A/N: It's been awhile.... well, i sort of gave up on this fic... but after awhile decided to revive it. For some odd reason, i thought i needed to finish this. Anyway, to answer the question, Robin only said that the four heroes were 'lost' to THEM, as in, the guild doesn't know where they went. Reaver is definitely still alive, and he has a large involvement in this story... i can't tell you how, or else everything would be wasted. But he is important. Oh yeah, Rose is going to be in this story too, so if you want to know how, just wait. Since i can't focus much on this anymore, i would have to rush the story, cut it down to one fifth of it's original story length. No one reads this anyway.
The Black Blade
The training continued for Ashe, and not once did Telios let up. Ashe would be drained of energy every time it would be time for dinner, and after that, Robin would appear from nowhere and drag Ashe off for another 'tour', which seemed to be more of a history lesson than a proper 'tour'. But thanks to that, Ashe was beginning to understand what the guild was built for, and what Heroes were really meant to be. The right and the wrong of each Hero was recorded, each great deed, and each dark sin they committed would be noted.
Not a single fact slipped the records. It was like whatever they did, they would be watched. That thought frightened Ashe, though she understood the implications for such things. A constant rule that the Guild has is 'balance'. They were the source of balance in the World of Albion and beyond. And due to her training, Ashe's attacks were now becoming more refined. What Robin and Telios said were true. She still kept her old techniques and style, but with the help of the Guild, she was beginning to see how her attacks could be more powerful than before. Guns were the same.
The guild had instructed her on proper handling and techniques that could be used in real life events. Guild members who had some free time were grabbed and used to be sparring partners for Ashe, using wooden swords and toy guns as weapons. Telios had commented that Ashe learns quickly, and she would be soon ready to be placed out on the field. Though Robin had kept her comments to herself for now.
There were a few things that Ashe wanted to ask Robin though. One was where did Sonia go. Ashe had not seen the female pirate since the day they came in, and Robin simply said that Sonia had to undergo a different training. While that didn't really answer the question, Ashe decided not to pry any further. Another question was whether Ashe was going to learn the powers of Will.
"Soon. Once your sword techniques and gun stances are perfected, i'll decide whether you have the aptitude for it."
Decide? What was there to decide? Didn't she have the blood of the forth within her? Wouldn't that normally entitle her to be able to learn all? Ashe poked her food, which was actually meat for once, thinking of what she was going to do. All of this training seemed to aim at improving her fighting skills, and maybe this would help her face off with Jack of Blades. Yet Robin said her blood was diluted, compared to the Hero of Bowerstone, meaning she couldn't kill Jack even if she wanted to. Crippling him was about the best she could do.
That did not seem enough. She wanted more, more power, enough to grab his face and smash it in. Of course, what Robin told her was not forgotten. Such thoughts often led to ruin. Ashe looked up when a tray of food landed onto the table in front of her. And for the first time since they came here, Ashe and Sonia looked face to face. The pirate had not changed much, though something about her eyes told Ashe that Sonia was 'weaker' than before. Ashe couldn't really put it into proper words. Was it because Ashe had undergone all of that vigorous training? Or was it that Sonia had changed?
The pirate sat down opposite to Ashe, and silently started to eat. Fish. Sonia was certainly a pirate through and through. The two sat there in silence, each minding their own business. It wasn't like they had anything to talk about. But Ashe had the strange urge to suddenly ask something. But there was something seemed to prevent her from actually saying anything at all. As with most other times, Ashe found herself unable to converse with other girls of her own age group. Robin seemed to be an exception however, and as usual, Ashe could not really put it into words. And so began the awkward moment between the two. Maybe it was more on Ashe's part than Sonia.
Here, two former 'should-be' enemies sat, eating within these walls of the supposedly non-existent Hero's Guild. If anything can beat that, it would certainly be a sight to behold. Thinking back to what Robin had said before, Ashe looked at Sonia, and wondered if the blood of the forth truly flowed through both of their veins. They were so different, yet having their situations so similar.
Maybe this was what Robin meant by having endless possibilities. But still, it was odd. Sonia was a famous pirate, one who struck fear into the hearts of all who heard of her. And Ashe was simple a bounty hunter from Rookridge. She was nobody. Fame wasn't something Ashe looked for, but somehow it really showed just how far apart their two worlds were.
"Aren't you going to eat?"
A voice suddenly broke her line of thought. Ashe looked up at Sonia, and was surprised to actually hear the pirate speak. Thinking back, she hadn't heard a word uttered from the mouth of that pirate ever since they met.
"... I'm not that hungry."
"I see."
Sonia did not seem to care much after that, but for Ashe, it felt like she had gotten through a very thick barrier. The line between the two seemed thin out.
"... So, what do you think of this whole affair?"
Ashe could not help but ask, but still thought of the question to be an odd one. Couldn't she think of better questions to start off a conversation? Now Ashe was beating herself in her own mind on how she could have handled that better.
"I'm simply here to defeat that man, nothing more."
Sonia did not stop eating as she replied.
"That man?"
"I will not forget him for as long as i live. That man who stole everything from me. I can never forget him, nor can i ever forgive him."
Sonia's eyes seemed to sharpen for that one instant. Ashe could feel the hatred swelling within Sonia to the point where it was almost suffocating. Most of the other Heroes in the mess hall stopped their meals and looked Sonia's way as well. Such malice struck fear straight into Ashe's chest, gripping her heart with its sharp claw. Then as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared, leaving some people almost breathless. Ashe was now treading on dangerous waters, so maybe she should change the subject.
"Er... so what sort of training are they making you go through?"
"Nothing."
That answer caught Ashe by surprise.
"Eh?"
Ashe had to pause to think if she heard it right. Did Sonia say nothing?
"Erm... Nothing, as in... absolutely nothing?"
"Yeah. Made me sit in an empty room all by myself. Meaningless and a complete waste of time."
Sonia seemed to be rather pissed, and Ashe thought that that in itself is an understatement. Certainly, it would seem that Sonia's skills were the point where they wouldn't need refinement, but why would Robin shut the pirate up in a room and get her to do absolutely nothing? Make her more aggravated? Maybe, but that did not make much sense.
"Aggravate her? Hmm, well, it would seem so."
Robin stroked her chin thoughtfully as she led Ashe down another corridor during their usual night 'tours'. This time they were walking pass the armoury rooms. The number of weapons that the guild has simply astounded and amazed Ashe. Maybe she shouldn't have spent all of her gold at the blacksmith's shop.
"Just to tell you now, most of our weapons belong to other Heroes, and should not be taken out without permission. They are important artifacts and proof of their existences and deeds."
Robin once again read Ashe's thoughts, and now Ashe was feeling rather aggravated herself.
"They are rare and powerful treasures, some cursed, but most of them are simply too powerful for other people besides its original owner to wield."
".... Do you have one?"
"Who knows?"
Ashe should have expected that answer from this sly fox. Never a straight answer, and even if she did give an answer it would never mean anything.
"So back to Sonia. There is a reason why she has to undergo that sort of training."
Robin led Ashe into one of the rooms, where dozens of swords, maces, hammers and staves of all types and colours were proudly displayed. Robin walked over to one particular sword at the end of the room. This sword sat at one end, not surrounded by any other sword, standing proudly and silently by itself, as though declaring itself greater than all of the other swords, or simply because the sword itself struck such a silent form of fear and dread that it made everything move away.
It's hilt was as black as night, and a similar coloured thin lining ran down the middle of the blade. The blade itself was impressive, almost being Robin's height. This wasn't a sword, this was a giant blade. The guard was sinister, being sharp and claw-like. Or a fang? But its long blade was normal, so to speak, looking like an enlarged long sword. But the thin black lining in the middle of the blade was something Ashe had never seen, nor heard of before. Robin stroked the blade on its hilt, and suddenly blood red words appeared on the black lining. The sword began to tremble, rattling against its holder.
Ashe felt a wave of malice and suppressing air push her back, and knock the air out of her lungs. This sword was alive. And it didn't seem too happy about being awakened. Robin grabbed the hilt firmly, and wrenched the blade free from its restraints. The dark air died out immediately, letting Ashe breathe once more.
"This is Eclipse, named after its owner. The sword of the night and shadows. It feeds on darkness, likes to sleep, and is rather rebellious. Other than that, a very loyal and powerful partner."
Robin stroked the blade gently, and Ashe noted that Robin was handling that demonic sword like it was feather. Just what sort of monstrous strength does that girl hide?
"Sonia is like this blade. Powerful, strong willed, and knows what to do. But tell me, what does a sword like this lack?"
Robin turned to Ashe, who was still rather awe-struck by the sword.
"Erm.... personality?"
Robin gave an odd look to that answer. Apparently Ashe doesn't think too deeply about certain things. A very simple woman who takes things at face value. Shouldn't her life as a bounty hunter teach her that that is wrong?
"No. What this lacks, is a sheath."
"A... sheath?"
"A scabbard. A sword is a weapon, designed to injure and kill. But what is a weapon without restraint? A simple tool of complete destruction, causing harm to all, including its owner. Such power without knowledge on its limits will ultimately lead to ruin, and self-destruction."
"... And that is what Sonia is suppose to be?"
Robin placed the sword back on the mantle, giving the hilt one last stroke with the tip of her finger, before she turned to Ashe.
"Yes. She has the skills and power. She certainly lives up to her name. Sonia the blade. The one who will strike down all before her. Without proper guidance, she will kill all, evil and innocent alike. A sword without a sheath. That is the blade."
"... But to let her do nothing at all?"
"Though we can act as her sheath, telling her what to do, watching how far she should go, ultimately a sword is only as good as its sheath. Remember that. If you place a powerful sword in a weak sheath, the sheath would shatter. If you put a weak blade in a strong sheath, the blade will lose its edge. Only the right sheath can be matched with the right sword. And only the blade will know what sheath is suited for its untamed edge. Sonia has to find her sheath on her own, and within herself. Two sheaths, one for her heart, and one for her soul."
Robin watched Ashe drag her feet back into her own room before the bounty hunter closed her door. Robin had high hopes for Ashe. The girl may not know it, but her blood is strong. Ashe could kill Jack if she wanted to, but Robin knew of a risk of killing Jack. A risk that Robin feared would overwhelm the bounty hunter. Only one can take on Jack. Robin turned and headed back into the grand hall.
The entire guild was quiet, with almost everyone sleeping in their own quarters. A few people were still up and about, but that didn't cause a stir in the halls. Robin stepped forward to the old round table placed by the side of the circle formation in the centre of the grand hall. The table had a couple of maps and documents scattered on it, most of them having details pertaining to the location of the Hero of Bowerstone. But most of these were merely cryptic messages and tales.
"Hail, Seeker."
Robin looked up, seeing a group of well armed people coming from the calis gate. Their leader stepped forward, taking off his hat and bowing to her.
"I have returned."
"I see... So? I hope you have returned with good news."
"Indeed i have."
The man reached into his coat, pulling out a parchment.
"It was quite troubling to get this, but we are certain about this."
Robin took the parchment from his out-stretched hands, and read it. Her eyes narrowed as she read the words.
"I see... It is a surprise why we didn't notice this before. This would prove difficult. Anyway, you and your men can rest."
"Thank you."
The man nodded to his men, and they dispersed, each going back to their own quarters, though their leader still stood by Robin. Robin looked at him, seeing him as tall, yet slender. He had a smooth and soft face, unlike most men who were gaunt and rough. She also sensed he had something on his mind.
"Need anything else?"
"... I have heard that you have recruited two additional?"
"Yes. I see word travels fast."
"Are they prepared?"
".... No. Not yet."
"We are running out of time, Robin. Oakfield was nearly taken over, if it weren't for Richard and his men! Eliza in Westcliff reported an army of Balverines approaching Westcliff, and she doesn't have enough people to defend the entire town-"
"I know!"
Robin slammed a fist down on the table, silencing the man. Robin suddenly withdrew her harsh tone, regretting raising her voice in the first place. Anger and irritation never brought anything productive. That she knew very well. And he wasn't in the wrong.
"I know that already..... But... i don't want them to suffer the horrible fates we went through. Without being ready, and rushing out only to die... Even though the fourth's blood runs through them, they are too important to let them out onto the field prematurely-"
"You're being selfish! Just because they're family, doesn't mean you can keep them sheltered in here forever-"
"I am not sheltering them!.... It's just..."
Robin sighed, dropping herself onto a chair, rubbing her temples as she thought things through. The man scratched his head, trying to think as well. He finally sighed, pulling up another chair and facing Robin.
"The situation is dire, Robin.... We need to find all of the remaining Heroes as soon as possible. Who knows when Jack will strike again? And the dark court? Its forces march closer to Albion as we speak. I know that they are important to us.... but now is the time for us to muster what forces we can and get the Hero of Bowerstone awakened."
".... Alright... But give me three more days."
He sighed, shaking his head. She would never change, and maybe that was one of the reasons why he would follow her on this endless journey.
"As always, being selfish. Alright, three days. Here is the list of the known remaining and their location."
The man took out another scroll, and passed it to Robin. Getting up, he stretched his arms, before turning to one of the hallways. She looked at his broad back, imagining the types of burdens that he had carried. He had suffered greatly by the hands of Jack, and now that he is free, he chose this life of constantly hiding, biding his time to finally get his revenge.
"Good night Robin."
"Good night.... Jackal."
A/N: I originally decided to have twelve descendents who have the blood of the fourth, but then i decided that was too many.... cut it down to five. Easier to remember and write. And since i'm shortening this story, it would be stupid to have so many characters.