The sun was warm and the wind was simply refreshing. All in all, Talim was comfortably asleep until something jolted her awake. "Ahh!" Dumas's black stallion had leapt over a fallen log and in the process, Talim hit her head against his dark blue armor. "Owww... What's going on?" Where's the carriage? Who is this?" And she hastily tried to pull away from the man.

"Talim! Relax, it's just me." He wrapped his right arm around her securely as his left hand tugged on the reins so that his horse slowed down. Looking down at the priestess sitting against him, he said, "We left about five hours ago but since you were still asleep, I didn't want to wake you. As for the carriage, the Schwarzwind... sort of froze it."

"Oh." Talim was sitting sideways in the front against him and she felt rather awkward at how close they were. Especially after what happened last night. They were silent as they continued the journey on a dirt road through a field of grasses and wildflowers while his soldiers trailed behind them. After awhile, she apologized. "My friend... I am sorry about the way I acted. I-"

"There's no need to apologize Talim." He sighed softly. "It's been seventeen years. You must have been through alot. It's natural to be alittle confused about your feelings."

"You just remind me of him so much." She smiled sadly. "It's also strange. I've only known you for three weeks but it feels like we've known each other for a long time. You know what I like and you know how to comfort me. And I know when you are agitated or irritable."

He rested his head on hers. "Talim... do you remember what I said last night?"

Talim could feel her body growing hot, as she recalled his words. "My friend, no. I-I can't. To use you as a replacement is wrong. I care enough about you that I don't want to do such a thing."

"I am willing," he whispered into her ears, his hand squeezing her waist as they rode. "You do not care that I'm malfested nor do you care about my physical appearance. I would do anything to have you by my side." Dumas added quietly, "We are both old enough to know what our bodies and heart desire. I want you, simple as that. I know you are attracted to me, Talim. I don't care about the reasons."

"I-I..." She swallowed and turned her head away, her heart conflicted. She knew that she only truly loved Raphael, but this man here had protected her, loved her and gotten hurt because of her. Now, he was even willing to let her see him as nothing more than a replacement. "I'm sorry, I just... I don't think it's fair. You deserve someone who will truly love you, just as I truly love Raphael."

"Take your time and think about it, I can be patient," he replied. "In the meanwhile, we can continue to be friends?"

Talim nodded and tried to smile. "Of course." After awhile, she noticed something. "Your soldiers are all malfested."

"Yes. I have saved many of them and I offered them a home in return for their loyalty." Dumas maneuver his horse around a tree and added," In an world where we are hated, we must stick together to survive. Once you arrive at my castle, you'll notice that everyone there is malfested. I hope the high level of evil energy will not affect you."

At the question, Talim said, "In my current state, I'm not very sure. But I have trained myself to withstand it so I think I'll be alright.

"Alright. But promise me you'll tell me if anything goes wrong Talim."Coming to a stop, he gave his soldiers a break and he helped Talim down his black horse gently. Sitting down on the soft grass, he reached for the basket of food his soldier handed over and he gave Talim some bread and cheese for a short lunch. Taking a bite out of his apple, he looked up at the bright blue sky and watched as two small birds flitted back and forth in courtship. With a relaxed sigh, he laid down in the grass with his hands hooked behind his head.

Talim smiled as a gentle breeze caress them and they sat together in peaceful silence for awhile. Finally, she began singing and her comforting voice made Dumas and his soldiers smile. Looking at her, Dumas thought, "The most beautiful breeze of dawn... may you stay by my side forever..."

Up in the sky, the two birds flew away and they chirped to each other cheerfully when all of a sudden, a raven snatched one of them from the air and tore into it. With it bloodied beak, it killed the other one as well. Flying to a tree, it landed on a man's arm. Under the shadows of the leaves, the man smiled at the watcher and said, "Now now, we have a mission we must accomplish for mistress Tira. Don't go flying off like that alright?"

Another man stood underneath the tree and yawned. "Man... they're taking forever. I wish we could just fly there already."

"Aha... as impatient as ever brother. But I am getting tired of walking." Landing down, the two smiled at each other. They were both identical twins with jet black hair, and deep red eyes. Topless, they only wore some faded black pants and black boots. With a grin, dark wings materialized from their backs and they flew off, careful to avoid being seen by Dumas's soldiers. The watcher gave a short caw before flying after them.

After a week of travelling, Dumas, Talim and his small entourage of soldiers finally arrived at Denever castle. Wishing to hurry there, he had traveled without much fanfare and they arrived quietly at his main castle; a regal and magnificent structure of sturdy stones and fearsome gargoyle statues. His flags were raised high on top of the towers and they waved in the wind. The land around the castle was lush with life; fields of green grasses, wildflowers and occasional trees; a most beautiful picture of nature under the starry night skies. The vast castle ground dominated a huge part of the area with its fountains, statues and pots of flowers and a few small animals had even made it their home. An especially large bunny hopped out from behind a bush and stared at the people entering the castle.

"My lord." All of his malfested servants bowed low before him in the foyer. A large chandelier hung above them and the light illuminated the room with its decorative large vases, red carpet and landscape paintings.

Dumas gestured for them to stand. "Now, has anything unusual happened during my absence?" When they answered that everything was the same as usual, he made the introduction for Talim. "This is lady Talim. She is a very important guest of mine and she is to be treated with the utmost respect. Understood?"

All of a sudden, one of the malfested stumbled forward slowly and kneeled before Talim. His orange eyes widened and he murmured, "The Wandering Wind of Dawn ... I never thought I would see you again."

"You are..." Talim reached out to him blindly. She was now quite well known by the rescued malfested who spread the word that she was aiding them. With her noticeable green hair, wind powers and voice, she had become a symbol of hope for many of them. Talim tilted her head. "Who are you?"

The servant apologized to Dumas quickly. "Please forgive me my lord. But she saved my wife's life." Tears fell down his cheeks as he said,"It was a hard year of drought and famine. Everyone blamed me and my wife as the source of bad luck since we were malfested. Lady Talim saved my love while I was out and then she helped us flee. We are forever in her debts." Hearing this, many of the soldiers and servants looked at Talim in a different light and they all grew fonder of her as she helped the servant stand up and talked to him without any sign of hate or disgust. Dumas also smiled as well. Talim was truly one of a kind. The only one worthy to be his wife...

"This is our bedroom my dear," said Dumas as he carried her in. The heavy doors closed with a quiet thud and the smell of amber, roses, lilies and chocolate met them. A magnificent king size bed dominated the room with its two layered mattresses and heavy black silk sheets embroidered with gold designs. The four bed posts reached up high to the towering canopies of deep scarlet and pale gold as it hung around their bed in waves of rich fabrics. Gold leaves, roses and lilies were carved into the shiny black headboards and plump white pillows with gold tassels rested against it.

To their right, there was no wall. Only a huge window where one could see the sunset and sunrise each day. At night, they could rest on his black recliner and stargaze to their hearts content while a elegant white fireplace keep them warm. A painting of a deep blue sea hung on top of the fireplace, right across from their bed. On the left wall was the doors to the washroom, his closet and her dressing table that had a few untouched cosmetics and a vase full of red roses. The floor was black marble, etched with white veins and a chocolate brown fur rug covered a large portion of the floor. Elegant floor candle holders held a dozen flickering candles at the four corners of the room, casting the room in soft light that wasn't too bright or too dark.

"What do you mean by our bedroom?"

At the slip up, he quickly said,"I mean my bedroom. But I thought that-"

Talim interrupted him quietly. "My friend, now that we have arrive at your castle where I am safe, there's no need for me to occupy the same bedroom as you. I insist on my own room. You can let the maids assist me in changing my bandages since they have almost healed."

"Talim, is something wrong?"

She shifted uneasily in his arms. "No... it's just more proper this way."

"I understand but..." He then proceeded over to the bed. "Your legs should fully recover in a few days Talim. This is the most important time for me to make sure you won't have any scars so for now, I insist that you stay in my bedroom so that I can keep a close eye on you my dear." When she protested, he added, "There is something I want to tell you as well. My name... and who I really am."

Talim's mouth opened slightly. "Really?"

He brushed away a strand of her hair as he laid her on the bed. "Yes. But for now, just be patient." Kissing her lightly on the hand, he bid her good night and walked over to the recliner by the window.

"Wait... There's something I wish to do. Can you escort me someplace quiet and deserted after I have changed into my old outfit?"

He looked at her questioningly before nodding.

Walking through his castle, they reached the highest balcony. It was completely bare and he watched as Talim left his arms and took a few timid steps forward. She stumbled a few times but she pushed him away and shook her head. In the middle of the balcony, she raised her hands to the night skies and a gentle wind sung around them and tugged at her blue half skirt and vest. "El ma nohe chiia Yoshimitsu. Kaze no brek hasa ei cheq ame aniea foka gaisame. (I call your name Yoshimitsu. Let the wind guide you so that you may pass through the borders.)"

Dumas's eyes widened as Yoshimitsu appeared. His form was not transparent nor ghostly and one would have thought that he was still alive. But he could sense that this old acquaintance no longer belonged in this world. Yoshimitsu's soul... Why did Talim summon him here?

"Yoshimitsu, I am so sorry." Talim bowed her head. "You have done so much for others and I promise that your sacrifice will not go to waste. Is there any last request you have that I can fulfill for you?"

"As thoughtful and kind as always Talim..." said Yoshimitsu as he smiled at the kindhearted woman. "But first, how did thou get so badly injured?" When she didn't reply, he nodded understandingly. "They do not know the truth for they refuse to open their eyes. It is something the both of us have grown to know. But Talim, a greater threat is slowly awakening. Soul Edge is regaining its lost powers seventeen years ago and the borders are growing unstable."

Talim looked shock at the news. "So soon?"

"Yes... strange things are happeningth Talim. Thou must hurry and saveth those who are in need of thee. My time is grow short. Before I go, promise me you will help my apprentice if he's in trouble."

Suddenly, Yoshimitsu noticed Dumas. "Talim, that person standing behind thee..."

"He saved my life Yoshimitsu." She wondered why Yoshimitsu's tone of voice suddenly changed.

Dumas nervously fiddled with his mask and wondered if his old acquaintance recognized him. But he was stunned at what Yoshimitsu said next.

"Evil has infected thy soul and thy heart is as black as the night. Blood will forever stain those hands... Thou are not the same man we once knew." Yoshimitsu reached out gently and added, "Turn back and return to the man thou once were, before thou destroy the happiness of those thou love..." With that, Yoshimitsu disappeared.

Dumas thought coldly, "The words of a dead man is hardly useful." Walking towards Talim, he reached for her hand and a sudden spark of rage seized him as she backed away fearfully. "What's the matter Talim?" His voice was low but he managed to hide the anger he was feeling.

Talim hugged herself and said, "Why would Yoshimitsu say something like that about you? I don't understand..."

"Perhaps it's because I'm a malfested. "

Talim shook her head. "No. Yoshimitsu also fights to protect the malfes-"

"What do you want me to say!" shouted Dumas. "Perhaps in his eyes, I'm a vile man since I had to kill to survive! That's how this blasted world has shaped me! My own family turned on me and I've been shunned and humiliated like a dog! Did you think it was this easy to acquire all of this power? I had to pay a heavy price for it and do things that would make you shudder. He doesn't understand and you don't either! Go on! Judge me based on a few words! Forget about everything that I've done for you and reject me!"

"Please calm down," Talim pleaded as the dark energy around him felt heavier. The sudden change frightened her but not wanting him to lose control, she reluctantly hugged him. "I... I trust you. After all you have done for me, I know you are a good person. So please... calm down."

He breathed hard and nodded slowly. A brisk wind cooled him and he wrapped his arms around her possessively. "Don't anger me like that Talim. You saddened me by your lack of trust."

She could not do anything else beside apologize quietly since she didn't want him to get angry. But she was starting to see a different side of him... that was slightly frightening and more than just dominating. She felt him stroke her hair and murmured, "You promised you would never reject me... Never lie to me Talim. I don't take betrayals very well." She nodded silently as he continued holding her.

Twirling a lock of her green hair around his finger, he thought to himself, "You are mine forever dearest and I will never let you reject me. Why did I bother hiding my real identity? You will learn to accept me as Raphael, Dumas, and Nightmare... soon."

Riding towards Dumas's castle, Patroklos let his horse maneuvered through the forest as he thought about the battle with the strange man he had fought. It would take about five days to arrive and Patroklos wondered what he should say to his lord. With a sigh, his mind wandered back to what happened a week ago.

Patroklos pointed his sword down at the fallen man triumphantly. "At last, you understand how weak you are."

Kneeling on the ground, Zwei replied, "Now you've asked for it." Punching the ground, a sudden maelstrom whipped up behind him and Ein appeared. The wolf's fangs glistened with saliva and it snarled at Patroklos.

"What?" Patroklos froze and stared at the beast with horrified eyes. Before he knew it, the beast punched him deep in the stomach and sent him flying. Rolling to a stop, Patroklos looked up only to be greeted at the sight of his own sword pointed at his face.

"Nothing's going to change as long as you're under Dumas's thumb." Smirking, Zwei continued. "Did he actually give you any clues as to your sister's whereabouts?"

"What do you know about her?" asked Patroklos, glaring at the man coldly.

Zwei turned and walked away; throwing Patroklos's sword back at him. "More than what Dumas will tell you. If you want the truth, I'll be waiting here in this city. But I can tell that you still don't trust me so... return to Dumas and see what he's really like." His blue eyes darkened as he whispered, "A true monster."

For the next three days, Dumas was constantly by Talim's side. Everything she needed or wanted was immediately fetched for her. He did everything he could to make sure she was comfortable and happy but she was still alittle wary of him. Nonetheless, she appreciated his efforts even though she felt that there was more to her friend then she knew. It slightly troubled her that the wind around the castle was extremely dark. In her current weakened state, she felt exhausted. By summoning Yoshimitsu, she had expended more energy than she thought. Sometimes, it felt alittle difficult to breathe and she would break out in a cold sweat. But she did her best to hide how ill she was feeling and she was glad that his mountain of paper-works kept them apart for many hours.

Praying in bed one day, she stopped when she felt him enter the room and sit down. When he asked what she was praying for, she smiled and replied, "For my friends and bird who are out there. And for Raphael and Amy... I pray for their safety and happiness every night and I do hope that the wind will answer my prayers."

He looked at her tenderly. "Talim, have you ever loved anyone else besides Raphael?" When she tugged at her hair awkwardly, he added, "And besides me."

She started slowly, "Before I met Raphael, I had a crush on a friend named Yun-Seong. He had all the qualities I liked in a person and even though he can be impulsive, I still admired his dedication and courage. But I know he only saw me as a friend so I never had much hope. And I was alittle more worried about trying to convince him to abandon the idea of obtaining Soul Edge than trying to show him my feelings." She giggled slightly. "I never imagined that I would fall for Raphael instead. Not only was he much older than me, our personalities were also very different."

He couldn't help but feel slightly jealous and annoyed when he heard her praise Yun-Seong like that. "Is... that so? Well, a guy like that Yun-Seong doesn't sound like he would be a good match for you anyway."

Talim smiled slightly. "You sound jealous my friend."

Smirking, he leaned alittle closer to her. "Why would I be jealous when I actually have you in my bed?"

At the suggestive tone, Talim turned red and quickly said, "Stop joking. It-it's not funny."

"Actually, I find this to be quite... fun. Why don't you come alittle closer to me so that I can show you how fun this can be."

Talim gasped as he picked her up in his arm. In less than three seconds, he had carried her out of bed and before she knew it, they had walked out onto a balcony. The cool night air swept across her skin and it felt extremely refreshing. Placing her down on the ground, he said, "It's time you get some exercise my dear. Your legs are doing quite well and I have no doubt I'll be able to take off the bandages soon. Now... let us dance."

"Wha-What?" Before Talim knew it, he had pulled her close. One hand was quickly placed at her waist and the other held her right hand. "Wa-wait! I'm not-I don't think I can."

"Come Talim. Put your hand on my shoulder. I won't take no for an answer." He watched as she hesitantly did and with a small chuckle, he began to take small steps back and forth with her. The stars twinkled above their heads and a bright moon shone down upon them. The small pots of roses and lilies decorated the high and large balcony and he breathed in the sweet perfume of the flowers. From their location, he could see his garden perfectly. With a slight smile on his face, he said, "Well, are you enjoying yourself? Isn't this fun?"

"I'm afraid I'm not much of a dance partner right now," replied Talim as they took small steps. Her heart felt heavy as it beat and she tried to hide the pain by smiling up at him.

Twirling slowly to the left, he said, "I promised that I would show you how to have fun tonight. So I will." He quickly tilted her backward and he smiled when her hair fell behind her like a curtain and her pink mouth opened in surprise. With his left arm bracing her back, they stayed in that pose for awhile as the wind tousled their hair and swept her long blue half skirt back and forth. "Are you enjoying yourself my dear? After all, you are in the arms of one of the most powerful man in Europe. Many women would be dying to be in your place."

Talim's heart pounded in her chest and felt slightly faint. Nonetheless, she forced a weak smile on her face. "Well... I don't know who you are. So all I can say is that I don't really enjoy your slightly bossy and dominate personality sometimes. "

He burst out laughing and he brought her back up to stand on her two feet. "I hold power and riches that few people will ever have and I command one of the biggest army in this world. How can you resist me?" Talim backed away but he tightened his hand around hers. "Don't be afraid Talim. I was merely joking. It is quite hard not to flirt with such a beautiful woman but know that I'll always treat you with the utmost respect."

Hearing that, Talim was rather relieved. "I'm glad to hear that."

"Well then... let's continue shall we?" And he resumed their dance with effortless grace and he grinned when she stumbled into him a few times. She seemed slightly tired and when he inquire about it, she merely reassured him she was fine.

But in truth, Talim felt alittle nauseated. After awhile, Dumas glanced up at the skies and said," Ah. My apologies Talim, I have kept you up all night and you must be quite tired."

"It's alright my friend... the exercise was probably a good thing for me." And she gave him a small smile. Standing still, he scooped her up in his arms once more as they headed back to his bedroom. The rhythm of his steps and the warmth from his body lulled her to sleep and the last thing she remembered was the comforting scent of his cologne as she rested her head against his neck and immediately fell asleep.

At dinner the next night...

Wiping her mouth with a napkin, Talim said, "I'm done."

"Already?" Dumas looked at her plate of vegetables and roast. "My dear, you've barely touched your food. Is something wrong?" When she didn't answer, he put his fork and knife down on the table and got up. The light from the candles on the table illuminated her pale face and he looked at her worriedly. "Perhaps a walk in my garden will help with your appetite Talim. It is a beautiful night and the fresh air should be good for you." He looked out the four windows, framed by red curtains and added,"Ah, a full moon. Splendid."

Outside, the two walked around slowly and when Talim tired, they sat down, underneath a willow tree. A variety of flowers, trees and fruits were planted here and he even had a man made spring that was quietly bubbling nearby. "Talim, how do you-" His eyes widened as she clutched her chest and breathed heavily. Her face was very pale and she broke out in a cold sweat.

"I... I'm fine. Don't worry about me. It'll... augh... pass."

He grabbed her hand and checked her pulse quickly. It wasn't normal at all and he quickly put his head on her chest to listen to her heart. The life giving organ beat with an irregular rhythm and sounded strange. "Talim, tell me the truth. What's wrong?"

Talim shook her head but she whimpered as her heart seized up. Clutching his hand, she pulled in a few short breaths. Finally, the pain subsided and she said, "Soul Edge's energy... it's poisoning me. The energy from the execution was forced into my body and I can't handle it. I can only take in the dark energy if I convert it into its wind form. And after summoning Yoshimitsu, I'm very tired."

"Why didn't you tell me?" he retorted angrily.

Talim smiled at him sadly. "That would not accomplish anything and I don't want to burden you with my troubles."

"Talim," he said angrily. "You are very important to me. Never think like that again. If you're ever in pain, please let me know," Dumas said gently as he held her hand. "I'll search for holy water for you. That should help... and remember, I care about you very much."

She blushed slightly. "What about your family?" When he didn't answer, she said, " You say that your family betrayed you and I know you must resent them for that. But still... blood runs thicker than water. I'm sure they must miss you."

"It's too late." Dumas closed his eyes and said, "They're all dead."

Raphael gasped. "You're saying... the entire house of Sorel was executed by the king!"

After escaping Odenburg, Raphael had heard about an inn that secretly aided the malfested. He had continued wandering around searching for Amy but his strange appearance attracted unwarranted attention from the local population and he fled. This continued a few more times until he stumbled back near Odenburg and happened upon this inn. The old lady named Kari, let him stay with the other malfested hiding here. Raphael thanked her for the shelter but she merely laughed. "We malfested, must stick together to survive. Now, feel free to stay here for awhile until you're ready to leave. Or, you could become one of Graf Dumas's soldiers. You'll be protected by our lord and you'll have a home."

Finding out that Dumas was a malfested and that he was the leader of many of them surprised Raphael greatly. Apparently, the purge was a method used to eliminate the humans and at the same time, gather Soul Edge's shard and the malfested to bolster Dumas's strength. Raphael toyed with the idea of Amy somehow joining the army but he dismissed it. They wouldn't let a little girl fight in an army. So when he was well rested, he decided to resume his journey.

But before he left, he talked to the two old innkeepers and asked alittle more about this graf. To his horror, he found out that the graf was responsible for the Sorel's execution in 1598 since they interfered with the purge. Nine years... nine years since all of his relatives, brother, mother and father were killed. Raphael sat there in stunned silence. He hated them but... this was too much. There were a few memories of the good times he had with them and now that they were dead, he felt a strange sense of overwhelming sense of sadness. Damn Dumas! Raphael quickly stood up, grabbed his bag and left without a single farewell to the innkeepers who looked alittle surprised by his action.

Fuming, Raphael rode away on his horse and muttered curses into the night. After he finds Amy, he would seek Dumas out for revenge. He was alittle confused as to why he cared. They betrayed him and almost killed him... but still... Dumas had no right to do that. He was now the only one left who carried the blood of the noble house of Sorel thanks to that damn graf. Confused about his feelings about the death of his family Raphael didn't notice the two people who just rode past him. But then they backtracked.

"Is that..."

"Yes Hilde... I think it is..."

Raphael narrowed his eyes at the armoured man and woman. "What are you two talk- omph!"

Siegfried and Hilde had both embraced him from both sides in joy that after all these years, he was still alive. For Talim, they rejoiced in finding him and both were glad they spent the last week looking around for clues.

"Augh! Let go of me!" Raphael pushed them away and in the process, he toppled off his horse. Sitting up, he brushed away the leaves and dirt from his outfit and glowered at them. "Look at what you've done! There's stains all over my clothes."

But Hilde and Siegfried were quickly conversing with each other and they ignored him. "It was certainly a good idea we decided to look around for clues Hilde. I can't believe that after all these years, we've finally found Raphael." The knight gestured to Raphael and grinned. "Imagine how happy Talim will be when she finds out."

Hilde smiled and nodded. "Indeed. I thank the gods that at last, something good has happened. But we still need to get Talim back."

Getting back up on his horse, Raphael proceeded to ride away but then the two quickly chased after him. "Where are you going Raphael?" asked Siegfried. "We need to head back to my camp and come up with a course of action first before we go and save Talim."

Reining in his horse, Raphael gave Siegfried an annoyed look. "Who's Talim and why should I care?"

A stun silence followed this and Hilde and Siegfried's eyes widened. Finally, Hilde slapped him.

Raphael held a hand to his cheek and gaped at her. "What in the world was that for?"

"Where's your sense of honor and love!" Hilde cried passionately. "Talim has been looking for you all these years and you've forgotten about her?! Do you know how many countries she's traveled to? How many days and nights she spent wandering around to search for you?"

Holding a hand to his red cheek, Raphael growled, "You're lucky that I don't feel like picking a fight right now woman. Now- augh!"

This time, Siegfried punched him. The Schwarzwind leader's eyes were hard and he said, "Perhaps I was wrong about you. I thought that were an honorable man who valued his family and love."

"Listen here people, the only one I love is Amy. Now get out of my way!" snapped Raphael, drawing his rapier threateningly.

"That man is dangerous." Viola appeared from behind some trees and she looked at Raphael with grim eyes. Holding up her orb, she said, "Soul Edge's powers sleeps inside his blood. Blood that is black and tainted. His soul and memories are mere shards. Incomplete and broken. Your existence warps the balance of nature and your life is short." At those words, Siegfried and Hilde realized that something must have happened to Raphael. His soul and memories... were broken? They exchanged worried glances.

Raphael rolled his eyes at the seer's words. "Look, I'm perfectly healthy and I'm in no danger of dying."

Viola merely repeated, "You are incomplete. Neither whole nor right. Darkness and death has already claimed you."

Glowering at her, he said, "You vex me. Who are you woman?"

"In the moon, I see everything." Viola held up her orb and said, "I can look into people's souls. Yours is different and strange. It isn't real nor right. You..." A sudden vision hit her and she gasped. Her orb dropped to the ground and after awhile, she looked at him in slight disgust. "You will be responsible for many deaths. One of them is the death of your own love. You will kill her by your own hands."

"What?" Raphael felt goosebumps erupt over his skin and he glared at her. Never! He would never hurt Amy! Everything this woman was saying was utter lies. He slashed the air with his rapier angrily. "Stop looking into my soul! Damn you!"

A gust of cold wind swept past them as Viola said, "The moon will swallow the sun and it will never rise again."

Talim held a hand to her medallion and she whispered. "I'm so sorry for the loss of your family."

"Don't be. I feel nothing for them or their deaths. In fact, I celebrated their demise." He leaned back casually and played with a blade of grass in his hand.

At his cold words, Talim said, "You cannot possibly mean that. They're your family..."

Dumas smiled slightly. She had no idea... how happy he was when he forced the King of France to kill them. During the thirty year war between the Ottoman and Holy Roman Empire, many other countries were involved. Including France. His homeland suffered great devastation from the war and it was quite easy to bribe the King of France.

Some of the nobles had protested against the harsh sentence of executing everyone in the family. Including those who were cousins, or those who were distantly related. But he made sure that no trace of the Sorels remained. His new name, Dumas, was a symbol of his new life. The past was finished... He would make a new world, a new future, and he would never let himself fall that low in life again. Turning back to Talim, he lied, "In truth, I do miss them. For now... I am all alone in this world."

Talim reached for his hand and held it gently anyway. "You aren't alone, I'm here for you."

"Thank you Talim." He held her hand to his lips and grazed it lightly.

Talim let him pull her into his arms, knowing that he probably needed the comfort. As she rested against him, she couldn't help but feel guilty about it. Placing her hand on his chest, she swallowed as she could feel her body wanting snuggle against him. Would letting go and letting herself heal be the right thing? This poor man was so alone and he cared so much about her, she had no doubt about the honesty of his affections towards her. But she didn't want to be with him out of pity or because he was similar to Raphael. It would be wrong. If she was ever going to be with him, she wanted it to be because she truly loved him. She breathed in the smell of his cologne and swallowed nervously. Lifting her head, she said, "Please look at me."

His brows tilted up in question. "What is it, Talim?"

"I want to try being with you. I... I want to offer you nothing more than the fullest of love. If I can't help but still see you as nothing more than Raphael's replacement, it will never work between us. But if it turns out that I really do like you for... you, then I have decided to move on and be with you." She turned her head away. "Saying this, I don't know how you'll think of me. I feel so terribly ashamed of myself right now and I'm still very confused. Another part still hopes that you really are him."

He placed a hand on her cheek and pulled her against him, letting her rest her head against the crook of his neck. "You have nothing to be ashamed of. This was meant to be. I love you, Talim."

She couldn't respond to those words. Drawing inward, she let him hold her against his warm body while she breathed in his scent. Gently, she kissed his neck and whispered, "Can we stay out here for the rest of the night?"

"Of course," he replied, laying down in the grass while still keeping his arms around her. She laid her head down on his chest and he stroked her back lovingly. He could feel her heart pound and he knew her well enough to know what she was thinking. Quietly, he said, "You've waited seventeen years, Talim. Raphael would with absolute certainty, want to see this."

"How would you know?" she replied, still partly sad and doubtful about the whole suggestion.

He smiled as he removed his mask and laid it on the side. "I just do."