WOW WHAT DID I JUST PROOFREAD THIS AND FALL ON THE FLOOR CRINGING IN SHEER PAIN AND AGONY? You betcha.

Anyways, this is a fable story for my fable OC. she isn't that important and is actually there to contribute to the main story. So essentially, the story I'm writing just makes her sound more important than she actually is. Long ass chapters. okay. revamped a little. i mean it. A LITTLE.

Hook Coast was an ironic sight to behold, being a beach with snow sprinkled around it like a melted cake. Apparently, according to loud tavern dwellers and foreigners, this was a prime location for vacation getaways. Will begged to differ; there was absolutely nothing but danger around them, one guard on duty at a time, and no access to the outside world. Snow crunched beneath the child's large boots, "You'll grow into them!" her mother's abnormally cheery voice echoed within her head. The eight year old had counted seven less-than-graceful stumbles in the ungainly boots. There was absolutely no doubt that there would be more to follow. The basket weighing heavy in her frail arms did nothing to disprove that all items seemed to be ten sizes too large for her.

Hands red from holding the burden as tightly as possible, Will sighed as a small gray house came into view out of the light fog that had started to form. In the doorway stood a young woman, who had to be no older than her late twenties. Her long, obsidian hair was tied back into a loose ponytail and a worn apron adorned her small frame, hinting that she'd been cooking. "Well! Get inside then, its cold." Her words were grating to the ears, but familiarly warm to Will in a way that she'd never come to comprehend fully. The girl tripped clumsily past her mother who relieved her of the load and gently touched her short black hair. Feeling her mothers' fingers comb through her disheveled mess of hair, Will shook it like an overzealous lion cub imitating its father shaking his full mane. At that moment, she became aware of how much snow had amassed on the top of her head. "Now, I want you to go and get cleaned up, we'll be having a visitor." With a tilt of her head, she eyed her mother questioningly. Obviously feeling no need to explain, she gave her daughter a fairly rough shove, "Go on, get on with it."

The floor creaked noisily, threatening to suddenly break and send Will plunging to her doom below the old house. Skillfully, she avoided the chipped floorboard that had managed to best her for the past couple months. "Not this time." A silent triumph in the form of a grin crossed her pale, childish face. The water ran cold against her red hands, no different from the frigid snow outside. A rather refreshing jolt ran down her petite body as cold water was splashed onto her face, dampening the hair that fell into her eyes. Will wasn't surprised with her own flagrant lack of enthusiasm towards her mother's announcement of a guest, considering the interesting and exotic characters that ventured into her hometown practically every day from near and far.

To sum it up, the kid wasn't going to meet her mother's friend. Instead, she sat at the besmirched window and peered through the smallest clear section of the glass. The sleeve that was used to wipe the window was a fruitless effort for the miasma was gathering outside rather than on the inside where the child sat. In the distance she could see a young guard in his standard red and blue uniform trudging around in the thick snow. Further out stood the lighthouse, the one light that really ever shined in such a dreary place as this. The valiant ray pierced the darkness that clouded Hook Coast. Something irked her; something was going to happen, her mind just couldn't piece together what it would be…yet.

"Almost done?" her mother had sensed it too, the only logical reason she'd followed Will to the small room was to merely find out what was wrong with her usually loud, witty child. The only response was a not-so-convincing nod, but it was all her mother needed. She replied with a silent nod and left the room, the fading sounds of floorboards sighing under her soft, graceful steps were all that the girl could hear.

Often times, her mother had told Will of her adventures in some sort of Guild where she trained as a powerful will user. Concluding that was the origin of her name, she smiled and leaned back against a wooden wall, smirking at the house grumbling 'Ugh, I'm old enough, don't go leaning on me now'

Before her mind had even settled on a firm decision about meeting the mysterious guest, she had an unexpected guest of her own. He went by the name Mr Sandman and, in moments, peach curtains fell over shining blue orbs. Of course, they didn't go down without a fight. Several times, they managed to instantaneously bounce back up, but in the end was no match for the frustrating weight of the sand. Will had a dreamless sleep, and truthfully she enjoyed the tranquility it brought to her busy mind. The calm before the storm, and hell… it was going to be a big one.

Significantly, the room had darkened, indicating that her joyous slumber had been quite long. "Mum?" the first words that instinctively popped out of her mouth. Absentmindedly, Will reached up, touching the tips of her fingers to the un even ends of her dark hair which was barely past her small chin. Knowing better than to get up and start walking around in the dark because of what happened last time, Will sat and contemplated in the darkness. This was no normal darkness, the air had an ominous feel to it like someone…or something was approaching fast. On cue, the room grew chillier and a tiny moan from the house prompted the poor child to flinch. By now she should've been used to the ungodly noises produced by the ancient house. A thump was heard. The sound was definitely from the house, but was made by a person, more constant thumps resounded, growing louder, more frantic. The clamor masked Will's heart pounding hard in her chest. "Mum?" she repeated, seeing her lean body in the doorway. Despite the room being shrouded in blackness, Will could see that a few strands of her mother's hair had been shaken from her ponytail.

Nearly out of breath, she managed a single raspy word, "Will!" Swallowing hard, the woman regained her composure. Cautiously, the pale child stood, but kept her feet rooted to the spot. Not a moment later, she realized that she didn't have to move, for her mother took fast, purposeful strides towards her daughter and hastily knelt in front of her. With only a moment of hesitation she opened her mouth, "We're going to play a game." The look on her mother's face showed off the excitement that a mirrored a child's expression to receiving a new toy. "Hide and seek!" her voice didn't falter, but she'd already lost Will at the word 'game'. Before her mother could explain, Will already bolted for the door only to be seized by her mother's tough grip, "I love you."

"Love you too, no peeking!" thinking not so much of the randomly offered sentiment, Will trotted out the door in search of a clever place to hide. Her mother wouldn't win this time. Oh, she didn't tell her mother how high to count! Stupid mistake, bah, there was enough time. Near the entrance to their house stood a small cupboard that only a youngster of her size could fit into without breaking something imperative. Giggling, Will meticulously shut the little doors with a light click. Getting comfortable, she watched through the miniscule crack to see if her mother would be able to find her.

Resa watched her daughter scramble out the door in a jaunty hunt for a hiding spot. An uncomfortable lump rose in her throat as she lifted herself from the ground, clutching her chest. She'd learned from a young age to never show her true emotions, especially to her innocent little girl. The lump grew as Resa heard the audible click of the cupboard shutting barely twenty paces away. When the house was silent again, Resa's face changed. She now looked like a woman hardened by many years of combat and as unforgiving as the creatures that resided in Albion. Without a single sound from the house, Resa glided across the house to the entrance.

Will's bright eyes had narrowed, hoping that she could see easier through the slit. Out of the fog emerged a bright crimson. The hue didn't settle too well with Will. Soundlessly, she moved deeper within her hiding spot almost hoping to disappear into the dark wood behind her. Perhaps this was the guest that her mother had been so cheery about earlier in the day. Remembering this, the girl relaxed, but remained alert to an extent. Before too long when the man had gotten alarmingly close to their door, Resa came into view.

"Well, well, Resa, you've grown. My dear, is it you?" the voice sent unnerving chills up Will's spine; she shivered, but didn't dare move. It wasn't that she didn't want to, she couldn't, the presence of this stranger seemed to numb her, freeze her to the core. She didn't even bother to analyze what the man was asking. She was focused on her mother whom she'd never seen wear a façade of viscosity that matched that of an injured balverine about to fight for its life. After the man completed his sentence, a look of surprise and realization grew on Resa's face.

"If I admit yes, will you leave and never come back?" her voice was quiet and the question was etched with an odd mixture of relief and desperation..

"My, what an odd request, but nevertheless…." The man went silent, as if he was thinking it over, "Yes." The word slithered from his mouth like a snake with an unpleasant hiss. Resa looked down, which the man presumed to be a nod. A quick glance and smile was shot towards the cupboard in the corner of the room. The last thing she saw was a bright flash of red light, her mother's motionless body on the ground, and then, just as quickly as he'd appeared, he disappeared from sight, along with her mother. The two were gone. What could he want with her mother's dead body? She didn't even get to say a fitting goodbye.

The child froze, confused eyes wide with sheer terror. A body cringing, high-pitched scream boomed through all of Hook Coast, long and agonizing. She yelled, unable to form coherent words. Anyone who was within earshot could easily tell it was a cry of bitterness, fury, and loathing.

Her vengeful cry was cut short by a loud thump of a boot on the ground of the house; a flash of red was visible from tear-blurred eyes. Recklessly, Will lunged out of her hiding place flinging herself at the man who had murdered her mother. Stunned, the man sent her flying across the room with a single swipe of his powerful arm. Will let out an involuntary yelp as she came to a painful collision with the wooden wall. Looking up, the realization hit her that this wasn't the man who had killed her mother. No, he had dark skin and his face was clearly visible. Blue intertwining lines ran along his face and what was evident of his arms. An older man, with neatly kept white hair and not a single strand fell onto his flustered face.

"A child?" the man himself remained utterly lost as he stared incredulously at the child he'd just smacked straight into the wall. The words 'I'm sorry' were already beginning to form on his lips, but Will wouldn't allow him to speak. Overcome with rage, she held her hands out in front of her and felt a inexplicable power surge through her. Quite frankly, it felt good. From her tiny hands blue lightning was cast and shot directly at the intruder. The craggy lines of blue whirled and traveled through the air at an alarming rate, finally hitting the man squarely in the chest. Stunned and gasping for air, the intricately clothed man stumbled backwards, noticeably taken aback by the child's raw power. Frightened, Will charged wildly towards the man, only to be easily held back by his arm. "Calm yourself!" he breathed, still recovering from the assault that had knocked the wind out of him. "I'm not your enemy." He growled when the stubborn girl refused to listen, and kept throwing unsuccessful punches. The desperate flailing that failed to make much of an impact ceased, and eventually fully came to a stop, "Resa? Your mother?" he asked. Glaring at him, she moved her head up and down in reply, 'Where-…" he paused, looked down at the girl, and then placed a hand to his head as if a splitting headache was developing, "My name is Maze, I am the head of the Guild of Heroes." he explained finally.

Maze knew full well that this wasn't the most excellent place to ask questions of the girl, so he turned away from her, his dark robes billowing dramatically as he did so. Will instinctively knew to follow. Distractedly, the man brought a hand to his chest, moving back to how strong her will-power had been. The cold hit Will like a hard ocean wave once she was outside again standing in the freezing snow, "It is customary to give one's name during a first meeting." Maze mentioned.

"I'll give it when I wish." His eyebrows rose in surprise from the biting words of an eight-year-old

"You will learn respect." He turned sharply to face her. Maze's towering height didn't faze her for a moment. She returned the fierce stare with her equally brutal eyes. Having no intention to quarrel with a child who had just lost her mother, Maze pivoted and moved towards the Cullis gate without another utterance. The sound of the water sloshing against the shore grew faint until it was no longer audible. Stopping at the last patch of snow before the Cullis gate, Will shut her eyes and shivered. She'd come back. She just didn't know when or why, but she would. A light blue glow grew stronger until it enveloped her and the stranger. Will's stomach flipped and she pushed back the taste of bile in her throat. "The guild…" Maze stated simply, observing the girl's reaction to the structure that emerged before them. The stone castle's structure was detailed and, though old, looked sturdy. Bright orange flames of the torches glowed and danced as if they retained a life of their own. A person could lose their way in this labyrinth.

Besides Hook Coast, the girl had never been anywhere else, so this was unquestionably the most remarkable moment of her short life. The air was cool and calming in contrast to the dark gloomy aura given off by the ocean back home. Enormous wooden doors stood protectively in front of the guild, intimidating all who approached. To Will, it looked absolutely indestructible. Before too long had passed, Maze had walked on, obviously losing patience with the awe-struck child. "How rude." She stated catching up to him.

"Rude? And not giving me your name after I have given you mine isn't rude?" Will grew silent, having no retort for his comment. Once inside the guild, the girl stayed a good distance away from Maze, but not far enough to get lost. As small and light as her footsteps were they still managed to make a loud sound on the cobblestone. Her arrival attracted the attention of a group nearby. Will didn't understand why they wore the same thing and kept their hoods up. Whispers arose from the group and Will picked up her pace, eyes remaining on the white-clothed group. They had distracted to the point where she squeaked, purely startled when she slammed straight into Maze. She could've sworn she saw him roll his eyes, but the second man in front of her occupied her attention. Silently, she scrutinized him. He was old as well, with that whole wise-man look about him. He wore blue robes and the only hair he had was white facial hair. "A new student for you Guildmaster." Will could tell by the pitch and pattern of his voice that he clearly wanted to get rid of her as fast as possible. The Guildmaster didn't move, scrutinizing the child with narrowed eyes as if he were trying to glimpse the depths her soul.

"Come closer." He whispered, his voice was gentle, a great improvement from Maze's tone. Obeying, she stepped forward and the Guildmaster placed two fingers on her forehead, shutting his eyes in what would be defined as concentration. After a moment of silence, the Guildmaster reeled back, his eyes had grown unnaturally wide with shock, as if Will had unsheathed a dagger and impaled him in the forehead. Alarmed, Maze moved forward, a twinge of concern visible on his face. The group of hooded people had moved closer too, curiosity reigning supreme. "No!" he spat. "It's impossible, we cannot." Maze moved to stand beside the Guildmaster and whispered something muffled into his ear. "Even worse." The man confirmed "My point exactly." He muttered. The girl's breathing was getting harder, not because she was tired, but frustration. Maze noticed and was as well losing what little patience he had that night. "I'm sorry, but there are reasons child." He attempted to appease the child, placing a hand on her shoulder. What was happening? Why was it happening? The wound up murmurs of the spectators grew louder with each passing second. "We simply cannot," he repeated, his tone grew much softer from the moment ago where he'd exploded on the shaken girl. Her breath hitched in her throat.

"Then I shall." Both the Guildmaster and Will turned to face Maze, who stood firmly next to Will. At a loss for words, the Guildmaster stuttered, but in the end remained silent, "She has exceptional will-power, stronger than I've ever seen. She needs… guidance." At the end of his sentence the man trailed off. The listeners nearby had gone into a struck silence. Gripping her by the shoulder, he pushed her past the crowd that had gathered, and ushered her into a room that hadn't been used in years. Puzzled by his own actions, Maze shook his head, wondering why he'd even agreed to this task. His hand flew to his left temple again, "Your training will begin tomorrow. And know this; my training is drastically more difficult than anything the Guildmaster can throw at you… " His visage showed signs of a frown and with an aggravated grunt, he began to stride out.

"Will!" Maze halted, but didn't turn around. "My name is Will." He might have understood better with a full sentence rather than just a simple word. With that, he turned.

"How fitting." He responded. For maybe the first time, Will smiled a childlike smile one that glowed much like the lighthouse from her old home. The corner of Maze's mouth twitched, but before it could actually develop into a full-fledged smile, he walked off still contemplating his impulsive judgment to personally take on an apprentice, one that the Guildmaster obviously did not approve of. Will took a short moment to stick her tongue out at his back and then observed her surroundings. Like the rest of this new castle of a home, the room was made entirely out of stone. In the corner stood a neatly made bed with dark red sheets, larger than the bed she had at home. Despite the fact that this room hadn't been used in a year or two it had been kept fairly neat and clean. The closest thing to her was a round table with a single book set on top of it.

"Creatures of Albion." She read slowly flipping to the first page. Reading was not something she wanted to do in her state, but what she got out of her quick scan was Nymphs, Minions, Screamers, and Scorpions. Along with each name was a small description and picture of each. With a loud clap, Will shut the book and climbed up the high bed. Her eyes shut, but sleep didn't come easy for the girl. The events of earlier in the day flooded back. So much had changed so fast, and here she was about to be trained by this Maze person. Personally, she didn't like him, but then again when did a student ever like a teacher?

A tear…

A single tear slid down her cheek, the leader of the army of droplets that followed obediently behind it. Will buried her face in her pillow allowing the water to soak into the fabric. One heaving sob after another, the child refused to finish and continued letting out her emotions holding back no longer. Swallowing, Will rolled onto her back in bed, her eyes outlined with a light shade of red; the same could be said for the tip of her nose. Stifling her final sniffles, Will closed her eyes and vowed to never shed a tear ever again.

Thanks for actually trying to read. No seriously.