how easy it was to convince the king to hand over all of the shards to him by lying that he can rebuild Soul Edge, the sword of salvation for him. Then, Rudolf will live on forever and the world will be reunited under the one true ruler of this world. Of course, he never told Rudolf that he would be that man... not him. Swallowing the lie, Rudolf II immediately tasked him with finding all the shards and keeping this secret since he didn't want anyone else to know about it. The fact the he had eliminated a rebellion in Bohemia just to demonstrate his sincerity won over the weak king and Dumas quietly applauded his genius to himself.
"My lord, you know that just by serving you and your mighty empire is more than enough for me. There is one thing I ask though..."
"What is it my good graf?" asked the concerned king at the graf's serious tone of voice.
Under the light of the crystal chandelier above them, Graf Dumas stood up with regal grace. "As I have reported to you once before your highness, France did not value my abilities and for a crime and past I have no wish to speak of... I ask that you grant me and my followers a home. My soldiers have been faithful and we have served you with all of our heart. My army grows daily and for their sake, I ask that you grant us more land."
"Preposterous!" snapped an angry noble. "What you ask for is simply out of the question! The king has given you three castles and enough land-"
Graf Dumas red eyes narrowed at the noble and he said quietly, "But Count Forenze, those are not enough. I control the largest army in the the empire under the emperor's good graces but my people are constantly travelling from place to place for battles. They grow weary of such a life and if we can find a place to fortify, we can tighten the security for the empire we both hold dear." Slowly, he glanced at Count Forenze's wife who was gazing him with opened admiration. When the count turned to speak to the king, he gave the curly black haired wife a sly wink. Yet another woman who's willing spill her husband's secrets in return for his affection. How stupid...
"Now now," the flustered Rudolf raised his hands for peace but everyone could see his nervousness. They knew that the king disliked social gatherings and he was man of solitude so a few courtiers snickered behind their hands. He was a very weak king... everyone knew that. For now, he was dependent on many of his more capable subjects that were actually loyal to him to aid him. Especially Graf Dumas and his skills on both the battlefield and court. Knowing this himself, Rudolf II said, "My dear Graf. You are very important to me and I trust your judgement for you have never been wrong. Pray tell, what do you have in mind?"
Bowing once more, Graf Dumas replied, "Please grant me dominion over the Kingdom of Hungary. It is on the front line against the accursed Ottoman Empire and if they wish to attack us, I shall deal with them swiftly and mercilessly. It is the perfect position for me and my army to protect you and our beloved empire your highness." He placed one hand on his heart and added, "As well, I shall sweep through Europe and make sure that all countries bow down to our mighty empire. I shall fight for our God and purge those vile malfested that have been sent by the devil. For unity and purity, I will succeed."
Those words... unity and purity, came at the thought of his priestess. Under his rule, the malfested will be united and no longer scattered like ashes in the wind, and only humans who are pure like her, will be allowed to live in his new world.
Walking around his library of his new castle, Dumas looked at it with a critical eye and began thinking of renovation. Now that he was appointed as the ruler of Hungary, he could certainly afford it. He estimated that he only had a week at most for relaxation before he would commence work on the Purge. He was one of the brightest star at court and the Holy Roman emperor's favorite. All the time spent on the battlefield and in politics had paid off. Soul Edge grew stronger each year as his minions gathered the shards and from the souls he was letting it absorb. Eventually, Soul Calibur will awaken so that he can destroy it.
He only wondered if she would forgive him for all those horrible things he was doing. To be completely honest, he didn't care about the people he was sacrificing. It was necessary dirty work that Talim would protest against but she was naive. The best path was not always the easiest path. Once Soul Edge was at full powers, they will have their new world where no one has to fight anymore. This rift between the two races will finally come to an end. If it can't end peacefully like she would like, then he would go ahead and make his new world without regrets. He would make the fighting stop no matter what.
He ran a hand along a richly burnished cabinet. It was smooth and it gleamed beautifully, a rare piece of luxury. The power he was amassing along with the wealth, was also for them. Everything he did, he did for her and Amy's sake. He hoped Talim would understand. If there was any doubt that she may reject him because of his methods, he would just lie and say that his mind was being manipulated by Soul Edge. He was sure that she would choose to remain with him if he told her that.
"Dumas!" All of a sudden, Tira stormed in.
"Hmmm? What's the matter Tira? You look... rather unhappy." He let sarcasm drip thick in his voice as he lounge down casually on a white sofa. A storm howled outside but the roaring fireplace kept the place comfortably warm. Of course, the icy feelings between the two who are currently in that room was enough to bring about the new ice age.
Tira glared at him bitterly. "After all these years, I have had enough! And don't you talk to me like that you fake! Even your name is fake! Dumas! Or should I say... Raphael?"
Quick as a flash, he moved in front of her and grasped her throat tightly in his hand. His voice was icy as he said, "I am Nightmare."
"Lies." Tira growled at his strength as she clawed at his hands around her neck. "You hold Soul Edge and wear the armor, but in substance you are not him. YOU'RE A FAKE AND AT MOST, YOU'RE BEING CONTROLLED BY SOUL EDGE UNTIL HE FINDS A BETTER HOST!"
Without batting an eye, he slapped her hard enough for her to smash into one of the book cases and the heavy tomes rained down upon her. "You dare speak to me like that?"
Tira screamed back, "Give him back! Give me back the real Nightmare!" She turned into her gloomy side and attacked him. "Give him back to us!"
"Don't touch me you filth!" He knocked her down easily and in his rage, he kicked her stomach and when she groaned, he continued the onslaught of attacks until she was battered and bruised. "Yes Tira! You are right, I am not Nightmare." He laughed manically. "You thought I would just roll over and let Soul Edge take my body? Fool!"
"Damn you!" Tira curled her body inward and gritted her teeth as she braved the onslaught of kicks. "I want him back... I want the real Nightmare back!"
His eyes glowed maliciously. "Does it hurt? Now, can you understand the pain when Talim thought she lost me?" He grinded his boot into her stomach, as if he wanted to pulverize her very organs. With a final kick to the head, he knocked her out. He snapped his hands for some of his soldiers. As they entered, they were shock at what happened. "Lady Tira!"
"Quiet!" commanded Dumas. "She's no longer Lady Tira. Soon enough, she'll be a corpse. Tie her up and take her out of here. After that, I want you two to cut her up and feed the pieces to her ravens." He strolled over the unconscious girl and a mad smile lit his face. "You should be happy that you get to feed your ravens once more before your soul moves onwards to hell."
"Master?" Talim looked everywhere for the elusive owl man and she sighed tiredly. Her bird chirped and it fluttered around to help her look. After a few more hours of searching, she finally found him napping underneath a tree among the stone ruins.
Deep in the labyrinth lied a forgotten city, buried amongst rocks and time. After many centuries, they still stood there and only a small area was fertile enough to grow food. Giant crystals embedded in the ground provided a weak source light that penetrated through the darkness while torches shining with blue flames never died out. She wasn't allowed to wander around too much since her master said that this place was connected to the Land of the Gods in some places and he was the guardian. So... it'd be bad if one of his student broke the rules.
After rescuing her, Olcadan had tried to shoo her away but she had begged him to teach her and make her stronger. The wind around him was incredible and Talim knew right from the first moment she saw him, he was a very powerful warrior. After hearing her side of the story, he gave her many tests and trials to test her sincerity and after awhile, he deemed her worthy and took her under his wings. She laughed at the memory of their first meeting. Upon waking up, she had screamed at the sight of the strange owl man who rescued her. To her surprise, he replied, "Yes child, I know I'm good looking so will you stop gawking at me like a starving monkey who just noticed a banana?"
And so, she became his student and he taught her how to purify all the negative powers that had been used to revive her in the past as well as more refined battle techniques. Too bad he often had his lazy days and hide from her though...
Kneeling beside him, Talim sighed once more. She was now a woman of twenty five years old and had left this place only once to spend two years helping the malfested but soon enough, she had to return to her training. It was necessary for her to learn about the swords in these ancient ruins and she wanted to get stronger, so that she would be ready when the swords clashed once more. But she never stopped caring about those who were out there. Those two years out there were enough for her to track down her old friends and ask for their assistance. She never told them she planned to have the two legendary swords return to full might but she did asked them for their help in saving the malfested, a goal most of them found worthy.
As for Raphael... when Zasalemel reached Ostreheinsburg, the placed was devoid of life and Raphael was gone if he had even been held there. All she could do was rely on her friends and allies to help look until she could leave and search as well.
Her master's snores tugged at her attention. Poking him gently, she whispered, "Master, it's time to get up."
Olcadan gave an annoyed hoot and batted her away. "Go away child. I need my sleep. Zzzzzz..."
"Master, I am not a child. I'm a fully grown and responsible woman and you're the one who needs to act more grown up!" She tugged on his arm and groaned at how heavy he was. Finally, her grip slackened and she tumbled backwards. "Ow!"
With a yawn, Olcadan sat up and gestured to the tall stone buildings around them. "I know that it's lonely around here but you should stop clinging to me like a baby bird who misses its mother Talim. A man needs his space."
Talim merely pouted at him. "I'm not going to make dinner tonight."
"Augh, fine!" Olcadan caved in. Few could pass up Talim's delicious cooking and it was sad to say that he had gotten addicted to the food she made. Alun flapped over and chirped to him cheerfully, causing the owl man to smile. "You know Talim, if it wasn't for this bird of yours, I wouldn't have wanted to make you my student in the first place." He laughed as Talim pouted some more. She didn't look very different even though it's been seven years and he concluded that the ability to manipulate the wind along with her storm maiden's voice had slowed down her age. Of course, she had gotten taller and more ample around certain areas but her face was still quite youthful. Albeit, her eyes somehow became more deep and beautiful when she returned back to her training after travelling the world to help the malfested. Her hair had also gotten quite long and she no longer tied it into her trademark pigtails.
Taking out The Ancient, he said to Talim, "Alright kid. I hope you're ready to train. Keep in mind that I'm not going to be holding back since you've made me quite grumpy by ruining my nap. Have you ever disturbed a cat that's napping? Well, you've made this tiger really angry now."
She smiled and bowed slightly before drawing her double crescent blades. "I shall do my best master. And when will you ever stop it with the animal metaphors?"
After a harsh but meaningful battle, Olcadan gestured for her to take a walk with him through the labyrinth. As they walked, she wondered why he was so quiet. He was a rather easy going man and he enjoyed meaningful conversations and on occasions, he even cracked jokes. But she could sense that if it was needed, he would be much more serious and grim. When she had told him about her story, he had been extremely understanding about it. Occasions like that was rare however, so she was slightly nervous as to why he so quiet. "Master? Is something wrong?"
Olcadan sighed. "Do you remember what I've told you, about Soul Edge?"
Talim nodded. From the first week, she had explored the ruins with him and learned about the wars of the swords. They traced its bloody path through history and though pieces and bits were missing, they've gleaned enough information, combined with what her grandmother and the Ancient of Ice had told her. To break the cycle, Soul Edge has to be the sword that strikes down Soul Calibur. The cursed cycle always had Soul Calibur take down Soul Edge, by doing this they can break the cycle. During this brief intermission, the swords return to Astral Chaos to break open every seal holding back Night Terror. This was apparently her only chance at ending them forever.
"You must use Soul Edge to destroy Soul Calibur. Once that happens and you head for Astral Chaos, peace is the key to the end." He hooted, "Perhaps what you should do first, is find peace for your own heart before you try to obtain it for the world."
Talim looked at him questioningly. He had never really explained to her what she should do once she enters Astral Chaos. He only kept hinting at peace and she knew by now he'd only tell her once he thought she was ready to leave him. "Master?"
"You still long and suffer for Raphael." He watched as his student came a stop and looked down at the ground. With a sigh, Olcadan said, "You are not at peace Talim."
Coming to a stop, she said, "I will find peace when I find Raphael and Amy."
"What if you never find them?"
"Don't you think the thought hasn't crossed my mind, master?" Talim said softly. "If that was so, then the peace left to me is to wait for the day the wind will carry my soul to them."
She walked out of sight and Olcadan felt his heart go out to her. One part hoped that she would one day be able to be reunited with the man. Another just wanted her to let go and heal.
After awhile, he returned to one of the large stone houses that was still standing. Other buildings around had crumbled a while ago but this one was still liveable and add in the fact that it had about twenty rooms, it was a very good place to call home. Entering the house, he shouted, "Talim? Where's my dinner you lazy girl?"
When no one answered him, he rustled his feathers and began to search. "Talim? Where are you? Tal-" His eyes widened when he found her in the garden and huddled on the ground. The basket of berries lied at her feet and the few trees around them trembled as a cold wind whooshed past. The trees that grew here were a pale blue color and instead of leaves, they had large buds that provided a dim source of light until they bloomed into radiant colors. Right now, the light illuminated the suffering of the poor girl who laid beneath it. Olcadan cursed and quickly ran towards his student. No! It was that time again! Rushing over to her and her frantic bird, he helped her sit up and he held her in his arms. "Child! Speak to me!"
She smiled weakly but then she coughed. "I... lost track of... time... again." Another year has passed since that day Raphael devoured a piece of her soul and she held a hand to her chest. "It's alright... I'm..." Talim whimpered pitifully as her hands clutched at him for support.
"It's getting worse and worse child." Olcadan watched as the colors drained out of her cheeks. After all this time, he had come to see her as a granddaughter and it hurt him deeply to see her suffering like this.
Sweat rolled down Talim's foreheard and tears trailed down her face. Clutching onto her master, she coughed some more and. It was true... it was getting worse every year. Why? She closed her eyes and bit her lips to prevent another scream from escaping. "Raphael... I pray that you'll feel none of this pain I'm feeling."
"What is it my lord?" asked Lady Forenze as she waited for Graf Dumas to continue undressing her. They were in his bedroom, with him on top of her. Fidgeting slightly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and murmured, "My lord, is something the matter? Or do you wish to take it slower?"
He abruptly let go of her and shook her arms off him. Stumbling away from the bed, he reached for his white shirt that he had thrown on the floor. "Get out."
"M-My lord? Did I do something wrong?" asked the blue eyed woman. Her black curls were slightly out of place and she touched them nervously before getting up and hugging him from behind. "Is something troubling you my lord? If it is, I can help you forget about them. The same way I did a few nights ago..." Her smooth hands trailed down suggestively towards his pants but he pushed her away roughly and she fell to the ground with a hurt expression on her face.
"Get out! Now!"
Seeing his anger, she meekly gathered up her heels and stockings that he had taken off her and she stumbled out of the room with teary eyes. When the door closed, he sat down heavily on the bed and leaned against the intricate black headboards. The room was very dark and no one could see his expression. Every year, he always had this strange feeling in his stomach. It was unexplainable and somehow, it always striked a strange fear in him. Lying down amongst the green satin sheets, he closed his eyes and listened to the howling wind outside while his left arm throb dully.
After awhile, tears leaked out from his eyes as he finally realized. Today was the day he had devoured a part of her soul. Wherever she was, he could only pray that she wasn't hurt or in any pain. She didn't deserve it and most of all, he didn't deserve her. "No more," he whispered. Secrets and alliances meant nothing to him, especially not like this. Only she deserved to be in his bed. Getting up, he grabbed at the sheets and ripped them off the bed, tossing them to the ground. Grabbing at the transparent canopy, he tore them off and he swept the pillows away. Later, he would burn it all. He would claw at mountains for her. For the empire he was building up, he would throw himself into his work and use his blood and sweat to obtain power. Until he find her again, he would never invite another into his bed, no matter the reason.
Two days later...
"Master... you're going to make me fat." Talim gestured to her bed and dishes with heaps of food surrounding her. All of the dishes were fruits and cooked vegetables since there was no meat available and Talim was trying hard to not move or else the dishes would crash down to the floor.
Killing time, she stared at the runes drawn on her walls and at the blue candles burning brightly on its holders. All of the houses that were still standing had a very Arabian sort of style to them. Pots of growing plants served as another decorative element while rugs and curtains made the place alittle more furnished. Her bed was old but it was still very beautiful with its gold stitchings and patterns.
"Talim!" Pushing aside the silk curtains that led to her room, he had another plate of berries in his hands. "Eat up!"
"No."
"Yes. I made these special just for you."
"Master, you just washed and dried them. And... you carved a giant carrot into the shape of an owl."
Olcadan sighed at how difficult she was being. "Talim. Two days ago, you looked worse than a sow in labor with a dozen piglets. The sooner you recover, the sooner I'll tell you about Soul Edge and the way to get rid of that thing forever."
Hearing that, Talim stopped prodding at the owl shaped carrot. "Re-Really? Do... you think I'm ready master?"
"If I didn't think you were ready, I wouldn't say so."
Talim touched her necklace and softly smiled. Her teacher sat down beside her and patted her on the head and she said gratefully, "Thank you for all these years, master."
"Thank you for your companionship," he replied. "You were a good student."
"I won't let you stay here alone anymore." Talim faced him and said firmly, "I will free you."
"Child, you know I'm stuck here-"
"I will break that barrier." Her eyes burned with conviction. "You will have you freedom, master."
I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.
-Lou Holtz