This chapter has a bit of graphics. I'll mark them out. Just letting you know, they'll be marked out by bold warning.
The shadows are gentle as I find myself back in Ionia. The sun hasn't even risen yet, but that doesn't stop the fires in the village from lighting everything. I cover my mouth in shock. Noxian armor reflects light like nightmares. So does blood on the ground. People are screaming, trying to run away. Some villagers are attempting to stop the noxians from attacking others. They have their rakes and hoes, but they don't match up to swords and steel. A couple of them do seem to have swords, but they are currently being surrounded by many noxian soldiers. The fire isn't even from torches. It's from houses burning down.
Leilah! Starshadow pokes my head.
What… what do I do? There's so many…
Welcome to war.
I… I… where do I start? My legs… they aren't moving. I look down at my feet. Like I thought, they aren't moving. I'm also trembling. I look back up from screams of fear and pain in the crowd. I cover my ears in horror when I hear gleeful laughter. What's worse is the laughter… it doesn't stop. It echoes in my ear. Deviago's voice joins in. Even more horrifying is that I can hear the men from the pits, Bilgewater men. I blink, and I swear I'm captured again. My own scream joins the noises. My hands are trembling. Still, I have to cover my ears. I can't hear them now. Not now… not now…
Lookie here, boys! It's already done bleedin'! The pirates from Bilgewater.
The girl is my consolation prize. The pit master.
I can make you extraordinary. Jhin echoes in my head.
Mage. Vannis snarls in my ears.
I can't possibly be human.
Are you a pet? Blind one asks me.
You mages are all the same. Tianna scoffs, my wrist aching.
The warden's laugh as my ankle burns.
You have earned your fate. Khalista's dead eyes as she lines a spear to my heart.
Isolde… my queen… I found you… the perfect… guard. Viego's gleeful voice.
Blossom! Come here! Deviago's barking.
What's happened to you? Kassadin's question.
Fate has chosen me! Grena howls her victory.
They all burn my ears. I feel my legs give out and I fall onto my knees. I can't even catch myself. It's the scales of my bonded that do.
Leilah? Starshadow is quiet, trying not to scare me. I force myself to take in a shaky breath and dig my fingers past him. The dirt shifts around my fingers. I blink, reminding myself that I'm not trapped. Starshadow's face blinking in front of me makes it a little easier to remember that I'm ok. He'd never ever let me be in those kinds of situations. Never.
I'm back. I struggle to breathe a little bit. It's hard, when I feel like it's squeezing me.
I can see that. You weren't responding to me for a few minutes there. How can someone just ignore me like that? Starshadow somewhat deadpans. I can hear how scared he is for me at that moment. Where were you?
Everywhere that didn't have you. I reply before I realise what I say.
Aw. I'm touched that your worst nightmare is being without me. As much as I would love to go on about how you can't live without me, we do have a village to save. Starshadow affectionately jokes around a little bit. My eyes roll in a rather familiar fashion as I force myself to get up on my feet again.
It's not about living without you, Starshadow. Besides being tortured, enslaved, or kidnapped, when you weren't around, it was rather peaceful. My hands fly forward as my balance seems a little off. Starshadow, without needing to be prompted, places his head directly underneath my hands to steady me.
Uh huh. But at least you're alive. Now, village?
Village. I agree. The terrified screaming of a child gets my body moving.
The first steps I take, I feel like I'm a toddler. My legs can barely keep me upright as I hobble towards the village. Only with Starshadow's help do I manage to stay upright. Eventually, right as I'm about to get to the first house, my legs finally sort themselves out. Starshadow shrinks down and slips up my neck.
What are you-
You didn't want Leblanc to know about me. She's Noxian. These are Noxian soldiers. Besides, I've already dirtied my scales. I hope you buff them after this. Starshadow teases me. I smile, grateful for his foresight.
It's absolute chaos. Most Ionians I see are running away from Noxians in armor. These are just ordinary people, dressed in ordinary clothes. Some of them find enough courage to grab a stick, be it a rake or a hoe, and try to fend off their attackers. Noxian weapons do not care if they have a weapon. The only thing I can see happening is Noxians cutting down those that attempt to fight. With that in mind, I take a deep breath. I have a lot of work to do.
The first person I come across is fighting for his family. His arm has a rather bad gash in it, but he still valiantly puts up a defence. Two soldiers snicker, not noticing me coming around the corner. I blink, and I swear it's Idiot and Beefcakes.
"RUN!" I bark at the farmer, using my magic to hold the two ment still. The villager's eyes widen, but he accepts my order. He drops his hoe and pushes his partner and their kids away. Sweat beads on my forehead when the soldiers fight back. I feel like my muscles are tearing against my will, but I grit my teeth. No one will be killed. They will get to live.
"What the-" The men never catch sight of me. The farmer's family is gone when I release my magic. It's just in time too. I am starting to feel my bones breaking. Starshadow takes some of my magic, making me invisible to most eyes. The only thing that I am going to have to worry about are those that are sensitive to magic.
Next family! Starshadow bumps his head into my cheek. I nod. The next interaction is very similar. Hold the attacking men still, bark 'run', and remain invisible. There's a terrible tug at my core. Teleport.
When we emerge from the shadows again, the family I first saved… they're being captured. More Noxians are gathering up those that are running. I cover my mouth in horror. The children are screaming as they are separated from their parents. The men howl in rage and attempt to save their children, only for Noxian soldiers to pin them down to the ground. My teeth almost grind against each other. I have to do something.
"Take the children back to Noxus. They will be of some use. The adults… see who is willing to fight… and who is willing to fall." A new man calls out. I have no idea how anyone is able to hear over the cries of children or parents.
No. Starshadow snaps in my mind.
What?
No, we're not teleporting into them and making them disappear. We have no idea where to go afterwards.
Maybe we can… I look up to the sky. With another surge of magic, I conjure a bright red borealis. One that no one can ignore as the sun itself turns red. My forehead is dripping with exertion at this point.
Oh sure, give away the fact that we're here, why don't you.
Everyone can see, right? I ignore Starshadow's sarcasm.
Well, most should.
How many people do you think got Yone's warning?
Three months, he's respectable, and then the other swordsmen have their own tasks ...Oh, for once in your life, you are CLEVER! I'm finally rubbing off on you! Starshadow crows in my mind. He too looks up to the sky. But I think we need it to be a little bit more spread out.
"What's happening to the sky?" Noxians ask out loud. I lean against a fence in front of me with a smile. Starshadow's just made my entire day brighter. Quite literally, as the sky gets brighter with red stains.
How far do they reach?
Only time can tell. Starshadow sounds a little grave. I nod in agreement. We have no idea who heard our warning, only that we have to rely on others. And red has always been a warning color.
"FIND THE MAGE!" Someone screams. I blink in surprise. "FIND THE MAGE ALIVE! LOOK FOR A GIRL WITH STARRY HAIR AND A CRACKED EYE! CAPTURE HER ALIVE!"
Leblanc. Both Starshadow and I mutter at the same time. The Noxians immediately start to fan out through the streets. I try to get ahead of them, though my stomach is turning into knots. I'm using too much magic. But I can't afford to stop. The warning must be sent out. Ionia must know.
I'm trying to run through as many houses as I can when a soldier rounds the house I'm right outside of. I quickly dart into the door. With the last of my capable magic, I make it so no one hears or notices me as I close that door. I lean against it, exhausted. My entire stomach cramps up harshly. My vision blurs a little bit. Then everything turns dark.
"What happened?" I groan as I come back into my core. The skies above are bright red. It's almost pulsing in the sky. It's… it's awful. Even brighter is the mark of the domination rune. It's overtaking all the stars in my sky, and turning my river red.
"You used quite a bit of magic there. A bit uncontrolled, but that's to be expected in this kind of situation. Still, not bad. That makes… six families you tried to help,you teleported, and you sent a warning in the sky. Not bad in regards to your first real battle." Daamien places a hand on my shoulder supportively.
"I feel like I just sent them to their doom…" I sit down and curl into a ball. Laughter whispers in my ears. I clutch my ears, not wanting to hear them.
"It's unfortunate that as of right now, no one is aware of this travesty. You might have gotten the warning out, but it's a warning to others. Some of the worst things about being a healer… is failing to help everyone. Thankfully part of our blessing does not interfere in this case."
"What the Isles does our magic cover exactly? I'm starting to get confused on all the rules." I press my hands against my forehead, needing a distraction.
"Well, you interfere with an action. While that action is being carried out, no one can come to any harm. If the one you are affecting is harmed or being harmed, you take the pain. If you hold yourself responsible for a being, until you relinquish that claim or they claim themselves as consciousness enough to be responsible for their actions. Sometimes, it's a change in behaviour. It wasn't the families you were affecting. It was the soldiers. As they are acting of their own free will, you are not affected." Daamien gently kisses the crown of my head.
"Is this how you saved people?" I wipe away tears from my eyes. It appears I'm going to have to be choosy about who I affect with my magic. This is… horrible. I don't want these kinds of things to think about. I just want to help people.
"Well, I didn't have the body magic you do…" Daamien somewhat groans as he takes a seat.
Are your cracks hurting you again? Aurora pipes up. I jump a little bit, not expecting her to speak up. Especially when she's carefully brushing her fingers through my magic. I frown a little bit. She seems dimmer than I remember. I take a look at Daamien as well. He seems almost… older. I didn't notice before, but he… he looks cooler. Not cool as in interesting, but cool as in… temperature wise.
"Oh, it's not that important." Daamien tries to wave me off. I narrow my eyes.
"What are the two of you planning?" I'm wary now.
We're giving you more magic. It's about time that you have my magic entirely. Aurora is easy when she explains what she's doing. Sure enough, my magic core is… feeling more powerful. It might also explain why I was able to use as much as I have.
"Why are you doing this?" I almost whimper.
"... Oh, Leilah… You are the most magical of people. And that's not even referring to your magical core. You are the most pure of heart and the kindest of souls. We know what this war will do to you. This… this is our way to help you out." Daamien stands up, his body creaking. I squeak in shock when the tip of his claw crumbles. A single, human fingernail pokes out before black consumes it again.
"Daamien… What is happening to you?" I whisper. Aurora slips out of the magic stream. She takes Daamien's place next to me. Daamien stands up and walks into the magic stream.
We've talked with Starshadow, and while Starshadow disagrees, he can't stop us. You are a treasure, and we all want you safe… The Shadow Isles… you may be immune, but there are still magics that are beyond us. For that reason… we're giving you all our magic. Aurora remarks. She looks… so human. Her hair doesn't float around her face. It hovers a little bit around her shoulders, but it doesn't have the strength to go higher.
"How… how long have you been doing this? I talked with you a month ago!" The tears are coming down faster.
Ever since you healed Kassadin. Three months ago. I was making it hard for you to see how this was affecting us. You didn't need to worry about us. Aurora explains softly.
"But… why?"
"Everything we do, we do for you. For both of you. That's how a parent is." Daamien doesn't say much more than that. He dips his hand into the stream near his hole. The red bleeds into the hole while seeping into the light. My magical stream becomes a little more black and red before morphing into the same bright yellow color I've always known. Daamien becomes a little smaller, a little more human. He still looks Darkin, but just… less so. He's still huge, but… less than. I feel like a child slowly growing up, with my parents becoming my height.
"How is this for us?" I ask quietly.
Leilah, you have been using your magic awoken by mine and Daamien's presence, but we haven't given you every bit of magic we possess. It's time you had more, or you won't be able to handle being a part of this war. Aurora pulls me into a hug that can only come from a mother. I close my eyes tightly, wanting to disappear.
"Will I be able to see you again?"
"Of course you will, little one. Just because we are relinquishing you magic doesn't mean we disappear. We'll still be in your core, but you will truly be the Aspect of Hope and Inspiration and the Darkin Healer. I finally figured out what to call you." Daamien remarks casually.
"What is it?" I ask curiously.
"I'll tell you when I graduate you." Daamien winks. Another crack, and his eye changes from the eye we share to his golden Ascended form. I snap my hand up to my left eye. "Do not worry, little one. You still bear my eye. It is my power. You will never be able to lose it."
"Not even for a moment…" I recall my eyes being unable to change their colors beyond their bases the last time I was in Ionia. I'm in Ionia a lot…
"Yes. I'm afraid you'll never be able to disguise your eyes again. Or your hair. They are a part of you, and our magic, you are not meant to make them go away." Daamien mumbles, his voice smoothing out.
You're meant to shine.
Leilah? Starshadow nuzzles me awake. My stomach feels like some of the worst cramps I've ever felt. I turn onto my side to throw up. Someone rubs my back gently, trying to give comfort. It doesn't feel like a tail, so I roll onto my back to look behind me. It's a villager… I'm still in the house I managed to sneak in. The sun is setting. I groan as I force myself to my feet. The man gingerly helps me to my feet.
How long was I out? I lean heavily against a wall.
Well, hours. I was starting to get worried. You were glowing. Starshadow remarks. He offers his head to support me instead of the wall. I lean against him as I stumble around.
The man says something, though I don't understand it. I glance at my bonded. He doesn't seem to understand the language either. The man in front notices our lack of reaction. Another language, still no reaction.
"Are you alright?" He tries Demacian. I nod sluggishly.
"Yeah… I will be anyway." My head is pounding.
On the plus side, we can bring him with us. Starshadow's tail wags a little bit. I remember exactly why I made the sky turn blood red all day. Someone's worried.
"Do you have family here?" I force myself to shake off the ache. Now is not the time to worry about who we can get to for help. He may need our full attention.
"Follow me." He whispers. Starshadow supports me the entire way. It feels like forever, mostly because my magic core feels absolutely exhausted. I'm not sure exactly where we are going. Starshadow tries his best to keep himself helpful, but with how unsteady I feel, he starts to struggle. I wish I could be of more help, but I'm just too weak. I think at some point I'm lying on Starshadow's back and I pass out as one minute, we're sneaking past a window, the next I'm in a room. Three children are huddling in the corner, the man pulling a blanket on top. A woman is handing out some meager portions of food. She also offers me and Starshadow some food. The pain in my stomach is a little less intense, so I sit up.
"What are you doing here, Healer?"
"Helping… you… Thank you." I take the little bit of bread, but I don't immediately eat it. My stomach still doesn't feel that good.
"How are you going to help us?" The woman asks. Starshadow grows a little more in size and offers his tail.
"Grab on." Starshadow orders. The entire family jumps at Starshadow's ability to speak.
"It can-"
"Yes, the beautiful, handsome, amazing, gorgeous snake can talk, and we're here to help. Grab on." Starshadow barks. The man gathers his children and pulls them over to me. I help them get comfortable. The wife reluctantly puts her hand on my bonded's scales. She shivers at the touch. Think you can handle a little more magic?
Anything to help. I relax against my snake's head. The man is quick to cover his wife's mouth as the shadows creep up. The youngest of the children whimper at the sight and curls into her older brother. He clutches her and closes his eyes. I force my magic to give them comfort as we teleport. It's not really necessary. The first time we forced a teleport made that obvious. In fact, if I had more magic, it would be easier on me. As it is, I'd gladly sacrifice my comfort for the children to calm down.
"What the-" Sensei yelps as we all tumble out of the shadows. The wife quickly reaches out to hold onto her children while the man places them protectively behind him. Starshadow shrinks as small as he can to give me a little bit more magic so I can stay conscious. He's a little dot as he finds himself back into my scarf. Apparently, we've fallen into a late night sparring match. The courtyard we've fallen into is filled with students practicing. Yasuo and Yone are standing a little ways away, talking to each other. My eyes lock with Yone's before everything gets fuzzy.
WARNING! At least... I think this is graphic.
"Ow... " I groan. I can't stay upright. My knees bruise as I fall onto them. My stomach feels like it's ripping itself apart. It's enough that when I throw up again, it's not just bread and bile. There's a little bit of blood in the mix as well.
Oh… that's not good. Internal bleeding? What the Shadow Isles caused that? Starshadow yelps. I throw up again, blood pouring out of my mouth. The kids and adults I brought with me are also starting to suffer from internal bleeding as well. What the… they bound mortals. Dammit!
I'm… not… taking… them… back! I scream in my mind. I can't hear anything. I can't see anything. I can't feel anything. All I can do is throw all my magic into all six of us.
You're going to kill yourself at this rate! Starshadow howls. My back arches horribly. I feel like my bones are breaking. Everything feels like agony. I feel myself tip to the right, though I don't hit stone. Someone catches me. A small strand of brown hair in front of terrified eyes swims in my face.
BUT THEY WON'T GET THEM! I roar. The last bit of magic I use breaks the pain on all six of us, and I'm out.
All set.
When my consciousness comes back, someone's gently brushing my hair back. I feel myself lying on the table. Everything is so sore. I don't even think I can lift my hands up. I'm completely exhausted.
THE ISLES WAS THAT? SINCE WHEN COULD YOU BREAK MAGICAL BINDINGS? Starshadow screams in my mind. I wince at that.
Is… that… what… I did?
You broke a magical binding, one designed by a highly knowledgeable and powerful mage. That barrier was meant to cause harm to any who escaped it's barrier without permission. That form of permission comes from an outside source. You've been out for almost a week. Starshadow mumbles to me. That brings my eyes open.
A week? I sit up abruptly. My stomach does not appreciate it. I lean over the side of the bed in pain. I would have fallen off if Starshadow's tail didn't catch me. OWWW!
Serves you right. Instead of going back and giving Daamien time to figure out how to break the damn binding on you, then you wouldn't have been throwing up blood, unconscious from the drastic action of overusing your magic so it would break the binding. This… This habit of helping people without thinking… it stops right now. Starshadow is angry as he helps me back onto the bed.
My… picture? I realize my scarf is not around my throat, and neither is that photo.
It's next to you on the stand. Don't change the subject. Starshadow reprimands me. Still, I'm frantic. Starshadow notices and sighs, reaching out to bring me my scarf. I struggle to get the picture from within, to make sure that it's still there. Thankfully it is. A small sigh of relief escapes my mouth. Want me to wrap it around you?
Thank you. I accept. Starshadow carefully wraps my parent's gift around my neck. He still takes the time to make sure that it rests comfortably on my neck while also looking appropriate for someone of my magical power. Even when I'm sick, he wants me to look as presentable as always.
Now that that's done, you have to stop rushing in head first all the time.
...In this invasion, I will. But sometimes, there isn't enough time to think. I try to compromise.
No. Even when you think there isn't enough time, there is. Every single time you've gone into a situation, there's time to think. There's time to plan. If anything, taking the time to think is what's going to save the most lives. Starshadow's hood is flaring, as well as his fangs. He is madder than I've ever seen him. Still...
"Sometimes, it has to be in the moment! If you think that a child in a burning building requires thinking-"
For your own damn survival, you better be thinking! Starshadow interrupts.
"What's the point in being the Aspect of Hope if I don't help where others won't?"
"It's one thing for you to be a healer and go into situations that could be risky to your life. It's another when you go in without a plan." Master Souma enters the room. I jump a little bit from my seat.
"Master Souma…" I dip my head respectfully. I'll admit, I look around him for any sight of Yone. It must have been awful to him to see me throwing up blood.
"Yone and Yasuo are currently sparring. Yone has barely left your side for the past six days. I sent him to spar with Yasuo, to get rid of that nervous energy." Master Souma explains as he takes a seat. I shift on the bed a little bit.
"How have they been?"
"Oh, how any young one would act when they see someone they care about appearing in front of them in rather dire need." Souma chuckles as I brighten a bit in embarrassment.
"He… caught me… didn't he?" I mumble, my hand twisting into my hair. Souma chuckles and nods his head.
"I have to say, you know how to make an entrance. A family, slowly contorting and screaming from pain, suddenly stopping while you drop to the ground like a shooting star. Seiyo was rather alarmed, especially when Starshadow started to demand medical attention. Yone was rather frantic. I do believe you are the only person capable of breaking that impassive mask he likes to wear so much. Yasuo has also expressed to me that he would rather go fight and teach the Noxians that tried to bind you. Yone, naturally, is not pleased with that." Souma explains what happened to me.
"The family-"
"They are recovering. We're currently housing them in the northern part of the monastery. They are, understandably, rattled. Now, what is this-"
"I have to go see them!" I force myself out of bed, getting to my feet gingerly. The elder stands passively while Starshadow's mouth drops.
"Unbelievable. We literally just had this conversation about thinking things through." Starshadow complains to Elder Souma. Each shaky step becomes steadier, and by the time I'm at the door, I'm able to walk without needing to lean on anyone.
"She's been through quite an ordeal, celestial. I do agree that she does need to learn restraint and patience, but I believe that right now, no one is going to attempt to harm her. Let her go find Yone and Yasuo. It would ease his heart." Elder Souma attempts to be diplomatic, giving Starshadow merit while also trying to support me. I don't hear much beyond that, I'm already away from the room.
I'll admit, I really should have listened to Starshadow about patience. I'm fortunate in having a bonded. Without him, I have no doubt that everything that I've gone through would have killed me a long time ago. Still, maybe I don't need to be patient. I have Starshadow to look out for me… though I really, really should have thought things through in Navori… And perhaps should have thought to ask Master Souma where they were...
I try a little bit of guiding magic, though it almost brings me to my knees. It must have taken all of my magic to heal me. I'm low. Still, I'm determined to find the brothers. If what Master Souma is alluding to, then Yone must be very worried about me. I have to let him know I'm alright. The light, for however long it is up, points me to the west. To the setting sun. Once I catch my breath, I keep going.
The monastery is quieter than I remember. I guess six days of people knowing that Noxus is invading is enough to make many people uncomfortable. No one is asking me if I need help. Actually, the monastery is rather empty. There's a little bit of dust in the corners of the halls. My heart breaks a little bit. How many of these learners have already gone to find their families missing?
I come to a small alcove when I hear the sound of swords clashing. When I come out of it, there are my two favorite people in Ionia. Elder Souma was right when he said that they were letting off some tension. Their blades move so fast I can't keep track. I try. I really do, but I just can't manage it. I think Yone is fighting with one sword. Probably in the attempt to make it difficult for him. Yasuo was running away last time I saw them spar. This time, he's standing his ground. Back and forth in a narrow hallway, they battle. Swords flying. There's a couple of times when I'm worried that Yone or Yasuo would get scratched, but the other deflects it just in time. They really are in tune with each other. No one is getting hurt, though it's clear that they aren't trying to win the spar. They are just letting off some unease.
Eventually, Yasuo catches Yone's sword with his own. With a yell of triumph, Yasuo makes Yone's sword go flying. Yone can only watch as his sword flies far behind Yasuo. I'm about to step out when Yone rubs his left wrist in discomfort.
"Your place is here. With Elder Souma." Yone tries to convey just how important that duty is to his little brother. Yasuo sheathes his wind sword.
"He trained me for this." Yasuo brings his right arm up and points it at his chest. He carelessly flicks his arm away. "I can help end this war. Make them pay for what happened to Leilah."
Yone sighs and looks away from me. I hold my breath a little bit. Is… Yone going to fight? It's only been a few days! What… how bad is this invasion? His head snaps back to Yasuo.
"Your duty is to this school. To your master. To Ionia." Yone's desperate for Yasuo to understand that Yasuo needs to stay, but he won't say exactly why he doesn't want his little brother to go fight. Neither of us want him to lose his naivety in war. I lost mine a long, long time ago. Yone walks past Yasuo to pick up his sword. I dart behind a column, not wanting to seem like I'm eavesdropping. My stomach still feels like it's in knots and trying to escape my body, but I am determined to stick around.
"Then I should be out there protecting her!" Yasuo scoffs, not turning around. My heart breaks a little bit at hearing that. Yasuo doesn't think that Yone believes in him. That's not true. In Navori, he let Yasuo interrupt him and control the information given to Deviago. Shadow Isles, Yone would let Yasuo protect me if he couldn't. Yone believes in Yasuo, he just wants him safe, and to follow his duty, like the elder brother does. Still, Yone is silent as he continues to walk past my pillar to pick up his sword. Yasuo makes one last disguised desperate plea. "I won't fail you, Yone."
"It seems… I have already failed you." Yone tilts his head slightly away from my pillar. My heart drops, sinking. Yone probably feels like he hasn't managed to get through to Yasuo his duty. Yone picks up his sword and sheathes it.
"What about Leilah? Have you already failed her? In your desire to do your duty to your country, what about your duty to the person you love? To protect her?" Yasuo makes one last bid to get his brother to understand his position. My eyes are wide in shock. Yasuo thinks Yone is in love with me?
"Leilah is more than capable of protecting herself. She proved that in Navori. And she has Starshadow. He would be able to keep her from too much danger." Yone snaps a little bit. His hand is already reaching to his waist. It looks like he's getting ready for another fight.
"She is certainly capable of taking care of herself. She's in the medical wing again, Yone! From what I heard, she risked her life to fight off a magical binding. She's on Starshadow's life support, trying to stay alive." Yasuo presses forward. I close my eyes, knowing that this is Yasuo's attempt to get Yone to understand how he feels. Master Souma can defend himself. Not all of Ionia can save themselves. I wish he wouldn't use me as an example though.
"Starshadow said that she was to wake up soon." Yone crisply informs Yasuo.
"You weren't there. You weren't there when she needed you most." Yasuo throws it in Yone's face. I cover my mouth to hide the gasp that came out. That… That's too far. Apparently Yasuo recognizes it as well as his eyes are wide. His mouth hangs open in shock as to what he just said.
"... As I said before, it seems that I have already failed you. It's a pity it took me this long to see how badly." Yone is cold. Freljordian True Ice cold. I wince for Yasuo.
"Yone…" The apology is on Yasuo's lips, but he just doesn't have the air to carry it out. Yone's footsteps are getting farther and farther. Yasuo doesn't move a muscle. I peak around the pillar to see Yasuo glaring at his hands. He walks into the courtyard nearby and starts to do his exercises. I return to my spot and slide down the pillar.
What should I do?
Sorry, this one is a bit of a long one, but oh so GOOD! And I finally used a little bit of cinematics again! And... we see how Yone is actually conflicted about his duties. It's enough that Yasuo would call him out on it. I really feel like Yone loves his brother dearly, as well as the man that taught them. He wants his brother's master protected more than just because of his techniques and his reputation, but he wants to Yasuo to have someone to rely on if he falls in battle. And Yasuo, having been under Yone's shadow, wants to prove to his brother that he is capable of defending what is important to both of them. That way, Yone can go with Leilah and protect her while knowing that his home is safe. Well, in this case, Yone would like to be with Leilah. I think Yasuo in the cinematics is getting to a point where he wants to travel. He is a wanderer, afterall, just not how he wants to me. Lemme know in reviews how you feel about my interpretation. Love to see some reviews.
As usual, we have a champion to aspire to... for the most part. This champion should be aspired to... DIANA, the scorn of the moon. May you all have the strength and passion to follow your beliefs, to be strong in times of turmoil, and to stay true to what you feel is right. Just, no fights please. And, as always, I hope you ordinary people are having the most extraordinary of days.