"Ok, so let me get this straight,” Nathan growled, “you cannot tell me whether Jake is fine, because you don’t know? Haven’t you guys heard of cell phones? This is a person’s life you are talking about! The least you could do is be well informed.”

Hyung merely sat, calmly puffing away on his pipe which enraged Nathan further. He rounded on the old man, willing to use violence if necessary, when the sound of a door unlocking filled the chamber.

The four new blade owners were led out by Sam. Their steps were purposeful and proud, they looked different from the meek people that had entered the room. They stood straighter, each of their eyes glimmering with a new hidden light and all wielding a magnificent new weapon.

“You made it!” Nathan cried, running to the entrance as Jake and Sophie emerged. Rocko and Paige followed, determinedly ignoring each other.

“Four of the blades were claimed?” Hyung looked surprised, “And what of the others?”

Sam looked grim, “Two survived but didn’t pass, so Teresa took them to the infirmary. The other one perished.”

Hyung nodded sighing, “Be sure you make the proper arrangements,” and with that, Sam was dismissed.

Sam strolled from the room without another word while Nathan stood, staring amazed at the collection of weapons clutched reverently in each of their hands. He marveled at the large axe that the tiny Paige handled as easily as she would a fork, the shimmering Kris that Jake carefully carried, Rocko’s rugged pole arm stretched above even his head, and confusion filled his head when he saw Sophie’s elegant wooden sword.

“What next?” spoke Rocko, the tall young man staring down at the old master.

Hyung shrugged, “That is up to you. You can go your own way or you can stay.”

The group shifted uneasily, unsure of what to do now that they had these amazing weapons.

“Of course if you stay we will teach you how to use your weapons. We will show you a side to the world that you never knew. Our circle will become your brotherhood and eventually you will travel the world, helping people and bringing more fighters to our cause.”

Nathan suddenly felt out of place, “What about me?”

Hyung’s eyes fell upon him and smiled kindly, “You Nathan have the same choice. Just because you do not wield a sword of power does not mean I do not have anything to teach you.”

Nathan nodded, “Then I will stay.”

Hyung nodded as if he expected this.

“I will too,” called Sophie her emerald eyes lit up determinedly.

One by one the group agreed to the cause. Hyung smiled as Teresa walked back into the room, “It seems we have some new recruits Teresa.”

The cloaked woman smiled widely tucking her weathered book into her cloak as she stepped out of the shadows. “Come then fresh meat,” she grinned, “I will show you back to the surface. You may return home and your training will begin tomorrow.”

Back at Nathan and Jakes house, it was to be a long night. Nathan’s dreams were plagued with images of dragons and fire. Cities burning and darkness covering the world. He woke with a start to the sound of Jake banging around in the kitchen. Glancing at his clock, it blinked 5:00.

“Why are you up so early?” he yawned, dragging his tired legs into the kitchen, pouring a glass of water wearing boxer shorts and a singlet.

“Couldn’t sleep,” Jake didn’t mask his excitement, shoveling down a bowl of cereal.

Nathan stared at his friend, “You guys are so lucky, I would do anything for one of those weapons!”

Jake unsheathed his sword, allowing Nathan to view it from the safety of his hands. “They are pretty cool, but Hyung said he would train you, he is probably really amazing! I can’t wait till training starts, do you think they will mind if we are early?”

Nathan shrugged, blinking tiredly, “I guess not.”

“Great! I might leave soon. Want to come with me?” Jake asked, bubbling with energy.

Nathan yawned from lack of sleep, “Sure. I’ll just go get changed and grab my swords.”

Jake nodded, slurping down the last of his breakfast, milk splashing to his t-shirt.

Nathan sighed, climbing the stairs. He was really tired. His body was battered from his fight with Leon and all he wanted to do was rest. He grabbed a shirt from the bedroom floor and threw it on, and pulled on some trackies, before finally kneeling down to retrieve his blades. They were stored safely in a wooden case, hidden in a cavity beneath the floorboards. He flicked the catches open to reveal the shimmering metal, it glinting as he slide out Masamune’s blade from its sheath, inspecting it for damage.

“Come on Nate!” Jake hollered up the stairs, causing Nathan to groan, sliding the sword back into its sheath, tucking it back into the box where it was safe.

“Coming,” he called, hoisting the case from the floor.

They weren’t the first ones to arrive. Paige was already there, axe handle tapping on her knee. Rocko sat in the opposite corner intentionally ignoring the small woman.

“Hey Nathan,” Paige sang, leaning her axe against the side of building, skipping up to the boys. She threw her arms around his neck drawing him close for a hug. When she released him, Nathan was red faced and stuttering. She smiled sweetly up at him, “Isn’t it great we will be training together?” she gushed.

Nathan barely managed a nod, “I… Uhh… Need to talk to Rocko,” he excused himself quickly.

Paige scowled at his back as he hurried away.

“Good luck with that one,” Rocko laughed as Nathan slid in next to him. Nathan was silent as his faced burned furiously.

“I think she’s your type Nate,” Jake laughed, joining them.

Nathan shook his head with a chuckle and gave Jake a shove.

They sat and waited. Sophie joining them a while later, breezing through the warehouse doors right on time. “I see everybody was early,” she smiled, her sword attached to her back through a multitude of vines that served as a shoulder harness. She looked ready to fight today kitted out in a tank top with yoga pants. Nathan smiled at her widely, gesturing for her to sit.

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She started making her way over when a voice slithered out of the darkness, “On time. I think I like you newbies already.” Teresa stepped out of the doorway frightening them all. She smiled falsely, her plaited hair tied neatly behind her head, cloak swirling about her like a sinister cloud. Sam stepped out behind her, dressed in gym clothes. They motioned for everyone to join them on the large elevator before they began the descent to the underground.

They stepped out into the white corridor, “Now, girls come with me, boys go with Sam,” Teresa instructed.

They all began to move to their designated teams when Teresa spoke again, “Not you Nathan, you are to wait here for Master Hyung.”

Paige grumbled muttering unintelligible words as she stomped over to Sophie and Teresa. The boys could hear her complaining as the girls slipped through the door. Jake gave Nathan a small wave as he disappeared through a door on the opposite side.

“Just great,” Nathan muttered and sat to wait for the older man.

He sighed. Do I really belong here? I don’t wield a blade of power. Running his hand over his sword case, his lips twitched in a sad smile. Never before had he wished for different swords. He had always been completely content with his trusted friends. They had bought him many victories. He grew frustrated with the sudden yearning he felt for something that wasn’t destined for him.

“You can follow me now,” Hyung said, standing a few feet from Nathan.

Nathan looked up, surprised at the old man who had been able to sneak up on him.

Hyung merely smiled, “Stealth will come with practice Nathan. However, you will never learn to be as stealthy as me.” Nathan noticed Chronos glinting in his hand. The blade hid an immense power.

“You will not need your swords today,” Hyung instructed as the two headed away from the meeting place.

“I can’t leave them here,” Nathan argued.

Hyung however, looked unconcerned, “Normal people cannot get in here Nathan. And those that can are not interested in normal steel.”

Nathan glared at Hyung as he stood, leaving his precious swords behind in the corridor. Hyung shuffled down to the door that led into the dragon room. Nathan curiously followed him through the door. Hyung kept walking, moving past the magnificent doors from the day before. Nathan stared wistfully at the dragon doors, Maybe I could demand the test, there is still one blade left… It must be destined for me! Why wouldn’t the dragons test me?

“Hurry Nathan,” grunted Hyung, holding open a door to another white hallway off the room, “Please remember the path we take Nathan. You will be reporting to this room for the next few weeks.”

“What about training?” demanded Nathan.

Hyung shrugged, “You will be training, just not with your swords. I will leave that for you to continue in your own time.”

Nathan groaned. This is not what he had in mind. Hyung led him through a series of hallways, it seemed a complex layout but when he paid attention, it was really quite simple.

“Here we are,” Hyung announced, stopping outside a golden door. Nathan waited quietly as Hyung withdrew a long key, slipping effortlessly into the gold plated lock, clicking loudly in the quiet hallway. “Welcome to the Library,” Hyung smiled, whisking Nathan inside the large room. Large books and yellow, aged scrolls lined the walls. In the center of the room were low tables and a few overstuffed chairs on each side.

“You want me to read?” groaned Nathan.

“Yes,” Said Hyung quietly walking over to a shelf. “Starting with this one.” He pulled out a long scroll, placing it gently in Nathan’s hand.

“Shouldn’t I be practicing my swordsmanship?” countered Nathan.

Hyung shook his head, “No Nathan.”

Nathan’s eyebrows rose, “I thought I was here to become a better swordsman.”

“And you will be,” said Hyung, gently laying the golden key down on the table. “Knowledge is your power Nathan. You aren’t a Keeper of a blade and you have no advantage over any swordsman who is. All these books, these scrolls, they are our detailed histories of the blades and the blades Keepers. If you can learn about your enemy, they become that much easier to defeat.”

Nathan nodded begrudgingly.

“Books and scriptures on the Hunters are found over there. Once again, knowledge on your enemy and their habits is vital. Over there is our own history starting with the formation of The Brotherhood and the histories of our failures and triumphs,” Hyung gestured to a clump of scrolls in another corner. “All of this Nathan, is power. And the more you know, the more deadly you can be.”

Nathan sighed, retreating to the chair, “How long am I to stay here?” he asked, watching the old man.

Hyung gestured to the key, “As long as you please. The key on the table is for you. It will let you in. Remember to lock it as you leave.”

Nathan nodded, “When will I see you?”

Hyung smiled, “I will drop in on the hour, every hour. If you need to get a message to anyone, I will deliver that for you also.”

Settling further into his chair Nathan unreeled the scroll Hyung had handed him. ‘The known history of the 20 blades.’ This is going to be a long day. Thought Nathan before losing himself in the written history.

The sun had well and truly set by the time Nathan left the library. He entered his home to find Jake stretched out in front of the TV. “How was your day?” asked Nathan, falling back into the couch beside his friend.

Jake grimaced, “It was ok. Huge workout. I know I’m going to be sore tomorrow.”

Nathan nodded understandingly, “Anything interesting?”

Jake shook his head, “Nah not really. Just went over basics really. I think they just wanted to properly assess us. How was your day?”

“Great. I brushed up on my reading skills,” Nathan said sarcastically.

Jake snorted in laughter, “You’re reading?”

Nathan nodded bitterly, “Yeah. It is interesting, but I would really rather work on improving my skills.”

Jake frowned, “Why aren’t you? I mean it really doesn’t make sense. Out of any of us it is you who should be really working to make sure your butt isn’t kicked.”

Nathan shook his head at the reminder, “Gee thanks Jake.”

Jake shrugged, “Well it’s true Nate. These swords… They are amazing. Today I watched Rocko move through a 100m corridor in under 5 seconds, that’s nearly half the time of an Olympic champion! The guy is fast and it’s all because of his weapon. How are you supposed to compete with that? If Ben decided to take you on, you wouldn’t be able to keep up with him. You’d be slaughtered.”

Nathan sighed, blowing out a stream of air, “Yeah I know.”

Jake thought for a moment, “Look, I will practice with you outside of official training. I know it is important for you to keep your skills up.”

Nathan smiled, “Thanks Jake.”

Jake just grinned, “Don’t thank me yet Nate. I have learnt a few tricks I would like to try out too.”

The boys laughed and finally for the first time that day Nathan came out of his self-pity and enjoyed himself.

The next few weeks were ruthless. The group fell into their routines. The Keepers training and learnt more about their swords, while Nathan would arrive earlier than any of them to enter the library and read for hours on end. As a result, he learnt a lot about the blades beginnings, and their different roles in bringing about the two sects. Two opposing forces, locked in an eternal battle. He also learned more about each individual blade and the accomplishments brought about by their wielders. Some blades were hardly mentioned at all, while others had a lot known about them.

He also heard whispering tales of a legendary pair. Making 21 sets in total. These were the very first of the blades of power. One holding powers of heaven, the other, hell. Only a few times in the history did these blades appear, each time the world was changed drastically, sometimes for the better, sometimes for worse. The wielders were never named and their life spans were short. They were known only as the Divine Saint’s.

In the evenings he would train. Jake sometimes would spar with him, but as time progressed it became obvious that Nathan was being left behind. Jake, with constant training and the power of his blade, was fighting better than Nathan. A fact that Jake relished and barely tried to hide. Nathan decided to begin training on his own, that was until Sophie showed up at the library one day. The beautiful young woman came to him to learn, as he was the only recruit that wasn’t exclusively wrapped up in merging with their blades. As Nathan began to teach her the art of the sword, he was surprised at how quick she caught on. Her mind seemed intelligent, processing things at a tremendous rate.

He bumped into Sophie one day, she was on her way to see Teresa.

“Still reading your books?” she asked cheekily. The mess of hallways was now familiar to each of them. She was heading to a practice room to train with Paige. Paige hated the fact that they were lumped together, but didn’t complain since she wasn’t subjected to sparring with the untrained Sophie.

Nathan grinned, he enjoyed the library now, soaking up the knowledge it provided, becoming better informed on the The Brotherhood than any of them, “Yeah I am. Still having fun with Paige?”

Sophie smiled. The small woman sure was fearsome but was nothing on Teresa when she bought out her swords, “Today I am sparring with Paige according to Teresa. She will probably flip when she finds out.”

Nathan laughed, that did sound like Paige, through and through. “Well good luck,” he smiled, “I am cheering for you.”

“Thanks,” Sophie whispered, her cheeks flushing.

Nathan walk off in the direction of the library but stopped as if remembering something, “Oh, Sophie!” He called out. She spun around with a smile. “I read an interesting fact about your blade. Did you know, it is the only one out of the 21 that has never had an evil Keeper? It seems more selective then the other ones. You must have really impressed it,” Nathan gave her a wink before turning and carrying on his way.