Chapter 2
The Gathering

The streets of Demacia were full of lively characters, from "human-like" creatures to small beings that resembled strong likeness to animal traits, it was a harsh era but everyone managed well. Amongst the many merchants, buyers, farmers, and adventurers, there was a figure walking calmly wearing a dark crimson red shall, scouting their next "meal". Not many people knew but this was a bounty hunter, focused on catching a certain criminal of the seas. Miss Fortune was her name, she stopped at the foot of an Inn, which was conveniently attached to a rowdy Tavern just the way she liked it. At the counter of the Inn, she paid her fee of roughly a week's stay and proceeded on to the Tavern portion of the building. She sat down and ordered some ale, "Phewf" was the exhausted sigh she let out as she started to pull her disguise off. Underneath were pouty yet firm lips to match her charming fiery locks of red, emerald indifferent eyes which were always sharp and alert. On this special occasion she was on vacation and only wanted some decent drinks with well deserved sleep. She suddenly noticed a few gentlemen inviting themselves to her party of one. She looked around her surroundings and noted the chairs, glasses and bottles around her.

"Heeeeey - " before one of the smelly seamen could finish his grotesque comment, he noticed a cold and steady end piece of a barrel pointing straight at his crotch as she continued drinking steadily. The other two that were with him, froze for a moment before making offensive facial expressions as though they were trying to show the frail creature their seriousness.

She finished her drink, set it down on the counter and looked over to the three, "Listen gentlemen, I am sure you are very good men. I am only here for some good rest and refreshments." She continued, "I am asking you politely to let me enjoy my stay here, it has been a hectic week for me thus far, and I sincerely wouldn't want it to turn worse."

One of the sea men from the small group looked at her small frame and retorted, "I'm surprised a fragile flower like you would have such a hectic week. Was it when you couldn't manage your hair or when you chipped a nail? Haw haw haw!" he finished with a hoarse laugh.

At that point, she stood up from her chair to face the desperate beasts and smiled, "As a matter of fact, I had a run in with your boss a couple of days back. I may recall some of his lackeys lying on the wooden floors of his ship."

This was easily read as a hint to get going, with that reply the three took their belongings and left with vocal dissatisfied grunts. The crowd watched her with peeking interest as she noticed a few eyes shifting from their drinks, to her, and back to their comrades. With a sigh, she paid her fee and retired to her room for the night.

The moonlight was brighter than usual that night, this made Miss Fortune avert her gaze on a darker spot of the room for her moment of reflection. Soaking quietly in her warm bath, her mind started to wander on the battle she faced against the sea tyrant known as Gangplank. There was something almost energizing about it, as if they have known each other for a very long time, even though she only knew about him for roughly 3 years when she decided her pursuit. Each time he managed to slip away and each time she felt as though she let him. Her long range aim was always precise, but there was almost an erotic sensation to their exchange of metals screeching one against the other when she chose to confront him in the flesh with a sword in hand. She also felt guilty of the fact that a long range assassination would have been an unfair way of getting the job done. It was cowardly and boring. She made her way to the bedroom, closed the navy suede curtains, and retired for the night by a blow out of a candle.

"Tomorrow is a big day."

Like the day before, the streets were fairly busy again, Miss Fortune was more than eager to seek out some ammunition and a good blacksmith. Along the way she bumped into a stranger with gleaming armour, shining like a priceless jewel in the sunlight. "My apologies, young miss." with that the figure kept on walking. She turned her head to catch a glimpse and noticed the man's obvious armour, his name was Taric. Heavy armour and encrusted with gemstones, he was a calm and polite gentleman. She decided the blacksmith could wait and started to follow him. He went about his normal day, visiting other gem shops, a couple of blacksmiths, and some produce kiosks on the streets. "Demacia is too bloody big for me" she thought, "I suppose I was wrong to follow him even though I had a feeling to do so." Her expression was slightly disappointed and decided to go about her own day.

Taric, knowing full well who his admirer was, made sure to see her disappear amongst the crowd and took a small alley way toward a rundown door with a small green lantern hooked onto it. He knocked three times and walked in without hesitation, if this was a stranger then their soul would have been long lost and forgotten within the lantern. Inside were 5 champions sitting at a rectangular table with some papers scattered about.

"Good to see you, Taric." the small voice of Teemo greeted him with optimism.

At the table, Garen looked over to the door "I hope you didn't have any trouble in finding the place?" he questioned.

"Not at all." Replied Taric and took his seat quietly beside Teemo.

Garen nodded and continued "From what my comrades in arms informed me, we know what happened was no coincidence. I highly doubt, to Nocturne's confirmation, that what happened to me on the field was normal."

"There was a slight difference in my aura when I aimed my attack for Luxanna, as well." Nocturne mentioned.

"But to affect the Summoner is completely beyond anyone's power, which I am highly envious of, was this a mere glitch?" a deep and shallow echo belonging to Hecarim, the warrior horseman of the Shadow Isles, asked with intrigue.

"Regardless if this was an accident or not, it is extremely fascinating to know that a Summoner can be affected by the choices they make through us in battle." another echoing voice belonging to Thresh, a ghostly entity with the sole purpose of collecting souls for his own power, plainly stated while looking over to Hecarim.

"The balance has definitely been corrupted, this is certain." A calm voice spoke in the back of the room, as Shen made his presence known from the shadows.

"Ah, Shen. I see that even the peaceful nation of Ionia has gotten involved as well then." Garen was not even surprised as he was also a master of disguise. Many times he ran out of the brush screaming "DEMACIAAAAAA" as he spun with his sword toward his unsuspecting enemies.

"Correct, there is something very disturbing with that event." Shen, a ninja of balance and peace, confirmed. "Unfortunately, the only way we can possibly figure out if this was an accident or not is to wait for the next match. This way we can determine what is going on." He sighed.

"But this would mean that we would have to take a big risk and expose another team member!" Garen protested.

Nocturne thought to himself, "The more nightmares to spread, the better…" he feigned concern as to not reveal his amusement before he finally concluded, "Shen may be right in testing out the next match. We don't know for sure if this has anything to do with us personally. I also recall the announcer mentioning the Arena Council would look into the matter further."

"But this would put Nocturne in a very bad situation…?" The small badger like Yordle, Teemo, questioned the table with a sad expression.

"Yes it would, let's hope this is not the case." Thresh answered as he and Hecarim forced themselves not to grin.

Just as they were about to conclude their meeting, the door sprung open off its hinges to reveal a muscular tall figure sporting a spear and shield. "You're late and we have finished our meeting, Pantheon." Garen sighed.

"This is awkward then." Pantheon heartily laughed, "I apologize for my delay, I don't see a need for Hecarim and Thresh being here though." He looked at both of them with suspicious eyes, yet failed to notice Shen.

"True, but they were on the opposing team when it happened, and contacted me out of curiosity. I figured the more help we have at this time, the better for us all." Garen reassured Pantheon's point. "All right, since our privacy is no longer valid at this point," He paused to look at the wide open door and sighed, "this meeting is over until further notice. Taric, please inform Pantheon of our conclusion."

Everyone started to make their way out the doorway, and Taric suggested they all went for a drink to ease the tension. At Garen's request, he and Pantheon stayed behind.

No one noticed the small purplish four-legged creature hiding in the alleyway. Overhearing, overseeing everything that Taric and Pantheon would be discussing.