Did you find anything yet, Starshadow?
Working on it. Do we have any hints about these guys or anything?
All I know is that they are bold. Sorry.
Love hunting down a star in the universe.
Just… do your best…
I'll be honest, I'm not exactly looking forward to finding these thieves. Especially when it makes your relationship with Yone so rough.
You aren't alone in that. Still, it's our duty. This… isn't going how I hoped it would. Starshadow mentioned that it was going to be one of the easier ones. Perhaps thinking about it, it is easy. As long as one doesn't think about the morality of it. Still, I have to stand by what I said. I have to help the most people. Ionia can defend itself, and I won't let them deal with it on their own. I'll be there, taking responsibility for each injury… well, the ones I can reach anyway.
I keep walking around the outskirts of the town. It hurts to be walking away from him. I'm worried that Leblanc may try something. She's already forced my magic to come out. She knows some of what I can do. At least Starshadow is still a secret.
I'm passing by an alley when something shiny catches my eye. What's surprising to me is that I spot it in a dark alleyway. There's little stripes in it, telling me that it's being hidden. Even more intriguing to me is that it's a sharp blink. Something just happened down this alleyway, and I'd like to know what.
"Well, hello there, pretty girl." That familiar drawl comes back. I sigh and hold tightly onto my scarf. This is the only thing on me that I truly care about. I don't even care about the little circlet on my head. It's nothing to me. I turn around to see the hat man from before, resting one arm on a wall. The other is tucked into his coat pocket. He towers over me.
"Hello." I greet back neutrally. I'm so uncomfortable with this situation. Especially since he's playing with the circlet. At least it's just an illusion, as it disappears from his hand almost instantly.
"The name's Tobias, what's yours?" The man doesn't even seem phased by the circlet disappearing. Something about his accent is so familiar…
"I'd rather not say." I try to back away, only to bump into someone else. I turn around to see a short, stocky guy covered in what looks like to be filthy clothes. Now, I'm boxed in. How do I always manage to get myself into these sorts of scenarios?
"Wait a minute… I know them eyes!" The short man grabs onto my arm harshly. I yelp and try to pull away. He just tightens his grip. "Them eyes were being sold a few years ago! So pretty, the little thangs. Sold for a bunch too. There was a big ol' hullabaloo down in the piers."
"Now, now, Bart. We ain't here to grab anyone. You know what Graves said. We are just lookin' for any-"
"Tobias, Ai'm tellin' ya, this girl is values. I heard she was the lady of Demacia and that she's gone in the buildin'." There's something about the accent that's definitely familiar. I try to leave, though Bart's grip on my arm is too tight. I hate the situation I'm in right now.
"Please let me go." I whimper a little bit. Bart pulls me in.
"Bart, you let her go now. She ain't what we came here for." The man behind me, Tobias, snaps.
"We came here for that bank, Ah know. What makes ya think that she'd keep mum about us bein' here? 'Specially now that she knows we here?" Bart smirks.
That is the exact moment I recognize the accent. It's Bilgewater. I don't even have the chance to scream before a flash of yellow and I'm no longer conscious.
Leilah? Leilah! Aurora is calling out for me. I gasp awake. It's just us in my core. I don't see any sign of Daamien anywhere. That gets me a little bit anxious. Oh, thank goodness, you're alright. That magic is something I've never felt before. An instant stun?
"What… happened? My head." I moan a little bit. Somehow, I'm still in pain here. I look up at my magic pool. For some reason, it looks like it's being sucked away.
Whoever was behind you had an easy shot at hitting you. That magic… it glowed yellow. Aurora mutters to herself.
"Is now.. Really the time… to figure out… what does what?" I rub my head, calling my little yellow magic to my hand and into my head. The headache disappears. I'll be honest, I'm surprised I haven't woken up yet. By the look on Aurora's face, she's surprised too.
You should be awake… What is stopping you?
"This… is not going to end well." I groan and hold my head in my hands. "Starshadow doesn't know what the thieves look like or sound like. I told him to use our magic. Would that even work?"
...I guess even we have limits to our power. Though, you are in the city. Starshadow should be able to hear you.
"We were, what, five floors separated? Maybe we do have a limit as to how far we can communicate."
That should be at least seventy feet. So, we know that around seventy feet is a good distance.
"Does our magic really have to have limits?"
Well…
"Yeah, I get it. We're massively powerful, but bound to never harm and I'm still a young one."
You are an icon. You have to be able to fix things without being beyond anyone. Besides, you aren't that powerful. Not yet.
"I am an Aspect and a Darkin. I'm pretty sure that I'm beyond most people by now."
...You make a good point. Still, you have our powers. We are representations of ideals.
"I know, I know. I'm happy to be more a role model to others, to just be the person that everyone can talk to, feel comfortable with, and defend those in need. Still, if we could just stop with that limit on my magic as in communication distance, that would be nice."
...Maybe… Leilah, I'm going to need to borrow some magic.
"What are you planning on doing?" I hop onto my feet. She floats into the vast magic ocean. I follow suit, casting shadows under my feet. We slip over to where Daamien's hole is… empty. "That's not just Daamien's hole, is it? It's our connection to Starshadow."
Daamien was going to help Starshadow search. It was a bit vague as to how they were going to be found, seeing as we had no way to really track thieves-
"Limitations…" I can't help but throw a look at my Aspect's face.
Oh, it's not that bad. She sticks her tongue out.
"It really doesn't help anyone, Aurora."
Still, you have a connection with Daamien and Starshadow. Both of their souls are bound to you. Maybe, if we can just use a little more magic, we can get through.
"I like hearing that. How do we contact them?"
I'm thinking that we could use a massive amount of magic to try to make the connection.
"Let's do it then." I try to pull the immense amount of magic into the hole. Massive amounts of magic is definitely something I can do. When I build up almost all of my magic, I guide it into the hole.
Pain is all I feel the moment my magic touches my connection with Daamien. Every single part of my body lights up and I find myself forced to close my eyes.
"Well, well, well, lookie who decided to wake up?" Someone else is making an odd noise. I blink open my eyes, trying to get my bearings. Seems like my wrists are tied behind me, as well as my ankles. I can't move all that much.
I'm also in a dark room. Something spinning is making shadows from the sky. A few men are sitting in front of me, playing with what looks like to be cards. I still try to sit up. It takes a few tries to rotate enough to sit up, but I manage it. The one who spoke, the man that wouldn't let go of me from before, gets right in my face, grabbing my chin and forcing it up. I'm forced to look at this man's face. He pulls out a knife. I have to blink rapidly to make sure that I'm still in this reality. No bars, no Starshadow in a bag. I'm in a different town. There's stones on the walls.
"She got some dang pretty eyes. According to whoever had her last, she's got one hell of a power. She can regrow them pretty little eyes like new. Why don't we find out." Bart's bringing his knife towards my face. I struggle to back away, but my hands are tied behind my back and I can't get away fast enough. Even before Bart touches my eye, I'm screaming my head off. It's in pure fear.
"Bartholomew! You stop that!" Tobias barks. Bart jumps and backs away, nicking my cheek. I'm silently crying, trying to regain my composure. "You forced me to stun her so she doesn't tell anyone. You also know that we need the merchandise to be in mint condition. She's got magic binders on her, so she ain't healing!"
"Oh, that's easy. She heals without bein' able to stop it. Give it a shot. She'll heal while out."
Another flash of yellow.
Leilah! Oh, sweetheart. Aurora is quick to comfort me. I blink open my eyes to see the Aspect kneeling in front of me.
"He stunned me again, didn't he."
Yes. Though, I think he hasn't quite understood just what he did. It wasn't a distance issue, it was our magic being blocked. Now that it isn't, I have to hurry. Aurora immediately bolts for the hole. Daamien! Starshadow!
"What happened?" Daamien reaches a hand through the hole. Aurora is quick to push his hand back down.
We don't have time! Leilah's been captured by a bunch of people. They're from Bilgewater. They have a magic blocker, which is why we were unable to talk with you. Get Starshadow to come help.
"Leilah is Starshadow's base. If her magic is blocked off, Starshadow has to depend on his own. We don't have enough magic here to sustain a fight." Daamien retracts his hand at least. His ruby eyes are the only thing visible in the black..
Maybe… he finds Yone?
"No!" I yelp. Aurora and Daamien both look at me in surprise. "Please, don't involve Yone. These are the thieves. He doesn't want to find them."
"You really don't understand, do you?" Daamien sighs. "He loves you."
"Don't! Please, he's already-"
"Leilah, he heard your rant. He'll come. He'll-" The magic is cut off.
"There it is. All patched up." Cigar man forces my eyes open. My wrists and ankles are still tied, but it's different. My arms are bound in front of me this time. I try to call on my magic, only for a zap to appear at my core. I lean over from the pain. "Don't bother trying to use that magic, sweetheart. Demacia's got some shit binders. Noxus, now they had some good ol' cuffs that work wonders."
"You… stole… them… too?" I rasp. I feel horrible. Pale, actually. My magic… it can't be bound like this. It has to be free… or I might be killed. I'm getting worse by the second, as it feels like my magic is being sucked out of me. That also keeps the pain in my stomach. I'm barely able to breath.
"Shit, she don't look so good." Tobias comes forward, grabbing my chin and forcing it up. My eyelids are drooping.
"Need… magic…" I try to explain.
"Ah, hell naw! The fact that her cheek healed like that should be enough to prove she's a powerful mage. She'd be worth a bunch of money!" the man who attempted to take my eye cries out.
"She ain't worth nothing if she's dead." Cigar man snaps. "Why did you even grab the girl in the first place?"
"She stopped me from stealin' her friend's swords. She saw somethin'. I wanna know how. Besides, I was more lookin' to talk. Bart gave away that we were robbin' the bank and we had to take her." Tobias retorts. Cigar snorts before kneeling in front of me.
"Well, she's still conscious. When she's knocked out, we'll untie her. Bart, come with me. Ah I wanna know exactly what kind of price she's worth. " Graves walks away with Bart happily divulging what I've apparently worth. Tobias sighs and takes a seat in front of me. I try to keep my head up.
"Sorry about that. Though, Graves does have a point. When you pass out, we'll untie ya." Tobias gently wipes back my hair. His hand is covered in sweat when he pulls back. The pain in my stomach is getting stronger. My magic… it's fighting against being held. "You should really try to stop using that magic."
"I'm… not… trying…" I try to explain. It's getting harder. My vision is getting cloudy. And they just fall closed.
Well… I'm not sure how healthy it is for you to keep flipping back and forth between consciousness and coming back into your core at such fast times. Aurora unhelpfully comments. I groan for what seems to be the billionth time today.
"Well, it's not like I'm exactly enjoying it."
Quick, we have to hurry. Aurora pulls me up on my feet. I struggle to keep up as she races to the hole. Aurora pulls a small drop of magic from my drained core and keeps pressing it against the hole. A small pain in my stomach appears, though it's more like a tiny cramp. Still, we wait with baited breath. I'm passed out now. They have to unbind my magic.
The pain is starting to get too much for me. I almost black out again when my magic comes flooding back. Actually flooding. I almost feel stunned from the massive backlash I feel from my magic coming back. Aurora grabs onto me as Daamien's face reappears.
"Are you alright? I wasn't expecting to see you so soon."
If it helps, neither were we. Aurora, even in such a dire circumstance, is still happy to see her partner. Daamien looks just as happy.
"Want to watch?"
"Watch what?" I feel a little bit confused. Daamien smirks before gesturing to the inky blackness beneath.
To my surprise, the black shifts and changes. They change color… and I feel like I'm looking outside, in a plains. A quick glance over my shoulder… but I don't have any shoulders. I'm looking through Starshadow's eyes!
"Oh, Yone is going to get a huge piece of my mind when I find the idiot. Why the Shadow Isles would he even THINK that it's a good idea for Leilah to go off alone?"
"I can hear Starshadow's thoughts in here?"
"Why do you think we know so much about the outside world? We watch through your eyes." Daamien shrugs. I blush at that.
"So… the mess in the bathroom…"
I made sure that neither of us were watching when Yone stepped in. Though, we will have to talk about it at some point. Aurora narrows her eyes at me. Daamien does the same.
"Can… we just focus on what's going to happen? Please?" I try to distract them.
"Yone!" Starshadow hisses. The man, still stuck in his deep-in-thought pose, jolts upright as Starshadow slithers up to him.
"Starshadow?" Yone asks. He kneels down, offering an arm to my bonded. Starshadow's hood is flared ever so slightly.
"No, I'm just a random black snake that can talk, yes it's me! And you… you are an ass!" Starshadow's tail tightens his grip around Yone's arm.
Starshadow!
Oh great, we have a connection again. Too far for me to actually draw magic. How are you? Starshadow is remarkably friendly.
Um, currently unconscious while my magic does it's best to keep me alive? I'll be honest, I'm a little confused about the situation.
Oh, great. Sit still and tight. Let me handle this.
"How am I an ass?" Yone continues, not aware of our conversation.
"You want to know? Leilah, my dear sweet bonded, the girl you are currently courting, is being held by the very thieves you want to rob the bank here… with very poor manners too." Starshadow hisses out the last part in a fury. Yone stands up suddenly.
"What do you mean, she's been kidnapped?"
"I meant that she's having tea with the people who are planning to rob the bank so your bloody country won't be invaded before they're ready. WHAT DO YOU THINK I MEANT?"
"I get it, Starshadow, there's no need to scream." Yone interrupts. He quickly looks around before just climbing up the wall. "Which way?"
"Oh, you're going to help her? You realize that by finding her, you're going to find the thieves, and Leilah's still going to be doing her thing and trying to help everyone. You'll have either stop her or stand by to keep a chance of your precious country-"
"I don't care about Ionia right now, Starshadow." Yone snaps. This is the first time I've ever seen him look unhinged. Right now, he's crouched on top of the wall. I'm impressed that he managed to get up that easily. "Leilah's in danger."
"You do realize that this is the exact same situation that Leilah was in? Choosing between something now and helping later or letting that later thing happen… later?" Starshadow just has to rub it in. Yone stops himself from falling off the wall just in time.
"I… I didn't realize that this is the sort of thing Leilah has to deal with…" Yone mumbles a little bit.
"I'll be honest, this is one of the worst situations she's ever been in, including the Shadow Isles. But yes, this is her life. She hears everything that is going on. Then she has to make a choice. Do we stay where we are? Do we explore? Do we go? One thing that she has never, ever done is choose to walk away. She heard someone ask for help, and even if it might come at a cost to something you hold dear, she has to help. I'm pretty sure that if the thieves asked her for help instead of kidnapping her and posing as concerned citizens, she would have helped them. That's-"
"Just who she is." Yone sighs. "I remember. She'd never let anyone be scared or hurt. That's exactly why I fell in love with her. I… guess I forgot that when I heard my country was in danger."
"Well said. She's the the guide. Feel free to let her know how much you value her when er " Starshadow wriggles around Yone wrist. I'm a little uncomfortable with Starshadow's point of view as he coils around Yone's waist.
"I plan to. Which way?" Yone asks. He slides off the wall and lands on his feet.
"Follow the white light." Starshadow comments. Yone runs through the crowd, ignoring people's eyes. That's when I feel someone hold onto my shoulder.
I have to say, you picked a good man. Aurora smiles as she pulls me out. Daamien is still in the hole with Starshadow. She grabbed me just in time as I feel a pain in my stomach again. Daamien blinks out of sight as well.
"...Maybe I should have let him have his space first. I've never actually seen him so angry and didn't know how to deal with it…" I'm wondering if I messed up too bad.
None of this is your fault, sweetheart. These are just how relationships work. They take time, understanding, and learning to work. You both sound like you'll be fine. Aurora presses a soft kiss to my head.
"In the meantime, do you think we can mimic the cuffs?" I try not to get my hopes up.
It's a wall. If you want to try mimicking a wall to get through a wall… Well, when Aurora puts it like that. My magic is truly sealed. I don't want to wake up yet. I just need a little me time… and maybe a bit of a distraction.
"How… When did you and Daamien get together? And, even more important… why?" I can't help but ask. This is the first time I can actually talk about how they happened. Aurora, to my surprise, blushes.
Oh… that… well… as you know, I was trying to take care of him for months. Keep him calm, happy, and asleep. I'll admit, I knew him for a long time. I knew him from when he first Ascended. Granted, it was during the day, but even his vow was different. As a result his Ascension was as well. The fact that he chose to protect, to heal, over being a warrior… that caught my eyes. I'll admit, he was someone that I wish I had found first. Hindsight and everything… He would have made an excellent champion… As it was, I was content to watch his life. I was upset that he chose to fall. Even more so when he sacrificed himself to save his people.
"A fan of the man then?" I can't help but tease.
A celestial still has a soul. Besides, I… thought that the mortals did it right. They might not have lived long lives, but they live much more fulfilling ones. They found someone to live with them. Aurora is bright red. Finally, someone else who can blush.
"So, what was taking care of him like?"
Hard. He was struggling with himself a lot. Caught between the darkin that he became and the healer he was. You weren't there, but there were times when Daamien would lash out. He couldn't handle being the in between, so he'd let his magic run wild. You never felt it as I was the one to take his rage. Every single time he came back, he'd heal what he inflicted. Aurora is staring at the hole with love in her eyes. I don't know if that's what I look like when I see Yone. I'll have to ask Starshadow.
"That sounds a little abusive." I can't help but remark.
He was recovering. If I turned him away, he would only have Starshadow. And we both know how Starshadow is when the most important women in his life are threatened. Aurora has a point. He'd sacrifice everything just to ensure that we would smile.
"So, you stayed by his side?"
I'd use my magic to calm him down, giving him something to attack. He had a lot less episodes of anger when he knew I wasn't being hurt. When you were hurt in the Freljord, that triggered a fear of being trapped again, only this time it wouldn't be on his terms. Once we stopped the magic, he was a lot easier. Something in him, just seemed to understand exactly what happened. That's when we got to know each other better. He learned of my magic, my life as an Aspect. He shared a couple of his childhood memories. I told him about the stars. It's funny. It's after the True Ice incident that he asked me out. Said something about us already spending the rest of our lives as a part of you, why not just be a couple? Aurora has such a sappy look on her face. I'm about to open my mouth when someone is shaking me awake.
"You alright there, Sleepin' Beauty?" Tobias gently shakes me awake. I blink open exhausted eyes to stare at him. Like the last few times I was knocked unconscious… I'm tied up again. It's a bit painful still, though not as bad I guess they let me sleep a little longer. My arms are returned to behind me.
"What do you want with me?" I feel a little more conversational as Yone and Starshadow are on their way.
"Sorry 'bout Bartholomew. He ain't one that we particularly liked anyway." Tobias apologizes. He's sitting in front of me on a chair. I'm still on the floor. The sun looks like it's setting. I'm stiff from being on the ground. "And why? Well, there's a bounty in Bilgewater for ya. Captain Gangplank wants ya back. He was makin' quite a profit from ya. I thought it was from yer magic making them… but to actually see that you regrow them…"
"You want… to sell me?" I squeak. I struggle against my bonds a little bit. I have no desire to go back to that place. Who knows what other parts of my body they are going to want.
"I still think that getting the kid is trouble." Graves speaks up from the doorway. He stomps in, carrying a big boom stick. I wish I could jump in surprise. I'm too tired though.
"Please… let me go… I'm not worth whatever the bounty is." I plead.
"Look, kid, money is money. Besides, we heard you a lady of Demacia. I wonder how much they are willing to pay for you back?" Graves lights up a cigar and starts to puff it.
"Now, hold on there, Graves, my friend. I think we owe it to her to be nice. She did just have the livin' daylights scared outta her." Tobias stands up. Graves shoves the man away.
"Are you kiddin' me? We got a bank to rob when the night falls and you wanna set the girl free? Are you outta your mind? Bart's already been told off and I got the rest of the guys watching him." Graves hisses, towering over Tobias. I gulp and try to wriggle my hands out. I wince from just how tight they are. They are definitely going to bruise.
Psst. Starshadow calls out to me. I look around the room, trying to spot my bonded. DON'T LOOK AROUND! You'll alert them that something's off. How you managed to play the part of a servant for two weeks without me is astounding.
Where's Yone? I desperately try to respond. It doesn't seem like Starshadow can hear me as he doesn't respond. I'm still bound in magical manacles. He must be using his own magic to talk to me.
"She's just a kid, Graves. This isn't what we do. We take money. I thought that her bounty would be worth somethin', but if she's gonna be used like that, I'd rather let her walk. Ain't nobody worth that amount of money to be in agonizing pain." Tobias argues. Neither of them notice a black rope slide down from the doorway room and zip over to me.
Stay still. I'll get these bonds off you as soon as I can. Starshadow slips behind my back. I feel a few pricks of his fangs as he works on untying me.
"Bart told me that she'd be worth millions. That and we'd have one of the best bank heists of the century! I want that money, Tobias, and nothin's gonna stop me." Graves whips around and points his boom spear at me. I shrink up, trying to be a smaller target. "What's behind you?"
Shit. Starshadow curses. I palm my hand open, desperately hoping that Starshadow would get my message. When he slithers up my sleeve, I'm relieved.
"Graves, my friend-" Tobias tries to get Graves' attention back, but the stick wielder ignores him in favor of grabbing my arm and throwing me away. I land on my shoulder rather painfully. Starshadow's still in my sleeves, wrapped around my forearm
"I thought I saw somethin' slink behind her…" Graves searches the area while I struggle to sit up.
Almost… done… Starshadow sounds like he's excited. He doesn't know that my feet are bound too. With that, I curl my legs under me. THEY BOUND YOUR ANKLES TOO? Yone, hold off for a bit.
"Graves, she's just a kid! I know we don't got that many morals, but we shouldn't be makin' the girl suffer." Tobias keeps talking.
Got one… Starshadow mutters and the binding around my wrists are loosened. I don't move at all, pretending that I'm still bound. At least they aren't paying that much attention to us.
"She's a bonus, Tobias! We rob the bank, get past the armies, and we'll be renowned! We took down a powerful mage and outsmarted entire countries! No one will ever be able to stop us!" Graves goes right back into their argument. The bonds around my ankles loosen too. Seems like once the first one is done, Starshadow had an easier time with the second one. With that, my magic comes flooding back, as well as my connection with my bonded.
Sett would have probably won in a fight between her two courters, though Yone has more skill… Why did I miss that little face off? I could have actually started a fight to see who's better for Leilah-
I thought you didn't like Sett.
Perfect. Alright, Yone. Come on in! Starshadow calls out. Tobias and Graves are still bickering when Yone slips through the doorway. I have to rub my eyes a little bit, making sure that he's actually here. He has both his swords out… and one of them is stained red. There's a little bit of blood on it. That just makes me want to find out who's hurt.
"I don't want to be a murderer, Graves! And that's exactly what would happen if we hand her over!" Tobias snaps, throwing up his hands. I narrow my eyes at the hint of yellow in his sleeve… That was blue last time I saw it…
"She's not even human! No human got those eyes!" Graves keeps talking, though his hands tense around his stick. Yone stops, a little confused at their behaviour. They're completely ignoring him… to him. To me, they're getting ready to launch their own surprise. I can see Graves' hands tense as they grab onto his boom spear.
Be careful, Yone. I think they're ready for you. I think, casting my own voice. Yone glances at me, letting me know that he heard me. He clears his throat, giving the two bickering men no choice but to turn their heads.
"If you would let my girlfriend go, I'll let you go free." Yone swings his left sword slowly. It's a dangerous motion. Tobias' eyes are wide open as he looks between the two of us. He actually points a finger in whatever direction he's looking at too.
"She's… your girl? Isn't she too young?" Tobias asks. I narrow my eyes at his other hand. There's a glow of yellow in his sleeve.
"I'm twenty!" I snap. Tobias seems even more stunned at that.
"Enough talk!" Graves pulls the boom spear out.
Don't move, Yone! I flick my hand behind me, making Graves' aim go a little bit off. Yone flinches at the noise, though he notices that the shot is off to his right. Graves growls as he points it back at Yone. Yone, for his credit, does what I tell him to. Another flick, another missed shot. Graves snarls and charges at the man.
"Move, Graves!" Tobias barks out. Graves drops down to the ground in front of Yone. His hand is pulled back and about to throw… a card? Either way, it's the glowing yellow that stuns people.
That's when I surge to my feet, forcing the man to hold onto his card. Tobias' eyes are popping out his face as he realizes that I'm free. Graves snarls and turns around pointing his weapon at me. A mage is far more risky to leave alone than a swordsman. Unfortunately, he's forgotten that said swordsman is, in fact, in the room. Graves turning to point his weapon at me is just enough to give Yone the time and angle he needed to slam his sword handle into his head, knocking him out. Now it's just Tobias against what he thinks is the two of us. Tobias flips another yellow card into his hand as lunges for me. Yone's still too far away, though Starshadow isn't. My bonded grows and bares his fangs, dropping to the ground. I have to say, he's getting big. His body can coil around my body from the ground to my waist and still have enough body left to open up his hood. Even better, I'm not feeling the usual magic exhaustion when he grows.
"WHAT THE HELL?" The card thrower slides onto his butt trying to back away from charging.
"You messed with her, you get the snake!" Starshadow hisses a laugh. Yone keeps his swords pointed at the man. Tobias is stuck between the two of us, with Yone blocking the only exit out of here. Before I can react, he throws a red card underneath him while a blue one glows in his other hand. Starshadow, on the other hand, lunges for the man.
My poor bonded takes the full brunt of the explosion that appears. He shrinks down as he flies into my hands. He's out cold. Yone and I are also knocked backwards. I cradle my snake in my arms as I struggle to my feet.
"Yone!" I call out for him. Some smoke gets into my lungs. I start to cough, trying to get fresh air back in. Flames surround me. I use a little bit of magic to find a way out. The magic guiding me is glowing around Starshadow's charred form… Teleport. With that, I set to healing my bonded. His scales are sizzling from the heat. Still, my magic is able to heal both of us of our immediate injuries easily. Starshadow comes to with a pop of his head, bonking into my hand.
What the Shadow Isles was that?
"No time… Starshadow… teleport…" I cough out. Starshadow understands exactly what I'm saying. Shadows bubble up from underneath us, slipping us around the fire to behind Yone, who is desperately looking for a way across.
"Leilah!" He's calling out my name. Yone frantically turns around to search for some way to get to me. He stops moving when he sees my soot covered face holding onto a black snake. He almost trips in his haste to hold me. I sigh in his embrace, glad to feel his arms around me. He's not angry with me. Not anymore.
As cute as this is… WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BURNING BUILDING! I DID NOT ALMOST MEET KINDRED AGAIN JUST SO YOU CAN DIE CUDDLING IN A FIRE! Starshadow hisses in my head. I nod before pulling Yone over to the still unconscious man. I can feel my magic start to heal the knot at the back of his head.
"Hurry… Star…" I think I inhaled too much soot. Yone holds onto me tightly.
No need to plead, I got us. Once more, the shadows climb around all four of us and we escape as the ceiling collapses.
I'll admit, I was very tempted to put Leilah through the same treatment that she suffered at Bilgewater, but I never pegged TF as one that would actually allow something to happen to her like that, so Leilah gets a bit of a break. And talk about a way to make up to your BF. Have an argument, get kidnapped, and have your best friend/soul sibling to ream it into them.
And we are right on schedule to the Noxian Invasion. This... This is going to be extremely difficult. I'm already writing a few chapters into it, but I have to say, it's incredibly hard. It's like Deviago all over ago. I'm writing them from scratch for the most part, and I have to be creative about how Leilah is interacting with everyone. AH!
Also, we've reached over 300,000 words... Wow. And it's not over! It's not gonna be over for a looooooooong while. It's over 70 chapters for the first five years, and that's just from me. I'm already dreading and excited for when everything happens.
Today's person is... BLITZCRANK! May you all have the passion to protect what means the most to you, to hold on tight to them. I hope they are as extraordinary as you are, and love to see some reviews!