Raphael stared at the sword that was inches from his throat. "You have nothing to gain from killing me."

"That does not mean that I will spare you," said the archduke coldly.

Hilde immediately interrupted. "Raphael is one of my people. For my honor, I will not allow anyone to harm him. If you wish to hurt him, I shall fight you myself." She drew her own sword and stood up.

Matthias looked at her warily. "For one man, you would risk the happiness of your people, Princess Hilde?"

"My people would be ashamed of me if I abandoned my ally and the land you give me, will be unblessed in the eyes of the gods."

"Very admirable, Princess." The archduke seemed rather amused as he put away the sword. He beckoned to her to sit back down as he did. "Raphael Sorel is right in saying that I have nothing to gain by persecuting him. So… I propose an arrangement."

"What kind of arrangement?" asked Raphael suspiciously.

Matthias took a drink from his cup before answering. "I have the power to strike the charges from your record. You'll be a free man Raphael Sorel… And if there's something else you wish, tell me and I'll grant it." Next, he addressed Hilde, "I have plenty of land at my disposal. I can grant you a country to call Wolfkrone again and your people shall have a home once more. But you two must agree to a few of my conditions."

Hilde asked slowly, "What conditions do you have in mind Archduke Matthias?"

"I need you to help me stop Dumas."

Raphael looked at the archduke incredulously. "What?"

Matthias smirked. "I know that you are a malfested Raphael Sorel. But I can ignore the fact that you're a malfested if you prove useful to me. But first, let me explain… I know that Dumas is a malfested but I can't outright accuse him. He's very powerful and this can easily tip the fragile scales of balance. But for the sake of the world, I will put a stop to Dumas's ambition once and for all."

Shadows danced across their concerned faces and Hilde questioned, "What are his ambitions?"

Matthias narrowed his eyes and placed a map of the world on the table. "He hates us humans and he'll do everything to wipe us out of existence. I hold as much power as he does but he has many powerful allies on his side." The archduke sighed and rubbed his eyes tiredly. "As a malfested, he plans to malfest every country in this world and claims it as his own. I have seen the evidence. It starts with a few monsters and beasts and when Dumas comes to start the purge, the people believe that all is well and they cast their favor with him. But every place he takes over increases the population of the malfested. Whether that's because he's rallying them or because he's turning us humans into malfested… I don't know. But the people, nobles and sovereigns become scared and they give him more power, believing that he'll protect them. He has also been gathering these…" Matthias took out a small bag and opened it.

The air in the tent immediately felt heavier as the archduke placed a pulsing red shard on the desk. Hilde and Raphael shared a quick glance and decided that it was best if the archduke didn't know what it was. Hesitantly, Hilde picked up the vile shard. "How did you come by this?"

"I have been gathering them myself once I found out that Dumas has an interest in this," explained Matthias. "Do you know why I attacked that inn? Because I know that they're Dumas's people and I killed them to weaken his power base. I also managed to find two shards there." He adjusted his seat on the rug and stared at them. "I have already arranged to meet Dumas at his castle on the pretense of overlooking some plans for the future of Hungary. This is where you'll be needed."

Raphael crossed his arms and said impatiently, "I grow weary of your round about ways of talking. It's been a long time that I've had to deal with court politics so just tell us what you want."

Matthias smiled and said, "It seems Dumas is planning a party for me. I know he's planning something once I get there so I have already invited my friends to attend. He has also sent out the invitation to his own allies and I have decided to make an important announcement. Hilde, I want you to cast your vote with me along with the other leaders I have gathered. We will tell Dumas to stop the 'fake' purge he's conducting and I will lay down some conditions to stop him from gaining more power."

"He won't agree," Hilde said thoughtfully. "He has his own allies and army to stop you."

Matthias laughed. "And that's why, I will need Raphael."

Raphael looked at him questioningly. "What do I have to do with anything?"

"You are a malfested. I want you to join Dumas."

"You want me to be a spy," said Raphael, realizing where this was going.

"Yes. You will find me all the useful information that will show the world that Dumas is a malfested and tell me about his plans." Matthias took out an envelope from under some maps and handed it to Raphael. "I pried this letter of acceptance from a malfested that I killed today at the inn. Give this to Dumas and you'll be accepted. I shall give you my fastest stallion and have you arrive at his castle before I do. After that, stay silent and follow Dumas as obediently as possible and if you ever discover something useful, tell me through carrier pigeons."

"Why me?" Raphael asked curtly.

Matthias replied, "You were a well-trained noble, talented in the ways of acting to get what you want at court. I know you'll be able to win Dumas's trust and hide your true intentions from him." When he finished the explanation, he gestured to them. "So, will you two agree to the agreement or not?"

They looked at each other before nodding. "But I and Raphael have an additional two requests." Hilde said quietly, "A friend of mine named Talim has been kidnapped by Dumas. I want to save her… and Raphael wishes to see the lamia and her kids that you have captured."

Matthias nodded. "I shall do my best to barter for your friend's freedom then. As for the lamia, you can see her right now if you wish." He snapped his finger and gestured to the guard that just entered. "Take them to see the lamia."

"Thank you," said Hilde gratefully. Raphael tilted his hat in appreciation and stood up. His heart pounded as he wondered if he finally found Amy…

Leaving the tent, they walked past many tents until they reached the edge of the campsite. Large crates and boxes rested on the soft grass, covered by dull cloths that tugged slightly from the wind. Guards surrounded the pile and Raphael wondered what was in those crates.

It was now dark and the light from the torches in their hands crawled across the crates in front of them and he felt something stir from within them. A sudden unexplainable chill swept past him as the cover was lifted up from the two biggest crates. He immediately gasped. They weren't crates! It was cages! In one, a large lizard had his jaws tied tightly shut and he was completely bound. Two shining axes lay at his feet and he glared at the people standing before him before striking his prison with his heavy tail. The lizard's eyes met Raphael's own and something seemed to shine in the beast's eyes as it growled and banged the cage even more.

Raphael took a step back. The hate and anger was evident in its eyes and he could not fathom why it kept glaring at him. One of the soldiers kicked the cage forcefully and threw the cover back over it, hiding the reptilian from sight. Strangely relieved, he looked at the other cage.

A weak lamia stared at them hatefully as she hugged her children. Her long black hair was tangled and full of dirt and someone had wickedly carved up her green tail and dried blood stained the bottom of the cage. Her children cried with fright and burrowed themselves into her arms and they pulled on the small green top she was wearing. It only covered her breasts and his eyes looked at the bleeding wounds on her back and midsection before her children cover it by nestling against her. His eyes immediately spotted the red haired child and when he saw the curls, he asked hopefully, "Amy? Is that you my beloved?"

The young girl raised her head up fearfully. Her scarlet red curls bounced slightly but as she looked at him, he saw her gold colored eyes and her mouth was bigger than Amy's. She was also smaller than his daughter as well. Her short orange dress was dirty and she huddled against the lamia when he didn't say anything. The other two children had silver colored hair and one of them was crying. Her eyes were hidden by a strip of red cloth and the small red dress she wore was burnt and blackened in many parts. The last child had eyes that were blue as the sea and when she cried, the sound was extremely… heartbreaking. Taking a closer look, he saw that her hands were slightly webbed. All of them… were malfested.

One of the guards sneered and poked the cage with his spear. "Go on, say something you little whelps. Or should I teach you some respect?"

The children cried and the lamia's dark eyes flashed with anger as she seized the head of the spear and yanked on it. The man hit the cage with surprise and she hissed. "Don't you dare touch my children!" And she used to butt of the spear to knock him away.

The other guards immediately thrust their own swords and spears into the cage. "No! Stop it!" shouted Raphael and Hilde. The lamia screamed as the weapons cut at her and she did her best to shield her children with her body. Drawing his Flambert, he knocked the weapons aside and stood in front of the cage. "How am I going to see if that's my daughter in there if you imbeciles cut her face up!" he lied as he shielded them from view.

"Leave at once," Hilde ordered authoritatively. "I and Raphael have business here."

"Why are you protecting them? They're monsters," said a soldier scathingly.

Raphael's arm shot forward as he punched the man square in the jaw, sending him falling. He remembered when Amy was called a monster, and how hurt she had been. Never again would he allow someone to call a child a monster. "They're not monsters, they're children!" He bared his fangs in anger. "Get out of my sight."

"Why you-"

Raphael pointed his rapier between the man's eyes and said threateningly, "I said, get out." His voice was ice cold and his eyes were frightening to look out. The soldier and his comrades quickly ran off and Raphael sheathed his sword into his belt with a scowl. Kneeling down, he lifted his hat up so that she could see his red eyes and know that he was one of them. Slowly, the lamia relaxed. "Why have you come to see me?"

"I heard that you were travelling with three children and I thought that one of them… could have been mine." Raphael smiled sadly. "But it looks like I'll have to keep searching."

"You are a parent as well?" When he nodded, she hugged her kids and said, "They are not mine. I merely adopted them but after all we've been through, I care for them as if they are my own flesh and blood."

"How did you become a malfested? And where did you come from?" asked Hilde.

Her tail moved from side to side and she looked at them warily before answering. "I came from the East… I left my village since I was tired of its imposing rules and its religion and because I wanted freedom. I wanted to see the outside world and see what was out there but then that catastrophe seventeen years ago turned me into this." They all glanced at her green tail and she said, "I wanted to die. But I finally found the strength to live when I found these children." She rested her head on the blue eyed child and closed her eyes tiredly. "I don't care about what happens to me as long as they're alright. Please…" She raised her head and looked at them pleadingly. "Please save them. I beg you."

As a mother, Hilde reached for her hand through the bars of the cage and said, "I… I will do my best."

"No, you aren't." Matthias arrived and pulled the covers back over the cage and muffled out the cries of the lamia and the children. He looked down at them coldly and said, "I have plans for them."

Raphael growled and stood back up. "What kind of man are you! How could you do this to them?"

Matthias ignored him and began heading back to his tent. "Remember our bargain Raphael. If you follow your orders, I will erase the charges on your head. I will also…" He looked over his shoulder and smiled deviously. "Find you your daughter. I would choose wisely if I were you. And Hildegard… you have your own people to look after. Don't you?"

Raphael curled his hands into fists. "Damn you…"

Hilde did the same and she looked down at the ground shamefully. Inside the cage, the lamia murmured quietly, "Wind… please save us. It is I that you should punish. My children are innocent…" She could not tell if the wind was listening and this saddened her even more.

Talim quirked a slender eyebrow when Dumas led her to the library. It was early morning and she rubbed her eyes sleepily. Walking up the spiral staircase, they sat down at a table near the window and Talim looked at the blank papers and quill pens curiously. Dumas held out a chair for her and when she sat down, he smoothly slid it in for her before sitting down beside her as well. "I'll be teaching you how to write and read Talim."

Talim looked surprised at the sudden announcement. "I... I thank you for the offer Dumas. But I don't need these skills."

"Nonsense." He began explaining to her the usefulness of knowing more than one language and then he began listing them off the top of his head. "English, French, Latin... these three shall be the first one you'll have to learn since they're the most useful. You already know how to speak English so right now, I'll just teach you how to read and write before we move on to French."

Talim's lips curled into a smile. "Mais je sais déjà comment parle en français."

Dumas sat there in silence before laughing. "Dearest! When did you know how to speak French? And you speak it so well my love!"

Talim blushed at the compliment as she fiddled with a long lock of her hair. "I have traveled to many places these past years. And learning the languages there was necessary to help the malfested and find Raphael and Amy. As you can see, I have no need to learn how to read and write."

Dumas wagged his finger at her. "Learning is a good way to stimulate your mind and knowledge is always a good thing. I-augh..."

He held his left hand in pain and Talim reach for it worriedly. "It still hurts after five days?" For the past few days, they had gotten along quite well. He was always there to remind her to drink her holy water and she in turn reminded him to rest and take occasional breaks from his work.

Dampierre had snidely been passing gossips to the servants and she actually caught him making up a song about the two of them as he walked down the stairs. To her horror, Dumas was coming towards Dampierre while he was singing so before Dampierre could finish a part involving 'holding hands and gazing into the sunset', she knocked him down the stairs with a blast of wind and ran away, her face burning like mad.

He winced slightly and pulled his bandaged hand away from her. "Don't worry Talim. It'll heal sooner or later. Now, let's get started shall we?" She cast another worried glance at his hand before nodding. He smiled and asked, " Which hand do you usually use Talim?"

"Both."

"So you're ambidextrous." He picked up the quill pen with his right hand and wrote down one letter. "This is the letter a."

Talim looked at the letter quizzically before repeating, "A?"

"Good. Now, trace the letter for me. Do it at least five times." Her watched as she hesitantly picked up the quill pen and dipped it into the bottle of ink and proceeded to redraw the letter. The rest of the morning passed in a blur as they finished the alphabet.

Looking at the grandfather clock, he informed her that it was time for lunch. Heading towards the dining room, they made small talk and he was relieved to hear that she was feeling very well. The holy water seemed to have done its trick and Talim looked quite radiant and vigorous. "So, what do you want to do today dearest?"

Talim smiled and tilted her head to look outside the window. "It's a beautiful day Dumas..."

He returned her smile. "Well then. Let's eat outside and enjoy the sunshine."

Talim nodded eagerly, he gave the orders to a passing servant as they headed for the garden. As she walked with him, a sudden sad thought passed through her. Would Raphael ever be able to enjoy the sunshine with her? But then she shook her head and touched her necklace. As long as they were together, she would willingly spend the rest of her life in the darkness with him. Talim looked at Dumas apologetically. Even if he was richer, stronger, and better than Raphael... she could not choose him and abandon her old love.

Once they were outside, he chose a nice and shady spot beneath a willow tree to sit down. Resting underneath the shade, he enjoyed the view of the colorful rose bushes and white lilies planted around them. A few paths made of decorative pavement winded around his garden and trees dotted the lush landscape. Vines of grapes and flowers were a common sight and the addition of his marble white statues added a nice touch. He was also quite proud of his beautiful water fountain and his man made spring that was nearby.

Talim tilted her head and said, "It's alittle late but if I may ask, how did you cultivate your garden. The dark energy of your castle would have made it very difficult to grow anything."

"You're very observant Talim," he noted as he picked up a fallen leaf. "I had to ask a very talented alchemist to cast a spell on the land for it to be this luscious. She asked for a rather ridiculous price for the service but nonetheless, I'm happy with the results."

"How much?"

He laughed. "Enough to buy myself another castle." They sat there in amicable silence until a servant arrived with a big basket of food and left. Dumas spread a large blue blanket out and when they sat down once more, he handed her a plate of rice and steamed vegetables.

Taking a few bites, Talim smiled at the taste of herbs, spice and the moist rice slid easily down her throat. Dumas took out a dish of spaghetti instead and the two dined in companionable silence with a few occasional small talks. Talim saw him pour himself another drink and said, "Dumas, you are drinking too much. It's not good for your health."

He took a few more sips of the alcohol and smirked at her. She caught the mischievous look on his face as he held the glass of brandy in his hand. "What are you thinking of now?"

"Oh... nothing." He finished the glass and poured himself another drink. He was secretly laughing at the memory of her getting drunk when they were in the spirit world during the first trial. She looked so adorable falling into that pile of fish... Taking off his mask, he laid it beside him as he leaned back against the tree, completely content and happy as he thought about it.

Talim averted her eyes as her heart leaped at the sight of Raphael's face. Pulling her knees to her chest, she closed her eyes at the sudden sadness that threatened to overwhelm her. Dumas seemed to notice as he put a hand on her shoulder and asked, "What's wrong Talim?"

Talim closed her eyes and whispered, "I can't help but feel happy and sad at the same time when I see your face. But the truth is... you're not him. Because I know this, it hurts."

He felt greatly frustrated that she refused to believe who he was. With a weary sigh, he put his mask back on and said softly, "All you need to know is that the man currently beside you, truly loves you." He picked up her hand and planted a chaste kiss on it.

She withdrew her hand and laid it on her medallion. "And I truly love Raphael. I'm sorry Dumas." Sitting there, she rested against the tree and looked up at the blue sky and waving branches of the willow tree. "I will continue to wait for him."

Raphael sighed as he tugged on the reins of his white horse. Dumas's castle was in sight and he knew he should reach it in half a day. He wondered how he would react to seeing the man and he rubbed his eyes tiredly. So tired… and so frustrated… this was all so stupid. If it wasn't for the fact that Matthias had promised to erase the charges on his head and find Amy, he would never associate with such a loathsome man. With an irritated look on his face, he nudged his horse and they headed into the forest of trees.

Talim sat up. Whimpering, she held a hand to her scar as it throbbed painfully. "What's going on?"

"Talim! What is it?" He held her in his arms as she hunched over in pain.

"Fetch your horses Dumas," gasped Talim, struggling to stand up. She pressed her hand against the scar and pleaded, "Please, hurry. Our weapons… "

"Come with me." He helped her lean against him and they headed back towards the castle. "Do you need more holy water?"

Talim grimaced and nodded. "It should help…" As they walked, she said to Dumas, "There's something dangerous out there Dumas. I'm… ugh, very worried."

"I'll send the soldiers to investigate."

She immediately shook her head. "No. I don't think they'll be able to handle it Dumas. There's something wrong with the wind and I need to go see for myself."

"Then I'm coming with you." He ignored her protest and replied, "Wherever you go, I go..."

Riding towards the mountains, Talim sat behind Dumas and held onto his shoulders tightly. Her double crescent blades were strapped to her belt and he had his own sword strapped to his back and they were well armed for a confrontation. Dumas said over his shoulders, "Talim, hold on to my waist."

Talim reluctantly slid her arms around his armoured waist and hugged him tightly as they speed up. His black stallion tore up chunks of grass with its hooves until they reached the forest. A few hours later, they left the sea of trees and came to the base of the tall mountains and her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly. Sitting behind him, Talim said nervously, "There's something up ahead…"

He nodded curtly before nudging his black stallion forward. To Talim he lied, "Talim, if you sense dark energy coming from my sword, it's because my sword has drunk and soaked in the blood of many malfested."

"What?" She looked at the veiled sword in his hand and said, "I don't understand."

"I took this sword from a general that has slain many of my people," said Dumas as he continued the lie. "In their honor, I now use this sword to remember their pain and sacrifices."

Talim peered at the sword closely. Indeed, it did emit a dark aura now that she paid attention to it. Was it like Kilik's Kali-Yuga and Taki's Mekki-Maru then?

The path steeped upward and he urged his horse to do its best and head uphill. When the path became too narrow from the pressing sides of the mountains and from the rocks blocking it, Dumas dismounted and he caught Talim when she leaped down from the saddle. He reached for the veiled Soul Edge strapped on his back and looked around apprehensively. Rocks as far as the eye could see and nothing stirred. It was eerily silent and he glanced up at the distance they'd have to climb. "Talim, stay behind me. If it's dangerous I'll take over."

Talim seemed rather touched by his words as she looked up at him. "Dumas, you don't have to do this. It's my duty as a wind priestess to follow the wind here and restore the balance of nature and I don't want to see you get hurt because of me."

He shushed her. "Not another word Talim. Now, get on my back."

She blinked at him. "Eh?"

"I'll carry you up there."

Talim immediately waved her hands in protest. "Dumas, I can climb. I'll only weigh you down if you carry me."

He rolled his eyes. "Ma petite, you weigh as much as a feather. I wouldn't even feel you on my back."

Talim pouted and pointed at him. "Dumas, the amount of armor you're wearing would give me an entire lifetime of muscles if I use them as weights for an afternoon. Not only that, you're already carrying a giant sword! Adding me on your back may just break your back!"

Dumas then pointed at her and replied, "Talim, by the time we reach the top you may as well be half naked. Your outfit is going to rip and tear like mad. It barely covers your arms, legs and midsection already and you'd also be bleeding and bruised. My armor can protect me from scratches and scrapes and I've got enough muscles to carry you up there and back."

She looked down at her traditional outfit and sighed reluctantly. He did have a point, she'd be battered and bruised if she did climb. "I... alright then, Dumas." Taking his veiled sword, she strapped it to her back before hopping on him.

They then began the precarious climb upwards. As they went higher and higher, sweat poured down Dumas's forehead and the back of his neck. His skin was turning red and she moved her hand to block some sunlight out of his eyes. The sun was high up and she was also sweating, but she knew Dumas was probably drowning. She could practically sense the body heat radiating up from the armor. Shyly, she reached out and wiped at his forehead.

"Merci," he panted as he adjusted his foot towards a nearby foothold to climb. They crawled inch by inch and he groaned, "Damn it, why is it so hot today?"

Her eyes widened as she realized she could have helped with that about an hour ago. "Wind!"

"Aughhhhhhh!"

"Eeeeeeeeeek!"

The cool wind she had called forward helped cooled them, but it also made Dumas slipped and he fell a few inches before he managed to grab onto a ledge. His arms trembled from the strain and she clung onto him for dear life. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to," she squealed.

"I expected better sense from you," he said dryly as they hanged there.

"Sorry," she repeated. "I... I just wanted to help cool you off, Dumas."

He let out a loud sigh before trying to find a foothold. There didn't seem to be any though and he muttered, "Since we're about to die, why don't we have some heart to heart."

"What?"

He looked behind his shoulders at her and said, "Let's be honest with each other. Please, tell me the truth, you're attracted to me aren't you?"

She stared at him in disbelief. "Dumas! We're like fifty feet off the ground and we're hanging by the tips of your fingers. This isn't the time!"

"On the contrary, this is the perfect time. If I'm going to die, I'd at least like to know the answer to that question."

She pursed her lips grumpily. "Dumas, you're being silly eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!" She screamed and hung on to him tightly as they slipped another few inches. They really were probably going to die!

Dumas panted heavily as he dug his fingers into the rocks. "Cross blast it!" He tried to dig his feet into the rock. Looking around, he noticed a nearby ledge. "Talim! Use me to push yourself and jump onto that ledge!"

"What? No!" She protested, "If I do that you'll fall! I'm not going to let that happen."

"Talim, we're both going to die at this rate. I care about you and I'd die happy knowing you at least made it," he said through gritted teeth as his arms burned.

She shook her head, her heart pounding at his words. "If it means sacrificing you to save myself, I'd rather us both die. I... I like you-" When he looked at her, her cheeks turned red. "I like you as a friend. You're a really good friend to me."

"Really?" he asked with a scoff. "We're on the brink of death and you still won't admit it?"

She turned her head away. "There's nothing to admit-" She screamed when one of his hands slipped and now they were only hanging on by one hand. "Dumas!" Squeezing her eyes shut, she shouted, "Fine! I like you n-not as a friend but as a man. I love Raphael but I can't deny that I'm physically attracted to you and I am extremely grateful for your devotion towards me." When she saw his wide grin, all the blood rushed to her head and she tucked her head down like a turtle, trying to hide.

"That wasn't so hard now was it?" he asked, sounding extremely happy.

She pouted and continued avoiding his gaze. "Dumas, nothing is going to happen if we fall and get flattened like pancakes."

"You'd better hang on tight then, Talim." With that, he returned his other hand to the ledge and pulled himself up, struggling with all of his might to dig his feet into the rocky footholds.

As they climbed, she noticed his elated expression and grin and she huffed. He was probably going to get the cramps of a lifetime, be sunburned, and smell like he hasn't bathe in weeks, and yet he looked like he just got married. Inwardly, she knew it was because of what she had said that made him so happy. Blushing, she tried not to think about it.

Once they reached a good sized landing side, Talim jumped off and pointed to the plateau above them. "There's something... or someone there. We have to get up there!" When he didn't reply, she turned around. "Dumas?" The reason why he wasn't saying anything was obvious as he was dying for breath. "I think I'll climb this last portion..."

"Go on ahead then," he gasped, walked towards her like a hunchback. "I'm right behind you. Just give me back my sword." With that, they began the shorter part of their climb. "Stupid rocks," he murmured darkly. He lost his footing a few times but Talim was very lithe and nimble as she leaped over rocks and went ahead

Talim leaped on to the flat plateau, her eyes scanned the deserted landscape warily. But then she heard something and when she looked up, something dropped onto her face and she screamed.

"Talim!" Dumas scaled the last rock and when he leaped onto the plateau, a grey blob launched itself at his face and it nearly made him fall backwards. "Urgh! What is this!"

Talim finally managed to pull the white ball off her face and she coughed out a white feather. Holding it in her hands, she gasped. The thing… was beautiful! And it was probably the cutest thing she's ever seen.

The bird was as big as a small watermelon and just as round. It also had the biggest eyes she's ever seen. It wings flapped comically as it wiggled in her hands and it chirped before nuzzling her chest. As she held it, she sensed a large amount of spiritual energy as well as something familiar about it. She held it up and tilted it back and forth, wondering why it seemed so familiar. The bird blinked its big honeyed yellow eyes at her and let out a laughing kinda peep before singing a short tune. At that, Talim's eyes watered. "You're… you're Alun!" She cried and hugged it. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you from Tira. I'm so sorry please forgive me Alun." Her bird chirped cheerfully and cuddled against her; just happy to be reunited with its mistress again.

"Ahh!"

Talim turned her head to see Dumas yank a grey blob off his face. When she saw what it was, she shouted in joy, "Buffy!"

The baby batsa squeaked and wiggled in Dumas's hands. It was still the same grey ball of soft fur and big eyes. But when it let out a batty kind of giggle, Dumas laughed. Its fangs had grown in whereas before, it was completely toothless. He released it and it flapped its small wings in the air for a few seconds before making its way to his head and it plopped itself down in his soft hair. "Still the same as always," Dumas mused as it squeaked happily. Talim walked over to him with the baby bird in her arms and he smiled down at it. "You've found a new pet as well my dear?"

Talim laughed and shook her head. "This is my bird, Alun. It's now a spirit bird."

Dumas looked at the fluffy round bird in her arms. "But, how do you know it's your bird?"

She smiled at him. "Do you know why I knew that replacement bird you got me wasn't Alun? It didn't sing the song Alun would always sing to me when we see each other. This bird knows the song… and I know that it's mine." She patted her bird on the head and her eyes sparkled with joy. Next, she waved to Buffy. "It's good to see you Buffy." The bat grinned and waved one of its small wings at her. She beamed and gestured to Dumas. "And this is Dumas."

Buffy squeaked in puzzlement and shook its head. Dumas chuckled and said, "I know this cute baby bat Talim. And it seems that Buffy also recognizes me… for I am Raphael." His grin grew wider when the baby batsa bobbed its head in agreement.

Talim didn't believe it. She was sure that Buffy merely mistook his physical appearance and believed him to be Raphael when they met all those years ago in the borders of the spirit world. Suddenly, she realized something."Wait… these two don't belong in our world. What are they doing here?"

Dumas pondered the question carefully before prodding the bat on his head. "Well, how did you get here Buffy?" The baby batsa screeched and pointed upward.

They both backed away as a man with shimmering white wings descended from a swirling bright portal. His long blonde hair was tied up into a high pony tail and his light silver armor shined in the sunlight from the setting sun. An elegant glass mask covered his face and intricate symbols decorated his armored greaves and chest plate. The man was slim and willowy but the aura radiating from him showed that this was no ordinary opponent. He held a sparkling blue spear in his hand and Dumas felt Soul Edge stir. With a low voice, he asked, "Who are you?"

The angel tilted his head slightly as he landed. "Are your souls dancing at the sight of salvation? Come… and let me purge you of this taint." The words were addressed for Dumas and Talim moved protectively in front of him.

She motioned for her bird and Buffy to fly away and stay safe as she drew her elbow blades while Dumas readied his own sword. But the angel seemed unperturbed by their actions and he stood still. Quietly, Talim asked, "Where did you come from?"

"Utopia… of the Blessed." The angel's voice was filled with power and it said, "Priestess… and mistress of the four winds that circles this world, why do you stand against me?" He paused and watched the confusion flicker across Talim's face. "The last child of an ancient bloodline…how dare you fall in love with the darkness." His wings fluttered slightly as he opened his arms. "Now is your chance to repent. Become Soul Calibur's next wielder and you will be forgiven and granted salvation."

At those words, Talim replied, "I have nothing to say to Soul Calibur's followers. Now please, leave this place, you don't belong here."

"This world will soon be saved and true order shall reign. The ones that don't belong here, are the malfested." And he pointed his spear at Dumas. "Now, prepare to be judged..."

Talim's eyes turned green and she said, "You and Soul Calibur have no right to pass judgement on anyone." With two gestures, she blasted a layer of wind at the ground and a torrent of dust and rocks headed straight towards the angel.

With one gesture, he cut the attack in half and said, "He will not leave this place aliv-"

Dumas smirked as he appeared behind the angel's back in a flash of fire. "You were saying?" With that, he slammed the hilt of his sword into the man's back and slashed at the wings. To his surprise, sharp feathers shot out at him and he narrowly dodged them. "You wretch!" He slammed his right fist into its stomach and sent it flying. "Talim! Now's your chance!" he shouted to the priestess who was readying her own attacks.

"Gale blades!" Talim shot three sharp blades of air at their foe but it only ended up cutting a boulder into four pieces as the nimble angel flapped his wings and ascended into the air. With a sharp intake of breath, she charged forward and her footsteps echoed across the rocky platform.

"Over here!" Dumas laid his blade diagonally from high to low and kneeled down. Using his strength and sword, he let her land on his blade and with a grunt, he launched her up into the air.

As she leaped off his sword, she flipped twice and her eyes tracked the angel as he headed for her. "Now fall!" Using the momentum, she drop kick his shoulder and dodged the spear he thrusted at her. Landing back on the ground, she cartwheeled forward and delivered a barrage of slices at the angel's arms, chest and thigh. But he anticipated her last move and before she could stop, he side stepped it and blast her away with a beam of light.

Talim felt like she had been hit with a boulder as she flew backwards and rolled a few feet away. "Ugh!" She coughed and looked up at Dumas who blocked the angel's path towards her.

"On your knees!" Dumas smashed the ground and fire as well as rocks flew towards the masked angel spun his spear and deflected the attack. "I'm not done yet!" His eyes gleamed red and he used the blunt side of his veiled Soul Edge to slam it against the man's back and forced him to drop to the ground. "Now you burn!" And he raised up his sword to inflict the fatal blow.

"Soul Edge... must be destroyed." Rolling to the side, he got up and his spear gleamed with holy light. "Perish, oh wicked powers!"

With a growl, Dumas, locked his sword against the spear as they struggled back and forth. His patience was beginning to thin as his sword thirsted for the powerful soul. "The nightmare, will devour your soul!" He stomped his metal boot down on the angel's foot and grounded it savagely.

"Disappear unto nothingness." With no sign of feeling the bones in his foot being crushed by Dumas, he emotionlessly raised his hand and aimed it Talim.

"No! Don't you dare!" He pushed the spear to one side as he slammed the angel down to the ground. Dumas then snarled, "Let's see what's under that mask!" Raising his right hand, he swiftly punched the glass mask and shattered it. Stunned by the emptiness in the angel's sculptured face, Dumas froze. "What has Soul Calibur done to you?"

"She has given me salvation."

Dumas replied curtly, "I pity you..." His sword gave him more strength and he raised it up. "I shall now end your meaningless existence!"

The angel's eyes flashed blue as he knocked him away with a beam of light from his palm and readied his spear. "Begone! Vile Nightmare!

Talim watched from afar as Dumas and the angel traded blows back and forth and she drew a quick circle in the air. The wind swirled around her and sparkling green runes appeared around her feet. Talim felt the wind howl around her and she looked up at the shining portal above them. That thing must be closed at once or else more of Soul Calibur's followers will come. She shouted to Dumas, "Dumas, stay back! Strike him when I hit him with my next move!"

He nodded and dark energy began swirling around his blade as he parried the angel's spear. "Tell me when you're ready!"

"Just try." The angel summoned a shining barrier around him and twirled his spear with empty confidence. "Let's see what you're capable of, mistress of the four winds..."

"Feel the wrath of the wind." Gripping her elbow blades tightly, she began drawing in all of the tainted energy in the air and her eyes turned a very dark green. Her skin paled and her lips turned purple as and she concentrated even harder. Slowly, a dark wind sharpened her blades and she raised them into a cross in front of her face. "Feel my pain… come… dark wind!" With all of her strength, she hurled her spinning elbow blades towards the shield. As it flew through the air, black lightning cackled down the blades and they struck the shield with a thunderous crash. Cracks appeared through the barrier and Talim shouted, "From dust and light you come, but from fire and wind will you burn! Now fall!"

At that, the shield shattered into pieces and Dumas snarled, "Let the fires of darkness take you! Now burn!" He charged at the shocked angel and thrust his red hot sword into its perfect body. He could feel Soul Edge's delight as it devoured the soul and blood dripped down his blade, staining the ground a dark red and the heat began eating away at the cloths covering Soul Edge. But all of a sudden, his blade trembled and pain flashed through it. As the host, he gasped as he shared Soul Edge's pain. His eyes widened when the blood turned blue and froze solid. Tendrils of ice snaked up his sword and he tried to wrench it out of the angel's body. "What's going on!"

"Get away from it Raphael! The essence of Soul Calib-! Ughhhhhhhh!"

He screamed as his right arm burned with pain and he stumbled away from the half-dead angel. Talim ran over and shouted, "Dumas! What's wrong?" Her eyes widened when the angel raised a hand and began charging another beam of white light. Frantically, she pushed Dumas aside and fetched her fallen elbow blades that lied at her feet. The beam hit her second later just as she raised it up defensively and she dug her feet into the ground as it hit her. Blinded by the light, her eyes were shut tight and she braced herself against the impact.

"Priestess of wind… I will now grant you eternal slumber."

The voice came from behind her and she knew that it was too late. She heard the whistling sound of the spear as it descended down... Blood flew through the air and splashed to the ground at her feet as the metal tore through the fragile fabric of flesh.

"Talim..." She stood there in shock as Dumas's heavy body draped over hers protectively. He coughed and whispered into her ear, "Are you... alright?" Speechless, she turned her head and saw his head resting on her right shoulder. His arms were wrapped around her tightly and for the next two seconds, time seemed to pass in slow motion as she stood there in his arms. He lifted his head weakly and smiled with relief. "Good... you're alright." With his remaining strength, he turned and violently slashed downward at the angel.

"Glory to… Soul Calibur," gurgled the angel as blood spilled from his right shoulder to his opposite waist. "To the true age of order… she will lead us to." His body broke down into strings of light and he vanished quietly.

Dumas felt his vision blurred and he reached out for Talim weakly as he fell backwards. "Talim…"

"Dumas!" Talim screamed and caught his hand as he fell. But he was too heavy for her and she did her best to cover his fall as they tumbled down to the ground and his sword hit the ground with a solid clack. Making him sit up, she looked at his back and gasped. From the attack, his armor had melted and blood dripped out of a red and raw diagonal wound. "Hold on. I'll seal the portal and then I'll heal you Dumas. Just hold on." She laid him down carefully before standing up. With her hands together, she murmured, "Seala no earata no loi moa!" Her eyes flashed as she closed the barrier and Alun and Buffy flew over to her worriedly.

"Stay with me guys," said Talim as she bent down and tried to get Dumas onto her back. Her bird and Buffy grabbed onto the handle of his sword with their beak and fangs and struggled with her to get to a nearby cave on the plateau. They moved painstakingly slow and Talim felt her body cry out in protest as she half carried and half dragged Dumas on her back. She looked over her shoulder at him and her voice trembled from emotion. "Why? Why did you take that blow for me?" Her eyes grew moist at the thought that he would willingly die for her and she whispered, "Please don't leave me… I… Dumas... I... I can't lose you." She said tearfully, "You promised me you wouldn't die! You promised me I wouldn't lose you! Please wake up!"

My heart has died for the past many years

It has never truly experienced joy without Raphael by my side

Don't make my heart die a second time