Chapter 7 - Commencement
Leona stood in an infinite darkness, her golden armor the only source of light. Even with the sun's light radiating from her, she could not see anything in the darkness. Frantically she looked in all directions, the sound of a guttural snarl echoing through the black expanse. She recognized the sound with ease.
But then she heard a voice, one filled with light, yet made her heart sink. "Leona? Leona, where are you?" the voice cried out.
"Lux… Lux, I'm over here!" Leona shouted, trying to find the girl in the darkness.
Within seconds, her eyes lay upon the blonde girl, who stood trembling in the shadows, her silver Demacian light armor damaged and her outfit torn to shreds. Bruises and cuts lined Lux's body. There was no sign of the girl's wand; she was defenseless.
"Lux!"
Leona ran as fast as her legs could carry her to try and reach the girl. As she neared her, a decaying dragon's claw emerged from the black abyss, right behind Lux.
"LUX!"
Lux shrieked in terror as the claw wrapped around her and dragged her toward the black fog. Leona reached out to her, desperate to save the girl.
But it was too late. Lux let out a final scream as she disappeared into the darkness, Leona's hand missing hers by a mere inch.
"Lux… No…"
Tears fell from the paladin's eyes as she collapsed to her knees. She could not withhold her sorrow or the pain of such a loss. It was as though the darkness had ripped her unborn child from her fingers, never to be seen again.
As Leona's cries echoed through the darkness, she did not even acknowledge the tyrannical sound of laughter that resounded in her ears: the bellowing laugh of the dark dragon that towered over her.
...
With a gasp, Leona shot up in her bed. She was in the Solarium again. It was past midnight outside.
Placing a palm to her forehead, Leona sighed, "Just a dream."
Despite her assurance to the fact, Leona could not forget the horrible memory. To see Lux in Plagueis' clutches was unbearable. And knowing she had failed to protect her made the vision far worse.
But it was just a dream, right?
Restlessness quickly settled in for the Solari as she tried to lie down and resume her slumber. She tossed and turned in her bed; she could not stay the tension in her mind.
A few minutes later, Leona rose again from her bed, knowing she probably would not get back to sleep that night. Stepping out of her bed into a pair of gold-trimmed slippers, Leona stepped toward the center of the Solarium. Though it was late at night, the stars above shone brightly down on the paladin.
Leona gazed up at the stars, as if they looked down at her, and she looked back. "How strange," she said. "The sun itself is also a star, but why do I only gain power from it? Is it simply distance? Or is it–"
Leona's musings suddenly stopped as she heard a clattering noise at the entrance to her room. Instinctively she rushed to her sword and shield, drawing the blade from its scabbard and holding it and her shield in a defensive stance.
"Who's there? Show yourself!"
There was no response, but Leona heard a faint groan of pain from the entrance. Cautiously she moved to the stairs.
"Wha– Lux!?"
Lying in a dizzy heap on the stone steps, Lux groaned as she pushed herself up. She was dressed in a white nightgown with similarly-white slippers. Her wand was at the bottom of the stairs, evidently the source of the clatter.
Realizing she had been caught, Lux said sheepishly, "Uh… Hi, Leona… Eh hehe…"
"What are you doing here at this hour?" Leona asked, sheathing her blade. Then, with sharp realization, she said, "Have– Have you been spying on me while I'm sleeping!? And why do you have your wand?"
Knowing she couldn't talk her way out, Lux said, "I just wanted to make sure you're alright, so I was watching you with an invisibility spell. You were tossing around in your sleep. I just–"
"And what about yourself? Do you know how late it is? You should know better than this, Lux! Now, please, go back to your room."
"…Stop it…"
"What?"
Almost shouting, Lux suddenly said with uncharacteristic anger, "Will you stop it, Leona!? I don't need you treating me like I'm your child! I'm a grown woman! I can decide for myself what to do with my time!"
Stepping back toward her bed as Lux advanced on her, Leona stammered, "L-Lux, I–"
"And I don't have to listen to you when you tell me I shouldn't get involved in your fight out of some unneeded worry! Haven't you thought for a moment that I might be worried about you!?"
"…!"
Her voice lowering, now trembling, Lux continued, "You keep telling me you don't want my help fighting him. But don't you think that's just making me more upset? What if you can't beat him? You said it yourself; he's more powerful than we may know. That's why… that's why I can't just stand by and do nothing while you face him."
"Lux…"
"I know you just want to protect me from him, but don't you think I want to do the same? Please, Leona… let me help you defeat him. I… I don't want you to fight alone…"
Small tears were beginning to well up in Lux's eyes. Leona could not bear such a sight, stunned by such consideration from her friend. How could she have been so uncaring to Lux, when all she wanted was to aid in her mission?
Leona's sword and shield clattered to the ground as she stepped forward and embraced Lux. The sobbing girl buried her face in Leona's bosom as the redhead stroked her hair.
"Lux, I… I'm so sorry. I didn't know you wanted this so…"
The two sat down on the bed as Lux continued to cry. Even Leona was starting to form some tears in her eyes.
"P-Please, Leona… Let me help you…" Lux said amidst her sobs.
Leona wasn't quite sure whether to accept. The memory of her nightmare was still fresh in her mind, and to see it happen in reality would be unbearable. But the girl before her… how could she turn back such a friend?
Tightening her embrace, Leona nodded and said, "Lux… thank you. We'll face him together."
Lux's sobs began to subside. She looked up at Leona and said, "Together?"
"Yes. Together, Lux."
"Th-Thank you, Leona. I won't let you down."
Smiling as Lux wrapped her arms around her, Leona looked back skyward. The stars continued to shine down on the Solarium; they suddenly seemed much brighter than before.
"So beautiful," said Leona.
"H-Huh?"
"The stars. Look."
Lux turned her gaze to the sky, watching the stars in the clear night sky.
"Wow… they really are beautiful tonight," said Lux.
Releasing her grip on Leona, Lux sat beside the paladin as the two watched the stars above. Even in the darkness of space, they continued to shine brightly, dispelling the otherwise black sky.
A long silence between the two passed before Lux said, "I should get going. You need your sleep."
But as Lux got to her feet, she felt Leona's hands wrapped around her wrist. She turned as Leona said, "Wait, Lux." After a pause, Leona asked, "Could… could you please stay with me? Just for tonight? I may not be able to rest without knowing you're safe."
Lux stared incredulously at Leona for a moment, but then saw the plight in the paladin's eyes.
"W-Why?"
"I had a dream… no, a nightmare. The dragon, he…"
It was all she needed to hear. Lux nodded as she said, "Oh… alright."
"Thank you," said Leona. "I'm sorry to put you through this, but it means a lot to me."
The two slowly made their way to the bed and underneath the covers. As Lux lay down, the blonde girl's cheeks turned a slight shade of red as she felt Leona's chest press against her back and her arms wrap around her body. She couldn't remember the last time she had ever shared a bed with someone other than her parents, and that was when she was a toddler. Lying in a bed with another woman was a strange sensation for the girl.
"L-Leona? What are you–"
"I'm sorry," Leona interrupted. "I–"
"No, it's alright," Lux answered quickly with embarrassment. "It's just that–"
Lux suddenly realized Leona was not listening to her, her eyes shut and her breathing slow. The blonde tried to move, but the redhead's grip held strongly, clearly not wanting the girl to leave. Yet it wasn't a vice-like grip; it was far more affectionate than that.
With a small groan, Lux thought, "I didn't think I'd be spending the night as your teddy bear, Leona."
...
Various squawks and cawing noises filled Leblanc's ears as she waltzed through the Noxian Aviary, home to various species of large and sinister birds. Vultures, crows, hawks, owls, and especially ravens could be found perched all over the place, many watching the Deceiver unflinchingly as she passed. Though she had been in the place countless times, Leblanc could never quite shake how eerie it felt to have so many eyes watching her every move.
Before the Deceiver, however, was a figure that made even these birds quiver. Though he limped with each step, Jericho Swain's image made even the limp seem intimidating, for the birds that lined the path scattered as he approached. Whether their actions were from fear or respect, no one could really be sure but the Master Tactician.
"So the Radiant Dawn has finally challenged the Dragon of Desolation to battle…" Swain mused. "How fortunate."
It was at this moment that Swain stopped before a cage, taking a brief moment to drop some seeds in for its occupant. The bird, a colorful red parrot with a silver beak, eagerly swooped down from its perch and feasted on the seeds Swain had given. The bird was a stark contrast to the others in the Aviary, much more vibrant in colors, and Leblanc had always wondered why Swain kept the parrot. She never questioned it, though; nothing could come of it.
"So you wish for me to aid the dragon in this battle?" asked Leblanc.
"Yes, I do," Swain answered. "However, it would prove far more beneficial if the dragon's winning streak were to be… cut short. After all, Summoner Verge can't test his improvements to the barrier design if the dragon should win."
"You have plans for the dragon, then?"
"More or less, Evaine. They are… in development."
"Say no more, Jericho. It will be done."
With that, Leblanc seemed to glide away as her body faded, vanishing from sight. Without even acknowledging her disappearance, Swain took another handful of seeds from his pouch, this serving going to the raven Beatrice, who perched on his shoulder.
...
Summoner's Rift crackled with power as the Field of Justice came alive. Crystals lining the various approaches and on magically-protected posts began to glow as they projected images of what they saw to audiences at the Institute of War, as well as to viewers across Valoran. It was a cloudy day, but this was to be a match to remember for the people.
Standing next to the Demacian Nexus, Lux fidgeted about as she looked to the spawning platform nearby. While the others, consisting of Prince Jarvan IV, Queen Ashe of Freljord, and Curator Nasus, stood nearby, they were missing one of their numbers. Lux couldn't help but worry that something was wrong.
Just as she was about to ask, however, a ray of light shone down on the platform from above. Materializing from the light, Leona appeared before the rest of the team, dressed in her golden armor as though she were descended from the heavens.
Overhead, the Champions heard a female voice say, "She descends from the sky after two months in absence, here now to banish the darkness! Paladin Leona, the Radiant Dawn!"
Distantly, the Champions could hear the cheers of the crowd upon Leona's return to the Fields of Justice, emanating from the various crystals that surveyed the battle. Leona, however, paid them no heed, her mind in contact with her Summoner.
"Is everything alright, Leona?" Montrose asked telepathically.
"I'm fine, Summoner Montrose," Leona answered.
"That's not what I'm sensing."
Taking a quick glance at Lux, Leona thought, "I'm worried about her."
"You should not worry. Sandra is a very capable Summoner and I know she will do whatever she can to protect her. You need to focus on the task at hand, however."
"I understand. We cannot fail today."
"Ah, you finally arrive on the fields of battle, paladin," said Jarvan. "It has been a while since I last saw you."
"Thank you, Exemplar," Leona replied. "I only wish we didn't have to meet again under such circumstances."
"Nonsense! We go to meet the Dragon of Desolation in glorious combat! I can't think of a better circumstance!"
As Jarvan began to laugh mirthfully, Ashe made a disdainful sigh as she said, "Demacian oaf…"
"You do not think the same, Queen of Freljord?" Jarvan asked, noticing Ashe's remark.
"Unlike you, I am not here for sport. Death's Spire is in close proximity to Freljord, and I fear that the dragon will use my homeland as a place to stretch his wings if he is freed."
"Hmm… a valid concern, milady. Rest assured; that will not happen on my watch."
At this moment, Nasus entered the conversation, his wisdom complementing his deep voice. "If you intend to keep your word, Exemplar of Demacia, I would not take the Dragon of Desolation lightly. He has been capable of bringing pause to my brother, where no other would make him hesitate. Do you believe such a foe is to be trifled with?"
Jarvan stared at Nasus for a moment before answering, "Your wisdom does little to lighten the mood, Curator. My aim is to not let us fall victim to despair, for if we should fear the dragon, he has already won half the battle."
"Very wise of you, Prince. Very wise."
"His Highness is right," said Lux. "We can't let him phase us, or we're playing right into his hands. Erm, claws… you know…"
As Jarvan and Leona nodded approvingly to Lux, Ashe turned toward the Noxian base and said, "Speaking of which…"
The others turned to watch as a swell of darkness began to build in the Noxian base.
...
Leblanc stood near the Noxian Nexus as she watched a black crystal at the rear of the spawning platform. The warped Nexus crystal crackled with power as a violet glow surrounded it. Nearby, Warwick, Yorick and Urgot all cringed as they slowly backed away from the crystal, fearing what would soon come.
The announcer spoke again. "He hails from the highest, darkest peak of the Ironspike Mountains: Death's Spire. A legend of the past and present, his cruelty knows no bounds, his might unmatched. Time and again, he has proven his power on the Fields of Justice! Will he prove it again, or will he finally face defeat? Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you… Lord Plagueis the Vile, the Dragon of Desolation!"
Thunder boomed as the crystal surged with power, releasing an evil light that forced the Noxians to shield their eyes. The Deceiver, however, kept her gaze. Before the light faded, they felt the ground shake. The air became foul, and suddenly their knees felt heavy.
"ENTER THE DRAGON!" Plagueis shouted, his tyrannical roar following suit. The war cry echoed throughout Summoner's Rift.
Leblanc couldn't help but marvel at the dragon. Even though it was just an avatar of the beast, it might as well have been the original. Larger than any other Champion in the League, and brimming with such power that he made it difficult for others to stand near him. Neon flame flickered between his teeth, while wisps of poison exuded from the decaying holes in his flesh and scales. His glowing golden eyes, however, were what intimidated Leblanc; it was as though they could see through any deception, and that his gaze could pierce through to one's very soul.
"An impressive entrance, Lord Destroyer," said Leblanc, prompting the dragon to turn his gaze to her. "Most impressive."
"The Deceiver…" said Plagueis. "I remember you well. Yeessss… Know that I will not suffer your treachery here today, of all days."
"Of course, my lord. Today you face against your hated… rival? Archenemy? Whichever it is, I have no doubt we will emerge victorious today." Plagueis' eye quickly narrowed, prompting Leblanc to say hastily, "I mean you will emerge victorious today. How silly of me."
"Indeed."
"But if I may, my lord, would it not be of benefit to you to have us aid you in defeating the– HGH!"
Leblanc suddenly found herself in the clutches of the dragon's claw, unable to move.
"You DARE to suggest such a thing, Deceiver!?" Plagueis snapped furiously. "I require no assistance in defeating the Radiant Dawn! No!" Turning to the other Noxians with Leblanc still in his grasp, Plagueis snarled, "If any of you think to face the Radiant Dawn once I have taken to the field, you will suffer a worse fate than hers! Yeessss!" Turning back to Leblanc, he then said, "Was that at all unclear?"
Gasping for air, Leblanc answered, "N-Not at all!"
"Good…"
Plagueis released his grip on Leblanc, the illusionist dropping to the ground. As she caught her breath, Leblanc said with a wheeze, "B-But, surely we must engage her before you arrive, my lord? If not, her side could obtain a potential victory before you join the battle. Surely that would not be of benefit to you."
Plagueis gazed angrily at Leblanc for her suggestion, but after a moment he said, "Very well… Yet if you value your life, you will not intervene once I face her myself. No…"
Turning toward the Demacian base, Plagueis' voice turned to shouting. "Hear me, Solari, and know that your destroyer speaks! You and your band of Champions shall have a half-hour to prepare yourselves. After such a time, I shall descend upon you as your Armageddon, and the world as you know it shall burn around you! For I am Plagueis the Destroyer, and I am without equal! My wrath shall be swift and terrible! And you shall not have the privilege of mercy, Solari, when I lay my vengeance upon you!"
The very force of the shouting made the stone floor of the Noxian base crack, and the trees in the forest shook violently to the call. It was as though Summoner's Rift trembled in fear at the dragon's voice.
With a sly grin, Leblanc said, "You show surprising restraint, my lord. I imagined you would just fly straight for the enemy's base and the paladin."
Not even turning to face the illusionist, Plagueis replied, "My battle with the Radiant Dawn is all in good time, Deceiver. Yeessss…"
Before Leblanc could question the dragon further, Plagueis spread his massive wings and shot skyward, nearly knocking over the Noxian Champions with the sheer force of his wing beats. Leblanc watched as Plagueis rose higher and higher, soon vanishing in the clouds.
Turning back to the others, Leblanc said, "You all know the plan. We engage the enemy as much as possible for the first half-hour, but after that we stay out of the dragon's way. And we are to engage the paladin as little as possible; I'd prefer it if she were in top shape upon facing the big bad dragon."
With a snarl, Warwick said, "And what of the Crownguard?"
"That will be Urgot's job." Turning to the Headsman's Pride, Leblanc said, "You are to engage the Lady of Luminosity as much as possible."
With a guttural wheeze, Urgot said, "Orders… received." The mechanical monstrosity then marched toward the southern lane of Summoner's Rift.
As Yorick and Warwick left the base, Leblanc took a moment to adjust the crystals of her staff. They had been knocked around a bit while she had been in Plagueis' grip, but were otherwise undamaged.
"…!"
Leblanc turned her gaze skyward as she felt a pulse of magic radiate from the sky. It was faint, but her attunement to magic allowed her to sense the powerful force that came from above.
A clap of thunder suddenly echoed through Summoner's Rift, yet there was no presence of a storm above.
Ven! Mul! Riik!
Leblanc could barely make out the words. Ancient Draconic, by the sound of it…
The sorceress smirked. "Tricky, aren't you?" she quipped, and then left to take her place in the center lane.
The clouds above began to thicken. The battle had begun.
And the battle begins... next chapter! Also see if you can find the "cameo" in this chapter. :D
