Okay, third chapter. Okay, after this I swear I'll diverge from the actual plot! Also, if you haven't beaten Fable 1, you should probably skip where it say "Several hundred years earlier" to avoid major plot spoilers. Otherwise, the reason I put that in there was because I didn't think that little 'power-up' scene from Fable II was dramatic enough, or made too much sense. I mean, this dude walks into a beam of light and can suddenly throw fireballs simply from getting more power? WTF? So, I've made a little explainer of my own as to how it happens. It's also kind of my way to give a big 'F-you' to the annoyingly undramatic ending of Fable. Residual energy and all that. All right, enough blabbing. Also, I can't remember if I did this before or not: I don't own Fable. Or Fable 2. Or anything Fable related, except for this Fable alternate reality. Also, I think it's enough for me to say that this counts for all the chapters previous and all chapters thus, so: onwards with the fanfic!(I talk a lot, don't I?)
Chapter Two: The Heroes Entrance
"Aunty T, where am I supposed to put this?" Sparrow belted out to her adoptive 'mother' Theresa. I sat within the holster always at Sparrows' side. I watched and listened as Aunty T told sparrow to just set it near Robbis' house, and Sparrow quickly complied, setting the box down just to the side of the old mans carriage thing. I felt a bit annoyed at that, after six years here I still wasn't able to remember what they were called! Then I felt something shift within me, and I nearly cocked myself in frustration. Sparrow still hasn't figured out what was wrong, which was strange considering she had replaced so many of my parts and modified me so much I was an actual gun by now. I then spent a moment marveling at her fine work. My grip was now a light brown, with tiny streaks of silver support going through, barely noticeable. My barrel was a great half foot long, with a tiny opening fit to perfectly launch bullets quickly and effectively. I had six chambers, and each could be loaded at the same time, allowing rapid firing that left me flushing with heat. I was truly happy with Sparrow and her above-mastered handling me. Not only had she made a toy gun into what is now probably one of the most powerful weapons for miles around, she could use that little toy gun like a master. If I had been human, my 'eyes' would have sparkled with admiration, and it wasn't just my body and power that had increased; as she made me more and more complex, I had grown in intelligence. I savored the feelings and thoughts that ran through my head every day, so glad to have such a complex mind that was now at nearly the same level as Sparrow herself!
Finally, I stopped thinking about how much I admired Sparrow and actually paid attention to what she was doing. We were on the bridge just above the entrance to the gypsy camp, and I wondered exactly what we were doing here. Then, Aunty T began to speak. "Ah, you're finally here Sparrow. And your faithful friends too." I felt Sparrows' mind muddle about the extra S but as always she put it out of her mind. Sometimes I had to wonder just how much Theresa knew. "Many years ago, as you remember, I promised I would help you avenge your sister. The day has come." Both my and Sparrows minds were overcome by this announcement, and I felt a grim fury rise within us both. Poor Rose… "There is a chest by your caravan"-I knew it was something simple!-" and I've left a few things that might prove useful." I watched as Sparrow ran, excitement and fury building within her, jetting past the gypsy children and heading directly to his-caravan. She lifted the top of the chest easily despite the weight, and stared for a moment before grasping the items within. She picked up an old longsword, used and dented but still sharp and able to kill. Somewhat. Then came several bottles of the elixir used to heal injuries, though it was of low quality. Then, she took a similar elixir made for animals, then a collar for the dog by Sparrows' side, whom I still could not understand well, and finally a small shovel used for digging. Then, Sparrow ran to the front gate, being confronted by Theresa who handed her a small object, which radiated some kind of energy that was like Sparrow's, but also different. "This is a powerfull artifact, once carried by heroes, and it will open places others cannot go to you. It will also allow me to speak to you when necessary. Now, look to the lake." Sparrow walked past Aunty T, looking at Bower Lake below. "The seal will allow you to enter that tomb. In it's darkest depths lies the Chamber of Fate. When you come out again, you will be strong. Much stronger than now. Now, go. Enter the tomb for your strength." Sparrow jetted off, not taking caution as she ran down the hill at incredible speeds. Finally, we reached the water, and she grabbed at me just before she jumped into the water. She paused, then held me out and above her head, going into the water and swimming with one arm as I stayed dry. I nervously watched her, afraid she would drown without the extra help, but she managed incredibly well, going through the water and reaching the small island without needing rest. Then, she stood outside the tomb. I could feel her emotions; fear, anger, excitement, and the clearest of all; uncertainty. Then, she gripped me tightly, hands going into the tiniest curves they had made over the years, and she pushed the door open, stepping into the darkness.
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Now, inside, torches lit the darkness, and Sparrow slowly went down the path that was our only way forward. The place did not look inviting, and even the dog that Sparrow had named Riff whimpered as he followed. Nevertheless, my Sparrow did not falter, and she made her way further into the tomb. Suddenly, there was an outer sound, and we heard Theresa. "Do not be alarmed. I am speaking through the guild seal. You will need to jump into that hole to continue forward. Do not worry: the water at the bottom shall break your fall, though you should be mindful of that weapon you've kept all these years." I felt surprise seep in, but not too much. Then the reality of what she had said seeped in. We would be going into the water, and a jump would not spare me. I was worried, and Sparrow was too. But then, I silently encouraged her, hoping that my voice would get through. "Go ahead, I'll be fine!" I said, knowing that there wasn't so much chance I would escape without need to be repaired. Finally, Sparrow made up her mind, setting me into her largest and deepest pocket and holding her hand over it tightly. Then, she jumped down, feet first, and the air whooshed through Sparrows' ears, my senses, and the dogs fur. Finally, we hit the bottom, and Sparrow took only the slightest second to regain her sense before she swam for the shore. We reached the land, and Sparrow held me out, soaked as I was. She began to go through me, taking me apart slowly to make sure I wasn't broken, before approaching one of the torches and holding me close to it. We stayed like that for minutes, and I was finally dry, ready to fire. After checking me once again, Sparrow continued forward, hopping off a low ridge. She looked around, before moving forward. Suddenly, large insectile creatures burst from the ground, sand splaying out. Before even I knew what was happening, Sparrow had me aimed at the giant beetles, and she fired. Once, twice, three time. Three beetles dead, in two seconds, and I felt joy rush through at my use and at the excellence with which Sparrow operated. Then, she continued to fire, and my bullets tore the beetles apart, even as they hissed and clicked with fury. Finally, after minutes of fighting, I could feel something enter Sparrow, and it entered me as well, making the both of us feel delighted and happy at the rushing sensation. I had no idea what it was, before Theresa began to speak. "The sensation you just felt was the knowledge and experience of the creatures you just killed. You felt them as they were killed by your gun, and you are all the better for it." Then, Riff began to bark and paw at the ground. After digging with the help of Sparrow and her shovel, they found a tightly tied bag, filled with gold, and Sparrow and I delighted in this find, knowing it could be used for many purposes. We continued forward, and once again Riff found something. This time it was dye for hair, and I felt a bit worried she would change her bright red hair to some other color. But then her feelings hit me; something similar to a 'eww, gross' feeling, and she tossed the bottle on the ground, heading forward once again.
We went through many tunnels, the walls covered by wood and beetles attacking us at random. I had a lot of fun, because Sparrow just kept shooting and shooting, never even letting the beetles get close, using the seemingly endless supply of bullets she had in that bag by her side. Then, we found some sort of glowing blue orb. Theresa spoke again. "You will have to shoot it if you wish to open the door." I felt as Sparrow took me out once again, her small hands holding me expertly as she launched one of my bullets directly into the ball of light. As soon as the bullet hit the light-ball, it jetted into a small hole at the top of the gate blocking us, and the gate began slowly grinding upwards. Then, we continued, taking a detour to find a chest with an old mace made of wood inside. It was a very crappy weapon, and Sparrow dropped it back into the chest, letting it slam back into place as she turned around. Only to feel something sharp pinch her hind quarters. Sparrow yelped in surprise as she jumped around. "Why ye little pervy bugger!" She announced, drawing me and blasting the beetle three times in retribution. I was laughing my proverbial ass off as she turned around and acted similarily to all the other bugs, even stomping on their destroyed bodies in anger until her anger was completely gone. Finally, she went back on track and headed through the cave after digging up a little gem. After another attack by the beetles, we found ourselves in an underground lake, but Sparrow did the same as earlier, holding me above the water and swimming with all her might! We first came ashore near a skeleton, which Sparrow relieved of the page it held apprehensively. It appeared to be the diary of a man named Brendon, who had become stuck in the cave.
Third day. My hand is shaking from exhaustion, but I must remain vigilant.I almost nodded off last night as we camped around the fire, but still managed to keep an eye on Erik and Drake.I have seen the greedy glimmer in their eyes. They mean to make the treasure theirs! Perhaps it is time to make use of the poison…
~Brendon
I felt Sparrow shudder as the thought of three people starving and silently betraying one another in this desolate cave went through her mind. I felt something akin to the horror she felt, but I did not have the fear that she had. Then it was back into the water, in the same manner as the other two times. We reached another body, with some kind of letter with it. Hopefully this would be better than the diary entry we had found with Brendon. It seemed this one was by the man named Erik.
Dearest Harriet,
Our voyage into the entrails of Bower Lake have taken a turn for the worse. I only hope I survive to see daylight again. You were right about Brendon and Drake. They are selfish brutes, conspiring against my back, plotting my murder so that that they can keep the treasure to themselves. But fear not, my love, for I plan to poison their water supplies while they sleep! Soon, we shall be rich!
Feverishly yours, Erik.
Once again, Sparrow shuddered. It seemed that not only had Brendon betrayed the others, but Erik as well. I could only guess that something similar had gone on with Drake as well. Even if something hadn't happened, their manners of death were clear; they each poisoned each other in suspicion. It was a grim and cowardly thing to do, poison another without even knowing their intentions, and it was something I knew my Sparrow shall never , Sparrow swam, again, we found land. We went up this time, following a path lined with glowing plants, until we found yet another note, which could only belong to the as-yet unfound Drake.
A man can only be pushed so far before he night without sleep as those villains schemed behind my back, losing a foot to a giant beetles, that never ending attack of hiccups… well, it was all worth it, for I have found it. Yes! The treasure is mine. Who knows what great hero made use of this magical gem? All I know is that neither Brendon nor Erik will ever get their hands on it. I am planning to poison them both I am poisoning myself too. Just in case! Nobody makes a fool out of Drake Morton!
For the third time, Sparrow shivered, except this one was worst of all. Her shoulders shook back and forth, her hips wouldn't stop moving, and she grabbed herself. She felt incredibly sad for these people, but also a slight sense of relief. Neither of us could imagine what it had been like, but to drive a man with the name Drake to that point in insanity… It must have been horrid indeed, even my geared mind could understand. Then, we made our way forward, Sparrow putting the three suspicious dead men out of her mind in favor of the sound of my bullets ripping beetles to pieces as we left the , after going through another set of tunnels, we reached a wide open cave, with small wooden bridges being the only connectors between rocky 'outposts' over the unseen depts. Below. We passed hurridly, tearing through the bugs with sword and pistol working at the same time, increasing the rate at which we killed the beetles obstructing our path. Finally, we left the frighteningly high cave, entering more tunnels. We quickly entered another room, this one looking constructed rather than natural. There were more glowing orbs, and Sparrow stood on the rised area in the center. Sparrow had to shoot, then she had to swing, then shoot, and swing, until the glowing ball was satisfied. The golden door before us had a round center that turned slowly, ratcheting with a fast clanking sound, then, the very center which had two arrows on opposites side pointing left and right turned, making them go down and up. Finally, the door slowly clanked itself open. Then, it was through more tunnels, which was getting boring even to my patient attitude. Then, we entered a new place. It was a bridge, extending over a seemingly endless pit, with the chasm stretching out for what seemed like miles around, still echoing with the sounds of things long past.
As we walked over that bridge, I seemed to hear a hundred voices, and Sparrow seemed to hear them too. As we walked across that bridge, going through those broken doors with a hundred tiny voices speaking, Theresa interrupted the endless sound with her voice. "Beyond these broken doors lies the heroes guild. For centuries, this academy trained the most supreme sons and daughters of Albion. Bound together by the blood that flowed through their veins. They were once worshipped by the peoples of Albion. But their power became feared, and hated by the people. No man alive today remembers the night the guild burned. And now… Now it lies forgotten. But the heroes are not all gone: you, you are here, another hero within the great guild. Step into the center, the place where all graduated heroes have stood. There, your blood shall awaken." Sparrow silently looked at the place around him, with it's destroyed walls and missing floor. It was both grand and desolate, with a feeling of ancient power. Then, Sparrow looked at the center. It was filled with golden light, seeming to wait for her. She stepped towards the center, and with each step her body seemed to grow lighter. Then, as she finally entered the golden light, sound whooshed through her ears, her body was lifted into the air, and something huge and magnificent and powerful and completely indescribable seemed to completely enter her body, seeming to enter like it had been aching to enter since the day she was born. And her body accepted it. Letting it slide over her like the finest woven dress, letting it enter her like the best cooked food, letting it envelope and fill her, and then she saw what it was. She saw herself and her family, and the one that had granted such power to this place. Granted such power to Sparrow. I could feel it too, and the power entered me the same way it entered Sparrow, and for just a second Sparrow and I were the same. But a second was all I needed. All we needed. And then I was able to see what Sparrow saw, through the eyes of the one that had thrust such power onto and into us.
/Several hundred years ago/
I looked up at the door in front of me. I knew who was in there. I knew what was in there. Yet I still didn't want to enter. I didn't want to enter those doors, because I knew that whatever happened in there… whatever happened, there was no turning back. I wouldn't be able to say anything to refuse what happened, I wouldn't be able to simply make things right. Once I entered, everything would change. For better or worse. But, then I thought of mother. The Balvarine Slayer, Scarlett Rose. Who would have ever thought my mother, who was such a sweet and caring woman, had been someone so famous? And then sister… That pure, innocent girl with the strange dreams turned into a cryptic, unemotional blind seeress who took everything in stride. Damn that Jack of Blades, damn him! Damn him back to the void where he came from!
And so, I took a deep breath. I put my hand on the two doors before me. And I opened them. Then I saw that scene. My sister bent over in pain, encased by the magic. My mother, struggling for release and freedom in front of that dark glowing blade known as the Sword of Eons. And him. Jack of Blades. The only of the three to not be eliminated by the Archon. And he spoke. "What a touching family reunion. The mother. The son. The daughter. And the sword. There is only one thing really missing." And then he cut her. He released her for just a second, but then his sword cut her. It went deep into her neck, and for a moment I could only stand, staring as my mother fell. Fell. Dead. Mother… And then her entire body was simply drained. The Sword of Eons eagerly took the blood of my mother, sucking it up with those lights flashing around it. The blade turned red. The color of my mothers blood. Then, Jack took grasp of the sword, lifting it above his head with triumph. "It is your blood now. Then, once I've stained this blade with the blood of the only three Archons in the world, I shall make this detestable world burn!" Then, I felt hatred seep into my soul. I felt it fill every single part of me, and the cold hard hatred and need to kill Jack of Blades battled with the noble good-sided me that wanted nothing more than to stop Jack of Blades. Hatred won, and I felt my power and hatred seep into my very body, forcing the horns of rage grow from my skull, the red, glowing eyes of distrust overcome my naturally blue pupils, the blackened, lava-like skin overcome the soft scar-filled flesh that was my human being. My body was rotting, and it was making me ever powerful. Finally, as Jack let a dozen of his minions attack, I forced my power into them. I twisted their minds, driving them insane so that they would serve me. They fought against each other, killing their allies, but I paid no attention. Instead I summoned the spirits of all the creatures I had ever killed, and the entire Chamber of Fate was filled with hundreds of wasps, dozens of hobbes and balvarines, and even a few White Balvarines. Jack of Blades was surprised by this incredible show of power, but he put more force into his attacks. A hundred of the armored foes appeared, forced to wade through my armies even as Jack released powerful bursts of power that destroyed many of the spirits. I payed no heed, only feeling my willpower fill my body, toughening my skin and letting my muscles grow beyond possibility even as my minds' reasoning weakened. I charged forward, heedless of the pain that was befalling me, paying no attention to anything other than the pure hate and need for revenge that was fueling my conquest. I swung the giant sword that Thunder himself had given to me, ripping through Jack of Blades without effort. His entire body seemed to collapse, but then it returned and my body was blown back by his outrage. "How dare you! You impudent little mortal brat! I am older than you could even comprehend, yet you even attempt to harm me! I'll show you power!" And then Jack of Blades attacked me head on, the Sword of Eons breaking my sword in half as he slashed at me. I ducked, driving my fist into Jack's stomach, grabbing the mask that I could only assume belonged to the Queen of Blades and ripping it from Jack. He screamed in fury at this, and attacking me once again, but I merely blocked the very Sword of Eons using the mask I had stolen, and then I rammed my fist into Jack. He went sailing backwards, as if gravity didn't exist, until he hit the far wall. I was there too fast even for him, and I opened the small Will pocket I had made to carry my things, pulling out a hammer which I slammed onto Jack. Then, I dropped the hammer, lifting my hands and sending the largest lightning bolt I had ever seen at Jack. Finally, as some sense of sanity returned, I grabbed his hood and dragged his broken body back to the center of the Chamber of Fate. I lifted the Sword of Eons from his grasp, and held him above my mother, even as tears fell from my eyes. "You bastard. I don't care how old you are, how powerful you are, you are nothing but a callous bastard. Now, GO BACK TO YOUR FUCKING VOID!" I slammed him into the ground, using the Sword of Eons to cleanly slice through his entire body. Then, the Sword was suddenly in my grasp, even as I began to sob hard, and sister stood beside me. There was a glowing portal in the center, and amongst the glowing colors and blinding lights, there was an eternal darkness in the very center, so small it was barely noticeable, yet horrifying in just how dark it was. She was calm as ever, though even I could hear the hard undertone of her voice. "And now, here is the choice I spoke of… so long ago. Strike me down with the Sword of Eons, and you shall become more powerful than even Jack dreamt of being. Or cast it into the vortex, and be rid of the Sword of Eons forever. But I already know your choice little brother. I can see it in your actions today." I looked at my sister. My big sister, who was now so small, and I felt as the anger and hatred was overcome now that Jack was dead. Now, my body simply sobbed hard, and I lay on the ground, unable to let the Sword of Eons go. I don't know how long I remained there, but eventually, I saw that sister was right. She already knew my choice, as I did. I took hold of the Sword of Eons, holding the grip in both hands, even as I fought to steady my body against the tears still coming. Finally, I thrust the sword into the vortex. Sister spoke again, and in her voice was a hint of knowledge and sadness. "They're both where they belong, lost forever, as they should be. It's time I find where I belong myself." I looked at my sister. Then I looked at our mother. Then, I stripped myself of all the clunky armor that kept me safe, but made me seem untouchable. I hugged my sister, and I felt her smile as she hugged me back. Then, I picked up my mothers corpse. I knew just where I would bury her. I would bury her in the most appropriate place I had ever and ever will see; that beautiful little demondoor in the guild. That beautiful place, that would be the resting place for my mother. I smiled a real smile for the first time in a long, long time, and I felt that just maybe my future was no longer that of an Archons: my future was now that of the little village boy, following his sister around. Then I left the Chamber of Fate, sister in front of me and my mother within my arms.
/Several hundred years later/
Sparrow and I were both amazed by the pure experience, seen from the eyes of the Hero of Oakvale. The greatest hero to live since the Archon himself. I watched as the light seemed to lessen, and we were put upon the ground once again. The experience was was dazzling, and Sparrow fell to the ground, forced to remain still for several minutes as her mind digested the thoughts of what we now knew was her ancestor. Finally, Sparrow managed to stand up, and Theresa spoke again. Now, though, we both knew that Theresa was far older than she should be. Who knew why? But we listened. "You have just experienced many things, but mainly the use of Will. You will now be able to focus all the experience you gather to learn and grow. Such as using the experienced gained from killing beetles with your sword to swing it faster, or your gun to reload faster, or, from now on, your willpower. Before you is a Cullis Gate. It reacts to the Will of the one who seeks to use it. You've not been able to use Will, but the experience you just had shall allow you to use Will. Now, focus on your hands. Feel the electricity run through them, let your life flow in and out of your fingertips… now, let it all out at once, in the electric form of your Will." Sparrow did as Theresa said, closing her eyes to focus, copying the feeling she had had when she had seen her ancestors use of Will. Suddenly, there was a shock at her hand, and a ball of energy was being held between her hands as she kept it from jetting away. "Excelent, feel the power running through you, and know it is only the beginning. Now, use your Will to open the Cullis Gate." Sparrow focused upon the small red ball, feeling the power in her hands grow, and then she let it all go in that single direction. The electricity made her hair stand on end and it ran through the air as it hit the ball. The ball exploded, turning into a firy light that glowed and danced. "Well done. Now, go out to begin your journey." I watched as my Sparrow walked up to the light, which glowed a deep blue, and then we were suddenly sucked in. Before I knew what happened, we were outside. For a moment, there was only silence, and Sparrow was looking at the moon with a surprised look on her face. Then, her eyes narrowed, and she smiled, and I felt her feelings of happiness for the great Hero of Oakvale. "I'm happy too…" I remarked, looking at the moon with an equally happy feeling. "Who said that?" My little Sparrow answered.
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Dun dun dun! How's that? Also, for anybody who wants to complain about the fight between Jack and Chicken Chaser, I'll say again that it was because I felt the real one was too undramatic, I think that the child of the dude that beat the Knight of Blades to a pulp with barely a second glance would be able to beat the crap out of Jack when he isn't at full power. Also, R&R, and please inform me of anything I should better myself on. Also, that huge amount of random tunnels really is pretty boring, huh? Why do they ALL have to be the same style… Oh well! Finally, I'm done. Except for one little thing: Don't expect the next chapters to come out so quickly; No idea why, but I decided to write at least three chapters for this before I actually sent it out to . Finally(again), I'm still accepting names for the gun. Really just can't decide on one.