HELLO! How are you all doing? I hope you're all home, safe and sound, quarantined as we all should be in these dire times. I know I am! And in this day 6 of quarantine (in my case, at least), I bring you the longest chapter I've ever written, with exactly 18316 words of suffering for me, entertainment for you! Kidding. I loved writing it. But now, for real, what's up next is the END of Beyond Redemption. I will write a small epilogue, I promise, but this is the final chapter of Riven's story (and Irelia's, but she ain't the protagonist lmfao). Anyway, I hope you enjoy and stay tuned for the epilogue!

Stay safe!


Silence.

Her office was in complete.

silence.

A deafening one.

It hadn't been that quiet in her office ever since befriending her.

Befriending.

She felt the term was too light just as much as it was too strange, too much.

Because when did it happen, exactly?

When did Irelia befriend Riven?

She sat down on her sofa, near the fire. Hers, not the other one, which usually belonged to the former Noxian, during those nights where she'd wander into the room and share the silence.

But even then, the silence was different. Sometimes, it wasn't even there.

She relaxed onto the cushions.

When did it happen?

The crackling flames didn't hold the answers to her questions.

But she did believe that, if she stared for long enough, maybe something would come to her mind, not an answer but a hint, a direction.

A beginning.

A few seconds ticked by as she sighed, letting the back of her head hit the sofa as she looked up at the ceiling.

There was a knock on her door.

"Come in."

"Everyone's ready for the trial, Captain," Sao replied from the threshold as she opened the door.

Irelia stood up, looking at the blonde, "The Targonians?"

"They've arrived. They're currently seated by the Emperor's Throne." Sao frowned, then, "They didn't come alone."

Irelia narrowed her eyes, "Explain?"

"They came with two sacred guards, as expected, but they all want to attend the trial."

Irelia was rather confused. "If they only came with two guards, then—"

"No, Irelia," Sao interrupted. "Two guards, as in, two groups of soldiers." A beat. Then, "And a blind priestess."

Irelia raised a brow, then shook her head, so as to snap out of the mental image. "Whatever. Let them all attend, have them standing behind the throne if there's no more room." She thought of it and, out of a hunch, she said, "Get the priestess a chair along with the Aspects, if they don't mind her presence alongside them."

Sao raised a brow as she thought of it. "The priestess deals with the Aspects in a way that has me thinking she's the one who's actually in charge, you know?"

She did not have the time nor the will, at the moment, to think of that. "Then sit her next to the Aspects with no questions asked."

Sao nodded her head, "Right away," And left the room.

So Irelia fixed her attire, her usual armor, and got out of the office.

Time not to have her questions replied, but her people's.


The Placidium's courtroom was, in contrast to her office, as noisy as a room can be.

With good reason, though.

The courtroom, which was already humongous, was rather overpopulated. On the far end of the room, just a meter away from the wall opposite to the entrance to the room, a throne was positioned, with one chair right next to it, three chairs to its' left and the jury box to the right. Opposed to it, two small podiums. Behind them, the spectators' seating, which surrounded all of the room in a semi-circle, being the part behind the throne the only one it did not occupy.

All of it was crowded; there were people sharing spots in the spectators' seats, the jury was all already positioned, three figures occupied the chairs on the other side of the throne, one of the only two chairs that still remained empty as the one right next to it was also unoccupied and, behind them, stood countless soldiers on golden armors and red robes.

When Sao opened the doors to the courtroom, absolutely everyone stood in attention.

The sound of armored boots as they all took one precise step at the same calculated time almost made Irelia flinch.

Almost.

But she was made of steel. At least, for the duration of the trials.

So, squaring her shoulders back and with her head held high, she marched towards the Emperor's Throne, walking past her friend, ignoring the hushed whispers around her, the confusion that reigned over her people.

The furious and fearful glare from the overprotective Chosen of the Moon and the presence of her lover and that ominous priestess that served as a companion.

The eyes that were all laid on her, burning holes into her back, the breaths that she felt as if they were right behind her, on her neck.

She reached the Throne and turned around, looking at them all before addressing them.

"It is well known by everyone in the First Lands that, up until today, Ionia lacks a leader. We haven't gotten into the matter of finding the right one as of yet so, for the sake of being able to carry out today's matters with ease, I'll be serving as the maximum authority in this courtroom for the time being, with Captain Sao Sato serving as the second in command, the role I'd be bound to take if things worked the way they should."

But nothing ever works the way it should , Irelia thought. Nothing works the way it should and it shows in the consequences to our actions.

Not anymore, though.

Today, we right the wrongs I've turned a blind eye on.

"I hope I prove myself to be up to par with the task and if I may, my fellow countrymen, let me remind you that everyone in this courtroom is human and it is due to our condition as humans that it is safe to say we're all constantly learning; whether it is from lack of experience or past mistakes, we're all on our eternal journey to wisdom, taking wrong steps and then fixing them, so please, be kind to one another and do point out injustice or a clouded judgement if you believe you witness it here today, for this whole circus would be in vain if we did not speak up for ourselves and for others and if we let wrongdoings take place without pointing them out." She smiled, "Through collective collaboration, we may all learn something here, today. I humbly invite you to be the judges of our work as the powers of this country and specially my work as the judge, for I'm open to critics and embrace the fact that I, as well, am only human and therefore I am, as well, only learning."

She eyed the everyone in the room, watching them as they all stared back at her intensely, no sounds escaping their lips, no words being mouthed.

Not a whisper being heard. Not even a fly.

"You may all sit." She commanded.

But she wasn't done speaking, so she did not sit.

"I want to begin by apologizing to all of you for calling you here in such short notice with absolutely no explanation whatsoever of the nature of this meeting." She started, expression neutral, eyes calm, body language relaxed, yet firm.

The reflection of a true born leader.

"A lot of things have happened to us, to the First Lands, ever since the first Noxian invasion, so many years ago." She walked around the room, around its' center, the only area free of people. "Ever since that first attempt, none of us have been the same," She stopped walking and placed a hand on her chest. " I haven't been the same." She shook her head and continued pacing, "It forced me to grow up rather fast, if only to become the Captain of the Guard that all of you know I am, nowadays." She closed her eyes as she moved, slowly. "Then the second invasion came and, with it, something in Ionia shattered." She looked up at them all once more as she moved, "Something was different; some whispered of fighting back, others of seeking peace, but one thing remained true; it split us all in two."

She stopped pacing in the middle of the room, hands behind her back.

"It shattered me in a million pieces."

She confessed her truth.

"Terrible things happened during the first invasion, things which I'll never forget, things which made me who I am today," She said, nodding her head, before looking down. "But even then, I wasn't prepared for the horrors of the second bellic attempt from Noxus."

She looked up at the people who were sat in the first row.

"I wasn't prepared to see them die in such ways," She told them, her eyes a bit glassy as she reminisced awful memories. "I wasn't prepared to feel so helpless, so unhelpful."

She stared at them, those in the first row, as they freely allowed the tears to fall from their faces.

"That night I failed you," She told them, "That night I failed your children, your siblings, your parents. I failed my Captain's Guard, my friends and, through that, I failed you and I'll never be able to tell you just how much sorrow it's left me with." Her eyes hardened despite the softness of her unshed tears, "I'll never be able to properly communicate the hatred, the fury, the sadness that night has left imprinted on my heart, like a scar that will never heal, like a tattoo that will never fade. For such a mistake, I'm sorry. I'll always be sorry."

She breathed in and out deeply, before wiping those tears away with her thumb, trying not to lose her resolve at the sight of the families of those lost in battle that night.

"But being sorry is not enough."

They stared at her with curiosity in their sad eyes.

"The balance had been tipped that night and it had never been restored to its perfect equilibrium." She raised a brow, "Maybe that's what makes us all see the picture differently, nowadays, as if we've moved one step to the side: the same, yet different: off frame."

She cleared her throat.

"Today, I called pretty much all of Ionia to this courtroom. Clearly, not all of Ionia is here, but there should be, at least, one representative of each family, the families in the front row being the only exception to such rule." She looked at them again, "For those of you unaware, they are the families of my original Captain's Guard, the one that fell that night, protecting the First Lands, putting their lives on the line for the sake of us all. In their specific cases, I thought it would only be right to have all of the family present, for all of the integrants of their households had been robbed of one of their own."

She turned her head around, "And behind me, behind the Throne, right next to it, too," She started, "I've invited the Chosen of the Moon and the Chosen of the Sun, who've brought the people they've considered important to them." She looked ahead again, "I might be powerful in Ionia, but one can only do so much to go against her deities' wishes." She said, as if trying to explain why were there so many Targonians in the room.

It earned her a few chuckles.

She looked back at the two Aspects.

It was strange, Irelia decided: seeing them both wearing something other than their Celestial Armors. Diana looked elegant, delicate, even, clad in a gorgeous silver robe that seemed to be made of silk, that seemed to glimmer as the light hit it from different angles, as if stealing the light for itself, for its' silvery shine. Leona, on the other hand, looked just as elegant, just as godlike, wearing the counterpart to Diana's robe; a golden one made of a rougher fabric, one that seemed to shine gold on its' own.

They really did look like the personifications of their respective Celestials.

Leona chuckled at her small joke.

Diana did not.

She had felt ballsy, last time she met them both. She had kicked them out of her country without thinking twice about it.

Time had changed all of them.

Who would have thought Irelia would suddenly feel nervous about her past decisions?

Whether it was the wisdom they had all acquired, the power that both Aspects had gained after so long or the common sense she had managed to recover, Irelia did not know, but one thing she was certain of.

She couldn't act foolish again or it would cost her a lot.

My life, maybe, if Diana's glare is any indication of the kind of retaliation she seems to be thinking of.

She had to be careful about those two.

Diana's eyes narrowed, a small, deadly reminder of who she's friends with.

She had to be careful about Riven, too.

I'll do what I feel is right. If Diana then wishes to murder me, then so be it.

She cleared her throat once more, looking ahead again, "I want you to know that they have not been invited in vain. They are as invested in the matters we will discuss here today as the rest of us are."

And after having said all of that, everyone stayed silent.

Irelia quickly realized they were waiting for her to start explaining.

Where should I start, though?

The beginning sounds like a very good idea.

She coughed one more time and squared her shoulders.

"Many years ago, Noxus attempted to conquer Ionia in what would be their first Invasion." Irelia started as she paced around the room once more. "This invasion was led by a man whose name we all must remember; Jericho Swain, the current Grand General of Noxus, the equivalent to the position of Emperor in our government."

She looked at Sao, at her current Captain's Guard as they stood around the room, vigilant. "Jericho Swain's invasion failed due to all of our joined efforts, but one event changed the course of destiny in a way we could have never imagined, for it could have never been foreseen; as he tried to execute my family while raiding my house, he shattered my family's emblem and, through some kind of spiritual connection I have yet to find an explanation for, those fragments of my family's crest became my weapon of choice as they moved to obey my will." She made a point by displaying her crestblades, calling upon them and making them swirl around the room for a second, before hiding on their respective straps on her back once more. "Using them to protect my loved ones, I cut off Swain's left arm and, with that, their first bellic attempt against Ionia was declared a failure. Noxian troops retreated and we were left to lick our wounds."

Now, the complicated part.

"I wish I could give you the exact description of what happened to him after that, but asking your enemies their secrets never goes exactly as one hopes." Irelia warned as she paced once more, "Apparently, after the action that sentenced the end of the war, Swain was left to his death," She looked at them all with seriousness in her expression. "But he simply refused to die."

She saw them all start whispering between them.

"Something saved his life, that time," She continued, "And, as he was saved, he realized one thing; the Noxian Empire was being commanded by someone who was mad with power. That someone's name was Boram Darkwill, the previous Grand General of Noxus, the one who ordered not only the first, but also the second invasion to Ionia."

She gulped.

"And in the second invasion to Ionia, I had my first encounter with the Hand of Noxus, a woman whose name I'd eventually learn; Riven."

She felt their eyes on her, a lingering question in the air. Their whispers had died out at some point and, now, they were completely quiet.

She chuckled, "Suddenly, we all fall silent." Irelia noted. "I know what you're thinking," She said, "I know exactly what's going on in your heads, right now and yes," She nodded her head. "Yes, she is that one . The one you've all seen me with, the warrior with white hair and blood red eyes. The one with the scarred hands, the broken blade." She stopped pacing around the room. " That woman, the woman who's been walking around this country by my side, the one that I have invited into this country, personally, is none other than Riven. The same one who fought against me that night, the same one whose hands have been stained with the blood of our fellow countrymen."

She watched them as they started mumbling between them, whispering words of fear, of anger, of confusion.

" Except ," She said loudly, reigning in, subtly demanding silence, "Except she's not the same." The hint of a smile hid on her lips as she said, "She's not the same because that invasion changed something in all of us, our enemy included, for many things happened that night: the second Noxian invasion had proved itself to be a puzzle to be solved, one which I couldn't solve alone."

She braced herself before admitting what some of them knew, what some of them suspected.

"And that's the reason why I joined forces with her: to finally solve it."

They weren't whispering anymore.

Loud complaints and sounds of confusion drowned her thoughts as the room's noise got louder and louder—

"The night the second invasion happened," Irelia continued, everyone suddenly falling quiet due to their curiosity, their desire to hear what she had to say. "Noxian troops had a very smart plan: to trick Ionian forces into believing the invasion was at our door, when it was actually right behind us. The plan was to have the whole Noxian army at the front, resisting our efforts while a small group of specialized soldiers tried to get into the Placidium through the sewers, escorting a wagon containing an unknown cargo, which they had been assured would win them the war."

She looked around as they watched her in silence, her eyes falling on Akali, on civilian clothing, camouflaged in the crowd, "And it would have worked, but a ninja of the Kinkou Order got information from someone within the Noxian army who warned us about the strategy they were hoping to implement. Being aware of their moves, we decided to leave our strongest battalion at the sewers so as to encounter the Noxian one."

She tried not to blink, for she knew she'd see a very different Riven through her mind's eye.

"So, once their invasion started, as the Noxian squadron reached the sewers, the Captain's Guard followed me into battle." She looked around, "The Captain's Guard, with me on the lead, came face to face with the Crimson Elite, Noxus' deadliest squadron, with Captain Riven at its' command. We fought each other under the rain, I saw my brothers and sisters fall, Riven saw hers fall, too, until we both stopped striking each other, for something in the skies caught our eye: a flaming arrow, coming straight for us."

She looked up at the ceiling, as if seeing the arrow fly. "As it came down, we realized it had been aimed at the wagon." She gulped, "As it hit its' objective, we realized the wagon's mysterious cargo was actually explosives."

She let out a subtle sigh, trying not to shudder at the thought. "The explosion was brutal and it knocked me off my feet. The Fire was terrible and its' smoke was thick and toxic, so I did what I could to help my soldiers but, once I saw it was a lost cause, I retreated into the city. I never knew what happened with the Noxians that were there, but I was later told they had all died in the fire, their leader included." She narrowed her eyes as she remembered it all, "But I could feel deep inside my heart that the Hand of Noxus remained alive. Call it a hunch, destiny, some spiritual connection, I don't know, but I knew Riven was alive."

She paced around the room, ""Years passed after that, but my wounds from that night haven't healed, not even one bit." She confessed out loud, "I still feel the anger I felt, I still feel confusion whenever I think of it all. For years, Il tried to make sense of that night, I tried to understand the events I witnessed, but I always ended up empty handed. During the day, I'd battle with my memory, if only to make sense of it." She steeled herself, "During the night, I battled with it, begging it to let me rest, but the ghosts of that night wouldn't leave my side."

She looked around, her eyes falling on Diana's cold ones.

"I still lose sleep over it. I still cannot close my eyes without seeing fire and death and she can tell you all that I'm not lying about this." She said, pointing at the Aspect.

Diana's gaze softened.

"I cannot go to sleep without seeing the imprint of the last image I saw that night, tattooed on the inside of my eyelids: fire and melting skin, ashes where bodies had been. Mass destruction in a matter of seconds."

Silence.

"So Riven and I fought each other right outside of the sewers, our respective battalions doing their best efforts to surpass the other, until a flaming arrow declared the end of the act, wiping out the Captain's Guard and their Noxian counterpart: the Crimson Elite."

She watched them all as some of them raised their eyebrows, whispering the name of the deadly squadron, murmuring about how they thought they were a myth.

The fear of how they actually existed settling in some of them.

She started pacing again, "Time passed and the animosity between our nations died. Noxus didn't try to invade us again and nothing was ever known about their Hand, so she was presumed dead, thing which I would have ended up believing, but then two deities chose their mortal Aspects and said Aspects wound up at our door, escorted by the one person I'd recognize absolutely anywhere."

She looked at the Targonians behind her, at the Aspects seated side by side. "When the literal representative of your deity knocks on your door, you don't stop to think who her companions are, but even then, when her companion is someone who's been dead for years, how can you expect anyone to identify her?" She huffed a laugh. " I was the only one who identified Riven, for she looked awfully close to what she looked like the last time we met, except she looked less fiery." She frowned, thinking of the right words to say. "She looked tired, wiser, calmer…"

She searched for the right word.

"She looked less Noxian, in a way." She settled for saying.

"So I allowed them in and I allowed them to stay for as long as needed," Irelia continued, hands behind her back. "Then Demacian, Targonian and Noxian troops wound up at our door, too, all because of them." She remembered with a glare, "And, for a moment, I considered it had all been a trap, some kind of treacherous strategy implemented by the Noxians, but Riven proved I was judging her wrongly, for she was the first one to spring into action, the first one to battle her own people, if only to aid our defensive efforts. It was Riven the one who took care of personally fighting those who used to be her fellow countrymen, successfully preventing them from entering the city." She frowned, not in confusion nor anger, but in determination, "And after witnessing her efforts, I knew what I had to do." She sighed, shaking her head, "I could tell Riven lost sleep over the same things that haunted me. Hell, I think she forgot what sleeping felt like for a year or two, because those who died wouldn't let her blink." Then her voice dropped as she mumbled, "And I thought I had it bad."

She snapped out of it, "After seeing how the war had changed her, I knew we were both on the same page, feeling the same frustration, dealing with the same confusion. I invited her back to Ionia, once her efforts with our Goddesses were over, for I felt there was a lot to discuss regarding that night. It kept me up, I could tell it kept her up, too and I felt like, maybe, if we joined forces and tried to solve the puzzle together, piece by piece, we'd both be able to finally see the picture, whole, complete. It took her a while but, eventually, she took my offer and came to Ionia."

"And I must confess I treated her badly as soon as she arrived," Irelia said, looking at Diana again, seeing her glaring at her, deadly. "I must admit I wasn't a good host and I mistreated her. Still, Riven never retaliated and, eventually, after days, weeks, months , I warmed up to her. We became friends."

There was the hint of a smile on Diana's face.

Irelia gulped.

Guess you can't keep secrets from the Moon.

"We discussed the events of that night, telling each other what we knew and what we didn't know and she told me one of her soldiers remained alive: an archer, who she suspected had been the one to shoot the arrow that killed both her friends and mine that night. A member of the deadly Crimson Elite who had not been in the middle of the chaos. We didn't know where he was, for we had it confirmed to us that he was not in Noxus, but we did know he was alive."

She allowed them all to whisper between them, before continuing her story. "I wanted to let it be, to let the matter die, to forget she had even told me such a thing, for I doubted we could ever find this man and even do something about it, but Riven refused to let it go." She tried not to smile at the memory, "She wanted to go to Noxus and demand his head. " She chuckled, "You see, she happens to be quite stubborn. The worst part is that it's a very contagious thing."

"So we went to Noxus, with Riven posing as the cruel Captain Riven, Hand of Noxus." Irelia continued, "Swain told us Cyrus was dead, right before he declared Riven a traitor to the Empire, taking away her citizenship, officially expatriating her and sentencing her to a trial by combat which consisted of ten ridiculously deadly duels." She frowned, "Riven didn't win her trials; we got saved by the fact that our prayers got heard above," She said, before looking at Diana and Leona. "Our Goddesses heard us and their Aspects came to our rescue." She bowed her head. "I'm still thankful for your aid."

She saw the Targonians nod their heads once.

"Before we could leave Noxus, the current Hand of Noxus found us." Irelia said, "And it's not every day that I find myself liking not one but two Noxians, so I'd like this day to go down in history as the day Captain Lito confessed she had a lot of respect in her heart for two Hands of Noxus." She saw their confused looks and continued, "General Darius found us and instead of fighting us, of bringing us back to their twisted version of justice, he turned a blind eye, not before granting us a wish; he told us Cyrus was alive and hiding in Zaun, the city-state that's adjacent to Piltover. Of course, Riven and I headed there, with Noxians on our tail."

She smirked, "There, amidst different challenges that we both as a team had to go through, we found two police women who aided us in our quest and, after some time, we found the man who we wre looking for, who admitted with no shame, no remorse, no regrets that he had killed both our squadrons, all of our friends." She looked at them all, "Today, the picture becomes a whole in front of all of us, for the criminal who killed those who we loved is here, under this same roof that we all have over our heads, now."

She realized, then, it would be important to add some information.

"And he's here because Riven chose to give him a fair trial because, had it been my choice, I would have killed him right then, right there." She chuckled, "We're the ones who value justice, who value peace, who value life and yet I was the first one in line to give him death. Riven chose to do it the right way. We get to judge him thanks to her. "

She saw their unapproving faces and knew immediately what to say next.

"But since she chose to judge him due to his war crimes against both Ionia and Noxus, I was forced to arrest her as well, for she's also committed crimes against our nation, crimes which she hasn't been judged for, unlike the ones she committed against Noxus, because it'd be really hypocritical of me to judge him, but not her." She moved back to her throne, "Both will be judged because there are crimes to pay for and justice to be served." She took a seat, "This is why everyone's been invited here; to witness the trial of two war criminals, maybe the most hated ones in all of Ionia." She looked at Diana, "I thought you would want to be here for her trial, so I invited you, too. Apologies for what must be done, for I know you hold her dear, but it has to be done. There's no choice."

Diana's eyes were cold, unreadable as she stared back, her legs crossed, her hands on the armrests, "Our Goddesses are bearing witness too, Captain Lito." Diana said, her voice eerily loud, firm, clear. "And they both favor her." She looked at the Ionians who stared in respect, in fear, in adoration, "Be wise about what's chosen as her destiny, today. Do not let my personal, mortal appreciation of my friend sway you, but do remember and be aware of the fact that both the Sun and the Moon have favored her. Earning not one but two goddesses' good graces is not a small feat."

"Everything will be taken into consideration in the big picture, my Chosen," Irelia said, before her eyes fell on Sao, who stood by the door. "Without further ado, bring out the defendants."

As she said that, Sao opened the doors.

Ban entered the room first, with two people behind him: first Cyrus, his face distorted in fury, one hand missing, the other one in a cast, chains on his arms so as to keep him in place, dressed in an Ionian robe. Behind him, dressed in the same fashion, Riven, with her head all bandaged, having only her left eye, her nose and her mouth free, visible.

She looked calm, despite the cuffs on her wrists.

Peace of mind.

She once told Sao she came here looking for peace of mind.

Maybe she reached it.

Ban marched forwards, towards the two podiums that had been placed there for Riven and Cyrus, the archer's chain on his hands as he pulled from it, forcing him to walk. He didn't have to do the same with Riven, for the woman was obliging peacefully.

In fact, she didn't even have chains to pull her in on her. She only had one that went from one of her wrists to the other, mostly due to formalities.

The three of them walked slowly towards the podiums and Irelia had to do her best to zone out and ignore the hushed whispers she could hear around the courtroom as all eyes laid on them.

The Hand of Noxus, invited to Ionia…

The Crimson Elite, under the same roof as us!

They both should hang for their crimes. Execution should be an option.

There's no way in oblivion these two aren't allied.

Once a Noxian, always a Noxian.

They're clearly scheming against us.

They made her feel tense, but then she saw Riven and noticed how the red eyed woman wasn't paying attention to them, for her expression was calm, neutral, peaceful.

She wasn't even listening.

She was beyond it all, already.

Peace of mind.

It brought her a bit of calm.

But then she saw Cyrus' green eyes glow in a different shade—

The man must have used his runic power, for he easily pulled the chains from Ban's hands and ran in the opposite direction, pushing Riven to a side, the white haired warrior offering zero resistance to his stampede—

Before he could finish running past Riven, though, the former Noxian brought her arms up and placed the chain of her handcuffs around his neck, using his own momentum against him as she choked him.

"No more running away for either of us," She quietly told him as she heard him choke, before pulling him away from the door and pushing him towards Ban, who quickly caught him.

"You're a traitor!" He screamed, looking like a rabid dog. "You're a fucking traitor, Riven!"

She looked at him, completely tranquil. "It's high time we faced justice."

And the rabid dog lost his mind.

"I'll kill you!" He screamed, in his frenzy, managing to release himself again from Ban and move towards the former Noxian—

He screamed as his skin came into contact with several floating blades, all of them suddenly surrounding him like a deadly coffin, forcing him to a stop.

Irelia stood up and stomped her way towards him, grabbing him by the collar of his robe and punching him once on the face before saying, "Now you will listen to me, you Noxian scum. You will behave like the good lap dog you are and you will face your trial with at least some dignity and manners or else I'll decide your fate in a very rash way and end your miserable existence right now!"

He spat on his face.

She punched him again with such force that the man fell to the ground.

Cleaning her face, she walked back to her throne, her blades coming with her. "Clean his cuts, please." She said, before sitting down. "Apologies for the behavior I've just displayed," She told everyone in the room, "But he manages to get on my nerves quite easily when he acts like that."

Sao approached the fallen man as Ban gripped him tightly and brought him up to his feet, quickly cleaning and bandaging the small cuts he received, before forcing him to stand on one of the podiums.

Riven silently made her way to the other one, not needing anyone to push her anywhere.

"Right now, in front of all of you, the two defendants are standing." Irelia began, "To my right, Riven. To my left, Cyrus." She said, trying to hide the poison from her voice when she said his name. "We will go one by one, judging first Cyrus, then Riven. Now, having said all of that, I'd like to proceed and explain to all of you how these trials will carry out, for they won't be under normal circumstances. The truth is that we wouldn't be able to judge Cyrus if it weren't for Riven's efforts and we wouldn't be able to judge her if it weren't for her lack of resistance when I arrested her. Considering that, the trials will follow special, one time only rules." She raised one finger in the air, "First of all, as per Riven's request, which we will grant her due to her efforts for the sake of the First Lands, Cyrus will be judged for his crimes against both Ionia and Noxus, for catching him was a joined effort of both nations. He'll be judged due to his war crimes in terms of Ionian law and his betrayal of his own men in regards of Noxian law. His trial will be carried out with a mixture of both Ionian and Noxian laws. Riven, on the other hand, considering she has already been judged by Noxian law and has been expatriated as a direct consequence, shall only face Ionian laws."

People started talking between them, surprised about Irelia's decisions, some angry, some curious.

The chatter started getting louder and louder—

" Silence!"

Everyone looked at the Targonian High Priestess that glared at them all with blind eyes.

"By our Goddesses, is all this gossiping normal here in Ionia or are you just particularly annoying, today?" She asked them all, before looking in Irelia's general direction. "Go on, dear."

Irelia was completely confused by the Priestess' behavior, so she looked at the Aspects.

Leona was holding back her laughter, biting her lip and looking away.

Diana's face was red as she slowly brought her palm to her face. "Go on, Captain Lito." She said in a tense tone, waving for her to continue.

Right.

"We will begin with Cyrus' trial." She said, "For those of you in the room who are not Ionian, let me explain how our legal procedures are. Our trials are composed by four parts: the defendant, the jury, the judge and the guardian of balance. The guardian is a person who's elected by the judge based on the nature of the trial and whose mission is to reach the best consequences to face the defendant's offenses, as unbiased as possible. The jury decides whether the conclusion reached is right or wrong and discuss it with the guardian and, finally, when guardian and jury have reached an agreement, the judge accepts it or declines it." She pointed at the jury box, where the most important people of Ionia were sat. "We already have a jury, the Emperor is always the judge, so it's my turn to take on that role and, considering the nature of this trial and of Cyrus' capture, I designate Riven as the guardian." She said, looking at the white haired warrior, who stared back with surprise. "Uncuff her for the time being. She won't go anywhere."

"You can't do that!" She heard someone scream from the spectator's seating and she immediately felt irritated by his voice.

Why is it that I feel I recognize it from somewhere?

She saw Riven roll her eye and mouth Zeylos.

Oh, the famous Zeylos.

"Zeylos," Irelia begun, "No one in this courtroom knows both Ionian and Noxian law better than Riven." She raised a brow, "No one in this courtroom knows both Ionian and Noxian law, except for Riven." She corrected herself. "On top of that, she shared a friendly relationship with the defendant at some point in her past, but said bond got replaced by enmity at some point, before it became nothing, for one cannot have the mercy she displayed with Cyrus with an enemy." She looked at him, bored, "There's no one better for the role of guardian in Cyrus' trial than her."

"I agree," Akali said from the crowd, looking nothing like the ninja she was, flying under the radar, being recognized only by Riven and Irelia. "I believe she should be the guardian."

"Me too," A woman said from the jury box.

Irelia smiled at her, "If Karma agrees with me, I believe I must have made the right choice."

So a few other Ionians voiced their agreement, Orlon's voice being heard in the crowd, too.

"She'll be the right guardian," Ban mumbled, too.

"Okay, okay, I need no more words," Sao quietly said as she approached Riven with the key to her chains and uncuffed her, smirking at the woman before whispering, "Go get him, tiger."

Riven stifled the chuckle that threatened to come out before gently running her fingers over her wrists, "Thank you," She said to Sao, nodding her head once. Then, she walked to the middle of the room and deeply bowed in front of Irelia, "Thank you, Captain," She said out loud, then bowed in front of Diana and Leona. "And thank you for attending." She said once more, before standing straight and, subtly, flashing the necklace that still hung from her neck to Diana, for she knew the Empyrean was wondering about it.

Once she saw Diana smile, she turned to Cyrus.

She completely missed the way Diana turned to Irelia with a glare and mouthed What happened to her face?

She slowly walked to him, who was flanked by the Sato siblings.

Standing a few feet away from him, Riven stared into his eyes for a second, before bowing.

The man roared and tried to lunge for her, but both Sao and Ban held him back by his arms, forcing him to keep still, in place.

Riven straightened once more, her face completely devoid of any kind of emotion as she watched him, "Seems you're not too fond of me, anymore."

"I'd kill you if these two weren't here."

"Bold words for a brazen man," Riven replied.

Silence.

She stared at the crowd of people around her.

Everywhere she looked, angry glares met her.

She turned around.

Irelia's gaze remained neutral.

She saw all of the Targonians watching her, calmly.

Fay waved at her. Bast winked.

Diana smirked.

She wouldn't be able to fulfill her task as guardian if everyone in Ionia hated her.

She had to make herself likeable.

Well, here goes nothing.

"Time goes through us," She began, probing her own words. "Time goes through us and, as it does, it changes things in us. It takes some things away and, some other times, it brings us some new things." She said, looking around. "I used to be Riven Dern, at some point in my life." She began, being sincere, turning to look at Irelia, only to see her with wide eyes. "That was my last name, in case you were still wondering about it," She commented with a smirk. "But then time passed and it took my surname with it, bringing a new set of words to put behind my name and thus I became Riven, the Hand of Noxus." She glared at everyone around her in an act, "I was called the queen of the Noxian army, for I was all of what the perfect Noxian soldier should represent. I was vicious, lethal, unforgiving, merciless, ruthless… Deadly."

She stared at them all as she played that role, her body language more aggressive, her strut with more swagger, her expression all cocky.

"But then time passed through me and it took my titles with it." She said as she tensed up, letting the aggressiveness of her body turn into wariness. "And I became Riven, the self-Exile. I was a warrior with a troubled past and ghosts that haunted me in my sleep, hunted me in my every waking." She sighed, "I felt guilty for it all."

She turned, "Then I met Diana, who you'd call My Chosen, for you think Diana is far too informal but her and I are way past formalities," She said with a smile. "And when I met Diana I became Riven, the soldier with a purpose. Still feeling guilty, but at least I had something that pushed me to live, now." She turned and looked at all of them, "You see, I was hellbent on bringing her here and helping her find her people. At first, due to my own selfish reasons, because I wanted her to help me get to Irelia. Then, I did it out of the desire to help her and nothing else. On my journey with Diana, I met Leona. Through Leona, I met Luxanna Crownguard and a tiny yordle with a big hammer. I met Demacians who I called my allies. For a moment, I even considered calling them my friends. "

"Through life's turns and time's passing, I managed to get to Irelia, to talk to her. I went from being a potential Targonian general to being a rookie in Ionia's army." Her shoulders fell as she looked down, "Then I became an official exile and my status as Noxian got revoked." She looked up again at everyone else in the room. "Time passed and left me where I am today. Today, I'm Riven, the prisoner."

Silence.

But they weren't glaring at her anymore.

Good.

"But time made me your prisoner because I allowed it to do so with me." Riven said. "You see, I learned that time can be your enemy, as much as it can be your ally. Time turned me into a prisoner because I knew it was only fair I got this treatment, for all the things I've done. Not only did it transform me into this —a slave to my own actions— it also turned me into many other things. Now, I'm Riven, the friend and personal trainer of Orlon, the Demacian mage in the Ionian army," She said, her eyes falling on the boy. "I'm also Riven, the Aspects' loyal advisor. I'm Riven, the Sato siblings' favorite soldier to torture and, at some point," She turned to look at Irelia. "I became Riven, Irelia's favorite training partner."

A beat.

"Irelia's friend."

There.

I said it.

She could feel Diana's hot stare.

Oh, shut up, you.

"Time passed for me and it took many things away but, at the same time, it brought gifts. Gifts I've taken, gifts I've greedily kept for myself and, if I could go back in time and do it all again, witness how minutes tick by and transform me into who I am today, I'd do it all over again. I'd go through this all again, if only to see Diana smile, if only to see Orlon win, if only to see Sao and Ban torment me." She smiled at her, "If only to talk with the Captain herself and share as much as we've shared."

Do not look at Diana, do not look at Diana, do not look—

"I came here looking for forgiveness." Riven said, before turning to everyone, "When Diana asked me why I wanted to go to Ionia, I told her my reason was that: forgiveness. I wanted to talk with Irelia and see her say I forgive you. " She confessed, "It took me long, but at some point she told me she forgave me for my crimes. Now, this part of the story might surprise you, so get ready." She leaned in, as if telling them a secret. "Her forgiveness did not make me feel any better." She turned to Irelia, "I'm sorry, Captain, but all of that part had been in vain. What did make me feel better, though, was the new journey I threw myself into. This time, with you, side by side with me." She thought about it, "Well, not the journey in itself. The outcome. You see, you were right: you had forgiven me, but I wasn't after your forgiveness, after all." She turned to everyone else in the room. "I was so busy, trying to find something to make me feel better about what had happened that night that it never occurred to me that, maybe, the problem was within me."

Then she said what she had been thinking of, what she had been afraid of voicing.

"What I needed to finally let go, to finally move on, was my own forgiveness. To forgive myself."

She sighed.

"It's hard to let go, when time tries to pass and you're not ready for it yet." She said, pacing around the room, "I guess sadness can be comfortable, because I learned to live with it, instead of live through and past it. I was so busy thinking I needed Irelia to forgive me, I never realized I was the one who was not accepting my past and making my peace with it. I didn't realize I needed my own forgiveness to be able to go on."

She let out a long exhale, "I want to tell you that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I've done and for what I haven't done and I know that no amount of sorry will ever bring your children back," She said, nodding her head, staring at an elderly couple who stared back with teary eyes. "Your lovers. Your friends. Your people. Whoever died shall remain dead, no matter how much I regret that night." She took a moment to steel herself, "And, because we're in court and, in here, one must not tell lies, I've got to say that the truth is that I was just a soldier in the other side of the war. What I did, I must admit, I'm not sorry for, because I was fighting for my country and, at that time, I valued my country and its' ethics. To say that I regret fighting would be hypocritical of me. What I regret is the way it carried out. I regret the betrayal, the spiteful way in which we all suffered, not due to a battle that would go down in history, but due to a brutal, treacherous attack that not even I could have seen coming." She glared at nothing in particular, "I regret not seeing sooner that my country and all of what I valued of it was nothing but a lie, that it only lived in me and in me only, that I had at least an Empire on my back, ready to stab me whenever I looked away." She shook her head. "Now that I'm in the other side of history, I am truly sorry for the Ionian losses, but I must let you know that I'm talking on behalf of who I am today. Today's Riven is sorry for the losses. The Riven that fought in that war is not, because she was doing what she felt was right." She put her palms up in surrender, "Who I used to be is not who I am today. What the history books say about me is outdated, for that Riven is dead. I killed her with my bare hands the morning after that battle." She took off the bandages that hid her scars and put them on display, "I carry her marks with me, as a reminder of what I don't wish for myself, anymore, but I still want you to know that, somehow, the deaths of your people have been avenged, for one of the last two remaining killers has been murdered the morning after. Maybe that's what makes this all a bit more bearable for me; to think that I've killed the part of me that did it all, but I must say that a few things of her still stick with me, things that are part of my personality, of who I've always been, who I'll always be. This Riven with no last name, just like the Riven who used Hand of Noxus as her last name, share one thing and that's the fact that we're ruthless. Irelia found it in herself to forgive me after a while. I still haven't."

"Because, if there's one thing that I've learned during all these months I've been here, these months that I've been by Irelia's side, is that for redemption to be granted, justice must be served first." Riven continued, loud. "I feel like I haven't seen justice yet, I feel like I owe a lot to you. I know this is not my trial, but I do hope I'm brought into justice when the time's right." She lowered her head. "I feel like I needed to let you know how I feel, before properly addressing the matter at hand."

And she was greeted with silence.

A long one.

But then she saw the elderly couple she had been staring at bring their right hand up, their middle and index fingers touching their foreheads, before dragging those two fingers down to their lips.

She watched as, slowly, but surely, everyone else in the room did the same.

Even Ban. Even Sao.

She turned to look at Irelia.

She found her with her index and middle fingers already on her lips.

"What does it mean?

"It's an old sign of respect." Irelia said, a smile she couldn't hide, displayed on her lips. "For you."

Riven smiled back, surprised by the gesture, before looking ahead and bowing her head.

A few seconds passed—

"Oh, absolutely adorable," Cyrus moaned out, positively annoyed. "The little village of monkeys respects the evolved one," He said, spitting the word respect out, before narrowing his eyes, "Though I start to believe that you're not evolved at all and you're just another filthy monkey. "

Riven straightened, letting out a loud sigh, opening her eye to look at him with a pitiful look. "For a second, I forgot you were even here. You see, you're actually likeable when you don't open your ugly mouth."

Cyrus was surprised by her reply, "Oh, so you still do have a backbone, sometimes?" He laughed, "I must admit, Captain, I always believed you were moronic, but I still respected you for being Noxian." He smiled, "For a moment, I thought you weren't it, anymore."

"Because I'm not," Riven replied, already bored of him, "I've been expatriated, Cyrus." She raised her brow, "Is it really that not only you're stupid, you're also deaf?" She tried not to laugh at the angry glare she received, "I am no longer Noxian, but I still do respect and admire the values that I once fought for." She moved around the room, "I like to think I still do have the good traits I fought very hard for and those which I realised weren't as good, I discarded." She came to a stop right in front of him. "I'm not Noxian because, today, I'm way better." She smiled at him, "But I can still bark back and I can still bite as hard, maybe even harder." Her head lolled to a side, "Just so you know."

He roared in anger, his eyes glimmering as he tried to lunge for her, but Sao and Ban stopped him, again.

"Before you begin," Irelia said, making everyone look at her. "I must clarify that his case, since it will be treated with both Noxian and Ionian laws, will allow for Noxian consequences to ensue: an execution or a fleshing of sorts." She told Riven, though she said it out loud, letting everyone hear. "He's already proven guilty and he needs the Sun and the Moon themselves to advocate for him for me to at least consider him anything but guilty, but you might come to a different out come of this trial that's not an execution, like what I'd gladly accept."

She nodded her head, "We'll see,"

Then she cleared her throat.

"The man that cannot speak without insulting me that you see here, today, is called Cyrus." She said to the public, "He used to be one of the five integrants of a special, secret squadron of warriors that Noxus had: the Crimson Elite." She looked around and saw curiosity in many eyes. "I was also part of it: I was its' founder and, therefore, leader." She looked at him, before pacing around the room again. "The Crimson Elite was the most efficient group of soldiers Noxus had, deadlier than any other asset in the Empire, including the Du Coteau siblings that you may know of." She heard hushed whispers at the mentioning of their last name, which confirmed her suspicions. "Since we were so important, we were declared a national secret and nobody could ever have our existence confirmed. Therefore, we became a legend, a story to tell children, an irrational yet very rational fear of our enemies. Our small battalion would lead assassinations and infiltrations only, thus ensuring our status as unknown would remain that way. During the second invasion of Ionia, the Crimson Elite had been commanded to carry out a strategic duty: to escort a wagon containing amphorae with unknown contents into the heart of Ionia, the Placidium, through a number of sewers that would be unguarded. Once in the Placidium, we were to fight our way out. This was commissioned by Grand General Darkwill himself and he was the kind of man who disliked questions. Since I was the Hand of Noxus, I had some immunity to his bad temper, so I did try asking him about the amphorae's contents, but he refused to tell me." She shrugged, "Still, the job sounded simple, so the Crimson Elite took it and we carried it out."

She frowned in concentration. "Before the mission started, we met with a scientist from Zaun whose name was Singed." She couldn't keep herself from sneering his name out. "He instructed us to take care of the amphorae and to leave Cyrus behind, for he'd serve as a line of defense for us and the cargo. He wouldn't be in the battlefield, being far enough to be safe from danger instead, but close enough to aid if need be. We would always use strategies of combat like that one, so we agreed immediately." Her frown deepened, this time in anger. "Then, when we were in the middle of the battle, a flaming arrow came from our side and exploded the cargo, wiping out everyone."

She looked around, "Cyrus and I are the only living members of the Crimson Elite that remain." She looked at Irelia, "I don't know how many Ionians died that night, but—"

"I was the only survivor." Irelia simply stated.

Riven stared at her for a moment, in silence, before looking ahead again. "The morning after that night, I couldn't deal with the loss, with the feeling that I had failed everyone who had put their trust on me, so I broke my broadsword with my own hands, leaving behind the scars I now have, which are a product of my own doing and of that terrible fire. The rest is history. Many things that happened that night didn't make much sense to me," She looked at the archer, "But I believe Cyrus could help me by filling in the blanks in my mind, right?"

" Fuck you."

She looked at him with a glare.

"Here is what you don't understand, defendant." Irelia started from the Throne. "In here, you're guilty until proven less guilty. There's no way for you to come out unharmed. If you cooperate, you might be able to do something to defend your case and avoid the butcher's block but if you don't help at all, you will find yourself missing your head very soon."

Cyrus smiled, "Not very peaceful of you, Ionian." She huffed a laugh, "A bit extreme, I dare say."

"If I'm judging you with Noxian laws in mind, too, I might as well be a bit extreme. Besides, Ionia is all about balance and death demands death."

"Death would demand life," Cyrus barked back, "See? You understand nothing."

"A murder demands the murderer's life." Irelia corrected for him, anger on his expression. "Do not try to school me on my own country's ways, defendant, for you'll find out I'm quite the expert."

They were brought out of their angry tug of war by Diana and Leona, who had gotten up from their seats during their argument and walked up to Cyrus.

They bowed their heads slightly at the Sato siblings. "May we take your roles?" Diana asked calmly.

They looked at each other, unsure of what to do. It wasn't protocolar but could they ever deny their Goddesses?

They eyed Irelia in a desperate need for help, for they had no clue on how to respond to the Aspects—

Irelia was wide eyed, nodding her head and waving at them to quickly obey.

"Yes, my Chosen," Sao said, letting Diana take Cyrus' right arm on her hands, Ban doing the same with Leona.

Riven watched them in confusion.

"We'd love to sit and watch, hear what you've got to say, Riven," Diana said, "But, truth be told, we're both quite done with him being so disrespectful, so rude and so uncooperative." She smiled, "So we've decided to come and help you with his trial. Maybe we can convince him of aiding you with his declarations."

Riven saw the wary look in Cyrus' eyes as he looked into Diana's silver ones and smiled, "Even the toughest of Noxians would see themselves intimidated by her eerie stare, no?"

"Shut the fuck up—"

The Noxian screamed as Diana's hand became alit with a silvery glow, her touch so freezing cold it burned, or maybe it felt like fire, he wasn't sure.

All he knew was that it burned.

Badly. Very badly.

He didn't want to experience that again.

"If you keep this up, you'll soon find out Leona has the same kind of ability. We will not react to your words as long as you're cooperative, Cyrus," Diana said, the name of the one who had hurt her dearest friend being nothing but venomous to her as it left her mouth, "So, for your own wellbeing, try to be."

He glared at her, but said nothing.

A good step in the right direction.

"Cyrus."

A beat.

Leona's grip, Diana's grip.

"Yes, Captain?" Between clenched teeth.

"You used to be part of the Crimson Elite."

"Yes."

"Which role did you usually take in it?"

"I was the first and last line of defense," He said, out loud, "I'm an archer, so I usually stood behind and attacked from afar."

"You did that same thing during the invasion, as per Singed's personal request."

"I did."

"Do you remember how wary you were, that night, when he asked you to stay back?"

A second, then a nod of his head, "I do."

Riven got close, "Had that been an act?"

Cyrus stared at her.

Leona and Diana did not push him.

Not yet.

"No."

The two Celestials looked at him.

Riven raised a brow. "No?"

He shook his head. "No. I didn't trust Singed."

"And yet you were living with him, in Zaun."

"Because I hadn't trusted him then," He said, a bit annoyed by Riven's interrogation. "But I learned to trust him with time."

"I want you to tell me the process of your betrayal."

Cyrus raised a brow. "I didn't betray Noxus."

"I never said your betrayal was with Noxus." Riven said, calmly. "You betrayed the Crimson Elite." She thought of it for a moment, "But as Noxians, you could say that, in a way, you betrayed Noxus. Besides, Swain claims you're a traitor."

He looked alarmed at that, "He claims—"

"I will tell you what I know from him after you tell me how the betrayal had been planned." Riven cut him off, still as polite as she had been.

He froze, mouth still open as his eyes unfocused while he thought.

He sighed, closing his eyes.

"A time before the second invasion happened —I don't know exactly how much time, so don't ask me— Jericho Swain approached me. He talked to me as a friend and asked me how I felt with Darkwill's government. I told him I was fine with it, but he made me realize I had never really thought about it until then." He glared at nothing in particular as he remembered. "Days passed, Swain still approached me from time to time and we discussed Darkwill. After some time, I concluded that he wasn't fit to rule."

Riven narrowed her eyes, "You mentioned something like that to me, at some point."

Cyrus' eyebrows rose. "You remember?"

"Of course I do." Riven said, her eyes devoid of any kind of indication as to what she was feeling. "My memory can be both a blessing and a curse." Not letting him react to that, she continued, "You asked me how I felt about it."

"And you almost accused me of treason for even asking."

Riven raised a brow, "Who would have thought I could predict the future."

"I asked you what you thought of him and you told me you followed him blindly."

"Because he was our leader and with good reason. Doubting him would have been treason, because there was no reason to doubt him. He was doing all in his power to bring honor to Noxus, defending our main values ." She frowned, "That's what I told you that night."

"Do you still believe that?"

Silence.

"No." Riven confessed, "He betrayed my trust the moment he allied with Zaun and decided to use the chemical terrors against Ionia. That's not the Noxian way and I would have never stood by it, had I known."

"Would you have defied him?"

Riven didn't even think twice as she said, "Absolutely." She saw him ready to accuse her, "But I would have told you and the rest of the Elite." She sentenced, making him shut his mouth before he could speak. "I would have warned you."

"Why?" He said, his lip going up, baring his teeth, though there was no intentional malice, "Why would you warn of a treacherous act?"

"Because the Crimson Elite was beyond Noxus," She told him, "We were a country of our own, in a way. I owed loyalty to Noxus due to my status as Hand, but my soul laid with the squadron." She swallowed the lump in her throat. "With Leah, Aryana, Lucas. With you. I know that had I told you of such an act, all of you would have, at least, thought about it."

"Thought about what?"

"About joining me in my treason."

Silence.

Riven narrowed her eyes, "You would have joined, wouldn't you?"

Cyrus stared at her.

Diana and Leona did, too.

He closed his eyes and mumbled something.

"What?"

" Yes, I said yes." He admitted. "I would have struggled a lot with it at first but I would have done it in the end."

"And you think we wouldn't have done the same with you?" She looked hurt. "Do you think I wouldn't have struggled at first, only to end up rallying the fight against whoever you wished to bring down?"

Cyrus stared at her.

Riven realized something, then, "You didn't even think about it, did you?"

"No, I didn't." He said, "After all I talked with Swain and that one single chat with you, I felt like no one in the Elite would have followed me."

"Swain convinced you that you could only trust him," She said, her voice calm. "When your trust should have been laid solely on us."

The deadly anger, the resolve that had hidden in Cyrus' toxic stare suddenly faded away.

After sharing a silent look with each other, Leona and Diana let go of him, going back to their seats.

Ban and Sao didn't return to take their spots.

They knew he'd cooperate.

Riven looked at the crestfallen man. "Tell me how the scheming went."

"Swain made me see that Darkwill wasn't fit to rule, because Noxus' power went up to his head. He carried out these impossible bellic campaigns against all of these enemies at the same time and it all was bound to bring Noxus down to the ground. We could have defeated all of our enemies, but one by one, not all at once. Still, Darkwill didn't listen and our numbers slowly decreased. We had to act and we had to act fast and the solution was clear; Darkwill had to die, we had to get rid of him. I was willing to help in the mission, to bring Noxus back to its' original glory, but Swain managed to make me believe that I couldn't trust in you nor anyone else in the Elite, for your loyalties laid with Darkwill."

He let out a long exhale. "He commanded me to await new orders, act as a sleeping agent of sorts. After some time, he gave me the news; he managed to contact a Zaunite scientist, a chemist —Singed—, who would develop a biological weapon and offer to form a shady alliance between Zaun and Noxus to Darkwill who, in his desperation to win, would accept, damning all Noxian values to Hell."

Riven chuckled, "To Hell with the domination of the strongest."

" Darkwill immediately accepted." Cyrus continued. "He decided to keep the plot a secret, for he knew no one really would back him up." He stared into her eyes, "He decided to keep it a secret from you, too, because he knew you'd never stand by it. He knew that would be the one thing to make you turn your back on him."

"It was a dirty move." Riven said, a glare on her expression. "It was foul and I would have never allowed it, had I known."

Cyrus nodded his head, "Exactly. Noxians don't win wars with cheap tricks; we win wars through strength, but Darkwill knew the Noxian army's strength faltered, so he turned to cheap tricks."

"Just like Swain wanted."

"Just like Swain wanted." Cyrus echoed, "The plan was simple; to give Darkwill this fake alliance and powerful weapon and to make it explode in his face, in a poetical way. Swain knew that, in order to kill Darkwill, you had to be dead too or, at least, far away, so he arranged the alliance between Zaun and Noxus so as to persuade Darkwill of restarting the campaign against Ionia." He raised a brow, "He'd kill Darkwill in Noxus while I took care of you and the Elite in Ionia. Swain did his part. I thought I had done mine too, but not too long ago I learned I had failed."

"When you saw my face around."

Cyrus nodded, "For a moment, I thought I was seeing your ghost."

Riven raised a brow.

Did the ghosts of that night torment him, too?

"So Swain killed Darkwill while you, with the help of Singed, killed me and the rest of the Crimson Elite."

"That's right."

"You knew all along what the biological weapon was."

"Yes."

"You also knew fire would detonate it."

"Yes."

Riven narrowed her eyes. "Did you know that the sewer that was theoretically unguarded was guarded by the Captain of the Ionian guard?"

Cyrus closed his eyes. "Yes."

What? "How did you know?"

He opened them again, looking into Riven's red ones, "Because I warned her."

"What?"

"What?" Irelia echoed.

And they didn't hear it, drowned in everyone's surprised, hushed whispers, but a woman with black hair in the crowd quietly mumbled out a silent what?

"Swain's plan was long term and had the possibility of, at some point, making the Ionian campaign possible." Cyrus explained. "We had to kill both Darkwill and the Crimson Elite at the same time and in separate places and, for that, we had to convince Darkwill of not backing off the Ionian campaign, so that you'd be there with the Elite. In order to do that, Swain would develop the alliance between Zaun and Noxus and, with it, he'd bring Singed's invention to the talk, thus ensuring the campaign would be kept up, Darkwill would be alone with him and I'd have the necessary to eliminate you. Since we had to do all of this and since part of it would be a massive explosion in Ionian territory, Swain considered that, maybe, it would be a great opportunity to kill Captain Lito of the Ionian Guard." His eyes moved to Irelia, "Don't take it personal, Captain. He doesn't care about the arm you cut off him, but he knew one thing; as long as you lived, Ionia would still stand."

"So, because of such fact, he wanted Irelia dead." Riven thought, "To make the Ionian campaign actually possible, at some point."

Cyrus nodded, "Let's face it; the Noxian army wouldn't have managed to enter the city. Had you managed to escort the cargo to the Placidium, now that could have been interesting, but I think our conquest of the First Lands would have been short lived; we would have been kicked out sooner or later. Maybe the Crimson Elite would have been killed, maybe not. Maybe Lito would have been killed, maybe not, but it was leaving too much room for chance and, as Swain said, as long as Captain Lito lived, Ionia was going to prevail."

"Both the Crimson Elite and Darkwill would have probably gotten the credit for the conquest, making Swain's claim of the Noxian Empire stand over nothing, making everyone distrust him and leaving him with an eventual coup." Riven finished for him as she thought of it.

Cyrus nodded, "Exactly." He agreed, "The Ionian campaign would have failed at some point, for we had no way of ensuring Noxian domination in the long term even if we managed to take the Placidium, but the thing is that, no matter what, our goal was another one: we had to kill you and Darkwill and, as we did that, we had to make sure people would back our claims up by seeing Darkwill for what he was; unfit to rule."

"So that meant that you had to sabotage the Ionian campaign and assure its' failure."

Cyrus nodded. "In order to do that, the moment the plan became clear, Swain commanded me with a new task; while he secured the alliance with Zaun and talked out the biological weapon's plan with Singed, I had to become an informant for Ionia, earn their trust and inform them of our strategies." He shifted on his feet, "I thought it would be a difficult task, but it proved quite easy." He looked at Riven, a smirk on his face, "After a certain time of reaching out in vain, I managed to contact a ninja from the Kinkou Order and tell her of the plan. She informed Captain Lito and the rest is history."

Everyone in the room appeared to have gasped at the same time.

Riven, in silence, turned her head to look at Irelia with confusion on her features.

She was beet red.

"You never told me—"

"You never asked." She said, truthfully, feeling a bit embarrassed, a bit stupid. "You never asked me how we knew about your plan. If you had asked, I would have told you."

Riven looked back at Cyrus, to find him with a smirk and a sheepish look.

The noise kept getting loud and louder—

"Silence!"

Everyone quieted down at the Empyrean Priestess' voice.

Again.

Riven looked back at her, "Thank you, Helena."

She waved her off, "Continue the trial." She got comfortable, "It's getting interesting."

Riven turned to Cyrus. "You warned a ninja from the Kinkou Order."

Cyrus nodded his head. "I never learned her name."

Riven raised a brow, " Her?"

Cyrus nodded. "That's all I know."

And Riven had the feeling she knew exactly who he was talking about, but still she shook her head as if to snap out of it. "On to more pressing matters," She said, "So you had to form a sort of bond with Ionia as an informant while Swain formed an alliance with Zaun."

"Yes," Cyrus said.

"How come the alliance with Zaun is still ongoing, then?" Riven asked, "Wasn't it fake?"

Cyrus lolled his head to a side, "Not exactly. The alliance was between Swain's Noxus and Zaun, therefore Darkwill was an enemy." Cyrus explained, "Once Darkwill was killed and Swain took over, the alliance finished settling."

"What's the use of such an alliance?" Riven questioned

"Well, Swain believes Noxus could use a friend or two. He believes we should change our way of living a bit and see that there's strength to be found in alliance. Our alliance with Zaun is political and economical; both countries trade with each other and back political decisions."

"Hence the fact that you hid in Zaun."

Cyrus nodded.

Riven raised a brow, thinking of it all.

And, alone, Cyrus continued his part of the story.

"The plan was to make the cargo explode during a battle between the Ionian Guard and you, for you both were the main assets to eliminate in Ionia." He explained. "If I had shot while you all walked to the sewers, there was a slight chance you and the rest of the Elite would have survived and Captain Lito wouldn't have been there, so I had to wait the battle was a bit advanced, with Ionian numbers surpassing you to finish it all."

"You warned them about the Elite or just about the strategy?"

"Both," Cyrus said. "I needed them to surround the Elite."

Riven nodded her head. "Now that we know what actually happened that night, mind explaining what happened with you after?"

"Swain told me the mission had been a success, but declared that I couldn't return to Noxus just yet, so he sent me into hiding in Zaun, letting me know I'd be protected by the Empire."

Riven nodded her head. "I doubt anyone in Noxus knows about the fact that you're alive, Cyrus."

He frowned, "What?"

"Irelia and I traveled to Noxus," Riven said, "We met with Swain and not only did he claim you were dead, he classified you as a traitor to the country." She finished saying. "Taking into consideration that he could have been protecting you from us, it would make sense for him to tell us that you're dead to deter our search. It would even make sense for him to lie and say you're considered a traitor, so that we wouldn't suspect of the plot that played out that night, but still. He admitted to assassinating Darkwill, so lying about everything else is a bit dubious. In Noxus, nobody knows about what happened. Those who know who you are, think you're dead. Those who know about the explosion, think you're a traitor." She looked at him with pity, "I might be in the wrong here, for I am only guessing, but I think you were never meant to go back to Noxus; I believe Swain betrayed you."

Cyrus looked devastated by the news. "How did you find out I was alive?"

"Darius told me." Riven said.

Cyrus chuckled, " Of course he did." He was smirking, then, "He's always been your lap dog."

Riven smirked back, "Can you blame him, though? I'm a great mentor."

"That you are, Captain."

Riven huffed a laugh at that. "I am not your Captain anymore, Cyrus," She said, "You've been expelled from the Crimson Elite." She raised a brow, "Are you maybe realizing the grave mistake you made when you betrayed us?"

He shook his head, "Even when they're all dead, you still say us, not me. For a Noxian, you're quite the team player."

"Maybe I was meant to, at some point, stop being Noxian."

He nodded. "Maybe." He sighed, "And yes, I think I do regret it, but what's been done shall remain as it is."

Riven nodded once, for she could read between the lines, what he had tried to say.

I shall face whatever consequences my actions have.

"People change," She started, out loud. "That's a thing that happens; people change." She looked at Diana, at Leona. "Diana is pretty much the same as she was when I met her, but Leona is a completely different person. She's someone who has learned from her mistakes and who has used their valuable lessons to evolve into someone better."

"Thankfully."

She ignored Diana's hushed comment and looked at Irelia. "Captain Lito changed quite a lot, too," She went on, "She allowed herself to open up to me and, through getting to know me, she's learned a few things that have made her different." She turned to the crowds, "I've changed so much that if you placed me right in front of who I used to be I wouldn't recognize that person as myself, for we're an ocean apart." She looked at Cyrus. "I cannot tell you with certainty how much Cyrus has changed, for I don't really know him and, truth be told, he has made me feel as if I have never known him in the first place, but one thing I can tell you for sure; time changes us all, whether we like it or not and, once we realize our mistakes, the change is not only inevitable but also life-shifting and permanent. This court uses Noxian laws and, according to them, Cyrus' confession demands his execution."

And after saying the words she imagined would make everyone begin to whisper uncontrollably, not a fly could be heard in the room.

She realized, then, that everyone stared expectantly at her, wishing to know if such an ending was the one she would choose for him.

"By Noxian law, he should die." She repeated, "But by Ionian law, as both Irelia and Cyrus have said, death demands life for balance to be restored." She said, "Now, I'm not an expert on how Ionian laws work and I don't intend to be, but I believe that different readings could be made of the same sentence. Balance must be restored and it doesn't matter how, as long as equilibrium is found once more." She frowned in determination, "I believe that Cyrus has to pay for all the lives he's destroyed with his own life, but not by surrendering it. I think he should give it away in a different manner."

"What are you thinking of?"

She turned to look at Irelia. "Are the lands from the fire he started healed?"

"No." Irelia said, "No one ever dared go back to that zone."

"Then I think it's clear," Riven replied. "I think he should work the lands he destroyed, bring them back to life, for as long as he's alive." She looked at Cyrus. "He should work for what he needs to live a comfortable life and then some to repay the damage he's done to the First Lands. That same thing until his very last breath." She looked at Irelia again, "I don't know about you, but I think that a whole life is way more valuable than a quick death. It should be enough to right his wrongs and maybe even tilt the scale the other way." She felt Diana's stare and saw her smiling, so she asked, "What is it?"

"I was thinking that if you had to make this same decision when I first met you, you wouldn't have hesitated; you would have executed him on the spot."

Riven shrugged, "Guess not anymore."

"A lifetime working the ground for the First Lands," Irelia said out loud in an authoritative voice. "Is that your sentence for the defendant, guardian?"

Riven nodded her head. "Yes, I think that's what should happen to him."

Irelia narrowed her eyes, "Very well." She turned to the jury box, only to find them all talking between themselves. "Jury?"

It was Karma who spoke, "The guardian's choice seems ideal for balance to be preserved."

There was a hint of a smile on Irelia's face as she looked at Riven once more and said, "You've lied before, Riven, when you said I knew mercy and you didn't." Her gaze softened, "Because I wouldn't have been as kind with him as you've been."

Riven shrugged, "Maybe I'm just merciless with myself."

Irelia chuckled. "That you are. Very well, I agree with this choice as well." She looked at Cyrus. "Defendant, you're sentenced to a lifetime of labor. You are expected to work our lands, fix the wrongs of your past, pay the price of blood that you've taken with your sweat and hard work, until your very last breath." She took a moment to think, before continuing, "You will be provided with a place to live in and basic commodities, for as long as you remain respectful of the lands you will now call home and the people you will now call neighbors. You won't be judged by your country of origin and those who do judge you by it will be prosecuted, but respect is something you will have to earn on your own. Last, but not least, before I forget, you are not allowed to wield your runic power in any shape or form. If you do, I will personally search for the runes on your skin and get rid of them, somehow." She raised a brow, "Do you have any questions?"

He raised his arms, "Will I keep on receiving medical attention?" He glared at Riven, "I'm already missing one, I didn't need you basically ripping the other one off, too."

Riven smiled sweetly, "You were being obnoxious."

"We have a special medic who'll take care of your hand." Irelia said, "So yes, you will keep on receiving as much medical attention as you need, provided—"

"Provided I keep myself in check, yes, yes, I know." He finished for her, as annoyed as he had always been, but quite less aggressive.

Irelia let it fly. "Good." She looked at Ban, "Take him away. We'll show him his new home later."

So Ban grabbed him by the arm and walked with him to the door—

"Riven."

He stopped as Cyrus spoke.

He looked back at Riven.

"You were right. You're definitely not fit to be Noxian."

Riven smirked, being able to read Cyrus' words for what they were.

A sign of respect. A sign of gratefulness.

So she nodded her head in acknowledgement and, with that, Ban walked out of the room, Cyrus close behind.

"That leaves us with only one other trial." Irelia said, looking at Riven. "Yours."

Riven brought her hands together, "I guess I'm being cuffed again, no?"

Irelia shook her head. "It won't be necessary." She said, "But you should walk to the defendant's spot."

So, without needing anyone to push her in the right direction, Riven moved to the podium where Cyrus had been not too long ago.

Silence took over the court as everyone settled once more.

The thing to break the silence was Irelia's long exhale.

"For your trial, I think we will have to change the roles a little," Irelia said, before looking at Karma. "Karma, I think everyone can agree with me that, of all people in this courtroom, you're the one with the most interest in keeping balance intact and, therefore, the most unbiased of them all."

Everyone around them nodded their heads and spoke their agreement, which prompted Karma to stand and say, "It would seem so."

Riven raised a brow, "Is she going to be the guardian?"

"The guardian is not an easy role, Riven." She started, "For someone to be the guardian, not only must they be unbiased, they must also be able to know what to ask from the defendant so as to display the whole story to everyone in this courtroom, so no, I don't think Karma could be your guardian." She looked at the Ionian again, "That's why I want to ask you if you would so kindly step forwards as the judge."

Everyone in the room was positively confused by such a proposal.

" Order!" Irelia commanded, successfully silencing them all. "Truth is I cannot be the judge of Riven's trial, because I find myself torn and I know that my choice of agreeing or not with the guardian may be tainted by my personal relationship with the defendant. I wish to decline my duties as the judge in this one trial, for I know my personal interests will get in the way of Ionia's. Besides, there's no one better than Karma to take the role in my stead." She looked at Karma. "What do you say?"

Karma thought of it for a brief moment, before nodding her head. "I think your decision is wise, Captain. I'll take on the role."

So Irelia stood from the throne and walked to the middle of the room, letting Karma take her place on the Emperor's chair.

"The jury doesn't need someone replacing your position, I believe."

"Not really." Karma agreed.

Irelia saw Sao ready to move from the Captain of the Guard's spot, ready to give it back to its' rightful owner, but Irelia shook her head once, successfully keeping her in place.

"If I may be so bold, I'd like to propose a guardian for Riven's trial."

Karma raised a brow, already knowing what Irelia would say. "Who do you propose?"

"Myself."

Karma smiled, "I was actually going to propose you as guardian as well, but I'd like to hear your reasoning as to why you're the best choice."

Irelia looked at Riven, "I used to hate this woman. I wanted her dead and, for years, I dreamt of her; dreams where I killed her, nightmares where she killed me." Her eyes narrowed, "I despised her with every little part of my being and yet, despite despising her, I invited her back, to try and find what about her kept calling me in." Her eyes softened, "With time, I got to know her and she got to know me and today I can tell you I don't hate her anymore. If anything, the opposite."

And it was up to their interpretation what the opposite was.

Irelia knew.

Riven hoped.

The rest were oblivious, save for a clever few, Diana, Leona, Helena amongst them.

"You're rather biased then, personally speaking," Karma said, "So you're not fit to be guardian." And before Irelia could speak, for she knew the Captain desperately wanted to defend her case, " But your duty with Ionia does sway you away from her," Karma continued, knowing it was exactly what Irelia would say. "Because it's always been with you, because you feel you owe yourself to your land, because you are Irelia Lito, Captain of the Ionian Guard and you'd rather choose what's best for Ionia over what's best for you. Hence why you chose me as the judge and offered yourself as the guardian. Aren't I correct?"

Irelia's mouth hung open, so she closed it, before opening it again to say, "Yes."

"Very well," Karma said, nodding her head once. "I think everyone who knows Riven is biased, one way or another, but you're the only one who's completely torn between two; your duty with your country and your relationship with her, so that makes you, in the greater scheme of things, unbiased in a way and, therefore, the best option for a guardian. Does everyone in the room agree with me?" She asked.

"Zeylos, whoever the Hell you are, before you speak," Helena said in the middle of the silence, "You're not allowed to." She looked in Karma's vague direction, "There. We all agree she's the right choice. Go on."

She raised her brows, amused by the quirky Priestess.

"We have no control over her," Leona offered as an explanation. "She can even speak with our Goddesses," She said, with a defeated look, "She's beyond us and, at this point, I think she's already beyond terrenal life."

"Consider me a third Chosen." Helena said, cockily. "Now, go on," She waved her hand as if motioning for them to continue, "This is getting really interesting."

Karma smiled, if only to keep herself from chuckling, "Very well," She looked at Irelia, "You may begin."

She turned to Riven, only to find her staring, waiting.

Irelia smiled, "I think we've said quite a lot, already about you, haven't we?"

Riven smiled back, "I think we have."

Irelia walked up to her, "You fought for Noxus the night of the second Invasion as the army's rightful leader."

"Not exactly," Riven replied, "As the Hand of Noxus, I was the leader of the Noxian army, that's true, but since my mission was to infiltrate Ionia through the sewers with my squadron, I couldn't really lead them into battle, so I designated my second in command as the temporary leader of the army while I worked as the Crimson Elite's leader."

"Darius?"

Riven nodded. "That's right."

"I thought he'd be part of the Crimson Elite, considering he was your right hand."

Riven shook her head, "I needed my right hand out of the Elite, in case things went south for the squadron. If we were to die in a mission, he'd automatically become the Hand of Noxus. It was a way to ensure the Empire would still have someone competent in control of their most powerful asset; their army."

"You put your country before your personal desires."

Riven nodded her head. "Much like you, though my country is not my country anymore."

Irelia nodded. "Right, you were expatriated." Her head lolled to a side. "How did you ever get there? How did you ever go from Hand of Noxus to expatriated?" Before Riven could speak, Irelia cut her off, "Wait, I want you to first tell me about the morning after the invasion. Then, tell us all your story."

She was giving her a chance to prove she was different to all of Ionia.

Not like she hasn't done so, already, but oh well. A little bit more couldn't harm anyone.

Riven thought of it for a second. "After the explosion, I lost consciousness on the battleground and remained there until the morning. I had passed out with my friends and enemies' faces imprinted on the inside of my eyelids. When I came back to my senses, morning was just minutes away. I tried to gather my surroundings, only to find out that my friends and my foes were nothing but burned corpses." She shook her head, "It didn't matter who they were, what mattered was that they were all dead. I realized then that, in death, we're all the same." She looked at Irelia, "It hadn't been a war, it had been extermination and I hadn't signed up for that; I had been tricked into it. Like you, like most of my squadron, like all of yours."

She licked her lips, her mouth dry. "They were unrecognizable. It took me long that morning, but eventually I managed to tell each of the dead ones' faces from their bodies, because they had all died the same way; with their mouths open in one last scream as they burned to death with that Zaunite's invention." She sighed, shaking her head, "I felt like even the atmosphere had been burned to a crisp." She sentenced, watching Irelia as she nodded her head, knowing the feeling herself.

"So I memorized each of their faces," Riven continued, "It didn't matter which side they had fought for. I struggled to move, but I memorized each of their faces. Nevermind the pain my body was in; the worst wound had been left on my soul." She gulped, "After that, I wondered why I was even alive." She closed her eyes, "I thought of killing myself." She looked at Irelia again, "Then I saw my own blade, still perfect, not a dent on it and decided it was its' fault; it was Noxus' fault, it was Darkwill's fault, it was my fault and that blade was me so, if I couldn't gather the courage to kill myself, I could, at least, find it in me to destroy the one thing that made me who I was." She looked down, "So I shattered it with my own hands." She said, watching her fingers as they flexed.

She looked at Irelia once more, her eyes alit with an emotion she hadn't seen on the Ionian before, but disregarded it as she continued her story. "After everything that had happened, I ran away, letting them all think I was dead. It took me a while, but I eventually learned that you had retreated back to the city and saved Ionia from the Noxian troops. That day, I realized what I'd want to do next; I'd find I a way to pay for my sins, no matter how long it took me."

Irelia stared at her, "A lot has happened ever since you reached that conclusion."

Riven nodded her head, "Ever since reaching that conclusion, I wandered around, living in the woods. One night, I met Diana. " She looked at the Chosen of the Moon with a smile, "The Empyreans hadn't returned by then, being split in two religions, so we fought side by side against some creatures and that same night we made a deal; I'd help her find the Lunari, for I believed they hid in Ionia, as long as she helped me earn your forgiveness. After getting to know each other, I found myself rather fond of her, so I promised I'd help her find her people no matter what, without expecting anything in return."

"You had abandoned your personal interests."

Riven nodded, "I decided her mission was far more important than mine, so I promised her we'd find the Lunari, no matter what, no matter how. In return, without me asking for it, she promised she'd make all of Ionia pardon me."

Irelia chuckled, her eyes going to Diana for a second, before going back to Riven. "What else happened in this journey of yours?"

"I met Leona after some time and I despised her like I would despise my own enemies." Riven continued, her eyes going to the Chosen of the Sun. "We fought many times and, in one of said encounters, I also met Luxanna Crownguard, Garen Crownguard's sister."

Irelia's eyebrows rose at that. "The Demacian siblings?"

Riven nodded. "We fought each other at first. Then, one day, Leona came to us, alone. She was still doubtful of us, but she decided to give it a chance and became our reluctant ally in our search for answers. Through her, Luxanna became an ally and after one short lived conversation with her, I decided I liked her enough to hold no animosity against her." She sighed, "Then we arrived here, you still hated me, I didn't know how to react to seeing you again, we found the Lunari, we fought right outside of Ionia against Targonians, Demacians and Noxians and, after all that chaos finished, you kicked Leona and Diana out of Ionia and told them not to come back, for the mess had being their fault. I, on the other hand, was a whole different story; you invited me back, for you believed we had a lot to discuss."

Irelia smiled, "And that we did."

Riven nodded, "It took me a year, I think, but I finally came back. You constantly humiliated me at first," She said, a vague tone of annoyance in her voice, "But I knew I had it coming, so I lowered my head and allowed you to do as you pleased with me. You put me in the Ionian army as a rookie, where I met Orlon, yet another Demacian."

Irelia raised a brow, "I thought you'd murder him at first."

"And I proved you wrong when we became friends," She smiled, "Close friends. I actually trained him hard because I wanted to help his cause; I wanted him to be the best out there. After some time, you started to get closer and, eventually, I'd dare say we became friends or, at least, acquaintances."

" Friends." Irelia said, nodding. "We became friends."

Riven nodded her head in agreement, "Through our struggles regarding that night, we bonded. Then, I told you Cyrus was still alive and that I wanted him to pay for what he had done, so we travelled to Noxus. Noxian laws work in such a way that titles are for life, unless officially stripped of them. Since I was still alive but nobody knew about it, it could be deduced no one had taken my title of Hand away, which allowed us a safe way in."

"Didn't ensure a safe way out, though."

Riven shook her head. "We entered the wolf's maw demanding answers. I made it very clear that you were my guest and according to Noxian laws, the Hand's guests are always provided with diplomatic immunity, which didn't mean the Hand herself couldn't be reprimanded for her crimes." She said, grimacing at the memory. "Swain arrested me, declared me a traitor, stripped me of my titles and expatriated me, all before I requested a trial by combat, for it was the only way I'd escape a direct execution. The one positive thing I'll say about Swain is that he did respect your immunity, up until the point when my trial came and, in my last battle to win, I almost died."

"But then Diana and Leona came to your rescue."

Riven nodded. "Diana gifted me an amulet that I could use to call for her. I gave it to you, hoping it would protect you from nightmares." She smiled, "I forgot to mention that praying while touching it could end up with a Chosen or two appearing within a mile radius from us."

Irelia huffed a laugh, "That you did."

"So they helped us escape and, before we finished leaving Noxus behind, Darius caught up with us." Riven said, "And he did the one thing you would have never expected him to do, the one thing I hoped he would do; he betrayed Noxus by giving me Cyrus' whereabouts. That's how we ended in Piltover, where you finished ridding me of my ridiculous broadsword, before going to Zaun and catching Cyrus."

"And giving yourself up to Ionian justice."

Riven nodded. "That too."

Silence.

"Do you remember how many Ionians you killed the night of the invasion?"

It was a very cruel question, but it had to be done.

Riven narrowed her eyes in deep thought, before nodding her head, "Only one before battling you, I think. The rest, I believe I just harmed, but I didn't kill."

Irelia nodded her head. "You did strike many of my soldiers that night, but there was only one whose life you took." She pointed at the elderly couple Riven had been staring at while speaking during Cyrus' trial. "Those two are his parents." Riven looked at them and felt the air escaping her lungs. "They know you were his killer. They've known since the morning after, when I personally went to each of my soldiers' families and informed them of what happened."

Riven couldn't help herself as she slowly walked to them, abandoning her spot in the defendant's podium.

She saw their glassy eyes and felt her heart inside her chest.

She couldn't speak, couldn't do anything but stare, before she felt her own eyes get watery, before she felt her tears going down her cheeks.

"As Ionians, we believe balance is above everything and everyone," Irelia said. "If we tilt the scale one way, we must tilt it the other way until it reaches perfect equilibrium. What's taken without permission, must be given back." Irelia addressed everyone in the room as she spoke, "I think you've suffered enough for a lifetime, Riven, just like I believe that the price you've to pay to Ionia must not come in suffering, for suffering demands its' opposite. As of today, you're an exile with no nation to respond to, stripped of all what had once meant something to you. To top that off, you once explained that last names in Noxus could make or break you, so you renounced yours, for it held no prestige and you didn't want it holding you back from the destiny you craved, so that leaves you with no country to pledge allegiance to and no family to go back to. For a Noxian, you're nothing, you're no one."

Irelia paced around the room, "So, since we can agree that today you're no one , to make a decision we must look back and see who you were, when you were someone. You were once a Noxian who fought other just because of being who they were. Your criminal acts against Ionia could be summarized in one single act; taking a child from his house, killing a son and leaving a family broken. "

She turned to Karma, to the jury, "But as the defendant herself has said in the past, for I have heard her say it, what is broken can be reforged. In light of such a fact, I believe that what must come your way is a complete change of roles; to put yourself in the shoes of that who had been your enemy once and live a life through their perspective, knowing what you know, learning what you've yet to learn."

Riven turned to look at Irelia, surprised by her words, not having expected the Captain to reach such a conclusion.

Irelia disregarded her stare and continued. "I believe Riven should be naturalized as a Ionian and, were they to agree, she should be adopted into the family she shattered, helping them live an easy life, taking on the responsibilities the soldier she killed would have, were he alive today. She should have Ionian nationality and an Ionian last name, both which she will not be able to renounce ever again. For all the damage she's dealt, she should serve the country which she had once been so hellbent on destroying, on conquering. She should be a daughter, a soldier." She raised a brow, "An Ionian."

The room was quiet.

Karma's eyes shone. "Jury?"

The people in the jury box talked with each other, trying to reach a decision. After a few minutes, a woman stood up, "We cannot reach an agreement," She said, "So our vote is null."

"It's not too often that the jury box's vote on the guardian's decision is null," Karma mused out loud. "I think I've made my decision, but first I want to know one thing. Riven," She said, calling the former Noxian's attention. "Would you answer me a question?"

Riven nodded her head, "Anything."

"During Cyrus' trial, you said you now know life is more valuable than death." Karma said, "Could you tell me how you learned such a thing?"

"In Noxus it's said that life is common currency." Riven started. "You earn respect through fighting, through being strong. Sometimes, most of the times, it implies shedding blood, other's blood. Killing can be a normal way of handling the day, in Noxus. Killing can be seen as doing a favor, as a sort of payment, you name it." She frowned, "I used to think that way, but then one morning I decided my life should end, for it would be the right price to pay for my crimes against Ionia and I couldn't do it." She sighed, "I couldn't bring myself to do it, even as my life was a constant torture." She closed her eyes, "It helped me learn life can be way more punishing than death. Forcing someone to live through their misery is far more tortuous than offering a quick death. Not only that, I then met the people who, with time, I learned to call my friends." She continued. "Meeting them, getting to know them, it all helped turn my life away from misery, transform it into something worth living. They gave me a purpose, something to fight for and, through all of it, I learned one thing; living your life despite the hardships is a far better payment than death. Putting yourself in the service of others is invaluable and no amount of nothing can ever come close. It's the same currency; it's life, but offered in a far more exploitable way; through living it, instead of just ending it." She looked at Karma, "I find it hard to explain, but all of my livings have taught me that we should right our wrongs through our lives, not through our deaths, for they're far more valuable, for they are the time that transforms us and teaches us valuable lessons, for they are the lessons we share with others. A death will impact the dead person and their family. A life can impact a number of people so big that I cannot even think of it." She shook her head, "I can't explain myself properly and I apologise for that, but I hope you got what I meant, somewhere in there."

Karma nodded her head, "I think you've explained enough. Very well," She said, standing up, "I've made my decision. A lot of paperwork will ensue, which I deeply apologise for, Captain," She eyed Irelia, "But from now on, you, Riven, are Ionian. You'll join the Ionian army as soon as your citizenship is granted and, last but not least, if the elderly couple agree, you will also become part of their family, taking care of them and of all responsibilities that will come your way as their rightful, adopted daughter."

Irelia eyed the man and the woman, "What do you both say? I know she's not your son, she's not him but I promise she tries her best at being good."

They stared at Riven for a brief second, before looking at each other. As the woman nodded once, the man spoke, "We've decided to give her a chance to prove she's changed for the better."

Irelia smiled, approaching Riven, "Then it's settled." She placed her hand on Riven's shoulder. "From now on, Ionia's your home," She smirked, "And it would do you well to remember your last name with pride, Riven Konte."

The tears that had been falling from Riven's eyes multiplied at that as she laughed and allowed herself to cry freely, unable to keep herself from embracing the Captain.

Irelia froze, unable to react, until she heard clapping from all around her, as everyone in the courtroom —Targonians included— celebrated the end of Riven's trial.

"There's a lot of work to do," She said against Riven's hair, "Specially regarding your wounds."

"I'll be here for a long time," Riven replied, "I'm sure it will be fine."

Irelia laughed and returned the embrace, "Welcome home, Riven." She said against her ear, "I think it's a good time to tell you that I love you too. "

Riven laughed at her timing, "That's another thing to discuss."

"We'll have time for that later."

She felt the need, then, "Can I kiss you, Irelia—"

"Baby steps, Konte." Irelia said, "Baby steps."

And Riven just laughed.


NOW that it's all over, I must tell you all that I had SO MANY THOUGHTS while writing this that I found too funny and wanted to share. For example, by the 10k mark I was losing my mind and commenting it to everyone who knew I write LMFAO. Would y'all be interested in a sort of live-tweeting of my writing at some point? I could make a new twitter account for just that tbh.
ON A MORE IMPORTANT MATTER. I want to inform you that I will not be posting in fanfiction dot net anymore. The process is too... bad and most of my readers are on another website we all know of so, once I finish with this fic, I will stop posting content here. I hope you understand! And I hope to see you around in that one other page :)
I hope you enjoyed and I hope to see you around for the epilogue!