Very short and low-detailed chapter. It's the end of the prologue and the real plot unfolds in the next chapter.
PS: Sorry you all haven't heard from me in a while. An explanation for that AND TEAM CHAOS' LONG DELAY are at the end.
A Fabled Shadow – Chapter 3: Graduation
Two more years went by, the training grew more intense everyday for the heroes. But they each prevailed, learning all the spells and maneuvers there possibly was. Though the Guild offered as a great home and training grounds, all four of the heroes wished to go back home. The boy with his family in the small town of Oakvale and the other three back in their own world with their friends and loved ones. But they had to keep focused, the final day of training was here at last and they soon would be able to venture out into the world of Albion...
The Guild Master bowed before the four heroes. "You have come quite far, but one test remains for you all. You must go to the top of the hill in the Guild woods...your test will be revealed there, good luck." They all bowed in return and headed for the woods. As they passed the river and made their way up the hill, Maze appeared from a flash of light. The four jumped back, startled by his entrance.
"I'm sure you're all curious about how to complete the final test..." They nodded in response.
"It's real simple. You must defeat me using everything you have learned in your years here at the Guild. Don't worry, I won't be harmed. Now, unsheathe your swords, you must hit me." Shadow, Silver and the boy grabbed they're swords and charged at Maze. But he warped away. They gazed around trying to locate him, then they heard a laugh from behind.
"C'mon. You must be quicker then that."
Shadow smirked. "I'll show you 'quick'." He warped behind Maze and gave a harsh blow to his back. As Maze was stunned by the attack, Silver and the boy saw their opportunity and gave a few blows to the mentor as well. Maze held his hand up.
"That's enough. Excellent, you three should work well as a team. But let's see your archery skills. Shoot me from a distance with you bow and arrows." He warped away once more as all four of them grabbed their bows. Shadow pulled back on an arrow and held it in front of his body. As Maze appeared else where, he pointed the arrow at him and released. The arrow hit Maze's shoulder, causing him to grunt in pain. Quick to react, Silver and Daxter fired an arrow at the stunned Maze. But before the boy could get a shot, he warped away once more. The teen did as Shadow had and prepared an arrow. He gazed around, trying to be aware of Maze's next location. The procedure proved successful and the boy spotted Maze appearing in a new spot. He aimed the arrow and released it. It managed to get his arm.
Maze plucked the arrows from his body. "Good. Now, cast lightening at me!" Shadow, Silver and the boy held out their hands and let a jolt of electricity travel to Maze. He fell to his knees after the three stopped the lightening.
"Very impressive for novices." He panted.
"So the final test was as simple as that?!" Silver questioned.
"Well, you'll find real battles more fatal than this." Daxter gulped at his words. "This was just to test your quickness. However, you've passed and are ready to receive your Guild Seals."
"It's about time." Shadow stated.
Go meet with the Guild Master at the woods' entrance." Maze warped away for a final time. Shadow turned to the other three.
"Well, let's get this over with so we can get the hell out of this Guild." He walked down the hill, as the others followed.
---
The Guild Master smiled brightly as the four walked through the gate. "Well, the day has finally come, lads! Your graduation ceremony will take place in the Chamber of Fate. Meet Whisper in the library when you're ready. I'm going to go prepare your Guild Seals." He walked away as the four stood there.
"C'mon, I want to get this done!" Shadow urged.
"B-but, I've kind of always wondered about that strange door by the Will training area. Could we at least go check that out before we leave this place?" Silver begged.
Shadow sighed. "Fine, but let's make it quick." They ran over to the bridge and across it. As they approached the dummies, they noticed some stones in the lake leading to the door. Shadow dashed across them as the other three cautiously walked on the stones. Daxter looked up at the face on the door.
"This looks older than my grandmother!"
"Watch your mouth, weasel." The door stated in a booming voice.
"Great precursors! It talks!!" Shadow stepped forward.
"What are you?"
"I...am a Demon Door. The ancient ones built many like me to keep secrets locked away."
"By any chance can we reveal these secrets?"
"Only by using your whits to figure out how to open us up."
"'Kay. Could you give us a clue to that? Or a clue as to what will open you?" Daxter questioned.
"Your path is dark. Only a light can reveal it. And you are not bright enough."
Shadow chuckled. "Well, no one's brighter than Silver. Look, guys, let's just go grab our Guild Seals. We can come back later." The three nodded as they headed to the library.
---
"There you are!" Whisper greeted as the four walked into the library. "I thought you weren't going to show. Come on, everyone's waiting. Let's hurry." She slid a bookcase out of the way, revealing a dark path with a tall door at the end. "This is the way to the Chamber." She walked across the stone bridge. Shadow and the others followed as she pushed the door open. As they stepped into the Chamber, rows of hooded apprentices sat in front of an alter, where the Guild Master, Maze and Thunder stood. The Guild Master held his hand out, towards the five who just entered.
"Today, five apprentices are worthy enough to receive their Guild Seals. Let them come forth." The five looked at each other, moved forward and stopped at the altar.
"For many years, all of you have worked a great deal to earn the title of Hero. As of this moment, your apprenticeship ends and you shall go out into the world to do wondrous deeds." The five stood silently as the Guild Master continued. "Deeds that will reward you with the gratitude of thousands or strike fear into their hearts. These are dark times. The dangerous shadows of Albion are stirring and deadly winds are blowing. Your choices will change the face of the world." The Guild Master handed each of them a Guild Seal. "Now take your Seals and venture forth as Heroes..." The five now-heroes took the Guild Seals, as the crowd cheered, and bowed in honor.
Okay, I've been very busy...and sick. That's why I haven't updated either stories recently.
But, now you something to hold you off. I still have to explain why Team Chaos hasn't been updated in for ever:
1: I've been ill
2: Severe PC issues
3: Rewriting Chapter 1-20. Continuing with 21 may result in plot-screw-up. Best to wait and see what I'll change in the story.
Don't worry, I'll be damn sure to continue by Febuary 2008. Til then I'll be off for a while