There might be a huge commotion as everyone is preparing to find the thieves, but it's all nothing to me as I exit the building. Yone is leaning against the side of the wall, silently watching everything that is happening. His shoulders are so tense I'm worried that something is going to snap. His arms are crossed, holding in the rage that I'm sure he feels. Still, I try to reach out to him.
"Yone?" My hand touches his arm. He flinches away from me.
Yone! Starshadow hisses. My courter remains silent.
"I know… it's a lot to take in. Hearing that Noxus is going to invade Ionia… I don't know how I would react-"
"No, you wouldn't know. No one has tried to invade your home." Yone finally snaps. It's cold, closed off. I flinch at that, expecting someone to hit me. I know that he won't… but it's too much like Deviago's anger. I actually slip my hands down in front and bow my head.
Oh no. You do not talk to my bonded, the woman you are courting, like that! Especially when she's just gotten her freedom back and you just asked her this morning! Have you decorum? Starshadow snarls. I notice his tail twitch. He's hiding around Yone's waist. Honestly, I would have expected my bonded to be hanging around his neck as he loves to be around mine all the time… though at least I have a scarf to hide him. Yone would look a bit odd with a black rope around his throat… though not the point right now. He's… not very happy.
"Starshadow, let us work this out." I casually let my hand brush by Yone's waist. Starshadow slinks up my sleeve to coil around my throat.
Alright. I'm going to talk with Aurora and Daamien. Try getting some food. You've only had some fruits today. Starshadow yawns. With how quickly he passes out, he's probably exhausted from coming back and using my magic again.
"Yone…" My voice is so soft I'm wondering if he can hear me. He definitely can feel my fingers try to hold his. He yanks them out of my grasp. Immediately, my body curls in on itself and becomes as small of a target as possible. That seems to make Yone snap out of his well deserved rage when he notices me back away from him. He sighs, dropping his hands to hold onto mine.
"I'm sorry, I forgot-"
"You don't have to apologize. Let's… go somewhere...private…" My eyes lock onto the woman, Leblanc. No one notices her just standing in the middle of the square, looking at us. But I do. And she smiles.
"Leilah?" Yone asks, trying to get my attention.
"Can you see her?" I change the topic a little bit. He looks up and scans the place. Leblanc tilts her head a little bit as Yone's eyes fly over her. I push my magic onto him, and he focuses on her.
"I'm assuming that's Leblanc?" He murmurs quietly next to me. I nod before trying to pull him away. She smiles at us, not once letting her gaze falter. Everything in my body screams to not trust this woman. Ever. "How did you see her?"
"I have no idea." I mumble. Yone changes position, pulling me into a comforting hug. I rest my head on his chest. No one is paying that much attention to a teenager and an average guy just hugging on the side, especially when most of the people here are soldiers readying for a fight.
"Lady Leilah?" Florence calls for me. I pull myself out of Yone's hug just enough to see him standing in the doorway. He notices the small embrace and runs a hand through his thinning hair. "Uh… if you're too busy…"
"What do you need, Mr. Bayan?" I don't leave Yone's embrace. We're together. I'm not going to be ashamed of it. And thankfully, neither is Yone. To be honest, I've almost died enough times. I've learned to just just enjoy the moment. I never know when one adventure will be my last.
"You… are the only one that is unaware of the situation… I thought I would… fully inform you, though I would prefer it without your bodyguard…" Florence stutters a little bit. My eyes narrow a little bit at that.
"He's more of my partner than anything else. I am the one with the title, but he is my equal, more than in some ways." I snap a little bit. Bayan glances between me and Yone before bobbing his head.
"Apologies. I informed my guards to only let in people who have their countries' approval… people of notoriety. You had a title, he did not…" Bayan's brow is covered with sweat. This mouse of a man seems so frail. It takes me a moment to remember that I did try to heal him of his maladies… but I guess calming someone isn't in our magic power. That's a shame… though I guess it's our actions that help assuage people instead of magic. We would be a bit too powerful if we could do that. "Uh, what is your name and country, sir?"
"Yone from Ionia." My boyfriend offers a dip of his head.
"Is there anything Ionia needs from us?" Bayan doesn't look like he can handle too much more. He's already looking like he's about to faint.
"Mr. Bayan, why don't we go inside." I slip out of Yone's embrace to help the man inside. Yone follows, the strong silent guardian. I look over my shoulder to see Leblanc still watching us before we're inside. Something about her… She gives me the creeps. Worse than Deviago. At least the madman was reliable. I know exactly how he would react, what he would think and do. This woman… I don't know anything about her.
Still, my priority isn't Leblanc. It's Bayan. And I'm going to help where I can. Bayan guides us to a different room. At least there aren't that many steps and the room isn't an office. A long table with many seats sits in the center of the room. I believe that it's the only thing in here, other than doors to other rooms. A young woman comes out to see us help Bayan to a seat. I scan the room for any sign of the Noxian woman. It doesn't seem like there is any.
"Uncle?" The girl asks. Bayan looks up and tries to smile. Even if I already used some magic… maybe I can use a little bit more.
"Would you mind setting up a table for three? They are here to help." Bayan requests.
"Make that four, please." I speak up. Starshadow would be so mad if he missed his own meal. The girl seems a little confused as to why I ask for a second serving, but slips out the door. I press my hands against his arm and let my magic spread, at my own pace. It's nice that I can control how much I give out now, even if it's still a little fast for my liking.
Still, his frail body... It's worn down by stress, and it doesn't even seem that the worst of it. His stress came from a long period of time. It seems like it's more recent than that. His bones seem so weak, while his muscles are losing their mass. No wonder why he's so pale.
Don't try anything, Leilah. Starshadow startles me a little bit when I start to give some extra magic to the man.
Why not?
He's not going to recover. It's just temporary until the thieves have been caught. I'd rather you save your magic for when we have to use it than waste it all trying to keep an old man healthy day in and day out.
But I could train my magic this way. I protest.
He's literally offering anything for these thieves to be captured. Demacia, Noxus, and Piltover are all here to help and get paid what they want. Whoever these thieves are… or whatever the situation is, nothing will change.
"Save your magic, Leilah. I'd rather you use too much magic to keep yourself safe than you not have enough helping someone else." Yone whispers to me.
"I didn't realize that you were still a novice. Please, do not worry about me." Bayan earnestly supports Yone's claim.
Don't say anything. Starshadow catches me before I correct Bayan.
Why not?
You didn't like illusion lady. Bayan's a human, he can let slip anything you let out. Starshadow retorts. Yone clasps his hand in mine, silently telling me to go along with him. I sigh before taking a seat to Bayan's right. Yone, being quite a noble warrior, pulls my seat out and pushes it back in before taking a seat directly next to my left. Certainly not how I would have imagined my first date to go, but this isn't a date. It's a business meeting.
"Thank you for offering your help, though I'm not sure you know what you are getting yourself into." Bayan starts. Someone comes out, bringing four cups. It's clear that they are confused as to why they are bringing four when there are only three seen, but they still pour a glass for Starshadow as well before disappearing.
"I usually don't." I try to joke to make the situation lighter. Yone snorts, though Bayan doesn't seem too comfortable at hearing that. I sigh and set the cup down. Another quick glance for Leblanc reveals no one here. I even force my magic to give a soft glow around my hand if Leblanc is anywhere near the room. Nothing. "Feel free to come out, Starshadow."
"Starshadow? Aren't you Lady Starshadow though?" Bayan is confused.
"Are you sure?" Yone simply takes a small sip from his cup before setting it down.
"Leblanc isn't here. And while that is my title in Demacia, it's not my name. It's his." I simply give as an answer. Starshadow stretches out his hood and fangs as he slips down to his own cup. Bayan yelps at the sight of my foot long snake.
"Oh, thanks for that. What are we doing, keeping me a secret around here? I'm too beautiful to be kept hidden." Starshadow snarks as he dips his head into the water. Not bad. Needs to be crisper… And we really need to correct the Demacian name. I'm no lady.
You're a hog.
THAT IS AN INSULT WORTHY OF DEATH!
Too bad you can't kill.
"Why… would you wish to keep… that thing… a secret?" Bayan is trembling in his seat. I guess this might be more than he can take.
"I am no thing. I am-" Starshadow is about to go into his own rant.
"He's a snake that I picked up in Ionia. Yone gave him to me as a sort of gift." I interrupt, making up his story.
I did? Yone's face doesn't give away his surprise at my announcement.
Sorry, I don't like Leblanc. If she learns that Starshadow is a part of my soul and part of my magic abilities, she just has to separate us. If Noxus doesn't know, we'll be alright. I explain. Yone gives a nod, affirming my claim and accepting my explanation.
Oh, but it's perfectly fine for them to know I exist? Starshadow retorts.
You as a snake, I don't mind people knowing. You as a celestial and an important part of me, I would rather no one from Noxus know.
"But he… talks…"
"I found him in a courtyard and he begged me not to kill him. I remember how much Leilah loved snakes, and one that could talk would certainly help for when I am away." Yone lies smoothly.
I don't beg.
"But… according to Demacians… you could teleport to any location in dire need…"
"I can do that. When I went to Demacia, Yone had already given me Starshadow. He's my companion now." I gently scratch Starshadow's head.
"His name?" Bayan sounds rather faint.
"He reminded me of my hometown. In Targon. He acts like a star, but he's the color of shadows, so Starshadow."
Clever.
Shut up, Starshadow.
I'm just saying…
"As interesting as it is talking about Starshadow, might we return to the matter at hand? You offer quite a substantial amount of money for arresting thieves." Yone tries to get us back on topic, though I can see the smile he's trying to hide. I'm glad that we can bring some happiness to the man.
At that moment, the door opens again. A small tug from my gut lets me know that Starshadow's vanished from their vision. Four plates with sandwiches come out. Just like with the water, they look a little confused at seeing three of us, though Bayan is giving away that there is something there. They place three of the plates in front of us humans. The last they put on the other side of Bayan. Starshadow just keeps sipping his drink as they leave. That's when he makes a move for the sandwiches. I'm glad he chose to be slow. I'm not sure how much Bayan can take.
"They… didn't see it?" Bayan pokes a finger at Starshadow's tail. Starshadow snorts at that.
"I'm a special snake. If we don't want someone to see me, they don't." Though why no one would want to not see me, I have no idea.
Pity I can't.
Hey!
Are you two usually bickering like this? Yone asks, a little amused. A quick glance at his face reveals his skill at keeping himself in check.
How else do I ensure that Leilah can handle the situation. Insulting each other is how we handle it. Starshadow states like it's obvious.
That… explains so much.
RUDE!
"So… That… will be with you?" Bayan seems a little more comfortable thinking that. I pick up my sandwich and take a bite. Starshadow tilts his head left and right, trying to fit his mouth around the bread. I almost forgot he doesn't chew… ever.
"Do you need any help, Starshadow?" I ask. Starshadow attempts to give the saddest expression on his face and pitifully nods. I roll my eyes as I pick up a knife and cut the sandwich into pieces. Starshadow happily attacks the food, taking each bit of sandwich into his mouth. How do you even taste red bean paste anyway?
Well, it was either you pick it apart, I eat it whole, or I shake my head, rip it apart, and swallow the mess. The buns, I can shake it open enough to taste.
Yone once again clears his throat. Bayan jolts at the reminder that it isn't just him and me.
"Right. You asked why I was relieved when you said you were going to help me. This place is a bank." Bayan raises his chin ever so slightly at his claim. He's proud of it… though I have no idea what a bank is.
"It's a place where people place all their valuables. It's specifically designed to protect what you want protected. I believe they mentioned this place exchanges currencies between countries?" Yone speaks up. Bayan jolts in surprise before sighing.
"I suppose you told him everything you could when you were escorted back. Yes, we are the town where currencies are exchanged. As a result, this town is incredibly important. We've received word that the thieves are coming here. they leaves a card with magic on it, marking that the targets have been robbed. As they have been getting bolder and bolder, we assume that the thieves will be here. I called all those countries, telling them that we think we are the next target and we have to lock down the bank until further notice. As a result, their countries… they're suffering without our resources. Noxus has threatened to invade us several times, but the other countries are capable of defending us. This might be the one time that they can take over our town, and Piltocer and Demacia won't be able to defend us. Not to mention that Demacia is currently suffering a drought. They need this town for trading, or their people starve. That's why you see all these nations here. Demacia and Piltover want to catch the thieves so they can resume trade and save their countries. I want to help them, I really do, but if I take off the lock down, we can't keep track of who is coming in and out of this place and we may even get robbed. We can use all the help we can get." Bayan is almost in tears at this point. I finish my last bite of sandwich.
"You would allow Noxus to get what they want so that your town wouldn't be taken over?" Yone sits still as stone.
"You don't understand. Not yet. Noxus, they have been drawing money from our bank for months. One of our spies in there told us that they are preparing for invasion after invasion. We informed Demacia and Piltover of their plans, and they have agreed to help us. Noxus can not take on both countries backing-"
"But you would allow my people to suffer. If you keep the banks closed long enough, Ionia can properly prepare for Noxus. Noxus wouldn't even stand against Ionia if that's the case." Yone's tense. I shiver under how angry he is.
"Please, I am just looking out for my people." Bayan pales at Yone's. I'm honestly surprised at how much anger Yone has.
"My people have done nothing. They are a peaceful people, and you would allow Noxus to attack them?"
Calm down, Yone. Starshadow cautions. His tail is swishing a little bit.
"I have no choice! You don't understand! Noxus would enslave my people-"
"And you would allow them to enslave mine?" Now Yone is standing up. He's absolutely enraged. Bayan starts to sweat even more. What surprises me is when Yone looks at me with all his rage. I freeze at it. He's… terrifying when he's mad. I can't move. I can't even breath. I can deal with Bilgewater. I can deal with Deviago. I can even deal with Leblanc. What I can't deal with… is someone that close to me looking like he wants to hurt me. A few tears spring into my eyes. That's when Starshadow slithers between us.
Take it outside, Yone.
"Would you let Noxus do it?" Yone ignores Starshadow. That's when Starshadow bares his hood.
"Take it… outside…" Starshadow hisses. Yone glares at the two of us before leaving. The moment the door closes behind him everything in the room relaxes. I finally feel like I can breathe and move. And the first thing I do is get out of the room. Starshadow slips onto my arm as it passes by him.
"Lady Starshadow-"
"I need to talk with him. I'll be back as soon as I can." I interrupt and race out. Yone is fast. Fast enough that I don't know where he is when I get out in the open. I don't even care that Leblanc is watching me, nor do I care that everyone can see me. I just need to find Yone. I even run out of the bank's protection to find him. He's just gone. I grab Starshadow from around my throat and set him on the ground.
What the Shadow Isles?
I need you to find the thief. I'll go find Yone.
What do you want me to do when I find them?
Tell me where they are, then stay hidden.
And if we're out of range?
We have magic that can guide. You store up a ton of magic, use that.
Good point. With that, Starshadow slips off into the unknown world. Watch it… Don't step on me!.. What's wrong with you people, celestial here!.. If I was able to harm others without being affected, I would have bit so many of your ankles right now...
Now, it's my turn to use my magic. I call my guiding magic. It leads off to somewhere to the right of the building. I follow it as fast as I can. Thankfully, people seemed to have cleared off the streets, though that's not where he is. I keep running, trying to find the man. He's gotten so far in the small amount of time he had. After a few minutes, I'm at the border of the town. Just like the bank, the town is surrounded by a wall, though it's a lot shorter than the wall around the bank. It's tall enough that I can't see over it, but I can definitely sense that Yone's on the other side of the wall. A quick glance around shows that… Leblanc followed me. I sigh and stand still. She can watch me all she wants. I have so many things to think about.
The first is what the Shadow Isles do I do? There is so much more at stake than what I'm used to. I can handle a family's odd dynamics and even stop a criminal empire… but to be forced to either help catch some thieves and cause a faster Noxian invasion or let the thieves go and cause Noxus to harm a town, Demacia to suffer from lack of trade, just so Ionia could prepare for war? That's not something I ever thought I would have to do. It's… It's too much of me. I don't make the choices.
"Well, little goddess. Fancy meeting you here." Leblanc saddles up to me.
"You were following me. I'm not sure how fancy that is. And I'm not a goddess." I indulge her. I certainly have no intention of becoming friends with her. Not when I am the only one that can see whatever she does. It's… peculiar to say the least.
"What, all talk and no fun? That isn't interesting."
"I'm not here to interest you."
"Oh, but you already are. Who would have thought… a pretty little girl able to see through illusions better than most people. Amazing." Leblanc almost seems to purr. Like she's found something of great importance.
"I'm simply a mage. That is all."
"That can heal as well… My, my, my, do you even know how rare of a gem you are?"
"I'm just a girl that happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"I think you are in the right place at the right time. We could use a powerhouse like you, train you..." Leblanc is leaning in, getting too close. I am really struggling not to just use my magic to make her walk off. She's already after me for what she's seen me do. I do not need her to learn exactly what I can do when I'm backed into a corner.
"I've been able to train my own magic. I am more than capable of learning my own magic." I retort.
"Would your precious bodyguard… or is it boyfriend… be able to help you?" That sounds like a threat.
"He's helped me more than you ever could. And you never will be able to help me." I snarl. She… is far worse than anyone else I've ever met. If I ever see her again… it'll be far too soon.
"Are you certain? You have powerful magic-" She melts into the weird lights. "But can you actually use it?"
I don't bother answering her. For one, she's not here. Whatever it was that she wanted to talk about, she had it. Though I don't know why she talked to me. It takes me a moment before I hear shouts and clashing metal. Some of the metal… sounds like a sword clashing against metal. That sends me flying over the top of the wall.
Even if there are quite a few people sprawled on the ground, my heart is definitely in my throat. Yone is still fighting a few soldiers… black and red. Noxian. My courter is holding off four of them at a time, though there's one that is sneaking up behind him. That is the one I drop onto. Actually drop, as in I throw myself over the wall and onto the man, startling all of them. He grunts as my entire weight lands on him. I do my best not to scream when both of us suffer a broken rib. I almost forgot how bad a broken bone feels… Actually, I'm glad it hurts. It's not pleasurable. That's all I care about.
"What… are you doing?" Yone asks, a little out of breath. The men seem like they want to move forward, though I throw a hand up, creating a shadow shield between us and them. They hesitate even more.
"Just… around… I wanted to… talk with you." I struggle to not give away how bad I landed on the man. Unfortunately, as Yone was around during the worst of my training, he picks up on the fact that I'm injured.
"Where?" Yone sheathes his swords and checks on me. The man underneath groans and tries to move. Yone glares at him and is about to knock him out when I press both my hands on his head, willing him to sleep. The man's eyes flutter closed. I sigh as that took a little bit more magic than I would have liked, but at least it's just us. I look up just in time to see Leblanc standing behind Yone. There's a little glow on the top of her staff… pointing right at Yone. I yank him behind me. Yone recovers as quickly as he is pulled off balance. He, too, takes notice of Leblanc and prepares for a fight. A quick glance behind her reveals the soldiers getting ready to fight again.
"Ribs… I'll be alright. Can you handle the soldiers?" I certainly do not want a fight… but if I must, I must.
"What about Leblanc?"
"What an interesting little gem you are." Leblanc waves her hands. The soldiers behind her all leave. She smirks. "You can control your magic."
"Stay away from us." I hiss. Leblanc yawns before grabbing my chin.
"You'll work for Noxus. One way or another." That's when she disappears. I relax a little bit, though I wince again. This time it's from the feeling of my rib going back into place.
"I am never going to get used to the feeling." I mumble under my breath.
"What are you doing here?" Yone repeats himself, letting himself lean against the wall. He looks like nothing happened. I can still see his fury at the situation and gulp nervously.
"I… I wanted to talk with you. I… I know that this is hard for you, hearing that Noxus wants to invade Ionia."
"So… what are you planning on doing?" His lips get even thinner. For some reason, even if I'm less than a foot away, I feel like there's a chasm opening up between us. I force myself to hold in a whimper.
"I… I can't let the thieves do what they want."
"...You would rather… let Ionia suffer?" Now I feel like I'm a world apart from him. Whatever I say… this could go bad real easy.
"Never. I don't want anyone to suffer though. If I don't help stop them, this town and Demacia would suffer. Noxus would continue to invade everything… As much as I don't want Ionia to be hurt… I'm not responsible for just Ionia. I have to help everyone."
"You're not even from Valoran. None of this is your responsibility." Yone tenses even more. I force myself to look at him. I'll admit, this… this is the hardest thing I ever had to face. The person that I feel so strongly for looking at me with such coldness hurts.
"It doesn't matter if I wasn't born here. Aspects and Darkins, Yone, it's not about a country winning or a country losing. It's about making the best of a situation. Demacia can not defend against one of their trade towns being taken from them. Ionia can defend themselves from an invasion."
"So what, you'll let Ionia take the full brunt of Noxus-"
"I wouldn't let Ionia take it alone!" I'm frustrated with his single fixation that I want Ionia to be hurt. It's not that at all. "I will be there, trying to protect Ionia. I'm aware I will fail more often then I succeed. I'm already failing at most things, Yone! I couldn't save Sylas, I can't change a country's views on magic, I abandoned a child when they needed me most, I still can't fully control my magic. I failed to stop healers from being killed, from children losing their mothers. I feel like I'm failing this relationship! Because now I see that there might be a time when I have to choose between you and something else, and sometimes that something else is so much bigger that I can't choose you! I want to stop Noxus from invading Ionia, I really do, but I can't. They will invade Ionia, one way or another. You told me once that you wouldn't come with me on an adventure because of duty. Well, this is my duty! I don't have a duty to any single country! I hae a duty to protect those that I can, and I'm going to."
Silence. Not a single peep. I'm struggling to breathe calmly. Everything just poured out of me. I couldn't have stopped it even if I wanted to. Tears are already falling down. Yone just stands there, still as a rock. I sigh and turn away.
"I know you won't agree with this. I'll just do what I need to do. You don't have to worry about helping me or not. Do what you think is right. As promised, I'll bring you back to Ionia after the thieves are taken care of. You can also take your time to decide if you can be with someone that may have a duty that clashes with yours on occasion." The words keep pouring out of my mouth. I can't stop them, but at least they're out there. A small flisk of my hand, and I'm hopping over the wall again.
Yone doesn't try to stop me.
O.O I know, I know, it's not the first time they've fought over something, but damn, this one is... rough. This is one time that duty and feelings will clash for them. Now... what will Yone choose? Do you guys think he'll help search for the thieves, or do nothing? An even better question... How dare they hide Starshadow's true self from Noxus! XD. For real though, Leblanc is rather shifty. She's already discovered that Leilah has immense control over her magic, and that she's hiding things. Fingers crossed that nothing bad happens.
Anyway, onto the next champion... BARD! Everyone's favorite, floaty, time stopping celestial with very little lore!... oh boy... I hope you guys have a chorus of great friends, like bard's meeps, that will support you, and that you are on a path that you truly want. That you follow your passions and have an extraordinary day!