Everyone turned as the fortune teller walked into the ice covered ballroom. Her red eyes burned with a seemingly fierce ferocity while the rest of her expression was hidden by the black veil she wore. But her eyes softened when she looked at Raphael and she repeated once more, "Father..."

"What?" Raphael took a step back in surprise. "What did you just call me?"

Viola held out the pink hair ribbon and her delicate fingers curled over the aged silver skull decoration. "I remembered everything when I saw this." She hesitated for a moment before speaking in french. "Je vous manquez, père. Je suis vraiment, votre papillon de la nuit."

"Amy?" Raphael's eyes widened in joy as she said the nickname he had fondly given her. He ran up to her and put his hands on her shoulder, looking over her carefully. Brushing back her white bangs, he examined her eyes, ignoring the lower half of her face that was already covered by the thin black veil. His heart beat wildly in his chest as he saw how familiar her eyes were when she was younger. Her eyes still held the same distant emptiness that was only partially filled when she saw him. Finally, he gave her one of his rare smile and whispered, "Amy..."

"Amy!" Talim hurriedly came to Raphael's side as she heard. Her face was lit up with joy at seeing her old friend and she blinked away tears of happiness. "You... you were Amy all along?"

Dumas was also taken back by surprise as he came over as well and looked at the seer. "You... are Amy?"

However, the seer's reaction to the two was nothing less than frigid. She glared at them coldly, shaking off Talim's hand and said icily. "Don't touch me."

Talim drew her hand back with surprise. "Am-Amy?"

Viola glared at her before turning back to Dumas and Raphael. "I don't understand... why are there two of you?"

Raphael answered quietly, "We are both Raphael Sorel, Amy."

Viola shook her head with disbelief. "That can't be possible."

Dumas said hesitantly, "I am... Nightmare, Amy. You saw that. To protect myself, I split a part of my soul. While I build up power to make our new world, he was supposed to look for you, my beloved. As that was his only duty, memories unrelated to you are forgotten. That's why, he doesn't remember Talim, for example."

At the mention of the priestess's name, Viola stiffened and looked at the priestess hatefully. "After all these years, you would show yourself again?"

Talim could hear how cold she sounded and she looked down in shame. "I... I'm sorry. I tried, I really tried to find you and Raphael. I..." Suddenly, she noticed the dark wind around her orb and her eyes widened with shock. "What happened to your Quattuor Orbis?"

"Talim, what's wrong?"Dumas asked, his voice tinged with concern as she froze and stared at the orb in shock.

Her mouth was dry and she said slowly, "Don't you remember that orb? It's not... the same anymore." She shook her head and held out her hand. "Amy... your orb. Please, hand it over to me."

"Stay back," Viola hissed as she brought up her claws and readied her orb. "Don't you even dare talk to me. You... you're the reason why I've turned into this."

Talim pushed Raphael and Dumas back when they made to head towards their daughter. Slowly, she stepped forward and opened her arms. "I mean you no harm, Amy. We're friends, aren't we?" When the seer didn't say anything, Talim said sorrowfully, "I'm sorry. I looked everywhere for you and your father... but I could never..." Putting her hands over her face, she wept. "I'm so sorry."

Despite the priestess's warm words, the frost in her heart was quickly consuming her. "Talim..." Viola's clawed hand twitched slightly. In a frigid voice, Viola hissed, "I'll never forgive you."

"AMY NO!" Raphael reached out to grab his daughter but she slipped out of his grasp.

Talim gasped and flew backwards as her orb collided with her stomach. Her back hit a pile of solid green ice and she dropped down with a groan. She heard the wind whistle past her and her eyes widened as the orb hovered over her head.

"Let your death be the end of all of this," Viola said as she crossed her hands over each other and bowed low, bring her hands down to crush Talim's head with the orb.

"Amy don't!" Dumas shouted as he grabbed her around the waist and dragged her back.

The interruption made her orb slowed down and moved slightly over, and Talim cried out as she moved her head to avoid it. The orb sent cracks into the green ice and made a dent in the wooden ballroom floor beneath. Talim winced as ice shards scratched her left cheek and she hurriedly scrambled up to her feet.

Digging her heels into the icy floor, Viola wrestled against Dumas and shouted, "She must pay for what she's done!" With one hand, she pointed and said, "Go!"

Talim ducked the orb as it flew towards her with a sharp whistle of air. Before she knew it, the orb returned and slammed into her back, making her trip forward. She screamed as the heavy orb slammed down and crushed her right hand. The bones snapped and her skin split, oozing out bright red blood.

"Up!" Raphael parried the orb as it flew towards the priestess and pulled her up by the crook of her arm. He hissed down at her, "What happened between you and my Amy? ANSWER ME!" He grinded down on his teeth as he batted the orb away again and held Talim's face close to his. "There must be a reason why my daughter would show you this much hate. What did you do to her?!"

Talim's eyes grew wet as she met his gaze. The old pain of her failure from seventeen years resurfaced and she whispered tearfully, "I took away the most important person in her life, and gave her loneliness and suffering. I... I killed you." Time froze in that second of space as they looked at each other, and Talim let him absorb the truth. At the same time, the haunting memories came back to her and overwhelmed her. Distressed and pained, she closed her eyes. "I'm sorry... for everything, Raphael."

The wind screamed.

"I will not forgive you."

Her heart stopped as she felt his fangs pierce her neck. No... he can't... he can't drink her blood. He'll die! "Raphael please stop!" Talim struggled against his hold as he wrapped his arms around her.

"I'll drain you dry for what you've done!" he snarled against her neck as she screamed.

Viola's eyes widened and she screamed, "NO! THE MOON CAN NOT SWALLOW THE SUN! DON'T DO IT FATHER!"

"Talim no!" Dumas shouted as he let go of Viola and ran towards her.

A pure white feather drifted down, carried by a warm wind. In the next instant... scorching flames melted the ice around them and burned Raphael. The rapier wielder fell backwards and bit down on his tongue as he clutched his right arm. The entire sleeve of his red outfit was burnt off and the skin underneath was quickly swelling and turning an intense red. A few blisters had also appeared and he gnashed his teeth at the pain. "Damn you..." He said as he glared at the giant lizard that had returned. It stood protectively in front of the fallen priestess and hissed at him. The bright morning light from outside the balcony shined on its double gleaming axes and at the icy room, making glimmers of light shine inside the beautiful and cold arena.

"Father!"

Raphael leaned on his daughter as she arrived by his side and examined his injuries. He felt strange... his vision swam and he felt sick.

Viola noticed how pale he looked and said urgently, "You can not drink her blood! It's too pure for you to handle."

Raphael put a hand to his mouth as he began to cough up Talim's blood. "Damn it all..." His knees hit the cold ballroom floor as pain wracked his body. His vision swam and he said, "I'm sorry, Amy." The last thing he saw was her crying over him as he hit the floor.

"Talim! Talim! Let me through!" Dumas shouted as Aeon blocked his way. "I'm not going to hurt her!"

Aeon snapped his jaws at him as he tried to take another step closer. "Shshsss..."

He saw Talim feebly try to get up from the ground behind the beast and he shouted, "She needs me! Let me see her! I can do something about her wound."

"Raph... Dumas, I can't feel my body..." Talim moaned.

Hearing that, Aeon narrowed its eyes at the wielder of Soul Edge warily before reluctantly letting him pass to take care of the woman. It turned back to face Viola who had gotten up. The seer readied her sharp claws and orb and the eyes that peeked out above the thin black veil was cold. She stood there defensively in front of her father, while calculating on the best approach. She lightly took a step to the right but she had to quickly jump back as the lizard blasted a vortext of flames at her. Frustrated, Viola swore as she looked into her orb for an answer. "There has to be a way to win," she said to herself.

"Talim, I'm here," Dumas said soothingly as he laid down Soul Edge and pulled Talim into his arms comfortingly. He examined her neck and kissed her head. "It's a small wound, you'll be fine." Looking over at Viola, a sad expression crossed his face. To see the two people he loved most, fight each other, brought him great pain.

"I'm sorry," Talim apologized as she read his face.

He shook his head. "You have nothing to apologize for ma petite. Everything you've done, you've done with love for me and Amy. You tried your best, and that's all that matters."

She could feel darkness closing in on her. The bite poisoned her body and mind, and she could feel Soul Edge's taint inside her. It was the same like the two other times except she could still stay awake, since he barely drained any of her blood. She must use the last of her energy to resolve this peacefully before she passed out. A feather drifted down and landed on her stomach and she weakly looked up. Dazed and disoriented, all she saw was a pair of beautiful sparkling white wings before her eyes could focus properly. Finally, she recognized the lizard that she had saved. With trembling fingers, she gently touched its feet with her left hand.

Aeon felt a sudden warmth on the scales of his feet and he turned around to see the green hair woman looking up at him. The look on her face... was one of pure joy and happiness. It was an expression that no one had given him before, as he was a monstrous beast.

Talim smiled and asked, "You came back... for me?"

Aeon blinked his yellow reptilian eyes at her before nodding slowly. He was surprised when she beckoned for him to come to her level. Hesitantly, he cast a look over at his two opponents and hissed, giving them a warning that if they did anything, he would attack. Slowly, he kneeled down and curled his wings, hiding them from sight.

Talim looked into the bright yellow eyes and laid a hand on his, feeling the smooth scales beneath her fingers. Quietly, she began reading the wind around it. When her eyes opened, she murmured, "The wind told me... your name is Aeon. You... you are human, aren't you?"

Aeon's eyes widened. Speechless, it stared at her.

Gently, Talim continued. "You have a good heart... You came back for me, even though you knew it would be dangerous. I did not save you for you to repay me, yet you willingly wish to." Talim said, "I want to help you. When I look into your eyes, I see your pain... and sorrows. No one, especially someone like you, deserves to suffer like this." She squeezed her hand over his before asking, "Are you the same lizard Raphael defeated seventeen years ago at the Phantom Pavilion?"

A displeased expression crossed Aeon's reptilian face and it let out a short grunt.

Talim gave it an amused smile. "Fate is certainly a fickle mistress. But I'm happy, that the wind has given me a second chance to redeem my past failure towards you. Will you let me help you? Please?"

The woman's blood was pure, and her powers were formidable. Not only that, Aeon could sense that she genuinely wanted to help. When she saved him, even though he had attacked her, it proved to him that she was kind and that she did not judge on appearance. Aeon spread one of his wing and plucked a long white feather. He held it out to the woman, as a symbol of agreement.

Talim smiled brightly and reached for it. Holding the light feather, she murmured, "Beauty lies within. Don't let your appearance and darkness take away who you really are."

"Talim," Dumas said as he could see her struggle to keep her eyes open. He brushed aside her bangs and said, "I will protect you, and help Amy and my other side understand. Rest now." When she was about to protest, he shook his head. "No arguing with me, ma petite. Sleep."

"I'm sorry," Talim repeated once more. Softly, the green ice crystals around the ballroom began to crack. With a shudder, they broke apart and disappeared into the air. With the sparkling ice gone, the destruction from last night was fully revealed. From the broken chandelier to the shattered furniture to the corpses, the scene was both sad and terrible.

Dumas didn't care to look. He only watched as his priestess passed out. Pressing his lips to her forehead, he closed his eyes for a moment before standing up with her in his arms. To Aeon, he said, "Leave this to me."

Reluctantly, Aeon obeyed. But he still kept his guard up to help protect the priestess that he has decided to protect.

Dumas's heavy boots clicked across the broken floor as he headed towards Amy. The tattered fabrics fluttered at his waist and he came to a stop near the two. Firmly, he said, "Don't blame Talim for my death, Amy. I am responsible for what happened as well.

"She killed you!" Viola hissed angrily. "Everything that we've suffered through was all her fault!" All of these years wandering alone and friendless... hated and shunned and living without her father. Viola was seized with rage at the memories of her suffering and at her hate for the priestess for killing her father. "I wish we never met her!" cried Viola. "The moon and the sun cannot be together! Father, you and her will not live to be together. That is the fate of your love for each other!"

"I will carve my own path." His eyes shone brightly and his voice deepened. "Once I restore Soul Edge to its full powers, it will grant me my wish." His nails lengthened and he held Talim tightly. "Fate will not separate us. I will fight against it Amy... and I will win."

She could feel the rising energy radiating from his body and her lips thinned. He was being foolish and stubborn for a love that will never end happily. She had never been wrong in her predictions, and she knew that from everything that happened, their union was cursed. It started off with blood, it will end in blood. "These past years were fine for you weren't they? You rose to power, became a graf and took over Hungary as its king. But as soon as you were reunited with her, chaos happens. The heavens look down on your union." Her orb shimmered and she held it tightly as she looked down into its depths. She briefly saw a flash of what was to come and immediately shut her eyes. Terrified for her father, she said, "The moon will swallow the sun, and it will never rise again. There is only death and darkness in this love."

Dumas's eyes softened and he whispered, "For love, I would do anything." He asked, "Amy, is there anything that I've held back from you? Was there anything that I did not do for you?"

Viola hesitated before replying, "No... father. You've given me everything. You even risked your life to make a world where I can be accepted."

"I love you Amy," he said gently. "And I also love Talim. You two are my life. I would gladly die, to protect you both and keep you happy."

She knew he wasn't going to change his mind, right there and then. He would give anything and everything to be with the wind priestess. Lowering her head, Viola said, "I can't change your mind, but I can't leave you... to fight against fate alone." She closed her eyes shut and said tearfully, "I love you father. I want you to be safe and happy too. If you choose to stay on this path, all I can do now... is support you."

"Thank you, my beloved." He leaned forward and kissed her tenderly on the cheek. Proudly, he whispered, "My beautiful butterfly of the night... thank you." They both looked up as they heard a hissing sound from the ceiling. "Come here, Voldo."

The blind guardian crawled out from the balcony and gracefully bowed before giving his master a low hiss.

Dumas looked over his shoulder at his servant. "Where were you? The dungeons?" When Voldo nodded, Dumas said curtly, "Good." He turned back to Amy and said, "I will explain everything to you, my beloved. But first, there are imbeciles we'll need to deal with." He turned his head and glanced over at the balcony. "My castle is surrounded by forests and mountains but I know those nobles will bring back a very large entourage. I'll need to take care of certain matters before they arrive." His eyes dimmed as he said, "I'm sorry, for everything I've done to you. I didn't know that it was you, my beloved."

"Father..." Behind her veil, she bit her lips. "I'm worried for you."

"I know," Dumas replied gently. He closed his eyes shut for a moment as his head throbbed. When he opened them again, his voice distinctly turned lower. "But come, we have matters to attend to for now. Amy, I need you to speak to Hilde when she comes back with her entourage." He muttered in distaste, "It would seem that she escaped my castle. You must speak in my defence. Do you need me to tell you what to say?"

Viola immediately shook her head. "Of course not father. I know what will be needed to be said."

Dumas let out a sigh and was saddened by what had to be done. "My guards and servants... and parts of my castle must be burned to conceal the evidence that they're malfested." His mind quickly began calculating and he asked, "Can you predict when they'll arrive, Amy?"

She nodded and her eyes gleamed as she looked into the orb. The shimmering violet light brightened briefly and Viola said, "At midnight."

He nearly smiled. "That timing... I will have to say one thing. Fate has a twisted sense of humor."

The lightest of touches fluttered across her cheek. It was warm and comforting... and she smiled briefly.

"Ma petite, you have the most adorable smile when you sleep, you know that?"

Her eyes fluttered opened and she squinted against the bright light. A figure sat before her and she blinked a few times to clear her vision. The painting of a blue serene sea during a sunset came into view, from behind the figure sitting in front of her. The dark figure leaned down towards her and when she saw the radiant red orbs, she gasped and sat up. "Amy! How is she? You two didn't-"

"Hush," Dumas said strictly, pushing the wind priestess back down as she tried to sit up. He pulled the black silk sheets back to her neck and said soothingly, "You've been out for half the day. Are you hungry?"

Talim looked at him worryingly. "You're wearing your armor. There will be more fighting, isn't there?"

He adjusted his seat on the bed and gave her a handsome grin as he put on his red mask. "I'm used to battles, ma petite. What I'm not used to, is having someone worry about me going into them." Reaching for her hand, he held it gently. "I can handle this. You, just need to stay safe and stay here." Seeing her concern, he rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand and said, "You're not well enough to fight. Don't worry about me."

"There's no where else I'd rather be, than to fight by your side."

His lips curved up and he chuckled lightly. "There's a very good reason why I love you, Talim." He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. "Get dressed, ma petite. We will assemble in the heart of my dungeons." Holding up a hand to stop her from saying something, he added, "I will allow you to be by my side. But I will not allow you to put yourself in danger, understood?" When she didn't answer, he said firmly, "You have a choice ma petite. Either you follow my orders or I lock you in my bedroom to keep you safe. Alright?"

"Alright then," Talim said reluctantly.

A brief flash of pain passed through her bandaged hand as she adjusted it on her lap. Dropping it gently down onto the ebony blankets, she lowered her eyes and said sadly, "Amy and... Raphael... how are they?" She was depressed and saddened by their feelings towards her and she hated to have the man she loved be caught in the middle. She didn't want him to have to pick sides nor did she want to... believe that their love was not meant to be. Her hand went to her neck and she lightly touched the bite marks, wondering if history would repeat itself once again.

"Talim, look at me."

Lifting her head, her doleful brown eyes met his.

Dumas gave her a brief kiss on the lips. It was light and gentle and he put his forehead against hers. "You bring out the best in me and I love you. I am the one who doesn't deserve you... I've made you wait all these years for me and I've caused you so much sadness." He sighed softly, "I'm selfish in saying this but I never want you to leave me."

"Dumas," Talim whispered as she felt his breath on her cheek and his forehead against hers. "I'll always be with you. I just wish that it wouldn't make Amy and... your other side unhappy." She hugged him and said, "I know if Amy's not happy with our union, you-"

"Hush," he shushed her. "Amy is just worried about us. She believes our love is fated to end with us both dying. But I won't let something like fate or destiny, something so intangible tear us apart." He drew back from her and said sternly, "To me, you're here. You're real and so are my feelings for you Talim. Nothing else matters.." When Talim didn't reply, he whispered in her ear, "There's nothing I wouldn't do, to keep you with me... safe and sound. I love you."

"I... love you too." Talim slowly wrapped her left arm around him, keeping her injured hand still. "I'd rather die, then let myself be the cause of your death."

He gave her another kiss on the forehead before standing up. "I'll call for you later sweetheart."

"What are you going to do?" Talim asked, wearing the same worried expression she always had when she sensed that he was going to walk into danger.

Dumas's shoulders rose up as he lifted his arms in a tired gesture. "I have about six hours to prepare before an army comes storming up to my castle gates. If I don't give them a good play, we might as well close the curtains forever." He began to head for the doors. "Voldo will get you some food, ma petite. Just rest for now." Before he closed the doors, he gave her a smile. "Everything will be alright, dearest. As well, I'll send in that... lizard. It seemed eager to see you again." Dumas said curtly, "I'll have Voldo keep close to the doors. If something happens, he'll come in to protect you immediately."

"How did you get Voldo to be your servant?" Talim asked. "I remember him. He was with Tira, Astaroth, and Sophitia years ago."

Dumas pursed his lips in thought. "I went on an expedition to the Money Pits, where mountains of gold was rumored to be stored. There, I met Voldo who to my surprise, merely bowed down to me and helped me and my men enter the place. If Voldo wasn't there, I would have lost many of my soldiers to the traps inside." He crossed his arms. "I never quite questioned as to why he sees me as his master, and at first sight. If I have to warrant a guess, I'd say it had something to do with Soul Edge." With a gesture of his hand, he added, "I've managed to obtain quite a valuable servant though. He was the best treasure I've obtained from the Money Pits."

With that, Dumas closed the doors. Talim laid back in bed and looked up at the deep scarlet and gold canopy. What was to come later, in the night? What did Dumas have planned? Could he really make up something, that will keep his identity and the truth safe? Was there some way she could help him, instead of just being a burden? Talim stayed still, wanting to ask the wind for guidance but she knew it wasn't possible anymore. Ashamed at what she had done, she had cut herself off from hearing the wind's voice. Afterall, her duty was to destroy Soul Edge, and she had forsaken that duty.

After some time, the doors opened and Aeon came in warily.

Hearing the sound, Talim sat up and quickly put a smile on her face. "Aeon, thank you for visiting me." The lizard moved to the bed and looked over her curiously. Its manners were beastlike but she knew that it was just concerned for her. She giggled slightly as its tail accidentally hit the bedside table. "Careful, I don't think Dumas can afford to buy another expensive piece of furniture at this rate."

Aeon snorted slightly at her joke. She was a refreshing woman. Not only was she happy to see him, she was cracking jokes with him as naturally as if he was someone normal.

"Aeon," Talim said quietly when he finished looking at her and started to examine the tall bedpost. "An army will soon be here. If they see you, you will be in terrible danger." She bit her lips and looked over to the window. "You should leave for now. If all goes well, I will find you."

An angry snarl echoed through the room. Aeon glared at her. If something happened to her, he would lost another chance of regaining his memories and becoming normal.

"Please, it's not safe here," Talim protested. When the lizard snapped its jaw and growled at her, she said, "I can't leave. I must stay and be with him." Talim sighed as Aeon made an angry sound at her once again. "I see. Well... would you hide but stay close to the castle? If something was to happen, you would still be within reach."

"Ksss..."

Talim smiled as he reluctantly nodded. "May the wind be with you."

Aeon turned and gave a curt grunt before swinging his tail up, and then bringing it down to break the bedside table. Pieces of wood flew as it broke in half and the lizard exited the room just as Voldo rushed in at the disturbance.

Holding a hand to her head, Talim sighed. "At this rate, we'll need furniture of metal."

Voldo gave a questioning hiss. "Hssssssh."

"Don't worry about it, Voldo." She swung her legs over the bed and touched the cool smooth black marble floor with her feet. "I'll be changing. Please give me a moment." The guardian of the dungeons bowed and exited, gracefully closing the doors behind him. She went over to the dressing screen and smiled as she saw her old outfit carefully laid out by Dumas.

Talim finished dressing, her mind still lost in thought. Quietly, she came out from behind the flower printed screen and strolled over to the fireplace, deep in thought. She could read the wind and tell that Ivy was alive, along with another malfested soul. She knew Dumas would kill Ivy for what happened but there must be some way to save the alchemist. Not only did she not want to see more deaths, Ivy would be an incredibly valuable ally. To have her on their side, would give Dumas an immense advantage.

"Sssssshhh." Voldo knocked politely on the door, before opening it and entering. He held up the tray of food and gave a low bow, acknowledging the priestess as his master's partner. If someone could translate his hiss, they would have heard the word 'mistress'.

Turning away from the elegant white fireplace, her long blue half skirt lightly skirted the soft brown fur rug that lied atop the black marble floor that was etched with thin white veins. From the window, the last rays of sunlight died out as she said, "Take me to the dungeons, Voldo."

Her steps echoed down the gloomy and deserted dungeon. Voldo led the way down the rows of dark cells that was lit with blue flames and she came to a stop before Ivy's cell, deciding to speak to the alchemist first before she met up with the group. She tilted her head at Voldo. "Voldo, will you so kindly?"

The guardian of the dungeon opened the cell door for her and stood guard outside.

Walking in, Talim's sandal moved across the staw floor and her red ribbons brushed the ground. The alchemist was chained to the wall and Talim's eyes moved silently down to the dripping blood that was beginning to pool on the ground. Talim moved over to her, taking one of her ribbons, she cut it off and tied it around the wound on her thigh.

"Not going to help," Ivy said curtly. She winced at the cut on her back before saying, "I've lost, there's nothing more to it. I don't need your pity."

"It's not pity. It's compassion," Talim replied simply as she straightened up.

Regarding the priestess with a skeptical expression, she said, "And why should you care about me? After all, I used you."

"You did it for good intentions, even if the method was wrong," Talim replied as she looked up at the taller women. "I forgive you."

Ivy scoffed. "Though I am rather touched you can forgive me so easily, Nightmare will kill me for this."

Talim shook her head and said quietly, "No Ivy. We need you alive." Her voice turned deathly serious. " I need you to find a way to bring forth all of Soul Calibur's powers," Talim replied solemnly. "To destroy Soul Calibur while it's weak, just means it'll come back. I need to make sure, that it will never return. I need to make sure, that this cycle will come to an end." Holding out her hand, Talim said, "Wind." Sharp blades of air cut away Ivy's chains and she said, "Please, I need your help."

The alchemist's chiseled face did not show a hint of expression at the offer of freedom. Ivy said flatly, "I will not help you."

Talim looked at her dolefully. Slowly, she bent down and her knees touched the hard cold ground, that was only slightly softened by the rotting straw. She bent her head down and said pleadingly, "I'm begging you."

Ivy said sharply, "What are you doing?"

"You have a wide knowledge of rituals and you know about Astral Chaos. You know how to open a portal, you know how to use dark magic to heal me. I know you can bring forth all of Soul Calibur's powers." Talim's voice reached its breaking point. "To break the cycle, I must use Soul Edge to destroy Soul Calibur, and then I must ask you to destroy their words, for I can no longer do that. Please, I don't want to see any more people die. I don't want to see my love turn into Nightmare or lose him. I don't want this world to suffer any more." Talim held out her hand and said, "Ivy, please."

Ivy stared down at the offered hand, with its slender fingers and delicate gesture. A hand that was not meant for fighting but for comfort. If she was asking for someone else instead of Nightmare, she might have considered the offer. "I will not take it," Ivy replied flatly. "And I will not help you. I will not rest until Soul Edge is destroyed. If you side with that monster, we will be enemies."

Talim lowered her head sorrowfully before standing up. Taking in a deep breath, she focused on the straw underneath her feet and stared at it until she could feel her eyes water. What she was going to do next would tear at her heart but there was no other way. For the sake of the world and her love, she would be willing to bear any pain necessary. "You leave me no choice, Ivy." Her eyes turned green and she held out her hand. Her voice had deepened slightly and it carried a ominous undertone to it. "Listen to the wind... What can you hear?"

Ivy narrowed her eyes and stepped back as the air grew heavy around her. She looked around the cell warily, feeling the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. The blue flames of the torches outside her cell flickered and she felt her vision blurred. Her blood turned cold as she heard the dead

"You murderer... how could you kill my entire family without any remorse?!"

You killed my father! Give me back my father! You witch! Give him back to me! Give us back our lives!"

"I didn't want to die! Why?! Why did you kill me! I will never forgive you!"

The cries of her people she killed rang through her as clear as a bell and as sharp as a knife. Ivy rarely felt fear, but she felt its cold clammy hands grasped onto her bones as she was surrounded by the dead. "What is this?!" she shouted to Talim. "What magic have you wrought?"

Talim held out her hands and murmured, "They've come to escort you to the afterlife. It's the whispers of the dead, carried by the winds." Talim gestured to the dead spirits around her. "For those who are close to death, I call their love ones to bring them comfort and escort them to the afterlife. But for you... I called those who resent you. May your trip be one full of pain and suffering, Ivy."

Ivy backed into the wall and glared at her as the dead reached out for her, only marginally held back by Talim's spiritual powers. "I'm very much alive..." she snarled angrily.

Talim tilted her head and said, "Don't lie to me. I can read the wind around you. You're only alive because the fire of an artificial soul burns with life. Your real soul clings onto its warmth, as it's fragile and falling apart."

Ivy hands curled into fists. The priestess knew about this secret, just by reading the wind around her?!

Talim folded her hands behind her back. "The wind can make a fire burn brighter but it can also snuff it out." She held up a hand and quickly curled it inward, like she had just crushed something in the palm of her hand. A brisked wind passed her and she heard Ivy cry out in pain and collapsed to the ground. Talim stared down at the dirty straw of her feet, pained by what she had done. "I'm sorry to do this. But I will eliminate you, if you will not help me."

"Damn you," Ivy hissed as she curled her body inward and groaned. "You may act kind, but you're just another selfish ingrate who only cares about her own personal gains."

Talim's shoulder stiffened up and her eyes noticeably turned a very vivid green. "You could never understand what I'm willing to sacrifice to protect the world and my love." Her long green hair danced around her as she slammed Ivy to the ground with a solid gust of wind. Stepping over to the alchemist, Talim said coldly, "I've just lost a kinswoman last night. Many of Dumas servants and soldiers have died along with many innocent humans. This cannot go on." She bent down and said flatly, "You will either help me or you will die. I won't risk letting you go if you're an enemy." Talim reached down and laid her hand on Ivy's chest. Looking Ivy firmly in the eyes, she asked, "What will it be, Ivy?"

Ivy looked away and growled, knowing that she had no choice. She can't die, not now. She must live and wait for her chance to strike back. Stiffly, she replied, "I will serve you."

At those words, the spirits left and Talim stood up. Tilting her head up, she murmured, "I know you will not forgive me... but I just want to let you know that... I'm sorry." Turning on her heels, she opened the doors and said to Voldo, "Escort her to a room so she can change and then bring her back here."

Voldo bowed and obeyed his new mistress's orders as he stepped aside to let her pass before entering through the metal barred doors to reach Ivy. She quietly stood aside as Voldo assisted the alchemist away and silently looked down at the ground, a single tear trailing down her cheek.

"Talim." Dumas stepped out from the shadows and looked at her sadly.

Her head snapped up and she quickly wiped her eyes. "Du-Dumas. I-" Flustered for words, she quickly pleaded for Ivy. "No more should die. Please Dumas, do not hurt her. She will be on our side and I will keep a close eye on her. I-"

Dumas shushed her and shook his head. His priestess lowered her eyes and stood there as he came to her side and hugged her. In his embrace, he felt her relaxed slightly as he patted her hair. As if he was admitting something to himself, he said, "I've changed you..."

At the crook of his neck, she shook her head. "I will do what is necessary to protect you and the world. To bear this pain and guilt is something I accept."

Dumas bit down on his lips and held her tightly, with his eyes squeezed shut. To see her make a pact with Soul Edge, something that was against what she fought for, and to see her steel herself and inflict pain on another person when it clearly hurt her to do so, hurt him immensely. Dumas's eyes turned a vivid red as he looked down the hallway of the dungeon. Someone will pay for this. "That girl and Tira... will answer for the deaths of all of my people," he vowed. He pulled away from her and held onto her shoulders, staring deep into her eyes. "I don't want to see you taint yourself because of me. My hands are stained with blood and I'm used to being a cruel monster. But you are different Talim. You are pure and beautiful and I will do anything to protect that."

Talim smiled sorrowfully before leaning up to kiss him. She wrapped her around his neck and felt him respond as he returned the kiss and ran his hand through her long hair. Breaking the kiss, she looked up at him, full of love for the man she had chosen to be with. "I love you. And because I love you, I won't let you be a monster for me."

Dumas reached for her hand and held it tightly. "I love you as well. Therefore, I'll protect your purity and compassion with my life. Never change, I love you for who you are." He said sternly, "I will handle this. You may come with me, but I will not allow you to do more than watch."

"What are you going to do?" Talim asked quietly.

"Protecting our future."

From the corner, Raphael and Viola appeared. They looked at Talim coldly before Raphael muttered, "Everything is set up."

"What's happening?" Talim asked quickly.

"I'm going to torture the one responsible for this entire disaster," Dumas replied flatly. "She will tell me why she was here and I will make her pay for everything."

Talim bit her lips and said, "Wait, I have another idea."

"Wake up."

Alice flinched as the harsh cold voice hit her ears like a bucket of ice water. Holding a hand to her stomach, she looked up and smiled devilishly, her blue eyes still twinkling with merriment. "Ooooh? How cute. Everyone gathered for a party?"

Before her, Dumas sat in a ornate chair, wearing a bored expression as he rested his chin in his hand, with his one leg crossed over the other. His dark blue armor shone from the flickering blue flames of the torches in the cell. Talim, Viola and Raphael stood by his sides, quiet and stiff like sentinels, although if one looked closely, a constant weak breeze always seemed to surround the priestess, as her long green hair never stayed quite still. She was back in her old blue outfit, where the only thing that was different was her missing sun and moon medallion. She held Soul Edge in one hand, keeping its powers quiet for Dumas and her usually warm eyes were rather empty, as she looked back at Alice.

Alice patted her floppy curls and sighed slightly, as her hair was messed up. "Can we get this over with? This place stinks."

Raphael narrowed his eyes as he pointed his rapier at her. "You do realize, you won't be leaving this place alive."

The young girl stood up and fluffed her white dress. "I don't really care. Death has always been at my side. I knew one day I would meet this sort of end."

Talim bit her lips and pitied the emptiness she could hear in Alice's voice. She hated the girl for the cruelty she had inflicted on her kinswoman and the dead, but nonetheless, she still felt some traces of pity for her. Quietly, she asked, "What was your reason for coming here and doing all of this?"

"To get youuuuuuuu of course. But I really don't feel like telling you zwhyyyyyyyyy," she said in a sing song voice.

"I didn't think I would see your face again so soon,"Dumas said darkly. "Tell me at once, what does Tira want with Talim?"

Alice quirked an eyebrow. "Now, is that any way to talk to a lady?"

"You can choose to speak now or I can torture you until you're at the very brink of death, if you do not tell me." Dumas growled, "You know I will take great pleasure in doing so."

Alice laughed loudly and clapped her hands together. "There we go! That's alittle more passionate." She puckered her lips in thought and said, "They say ignorance is bliss. Are you sure you want to hear?" She giggled once more as she saw the look on his face.

Fed up with her antics, Dumas shouted, "Ivy!"

Heavy clacks from sharp heels and the doors swung open. The alchemist was back in her violet outfit and she stood there with an expression of utmost dislike. "I'm done with the potion." She held a foaming goblet in her hand.

Talim hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "The potion is ready?"

"It's one of the simplest concoctions to make," replied the alchemist shortly.

Dumas held out a hand for the goblet. Taking ahold of the warm cup, he jerked his head towards Voldo. "Hold her."

Alice scurried backward and glared up at the guardian of the dungeon. "Stay back! I'm warning you!"

Voldo hissed and slithered his way towards her, quickly grabbing both of her hands and twisting it backwards. He presented her towards his master and hissed dutifully.

"You should be grateful. I was planning on torturing you but Talim was kind enough to suggest this idea for you instead," he said icily. Dumas got off his chair and strolled over to her. Forcefully grabbing her chin, he forced her mouth open and poured in the smelly grey liquid. "Come now! Drink! Drink it all up like a good girl."

Alice gagged as the hot potion scalded her tongue and burned her throat.

When he finished, he tossed the goblet aside. Yanking her hair, he pulled her head back to look at him. "Tell me the truth. What does Tira want with Talim? Time and time again, she has hunted for her. What does she want?"

In a voice not fitting for a small girl, Alice said, "Dark wings that plots in secret... will bring to you a new and bloody chapter in the history of the Soul Swords. A new wielder of Soul Edge, will carve open the way to the realm of darkness and free the souls within. This world will be dyed in blood and will burn from the fires of war. And she..." She pointed to Talim. "Will be the key to opening those doors. Tira will never rest until she has her."

"Why me?" Talim asked quietly, unconsciously tightening her grip on Soul Edge.

Alice's eyes slowly turned from a crystal blue to a fiery red. "Your death will bring that fake Nightmare the greatest of pain. But revenge isn't the main point for my mistress. Soul Edge... is the sword that devours the souls of those that falls before its blade. The malfested are the children of Soul Edge."

"You don't mean..." Talim gasped softly.

"Tira has spent years investigating. She found out that the more the malfested kills, the stronger they become. If they want to reach even greater strength, they must find stronger opponents."

Talim whispered. "She's raising a new wielder, who'll become strong enough to wield Soul Edge?"

Alice grinned slightly, as she continued telling the truth. "The death of something as beautiful, pure and powerful as you... will help raise up the new wielder. You are to be our sacrifice."

Darkwings13:

Ok let's talk about this chapter. Have you ever felt so ashamed of something that you avoided the person who you know would be the most disappointed in you? That's how Talim feels right now. Anyway, thank you to all the new readers who have picked up on this and sorry to all who have been waiting for so long for me to update. This means I should totally work harder and update ;)

For my most recent three reviewers, SoulsSword, ThalieXVIII and bifem20, HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! *HUGGLES* Thank you very kindly for the reviews and the favs.

Seriously at the end of this story, I'll have to make a list to thank every single person who fav and review personally because that's just how much you guys mean to me. To the readers out there, seeing the number for how many ppl read this warms my heart :')