Raphael opened his eyes and said in an annoyed tone of voice, "Do you have this much free time woman?" He shifted alittle and his muscles in his chained arms and legs groaned outward in protest. The day was gloomy since no sunlight came into his small and grey cell. In a foul mood as well, Raphael wasn't happy about the wind priestess intruding on his solitude.

Talim looked down and clasped the basket in her arms. "I... I know you don't like to wake up during the day but I was worried that you might be hungry. So I waited till it was mid-afternoon to bring you breakfast, Raphael. If you're still not very hungry, I can come back alittle later."

His blonde hair partially hid his eyes that were mixed with annoyance and some small parts of pity. In a final tone of voice, he said, "I don't love you."

Talim froze. Her hands turned white as she clutched the basket but she told herself to remain calm; Raphael was just telling her this to protect her. He must be worried about how Dumas would feel if she kept going down here to look after him. With quivering lips, Talim smiled. "So Raphael, what do you want to eat today? I made eggs-"

"Are you deaf?" barked Raphael. He watched as the woman's face crumbled and he wondered how Siegfried and Hilde could call her strong when she couldn't even hold herself together. Was this really the woman that Soul Calibur wanted as its wielder? It must be a joke! The only reason he could see was that pure aura she radiated. It made him feel alittle weak whenever she was near him. Raphael turned his head away. "Just leave. You're making me feel sick, you know that?"

Talim bowed her head down in sorrow. "I... I'm sorry."

"What are you apologizing for?" Raphael jerked his head at his gloomy prison cell. Cries occasionally echoed down the dungeon's hallway and the place was dark, except for the illumination of blue flames that burned on their holders. In a tired voice, the Frenchman said, "If you want to help me, then get me out of here. That's much more useful then bringing me food."

"Dumas said-"

"You actually trust that man?" Raphael laughed at her naivety. "How foolish can you be? I am probably going to die, and when I say probably, it's most likely." His head dropped and he said glumly, "Just go. I don't want to see you right now."

Talim looked at him sadly. "I understand. If I can wait for you for seventeen years, then I can wait for two more days. No matter how long time passes, I will always love you... Laomea naka na toro. Cola se leai fa ohlei ni ma... ma no ei... Raphael."

Raphael saw the glimmer in her eyes as she professed her love before slowing moving towards the door. His lips moved silently as he repeated, "Laomea naka na toro. Cola se leai fa ohlei ni ma... ma no ei... Raphael." What did it mean? Why did something seem to resonate inside him when she said that? He rolled the words around his mouth as if he was tasting it, trying to figure out what it was. Was she the one who was mistaken or was it him, who had forgotten? After all... these last seventeen years had been nothing but a dark blur on his memory. Strangely though... the image of her medallion was stuck in his mind. The shining gold sun and moon on her medallion seemed rather familiar and it seemed to touch something inside him. He leaned forward, trying to see her but then pain shot up his arms. "Augh!"

"Raphael?!" She ran back to him, concerned. "Are you ok? What's wrong?"

"My arms, it's cramping up," he groaned.

Dropping her basket of food, she immediately starting massaging his arms. The pressure she applied helped soothed the cramped up muscles and he breathed a sigh of relief. He bit his lips as he glanced over at her from the corner of his eyes. She was diligently squeezing and rubbing his arms, trying to get the blood flow up again. After some time, she asked timidly, "Raphael, is that better?"

He silently nodded and she sighed in relief. "That's good to hear. Wait, hold on." She took out her elbow blades and whispered, "Wind!" The air around her blades grew hazy and his eyes widened.

"What are you doing?"

"Your chains are too tight. "I'll break off a link on each one in the middle to help." She pursed his lips. "Doubly chaining you is just too much."

"Wa-wait, if you miss-" She brought the blades down and he squeezed his eyes shut. To his surprise, she was dead on target and some pieces of chains fell to the ground. He flexed his fingers, feeling a lift of pressure off them.

Talim smiled. She slowly restrapped her elbow blades to her belt before picking up the basket of food. "Take care Raphael. I'll be back soon."

Before she left, he said, "Wait." Avoiding her eyes when she turned back to look at him, he said, "Thank you... for rescuing me back then, and for this." When he heard her sniffle, he looked up and was aghast to see her cry. Did he say something wrong?

"I-it's fine," she said, smiling and wiping her eyes. "Thank you Raphael. You do care... Oh no I'm crying. I'm sorry, I have to go!"

"I don't have a heart made of rocks," he muttered to himself with exasperation. Truth was he did owe her for saving him back in Odenburg and even though it was sort of her fault for why Dumas had locked him up, he couldn't really blame her. She seemed a docile and good enough woman, she didn't really deserve his attitude.

The dark castle was lavish and resplendent beyond anyone's imagination. Rich wine-red tapestries covered every window and the dark wooden floor shone as it peeked out from the dark purple roll of carpet that snaked throughout the huge castle. The suit of armors that decorated a few hallways stood there as silent sentinels while fire blazed in every fireplace. Servants and maid scampered back and forth in their uniforms to prepare for the guests that were due to arrive the next day. The huge dining table in the dining room was prepared for the feast tomorrow. A frilled white tablecloth was laid down and the silver cutlery gleamed. As the centerpiece, an oriental vase held a handful of fully bloomed red roses and white lilies. The huge window was finished being cleaned and it let in soft white moonlight that gently touched the edges of the white rectangular table.

Off in the West wing, rooms were almost done being swept and clean and the luxuries inside awaited its newest guest while other servants headed off to the library, foyer, elegant living rooms to set up for entertainment. Despite the hustle and bustle, the ballroom was exceptionally quiet. The roof of the ballroom silently sparkled as the crystals embedded in it reflected the soft light of the tall candle stands placed around the room. The oak floor was a dark honey brown and the blue tapestries covering the five huge windows hung heavy. Dumas placed a hand on one of the marble pillars and glanced over at the stairs that led down to the ballroom. After a few more minutes, his beautiful storm maiden appeared and he felt his breath caught in his throat.

Talim's long green hair was tied up into a high ponytail and it swayed back and forth as she stepped down the steps slowly. A transparent white veil covered half of her face, accentuating the chocolate eyes that glanced over at him shyly. The four red ribbons attached to the darker strip of fabric around her chest flowed down to the back of her knees and made a tingling sound as the gold sun emblems clinked against each other. Her puffy pants was a similar shade of red to the top except for the part near her thigh. The fabric there was sewn into the image of a lily and it was also see-through, just giving someone a small hint of her upper thighs. Her belt had a symbol of the sun in the middle and there, two more belts looped down to her ankles where it connected with shimmering gold bangles on her sandals. On her wrists were two more bangles attached to the ribbons and her armbands gleamed with his symbol.

Talim touched her sun and moon medallion and said shyly, "I... ermm, I really don't know what to say."

He smiled and reached for her ponytail. Letting the smooth hair slide out of his hand, he said, "Sometimes, silence is better than words dearest. For I can find no words, to describe how beautiful you look." Seeing the faint smile between her veil mask, he reached behind him and took out a sparkling tiara with a ruby that was embedded into a sun outline on it. Placing it on her head, he chuckled. "I have right before me... the radiant sun herself."

Talim said shyly, "Dumas, you're overexaggerating." She gestured to her outfit and looked at him gratefully. "How did you know the designs of my village's traditional outfits?"

Dumas looked pleased with himself as he replied, "I just did my research."

Tilting her head, Talim beamed. "I will have to do my best and dance as beautifully as possible for your guests tomorrow. Such a dazzling outfit deserves to be used for a wonderful performance. And tomorrow... will be the last day I'll be with you until I leave with Raphael."

He stilled for a moment before giving her a charming smile. "Tomorrow... you'll truly have your wish to be with the one you love." Dumas was also eager to have Ivy arrive and perform the ritual so that Talim would finally realize the truth. If that woman was late for his party... she was going to feel his wrath.

Talim poked him. "Dumas, what are you thinking about? You have a rather strange look on your face."

He waved it off and reassure her he was just thinking about his paper-works. With a sly grin, he adjusted his dark red V-necked shirt and added, "I have to say that I'm also alittle distracted by the lily design on your upper thighs."

Talim looked at her legs before pouting at him. "Dumas."

He raised his hands up in mock defeat. "I'm still a man you know. And I do have a certain love for transparent fabric." Dumas admired the design on her pants and said, "Did you know that lilies love sunlight? They're easy to grow and they have a very charming and simple beauty to them that I find quite comforting when I look at them."

Talim smiled up at him. "They're my favourite flowers. But you seem to love both lilies and roses..."

"You don't say?" He chuckled when she pouted at him again and he said, "I love those two flowers because they symbolize two very important persons to me. Roses have very unique spiralling centres and vivid colors that just catches my attention and they're very elegant and decadent while bearing a regal but slightly closed off aura to them. Lilies have a very simple charm and innocence to them that just makes them very endearing and they seem to reach out for you, the same way they reach out for the sun." He clasped his hands behind his back and smiled down at her. "Lilies seem to represent you very well, ma petite."

Talim averted her eyes when he used Raphael's old pet name for her. Softly, she said, "You seem to enjoy... giving me nicknames Dumas."

He smiled slightly. "My little wind priestess, my beautiful storm maiden, my dearest, ma petite... Yes, I do enjoy calling you all of those, depending on the situation. Which one do you like best?"

"Ma petite," Talim replied truthfully, meeting his eyes as she said that. Thinking back to the past when Raphael explained to her what ma petite meant, she murmured, "It means my little one in French and I like the childish charm and adoration it's meant for when I'm called that. But you can't call me that, only Raphael can."

He said nothing as she told him that, understanding her reasons and respecting them. But he made a note that when she knows that he was Raphael, he would use that pet name as her main one. He opened his arms and walked backwards while openly smiling at her. "Well, the night is not getting any younger. Let's see your dance my little wind priestess. Now, please step into the middle."

Unstrapping her double crescent blades, Talim strolled into the middle of the ballroom gracefully and looked at him curiously. With a playful smirk, Dumas snapped his fingers and the servants brought out candles and placed it in the four directions while making sure they were not too far away from her. Next, they put down paper thin screens and efficiently trapped her in a box. And lastly, they let down the dark blue curtains and covered the room in darkness, except for the light shining from the candles inside her box. The outline of her body was all that anyone could see as she stood there and asked, "What is this?"

Dumas crossed his arms and dismissed the servants before replying, "Entertainments are always the best when they're mysterious and alluring. It's human nature to be curious and this is just a way to make things so much more enjoyable."

Behind the screen, Talim looked at the graf's outline and blushed as she rubbed her bare arms. "This is rather embarrassing..."

Dumas laughed. "You're so cute sometimes. Now, may I see your dance Talim?" He watched closely as she obediently raised her elbow blades up and arched her back slightly. With this screen method, all one could see was the dark outline of her body and it served to make the image so much more powerful as she began to move. Such a sight that was hidden partially behind the barrier, calling to a man to come closer and see who the mysterious beauty was. A treasure that was so close and yet so far; a flower that can't be identified or touched. "Now sing... sing for me Talim," he whispered softly.

Her airy voice came through as she sung in that beautiful wind language as she danced. Words that no one understood besides him... He continued watching her closely as the two stayed in the ballroom alone. Her slender body moved gracefully around the box and the trailing ribbons on her outfit entranced him as she swung her moon shaped blades around. Her twirls were languid and he loved the way her curves showed as she leaned or bent her back.

For some reason, there was only a small air of sensuality. For the most part, it was something very beautiful that he just wanted to watch forever and ever. The same way one could sit and admire the sunset until it ended, that was how he felt as he watched her dance and heard her sing. Her soft voice rang through the air like a holy aria and it soothed his heart as he listened. He could feel all the tension and ache in his body drift away and the only thing that mattered, was that soothing and beautiful voice that seemed to wrap around him like a warm and soft blanket. Her body moved like a calm wind, graceful and relaxed and she was the very impersonation of that element that she worshiped .

As for Talim, she focused on her steps and to the music of the wind that she could always hear. It played in the background of her life and was a constant source of comfort for her. Always there, she kept the music quiet at the back of her mind until she needed to ask for advice or dance her traditional wind dance during battle or ceremonies. Right now, she listened and sung the words for Dumas to hear and enjoy. To share the warmth and joy of the wind's music brought her peace and she didn't mind having to perform for him or for the guests tomorrow.

All of a sudden, a knock on the door interrupted the performance. "My lord! My lord! I have something urgent to show you!"

"It had better be urgent," Dumas growled with annoyance as a servant burst int the room. Talim pushed aside one of the screen and quietly stood by his side as the flustered servant came in.

Wringing his hands, he bowed low. "My-my lord. This letter just arrived from the emperor."

Snatching the piece of paper, Dumas began scanning it. Unable to help herself, Talim leaned over alittle and peeked at the letter. She was still a beginner when it came to reading so she couldn't read very much. And unluckily for her, the letter was written in Latin, which was completely foreign to her eyes. But she did notice that the longer Dumas read it, the happier he seemed. His red eyes gleamed with an unspoken victory and his lips slowly curled upward. Lowering the letter, he began laughing, "After all these years... it's finally time that wretch started dying."

Talim did not like the words he just said. "Dumas, what's going on?"

"It's nothing to trouble yourself about my love." He calmly folded the paper in his hand and dismissed the servant. Strolling over to the window, he pulled aside the azure curtains and smiled. "Soon... very soon, and everything will be mine. I'm going to be making a very important announcement tomorrow, that will change everything. Matthias will regret the day he ever crossed me... Aha, ahaha ahahahaha!"

After all these years of careful planning and manipulation, he had finally risen to the top. To crush every insignificant noble that stood in his way and drive those who were against him into despair... he had to move ever so carefully. Like in chess, one move could result in total defeat. He had done everything he could to become the King of Hungary. Soon, he will take over the Holy Roman Empire and then... the world.

A cruel smile lit his face as he thought about the dying emperor. As always, his favorite method of assassination was poison. Now that Matthias had gain such an enormous amount of power in court, Rudolf was really of no use to him. Frightening the emperor and telling him lies about his brother and the rest of the court, Dumas had efficiently isolated Rudolf away from his friends and family. The man only had him to trust and Dumas pushed his advantages. Promising the king to find the Soul Edge shards to bring him back his health and vigor, amongst other nonsense, the king had finally decided to name both him and Rudolf as his future heirs if he was to die right now. He had to name Rudolf since they were brothers and of royal blood but as for Dumas, Rudolf had to push aside the senate's criticisms and other objections of the opposing nobles. But since he was so afraid of dying, he pushed it to go through.

Dumas snickered; the poison was just a way to scare the emperor and so that his plans would take effect alittle faster. To stave off death, Rudolf's only hope was the Soul Edge shards and Dumas... Without a trace of remorse of guilt of doing such a thing to the man who trusted him so, Dumas took ahold of Talim's hand. "Come now dearest, we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Get some rest."

Talim looked at him worriedly. "Dumas... what are you planning?"

He pulled her into his arms and smiled. "My victory."

Seeing him like this, Talim knew that something was up. Dumas was not a man of outright kindness, he only treated those he judged to be worthy of his generosity. For the rest, he didn't care and he wouldn't hesitate to hurt others if it benefited him. This fact saddened her but she couldn't help but still care for him since he had done so much for her. Lowering her eyes, she said, "Dumas... please don't hurt others anymore."

He didn't reply, he just led her to the outside balcony for fresh air. Leaning back against the railing, he looked up at the starry night sky. "Talim, tell me what you think of me." Dumas lightly brushed her veil as she looked at him with surprise. Her brown eyes peeked out from the veil and he said, "Your eyes are the clearest and brightest mirrors Talim. They show me what I am. When you look at me with fear, I see myself as a monster. When you look at me with love and compassion, I..." He held her hand in his. "There's a reason why I love you. Though your words anger and annoy me sometimes, I can't help but find your innocence and naivety endearing." He looked down at the ground and let the wind brush his blonde hair. "To the malfested, I am a hero. To the humans, I am a monster. I can't change that."

"Dumas..." Talim squeezed his hand gently before putting a hand on his cheek and turning his face towards her. "If the world accepted the malfested, you wouldn't have to make such decisions. In... in my eyes, you aren't a monster. I'm sorry for saying those things to you in the past." She didn't resist when he pulled her into a hug, knowing that he felt comforted by her presence.

Dumas murmured quietly into her emerald tresses,"So you don't hate me, for putting those humans into my dungeons? Or think that I am evil?"

Talim slowly shook her head and closed her eyes. ""While I don't agree with your methods, I will not go against them. You're doing this to protect your people. However..." Talim pulled away slightly while still remaining in his arms. "Please stop the purge."

He smiled at her request. "Do you think it's that easy for me to stop it?"

Talim put a hand on her heart. "It's wrong Dumas. Won't you please stop, for my sake?" She looked at him with sparkling brown eyes. "All this hate will end up hurting both the malfested and humans. You are a powerful man Dumas. I know you can promote the peace and understanding between the two sides for the sake of the world."

"I hate this world, you know that," Dumas said curtly.

"But I love this world," Talim replied softly, looking up into his eyes.

Silence ensued between the two for a few moments before he smiled. No matter how much time passes, nothing had really changed ever since the first time they've met on those snowy plains seventeen years ago. He slowly pulled the veil off her face and held the thin white fabric in his hand. Brushing a few strands of hair away from her face, he tilted her chin up and whispered. "I love you."

Talim could only look at him sadly, being the only person who can understand what he meant when he said that. "I really can't change you, can I?"

He gave her a sad smile before he said quietly, "Talim... may I ask for something?" When she nodded, he said, "Can I have a kiss?"

Her cheeks turned pink at the request. She wanted to say no, but she knew she'd be leaving him, probably forever, after the three day time period was up. She owed him and in a part of her heart, she did care for him. He was a selfish man and yet for her happiness, he was willing to let her go. How could she say no? Talim swallowed nervously as she reached up to his face, to draw away the mask. When he was fully unmasked, she whispered, "Yes." His arms went around her gently and she melted into his embrace as his lips met hers. She didn't understand why, but she could feel herself reacting and they both moaned with desire as their tongues danced.

She could feel his hand slipping lower down her back and her body grew hot. When she tried to back away, he followed, his lips still on hers. His eyes were a smoldering dark red and she could the deep want and need in them. Her hands wrapped around him and she kissed him with everything she had. All the feelings and emotions she had bottled up, she poured it into this final kiss for him, for it would never happen again.

When they finally broke it, there was an air of understanding around him and he said sadly, "You're really leaving me?"

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "My heart only belongs to Raphael."

Dumas smiled as he placed a hand on her cheek. "You are the only woman I could have fallen for."

Riding towards the castle that stood off in the distance under the clear morning skies, Hilde adjusted her helmet before turning to the Archduke riding beside her. "Pardon me for asking but what is your reason for visiting Dumas?"

"Princess Hilde, have you heard of my brother's health?"

His gray eyes didn't leave the sight of the castle as he replied, "I'm going see what's happening with some of Hungary's current affairs. My brother is ill right now and of late, Dumas has taken advantage of it and he didn't send him any reports. Knowing that man, he's up to no good."

Hilde sensed that there was something Matthias had in mind, especially since he was bringing the lamia and her children with them. Did he plan to do something, knowing that Dumas was would react and fall into some sort of unforeseen trap? Hilde didn't like the plan if it involved hurting the lamia, her children and Talim might be at risk as well, since Dumas still held her captive, along with Raphael. But... she had to think of her people; those lands Matthias promised her were much needed. Sorrowfully, she turned her head back and looked at their entourage and her eyes found the covered cages. "I'm sorry..."

At the throne room, Dumas stood regally before his solid white gold throne as the invitees arrived and stood in two lines. A few more people arrived and they moved across the black marble floor and stood there, trading a few looks here and there with those they knew or didn't know, liked or didn't like. All were finely dressed and their rich ensembles and bore the haughty attitude of a soldiers, dressed in ebony and dark blue armor lined the background, like an imposing wall.

On the left side of Dumas, Dampierre sported a sly smile as he stroked his mustache and observed. Orange and red sunlight streamed through the two large windows on each side, highlighting all the art and it accentuated Dumas's red mask and eyes. For today, he wore a silk white shirt along with a gleaming red pendent at his neck. Tight black pants and thigh high brown boots graced his legs as he waited.

Beside him, Talim observed the newcomers quietly. With her foreign clothes and skin, she was exotic and she knew she was a foreigner here. Attentive and quiet but at the same time regal, she maintained an air of tranquility and peace as she stood by Dumas's side, allowing him to brush her hand every so often. She noticed the looks some of the noble cast in her direction and while this embarrassed her, Dumas seemed to enjoy the attention and gossip.

When the fancy ladies notice Talim's eyes on them, they changed the topic to the marble pillars, dome ceiling, gold chandelier, and magnificent paintings that decorated Dumas's lavish throne room while occasionally shooting jealous glances her way.

After awhile, Dumas spotted Ivy as she arrived with a less than pleased expression. Since she was the only one he really cared about, he smiled and gestured to his speaker who announced, "You may now bow before his highness!"

Dumas watched as a sour expression crossed some of the nobles faces, including Ivy's, but they had no choice since this was his country. Those who were his allies, including a few malfested whom he had raised up himself, obediently bowed without a word. Beside him, Talim meekly curtsied and watched as Dumas seated himself down on the ornate throne. Behind him, a sculptor had carved something that looked like an eye while trailing elegant vines looped around it. It seemed rather similar to the design on her hat if she looked closely... She also noticed the stars, sun and moon engraved on the white stone, that contrasted with the warmer colors of the room. But it did look like very grand as it accentuated the throne, with Dumas sitting regally in it.

"Welcome, to my humble home," Dumas said as he gestured to the room. "I hope your stay here will be pleasant. Your rooms have been prepared and everything is ready for your entertainment."

"Please, tell us why you have invited all of us here instead, Graf Dumas," said an old noble who has long found Dumas to be an unpleasant man. His weak eyes narrowed in on the pillars and paintings. "I've heard that a few towns in the south have been suffering the famine. And yet you spent so much money on your home instead?"

One of Dumas's supporters smiled slyly and crossed his arms over his lavish black coat. "My my, you seem to be behind on the news Lord Sylvos. Didn't you know that Dumas sent aid over to them a week ago?" He turned and bowed low to the graf. "My lord is a great man who cares for his people while appreciating fine arts. We all must learn from him. Isn't that right everyone?"

Dumas waved it off and smiled at the old man's bitter expression as everyone murmured their approval. "No need to get started on political matters. I've invited all of you here, recognizing your contributions and loyalty to the Holy Roman Empire. Honoured gentleman and ladies, let us have a good time and strengthen our bonds as we raise our empire to new heights. I do this on behalf of our emperor, who you've heard is not in good health." He put on a fake expression of sorrow and put a hand on his heart. "In fact, I have grim news to tell you all later this evening. But with bad news, we also have good news that I shall announce to you all."

"News that you know and I don't?"

Dumas eyes flickered over to the door as they opened and revealed the Archduke Matthias along with some of his people. But what shocked him the most was the woman beside him; Hilde Wolfkrone? What was she doing here?! Beside him, Talim eyes opened wider and behind her transparent veil, he could see the apparent 'O' of her lips. Luckily enough, Talim was smart enough to realize that would cause him trouble and she meekly stayed by his side obediently. Out of the corner of his lips, he whispered, "Do not leave my side."

Hilde was angered to see her friend like this and she glowered up at Dumas as he sat on the throne. What had he done to her friend, to make the priestess obey him like this? Most likely by threatening Raphael's life... Beside her, Viola nudged her and whispered, "Keep calm. Emotions only leads to reckless behaviour and one's own downfall."

Back at the subject at hand, Dumas exclaimed with fake joy, "Ah, Archduke Matthias, I'm glad to see you again."

Matthias tilted his head and replied he felt the same way, while both men gave each other daggered looks. Speaking in a serious manner, he asked, "Graf Dumas, you say you have news from my brother?"

"Ah yes, yes I do." Dumas crossed one leg over the other and rested his chin in his hand on the arm of the throne. "You'll be having very mixed feelings about it, I can assure you."

"Well, why not tell us right now?" asked Matthias.

Dumas smiled. "Time has a place for things. Everyone here is tired from the long travel and I recommend that you all rest first. The party shall start early and then, I shall announce it."

Matthias looked at him wryly and adjusted his dark brown fur coat. "If I may ask, what is the reason for this party?"

The graf opened his arms and leaned back in his throne. "To have such an honoured guest visit my castle, I simply must do my best to welcome you." He smirked as he looked at the nobles before him. "The timing couldn't better, to have so many of you esteemed gentleman here to listen to our dear emperor's latest announcement. I'm sure many of you will have some very interesting thoughts to contribute." Standing up, Dumas snapped his fingers and his servants quietly entered the room. He gestured to them and said, "My humble servants will escort you to your rooms and if you wish to wander around my castle, then go right on ahead. I have plenty of entertainment set up and my gardens should occupy quite a bit of your time if you decide to explore it."

Stepping down from the throne, he was displeased to see Hilde and a white hair woman wearing a short purple dress head his way. Seeing her hair and red eyes, he knew instantly that she was a malfested. The aura around her was strange though... With a wry twist of his lips, he held on to Talim's wrist and jerked his head towards Dampierre, who instantly came forth and started talking to Hilde.

"My my, Princess Hilde, you look fabulous!"

"Move out of my way if you have any honor left or else I'll shave off that mustache."

Talim winced as she heard the exchange between the two but she had no choice but to follow Dumas as he led her out of there. "Dumas, can't I talk to Hilde? I know that she and the Schwarzwind have a misunderstanding with you but she'll understand if you let me explain."

"Later." Dumas was breathing with excitement as he headed for the library. "I need to show you something important Talim."

Staying quiet, she bit her lips and let him drag her over to the library where Ivy was waiting for them after she was escorted there by one of his servant. The alchemist was reading a book while sitting on the white couch and she glanced over at them lazily when they went up the stairs and approached her. When they stood in front of her, Talim gasped slightly. She recognized the alchemist, who had fought with them seventeen years ago on the Tower of Souls. "Ivy?"

Ivy's icy blue eyes swept to the small woman with green hair. "Sorry, but I don't know any of Dumas's mistresses."

"She's not my mistress," Dumas replied coldly.

Ivy arched an eyebrow. "Oh, then what is she?"

"The love of my life."

The alchemist's dark pink lips curved upward in amusement. "Why, I never thought I'd see the day you'd fall in love. Who knew you had a heart."

Dumas smirked. "I can say the same thing for you. Such a lonely life you're living..."

Ivy's eyes narrowed. "I've taken a vow of chastity to stop such disgusting powers from being passed on to a helpless child. Unlike you, I'm not controlled by lust."

At her impudence, Dumas growled, "You-"

Talim put a hand on Dumas arm and gently shook her head at him before turning back to Ivy. "It's been seventeen years but I still remember you. Ivy Valentine, you fought by our side, remember?"

Ivy blinked and cocked her head, regarding the young woman's words. "I've never met someone with green hair before."

"But... you were there. You witnessed Astral Chaos opening up and you also saw the clash between Soul Edge and Soul Calibur," Talim said quietly, hoping that she would remember. "I only knew that you were returned safely back home but I never knew what happened to you after that."

"I'm sure you must be mistaken."

Talim shook her head and pointed to her sword that rested on the end table beside the white couch. "Your sword is alive and it has a whip state. Your old outfit was..." The priestess blushed. "Err, you wore purple strings around your chest and it showed alot of skin."

Ivy grinned in amusement. "Well... that's interesting. You're either a very good liar or you may actually be telling the truth." Beside her, Valentine twitched and Ivy sat down on the opposite couch and made Talim sit beside him. Conversation slowly began to turn more serious and solemn as Dumas leaned back against the couch. The bright light from the windows highlighted something dark in his crimson red eyes that simmered with an unspoken desire. "Let's get to the point then. We both know why I've invited you here."

Dumas sat down on the opposite couch and made Talim sit beside him. Conversation slowly began to turn more serious and solemn as Dumas leaned back against the couch. The bright light from the windows highlighted something dark in his crimson red eyes that simmered with an unspoken desire. "Let's get to the point then. We both know why I've invited you here."

"Yes, I do." Ivy crossed her legs and held out a hand. "And I hope you'll keep your part of the bargain. A Soul Edge shard in trade for my service."

"Yes." Dumas ignored the look Talim was giving him before continuing. "I need you to open the portal to Astral Chaos. Do that and you can have the shard along with a handsome amount of money, Countess Valentine."

"Dumas!" Talim immediately protested against the idea. "Do you know how risky it is to open a portal to Astral Chaos?! Monsters and beasts can come through and not only that, it'll tip the balance of nature." She gave him a hard look and bit her lips behind the veil. "How do you know about Astral Chaos anyway?"

Dumas ignored her and asked Ivy, "When can you perform the ritual?"

Ivy said dryly, "Give me six hours to prepare. But your woman is correct in saying that it's dangerous. Unless you have some holy items handy, I will not do it."

He gestured to Talim. "She'll be able to handle that part. My beautiful storm maiden's purifying abilities is far more powerful than any holy object you can find."

"I won't do it." Talim turned her head away. "This is wrong and I won't risk people's safety just for your sake. Why are you doing this anyway?" she asked with exasperation.

Dumas pulled her back to him and whispered, "There's something very important to me in Astral Chaos. I need to open the gate and obtain it once more or else all these years of hard work will be for naught." He raised his hand and pointed to Ivy. "She's a adept alchemist and she knows what needs to be done to ensure that this is successful." His eyes, always arrogant or malicious, held a beseeching light towards the priestess. "Please Talim... I need your help."

Deeply conflicted, Talim lowered her head and kept silent. He was pleading with her. Dumas was actually pleading with her. What was this important thing that he wanted from Astral Chaos, the place of nightmares and hell? Her hands clasped tightly together, Talim lowered her eyes. She was confident in her purification abilities but this was a very serious matter. To do something like this is forbidden; her family and village would be horrified if they knew. After some consideration, she asked him softly, "Why? Tell me why, are you opening the portal to Astral Chaos."

Dumas paused, hesitating on finding the right words that would move the wind priestess to help him. Finally, he answered. "Because... I don't want to be alone anymore." He reached for her hand and said, "I know you don't understand but I'm telling the truth. I mean no ill intentions by opening the portal."

Talim was taken back by the sincerity in his eyes and words. Deep in her heart, she knew that she owed him and if this would help him be happy, then she... she would help. "Alright Dumas, I will help you." She put her own hand over his and whispered, "In my heart, I want you to be happy as well."

Darkwings13: I'll do my best to keep the wait time between chapters much much shorter so you guys don't have to suffer the horribly long wait time lol. And thanks to all the readers who have read all three of my stories for this series. If you didn't and you somehow ended here, please stop. You won't understand anything unless you read the previous two stories D:

Anyway, I'd just like to thank lostjoie9 and apologize for the long wait since I know you've been a really big supporter for this series and for me. I miss you too! And again, I'm sorry for the long absence! So the previous chapter and this one is a bit of a sorry gift for you since you've been so eager to see what happened next. And as always, your presence and reviews have always been a great support for me Thalie. Hey people! Check ou Thalie's story about Raphael if you like him! Because her Raphael is like ten times better than the one in SCV! xD

Anyway, everyone else who's reading this, thank you for your support. May the wind be with you :3