Welcome back one and all to the second chapter of The Void Beckons. Thanks for the support on the first chapter, I appreciate every single one of those favourites, follows and reviews, so keep them coming :3

Not much left to say other than enjoy,

VanguardShores

The Void Beckons

Targon Sunrise

Soon enough, 7 o'clock rolled around and Pantheon, dressed in casual attire but still with his helmet, knocked on the large oak door that belonged to Leona. A few moments later the Radiant Dawn herself opened the door and smiled at her friend sadly, beckoning him to come in.

"Would you like some tea? I made a fresh pot." The woman asked as she closed the door. Pantheon strode into the main room and pulled a chair to the low coffee table, patiently waiting for his friend.

"I would, yes, thank you. Remember I like it-"

"With no milk or sugar." Leona smiled over her shoulder past her auburn hair. Damn… Pantheon thought as he settled into his seat. Once Leona made two cups of steaming tea, she handed one to the Artisan and sat down herself. They both sipped the luscious Ionian drink and set the cups aside on the table. Leona looked nervous as she kept glancing over Pantheon's shoulder at the window. The sun was setting, lighting the sky a spectacular shade of orange. She felt docile, vulnerable. Pantheon set aside his cup and lifted his helmet up off his head, floppy brown hair fell out over his red eyes. He brushed it back, using his fingers as a comb. Leona glanced back at her friend, she had seen his face many times before but that was back when they were in the Rakkor camp. At the Institute it was a rare occurrence. You're far too handsome to keep your face hidden, Panth.

"Leona, now tell me; what has been bothering you so much?" the Artisan asked softly, putting his helmet on the table with a clunk. The woman fidgeted, not wanting to sound petty.

"It's just, over the past few weeks I sort of felt this… presence following me. Watching me from the shadows. Whenever I try search for it, all I ever glimpse is a purple cloth, quickly whipped out of sight." Leona clutched her cup tightly, her brown eyes fixed on her nails. Pantheon tilted his head to the side but remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

"I couldn't help but think who would be watching me all this time. I mean, I know I attract attention from the men, even some women," the warrior sighed silently. You certainly do. "but would any of them be stupid enough to stalk me? On the Institute's grounds no less! It's maddening…" Leona paused to glance up at the man opposite her, quickly sipping her tea and cringing. Too sugary. The Artisan growled lightly at the thought of someone trying to harm his childhood friend. He leaned towards Leona in his cushioned seat, still holding the tea.

"You know I would protect you at all costs Leona. We will find who or what is following you, I can guarantee you my spear will certainly be seeking their hearts." His eyes flared in restrained anger, spear arm twitching for action. The woman didn't like how her friend could turn the kill-switch on so easily, she remembered how that turned out in the past.

"Please Pantheon, don't do anything rash. We don't know if it's on purpose, we don't even know how it is either. Need I not remind you what happened to Argor all those years ago." Leona said firmly. The Artisan's head snapped up, lips turned into a snarl.

"Now's not the time Leona. Any time is never the time to bring him up! You know what he did, to both you and I!" His muscles tensed as his temper ignited. Leona was frightened, it showed on her face as she pressed her back against the chair. Oh gods I never should have said anything. Pantheon closed his eyes tightly and rubbed his temples, breathing deeply.

"I er, I'm sorry Leona. I didn't mean to get so angry it's just, not all memories are ones you want to keep, you know. Sorry if I frightened you." He looked up to see his friend visibly relaxing, she too breathing noticeably. Leona just nodded in acknowledgment, lightly licking her lips. Silence descended on the pair for a few minutes. The Artisan was the first to break the tense air.

"I suppose we could list off all the champions who wear purple, but that could take us all night." He chuckled, Leona couldn't help but join in too, quietly.

"I wouldn't mind that, we could build a fort out of pillows and blankets and play 'guess the champ' using questions with only yes or no answers." Leona quipped. Pantheon laughed out loud this time, throwing his head back a little, the Radiant Dawn's own smile grew larger. The tense atmosphere had disappeared in a ringing of laughter.

"We should've built forts while were children, it's just a shame that we're part of a tribe that didn't have many blankets. Of all the places to house a tribe, a snowy mountain is a stupid choice, and then have the audacity not to make weaving blankets a priority." Pantheon shook his head, reminiscing on the past. Leona crossed her legs, bare skin drawing the warrior's eye for a moment.

"I wouldn't change any of it for the world." A ghost of a smile rested gently on Leona's lips serenely. Stop looking at her like that you idiot! Pantheon cursed himself inwardly and directed his eyes towards the large oak door. He had an idea.

"C'mon, you. We, are going to forget about the nasty people following you." Leona was puzzled, what was Pantheon suggesting? He stood up quickly and, set aside his cup with haste. He took Leona's cup off her and lifted her to her feet is easy.

"What are you planning?" she asked. Pantheon simply smiled.

"Put some fancy clothes on dear, you and I are going out for drinks." He ushered Leona towards her bedroom. Pushing her inside, he closed the door. Pressing his back against the door, Pantheon made sure Leona couldn't come out.

"It sounds like a great idea Panth, but next time ask me before locking me in my own bedroom!" she banged on the door, the Artisan just chuckled heartedly.

"And hey you never know, someone may even be willing to help you relieve aaaall of your stress." He quipped, Leona shook the doors violently.

"I am going to kill you Pantheon! With a stiletto! Then call the sun down on you!"

"Good, I've been needing to get rid of some tan lines."

The Artisan of War and the Radiant Dawn strode side by side along the wide granite path leading to many locations in the Institute, in particular to Gragas' pub. Leona wore a burned orange dress that cut low on her chest, but left some things to the imagination. The bottom part was wide but tucked close to her legs by the way it was sewn, she wore some modest black heels that peeped from under the dress. Ruby earrings and necklace complimented her eyes beautifully, as well as the golden sun pin in her auburn hair. Pantheon got changed after Leona in his own room, sporting a dark red dress shirt with the top two buttons undone and dark trousers. However what was most striking was that Pantheon didn't wear his helmet, drawing looks of surprise from fellow champions, particularly the females. Tousled hair brushed back while a couple of stubborn strands fell out place.

Once the pair entered the pub they were greeted by a wall of loud chatter, clicking glasses and booming music provided by Sona in the DJ booth. A multitude of people were enjoying their nights outs, just as Pantheon and Leona were planning to. Pantheon cleared a path to the bar with Leona following close behind. Gragas, who saw their approach began to prepare some, drinks.

"Leona, Pantheon! Welcome back me friends! Ahahaha!" the large man called as the pair settled at the bar. Gragas reached for Leona's hand, lightly kissing her knuckles and making her blush and giggle. "Leona, looking radiant as always."

"It's good to be back, it's been a while since our last night out." Pantheon replied, accepting Gragas' hand for a shake.

"Too long, I tell yer. But both o' yer are here now so let's get this party started!" Gragas rung bell to his left, ringing loudly over the music. Sona stopped immediately to let him speak.

"Champions: it's wonderful to have yer all here, so next round's on the house, compliments from yours truly!" cheering and the clink of glass rung out, music starting again.

"Here you two go, finest ale you'll taste this side of Bridgewater, hehehehe." The large man slid two glasses over the Pantheon and Leona, picking up their respective drinks. "Oh, Leona love, I almost forgot, this one's for you too. Someone requested I make it for you, hope you like it." Leona was puzzled. Someone asked Gragas to make a drink for me? The bearded man carefully placed a tall glass on the counter top. It was layered in colours from yellow at the bottom, graduated through orange and red with a very thin layer of dark blue topping it off. Pantheon too examined the drink.

"Looks tasty."

"Who asked to you to make this drink, for me specifically?" Leona asked Gragas, her mind turning and panic began to build in her stomach, eyes darting to all corners of the pub.

"Well, he didn't explicitly say yes or no if that question would come up for me to answer…" Leona stared intensely at him. Pantheon joined in soon after. "But if ya really wanna know, Malzahar asked me. Ya know, the Prophet of the Void." Leona's jaw dropped and Pantheon looked incredulous. He wears purple robes, but surely it can't be him?

"Malzahar? You're joking?" the Artisan asked in shock, eyebrows raised. Gragas just shook his head, beard swinging as he cleaned some glassware.

"'Fraid not. T'was him, alright."

Pantheon turned to his friend. "Well, it seems like you have an admirer. I wouldn't have guessed he was Malzahar, of all people." Leona gingerly picked up the no-doubt alcoholic drink, she has to hand it to Gragas, it was beautifully layered. The blue layer seemed to swirl hypnotically, almost trace-like. The Radiant Dawn held the drink up.

"Only one way to find out how it tastes. A toast. To you my friend, Pantheon, for sticking with me all these years, I don't know what I'd do without my Shield." Pantheon too held up his ale, smiling widely.

"And to you Leona, for my life would have no purpose if you had not befriended me as children, I have devoted my life to protecting you, but it is you who is my Sword."

"Cheers!" they called in unison, the warrior gulping thirstily at his ale, while Leona was more cautious. She sipped a bit. Then a bit more. Then a lot more. Gods this is amazing, Malzahar has a good taste for alcohol.

"So I see that it's pretty good eh?" Pantheon asked.

"Yeah, you could say that. Gragas must give me the recipe." Leona replied, drinking more eagerly.

"I'd go steady if I were you. However Bilgewater's finest is liquid courage, and I see a fine Piltoveran looking my way, so if you'll excuse me." Pantheon stood up with ale in hand, glancing over at a certain pink haired enforcer. He leant in close to Leona, laying a large hand on top of her own, her hair brushing his nose. "Just, be careful with Malzahar, Leo. He is the Prophet of the Void, something doesn't sit right with me. But trust your gut. I'll see you when the sun rises, Radiant Dawn."

Leona nodded her thanks and squeezed the Artisan's hand reassuringly. With that, Pantheon left the bar side. She looked down at the now half empty glass. It was quite tasty, a mix between vodka, orange juice, maybe some peach liquor? Leona did not know, but what made her really curious was the drink's sender, Malzahar. A strange man who was a Shuriman seer but was beckoned to the mythical city of Icathia. From then on he was the Prophet of the Void, leading all manner of creatures into Runeterra, and four creatures in particular were in the League. Daddy's coming! Kog'Maw would say, both off and on Summoner's Rift. It gave Leona shivers. Everyone assumed Vel'Koz was the Void puppy's daddy. Apparently not, that what scares Leona a little. What other hideous creatures are hidden in the Void? Had Malzahar not sided with the Void he would have quite different, Leona thought. Except maybe the eyes…

Snapping out her reverie, the Radiant Dawn was struck with an idea.

"Gragas, my friend! Are you busy? I'd like to steal you for a minute." She called down the bar. Gragas heard her voice, finishing up a set of shots for Talon, Cassiopeia & Katarina. He waddled back to Leona.

"Me dear, I always have a minute for you. What can ol' Graggy do for you?" he smiled widely.

"You wouldn't happen to know where er, Malzahar is now would you? I'm guessing he's not a 'going out for a drink' kind of guy." She asked nervously, hoping not to give the wrong impression for the request.

"Well you'd be right. He came in here earlier, requested I make the Targon Sunrise for you specifically, paid his due and went on his way. Haven't seen him since. I'd be assuming he'd be in his room, meditating or some shit like that. My best guess anyway." Gragas replied still keeping his smile. His room? Gods damn it all.

"Ok thanks very much my friend." Leona stood up off the barstool and straightened out her dress and hair. "Oh thank you for mixing this drink, you are quite masterful when it comes to stylish drinks."

"Hehe thank yer very much Leona, I do my best. I think its named quite appropriately, the Sunrise. The perfect cocktail given to a beautiful woman of the Rakkor on Mt. Targon." Gragas kissed Leona's knuckles again and bid her farewell with a nod of his bearded head. Leona turned to the door's direction. She could see to the right Pantheon sitting at a table with Vi, Caitlyn and Jayce, laughing at a joke with an draped over the Enforcer. She breathed out heavily and began weaving her way through the crowd.

Time to question Malzahar, whether he wants to give me answers of not.

Aaaand that wraps it up for another chapter, I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it :) technically I shouldn't be writing right now because I have college work to do ._. oh hum, I'll just have to knuckle down hard tomorrow :P

As I said in the first chapter, updates may be sporadic but I'll do my best to to keep pumping these out. Guess it was just a fluke that this one popped out so soon. I'll see you all in the next one! Drop a review please maybe hopefully? :3