Looking up at the Institute, Caitlyn had forgotten how impressive it was. After all, it was getting to be a year since she has been here. She had somewhat missed the grand architecture the Institute boasted.

However, she hadn't come for sightseeing, and needed to speak to a high ranking summoner to gain access to Jinx's records.

The question now was how does one contact a high summoner. They were quite an elusive bunch, and she had no clue as to how to reach them.

She sighed to herself, realizing that this all might be more complicated than she had thought. She decided to go step by step, and entered the Institute, hoping to find something of value.

At first glance, the grand hall of the Institute was just as majestic as the outside, if not more so. Champions, summoners, and tourists roamed through the hall, filling it with enough buzzing energy that would make Jinx on a good day seem mellow.

She chuckled to herself at the analogy and moved onward. Eventually, she noticed the help desk in the center of the hall. It was typically there to help champions find their way to specific summoner platforms for their matches and such, but Caitlyn realized that it may help her in her search.

And even if it didn't, it wouldn't hurt to check, right? With that reasonings in mind, she strolled over to the desk, hopeful that they would be able to guide her to a high summoner.

However, as she moved closer, her pace slowed as she took in the lengthy line of people. It was at least 20 long. That would take forever, and she is somewhat limited on time as it stands. But she had no other option but to wait in this line. Huffing to herself, she moved forward to the line, resigning herself to the wait.

After twenty agonizing minutes the line barely moved four people. From what Caitlyn gathered, someone at the front was clueless as hell as to what their match schedule was, and was holding the line up.

It was driving Caitlyn's little patience remaining into nonexistence with how incompetent whoever it is at the front is. She huffed out loud, and tapped her foot trying to occupy herself.

How long could it possibly take…?

"Caitlyn?" Someone nearby called out to her. She looked around and found an energetic blonde nearby, bouncing on her feet.

"...Lux? What is-oomph"

She was interrupted as Lux plowed into her, squeezing her in an embrace. For someone with a much smaller frame, Lux was quite overwhelming, and almost brought the two of them to the ground.

"I knew it was you, Cait! I can recognize that hat anywhere! Where have you been? How are you doing? Why haven't you called me?!" The mage bombarded her with questions as she kept Caitlyn in a bear's grip. Caitlyn could finally see Lux's resemblance to Garen besides their eye color...

"L-Lux, can't breathe…" she managed out.

Lux's eyes widened and she released the poor sheriff with an embarrassed blush. "Oops, sorry Cait! I didn't mean to squeeze the life out of you, I just missed you a lot."

"...I missed you too Lux," Caitlyn returned, trying to catch her breath.

"So what have you been up to?"

"I've been trying to solve...a case of sorts. It hasn't been the easiest one either," Caitlyn tentatively answered. She didn't really know how else to accurately summarize her situation, but figured that would be enough to suffice for Lux.

"What's so hard about it?" Apparently it's not enough.

"It's really quite complicated and lengthy to be honest. But to put matters short, I need Jinx's records from the Institute."

"Jinx's records? Why would need those? Wait, did you finally catch her or something?" Lux asked, nonplussed.

"Well, yes."

"That's great, isn't it? You don't look as happy as I thought you would be after catching her. Actually, you don't seem happy at all. How come?"

Caitlyn scratched her head nervously as she hesitantly responded.

"Er, it's because Jinx...is actually...my girlfriend now…" She murmured, hoping that if she said it slowly and quietly it would come across as less a shock to the easily excitable blonde.

Sadly her hopes proved fruitless as Lux instantly squealed out at her words.

"What?! When did that happen? How did that happen?" Lux bursted out. Caitlyn winced as her screams started to draw the attention of others around them.

"Keep it down Lux! Do you want the whole Institute to join our conversation?!" Caitlyn hissed.

"Heh heh," Lux awkwardly chuckled, realizing how loud she had been in a more or less private conversation.

"Sorry. I'm just so happy for you guys! I think. It's kinda weird you two are together. I mean, Jinx isn't that bad. Not to say she's bad or anything! It's just she's sorta a wanted criminal in the city-state you are sheriff over. So it's kinda odd in a sense, but at the same time I can picture in an opposites attract sorta deal...and...I'm rambling again, aren't I?"

A deadpan and minor nod from Caitlyn left her blushing in embarrassment once more.

"Sorry...again," Lux apologized.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes and gave a small chuckle.

"It's alright Lux. I know how peculiar my relationship seems, and I am more than willing to explain it to you later. But at the moment l, I need to get Jinx's records."

"Oh yeah! I forgot that's what you are here for. How come you are going to the help desk for them? I don't think they store that kind of information there."

"I'm not going to it for Jinx's records. I'm going to it to get in contact with a high summoner, who will have access to such information."

"Oh, that makes sense. But why not simply go directly to a high summoner instead of waiting forever to ask for one?" Lux questioned, curious as to why Caitlyn was wasting her time in the line.

"I don't have connections to any High Councillor otherwise I would have done so already," Caitlyn explained.

"Yeah you do," Lux replied, looking puzzled.

"What? No I don't. I think I would remember if did," Caitlyn scoffed.

"Caitlyn. High Councillor Kolminye?" Lux deadpanned.

Oh…

…

"Oh," Caitlyn dumbly muttered. She faked coughed and averted her eyes from the smugly amused light mage. "Err-maybe I may have slightly overlooked the one summoner I do have enough a connection with, to simply go directly to. I did remember her though," She attempted to correct herself.

"Uh-huh, I'm sure you you did," Lux sarcastically stated, not believing her one bit.

"Alright, whatever! I completely forgot about Vessaria. Just tell me how to get her audience and quit being so sarcastic. I get enough of that already from Jinx and Vi…"

"Hehe," Lux giggled. "She usually goes on break around this time. All we have to do is catch her and invite her to a tea break. Isn't that what you two usually do anyways?"

"Yeah. She enjoys inviting me to tea and discussing worldly matters with me for some reason. It doesn't bother me, but I still find it odd that simply stumbling into her with a box of tea caused her to be so friendly ever since."

Caitlyn remembered how she had been acquainted with the High Councillor over a box of imported Ionian tea. The High Councillor had admired her choice in beverage and invited her to lunch oddly. After that first occurrence, Vessaria had invited several other times, apparently finding Caitlyn's company enjoyable.

Just as Lux implied, Vessaria should be easily convinced to grant Caitlyn access to Jinx's records over a cup of tea. Now the matter was finding the High Councillor.

"So how do we contact her?" she asked, voicing her thoughts.

"Oh, that's simple. Here follow me!" Lux didn't give Caitlyn much a chance to do so, opting to simply yanking the unsuspecting sheriff with her down some corridor branching off the entrance hall.

After several minutes of being practically dragged, Caitlyn found herself standing in front of a large, smooth metal door. It had no handle oddly, but had some kind of circle inscription in the middle. Caitlyn recognized the symbol as one she has seen the summoners used often. The glyph allowed users short range teleport, typically used to enter a sealed room. The summoner's felt it was a more secure form of a lock, and utilized it for all of their offices and other significant rooms.

She assumed that this was Vessaria's office, as such. She was proven correct by Lux, as the blonde spoke once more.

"Alright, this is Vess's office. She should be out here in a minute or so. She usually comes out for lunch around now."

Caitlyn was perplexed by this statement, and decided to voice her confusion. "Lux...how can you possibly know that?"

Lux was taken off guard by her question, and shrunk into herself. "I-uh, sometimes spy on people? Occasionally." At the sight of Caitlyn's bewildered expression, she quickly stammered back on her words. "I-I-I mean I don't spy on people! I j-just kinda watch for patterns in people. Not in a creepy way! It's just a hobby. And I don't do it that often. Really! I just like-"

"Lux, stop talking," Caitlyn interrupted, holding her hand up. She rubbed her brow with the other, shaking her head at herself. "Just, stop talking. You're just making it worse for yourself, and I'm really regretting asking. Let's..just wait for Vessaria."

"...Ok. Sorry."

Caitlyn just murmured in reply, and stayed quiet as they waited for the High Councillor. Luckily it wasn't too long a wait, as just as Lux stated, the High Councillor materialized in front of them a moment after.

"...Well this is a surprise," the summoner hummed as she noticed the presence of the others. "Luxanna, I see you are waiting outside my door again. Oh, and hello Sheriff Caitlyn. How nice it is to see you again. What brings you here?" She asked, acknowledging them.

"The same to you, High Councillor. We were actually here to ask you to join us for tea and to chat. Lux happened to mention that your break is about now, correct?" Caitlyn replied.

"That is indeed correct, and I would be more than happy to accompany you. It has been quite a while since our last chat, and I am interested in discussing matters with you. Especially those regarding one Loose Cannon, and her arrest."

"I see information has spread like wildfire. Well then, I suppose we should hurry along then. It is quite a long story behind that, and I don't want to take too much of your time."

"Lead the way then, and we can discuss matters along the way."

Caitlyn nodded, and started explaining everything since her capture as she lead them to the tea shop in the city outside the Institute that they usually went to.

"I see, that is quite the complicated situation that you found yourself in, Sheriff Caitlyn," Vessaria spoke as Caitlyn finished recapping the recent events in Piltover regarding her, Jinx, and Whist.

"Yes, it is...annoyingly complicated, and I was hoping that you could help me resolve it. To do so, I need access to Jinx's records. If I can get a detailed file on her background, I can use it in court to prove to the jury that Jinx isn't entirely at fault for her actions and to be able to get a reduced sentence on the basis of insanity. So if you could help me obtain that, I would be eternally grateful," Caitlyn pleaded, hoping the summoner would aid her.

However, to her extreme disappointment, Vessaria shook her head at her, lowering her teacup. "I am sorry, Caitlyn, but I cannot simply grant you access to Jinx's records. As like others of the High Council of Summoners, I am honor bound into not revealing champion reflections and records. No matter the purpose, or champion, I cannot divulge records. Even for you. I am truly sorry, but I can't."

Caitlyn was visibly hurt by the response. She was right back to square one, and had come to the Institute for nothing…

"I-I understand…thank you," she still managed out, albeit reluctantly. Lux noticed her friend's heartbreak, and tried to speak up.

"Are you sure you can't do anything, Vess? I mean, without this, Caitlyn has nothing to go on, and they will most likely sentence Jinx to jail…" she stated, worriedly.

"I'm sorry, Luxanna but I can't give up the records."

"A-alright…"

Despite her words,, however Vessaria started to smile, much to their confusion. "However...I didn't say that I can't provide help."

"What? Really?" Caitlyn voiced her confusion, hoping that Vessaria could in fact help her.

"Indeed. To start, I would like to point out that Jinx cannot actually be sentenced to prison. Even if proven guilty"

"W-what? What do you mean Vess?" Lux questioned

"As I am sure you both know, Jinx is registered as an independent champion. She allies herself with none, and has no allegiance. As such, she is associated with the Institute, and is under its jurisdiction. Furthermore, as detailed in the rules and regulations city-states must follow regarding their champions, a champion cannot be restricted from matches on the Fields of Justice in any way, no matter the extent of their individual crimes, unless they are formally removed as a champion. And as Jinx is not affiliated with or under the jurisdiction of Piltover, she cannot be removed as a champion by it, nor can she be punished with anything more severe than community service," Vessaria explained, with a smirk.

Both Caitlyn's and Lux's eyes widened, as joy filled their expressions.

"That's...wonderful! That's spectacular news, Vessaria. Thank you!" Caitlyn bursted out, engulfed with happiness.

"Heh, I figured you would find it so," the summoner chuckled, raising her teacup back to her lips.

"It's amazing news! Piltover can't separate Caitlyn and Jinx now, and they'll be able to actually be together in a relationship," Lux cheered. Shortly after, she realized that she might have overstepped her bounds as she looked at the blushing Sheriff. "Whoops. Sorry Cait…" She embarrassedly apologized.

"Oh? I see Caitlyn had left out the extent of her relationship with Jinx. I see why you are so determined to keep Jinx out of prison," Vessaria teased with another chuckle.

Caitlyn's blush increased, and she said nothing, hoping they would let her be and hiding behind her teacup.

"Well as amusing as this is, and as much as I would like to discuss your interesting relationship, I will have to return to my work shortly. I have some pressuring matters to attend to, and they will not take care of themselves. However, before I leave, I would like to give you some more helpful information."

"Hmm," Caitlyn murmured, still mildly embarrassed.

"While I cannot divulged the Institute's records, there is another way you can retrieve Jinx's background information."

"Really? How can I?"

"To my knowledge, Zaun keeps records of its prominent figures. As Jinx's father was a significant engineer, I am sure they have some form of record on him and his family," Vessaria explained.

"Oh yeah, I heard of their records before. I think Singed is there too, so you can convince him to help you, Cait," Lux added.

"Indeed. And while her records are no longer necessary, I believe you will find them to be useful in getting the city to sympathize with Jinx. In addition, you may find incriminating evidence on Whist there."

Caitlyn realized that Vessaria was right. Surely Singed would have some form of information on Whist that she could use to arrest him. And with that thought, all her worries evaporated. She would be able to successfully deputize Jinx, arrest Whist, and restore Piltover back to its normal order.

"Well I must be going now. I hope that information is helpful for you, Caitlyn." Vessaria stated, as she finished her tea and stood up from her chair.

"It was very helpful. Thank you so much Vessaria." Caitlyn was extremely grateful for the aid Vessaria provided, and hoped her words would suffice in expressing herself.

"Until next time," Vessaria nodded with a smile, and leaving them to return back to her office.

"Well that was amazing," Lux chimed in, once Vessaria left, finishing her own tea.

"It certainly was. I can't wait to get the records from Zaun and return to Piltover deliver the good news. Thank you for your help in contacting her, Lux."

"No problem, Cait! I'm glad I was helpful, and I hope everything turns out well."

"Me too, Lux. And I actually feel like it will turn out well now that I have the knowledge I needed." Caitlyn really was hopeful for the future. Things were certainly looking up now, and could only get better. It was just a matter of time…

"Hey, Caitlyn," Lux spoke up again, after a moment of quiet between them.

"Hmm?"

"...Now that everything is good, and you're less stressed, you should tell me about Jinx. I still have so many questions! Like, what is she like when she is around you? Is she still crazy, or is she more sane now? Is she the little spoon or the big spoon? Is she a good kisser or something? Do you like her for her brains or do you…" Lux continued to ramble, but Caitlyn had to tune her out. She was once again regretting ever mentioning her relationship, but she supposed that she did owe Lux something for her aid in contacting Vessaria.

So with a sigh, she set to answering Lux's endless supply of questions, chuckling as she did.

Author's Notes

Hmm, there wasn't as big a response to the last chapter as I expect. Meh. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Hopefully we get some more reviews this time though. That would be nice. (I'm a bit of a review whore, and it makes my .)

Review Responses

Nyx Sigma ZERO - I'm glad I still managed to surprise you. And I'm glad you are enjoying the direction the story is taking. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.

jackalphawolf - Thanks for reviewing again, and sticking with the story. And yeah, sadly you were right. And yeah, Vi is quite pissed, though she knows she can't exactly just go and assault Whist without making a major commotion.

SSP399 - Thanks! I hope you found this chapter to be just as good, and that you do stay for further chapters.

Special thanks to Beta Reader Lux du Couteau.

As always, if you liked the story, leave a review/favorite, and if you are new to the story, follow. It'll help my story grow, and is greatly appreciated. Thanks.