Author's Note:

Meijin Lightus: No actually, I have an idea and need her to be alive during the second story. So, she has to live...not that Sparrow can't beat within a inch of her life, which is quite tempting.

Baby Mama Valkyria: I know! I really hate it, my brother tried killing her before following her, it worked. But she respawned when he got to the halls and he got evil moral points. So, I never tried it. And you were right about the crucible, that's not until chapter 28, so three more chapters.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Read and Review.

Chapter 25 – The Town of Westcliff

"Finally." Walter sighed as they entered the town.

"Meh, I am not too sure about this place." Sparrow frowned. "Looks worse than Bloodstone…this place doesn't even have a bar, or Inn." She folded her arms. "And I wouldn't feel safe sleeping out in the open with characters like these…"

"She has a point. These guys are creeping me out too." Hammer shivered.

"Though, that place looks pretty interesting." Sparrow pointed to the largest building in the town.

"I've heard of that. It's known as the crucible. I believe you test your fighting skills against different things." Hammer explained, she watched as Sparrow's eyes lit up. "And we all know where she's be if she goes missing." Hammer laughed jokingly.

"Nope. We need to find out more information. Let's all split up. Asked anyone and everyone." Sparrow told them. "Meet here once we have information." They nodded and all headed in different directions.

"Excuse me." Walter Approached a group of bandits sharpening in there blades.

"What's up kid, bit far from home ain't ya?" One smirked, eyeing his clothes. Walter frowned.

"Actually I am on a mission. And I would like to ask you a few questions." Walter said.

"Really? Want do ya wanna know?" Another smirked

"The Spire." He motioned out to the building climbing from the sea. "Do you know who is employed in there?" The Bandits looked at each other.

"Listen here kid. You didn't 'ear this from us. But Bandits all over Albion have been recruited to capture anyone and send them to these docks. They are then transported to the Spire." The oldest one warned. "We ask no questions, get the people, send them off, and we get paid. End of it. So, drop it kid, this mission of yours could see you in that place, working as a slave." Walter frowned, but nodded. As he walked off.

"Be careful kid!" One yelled as he left them to their blades. Walter frowned, so, Bandits were being paid to collect people to work as Slaves within the spire? He headed to the meet spot, this information was important.

Hammer found herself in the Bar, speaking to the owner and several drinkers.

"That Spire thing huh? I heard Lucien is recruiting from all over Albion of builders and Guards. But, once you enter that thing, you never come out. No idea what goes on in there. But you'll find there are some theories about it." The Bark keep told her.

"Like what?" Hammer asked

"Let's see. OI, Mattie, get your arse here." The bar keep shouted for someone. A clearly drunk man approached them.

"Whats you want?" He asked

"That spire thing in the sea. What do you think it is?" The Bar Keep asked

"A light house, to guide forging ships to Albion to increase trade. Seems on logical right?" Mattie smirked. Hammer frowned, she highly doubted it was a lighthouse. Firstly why would a light house be black?

"It's a weapon." A voice muttered, Hammer looked to see a man covered with a cloak.

"A weapon?" Hammer repeated.

"Old kingdom technology. The Spire was created by the last of the Archon's. With a single wish, he destroyed the old kingdom. That was the first wish granted by the spire. To rid Albion of a corrupt world, and for a purer one to take its place." The man finished his drink. "I am curious on you interest of the place."

"I am helping a friend, she is destined to…well, she was foretold to be born when Albion was in Danger and we need to get into the Spire to save someone." Hammer briefly explained. The man watched her carefully.

"Interesting, I wish you luck on you endeavour." He got up and left.

"Well, at least we know what it is now." Hammer smirked and headed towards the meeting point.

Edward had found himself talking to the men in front of the crucible. Asking then if they knew anything.

"Ah, well, that's just it kid. Complete the crucible, and you are first in line to join Lord Lucien's Guards." One smiled

"Wait, what?" Edward frowned.

"Those who complete the crucible are strong, and Lord Lucien wants more strong men up at the Spire as Guards. Unfortunately, there aren't many winners. People keep dying." The other signed "Makes it hard to keep up with Lucien's Quota."

"So, when you say strong men, what about strong women?" He asked, the two men burst out laughing.

"Kid, if you can bring a woman, who's willing and wins the crucible, I'll give you 100,000 gold." The first one laughed. Edward found himself smiling politely.

"Why does a strong woman seem to be funny?" He asked

"Kid, women don't fight. They sit at home, looking after kids and the home, it's the men that do the fighting." The second one told him.

"Um…okay. And you're deal. If I am able to bring a women who is willing and they win the crucible, you give me 100,000 gold. Right?" Edward held out his hand. The man shook it.

"You're on kid." Edward walked away from them as they laughed a satisfied smile on his face, he just needed to tell Sparrow.

Sparrow asked everyone she bumped into, but none of them gave her a straight answer, if any answer at all. She groaned and kicked a stone down the path.

"You already miss?" A voice asked

"Yeah, just need to find out more about the spire but everyone here is just rude!" Sparrow growled.

"Why not try this?" shooting range. Gotta special prize if you can beat the high score!" the man smirked. Sparrow looked at him, a shooting range? She frowned. It would allow her to test her skill. But also show this guy, she is just not someone who would lose on something so simple.

"Very well." Sparrow nodded. She got into placed as he explained the rules. Shoot villagers, not bandits. She sighed, deciding it was worth a try either way. Bonus, they weren't real. As soon as it started, Sparrow kept an eye out for villages and shot them. But the time she had finished the man was staring at her, mouth wide open. "So?" she asked curiously?

"Ya get the top prize. You're pretty good for a young'un." He stated. "Here it is, the Red dragon." He handed her the pistol. Her eyes brimmed with excitement.

"Awesome! Thanks!" She grinned. She happily walked away with her new weapon. She may not have gotten what information he wanted, but she had a pretty could gun now.